OPINION:
We should all be concerned at reports that younger voters appear to view socialist policies favorably. One theory attributes it to the poor quality of American education. The fact that history has been replaced by “social studies” in schools is not helped by the fact that so many teachers are firmly on the left on the political spectrum. This leads more established citizens to complain that students are being indoctrinated rather than being educated.
Another explanation of why youth are now left-leaning is the old saying that those who vote socialist below the age of 30 have a heart, while those voting socialist above the age of 30 have no sense. I believe it is also the offer of free stuff that really attracts our youth. Their limited experience has taught them to look to government for provision of such basic requirements as housing, health care and even income, which they are assured by too many politicians are the right of every citizen. Young people’s lack of knowledge of history prevents them from understanding the repetitive failure of states that in the past have attempted to provide everyone with these basics.
As a society, we are heading down the slippery slope on which so many previously successful civilizations have failed. Voters were encouraged to take more from the state than they were prepared to contribute. We are following a well-established pattern.
STANLEY ORMAN
Rockville, Md.
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