Elaine Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 From 20/20 . IMO you should be able to answer the most basic of questions. What do you think? Registering people just to vote because they can or should they be held to a standard? You can't drive a vehicle without taking a test, the same should be true for voting. At the very least you should be able to pass a citizenship test.:rant: Editing to add, I passed the citizenship test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Academy of Jedi Arts Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Um...yeah...I totally think we should overturn the National Voting Rights Act of 1965 - NOT! Apparently the reasons we have that were not on that citizenship test? :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pammy Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Now I have to brush up on the amendments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted October 22, 2008 Author Share Posted October 22, 2008 As I said, this is my opinion. I think it's irresponsible to vote for anyone, Republican or Democrat when you know absolutely nothing about them or what they believe. Not only irresponsible, but stupid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 History has taught us that testing potential voters led to abuse by those who wish to keep certain people away from the polls. You remember Jim Crow. How do we test whether a voter is informed on the candidates' positions? There are hundreds of pages of position papers that have been written from both camps. You could easily ask me five esoteric questions from each. Just who is writing these tests? No--I do not believe in denying the franchise. Too many have fought too hard for this right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 No--I do not believe in denying the franchise. Too many have fought too hard for this right. :iagree: It frustrates me that so many people vote on issues about which they've refused to educate themselves, but I wouldn't dream denying them their right to vote because their priorities are different from mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibbyl Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Stupid people have rights too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SquirrellyMama Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Stupid people have rights too. On the Iowa ballot is a public measure up for vote. Shall the following amendmentto the Constitution be adopted. Summary: Changes the language that describes a person who cannot legally vote from "idiot or insane person" to "a person adjudged mentally incompetent to vote". I asked my dh if the wording really needed to be changed. I don't walk around calling mentally ill people idiots but I really can't see a reason to spend money to change the wording (I'm not a mean or uncaring person just a bit cheap). Anyway, my dh said "idiot can include a lot of people". To which I responded, "then we shouldn't change the wording as long as I get to decide who the idiots are". Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamturner Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Woo-Hoo! I got them all right. But I did guess on a few of them. It's been a long time since high school Government class. My husband had told me about the interviews yesterday and it's just plain sad. I'm not sure anything can be done about it. Perhaps those who DO know what's going on (and by that I mean being able to state the running mate of a presidential candidate and being able to name 2 policies of that candidate) should get 2 votes..... But I kid, of course! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibbyl Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 On the Iowa ballot is a public measure up for vote. Shall the following amendmentto the Constitution be adopted. Summary: Changes the language that describes a person who cannot legally vote from "idiot or insane person" to "a person adjudged mentally incompetent to vote". I asked my dh if the wording really needed to be changed. I don't walk around calling mentally ill people idiots but I really can't see a reason to spend money to change the wording (I'm not a mean or uncaring person just a bit cheap). Anyway, my dh said "idiot can include a lot of people". To which I responded, "then we shouldn't change the wording as long as I get to decide who the idiots are". Kelly Idiot actually used to be used as a "technical" term for people with an IQ below 20. Moron and imbecile were other technical terms used to denote people of certain IQ ranges. But these terms eventually developed a generic use in society to mean "stupid." Thus, the wording used to correlate IQ levels was changed to "mild, moderate, severe, and profound" mental retardation. Insanity is one form of mental illness which logically would preclude someone from voting. I'd be wary of a proposed law to determine who is mentally healthy enough to vote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Anyway, my dh said "idiot can include a lot of people". To which I responded, "then we shouldn't change the wording as long as I get to decide who the idiots are". Kelly Sponsored by the Kelly for Benevolent Dictator of Iowa Campaign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Academy of Jedi Arts Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I'd be wary of a proposed law to determine who is mentally healthy enough to vote. I would be very much opposed to this also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SquirrellyMama Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Idiot actually used to be used as a "technical" term for people with an IQ below 20. Moron and imbecile were other technical terms used to denote people of certain IQ ranges. But these terms eventually developed a generic use in society to mean "stupid." Thus, the wording used to correlate IQ levels was changed to "mild, moderate, severe, and profound" mental retardation. Insanity is one form of mental illness which logically would preclude someone from voting. I'd be wary of a proposed law to determine who is mentally healthy enough to vote. I think they are trying to change the wording so it doesn't say idiot. I know there are other conditions other than mentally ill but I wasn't sure what pc wording to use so I ended up with mentally ill. It doesn't actually say what people wouldn't be able to vote except for "those persons adudged mentally imcompentent". I have no clue how they decide on it. It is the same law as before with different wording. I guess they don't think idiot is very nice. