Ok. I am calling out the old coots. You know who you are.

[jakem]

And it has nothing to do with age. It has to do with this "hey you kids, get off of my political system" mentality that seems to be going on as a DU backlash to Obama's youth appeal.

I don't care if you are anti-bama, you should be thanking every single person under 25 who gives a damn about the political system at all. They are not all judgement impaired. They are not all blindly following the media. I have had more involved political discourse with young voters, then I have had with older adults in recent years.

Get over it. Welcome them to the party.


They could be voting for Huckabee.

[BridgeTheGap]

1. Amen! It's a "big tent" after all

the fact that the turnout in Iowa nearly doubled from '04 is a very good sign.

[OzarkDem]

2. You're going to get me to vote for Obama by calling me an "old coot"?

You may want to rethink that strategy.

I don't support Obama because of his stand on important issues and past performance, not because of his age.

[jakem]

8. please read the post before you take offense.

i defined coot as those who resent the youth vote and political involvement as not a valuable commodity.


if this is a description of you, then yes, sorry, i am calling you a coot. and i do not expect you to change your opinion on anything (coots rarely do...)

[WillyT]

30. Old Coots Don't Read The Posts, Just The Headlines, LOL !!!

:evilgrin:

[CTyankee]

67. My spouse and I, old political radical coots that we are, having gone through

our own youthful political involvement, are "sadder but wiser." Not that we resent the youth vote at all; it's wonderful, I know, I've been there and done that. I love it that Obama has rallied youth, Independents and even some Republicans (or so I'm told). I watch the debates and listen eagerly for him to present his ideas on a policy area of concern to me and the country. AGain and again, I've not heard them. I want to know them. I read his book last spring; very good, his views on areas that I agree with. I just wish he could keep that up and offer more specific ideas NOW.

I just want this political story to have a different ending than the one I have watched as Democrat after Democrat has gone down in flames...

[Didereaux]

87. my sentiments and experience to a 'T' thanks well spoken

[OzarkDem]

69. I did read it, its still says the same thing to me

that unless I support Obama, I'm an old coot. As I said, good luck with that strategy.

[jakem]

70. it really does not concern me who you candidate is...

>>it has nothing to do with age. It has to do with this "hey you kids, get off of my political system"

[roguevalley]

81. Everyone gets older. Hopefully they get wiser too. I don't give a

damn about age. Most of my candidates as a younger person were older, some way older. Views and positions are all I'm interested in. If you are fifty or seventy, what you stand for matters. I EXPECT those who can vote to do so. Too damned many young people don't. Stating that is a fact. That many more are getting the hint that to change the world you have to participate is a good thing. That has nothing to do with older people. Young people not voting is a young people issue. Don't blame us. I EXPECT EVERYONE who can to vote. You have to vote. Ranting about age is bunk. Ranting about goof offs of any age who don't do their duty and vote, that is fine with me.

Your generalizations about people who are older are as bad as generalizations about young people. Don't judge a book by its cover. And, if you are going to state that people of a certain age are being unfair, cite the sources. Frankly, we're all in this together. No matter what the primary may give us, we will vote in November for the winner. Young and old. Hopefully.

[Eurobabe]

82. Sonny, get me my reading glasses first, would ya?

:rofl:

[NoBorders]

13. I don't think that was the OP's point

[Horse with no Name]

3. I welcome them to the fold.

My future is pretty much a decidedly done deal. I don't expect things to turn around in this country while I am still young enough to enjoy it.
However, the mantle should be passed to the young adults. This is your time to effect change on your country. If Obama is your candidate--although he isn't mine--then so be it.
One word to the wise. INSIST that your candidate, if chosen, makes all the right choices. You don't have a lot of room for error.
Your children and my grandchildren will be paying for the mistakes of the last 8 years for a long time to come.
Good luck.

[demnan]

4. Yeah that's me

I want McGovern actually. But he's 85.

