Perhaps "Mock the Vote" isn't as catchy as "Rock the Vote," the effort to use pop culture and celebrity to inspire those with mush between their ears to vote Democrat, but I think it fits. The target of Rock the Vote is the young voter, who has hopefully been indoctrinated in the the glory of a caring government that can serve the bulk of a citizens needs. The target consists of those who have not likely had the experience of earning a living or the responsibility of being a provider. The target is perfect for the party that seeks to swell the ranks of government dependents and keep themselves in demand.
The liberal AP is helping this year by reporting such as that done in the article, "Tea party movement alienating young voters." The article seems intended to admonish the "Tea Party" (as if there was a Tea Party and not individual Tea Party groups across the nation) to adopt a friendly view of big government to draw in the coveted youth vote. According to one fellow quoted in the article the young people are more apt to trust the government:
Matthew Segal, the 25-year-old executive director of the nonpartisan Student Association for Voter Empowerment, said the tea party's opposition to government action also turns off young voters. "The tea party is based on an anti-government premise, and young people are the most trusting constituency of government," said Segal, whose Washington-based organization promotes electoral participation by students
Ever watch Judge Judy? Perhaps it is a guilty pleasure, but my wife and I record the episodes so we can watch one or two after the kids go to bed or if we want to just relax while the kids are outside or playing elsewhere. A common theme on Judge Judy is the incredible sense of entitlement and lack of responsibility on the part of young people. In many cases the litigants are from California and are obvious punks who for whatever reason have prescriptions for medical marijuana. They speak with the vocabulary that displays ignorance and laziness. Typically they have been involved in a drunken or stoned fight or "accident" for which no one feels responsible.
Then, of course, there are the young "ladies" who dress inappropriately for court give the impression that they have been taught their particular wants compose the very axis of the earth's revolution. The fights, car keyings, stolen property, and whatever else serves as the subjects of their cases almost always can be reasonably attributed to the education and nurturing of these young people. Discipline is sooooo yesterday! It is neither cool or PC to hold a young person responsible for his or her actions... or to even teach them right from wrong.
The mockery of the vote isn't strictly the property of the Liberal groups who seek the electoral help of the unwitting youth. The powerful in both major parties depend on ignorance and apathy sprinkled with lemming-like loyalty to assure that their chosen members achieve victory. Ever wonder why there seem to be so few Senators who actually seem to have principals? Hmm... I personally wonder how many state parties operate like those in Illinois at least seem to operate. An observer might notice that it was only after the entitled Lisa Madigan decided to pass on the Senate race did the Republican establishment put up its choice (and no dissent will be tolerated, thank you very much) Mark Kirk. I suppose like McCain in the 08 presidential race, it was Kirk's turn. Anyway, anyone care to bet that the only way the establishment (combine?) will allow an actual Republican candidate in 2014 is if Dick Durbin does not run for re-election and Lisa Madigan decides she would rather be Governor or something other than Senator?
This is not to suggest that young people should not vote or that anyone else (who has a legal ability to do so) should not vote. This is only an observation and an expression of disappointment in what is actually happening when people go to the polls.
Cross-posted from "The Immoderate Blog"