Commentaries
September 01, 2008Commentaries is where Minnesota Public Radio welcomes your thoughtful opinion about current events and issues. Commentaries are like letters to the editor. To be considered for publication, your commentary should be issue-related, clearly written, and follow our Terms of Use. New insights into ongoing topics are especially welcome. Not all commentaries received are published. For topical interaction with others, visit the discussion groups.
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Young voter ambivalence
I was registered to vote when I turned 18 in the 2000 election. That was the last time I voted, and was excited to vote because I could. [MPR Midmorning: Young voters: Will they turn out?]
Since then, I've felt no invested interest in the election process. I was completely dissatisfied in the 2004 presidential candidates, and didn't bother heading to the polls. I didn't get involved in local or state elections because I didn't invest effort into understanding the candidates. This time it is different, since I have a very strong opinion on who needs to lead our country and what the president's effect is on our country's future. The young people don't vote because they don't see the importance of it. But this election is so polarized that apathy is hard to find.
People who don't know and don't care don't vote. Well, at least that's my excuse for not participating for the last 7 years.
Matthew Zirbes
Minneapolis, Minn.
Minnesota Seat Belt Law needs an upgrade
Just a comment: Minnesota does have a seat belt law for the driver and front seat passenger. So, yes, it is his choice to break the law or not. [MPR News: Traffic deaths up in Minnesota]
Minnesota lawmakers already decided that it is a law, it should be enforceable. Minnesota's seat belt law needs to be updated to save lives all across the state. It is not a personal freedom issue when it is for the greater good, saving lives, families, and money. Our tax dollars pay for the 94,000 citizens with traumatic brain injury who are no longer able to work and need medical care. I heard a doctor testify that a cure has been found for traumatic brain injury -- the seat belt.
Katherine Cooper
Northfield, Minn.
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