[Brother_1969]

5. From an old coot:: Welcome to the party

Now, vote for whoever will increase my Social Security payments the most!!

:pals:

[NoPasaran]

6. They'd better remember to come back in November

That's all I'm asking.

[TechBear_Seattle]

7. I have no problem with young people being politically active

I do have a problem with people of any age who do nothing more than play a sheep from Animal Farm and bleat over and over again, "My candidate good! Your candidate baaaaaad!"

[CanonRay]

9. From a Colorado Old Coot;

I've had the welcome mat out for years, but until now, nobody's knocked at the door.

[mntleo2]

38. WA State Old Coot:Here: Ditto CanonRay

... from someone who has been trying to "get out the vote" for years, I have to say from my experience that youth and the poor have been the most frustrating to recruit. As a low income person I understand the disenfranchisement, because both have been a target of minimalists who ignore them, as the DC crowd's total ignorance about them will attest. When in fact, there is a great deal of energy, passion, intelligence, wisdom (especially from the poor) and insight with both sectors.

That being said, the truth is that a democracy works best when everybody comes out and votes, not just a few. The last election, only about 18% of the eligible voters at the most, became the majority. Do the math: 30-40% voted. Of that around 2% were the independents. The majority (51%) of what is left, at the top 18% ~ and we will not EVEN get into the voter caging and fraud issues because even if the votes were straight up, the majority would be 18%.

There are 60% of this population who are too busy (mostly the working poor who cannot get away from their two odd jobs to stand for hours in line to vote), are too lazy, and/or too disillusioned (mostly the poor in this category) to get off their butts and vote. If they voted in a block, even a minor third party candidate would win in a landslide. An overwhelming population who voted for a candidate makes caging, and blocking votes impossible because there would be simply too many numbers to ignore that say otherwise.

I am glad that Barak Obama has energized the youth in this country. I am praying he will also energize the poor. Because if the two came together nothing would stop us!

P.S. I am an Edwards fan because I think he is less elitist than Obama and Obama's call to "negotiate" turns off most poor who spend their entire lives "negotiating" with the rich just to make ends meet and get nowhere, but still, I would vote for Obama in a general election because I won't hold my breath but, perhaps he would "negotiate" with the poor in this country to make things better for all.

My 2 cents

Cat In Seattle

[LeFleur1]

40. Agreed

I spent a lot of years trying to get out the vote..especially the youth vote, too.
I hope they stick this time and I hope they think things through.

My favorite candidate is not Obama either, although I do admire his ability to inspire.
I've lived long enough to know the presidency requires a lot more than inspiration. I'm hoping there is more to him than we see if he wins. I'll vote for him, I'll campaign for him if he wins the nomination.

What I don't like about some threads on this board is the idea that...If my candidate is good, yours has to be bad.... It's pretty immature, actually. {)

[Tyler Durden]

48. And usually the first words out of some people's mouths.

Getting really tired of it m'self.

[karlrschneider]

52. Yeah...we send 'em to school, buy 'em books and they eat the library paste...

:shrug: :P

[asthmaticeog]

10. AMEN.

I'm not an Obama supporter (frankly I think he's an empty suit), but it's appalling to see DUers call his supporters "Obama Youth" (subtle, huh?) and attribute his popularity to poor educations. DU is being viciously dickish this primary season; I think it might even be worse this time than the Deaniacs vs Clarkies acrimony four years ago. Fucking unacceptable.

[0007]

21. Do you have these coughing attack often?

Go have another smoke dick head!

[asthmaticeog]

92. What the fuck are you talking about?

[rodeodance]

22. yes, the OP did a big assumption

"Obama Youth" (subtle, huh?)

[jakem]

33. i dont know wtf some of you are on about.

there is a big young vote following for obama, but the reaction would be the same if it were edwards in the lead.
they are generally dissed on DU.

whats your problem with my post?