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SquirrellyMama Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Sponsored by the Kelly for Benevolent Dictator of Iowa Campaign. Can I have people marching and dancing in my honor on my birthday? I sometimes wonder what kind of world we could have if I had ultimate authority and power. I think it would be very quiet and dull. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelda Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I don't want to erect barriers to voting. I'm sure my father would score very low on an IQ test since his stroke...he might not pass a citizenship test without the help of a proctor to explain it to him which would end up being required for people with varying abilities (cha-ching...tax dollars at work). But before his stroke he was a labor lawyer and a city council member and he still has a grasp of the political situation even if he can't articulate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Frankly (and sadly), I got six questions wrong on the citizenship test. I shudder to think how many I would have gotten wrong if it hadn't been multiple choice, which is how the site says candidates for citizenship must take it. Yet, I hold a position as a senior editor, have an IQ of 138, am homeschooling my children, and can tell you why I'm voting for the candidate I'm voting for. I'm pretty sure that my vote is still valuable to my country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SquirrellyMama Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I don't think there should be tests to pass to be able to vote. And on the subject of the citizenship test. Did anyone get the question about which form people use to apply for citizenship correct? Correct because they knew it and not just because they guessed at it? Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Stupid people have rights too. Yes! Seems Ms. Palin is still unsure about what the VP actual does and what the Constitution says, so it's a good thing that those who are less educated still have an equal chance to be heard. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SquirrellyMama Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Yes, I am neglecting my hs'ing duties today. I've had a bad day so here I am. I was thinking about 7th grade after reading this post. Our social studies teacher had us take the citizenship test. He had a few of the girls in our class crying because he told us beforehand that we would be deported if we failed it. :lol: I still remember Mr. Purcell. Funny guy. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen sn Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 As I said, this is my opinion. I think it's irresponsible to vote for anyone, Republican or Democrat when you know absolutely nothing about them or what they believe. Not only irresponsible, but stupid. Yes. Perhaps we could invite them to tea and then we could get to know them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I got all 20 correct...should my vote count more? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXMomof4 Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Yes! Seems Ms. Palin is still unsure about what the VP actual does and what the Constitution says, so it's a good thing that those who are less educated still have an equal chance to be heard. ;) And Obama's not sure how many states there are in the Union! Wow! What's the world coming to now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I know. These are the same people who voted George W. Bush into office not once, but TWICE! Obviously, people should have to take a test! (In case it isn't totally obvious, I'm joking here.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFP Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 One of the regular voters at my precinct is a man with Down's syndrome. I'm always happy to see him at the polls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SquirrellyMama Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I assumed every state had something similar in their constitution. I'm wondering now what types of people they keep from voting here in Iowa. The rule itself isn't up for vote just the wording. Interesting. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emeraldjoy Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 One of the regular voters at my precinct is a man with Down's syndrome. I'm always happy to see him at the polls. Thanks for this. e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaNY Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Yes! Seems Ms. Palin is still unsure about what the VP actual does and what the Constitution says, so it's a good thing that those who are less educated still have an equal chance to be heard. ;) Jenny, this response is not like you. :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeanestMomInMidwest Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I got all 20 correct...should my vote count more? :D You can vote twice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibbyl Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I would be seriously angry should any state try to deny functional and semifunctional mentally ill and mentally handicapped people the right to vote. As one of the most vulnerable groups in society and one of the most dependent upon government-provided services, their voice needs to be heard. My mentally retarded brother in law votes in certain elections. