Ok Rick, this one I disagree with. At 16 you do have smart kids, but you also have way way more stupid kids who would vote for, oh let's say Iggy.
16 year olds don't have full time jobs, haven't even gone into post-secondary school for God's sakes, thus their opinion relies only on the opinions of others. There are 18 year olds who shouldn't vote, but there are many more 16 year olds that definitely shouldn't
@Losuol This is party true, but you also imply that someone without post-secondary education can't have an opinion of their own.
Most of the stupid 16 year olds are the kind of kids that wouldn't bother voting anyway.
I think people under the age of 18 who want to vote should have to take some test that shows they're aware of how the whole system works, and if they pass, they get some kind of license to vote. That would filter out almost all the stupid kids.
@snowboarder1019 No for example, the liberals want to have complete and totally free health care within the country. And that looks good to those who haven't lived the 20 30 years and understood what happens if the idea takes effect, and where that money comes from = Taxes. They would think that all war is bad and we don't need fighter jets, despite the fact that our current ones are almost at the end of their life and we could potentially not have an airforce.
I couldn't vote in last years federal election because of 3 days i was so pissed when we got a conservative majority gouvernment and i couldn't do anything about it.
Young people are too stupid to be allowed to vote.
It's plain and simple. When you are 16, more often then not you are influenced by your parents. 18 is when you are out of the house, on your own, and considered an adult, where you face the real world, with real difficulties, where you have to live with your decision.
If you vote for a tax and spend party that taxes you into the poor house, you're an adult and must live with it.
If you are a 16 year old punk living with mommy, stay home
@mothman64 But those 30 years old are more than likely living on their own. They pay their own taxes, and they have an income.
Those 30 year old people are allowed to elect someone who will take all of their money, no matter if they are told to vote for someone or not. Some 16 year old brat on the other side of the country has no right to help elect a Government who is going to tax MY money out of my wallet and income.
@LivesForJihad no not really, I have encountered many intelligent 16 year old's who expressed the mental capacity to vote. I understand were you are coming from in regards to taxation, but keep in mind there are many 16 year old's who are apart of the Canadian workforce, even if it is in a Sobey's checkout line. Not every Canadian child from the generation of convenience is a "brat".
@mothman64 I really do not care if they work at Sobeys, packing bags. These are children, and they are simply not educated enough to be able to vote.
I live in Ontario, and we don't even learn about Civics (how our Government works) until Grade 11, or until you are 17 (roughly). This is a matter of being an adult and being a child. Children should not be allowed to determine the political climate that adults must deal with.
@LivesForJihad you are assuming that all children wait until their shitty education system teaches them these thing's. I remember being 16 and looking into it myself, it's pretty easy to do especially with the expansion of the Internet. I am from Nova Scotia and I remember being taught how are Government works in eighth grade social studies. Also disregarding the clear societal differences of being considered a child vs an adult, 16 years old's have to live with the consequences of politicsto
@mothman64 No, they don't live with the consequences. They live in the house's and eat the food of people that do! When you are 16, you don't have to worry about paying Hydro, paying house taxes, paying for heating, etc. A 16 year old isn't even allowed to sign a contract to get a cell phone! They need mommy and daddy to sign for them and take responsibility. In this country, if a 16 year old commits a crime, 9/10 times, the parents (Adults) bare responsibility.
@LivesForJihad Shouldn't they have a say in weather or not we continue to barrow money at interest rates that are almost un-payable? putting them in severe debt in the future. 16 year old's are so child like in our society because its our society that has placed them in this position, a 16 year old from half a century ago was ten time's as responsible and less coddled than our current generations, and I fear if we continue to treat 16, 17 year old's like kids, they will act like kids.
@LivesForJihad By allowing them to vote, and sending them a message that we do not consider them a responsibility free person in our society anymore, they will be forced to pull up their socks and act in a more mature manner, like their ancestors before them. How young do you think kids grew up on the farm in 1930's Saskatchewan? we are living in a culture shock, we are over stimulated by an electronic medium and its turned our children into zombies!
@mothman64 So then lets abolish the Youth Criminal Justice Act. If you are so concerned about them being coddled, then start treating them like adults as soon as they pop out of the womb. No more protection, no more anonymity, no more rating systems.