[asthmaticeog]

91. By "Obama Youth" I was referring to a different thread, not by this OP. nt

[Le Taz Hot]

11. Your terminology is offensive.

n/t

[jakem]

15. how is the terminology offensive? not picking a fight. seriously, explain?

(koot)
n.
1. Any of several dark-gray aquatic birds of the genus Fulica of North America and Europe, having a black head and neck, lobed toes, and a white bill.
2. See scoter.
3. Informal An eccentric or crotchety person, especially an eccentric old man.

[Le Taz Hot]

27. Well, assuming you are

assigning your usage to definition #3, I find it interesting that you chose to include the word "old" with "coot" in your subject line and then in your post claim it has nothing to do with age. :shrug:

I alerted but the mods seem to agree with you. Ageism is alive and well on this board and seems perfectly acceptable. My favorite to date was the "I smell old people" comment that was allowed to stand.

I'm sure we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one.

Peace.

LTH

[jakem]

32. no age-ism offered or intended.

has zero to do with chronology.

sorry for your feeling on this one. i am trying to address ageism on the other end, but your concern is of course valid-

perhaps i just do not have the vocabulary to sufficiently express my sentiment otherwise-

[roguevalley]

85. don't worry. the crux of the matter is we all get old. That is the revenge

for ageism. which, with the inclusion of 'old' is intended.

[Marrah_G]

12. A couple things

Obama is getting bashed just like the rest of the candidates. All the camps have a nasty little hit group in them. The Obama group cannot play the victim while simultaneously throwing poo at others.

Also, my daughter is 17 and has been interested in politics since she saw Kerry speak in 04. She's even been to an antiwar march on the Capitol- complete with assault rifle carrying cops( who I have to say most were pretty cool about it all). She is a Hillary supporter with Edwards a close second. I'm happy that she cares enough to watch and is excited about joining the process.

[babylonsister]

14. 'They could be voting for Huckabee' - exactly! Gobama! nt

[guitar man]

16. Who are you calling an old coot?

I'm an old fart and don't you forget it! :D

I am really glad to see the young people getting involved again. Maybe we can finally topple the right wing white christian male power structure. It is certainly time for something new.

[jakem]

23. welcome old fart!

i believe we can together forge a community where coots and farts can work for progress!

:toast:

[Bake]

54. Note that sometimes the interests of the two groups diverge

Obama must have known this when he made his "baby boomers need to get over it" comment. Your interests do not always coincide with my interests.

Bake

[Gman]

17. Will they bother to go vote in November?

As an old coot who turned 18 the year 18 year olds got the vote, I remain completely unconvinced. My avatar says it all.

[jakem]

19. that is a whole other question.

i sure hope they do.

but alienating them certainly wont help with turnout!

[Gman]

29. It doesn't matter

When you're young politics feels empowering. The hustle and bustle and air of urgency can be intoxicating especially if you're an adrenalin junkie. You really believe you can make a difference. You're friends get involved and get caught up in it too because of your excitement. The free drinks and open bar receptions are an especially big draw. Then things start changing in lives, you get a girlfriend, a boyfriend, you start a new job, classes start again, whatever and you drift away. Or maybe your candidate lost and you're disillusioned. There's lots of reasons why young people quit participating. You continue to have an opinion, but just don't have the motivation.

[King Coal]

35. We're the same age, Gman. And I don't see Obama as being

ready or inclined to take on the big drug and insurance companies. I don't see him as being ready or inclined to stop corporate controlled media. We need socialized insurance, and socialized health care. We need a new deal. We need an new FDR. I, as a geezer/coot, with my experience know that John Edwards is the man we need. When I first voted, the same year as you, I really took a lot of time to pick who I thought was the best candidate. If you are for Obama, you are for a good man, if you are for Edwards you are for a better man for the job. I hope all these young people will take their time and be sure they are voting for the best man.

