BOO TO MCCAIN!!

Most years, the older folks vote because they feel it's a duty that comes with citizenship. In 2008, from the comments I'm hearing from the under 30 crowd, they'll be out voting, not out of duty, but because they're so irate about how the US is being run. They see the future problems that our government's actions are causing (global warming, lack of international support, the choice between insurance or planning for retirement )and see how they will be directly affecting them in the next 20-40 years when all the people who are making these decisions will be dead and unaffected by the consequences.

#1 This kid should have already known Senator McCain's stance on this subject. It's been known for years. The fact that the Senator hasn't changed his opinion in a decade shouldn't shock the kid.

#2 Why are people saying that Senator McCain is so full of it? I feel that he is, but so is every other candidate. So spare me that argument.

#3 The kid disrespected the Senator, and the Senator fired back with his own version of sarcasm. So guess what, they are even. This is blown way out of proportion.

#4 Personal opinion should be left out of politics. Sure McCain disagrees with gay marriage, but there should be something in law that states that the economic benefits obtained from marriage should be allowed for same-sex couples who wish to do so...

"IT WAS FEDERAL LAW THAT TOOK THAT AWAY FROM GAY PEOPLE."

Bukky, I'm a single straight guy. I can't marry another man either. I CAN marry a woman.

Bukky – are YOU allowed to marry someone of the opposite sex just like me?

Again – WHERE have gays lost any rights? Cause it looks like the same rules apply to me (straight) that applies to you (gay).

You wrote, "I'm not for anarchy, but it's healthy to question authority. I've got a brain, I intend on continuing to use it."

Mike – it wasn't Sleazer's question that was rude. It was his parting comment "I came looking to see a leader. I don't" – which is uncalled for.

What's absolutely amazing is the clouded judgement most of you seem to have – applauding this insulant behavior. Again – it's ok to have a DIALOGUE that is respectful...but demeaning personal insults (especially coming from a kid to one of the few POW/Veteran and seemingly honest political leaders) – crosses the line of decency.

But – we'll just count you in the "Kewl Dude" column.

You said, "So much for free speech then eh? "

No one would expect a blind partisan hack from Chicago to understand many of us don't approve of teenage punks insulting our country leaders. But IMAGINE, Rick, for just a minute... that we ALL live in a free country to express our beliefs. Sleazer can be disrespectful...and those of us who are appauled can write in comments on a blog.

WHERE exactly did anyone lose their free speech rights, Ricky?

Hey I'm 25 and don't particularly agree with McCain's views, but I would have shown him a lot more respect than that sleazeball kid. There was a more respectful way of stating his opinion of McCain's views.

Posted By Mark, Sacramento, CA : September 4, 2007 5:54 pm
If you're going to comment about grammar and how the educational system is so lacking, you might want to re-read your own post. Sentences almost never are correctly started with "And" (as yours shows) and for the other bolded part, all proper sentences require a verb.

I occasionally find myself making the "their" mistake in email and blogs. It's never a sign of lack of grammatical knowledge on my part, just a lack of proofreading and becoming so accustomed to typing too quickly.

Curious, California : September 4, 2007 5:17 pm
From all interactions that I've had with LGBTs, they encourage people to "be yourself" and just want the same respect in return. I can't think of one anecdote about gay couples who adopt or have children by other means where the child has been encouraged to be anything other than his/herself. Gays believe that you are born a homosexual, so no amount of encouragement could turn their straight child gay even if they wanted.

Young people like these New Hampshire students who question authority give me hope for the future. Their families and school system should be proud.

I personally consider the incorrect usage of there, when it should be their or they're offensive. Improper use of to, too and two offends me as well.

The folks that fail to see McCain's use of 'little jerk' as a humorous attempt need to take a week off, pop a top, put on some good tunes and chill for a while.

The kid's remark was in poor taste, but he's a kid. If it were my kid, he'd get a quick tune-up when he got home and hopefully learm a lesson about showing respect. But again, he's just a kid. Maybe he got a date for Friday's football game because he made such a 'kewl' comment.

Lighten up and enjoy life,

As for the "little jerk...you're drafted" comment, are you people kidding? Who cares? It was funny and even if you didn't find humor, that was the intent. McCain is one of the few Republicans that I've seen on Jon Stewart and he's been on there numerous times. His banter with Stewart is always good for entertainment since their views usually don't mesh. On the Daily Show, he uses much of the same types of tongue-in-cheek comments to reach an audience that includes many individuals from high school.

Lastly, as for the Sleaster comments, I applaud the student & McCain for his back and forth. The last comment might have been over the line, but I don't think it was entirely inappropriate. I think that McCain's attempts to claim that he doesn't discriminate, but then endorses policies of discrimination such as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and banning gay marriage is hypocritical and Sleaster called him on it. It's good that leaders realize why people disagree with them and is something that Bush could take a few notes on, seeing how he bans anyone with differing opinions from even being in his sight when speaking. The fact that the student was scolded by an adminstrator is pathetic, too. I could understand if Sleaster cursed or did something that violated school policy, but stating that you're not impressed with someone's leadership abilities should be encouraged if you're not impressed. Part of the problem with our political system is that we're allowing politicians to isolate themselves from the dissent that exists to the point that many politicians don't seem to understand how many disagree with them and for what reasons.