People under 16 are guaranteed certain protection from the system, in return, they must forfeit some rights. This has been the basis of our civilization. It is called Social Contract Theory.
Letting kids vote won't turn them into model citizens.
@LivesForJihad what you are describing is exactly what I'm hinting at in my comment, we should go full reverse on our coddling of the youth and start teaching them how to be responsible adults in our society at a younger age, in order to counter balance the softness and easy living of our technological society.
@mothman64 Kids will vote how they are told to vote.
All it takes is one political candidate to come to a school of 900 kids, tell them that they are gonna lie about fighting to legalize pot, or reduce the drinking age to 16...and all these stupid kids will chase this candidate to the polling station. All they want is party and time, forgetting the rest of society
If I had it my way, driving would be minimum of 18 as well. The MAJORITY are short sighted and irresponsible, that's the problem.
@LivesForJihad You really dont know what your talking about, it's not like once you reach the legal voting age you suddenly understand politics. Your generation has done nothing but plunge us into an economic windfall. The vast majority of people older than me have noooo idea what the party they're voting for platform is, just like I doubt you do. The fact is, your generation had a TERRIBLE education and none of your generation think for themselves. People like you are why Harper is still here
@Dumbbell120 Dude...I am 22...I am younger than you are. What are you talking about..."My Generation"? My generation is YOUR generation.
Everything you said, was in description of your OWN generation. You must be a liberal...and you represent them well by showing EVERYONE how fucking STUPID you are.
@LivesForJihad hahah dude youre a fucking retard. Im 19. You're one of those people that says in their house and doesn't know a THING about the real world, but loves acting like he does. I seriously doubt you've even left Canada to go anywhere but the states. Stop gobbling up conservative bullshit and start thinking for yourself kiddo. This is why voting should be based on IQ, so mindless, scared, sheep people like you can't put idiots like Harper in power.
@Dumbbell120 If you are 19...why does your profile say 36?
How can you possibly make a statement about how I "stay in my house" and "know nothing about the real world?" That is a pretty hefty claim coming from someone who has never met me.
You call me mindless...why? Is it because I don't agree with you? Do you want a Canada where there is only one point of view? If that is Liberalism...you can keep it. If anything, a Canada with only one point of view IS mindless. You need to educate yourself
@Dumbbell120 Haha I'm 20, and technically the math curriculum (along with many others) gets easier and easier over the years so hey, guess you're technically not as smart as you think you are. You know nothing about working a real job, having a family, or going into university. Please, dear God, get your head out of Iggy's liberal ass and do something for this world before arguing.
16 yr olds should vote, they're old enough to consent, so what if they're young adolescents. if they can be charged as an adult, then they have the every right and responsibility if they opt out to living like one, which is a year or so away from their age.
Problem is, a good majority of teenagers are completely fucked in the head or don't give a shit about these sort of issues. Which, if you ask me, is a damn shame. But then again, when they here politics, they turn into a complete dumb shit and start to act like a brain dead person.
I'm 16 and I want to vote. Problem is all the teenagers who are completely dumbshit about Canadian politics.
@jadger1871 yea... probably a lot of them would vote on things that don't matter... the unfortunate obstacle... your probably right... and some don't want to get informed any more than that!
@080Muffin080 The problem is that young people don't think for themselves, they will see whatever is on TV more or whoever someone in the media likes, and vote for them. When I was in high school I only knew a little about politics. but my feelings were irrationally strong, same with people on the other end of the political spectrum... It's no wonder there are so many young socialists/communists in their teen years.
Right 16yr old's should be allowed to vote makes sense. They're smart enough.
No Rick Mercer for PM, he would'nt want to mess up a great career. We need Rick to keep doing what he does best. Besides there is enough comedy on the political front now. Left vs right, Lib vs Con it's just a f*cking corporate badge anyway. Eyes open Canada.
Excatly! Well spoken Rick! I'm 15 turing 16 in a month and I'm allowed to be a aprt of town conuncil, yet I can't vote? Rather odd. Getting them while they're young. He's totally right!