[Gman]

62. I don't think Obama is ready either

Even JFK was in way over his head in a lot of ways and he had to deal with the Cold War and a Russia that had the bomb. I don't think Obama has a clue about what the job entails. I've been saying since this started that Obama would make a fine president in 20 years after that long being in the Senate. I just don't want someone that's been a state senator longer than anything to be president of the country. I don't have a good feeling about that.

I agree we need socialized medicine. I saw the other day an adverse court ruling about company benefits for people that reach age 65. That's 11 years away. Not good.

Right now, I like Hillary because she has been getting it on health care for many years now. And she knows first hand what the job takes and I think she is 100% up to it.

Edwards would be good too. I like a good attack dog trial lawyer. We need more of that. If Hillary doesn't make it, Edwards has my support.

[CTyankee]

71. I voted for JFK as my first vote for president. I hadn't really realized what a great thing he

did with the missile crisis until I had a chance to reread the old book "The MIssile Crisis" written just a few years after it happened. I was very impressed with the amazing way he and Bobby handled probably the worst crisis in terms of nuclear destruction that the world has ever seen. It seemed to be the perfect blend of diplomacy and military strength. It gave me a new perspective on what it may or may not mean to elect a president with "experience."

[Gman]

89. JFK, RFK, et al

did a damn good job flying by the seat of their pants with the missile crisis. There was no plan or text book way to handle it as it had never happened before.

[Irishonly]

18. This Old Coot Welcomes You

I don't want "you to get out of my political system" but I don't want to be told I have no value either. My daughter is 17 and has registered to vote. She was one of Kerry's kids. Personally, I am thrilled to see so many younger voters getting involved in the system. We may not agree on candidates but the tent is big enough for all of us and no matter who wins we will come together for the general election, I hope.

[ThomWV]

20. The same generation that brought us American Idol will now be bringing us the Presidency

And I am supposed to feel good about that?

[jakem]

26. think about that one...

how old are the producers and writers that 'brought you' american idol?!
gee. middle aged?!


idol demographics i would gamble are teenagers and middle age-rs.




the demographic in play for youth politics is stewart/colbert

[TahitiNut]

59. "how old are the producers and writers that 'brought you' american idol?!"??

Obama's age. :shrug:

[RedCappedBandit]

79. No, not the same people.

I think you'll find that politically active youthful liberals aren't the people who are watching garbage such as American Idol. Go ahead with your baseless assumptions, though, if it makes you feel better.

[UTUSN]

24. Every generation thinks it discovered the world. Rethug generational conflict is working.

Some of us old coots remember losing with McGOVERN, Eugene McCARTHY, and hearing the "big tent" derided by NADIRites and Greens.

[terisan]

25. "They could be voting for Huckabee"="soft bigotry of low expectations?"

[jakem]

28. sorry, i do not follow

i chose huckabee as a example of someone who could potentially attract youth...

he plays rock, is not so stiff as the others.


likeable, even if his policy stinks.

[King Coal]

90. And he kills animals and asks how's yer mama, maybe has a little joke for ya.

He'll come and get out of the drunk tank 'cause yer mama won't do it no more.

[ananda]

31. lol

This old coot just doesn't like corporatism
or religionism of any stripe.

Yeah, Obama will be better than Bush or Huck.

Well.. Bush and co could play limbo under a
snake.. and Huck is .. well.. Huck.

lol again

[slackmaster]

34. Just shy of 50 coot welcomes young voters to the system

I have never passed up an opportunity to vote. The first vote I cast was for Jimmy Carter in the 1976 California Democratic primary.

Please vote wisely.

[Tyler Durden]

36. You want to IMPRESS an "Old Coot?"

Then where do you stand on Obama's lack of support for the LGBT community?

I'm VERY grateful for ANYONE who gets on the Equality for ALL/Restore Civil Liberties/End the War/Universal Health Care bandwagon.

I am NOT "Anti-Bama." I am PRO EQUALITY, which he seems to think takes a seat in the back of the bus.

