All I want to say to the younger generation:

[napi21]

29. I'm not so sure not voting has anything to do with non respect.

For the last several years Obama and a number of democrats have been pushing for fairness in student loans. I've halped push for that, and I'm 71! I want it for my grandchildren and all the students who are and have been unfairly burdened with high interest rates and other unreasonable demands for payback of those loans, but I sure don't see that it has motivated many younger people around me.

I agree with most of the things on the list above, but you have to understand you can't start out demanding all of them at one time. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. you need to choose 2 or 3 things that are very important to you and work on them constantly and loudly, and in big numbers. I'd be there fighting along your side, but if you don't turn out at rallys, those who do turn out fight for what's important to them. That's why you hear so much about health care and strengthening social security and raising the minimum wage. If enough people want to fight for something different than that, or gt their issues included, you've got to be there to represent your views.

I don't know how to motivate the younger people. I've always taught my kids to vote or shut up. If you don't voice your opinion, an your opposition does, guess who wins? My sons always vote, and have since they were 18.

I suggest that all the older people here on DU strongly encourage their kids & grandkids to get out and vote. If you can convince YOUR family to go to the polls, just maybe they will get their friends to go with them. That would be a good start.

As to the 60's...Jack Kennedy got the youth involved. He was the first presidential candidate who wasn't an "old fart!" He was young, good looking, energetic, and really connected with the 60's generation. Obama has some of that, but not quite as much as Jack did. I really wish there would be another 35 year old Democrat appear on the political scene. THAT would be the motivator we're looking for. Unfortunately, I cant think of anyone like that!