I remember when I turned 18, there was a federal election coming up and I was extatic to vote. It was almost magical...until the party I voted for lost.
Ok kidding. I enjoyed it and still do but I don't think the majority of young Canadians are as gunho about politics as I am. We need to have a strong social science program that really discusses the nuances of politics so that they do want to vote when they can. I would have loved to vote at 16.
@Brizdyn I don't think a strong social sciences program would work. Most kids would be turned off by the boring teachers. However, I believe that teachers ought to show Rick Mercer's political rants and commentary to their students. That would get kids interested and fired up. Rick Mercer for Prime Minister!
@Brizdyn our social science courses are watered down or non existent for a reason. If young canadians were even remotely politically aware with the ability to vote, none of the goof's on the hill right now would be employed.
this is a good idea in theory... but in practice, a majority of children dont care, and their parents could tell use the child as a way to get additional votes in an election. this would defeat the whole "one person, one vote" principle of our indirect democracy.
i think the only people that vote are ones that care and anyways many people vote because their parents vote that way and 16 is old enough to think through for yourself
@brylehman yes but also...Dont you yourself normally vote the way your parents do? I know i have the 2 elections i have been able to vote for... I mean it was the way you were brought up and normally doesnt change... so i have to disagree with you on this one
@Lotsoffun111 no way dude, my parents are hardcore conservative. i used to say i was too, just because i thought i was the same as them. but now that i follow politics closely, i have realized i am much more progressive than them.
I agree. I have followed politics closely all through my teens. I was more than able to cast an informed vote, but I wasn't able to cast a vote during eletions. It was, for me, a bit frustrating. I mean, I didn't dwell on it, but I didn't feel it was right. Let's face it, if we were to lower the age at which our citizens can vote to 16 there would be a lot of 16 & 17 year olds who wouldn't even bother, but the few that actually pay attention to what takes place in this country deserve their say!
has a good point...
Gammodore 1 week ago
I think you should be able to vote at any age if you pass a stupid test , but everyone at every age should have to take that test
snowboarder1019 2 months ago
I'm 15 and I wanna vote :(
DannyandPatty 2 months ago
Ok Rick, this one I disagree with. At 16 you do have smart kids, but you also have way way more stupid kids who would vote for, oh let's say Iggy.
16 year olds don't have full time jobs, haven't even gone into post-secondary school for God's sakes, thus their opinion relies only on the opinions of others. There are 18 year olds who shouldn't vote, but there are many more 16 year olds that definitely shouldn't
Losuol 2 months ago
@Losuol This is party true, but you also imply that someone without post-secondary education can't have an opinion of their own.
Most of the stupid 16 year olds are the kind of kids that wouldn't bother voting anyway.
I think people under the age of 18 who want to vote should have to take some test that shows they're aware of how the whole system works, and if they pass, they get some kind of license to vote. That would filter out almost all the stupid kids.
sbdteekay 2 months ago
@Losuol Thats pretty presumptuous of you , their opinions wouldnt rely on other peoples' they just wouldnt have an opinion for that ,
snowboarder1019 2 months ago
@snowboarder1019 No for example, the liberals want to have complete and totally free health care within the country. And that looks good to those who haven't lived the 20 30 years and understood what happens if the idea takes effect, and where that money comes from = Taxes. They would think that all war is bad and we don't need fighter jets, despite the fact that our current ones are almost at the end of their life and we could potentially not have an airforce.
Losuol 2 months ago
I couldn't vote in last years federal election because of 3 days i was so pissed when we got a conservative majority gouvernment and i couldn't do anything about it.
TheSilverMoon5 3 months ago
Young people are too stupid to be allowed to vote.
It's plain and simple. When you are 16, more often then not you are influenced by your parents. 18 is when you are out of the house, on your own, and considered an adult, where you face the real world, with real difficulties, where you have to live with your decision.
If you vote for a tax and spend party that taxes you into the poor house, you're an adult and must live with it.
If you are a 16 year old punk living with mommy, stay home
LivesForJihad 5 months ago
Comment removed
Doctorwithnoname222 4 months ago
@LivesForJihad You really don't like kids do you?
mothman64 4 months ago
@LivesForJihad I know 30 year olds who vote for who there parents tell them to vote for.
mothman64 4 months ago
@mothman64 But those 30 years old are more than likely living on their own. They pay their own taxes, and they have an income.
