God Damned Politically-Minded Young People Make Me Mad!
The problem with young people today is that they are interested in politics.
Back in my day, young people took no interest in politics. We left important matters like governance and law-making to our elders.
If I had ever expressed a political opinion to my old dad he would have elected to kick my ass halfway down the street and been right to do so.
We focussed our interests in wholesome young-people activities like learning the Lindy Hop, having root beer sodas with the gang and respecting old people.
And when we were old enough to vote, we voted for whoever our parents told us to. If your old Dad was a Republican so were you…and woe be tied to you if you tried to think different.
But these young people today, they’re all interested in understanding politics and in expressing their “points of view.” It’s foolhardy and vain. Nobody has ever cared what young people think and now’s not the time to start.
I say if you need to be 35 years old to be President – you need to be 35 years old to vote as well. It only makes sense. Young people can’t make informed decisions. They’re all jazzed up on hormones and self-importance. They’re idealistic and full of fool-hardy dreams. Stupid, basically.
If young people keep on down this track it isn’t going to be long before they start expecting political parties to respond to their needs. And then we’ll all be in trouble. And when that day comes and we have a federal department of Nintendo, Rappers Rights Legislation and a Secretary of State named Lindsay Lohan you can say to yourselves “Don was right. Damned right. And I should have heeded his warning.”
They are interested in politics. That’s the problem with young people today.
The Problem with Young People Today Is... 
I have to be honest, a federal department of Nintendo sounds pretty awesome to me.
It may sound good to you now Shannon but believe me it’s not.
When the day comes that there is a deputy chief of Donkey Kong conducting public hearings on speed limits in Mario Kart and a United State Senate Subcommittee on Investigations relating to potential communist leanings of Luigi and Princess Peach, we will all be well and truly sorry.
Nice to see you lass.
Don
“…and a Secretary of State named Lindsay Lohan”. Too funny. You’re probably right, though, and when that day comes I may just pack my bags and move to Canada.
Damned straight. Thanks for visiting with an old man, Kate, nice to make your acquaintance.
Best Regards, Don
I dunno. Canada isn’t much better. Our equivalent to Ryan Seacrest on “Canadian Idol” is Ben Mulroney.
Whose Dad, Brian Mulroney, was Prime Minister from 1984-1993.
I don’t know if that makes me mad, or just SCARES me.
Should do both, I would think.
There are only two things on this earth scarier than Ryan Seacrest and the Mulroney men are both of them.
Whereabouts is Canada are you from young Friar? Been meaning to ask where you see all those Moose.
Don
Don
Exactly. I don’t know which Mulroney is scarier. Father or son.
I’m from Ontario…Around the east/northeast part. Those moose were seen at Algonquin Park. But their footprints and pellets are found all over the place.
North Bay area?
I just got back from a visit to Aggie’s sister, Merle, up in Sudbury. She’s a Canadian since way back. Didn’t spot any Moose though (apart from Merle that is…but don’t tell her I said so).
Don
Not North Bay or Sudbury. But close. But I’m within a few hours drive of that area. (Ontario is pretty much all the same once you get outside Toronto).
Dont’ worry. Your secret is safe with me, out Merle. She sounds like a mighty solid woman. I wouldn’t want to get on the bad side of her.
Thanks Friar, Not sure there is good side to be honest. But…she’s family.
CANADA?!?!?!?!?!…well…that’s a good idea…I may be young but that’s a good idea truthfully I don’t really care for politics to me it’s just people arguing about things that make no difference to me I also learned today I am extremely bad at spelling (thank god for firefox spell check)
You’re still extremely bad at punctuating
If young people are interested in politics, that’s because more decisions than ever are political decisions? Matters that used to be private (retirement, health care, bankruptcy, real estate, etc) are now politicized.
