To: The Dallas Morning News
Date:  September 13, 2004
Subject: In response to "provocative" piece against young voters 
Result: not printed

Dear Editor,

Y'all said in a recent statement that you wanted to be provocative on your Viewpoints page, and then right away you print the piece by the guy who says young people are too ignorant to vote. He also suggests that it would be deleterious to the cause of democracy to have a "voting bloc that takes its cues from jocks, wrestlers, rockers and rappers," since it would favor the Democratic party.

I noticed he didn't mention actors. I was also provoked to think that maybe we should say that people who make over $200,000 a year should not have the vote, because most of them are just going to vote Republican.

I'll say one thing for the people in the 18 - 24 age group the gentleman specifies, they are the ones who have to live with the world we're screwing up. If they want a voice, give it to them.

I don't know what makes Mr. Goldberg, the Viewpoints author, think that adults are so well-informed. On one hand, many don't care, whether from pure apathy, or often just because they figure what's the use?

Then again, part of being informed is also determined by what information is available to you. Unfortunately, much of the "information" we receive about elections comes in the form of political ads - with the advantage going to who has the most money to buy them, and to hire marketing experts to help you "spin" things your way. Just about everybody is getting their cues from one or another self-interested group.

Of course we do have the press, which was established and is supported by the Constitution, who are there so that we may "know the full story" - to quote The Dallas Morning News's latest advertising slogan. You are there, I've heard you say, to promote and facilitate "the free exchange of ideas." It's your responsibility and your commitment, you say. Sounds good.

Thank you, John Vehon