[jakem]

37. not at all what this OP was about-

but where i stand is with Obama excellent record of promoting civil rights.

i think the McClucken incident was totally overblown. i think this "lack of support" is largely manufactured by others for political gain.

would it be nice if Obama went beyond civil unions? absolutely. i think the government has no business regulating marriage at all (marriage is a spiritual designation, and should not be a legal one).


as it stands i will proudly vote for Obama.



(please dont make this a LGBT thread, plenty of other places to discuss this issue.)

[King Coal]

39. Jakem, why do you think Obama is better than Edwards?

Why is the media ignoring Edwards? They are afraid of him. He will bust them up, and they know it.
Please go to www.takebackthemedia.com and help Symbolman do his thing. Even if you are for Obama please give what you can.

[jakem]

41. edwards has been growing on me over the past weeks.

i happen to like the idea of obama/edwards (ok, everyone dont freak out, only my opinion), in part because i think obama has the presence to win, and i want to see what he can do. i find him unequivocally inspirational, which is a nice prospect for the office.

i am 36, and have never been inspired by a living president in office. i want to lose some of my political cynicism.



i do want edwards to be heard, and i could like to see him elected as well. but i am not convinced he is my first choice.

[Barb in Atl]

45. I'm just glad people are voting...

Hope it continues. I thought there was a fairly large youth turnout in 2004 as well. Maybe I was so bummed about the re-selection that I just kinda' turned a blind eye to the coverage of who turned out and who didn't... I don't remember.

And btw, I'm not freaking out - I like the idea of an Obama / Edwards ticket or an Edwards / Obama ticket. I think it would be good to have (just based on the surface appearances) an inspirational ticket with teeth (or fighting ticket that inspires - whatever).

[Tyler Durden]

42. As I see you know little about the incident...

...and you seem to think this is a civil union issue, and the rights of LGBT people have nothing to do with "Civil Rights," I will leave you in your ignorance to do your own research.

Your know it all ATTITUDE is why "Old Coots" don't discuss readily with you. Call me when your mind opens.

[jakem]

47. do you read before you post?

i am only pro civil-union, in that i think ALL partnerships are civil unions as far as the government should be concerned.

i have claimed nowhere here to know anything other than my understanding of events.


i do not assume (ahem.) that others are wrong simply because they do not agree with me.


on edit: please explain why LGBT issues are not related to civil rights?! i am completely stumped by this one...

[Tyler Durden]

53. YOU are the one that said "do not make this a LGBT issue."

Not me. You should re-read your response.

And the issue is that a concert SPONSORED by Obama had as its MC a "Cured Homosexual" who proceeded to thank JESUS profusely for leading him out of the sin of being gay, which was applauded by many present.

Obama KNEW about this person's agenda, he issued a "distancing statement" BEFORE the concert, allowed this person to continue as the MC AFTER he said he WOULD NOT DO SO for the reason that he was "popular" with the attendees, and since then has not disclaimed the bigotry expressed by McClurkin in calling Gay People evil and in sin. I call that bigoted, and pandering.

I would stop the cute "self righteous" (ahem) sort of behavior though. Most "old Coots" find that rather obnoxious. We've heard it for a lot of years and it does not get any more palatable with age.

[jakem]

56. why are we having this conversation?

i dont approve of McClurkin. i am not voting for McClurkin.

i have tried to respond to your posts, you have ignored mine.

my original post was not about trying to convince anyone to vote for anyone. i really don't care for whom you vote, or for that matter, much else you are saying at this point.

[Tyler Durden]

73. You asked me questions, and discounted the answers.

Fastest ignore yet. I don't tolerate children with superior attitudes who claim ignorance. That's why I'm an Old Coot.

[Bigmack]

43. Welcome the young??? Shiiiit, I've been....

trying to recruit the young voters for years!

Peace demonstrations in our area are Q-tip festivals... white heads everywhere.

