One vote rarely makes a difference, but the real point of voting is to send a message. The message to politicians has been loud and clear: Young people do not matter because they do not vote.

If you need evidence, look at where a huge part of our government money goes: Medicare. I love old people; however, if I had to choose between giving excellent care to the very old or the very young, I would choose the young. Good nutrition, good health care and good education will pay dividends for 50 to 70 years. Medicare is expensive and it helps people in their last, unproductive years.

As much as I would like to tell you how to vote, all that really matters is that you do vote. Those who vote get the goods. And if you can vote and fund the campaign, you get lots of goods. Looking at what has happened to the cost of public education in the last five years, not voting may cost students a fortune. It was youth voting that helped end the draft.

Think about it!

Terry Lowman

Ames