16-year-olds to be able to vote at next General Election in landmark shake-up which could backfire on Labour
Announcing the reforms, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline.
“We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give sixteen-year-olds the right to vote.
“We cannot take our democracy for granted, and by protecting our elections from abuse and boosting participation we will strengthen the foundations of our society for the future.”
Something we have learned again from this and previous governments is how unreliable calendar age can be as a guide to the use of accurate adult language embedded in the real world. We have known this for a long time.
Tsz-lu said to the Master, "As the prince of Wei, sir, has been waiting for you to act for him in his government, what is it your intention to take in hand first?"
"One thing of necessity," he answered—"the rectification of terms."
"That!" exclaimed Tsz-lu. "How far away you are, sir! Why such rectification?"
"What a rustic you are, Tsz-lu!" rejoined the Master. "A gentleman would be a little reserved and reticent in matters which he does not understand. If terms be incorrect, language will be incongruous; and if language be incongruous, deeds will be imperfect. So, again, when deeds are imperfect, propriety and harmony cannot prevail, and when this is the case laws relating to crime will fail in their aim; and if these last so fail, the people will not know where to set hand or foot. Hence, a man of superior mind, certain first of his terms, is fitted to speak; and being certain of what he says can proceed upon it. In the language of such a person there is nothing heedlessly irregular—and that is the sum of the matter."
The Analects of Confucius
Tsz-lu said to the Master, "As the prince of Wei, sir, has been waiting for you to act for him in his government, what is it your intention to take in hand first?"
"One thing of necessity," he answered—"the rectification of terms."
"That!" exclaimed Tsz-lu. "How far away you are, sir! Why such rectification?"
"What a rustic you are, Tsz-lu!" rejoined the Master. "A gentleman would be a little reserved and reticent in matters which he does not understand. If terms be incorrect, language will be incongruous; and if language be incongruous, deeds will be imperfect. So, again, when deeds are imperfect, propriety and harmony cannot prevail, and when this is the case laws relating to crime will fail in their aim; and if these last so fail, the people will not know where to set hand or foot. Hence, a man of superior mind, certain first of his terms, is fitted to speak; and being certain of what he says can proceed upon it. In the language of such a person there is nothing heedlessly irregular—and that is the sum of the matter."
The Analects of Confucius
4 comments:
How does one pronounce “ Tsz-lu”, AKH?
When I was 16, I am fairly sure that I had no clue about politics, politicians or political parties. No interest either. Girls, on the other hand were a deep mystery too, but very much more interesting. Nowadays many adults seem to have the mental abilities of four year olds fighting over toys in a sand pit and beind distracted, momentarily, by the newest fad.
Call me cynical but if a poll of 16 year olds entitled to vote at the next General Election was to show a preference for voting Reform then a hasty reversal of intentions for 'reasons' would happen.
James - I don't know, could be something like Tea-lu, but may be nothing like that.
Anon 1 - I agree, 16 is too young but many adults are no better, haven't made the effort and it shows.
Anon 2 - good point, the change would suddenly be delayed by consultations and more pressing issues.
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