7 year old politics

In the spirit of the upcoming election, we have been talking to the children about our political system and the issues that go hand-in-hand with it. This has sparked some serious debate, questioning, and conversation and I am loving every second of it. I dabbled with this when Layne was 4 years old and at that point in time, he was in strong support of John McCain and most of his policies. I was informed by another adult, that there were some serious lunch table discussions going on between pro-Obama and pro-McCain 4 year olds..... which I love to hear but would have loved even more to hear the debating that was going on. 

Layne participates in Kids Vote at school and it has been interesting to hear his thoughts on local candidates. He informed me that no matter how strong your beliefs and platform are, kids are not going to vote for you if you are missing hair and look old and ugly. Sadly, I am sure that there are numerous adults that vote the same way- by appearance only.

Which brings me to Layne's presidential campaign. Layne has been working on his "platform" for some time. He has discussed in great detail the need for everyone to pay taxes if they are living here (legally or not) and fully supports the idea of placing the tax on goods and services instead of using an income tax. He also believes that there needs to be more money given to our military so they are able to get better equipment to use to protect them and also to help them live and get help when they come home or get a "normal boring job". He believes that things need to be manufactured in the good ole' USA to give more people jobs and make things safer. Most recently he even started discussing the need for the "rule makers" to start taking turns and giving new people a chance to vote on rules (term limits). He cited that in school, the children take turns being the leader and doing work, so why can't the adults who run the country. How sad is it that a 7 year old gets it and yet so many adults do not? He was asked to write in school about and this is what came home (in his own words):

"If I were president I would kick Obama out of the state and he could never come back. I would be a jeneral of the army and lead wars. I would be called Sir Layne. I would protect people more. Bie installing cameras with lazers in them. And they would shock thieves or harmful people. I believe in God and I believe in my country and say the pledge. I think that is very important when you are the boss."

He is very passionate about this career goal and maybe one day it will happen- if he can keep his charm and good looks. He has several years to change his mind and perfect things unless he succeeds in getting the minimum age requirement changed to 13 years old (which is what he'd love to have happen).