I concede that it is not always true that an older person can make sounder decision than a younger person. Should there, however, be any restrictions when it comes to application of the law? Should a convicted 8-year old murderer be incarcerated or be given a death sentence? Should an 18-year old be charged with statutory rate for having sex with his 13-year old girlfriend/boyfriend? When do we draw the line?

You must admit that age is often a consideration when it comes to making & inforcing the laws. We must, though, accept that there is always the exception to the rule.

I am delighted that you’re attending an Ivy League institution. Are you studying political science or taking a reading course? It is obvious that you lack proficiency in the English language.”

Thanks Verdel! Since I am clearly not writing a dissertation, I refuse to (consistently at least)revise comments posted on a blog. It’s just not that serious. Once you can get the point, my goal is achieved. Fortunately, the newspapers I have published articles in don’t seem to think the same of my writing

Kenrick, I appreciate your honesty. While I would probably never vote for an 18 year old for elective office, I would always, though, fight to the death for them to have the RIGHT to do so. It is a sad day for democracy when we say either that: 1. The electorate lack the ability to make sound decisions on who they elect or 2. Legal adults who can die on the battlefield defending our way of life cannot run for office.

Verdel:

“Did the drafters of this document stereotyped all persons under the age of 30 as being incapable of serving as a U.S. Senator?”

Not at all. I know that you are intellectually competent enough to detect and understand the difference between representing an entire U.S. state and representing a few thousand people in the V.I. legislature.

The Constitution prescribes that one be at least 25 years old to run for a U.S. House Seat. The language of the document also indicates that there was an assumption that one Representative per every 30,000 people would be the norm. Today, the average House Rep. represents about 400,000 people. The constitution is a living, breathing document, and its 25 year old provision is still in place. If a 25 year old is able to represent 400,000 (or more) people in today’s day and age, is an 18 year old not able to represent the 10,000 person average Senate constituency? (roughly 150,000 V.I. residents divided by the amount of Senators- rough figure = 10,000)

As I said before, I have no problem admitting that I would probably not vote for an 18 year old for elective office due mostly to questions regarding experience. The reasons given by previous posters, however, (sex, drugs, violence) reveal the most vile of stereotypes of the youth of the Virgin Islands, I cannot accept that rationale in good faith.

By the way- I fully believe that a 21 year old with a prestigious degree and experience living with the people and knowing their concerns can represent their island in the Senate far better than some current and former Senators ever can/could have- “I need big suits;” “I can’t pronounce the name Diageo, nor comprehend the contract;” etc. etc.

Though I do not agree with most positions of the “Educator”, you guys must admit that in addition to being intelligent she has one more positive attribute: she is BLESSED with much PHYSICAL BEAUTY!

I would like to debate the issues of the Proposed Constitution and present arguments supported by evidence. I would definitely rebut each and all opposing contradictions and fallacies, but I really do not see a need for debate, for the lines are already drawn. No one is changing anyone else’s mind.

Our generation has to be accountable for something positive and historical during our lifetime.

No debate: In the final analysis, as a native, I will vote for the Constitution.

Paraphrasing from a leader out of F’sted: If not this, then what? If not now, then when? If not us, then WHOM?

My whole “point” is how NEGATIVE one person who professes to be an EDUCATOR” can be. Are you “educating” our precious jewels who,(if they became senators) would be nothing more than “sex-crazed killers, who would legislate the use of marijuana on school campuses, sexual intercourse on school campuses, and the issuance of assult rifles to gang members”. Ms Petersen, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO OUR JEWELS IN THE YOUR CLASSROOM? Your bag needs to be checked DAILY. I PRAY that your immediate supervisor(principal, assistant-principal, department head or SOMEONE,A N Y O N E)keeps an eye on YOU.

You must have a reason for calling yourself dense. Why?

What is your point? Educate me on which states allow 18-year olds to run to be a senator?

Tell me, PLEASE, that you are NOT an “EDUCATOR” in these our Virgin Islands of the United States.

I am delighted that you’re attending an Ivy League institution. Are you studying political science or taking a reading course? It is obvious that you lack proficiency in the English language.

A question is not an assertion. I would like to know if there is any state that allows 18-year olds to run for senator or governor.I have not thoroughly read the constitution of all 50 states and have been researching the issue on the Internet. If you or another more informed and politically astute young mind have the answer, please enlightened me. Perhaps,you misunderstood or misinterpreted what I have written. Let me make it clear, I do not consider all teenagers to be “alcoholic, sex-crazed killers.” This was neither explicitly stated or implied.

The manner in which you responded to my post indicates you are immature and naive: “I suggest you read up on political science or stop posting.” Everyone is entitled to an opinion. It is not necessary to resort to such remarks. You are allowing your hormones to rule you. Debate the issue; give the justification for not having any age restrictions to run for a political position in the three branches of government. Correct any incorrect information that appear in my post. I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Explain the writing of Gerard Emanuel. Assume everyone is not as wise as you are. As far as I am concern, the information by the delegate is unintelligible and only serves to confuse the readers.Nevertheless, I appreciate the fact that he is respectful;he does not make personal attacks.

Examine Article I of the U.S. Constitution: “No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years…”Did the drafters of this document stereotyped all persons under the age of 30 as being incapable of serving as a U.S. Senator?

“It is ludicrous to think that an 18-year old could have the authority to propose & approve laws that govern the citizenry of the VI. They are presently not qualify to purchase alcohol or enter a night club. Can you imagine the type of legislation a teenager would propose
*Allowing other teenagers to purchase alcohol
*Making gambling & sexual intercourse legal on school campuses.
*Legalizing marijuana & the distribution of it on school campuses.
*Proposing that assault rifles should be issued to gang members for protection from the police.
”

to try to backtrack, you say:

“It is my opinion that 18-year old “adults” are not “qualify” to purchase alcohol or enter nightclubs.”

Try again. It is shameful that you would STEREOTYPE the young people of the Virgin Islands as alcoholic, sex-crazed killers. For someone who claims to love our constitution, you shamelessly abandon its principles with your odious stereotyping. We are young, talented and BLESSED! Most of all, we are the future. I refuse to be stereotyped by you. Thanks.

“Check the constitutions of all 50 states and tell me if any of them allows an 18-year to be a senator”

Can you provide an example of a state in which 18 year olds ARENT ALLOWED to run? It is a shame that you, an obviously older person, would have such an unfortunate penchant for consistently spewing falsehoods on the internet. Your “debate” against the scholar Mr. Emanuel was atrocious.

You are another example of the “daddy-state” mindstate that seeks to destroy and underestimate us young people of the Virgin Islands. I am currently working for a US Senator. I have achieved much in my short life, and have been embraced by many people. It is a shame that many old folk (who, by the way, are responsible for the degradation of values which created this violence epidemic) don’t realize that what you say out of your mouth will come true! Keep degrading and underestimating the youth!

I currently attend an Ivy League institution. I work for a prestigious national figure. They love me up here, and don’t think I’m “too young!” This is why we won’t come back!!!! Think highly of our young people. THe troubled ones will then start to see themselves as descendants of royalty (or Presidents-Barack Obama .

You ask:
“Why not allow 18-year olds to run for governor?”

THe governorship requires significantly more executive decision making skills. Senators merely relay the passions of the people and produce legislation to reflect (in theory, at least) the will of the people.

I suggest you read up on political science or stop posting. Your uninformed assertions may (god forbid) influence others!