Coming of age.

garinda · 01-03-2006, 23:33

The idea is being mooted about by some politicans, to lower the age at which people can vote, from eighteen to sixteen.

The whole legal idea of when we come of age seems to be unclear.

We can legally have sex at sixteen, and therefore become a parent, but can't marry at that age without parental consent.

We can join the forces at sixteen, and in theory give our lives for our country.

We can't drive a car, or take our driving test until we are seventeen.

With the apparent apathy from lots of young people towards politics, and the falling figures of people bothering to vote in elections, would not this be a good way of encouraging young people to have a say in their future?

Or do those two years make all the difference in a young persons judgement?

SPUGGIE J · 01-03-2006, 23:51

I would say a sixteen year old is a lot more in tune in this day and age than we were at that age. If they did give them the vote then all the age limits set for all other "activities" should be brought in line as well. Wether this could combat voting lethargy is another matter and only time would tell and might depend on wether the issues that they feel strongly about are taken as real.

Neil · 02-03-2006, 00:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

Or do those two years make all the difference in a young persons judgement?

If they have left school and started to work then yes. I think the first couple of years after leaving education makes a big difference to a person.

Madhatter · 02-03-2006, 01:01

I think it should stay as it is, and all the other things. The only reason the sex age hasnt been put up is that they're all like it like rabbits anyway at 14. Parents are legally responsible till they're 18, note that all the things that can harm others in society have the higher age limit, all the things that can only harm them are lower. perents are expected to give guidance on those. Not that some know what parents are. I think it's quite a frightening thought that some of these lot still in school now will be able to help choose our countries leaders, it's bad enough that they'll be looking after me when i'm old. lol I doubt it though.

Madhatter · 02-03-2006, 01:02

I think it should stay as it is, and all the other things. The only reason the sex age hasnt been put up is that they're all like it like rabbits anyway at 14. Parents are legally responsible till they're 18, note that all the things that can harm others in society have the higher age limit, all the things that can only harm them are lower. perents are expected to give guidance on those. Not that some know what parents are. I think it's quite a frightening thought that some of these lot still in school now will be able to help choose our countries leaders, it's bad enough that they'll be looking after me when i'm old. lol I doubt it though.

Madhatter · 02-03-2006, 01:02

dunno why it's posted three times thinks its my provider, sorry.

staggeringman · 02-03-2006, 01:21

dont know why i am replying to this but,the first thing that the labour government passed was for the age of sex between two same sexs to be lowered,they got it,the rest of the laws they have come up with are all the same mannerism of bull**** too,labour used to be for the working man.............lmao...they are the same as all these overpayed fatcats.that want the cream!

Madhatter · 02-03-2006, 01:27

funny that staggers, our site admin was tellin me exact same thing yesterdayalmost exactly the same words lol

staggeringman · 02-03-2006, 01:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madhatter

funny that staggers, our site admin was tellin me exact same thing yesterdayalmost exactly the same words lol

so its not only me:engsmil: we used to be an england, but we are the dumping ground for every dropout in society now including all the illegal immigrants

grannyclaret · 02-03-2006, 01:40

labour is certainly not the same party that my parents voted for.....but i still like tony blair... i.m.o. he has more cred than any of the other leaders...

chav1 · 02-03-2006, 03:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by grannyclaret

labour is certainly not the same party that my parents voted for.....but i still like tony blair... i.m.o. he has more cred than any of the other leaders...

this is gen discussion not the joke section

although i see your point , you dont need much cred at all to be more credible than the others

SPUGGIE J · 02-03-2006, 09:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by grannyclaret

labour is certainly not the same party that my parents voted for.....but i still like tony blair... i.m.o. he has more cred than any of the other leaders...

Sorry Granny a shrink you need to find for that affliction. :O

Basher · 02-03-2006, 09:28

Pffft they'd be voting for the party that allowed congregations of teens on street corners and other such useless crap.

Bad idea if they lower the voting age IMO.

shakermaker · 02-03-2006, 09:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

If they have left school and started to work then yes. I think the first couple of years after leaving education makes a big difference to a person.

You're absolutely right there.
After leaving high school I went on to St Mary's to do AS/A levels but became quickly less and less motivated to carry on; thus leaving after 8/9 weeks. That's another story for another time jackanory faithful; but my point is that in the 4/5 months since leaving full time education I have learned a lot about the way things are done in society and have matured as a person - perhaps by force, I don't know. But I do know, without sounding arrogant; that I could make a more reasoned decision about who I would vote for than the majority of people a year or so older than me.

grannyclaret · 02-03-2006, 14:24

thanks anon....xxxxx,,you dident sign your name..but i think i have sussed..