Election 2008 - the new generation

This election is the first election in which my daughter is eligble to vote. I have to say how impressed I am with her and her generation. This past week she sat for three hours and watched the debates for both parties while answering survey questions on facebook. I have to say how impressed I am with her and her friends for listening and being informed about the candidates.

I remember my first election - it was 1980 and Ronald Reagan was my candidate. Honestly, I didn't listen to a single debate and I can't recall reading much about details of anybody's positions on anything. I just remember that I was not for any entitlement programs and I got in argument with my roomate about social security and whether or not people who didn't need the money should get benefits. I thought no - I still think no. I would be perfectly fine giving up my social security benefits. I would want a reduction in my payroll taxes - not all of them but maybe half which I would use to fund my own retirement. I think those benefits should only go to people who are really in need.

Anyway, I think there is a lot of promise in this generation of young people that many people underestimate. They are bright and informed and they will make things happen. I am so impressed with my daughter. She's really something.