by Carol Natoli

Created on: April 11, 2009

When I first saw this question here, I actually had to think about it and "vote" for a side to defend. I wrote down both sides on this issue, an issue that I did not have convictions about, and read several writers' responses. Although I see the points of both sides, and respect them, I would lean more to the "no" side, and this is why:

Although this is a country where we are free to do as we please, let's think about the mind of a child. While he or she would be encouraged to do good, such as putting money in the collection plate or poor box at church, to help people, there is no quesiton as to if it is a good or a bad thing. It really is different, unlike how some writers feel, than donating to a political cause. While nowadays, children are encouraged to read the newspaper more, and the news, through the Internet and television is in their face, so to speak, where they are exposed to viewpoints, they are not mature enough to understand all the views. There is an issue here of choice, in deciding the "why", they would donate to a particular political party; there is a choice to put money in a church's poor box, but there is no choice as to the "why" of it. There is no decision. Either a child wants to or not, and they do it to help people. There are no variables, as in the choice of a political party, as to the reason a child would do such a thing.

I, too, was part of the McArthur presidential campaign, in the sixties, complete with wearing the buttons buttons and stuffing envelopes; I was excited to be part of something; yet, I did not understand how McArthur thought. I didn't even know who he was running against! Yes, I was free to help, but an adult asking for a child's donation, when they are not mature enough developmentally to learn about both views, seems like a crime. It is taking advantage of a child and exploiting him or her, for political gains!

There is no democracy when it comes to children; that's why there are rules in school. When they turn 18, they can rant and rave about it being a free country, etc. Teachers allow children to following political campaigns, such as the Obama campaign and learn the mechanics of voting, learn new vocabulary, but do not know enough to make an educated decision, no matter how much they are exposed to. Even now, for some adults, it is difficult to understand about votes from the Senate and the House work. And let's be truthful; today, there are some people who don't even know who the vice president is, and yet we

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>