Can a 14 yr old decide her political party if she knows enough information? Read the rest:?

Question

I'm 14 and decided to become a Democrat. I have read about Democrats VS Republicans, their different political views, different people from each party, and how each party uses propaganda. I have used peoples' knowledge to inform myself about these different parties, and I listen to debates, and I have come to the conclusion, it's not because the Democrats have taken over the Senate, but because I believe in what they say. I have discussed this, and adults say I don't know anything about politics, and I listen to too much Greenday. Greenday is expressing their thoughts, and using propaganda through their songs. I'm not a Democrat because one of my favorite bands are, but they have helped me understand, through Holiday and American Idiot.
I have a mature way of thinking compared to most people my age, and they think nothing about these things, I know whats going on. They don't.
Another question...why do people not like Democrats that much?

Answer 1

Take it from be kid, you aren't old enough!

Answer 2

You are never too young to decide what you believe. You are always too young to close off your mind to other options. A few years from now you may feel differently on issues so don't say you've done your research and this is where you stand, you always have to research and constantly have to adjust your beliefs and those that you support. When you are old enough to vote, don't just assume one party has it right all the time. Listen to the issues, find your stance on each and vote for the candidate that is most in line with your beliefs, not just the party. People who can say that they don't like democrats or republicans in a broad base like that, or randomly spout of all the horrid evils of a particular party are usually closed minded and often don't know more about the issues than the propaganda that is out there. Neither party is wrong, and neither party is bad. We need both to make our country work the way it does. Though I know one could argue that it isn't so much working right now ;). Keep researching and staying involved. The more you know the more people will start listening to you and at least respecting your opinions if not agreeing.

Answer 3

If you feel that you've done the reasearch and you have an opinion that agrees with most democrat beliefs, then you can consider yourself a democrat. Of course, you could be a liberal democrat, a conservative democrat, a liberal republican, or a conservative republican, but it's all based on two things.

1) Did you do the reasearch?

2) Which opinions do your own most coincide with?

If you know the answers to the above two questions, no matter what age you are, you can say what political party you're from.

P.S. By the way, I'm a liberal republican and I listen to and adore Green Day too!!! THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH GREEN DAY!!!!!

Answer 4

People don't like Democrats? I thought people didn't like Republicans! I guess it all depends on what circle you swing in. I'm not a Democrat or a Republican, I'm Adrienne. I would say that 14 is not too young to know your beliefs. If you have done your research, and know what each party represents, then why not declare yourself a Democrat (in my opinion, the lesser of two evils)? I'm a registered Independent...but I usually vote Democratic. As far as Greenday is concerned, they are obviously passionate enough about politics to reach out to their fans about it. There is nothing wrong with a band inspiring you to educate yourself politically. Big ups.

Answer 5

I was about your age when I became interested in politics. And, I too liked Democrats more. People say you don't know anything about politics because you have a lot to learn. Once you live on your own, have a job, a car, etc. The world of politics suddenly makes more sense and if you're like me you will find politics is a source of constant irritation and anger. To this day I am a democrat and am not afraid of people who don't like it. People disdainfully refer to us as the Welfare party or the Bleeding Heart Liberals. So, while we're the ones actually trying to enact programs to help people, the Republicans seem to think that's a job for churches. Bush has said so himself. And while the Republicans want to act like they're the moral authority and "Christian Party", they're the one's who don't want the programs in place to help the down trodden. Taxes suck, I will attest to that, but you need them in order for a country to run. Next time you drink water from a fountain, use a toilet, or drive on a road, take a walk in a park, or even attend public school, remember taxes made those things possible. Republicans like taxes too, they just don't want to pay them and would prefer the people in the lower classes to foot the bill since they tend to be the people who use the programs those taxes pay for. I'm glad you're forming opinions and remember, you have the right to change your mind. Keep listening and watching.

Answer 6

YOu can chose a party at any age, but you can't vote til 18!

