Pubkeybreaker <pubkeybreaker@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>On May 14, 1:40 pm, Bob LeChevalier <loj...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>> Pubkeybreaker <pubkeybrea...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>> >I would also argue that if one is going to be a responsible citizen
who
>> >votes, then one needs mathematics and science to keep from getting
>> >conned by political soundbites with respect to issues such as
>> >global warming, environmental issues, resource issues etc. One also
>> >needs
>> >to be able to *****s false use of statistics to promote political
>> >agenda.
>>
>> >Hey! This is a terrific idea! Let's drop the REQUIREMENT for math
>> >and science. Make it optional. At the same time, let's only allow
people
>> >to vote who have shown reasonable mastery of both subjects!!!
>>
>> We would then have to exempt from taxes anyone who fails to show such
>> mastery. No taxation without representation - fundamental principal
>> that we fought a revolution about.
>
>Not really. They still have representation. They can still call
>their congressman and ask for help.
He wouldn't be THEIR Congressman. With no vote, he is not answerable
to them and hence has no obligation to represent them.
>Actually, perhaps you do have a good idea. Of course, if they aren't
>going to pay taxes, then they will have to forgo all the rights they
claim
>to have..... such as police protection, right to a lawyer, right to free
speech,
>etc. etc!
People have rights because they are people. They get to have a say in
government because they are adult citizens. Non-citizens have all
those rights, but they don't get to vote. (They may however pay
taxes, of course).
lojbab
Bob LeChevalier - artificial linguist; genealogist
lojbab@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Lojban language www.lojban.org
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