I've doorbelled and leafletted and called... and all the troops were old farts.

I not only welcome the young voters, I'm happy to turn some of the grunt work over to them.

It's only fair that they help elect candidates who can figure out a way to pay for all the shit that Dumbya has put on the national Visa card. The young are going to be paying this mess off for a couple of generations.

Welcome.... here, call this list of people, and put these pamphlets on doorknobs all over town.

[Sick_of_Rethuggery]

44. Hear, hear!

Here's what I wrote 2 minutes ago over at Dailykos (http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/8/04529/09806/605/432655):

Very nice, poetic, in fact. (0 / 0)

It just saddens me no end that his two fellow contestants cannot take a break and appreciate the amazing thing he has done with the future (youth!) of this country. I am 49, and used to feeling sick about the seeming apathy of the young ones -- may be there is hope after all :-)

I am an immigrant and always thought of this my adopted country as a powerful beacon of hope -- what I saw in the last 21 years of my life here disquieted me increasingly and had me completely despairing in 2003 and dejected in 2004.

Now, I am beginning to think may be we have awakened the sleeping giant yet again...

Obama stood up in 2002 and called the Iraq war idea "stupid, dumb and unnecessary". Clinton and Edwards stood with the war-monger-in-chief.

[Mountainman]

46. This old coot is very happy that younger people are getting involved.

I didn't like the slam we got a few months ago but I am old enough to let it pass. We did our thing and a lot of it and I am glad to see more of the same from the younger people. After all it is their world they are building. I won't be around as long as they will. I feel they have it tougher than I did and I hope they can change that to be more in their favor.

[Ganja Ninja]

49. Carnsarn whippersnappers!

Back in my day we didn't sass our elders.

:spank:

:sarcasm:

[CK_John]

50. From a NY old coot that has been disappointed too often. The under 25 have not

been seen at the ballot box since 72 in enough numbers to form a football league. If they follow through I'll be surprised.

[karlrschneider]

51. You know, supporting someone because he is young and/or black is as stupid as

opposing him just because he is. I'm glad you washed behind your ears, now dry them. :D

[dpbrown]

55. This happens every election

Why should we continue to be "amazed" every time the under 25 crowd wakes up from their civic coma?

[AlertLurker]

57. We "old coots" know enough to know that the young know nothing worth knowing.

It's glaringly obvious to anyone over 40 that the majority of North America's youth have their heads so far up their collective asses, they have to unzip to kiss. Most are merely following the wave and will be flotsam and jetsam when Obama crashes on the beach. I, personally, have never met anyone under 25 who knew enough about corporatism, the MIC, USA, world history or the Middle East to be allowed to vote, PERIOD (in my estimation). But it's obviously not my call, since I'm just another crotchety old coot.

[jakem]

58. sorry you feel that way.

There was a stranger walking down the road. He came upon a farmer in a nearby field. He said to the farmer, "Now what are the people like in the next town?" The farmer retorted, "Well, what were the people like in the last town you came from?" The stranger replied, "Well, they were all pretty angry, unhappy, and close minded." The farmer then responded, "Yep, you'll pretty much find the people in the next town to be the same way."

The next morning another traveler was walking down the same road, sees the same farmer in his field and asks, "Now what are the people like in the next town?" The farmer then said, "Well, what were the people like in the last town?" The traveler said, "Oh, they were all very open and giving and caring and warm." The farmer then replied, "Yep, you'll pretty much find that in the next town as well."

[AlertLurker]

64. Touche!!! I see your point (and admit I'm crotchety).

Unfortunately, as both a former Youth Services Officer and current private employer of more than 20 people under 25, I've got both the experience and perspective to know better...

There ARE bright, young, energetic people out there. I read about them every day. It's not a common experience for me to meet one, however.

[jakem]

65. i will grant that it is difficult to employ them! nt.

