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Qualifications for Suffrage

Posted by freedomforall 8 years, 12 months ago to Education
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I think that universal suffrage is over rated, and that the right to vote should be earned.

Let's have a discussion of what qualifications a potential voter should prove in order to take part in the management of America.

Here are a few initial thoughts to start the discussion.
In order to qualify to vote, one should
(a) prove understanding of history regarding value of free markets, importance of system of laws protecting rights and property and preventing control by association/relationship(pull), long term negative effects of war regardless of the short term benefits, negative effects of centralized power and tendency toward corruption.
(b) prove an understanding of issues and philosophy of success,
(c) have an economic ownership interest in the long term economic success of the business unit called America,
(d) proven understanding of the unlimited value of individual liberty

Disagree? Please elaborate.
I want to learn more about this topic, too.


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  • Posted by slfisher 8 years, 12 months ago
    I disagree with the whole notion of qualifications for suffrage other than being an American of age. If you put any qualifications on it, then they can be twisted to reject anyone.
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  • Posted by CircuitGuy 8 years, 12 months ago
    A start would be just knowing the basic facts, not on controversial facts, but basic facts on what the candidate says she will do on particular issues.
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    • Posted by 8 years, 12 months ago
      Candidate Says? How does knowing what a candidate's lies are qualify someone to vote?
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      • Posted by CircuitGuy 8 years, 12 months ago
        You avoid voters who would respond to those stupid attack ads showing the opponent in images made to look like surveillance footage, "What do we really know about XYZ's dirty backroom dealings?"

        At the same time it avoids having some gov't body determine "truths" on issues. Voters could be required to know whether candidate X *says* he'll push for a higher minimum wage, but you couldn't have a question about whether the candidate is likely to follow through or whether such a policy would increase unemployment, reduce/increase poverty, and so on.
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