Those 30 year old people are allowed to elect someone who will take all of their money, no matter if they are told to vote for someone or not. Some 16 year old brat on the other side of the country has no right to help elect a Government who is going to tax MY money out of my wallet and income.
See the difference?
LivesForJihad 4 months ago
@LivesForJihad no not really, I have encountered many intelligent 16 year old's who expressed the mental capacity to vote. I understand were you are coming from in regards to taxation, but keep in mind there are many 16 year old's who are apart of the Canadian workforce, even if it is in a Sobey's checkout line. Not every Canadian child from the generation of convenience is a "brat".
mothman64 4 months ago
@mothman64 I really do not care if they work at Sobeys, packing bags. These are children, and they are simply not educated enough to be able to vote.
I live in Ontario, and we don't even learn about Civics (how our Government works) until Grade 11, or until you are 17 (roughly). This is a matter of being an adult and being a child. Children should not be allowed to determine the political climate that adults must deal with.
LivesForJihad 4 months ago
@LivesForJihad you are assuming that all children wait until their shitty education system teaches them these thing's. I remember being 16 and looking into it myself, it's pretty easy to do especially with the expansion of the Internet. I am from Nova Scotia and I remember being taught how are Government works in eighth grade social studies. Also disregarding the clear societal differences of being considered a child vs an adult, 16 years old's have to live with the consequences of politicsto
mothman64 4 months ago
@mothman64 No, they don't live with the consequences. They live in the house's and eat the food of people that do! When you are 16, you don't have to worry about paying Hydro, paying house taxes, paying for heating, etc. A 16 year old isn't even allowed to sign a contract to get a cell phone! They need mommy and daddy to sign for them and take responsibility. In this country, if a 16 year old commits a crime, 9/10 times, the parents (Adults) bare responsibility.
16 year olds should NOT vote!
LivesForJihad 4 months ago
@LivesForJihad Shouldn't they have a say in weather or not we continue to barrow money at interest rates that are almost un-payable? putting them in severe debt in the future. 16 year old's are so child like in our society because its our society that has placed them in this position, a 16 year old from half a century ago was ten time's as responsible and less coddled than our current generations, and I fear if we continue to treat 16, 17 year old's like kids, they will act like kids.
mothman64 4 months ago
@LivesForJihad By allowing them to vote, and sending them a message that we do not consider them a responsibility free person in our society anymore, they will be forced to pull up their socks and act in a more mature manner, like their ancestors before them. How young do you think kids grew up on the farm in 1930's Saskatchewan? we are living in a culture shock, we are over stimulated by an electronic medium and its turned our children into zombies!
mothman64 4 months ago
@mothman64 So then lets abolish the Youth Criminal Justice Act. If you are so concerned about them being coddled, then start treating them like adults as soon as they pop out of the womb. No more protection, no more anonymity, no more rating systems.
People under 16 are guaranteed certain protection from the system, in return, they must forfeit some rights. This has been the basis of our civilization. It is called Social Contract Theory.
Letting kids vote won't turn them into model citizens.
LivesForJihad 4 months ago
@LivesForJihad what you are describing is exactly what I'm hinting at in my comment, we should go full reverse on our coddling of the youth and start teaching them how to be responsible adults in our society at a younger age, in order to counter balance the softness and easy living of our technological society.
mothman64 4 months ago
@mothman64 Kids will vote how they are told to vote.
All it takes is one political candidate to come to a school of 900 kids, tell them that they are gonna lie about fighting to legalize pot, or reduce the drinking age to 16...and all these stupid kids will chase this candidate to the polling station. All they want is party and time, forgetting the rest of society
If I had it my way, driving would be minimum of 18 as well. The MAJORITY are short sighted and irresponsible, that's the problem.