It was safe not to care about politics when the government was responsible mainly for bopping you in the head if you made off with someone’s purse. Now that the government is a bloated monster (thanks for electing FDR, you old codger!), if you don’t care about it, you’ll be screwed by it. People wonder why business lobbying is so prevalent today. It’s simple — businesses want a say in their own fate in today’s world of government favoritism. It’s the same with ordinary people. If you don’t care, the government will walk all over you.
There are two solutions: either everybody gets into politics, or the government gets smaller and less intrusive. If you want to regain the luxury of not having to care about politics, you’d better be clamoring for a Grover Norquist-esque bathtub-sized government.
Bloated monsters? Rampaging Governments? Grover Norquist! I’ll be having nightmares tonight and that’s for damned sure.
Thanks for your comment Nathaniel.
Don
Oh Noes, I’m one of those people. At the same time I agree, we need old people way of thinking because all most young people bring to the table is mumbling and urine. Older folks bring fresh ideas.
Honestly, I would prefer the federal department of PlayStation or Department of Grand Theft Auto.
Thanks for stopping in Sensico.
I know you’re one of those political types but you’re still okay in my book.
And as for a department of “grand theft”…well, you can insert your own joke here. “IRS,” “Bush Administration,” whatever tickles your fancy.
Nice to see you again.
Don
Young people getting involved in politics is a misnomer. If the young people I met in my campaign were to have voted for me last year, I would have won Delaware and had three electoral votes. I am hoping the young people would get involved in politics because it is hard to change the mind of an old geezer.
Well if you’re serious about getting the senior vote I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest you start by addressing us as something other than “geezers.”
Then, you might want to come up with some platform ideas that appeal to old folks. Things like bringing Matlock back to television, making it illegal to stay up past 8:30 and providing cheaper prescription medicines.
Geezers indeed…
I will bring Matlock back to television as well as Sheriff Lobo. I can’t make staying up past 8:30 illegal because of the occasional “Very Special Matlock”. I have more plans to help seniors. http://ahmnodtheare.wordpress.com/2009/05/16/my-plan-for-senior-citizens/
I’ll be sure to check them out. A promising start for darned sure.
I may just need to start mobilizing my opposse*
*(old people posse)
“They’re idealistic and full of fool-hardy dreams. Stupid, basically.” Don, that was pure genius 🙂
As for me, I deliberately ignore anything to do with politics because of my “political” ideas. (sounds odd, I know)
Makes perfect sense to me. Good to see you lad.
I’m from the Gerald Ford school of thinking: voting is an overrated part of the election process. Since I’ve never had the luxury of living in the so-called “swing states,” my vote is always just a small part of the dull roar that comprises American politics.
With more than 60% of the country choosing not to vote, no “representative” can truly claim to be the people’s choice. The people’s choice will usually be whatever’s on basic cable on Tuesday nights.
I think I voted for “The Shield” last time. And it was a rerun.
Never liked that damned Michael Chiklis. I’m not a violent man, CLT, but every time I see him I just want to Nancy Kerrigan him my with cane. He bugs the Hell out of me.
Nice to see you back lad.
Don
I have to disagree with you on this one, Don. I’m 17 (I think you might remember from other comments) and although I’m not “involved” in politics, I have a general understanding about a bunch of political topics and the way things work in the U.S.
In your other posts, you take about things that you hate about young people today, like drugs, disrespectful kids, bad haircuts, etc. Usually when I meet politically-educated teens, they fit the description of a young person that you would not dislike, and possibly even like. Out of the kids in my high school, it seems like the ones that do the poorest in class, do drugs, dye their hair green and grow it down to their ankles, know the least about the government.
Maybe you want young people that are intelligent, non-smoking, respectful, and “God-fearing,” but just not interested in politics. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s entirely possible and I think that we’d be set up for failure if we didn’t teach young people about politics because we’re the future!
However, I must say that there are tons of young people out there who think they know about politics, protest, etc., but really do absolutely no good for anything. Maybe they are your prime targets.
Or maybe we can agree to disagree on this topic.
