Reply #46: I agree the ultimate responsibility is with the individual. [View All]

[lazyriver]

I assumed that responsibility myself, even before the age of the internet, so I know how easily it can be done. However, I also think we are missing out on a major opportunity to bring real democracy back to America by doing so little to teach our young people about the importance of the process. I grew up in northern NJ in a county with some of the best rated public schools in the country at the time. Most schools in that county required driver education in high school just like they required health education (general health, nutrition, and sex ed). Basic Civics wasn't even offered as an elective. They squeezed a little in with History I & II. They made sure all the males were informed about registering for selective service (in gym class, during workshops on preparing for college, and through guidance counselors and even sports coaches), but the only time I remember hearing anything about registering to vote was during driver ed when the teacher made a bad joke about being called for jury duty if you registered to vote when you went to get your driver's license. I'm glad to hear you were exposed to civics early, wish I was and wish more people were. Perhaps, if we all were, there would be far fewer people like the young lady described by the OP.