Submitted by Evan Ravitz on October 12, 2008 - 4:05pm.
The Justice Minister's comment is revealing:
1. If the 16-year voting age doesn't work out, it can be easily changed again, either by legislation or initiative. The balance of power between Parliament and people keeps things fluid and changeable; natural and lively. Here in the U.S., gerrymandering and buying Congress has made things constipated and rotten. For example, Congress has dithered about national health insurance since the '40s, while every other Western country got it and our nation's health has fallen to 37th in the world, between Costa Rica and Slovenia!
2.It seems even old and "conservative" people in Switzerland aren't afraid of the young. Maybe that's because power there isn't ruining the future, turning kids into resentful enemies.
Although I made good money passing initiative petitions (only for things I believe in) I'd be glad to be out of a job in order to live in a country that is moving forward rather than leading the world to a climatic and political hell.
Why Not?
The Justice Minister's comment is revealing:
1. If the 16-year voting age doesn't work out, it can be easily changed again, either by legislation or initiative. The balance of power between Parliament and people keeps things fluid and changeable; natural and lively. Here in the U.S., gerrymandering and buying Congress has made things constipated and rotten. For example, Congress has dithered about national health insurance since the '40s, while every other Western country got it and our nation's health has fallen to 37th in the world, between Costa Rica and Slovenia!
2.It seems even old and "conservative" people in Switzerland aren't afraid of the young. Maybe that's because power there isn't ruining the future, turning kids into resentful enemies.
Although I made good money passing initiative petitions (only for things I believe in) I'd be glad to be out of a job in order to live in a country that is moving forward rather than leading the world to a climatic and political hell.