Yours Truly,
Gerard
P.S: What politics beliefs do you have, Don? I’ve though about it for a while and for some reason I have a feeling you’re more conservative/Republican, but I think I could definitely be wrong on that one.
Thanks Gerard,
Always nice to hear from you. Looks like we’ll agree to disagree on this one and that’s okay by me.
I`m always happy to hear your views on an issue lad and some healthy disagreement never hurt anyone.
And as for me, I don’t usually like to talk about my own preferences and I’ve never liked identifying myself along party lines. I think they both have their share of good ideas and bad and I’ve never firmly set up camp on one side or the other. (Sorry if my answer sounds like something you’d get out of a damned politician!)
All the best, son.
Don
I’m glad that you take handle the idea of disagreement. Too many people out there are offended by it. If everyone agreed on everything, the world would be a boring place, right? 😀
I can also see where you’re coming from about the political preferences. I am mostly liberal but I can’t agree with them 100% obviously. I also dislike discussing politics, as they become arguments and vicious debates, rather than discussions.
Looking forward to your next post!
I was so proud to vote in this last election–not that it mattered. I live in Louisville, Kentucky and even though Louisville went to Obama the state itself went to McCain. Kentucky is always Republican. When I hit the “All Democrat” button at my local firehouse (which is even further into the country ) I actually scrolled down the list to make sure the right ones lit up. I didn’t trust it one bit. I find voting to be a privilege. One that people should only partake in if they know about the issues and have done some research. I spent a ridiculous amount of time watching speeches and reading about the candidates this past campaign season and I was proud to vote. It made me feel like an American.
Nice to see you Jenny. And I’m glad to see you take your responsibilities seriously.
All the best,
Don
I’m 16 and I know how you feel , Don because the majority of the students at my private high school are a bunch of imbeciles. Even one of the students in my 12 grader older sister’s history class did not even know about the American Revolution . I can agree that English in America is going down the drain because most do not use it properly , writing or speaking. I also can admit that I was terrible with English , but I have gotten better.
Advanced Math like Algebra is my worst subject, but I am fully literate in the basic Essential Math. History comes to me naturally because I read tons of history books and watch the History Channel and I’m okay in science. I am gifted in art ,however.
Enough about school, the majority of who I know don’t want to vote because they see it ass pointless and I can see why. The Electoral College crap always is favored over the people’s vote and I do not know why.
When I turn 18 , I plan to vote , and i believe that if someone does not want to vote, their right to vote should be revoked if they do not vote in 4 years or be penalized a fee.
My God, you’re right Don. I am going to cease voting until I am 35. Then I can make informed decisions. Thanks Don, you’re doing God’s work.
Glad I could help you out Pinnythewu. I find the “waiting until 35 rule” works for most things of importance
Except work…you’re never too young for that.
All the best
Don
Don, would you mind if I put a link to your blog the next time I make a post. I think you are absolutely hilarious and I would like to share you with my blogroll.
Hi Joan,
Nice to see you again. I’d be honored, Joan, and greatly appreciative of the link.
Many thanks for the kind words.
All the best,
Don
Well. You have a good point. I like how you show just how different America was not so long ago. Now everyone has an opinion and nobody will admit there’s is wrong.
Thanks for stopping in Eric. Nice to see you again lad.
Are you really that guy in the picture or is this all a rouse? Is Don a real person or a middle aged blogger trying to be funny? Which in either case you are immensely funny and I’m certainly a part of your fellowship. Don’t take offense Donald I don’t mean to be weary but the internet is full of people that will do anything to grab a hold of a good following so I’m just curious (not that you’d tell me if any way.) Just call me a little curious. Either way I look forward to your satire filled antics and half truths.
All the bes,
Kevin (if that is my real name; it is.)