LivesForJihad 4 months ago
@LivesForJihad You really dont know what your talking about, it's not like once you reach the legal voting age you suddenly understand politics. Your generation has done nothing but plunge us into an economic windfall. The vast majority of people older than me have noooo idea what the party they're voting for platform is, just like I doubt you do. The fact is, your generation had a TERRIBLE education and none of your generation think for themselves. People like you are why Harper is still here
Dumbbell120 3 months ago
@Dumbbell120 Dude...I am 22...I am younger than you are. What are you talking about..."My Generation"? My generation is YOUR generation.
Everything you said, was in description of your OWN generation. You must be a liberal...and you represent them well by showing EVERYONE how fucking STUPID you are.
LivesForJihad 3 months ago
@LivesForJihad hahah dude youre a fucking retard. Im 19. You're one of those people that says in their house and doesn't know a THING about the real world, but loves acting like he does. I seriously doubt you've even left Canada to go anywhere but the states. Stop gobbling up conservative bullshit and start thinking for yourself kiddo. This is why voting should be based on IQ, so mindless, scared, sheep people like you can't put idiots like Harper in power.
Dumbbell120 3 months ago
@Dumbbell120 If you are 19...why does your profile say 36?
How can you possibly make a statement about how I "stay in my house" and "know nothing about the real world?" That is a pretty hefty claim coming from someone who has never met me.
You call me mindless...why? Is it because I don't agree with you? Do you want a Canada where there is only one point of view? If that is Liberalism...you can keep it. If anything, a Canada with only one point of view IS mindless. You need to educate yourself
LivesForJihad 3 months ago
@Dumbbell120 Haha I'm 20, and technically the math curriculum (along with many others) gets easier and easier over the years so hey, guess you're technically not as smart as you think you are. You know nothing about working a real job, having a family, or going into university. Please, dear God, get your head out of Iggy's liberal ass and do something for this world before arguing.
Losuol 2 months ago
16 yr olds should vote, they're old enough to consent, so what if they're young adolescents. if they can be charged as an adult, then they have the every right and responsibility if they opt out to living like one, which is a year or so away from their age.
sinnerscrusade 5 months ago
Amen.
ConradInternational 7 months ago
I just started applauding. Now everyone's looking at me funny.
treehugger99999 9 months ago 2
I'm 16. I would vote.
Maybe we could even get the conservatives out of power; how great would that be?
Willowheart4321 10 months ago 4
9:35 If Criminals can vote, and stupid people can vote why shouldn't 16 years old be able to vote?
Is 18 an age that everyone becomes mature all of a sudden?
Cause looking at the house of commons, there are pretty old guys there and they don't behave much better then 5 year olds, lol.
gundamWWW 1 year ago 5
Problem is, a good majority of teenagers are completely fucked in the head or don't give a shit about these sort of issues. Which, if you ask me, is a damn shame. But then again, when they here politics, they turn into a complete dumb shit and start to act like a brain dead person.
I'm 16 and I want to vote. Problem is all the teenagers who are completely dumbshit about Canadian politics.
ttcgeek 1 year ago
@ttcgeek They are smarter that you think sometime... Just trust them a bit.
therrydicule 1 year ago
@ttcgeek As opposed to all the adults in the country?
RachaelSummer 10 months ago
@ttcgeek Yeah, but the people who are dumb shits about politics at 16 are the same people who are that way at 18, and 20, and 22 etc...
Mehtaphorical 6 months ago
He's got a pretty good point... you dont have to be young to be stupid, and the young don't have to be stupid!
080Muffin080 2 years ago
@080Muffin080 the young don't have to be stupid, they are just uninformed. They will vote for whichever party professes to like Twilight more.
jadger1871 1 year ago
@jadger1871 yea... probably a lot of them would vote on things that don't matter... the unfortunate obstacle... your probably right... and some don't want to get informed any more than that!
080Muffin080 1 year ago
@080Muffin080 The problem is that young people don't think for themselves, they will see whatever is on TV more or whoever someone in the media likes, and vote for them. When I was in high school I only knew a little about politics. but my feelings were irrationally strong, same with people on the other end of the political spectrum... It's no wonder there are so many young socialists/communists in their teen years.
jadger1871 1 year ago
true say Rick true say.
stew88dodge 2 years ago 2
fun fact:
If you turn on the voice recognition in the CC tab, it records Rick saying "I've dictated to democracy" when he says "addicted to democracy".