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 One I honestly didn't know, the other was a stupid mistake based on misreading the question. I guessed on the INS form number and got it right but if you are a natural citizen why would you need to know this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillary in KS Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I think as long as you are a living American citizen and not a cartoon character, then you should have the right to vote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaNY Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Elaine, I agree with you on almost everything, but I have to disagree with you here. :boxing_smiley: :001_smile: I think all US citizens should have the right to vote, regardless of intelligence level, mental capacity, etc. It would be great if all voters placed importance on being informed about the issues, but we know that is not the case with many, I'm sad to say. But, be that as it may, this freedom is what makes our country great. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I think as long as you are a living American citizen and not a cartoon character, then you should have the right to vote. I agree. Sadly, there are many states where people are excluded from voting. Some states do not allow people with certain mental challenges to vote. Some disallow people who are imprisoned to vote. I don't AT ALL agree with having to test. There are people who cannot read well or at all, but who are nevertheless INTELLIGENT, functioning, capable people who should have NO FEWER rights than anyone else. In fact, NO citizen should be held above or beneath any other. That goes for voting rights and any other rights. I think that suggesting a test in order to be able to vote is a bigoted, elistist and shameful suggestion, even if it is cloaked in "concern." If you can recall a bit of history, poll tests (and poll taxes, while we're at it) were routinely used to disenfranchise non-whites. To even off-handedly suggest going down that road again is beyond sickening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SquirrellyMama Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I do agree with excluding people in prison. They violated the rights of another person so they should have their rights taken away while in prison. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted October 22, 2008 Author Share Posted October 22, 2008 I think all US citizens should have the right to vote, regardless of intelligence level, mental capacity, etc. It would be great if all voters placed importance on being informed about the issues, but we know that is not the case with many, I'm sad to say. But, be that as it may, this freedom is what makes our country great. :001_smile: I am not saying that they should not have the right to vote. :001_smile: And I am not talking about people with Down Syndrome or that have had strokes. Gosh, do you guys think that I am really that heartless?:confused: I am talking about the people in those interviews. College kids that are completely unaware how many senators each state has. People like them make up a huge portion of the voting majority. My point in posting the citizenship test was to show what people who want to come to this country to be a citizen must know. Should we citizens of this country not have to know those things as well? In taking the citizenship test they are demonstrating that they cared to learn about this country. I take the right to vote very seriously and would not dream of taking anyone's right to vote away. I am saying that voting is a serious thing and is taken lightly by so many. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I am saying that voting is a serious thing and is taken lightly by so many. I do totally agree with you here. Have you seen the Craig Ferguson rant about voting in this country? I don't really like him, but his monologue on this issue (he recently became a US citizen himself) was spot on. One of his key points was how upsetting it is that, as a citizenry, we've become so complacent that we have to be "sold" our own right to vote with all the Rock the Vote-type campaigns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelda Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I am not saying that they should not have the right to vote. :001_smile: And I am not talking about people with Down Syndrome or that have had strokes. Gosh, do you guys think that I am really that heartless?:confused: I am talking about the people in those interviews. College kids that are completely unaware how many senators each state has. People like them make up a huge portion of the voting majority. My point in posting the citizenship test was to show what people who want to come to this country to be a citizen must know. Should we citizens of this country not have to know those things as well? In taking the citizenship test they are demonstrating that they cared to learn about this country. I take the right to vote very seriously and would not dream of taking anyone's right to vote away. I am saying that voting is a serious thing and is taken lightly by so many. I don't think you're heartless at all. :001_smile: I also don't think requiring the citizenship test as a condition of voting would produce the desired result and would have some very negative unintended consequences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Academy of Jedi Arts Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I think that suggesting a test in order to be able to vote is a bigoted, elistist and shameful suggestion, even if it is cloaked in "concern." :iagree:The rights of women to vote were blocked