Friday, March 24, 2017

the new electorate. From the perspective of a curious Oregon resident


From an Oregon Resident:

While I was getting a coffee and overheard 7 young people (22-26 years old, 5 males, 2 female) who have been PROTESTING  in downtown Portland the last two nights.

I told them I was doing research and asked nicely if they would answer some questions.  They were cool with it, so I sat down and went for it.

Ø  Three voted.  Of the four who didn't, none was registered to vote.

Ø  None of them researched independently either candidate.

Ø  All were for Hillary but preferred Bernie.

Ø  Why the Democratic Candidate?

·      "More things are taken care of."

·      "Time to have a woman President."

·      "Democrats aren't sexist or racist."


Ø  Six of them live at home.

Ø  All are under their parents insurance.

Ø  Two have "real" jobs.

Ø  Three aren't working, nor are they trying hard to find a job either.

Ø  Parents pay for everything in their life or subsidize it.

Ø  Six get money from mom or dad every month.

Ø  Two have been on unemployment for 6+ months.

Ø  One is at Portland State U, doesn't work, and parents pay for everything.

Ø  None could tell me how our government works ... they didn't know how laws are passed, how the House of Representatives or the Senate work.

Ø  None could explain how a bill is passed.

Ø  Only one could tell me the difference between legal and illegal immigration. One of them said, "Legal immigration is when you immigrate legally."  Seriously?

Ø  None could explain the purpose of the Electoral College or how it works.

In 10 minutes they felt they had explained everything.  Nice kids, but so ignorant.  I know some awesome, phenomenal young adults; but I'm afraid the majority are like these seven.  Too
many participation trophies, too much coddling by parents and teachers.

In 1944 18 year-olds stormed the beach at Normandy into almost certain death.

In 2016 18-year-olds feel unsafe because words hurt their feelings.

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