[Kizzy]

Originally Posted by kirklancaster

When I was young I was a staunch Labour Party supporter, and Joey Steele was a staunch Tory supporter.

We were both highly educated, intelligent, and both BELIEVED with all our heart in our respective political choices.

I am not saying that SOME 16 year olds are not precocious and not mature beyond their years, nor am I saying that 16 year olds CANNOT be socially and politically aware.

But what I AM saying, is that the MAJORITY of 16 year olds in this country cannot SPELL politics let alone understand them.

This is why, I do not favour 16 year old being given the vote.

A vote in immature irresponsible, impressionable and naive hands is as dangerous as a firearm.

So the majority of students who are ready to sit their GCSEs, the benchmark of secondary education, accepted by employers as proof of literacy and numeracy competency in the UK cant spell or grasp the basics of British politics... That's a really shortsighted and unfair accusation.