In August 2008, the Associated Press detailed that 4,136 United States Armed Services men and women have been killed in the Middle Eastern wars since 2003.
Thankfully in my life the only deaths I have had to deal with were the death of my beloved, wheaten cairn terrier named Tori and my dear, feisty grandmother, Ms. Sara Burnett.
Nothing pains me more than thought of losing someone, family, friend, or associate, and I thank the universe everyday for the privilege of such a condition.
It is incredibly difficult to image losing a loved one in the manner which the families of those 4,136 people have since August of this year.
“Old enough to fight, old enough to vote,” was a slogan renewed during the Vietnam War when active students protested being drafted into a war at 18 when they could only vote for government representation at age 21.
Because of rigid protest, the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America was passed in 1971. From then on suffrage to 18 year olds was mandatory across the United States.
On Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, a historic election took place where the first African-American was elected to the position of Presidency of the United States of America.
On the Colorado ballot was also a referendum – Referendum L – to amend the Colorado Constitution to lower the age required to be elected to the state congress from 25 to 21.
Sadly the joyous day was partially depressed by the failure of this referendum.
Referendum L was sponsored by State Senator Steve Johnson along with over forty others in the state house and senate. Originally, Senator Johnson related to the City of Loveland Youth Advisory Commission, his ideal measure was supposed to lower the age requirement to 18.
Opponents to the referendum recommend that age 21 lacks enough maturity or life experience, as cited by the Daily Camera. From this statement we must look to the armed forces minimum age requirement, 18.
To enlist in the armed forces, a person must be 18 years of age or older. If I am not mistaken, the armed forces involve the handling and utilization of dangerous weapons, weapons of mass destruction so to speak.
In response to the above argument, I propose that if a 21-year-old citizen of the United States of America is not prepared to serve in the state legislature, then 18 years of age is not adequate for being able to discharge a weapon on another human being in the name of this fine country.
It is incredibly difficult to understand the bureaucracy existing within the United States.
The complexity of its nature goes back over 230 years to the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and probably before that in Colonial America.
Being able to serve in the armed forces and vote at age 18, while a person at age 21 cannot serve in the state legislature does not seem to make a pint of sense, does it?
Currently, I am seventeen years of age and attend Loveland High School as a junior. Locally, I am a Commissioner on the City of Loveland’s Youth Advisory Commission.
And on the state level, I, according to House Bill 1157, represent State Senate District 15 under the appointment of Senator Johnson on the Colorado Youth Advisory Council.
These two government positions I volunteer for are merely company to a host of school organizations which I dedicate my time.
My involvement boils down to the fact that I enjoy helping people. With the failing of Referendum L, I know that serving in this manner is the only way to represent the local youth in government; it is as far as I can go.
Understandably, I ask the people to rethink their decision on Referendum L.
Rethink your decision in the name of democracy.
Rethink you decision in the name of the United States.
Rethink you decision for those who have been lost in the wars this country has valiantly fought. It is not a question of maturity; it is a question of fairness.
Evan Burnett is a high school junior in Loveland.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an online-only column and has not been edited.