Thanks for stopping in Kevin,
Nothing wrong with being curious butI don’t like to give away too much personal information over the internet. Last time I did I got into a bit of a pickle with some Nigerian Banker and as my old dad would say “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice and I’ll tan your backside with a garden hoe.”
Suffice to say I certainly haven’t set out to grab hold of anything. Just wanted to find a little forum to air my beefs.
Looking forward to seeing you again, son.
Best Regards,
Don
I just soiled myself
It happens to the best of us.
Thanks for visiting with me Olivia. Hope to see you again, lass.
Don
Well i`ve written something like this some time ago and I was wondering why is it that young people aren`t atracted to politics… it`s a strange thing.
Thanks for visiting Florin.
Don
There’s a plethora of reasons for young people not caring about politics. Where I live, some people just don’t care about anything that doesn’t directly affect them, others believe 1 vote doesn’t matter anyway and there are always the good ol’ anarchists/anarcho[insert school of thought]sts.
I agree with you on that sentiment.
This stuff is too damned good. I’ve passed this on to 20 of my friends.
I saved this blog in my faves. To paraphrase a famous line: “A man this eloquent has to be saved!”
You’re a kind lad, Jeff, and I appreciate the kind words.
Hope to see you again.
All the best,
Don
I used to be interested in politics when I was a young woman. Then I realised: thinking about politics doesn’t get the dinner on or the ironing done.
Now I prefer to spend my time thinking about thrifty tips I can send into magazines. I’m much happier.
Damned good advice Mrs. Black. Always nice to have you visit.
Regards
Don
You always brighten my day Don!! Keep it up!! Although, like Kevin, I have to wonder who you REALLY are!!!??? Everytime I read one of your posts I keep hearing that Brad Paisley song “Online”, but I really don’t care…either way you’re hilarious and always good for a belly laugh!!!
Thanks for visiting cjrambling,
Can’t say I know that Brad Paisley fella but if you’re into the popular music I would highly recommend Mr. Paul Whiteman. His Jeepers Creepers will knock your socks off.
Many thanks for the kind words. Hope to see you soon.
Regards
Don
I think my mom comes from the Don Mills School of child rearing. When I was 19 and able to vote in my first general election, I asked her about the candidates and she said, “What damn business is that of yours?”
She sounds like a Hell of a good woman. You’re a lucky lad, Fundamentaljelly.
I think you give great responses to todays young world in a funny and uplifting way. Although I might not agree with all of it I think you do have some intresting points.
Many thanks Mr. Wells.
I appreciate the kind words and your taking the time to comment. Wouldn’t want or expect everyone to agree with me all of the time (just the vast majority of the time).
All the best,
Don
The Lindy Hop?
I always saw you as more of a Charleston man, Don.
It’s damn nice to know that whenever I find myself in need of some damn thing to be goddamned angry about, I can read your blog. But now I’m so goddamned angry about all the things YOU are so goddamned angry about, that I’ve soiled myself.
And that makes me very, very goddamned ANGRY!!!
I’m gonna link to your blog, if you don’t mind.
Thanks for stopping in Bill.
And feel free to stop by for some angry any time you like. I have plenty to spare!
I appreciate the link.
All the best.
Don
Stay away from sharp knives Bill!
Stick to the sharp wits instead.
Rappers Rights Legislation! lolz… U are a riot!
My parents encourage me to be ‘Politics – Savvy”. However my grandmother never ceases to tell me who to vote for…
It’s amazing coz for as long as I have known her she has always picked the winning party and can perfectly substantiate why!
i agree. that is why i watch only E! Entertainment Television and the Animal Planet.
Sensible decision. That Animal Planet makes for damned fine t.v.
Thanks for visiting Ms. Chick
Hi Don, I was reading your blogs and I was wondering whether to take them to heart or not. Before I tell you my opinion of your blogs, I thought I should ask whether they are serious or not. I am 12 years old and attend Charlton School. We are doing a project on how young people are represented in the media, and I do agree that some teenagers behave disrespectfully. However, we are not all the same and if you are serious, I do not appreciate your generalisations. Some of the things you complain about seem a little like you are taking a dig for the sake of it…
kind regards, Chloe.
