There is no such thing as birthright voting. 17 year olds don't get to vote, even though some are perfectly capable of making a good decision. Why not? There is birthright citizenship, which just grants people to the rights afforded by the Constitution, and I don't believe that proposal undermines that. All people are given equal protection under the law with the sole exception of voting and running for office. No other law can distinguish a citizen and civilian. Anyone can serve at any time. I don't see how it's something that can be exploited. While I agree with you that it would cause a federal bloat of sorts (I suspect at least double what we currently have), I don't think it would drastically interfere with any public enterprise.

We don't have to agree on this, since it's just an idea, but I just don't think making it to 18 is an adequate condition to voting. I have NEVER been a fan of every person gets a vote (and neither were the founding fathers). There are way too many stupid people in the world. There are also way too many stupid intellectuals, too, so IQ alone isn't going to do it. I think anyone that is willing to give a year or two of their life JUST to have have a say in policy will actually take the time to research the amendments we vote on. What is it now... 11 of the last 12 amendments passed in Florida? They are all over the political spectrum, so it's not like one party is calling the shots. It's because parties are mobilizing the disinterested and telling them how to vote. No thanks. I would rather roll the dice on this alternative idea than continue to watch politicians pandering to the lowest common denominator.

Also, this isn't my idea. This is from a book called Starship Troopers, written by Robert Heinlein, who served in the US Navy. Great book. Very political, at least compared to the film. Lots of good ideas. This book was just removed from the Marine Corps recommended reading list after at least 20 years (I think it's still on the Navy's). I guess they just found out it was Communist. Seriously, though, if you want to throw out the idea with one word, use fascist. At least there's a case there.

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