I may be wading into a swamp filled with mines and need a Navy minesweeper to clear a path, but let’s deal with the issue of “Children Voting” in America.  

Jesus spoke of truth from the mouths of “babes and sucklings” and in spiritual matters.   I believe that is a valid reality in certain situations.    However, I do not think that Jesus instituting a blanket doctrine that we are to accept the “wisdom” of the children in all things and at all times.   

That would negate His and the Bible’s clear teaching on the responsibility of parents to nurture, teach, and train their children.  Although we should listen to children, that does not mean that everything they say is wise or that every policy they seek is right.

However, that seems to be precisely where the Leftists and the MSM are trying to take us in the aftermath of some of the mass shootings.    I believe it is rooted in their primary objective of achieving “gun control” up to and including a total gun ban.   It is beyond ludicrous to assert that the children are the arbiters of superior wisdom in this matter.

That would open the door for children to be considered the voices of reason in all matters.  I believe anyone with an IQ above room temperature can see the danger of that.  It would effectively lead to the complete collapse of our society and government. 

I hear the argument that they were the victims, the traumatized; therefore, they are the only ones we should listen to.   That is neither reasonable nor helpful.    Yes, we should consider their feelings and understand their emotional turmoil, but we must not abdicate our positions as adults.  It is the responsibility of adults to supervise and train the young, not surrender the Republic to those too young and lacking experience to determine our country’s political direction. 

There are some, primarily Leftist Democrats, who advocate that we let the Children Vote.” They desire that those as young as 16 or 17 should be given the right to vote.    The hypocrisy of that stance is glaring.  Those same people demand that anyone under twenty-one should not be allowed to purchase an AR-15.   Their position is one of glaring inconsistencies.  If it were not so serious and dangerous, it would be amusing. 

An article by Jonathan Bernstein insists that the Parkland students’ ability to organize (with outside help, I might add) was proof that the younger teenagers should also be allowed to vote.   The idea that voting is the training wheels of political participation when applied to young teenagers is a dangerous one to pursue. 

Organizing protests, marches, lobbying, and electioneering are expressions of “Free Speech.” The last time I checked, “Free Speech” was not age–restrictive.  That might be somewhat altered in the home where parents can and often do limit the ability.   On the other hand, VOTING is a definitive action that determines the direction of our Republic and Government.  It cannot be diminished by allowing the naïve, inexperienced, and immature children to determine the direction of our nation.   You can easily decipher the dangers that it poses.

I ask that we examine this “Children Voting” issue and see what we can discern regarding the pros and/or cons of young teenagers being given the vote.  Let’s take the State of Florida, where adults (Elected Officials) sent a bill to the Governor declaring that anyone under the age of seventeen was too immature to marry.    I might insert that many 17-year-olds also fall into that category.   

Before you boil me in oil or tar and feather me, I know that some of you married young and are doing just fine.  However, if you are honest, you will acknowledge that few of today’s seventeen and younger have the maturity to handle the responsibilities needed in marriage, a home, and family.  Additionally, the Florida Legislature has passed a law stating that one must be twenty-one to purchase a hunting rifle. 

Let’s be consistent, please.  If you think 15-year-olds and possibly younger people should be able to vote, how can you deny them the other rights of adults?  What about alcohol or tobacco products?  Hey, if they can vote, they are surely mature and responsible enough to decide whether or not to use those products, right? 

I have always found some things somewhat hypocritical and inconsistent. We declare that a young person at 18 or 19 could serve in the military.  They were old enough to die for their country but not old enough to be granted other privileges and responsibilities of adulthood.    Please understand, I Do Not Think That a 17-year-old should be given the right to vote.   I sometimes question whether a person aged 18, 19, 20, or even 35 is mature enough. 

I do not mean that to be a blanket or net that I can throw over all the youth, for I know some 16-year-olds who know more about what is happening in politics and the Constitution than some 40-year-olds.  That does not alter the fact that we would effectively destroy our Republican Democracy were we to further lower the voting age in America. 

As in many events, such as mass shootings, the youth are often easily manipulated and indoctrinated to advance a particular agenda and ideology.   I frequently lament the ability of adults to vote when they know nothing about the matters they are voting on or the candidates they must choose between. 

Again, before you break out the bag of feathers and heat up the tar and the rail to ride me out of town on, let me ask, “Doesn’t it bother you that people make decisions on matters not based on fact but political party?”  I believe the right to vote is more than simply a privilege; it is a responsibility and even a duty. 

In that view, it is incumbent on every voter to become informed and make a rational decision based on facts rather than simply voting along party lines.  It is not the government or the political candidates to ensure I have that information; It Is Mine!  

I believe that candidates need to be honest, open, and forthcoming as they provide Information, not simply political shtick, rhetoric, or propaganda.   That is another reason I work as hard as possible and stay as involved as I am in dispensing Information that allows people to make responsible and informed decisions in political matters.

I ask that you “study” what is being presented, “vet” the candidates, and remember that every November is about the Republic and our Freedom. 

God bless you, and God bless America!