Experiment in Democracy

Let's try something today.  The next young person who you think looks like they are over 18 (old enough to vote guys... jeez-o-pete, how do we ever have a serious conversation?), ask this question:

Who is John Kerry?

No fair asking the kid at your table who is studying for his/her AP finals, just ask a stranger.

They will get full credit for any of the following answers:

• The new Secretary of State
• Senior Senator from Massachusetts 
• A Senator
• A guy from New England
• The Swift Boat guy
• The guy who ran against W.
• A one time presidential contender
• Wasn't his mom a Forbes?
• The guy on TV who kind of looks like Guy Smiley

Extra credit if they know what the State Department is.  Zero credit if they look it up on their phone.  Zero credit if they just stare blankly.  Partial credit for any smart ass answer (because at least they had to try to think of something clever).

Now.  Remember this conversation the next time you tell me democracy is the purest form of government.  Remember that the kid you talked to has a vote that counts EXACTLY as much as yours.  Don't blame the kid.  It's not the kids' fault that we didn't educate them enough to be able to wisely choose leaders.  And it's not the kids' fault that they were born into a democracy that they now have the power to screw up as much as they like.

As far as I'm concerned, democracy is a crap shoot.

If anyone gives you a particularly funny answer, please leave it in the comments section.