[congressman]

This is a perfect example of how the 'right to vote' is non existant, and is no where to be found in the constitution. The founders didn't intend or truly want 'democracy'. They allowed the states to determine voter eligibility, and to this day, still do. However, race, sex, ability to pay a poll tax, and age are not to be discrimatory factors (age must be a minimum of 18, although states reserve the right to lower this further.), per amendments to the constitution. I believe that states have the absolute power to decide this issue, and although I'm for allowing felons to regain their voting rights, will support either way.

The most threatening group of felons aren't actually the violent offenders, but instead, the white collar criminals. These are the ones with the most power to influence elections and legislation. Those who kill, those who deal drugs on the street corner.. not so much. Money rules in politics. And as DeepThroat made clear, "Follow the money."

--------

With that said... Kentucky paved the way for the lower age requirements.

Also, the supreme court ruled in 2000 (and earlier), that the constitution provides no constitutional right to vote, unless and until the state legislature chooses a statewide election as a means to implement its power to appoint members to the Electoral College. What this says is that, the federal government isn't truly a democracy. We don't have the right to truly select our president. States determine how these electors are selected. Some states have allowed individual districts to have their voice hear, while most states give the vote of the state as a whole the final say. The only way to fix this is by amending the constitution. Of which, I'm not, and it is doubt that I will ever be, in favor of. I'm not a fan of giving more power to an already uneducated nation. Voting on looks, on party lines, because of sex, or religion... thats what we see all too often. Most people can't name the job that Hillary Clinton holds. The few who can, can't explain what the job is. Most don't know what post Nancy Pelosi holds, and fewer can name a single member of the Supreme Court. This is a national crisis... It is an emergency within and a complete failure of our education system. Basic knowledge of what you're voting for, what its consequences may be, and how the government works should be required in order to step into the voting booth. Republicans are scared to say this because it will 'offend' people... Democrats are afraid to pass it, because it will cause their party to become a footnote in American HISTORY. Politicians are way smarter than we give them credit for. Its a game, and they know how to play it. The dumber you keep the voters, the easier it is to manipulate them, and have them give up their rights and dignity as person... under the guise of 'the government will take care you' propaganda.

When 'issues' are not counted, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the greatest threat to this nation, is its very own citizenry's inability to see what the government is taking away from them. Their own soveirgnty. It brings me to tears.

This government isn't OF the people, BY the people, or FOR the people. And we have only ourselves to blame for the power grab that has taken place.