Just a few days ago, a former JFK student paid a visit to Ms. Sandstedt's Colorado History and AP American History classes, to receive feed back on a new theory. The former JFK student presented the classes with the idea that "Americans should not be born with the right to vote, but the right to vote is a privilege that must be earned". He explained that in is experience of working on campaigns for the past two elections, he has come to learn that many voters-the newest generation of voters in particular-do not possess the adequate knowledge to best elect the future of our country. In order to solve this "problem"-as he calls it-he has proposed that in order to receive the right to vote one must take and pass a test. The test which would be similar to that of a driving test would test the person's knowledge on both political history of America and political current events.

As an American citizen and a member of the new generation of voters, I not only disagreed with this theory but was offended by it. My first concern is that the theory is unconstitutional and is a direct contradiction of the 14 th Amendment which grants " the right to vote at any election for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives of Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of the state... ". This theory also challenges the 15 th amendment (suffrage for blacks), 19 th amendment (suffrage for women), and 26 th amendment (suffrage for 18 year olds).

Aside from being unconstitutional, this theory totally disregards the lives that were lost and burdened in order to give us that right. It also disregards the many activists who tried, failed, and pressed on for so long, to ensure that each citizen who wishes receives that right. To hand pick who could be granted the right to vote would be a giant step back wards, reaching back to the time of the Jim Crow laws. I understand the fact that there some people who are more "political" than others and more understanding to the current events that surround our nation. But that does not classify them as more American then their less political neighbor.

As citizens of the United States the laws grants us all as equal, with equal rights, which include the right to vote. And as American voters it is not imperative that we know that Franklin D. Roosevelt established the New Deal Plans after the Great Depression or that Representative from Illinois is the oldest speaker in the House. As Americans we know what affects us and what's around us and for that reason we are able to take part in electing our national officials and local laws.