by "concern" as were the rights of African Americans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camibami Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Democracy can be messy. But, I'm not keen on the alternatives myself. So no, I do *not* think a test is in order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaNY Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I am not saying that they should not have the right to vote. :001_smile: And I am not talking about people with Down Syndrome or that have had strokes. Gosh, do you guys think that I am really that heartless?:confused: I am talking about the people in those interviews. College kids that are completely unaware how many senators each state has. People like them make up a huge portion of the voting majority. My point in posting the citizenship test was to show what people who want to come to this country to be a citizen must know. Should we citizens of this country not have to know those things as well? In taking the citizenship test they are demonstrating that they cared to learn about this country. I take the right to vote very seriously and would not dream of taking anyone's right to vote away. I am saying that voting is a serious thing and is taken lightly by so many. (((Elaine))) I never thought you were heartless. :001_smile: Yes, voting is a very serious thing, and should not be taken lightly at all. It sickens me that there are groups out there that bribe people with cigarettes so that they register to vote. (and this goes for both parties) People are regarded as a bunch of votes, and not people. It would be much better for groups to aim to *educate* people on the issues first, and then *encourage* them to vote, not bribe them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill- OK Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 :iagree: It frustrates me that so many people vote on issues about which they've refused to educate themselves, but I wouldn't dream denying them their right to vote because their priorities are different from mine. I share Crissy's frustration...but I also believe that rights are rights. I was born an American citizen, and don't have to earn the rights that I have, already. No matter what my I.Q. or knowledge level is, lol. I will say, though, that I don't support the message of "Just Vote! No matter what you know or understand!" that seems to be so prevalent. I'd rather back a message like "Just Educate Yourself on the Issues!" Someone not voting because they don't know who to vote for, or weren't aware of the issue being decided, doesn't bother me...because I'd rather use my vote as part of the solution, not just because I can. Voting in ignorance is a dangerous thing, IMO. Just as dangerous as not exercising the right, at all. (All that said, I do plan to make sure my kids leave home knowing at least the bare minimums of American government. Which to me would be represented, at least in part, by some of what's on the citizenship test). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battlemaiden Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Yes! Seems Ms. Palin is still unsure about what the VP actual does and what the Constitution says, so it's a good thing that those who are less educated still have an equal chance to be heard. ;) Boo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Boo. Hoo. (Sorry ~ couldn't resist.;)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battlemaiden Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Hoo. (Sorry ~ couldn't resist.;)) :D that is humor I can appreciate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 IMO you should be able to answer the most basic of questions. What do you think? What do I think? I think it'd be nice if we were all more informed about our nation's history and our rights as citizens....Such as the right to vote without first passing a test.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Insanity is one form of mental illness which logically would preclude someone from voting. Except for one thing. Insanity is not a mental illness. It is a legal term, not a medical one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in FL Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 Yes! Seems Ms. Palin is still unsure about what the VP actual does and what the Constitution says, so it's a good thing that those who are less educated still have an equal chance to be heard. ;) Yes! And I think Obama has finally figured out how many states there are right? 57 I think was the number? But I still think he should be allowed to vote. Melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claire in NM Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 I have to agree with him. My ds is 14 years old. He has educated himself of the issues that face our nation today and he is totally disgusted with the "I want it now" generation for blowing it and causing this "economic disaster". He believes this attitude has jeopardized his future. He believes that his generation has more at stake than do the adults and it frustrates him that he is being denied a voice in determining his own future because the "adults" are not allowing US citizens of his age to vote. Interesting perspective...I totally agree. :iagree: Claire in NM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karenciavo Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 Wait until you get to TOG Year 3 Laney, this was an issue for our founding fathers and there's some great discussion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aggie Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 this was an issue for our founding fathers And isn't this why we have the electoral college? Because the common man was/is too uneducated/uninformed to make an important decision? I may be wrong, though. Aggie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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