[Clovis Sangrail]

68. just depends on the circles you run in I suppose

I've known plenty of very politically aware and politically active under 25's.
I've also met plenty of younger folks who are dumber than a box of rocks... but I can say the same about older folks as well.

I'm usually more taken aback by the older ones though.
I always wonder how they made it that far in life.

[johnaries]

60. Get off my lawn!

and go vote!
:hi:

[JBoy]

61. Since the young people will end up paying all the bills

passed down by the "old coots", they should be getting two votes for every old coot's vote. In all seriousness, 12 year olds should be allowed to vote.

[mmonk]

63. This old man says knock yourself out.

I still think Edwards is the change candidate, however. I don't anything against Obama though.

[brazos121200]

66. Feel as you will about Obama the fact that he is bringing

a massive outpouring of youthful and independent voters to the Democratic primaries is the best thing that could happen to the party. I saw this back in the summer, the large audiences he was attracting around the country reminded many of JFK's appeal in the 1960 election. He is short on experience and his position on some issues could stand improvement but all in all I think he is a positive force within the party.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

72. From What I've Seen The Younger Generation Right Now Is Leaps & Bounds Ahead Of The Older Generation

as it relates to being informed. I'm impressed daily with how politically informed the younger generation is, and how disinterested and uninformed much of the older generations have become.

You are our future. Make it happen!

:toast:

[mdmc]

74. I am just glad that someone has a shot

other than HRC.

[LanternWaste]

75. Is there a list so that I can address my Thank You cards?

"you should be thanking every single person under 25 who gives a damn about the political system at all"

Is there a list so that I can address my Thank You cards?

O-k. I'm over it. I feel so free. I want to sing and dance. The burden has been lifted from my shoulders. Wheeeeee!!!!! Or something like that, I guess.

All better?

[cynatnite]

76. My teenager is so excited that she's taking a real interest in politics...

She's informed and makes a point of researching anything she wants to know when it comes to politics. Her and her friends have been having huge discussions. It's great. :)

[marlakay]

77. I don't know how old coot is I am 51

and thrilled my daughter 26 is for Obama, and I might be to, I am inbetween him and Edwards since Gore is out...

But both my girls 26 & 28 are actually for the first time with no prompting from mom talking about it and going to vote...that is big people..they are not like me at all...one is stay at home mom with baby and the other manager of large office with two school age kids in soccer...don't watch news at all.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

78. K to tha R!!

I saw this coming when Obama started campaigning in my state. I have never seen so many new, excited faces getting involved in politics. So many young people too! By young, I mean 50 and under. This is so encouraging to me, as a 39 year old. I'm often the youngest person, by far, in local political orgs. I love the wisdom of the elders but it's refreshing to have some more contemporaneous company these days!

[WinkyDink]

80. I was involved in my 20's, too. It's called "thinking about one's own future."

And it's no huge accomplishment. It is, in fact, the normal flow of life.

[Cronus Protagonist]

83. No, the young ones should be thanking the old coots

...for waking them the hell up and pushing them out the door to vote, and for fighting against Bush while they fooled around on MySpace for the last few years.

[Perry Logan]

84. I prefer the term curmudgeon. It's an exciting time for all of us when young voters get involved.

[goodgd_yall]

86. I'll be happy if they go to the polls

and vote for Democrats. We don't need any more "Young Republicans."

[marions ghost]

88. these are the children of the old coots...

many of them certified Boomer offspring--

Maybe it's taken the extreme excesses of the Bushites to bring young voters to politics, but they are getting it. In addition I credit Jon Stewart, Michael Moore, Stephen Colbert, Al Gore & The Internets with helping them get it. But I really think it's living through the grotesque reign of Boosh that has done it. You'd have to be brain dead to miss the dreadful implications of the last 7 years.

So can we :grouphug: get along and get some big changes happening around here?

:thumbsup: :thumbsbup: :thumbsup: Together we are unstoppable.

[Kingshakabobo]

93. .

[lonestarnot]

94. Young whippersnappers....