Hello Chloe-Louise,
I appreciate your leaving a comment but would respectfully suggest that this blog in not the place for classroom research (if that was your intent) or, more importantly, a 12-year old young person.
The posts and comments contain language and content that I suspect are inappropriate for someone of your age.
With kind regards,
Don
OMG you are hilarious. This is the 3rd post I’ve read and I laugh more and more with each one.
Completely opposite, I think one of the problems is that young people is not involved in politics.
In the words of Jennifer Corriero (Co-founder of TakingITGlobal.org):
“I wonder… if young people were actively engaged in all aspects of society, and thought of themselves as community leaders, problem-solvers, role models, mentors and key ‘stakeholders’… how would the world change?”
I was going to get on my soapbox and write a long winded post about how we just need politically minded young people that research the people they vote for and don’t just latch onto the first shiny thing that comes along. Then I thought about the people I know that are my age (20). Maybe that new age requirement wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all:) Excellent post and I love your blog.
Disregarding the fact that I like your posts, I must disagree with this one. Young people are ignorant/apathetic and they need to get in involved in what’s going on in the world. I’m intending to major in political science; and I’m hoping to do some good to the world- not become a rotten politician with no interest whatsoever in people’s issues.
The problem with old people to today is that they can’t properly use colloqiualisms.
“Woe betide you” not “Woe be tied to you.”
Sir, I am only fifteen and and agree with most of what your saying especially about drugs, rappers, and dressing. I really think our generation has to get it together. America is in a weird place now and our generation needs to find ways to fix it rather than wondering what will happen if they snort glue. I think people should reinstate values and just get rid of MTV all together. My parents are African so I guess they just place a higher value on respect and maybe that’s why I think this way. But America is my home and I want it to be a greater place. However, I do think youth should have interest in politics and the sciences now, so they can make informed decisions when they are ready to vote.
I mean no disrespec
Sir, I am only fifteen and and agree with most of what your saying especially about drugs, rappers, and dressing. I really think our generation has to get it together. America is in a weird place now and our generation needs to find ways to fix it rather than wondering what will happen if they snort glue. I think people should reinstate values and just get rid of MTV all together. My parents are African so I guess they just place a higher value on respect and maybe that’s why I think this way. But America is my home and I want it to be a greater place. However, I do think youth should have interest in politics and the sciences now, so they can make informed decisions when they are ready to vote.
I mean no disrespect
Sorry accidental posting. Did not realize my mistake
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They are interested by politics. Where did you get that? Half of the teeens don’t speak about politic, to occupied by there gossips. In the other half, half of them don’t know about what they are speaking, they know nothing on politic.
Also, I’m disagreeing with you on the fact that is not important that youth don’t have to speak about politic. They have to do. Human have to be critic, not to let his parent say for it which person he haves to vote for. I’m agreeing with Montecristo.
Human has always be stupid, so why you want that he stay stupid.
And vote Republican is the worst idea ever.
Continue to write on your point of view, I like it.
Well, I’m 18 this year, and I can legally vote. I know that sounds bad, but I can assure you that I’m not like these “teens” you speak of. In fact, I share your same views on them. As far as politics go, I do enjoy it. I know its a dirty business and thats why I didnt choose a career in it, but I do like to voice my opinion on certain topics. And if something goes against what is right, or against my beliefs, then I feel I should have my say like anyone else. Most teens have no clue as to what’s going on around them, but I watch enough news and follow enough politcal elections to know the current happenings in this country.
And I’m looking forward to voting next year in the presidential election.
I myself am what you would consider a young person, and although many of these topics you complain about do have some logic, I completely disagree with this one. In history and even right now, many of the movements for more freedom and for rights were instigated by the younger generation, because the older one usually has better things to care about, such as their own families, and are already used to the way of things. That being said, without revolution many countries’ governments would still be secretive and full of corruption.