Skeedont 2 years ago
Well said Rick!!!
athlon866 2 years ago 2
Right 16yr old's should be allowed to vote makes sense. They're smart enough.
No Rick Mercer for PM, he would'nt want to mess up a great career. We need Rick to keep doing what he does best. Besides there is enough comedy on the political front now. Left vs right, Lib vs Con it's just a f*cking corporate badge anyway. Eyes open Canada.
pauliewaulieflimflam 2 years ago
i say give peple 15 to 17 a half vote
this way kids get "addicted to democracy" but if they are being controlled by an adult they wont really screw things up that much
also,, because these young people will be inheriting this government soon than they will have a say in which party it is
meesasquall 2 years ago 3
I agree. I may be 19 now. But back when I was 16 I wanted to vote.
StrikerlandMovies 2 years ago 3
If you're old enough to drive and make decisions that could affect the lives of others on the road, then why can't you vote?
I think a referendum is in order! Let the people decide!
anjichap 2 years ago 17
Excatly! Well spoken Rick! I'm 15 turing 16 in a month and I'm allowed to be a aprt of town conuncil, yet I can't vote? Rather odd. Getting them while they're young. He's totally right!
miriley6 2 years ago 2
If you can drive a car why cant you vote...100% agree with Rick on this one!
Lotsoffun111 2 years ago 2
because you cant vote everyday
colenbrak 2 years ago
I remember when I turned 18, there was a federal election coming up and I was extatic to vote. It was almost magical...until the party I voted for lost.
Ok kidding. I enjoyed it and still do but I don't think the majority of young Canadians are as gunho about politics as I am. We need to have a strong social science program that really discusses the nuances of politics so that they do want to vote when they can. I would have loved to vote at 16.
Brizdyn 2 years ago 20
@Brizdyn I don't think a strong social sciences program would work. Most kids would be turned off by the boring teachers. However, I believe that teachers ought to show Rick Mercer's political rants and commentary to their students. That would get kids interested and fired up. Rick Mercer for Prime Minister!
monroe444 2 years ago
@monroe444
yea
in my civics class we took notes all the time
in all fairness tho the teacher was pretty funny
meesasquall 2 years ago
@Brizdyn our social science courses are watered down or non existent for a reason. If young canadians were even remotely politically aware with the ability to vote, none of the goof's on the hill right now would be employed.
mothman64 4 months ago
Maybe I am addicted to politics, but I really liked voting when I was young. Should of had the right to vote at 16!
BrokenPuzzle 2 years ago 5
this is a good idea in theory... but in practice, a majority of children dont care, and their parents could tell use the child as a way to get additional votes in an election. this would defeat the whole "one person, one vote" principle of our indirect democracy.
brylehman 2 years ago
@brylehman
i think the only people that vote are ones that care and anyways many people vote because their parents vote that way and 16 is old enough to think through for yourself
893160007 2 years ago
A majority of eligible voters don't care either.
kpo987 2 years ago
@brylehman yes but also...Dont you yourself normally vote the way your parents do? I know i have the 2 elections i have been able to vote for... I mean it was the way you were brought up and normally doesnt change... so i have to disagree with you on this one
Lotsoffun111 2 years ago
@Lotsoffun111 no way dude, my parents are hardcore conservative. i used to say i was too, just because i thought i was the same as them. but now that i follow politics closely, i have realized i am much more progressive than them.
brylehman 1 year ago
!!! well said (good point)
27131013021565 2 years ago 2
I agree. I have followed politics closely all through my teens. I was more than able to cast an informed vote, but I wasn't able to cast a vote during eletions. It was, for me, a bit frustrating. I mean, I didn't dwell on it, but I didn't feel it was right. Let's face it, if we were to lower the age at which our citizens can vote to 16 there would be a lot of 16 & 17 year olds who wouldn't even bother, but the few that actually pay attention to what takes place in this country deserve their say!
MapleTreeOfKnowledge 2 years ago
They're worried that all those 16 yr olds would then become a demographic WITH a say........could you imagine?
imaginetheresno 2 years ago 4