McCain was kidding with the kid who got to say his disrespectful piece probably prodded by his parents.

No big deal, he was kidding with the kid, non-story.

States have to respect the laws of other states, sure, but it works both ways, bud. One state's laws do not trump other state's laws. If the age of consent in your state is 12, and you (pretend you're 30+) decide to bring your 13 year old girlfriend to my state and have sex somewhere... You're breaking the law in my state. If you want to be governed by the laws of your state, STAY in your state.

Why can't people see that having more powerful states would be a great thing for this country? In fact, this was the way things were intended to be. With 40% of the country passionately hating another 40% of the country, and vice versa... with opinions on many issues being diametrically opposed and unresolvable, it would be in the best interests of everyone if states made policy on these divisive issues.

All one would have to do is move to a state that has the right laws for their pet issues. Case closed.

There would be so much less hatred and infighting when people finally stopped feeling that their rights were being threatened by others.

Oh, and another thing that we have conveniently forgot about the Constitution and our original system... In the general election the first place winner was named President, and the second place finisher was named Vice President. Just think of how much less divisive national elections would be under that system. Currently, HALF of the American people feel unrepresented in the White House EVERY election, but under the original system people would no longer cease to feel represented.

This would do a great deal to ease tensions in our country, and begin to bring us all back together.

I do like how he handled himself at this event, though. All Americans need to learn a little about how to disagree with someone without being disagreeable. We really need to learn respect others whether or not we agree with their ideas.

Instead most Americans (evidenced by how many people cheered on this kid for insulting a politician they don't approve of) labor to validate their positions by merely insulting, ridiculing, and slinging mud at anyone with different ideas.

And to the person who mentioned that they would prefer this outspoken, but rude, young man to his quieter counterparts... I would say to you that the more you talk, the less you think.

While it is possible this young man is brilliant, diplomatic, and eloquent with a bright future ahead of him, I am confident that among the quieter students you will find kids with more wisdom and more potential.

Also, with MTV, Hollywood, and other media outlets insuring that BGLT issues are 'in', I don't find it the slightest bit impressive that a high school kid comes up with something like this to talk about.

Show me a high school kid with informed opinions on international issues beyond just "War is bad", show me a kid who has some understanding of the social security predicament, show me a kid who has thought about the problems plaguing our nation and the world in general, a kid who cares about solving these problems and bringing people together more than just being the center of attention and demonstrating his or her 'coolness' and 'strength' by disrespecting those in authority... And I'll show you our future.

I love Democracy. It's a beautiful thing with unlimited potential... in either direction. When voters are uneducated and unaware of ALL the major issues (awareness of one issue is not enough), it spells doom for a democracy.

I hate to tell you this, but just like our politicians, just like us, this generation of kids is just more of the same. It is going to take a leader who comes from outside of the system to help wake us all up... And honestly I hope we don't have to wait 20 years for the high school students of today to get old enough to run.

We need change now. We need large-scale reconciliation now.

Also, to all of you questioning McCain's leadership, what leadership background do any of YOU have? This man was a former Naval Officer from one of the world's best military institutions. He has more experience as a military leader and as a leader in Congress than any of us will ever have. To disagree with his politics is one thing but to make such remarks about his leadership is ignorant.

McCain has joked about the war before and I find this man to be mentally unstable in how he reacts to certain situations.

In addition, he's a Bush clone and there's no way I want him leading this country!

Way to go kids – give em hell!

- Theodore Roosevelt

I know something about McCain though. He was beaten and tortured for 7 years in Hanoi for that little "Parent-less" child who thought it wise to look suave in front of a school that probabley rejects him anyway. Queers aren't as accepted as alot of you left wingers may think.

Liberals. What a bunch of wimps. For those of you who don't know what "wimp" means, here's a little riddle for you: Weak In Mountain Phase. If you know what I'm talking about, you'll agree with me. Rangers Lead the Way – Followed closely by leg infantry and the M-1's!

Posted By G Jones Vista CA

Clearly you are not smarter than a highschooler, maybe not even a 5th grader.

What the federal goverment does greatly affects the states b/c the federal government trumps the state. The reason the STATES don't have to recognized gay marriage is because of DOMA.

The FEDERAL defense of marriage act is a FEFERAL law from the clinton era. with out this FEDERAL law all 50 state would have to recognize all marriages conducted in Massachusetts not just the straight ones.

In general one state by FEDERAL law MUST "respect" (meaning give it weight and not dismiss) the laws of another state. That is why you can marry in CA and move to TX, CO, ND or any other state without issue. The state you move to MUST respect your marriage.

IT WAS FEDERAL LAW THAT TOOK THAT AWAY FROM GAY PEOPLE.

Whether you like it or not the Kid had point and you are looking not that bright

Here's to asking real questions and recognizing the most important part of politics- that it isn't just talking, but that it really, truly affects people's lives. When apathy is the most crippling disease in our schools something like this makes me proud.

But YMMV.