Encouraging young people to talk about politics is way better than having them do drugs or drink all day, and honestly, from my own experience and group of friends, many teenagers and kids who are serious about school and their futures are more educated than the naive public that is willing to vote for anyone who will promise money and fortune. Clearly, the young people you see everyday and the ones I interact with are very different.
Dear Sir,
I completely agree, because the majority of students in my school all rant on about the government banning “Pot”. Then there is the few other students and I who just don’t seem to care. Just stop the rudimental ranting, besides there are alot of good reasons as to why marijuana is illegal.
One more thing you should know Mr. Mills. They all think it is inevitable that they have a word into the government’s doings. And trust me, they really think they deserve a word. These “Pot smoking” morons think they can put in a few logical statements that is relevant to the governments doings. It cracks me up, because I know my place and right now politics is of no concern for a 17 year old. School and my job are more appropriate concerns for me (and of course my family).
With gratitude,
Cole
brewers new england patriots
Hi. I’m 15 and I would like to be mature but at the same time I would like to say that in this free country we all love and hate we are the future and if you expect the youth to ignore the way we will one day run ourselves I must say you are naive. I know that you are wrong because most of kids my age can’t hold a political conversation with me past them saying their thought of Obama which is clearly just a mirror of their parents. Now please grow a brain and get educated because that is the real issue.
Mr. Mills, I can definitely see your point here. But shouldn’t you be encouraging it, since we will be making these decisions in the near future? Talking about politics lets us gain more of an understanding on the subject. I do however think that lots of us “lack” the capacity to make well-judged decisions. That’s why the voting age is 18 🙂 Supposedly that is the magic age when you are mature. Honestly, it varies form person to person. Some people would never be able to vote if it was based on maturity. LOL
We shouldnt be involved in politics, we shouldnt be allowed to fight. The world of today changes too quickly to allow the geezers of yesteryear to make decisions for us. For example, you oldtimers are all obsessed with the anachronistic, nationalistic bullshit that started the world wars and which prevents a fully open world market. Also, why the hell cant people who are idealistic and hopeful strive to create something better in this world? Shooting for the pull-up bar never got anyone anywhere. My friends parents were part of the microchip revolution and they tried to create something so futuristic that it was almost inconceivable at the time. My old man always said, shoot for the stars and at the very least youll get to the ceiling.
I couldn’t quite shake the feeling that this was all very tongue-in-cheek, but thought that perhaps there was no smoke without fire. After reading this post I feel like a supreme idiot. I still stand by all of my prior posts, however.
Mr. Don?
I’m 11 but I’ve been watching the news since 7 and I attend political rallies.
You conclude that I should have listened to my parents in politics. But my parents are communists and I would rather support a democratic country like the US ( I’m from Hong Kong ). Not all parents are right.
I was quite offended.
I was interested in politics when I was in my teens and early ’20s. In fact now that I’m in my ’50s I still am. But never would I have ever wasted my vote on a pile of garbage like the illegal Kenyan squatting in the White House now. And when I first started voting I registered as a Democrat, mainly because my dad was a southern Democrat (not one of these left wing extremist communists who call themselves democrats nowadays). Now I vote Constitution Party, mainly because I’ve gotten disgusted with these neocon Republicans who are nothing more than Commiecrats in disguise.
“before they start expecting political parties to respond to their needs”. Yeah much better that they cater for nobody and leave us all to starve.
Hilarious! And sadly…true. For one month, they should all have to eat only rice and gravy , wear hand me down clothes, walk or ride bikes to school, no electronics of any kind, do all the household chores and hold an after school job – then, and only then, will they have something even minutely worthy to complain about! Ha!
As a denizen of a state which, in the eighteen hundreds, had a 19-year-old governor, I find fault with your premise.
I hope you’re a troll or something