Democrates are popular with Labor, Big cities and the Norther Eastern states, plus some of the South, but that's a separate issue.

The Lincolin was a Republican and he started with Civil War going so as a result almost every Southern Republican turned Paper Democrate, such as Al Gore, whose wife Tipper started music censorship with the PMRC and made it imposible for YOU to buy some music unless you are 17/18 without parental consent.

That is NOT a democrate way of doing things!

The Midwest has traiditonaly been Republic as has the South Western States.

Republicans tend to favor rich people and big business. They give MAJOR tax breaks to the rich that you and I will never use, like investment tax credit, inheritance tax credit, etc.

They then pack this with a little to the middle class and poor.

Democrats try not to give tax breaks to the rich and give more tot he ppor and middle class.

Democrats are responsible for Social Security, Welfare (which I oppose), etc.

Democates regulate business, Republicans Deregulate them.

When the Democrats were in they were serious about taking Microsoft apart, but that didn't happen until after the Republicans got in and they smoothed it over, toned it down and reached a deal with Gates.

You'll notice Europe is still after Microsoft, even though it's all over in the US.

Democrats favor freedom of speech and expression and liberal interpretation of the laws.

Republicans favor religious views, constrictions on expression, such as putting people in jail for flag burning, restricting abortions, etc.

Answer 7

It all depends on where you are, my socially minded young friend. In New York City, Republicans are few and far between. Both parties try to play off the other as being bad, immoral, etc. They try to make the word Liberal or Conservative sound bad. Neither is. Some moderation is good, but you choose what's most important to you and vote on those issues.

I'm a Democrat because I feel that everyone should have food, shelter, and health care. Past that, earn it on your own. I believe that we should push the UN for better things than work unilaterally to attack Iraq because they don't follow our principles. There are some shortcomings that I think the Green party hits for me, and some that Republicans do better, but for the most part, the Democrat party suits my interests.

A 14-yr old always thinks she is more mature than the rest, but I think you are. Why? Because you seem to care about what's going on in the world around you. And I'm sorry if I sound immature for saying " Rock on!"

Answer 8

Sounds like you are going about it the right way. If I had one suggestion it would be to learn more about economics before you start to vote.

I am a republican (an environmentalist, pro-choice, no problem with gay-marriage) republican, but a republican anyway.

I am basically for smaller government, lower taxes, and more free market capitalism. And I don't see that these are in conflict with the social issues I mention above- but that would take a long time to explain and most people would not understand if I tried.

I personally don't have a problem with Democrats- I think they are kind of cute, although it is frustrating sometimes.

A discussion with a democrat about free market economics is like trying to teach my 8 year old calculus.

Answer 9

If you have gone through as much examination as you say you have, you certainly can subscribe to a particular party mindset. Most adults haven't gone through the introspection that you have, and simply vote based on the teachings of their church or family history.

Most people don't hate Democrats. It might be that your family is simply hanging out with Republicans and it seems to you that most people you run into are Republicans. If you're in a family that is Evangelical in it's religious beliefs, that's quite likely. There are MANY Democrats out there as was evidenced in this recent election.

As for being an official Democrat, that's not exactly possible until you are of age to vote. In 4 years for the congressional and state elections, and in 6 years for a Presidential election. That doesn't prevent you from volunteering at a campaign office though. There are lots of ways to support a party before you are actually able to vote. Get involved, it's really worth it, and it will give you a viewpoint that armchair Republicans don't have.

Answer 10

Of course you can decide! Political views are personal and should be based on information. Good for you for looking for that rather than just siding with peers without understanding there are issues to examine.
I personally mostly side with Democrats because I feel that many Republicans are stuck in older times or are too deeply influenced by their religion. However, I commend your choice based on the fact that you made it alone.
Hope you vote in 4 years for the House election and some Senate seats ;-)

Answer 11

of course you can decide which political party you want to belong to! it's your choice..it sounds like you know a lot about politics & the race between the democrats & conservatives.

& also, a LOT of people like the Democrats..including myself