Teens and young voters, page 2

(Graphic from the Middle Tennessee State University website)

The Gore sisters stressed the importance of young involvement in politics. Karenna Gore Schiff pointed out that many of the issues at stake in the current election would affect American youth more than other group. She highlighted the potential failures of Medicare and Social Security as problems that new voters should worry about for their future. "If we wake up and find that abortion is a crime," she continued, "it will be younger women who suffer most. If the economy tanks, it is people at the beginning of their careers who will feel it most. When we hear politicians talking about the future, there are no one's lives that this applies to more than us."

In her remarks to the packed room, Karenna spoke about the "ironic detachment" that many young people feel in a political system that often appears to be dominated by big business.

"I have felt the flaws of special interest funding," she said. "They push us away. But this year, in election 2000 we must break that trend; we are much more powerful than people realize... What we say and do if we speak and act will decide the fate of the nation."

"Our generation has been dismissed as being too self-involved to be involved, but those charges don't hold water," Karenna told the cheering crowd. "Volunteerism is on the rise. Young people are passionate about this country."

Kristin Gore spoke about the "inspiring energy" she saw among young people. She touted the VP's campaign as well. "My father is extremely tuned in to the issues of young people. He is committed to maintaining a vital and consistent dialogue with young people," she said.

Julia Cohen, Executive Director of Youth Vote 2000, praised the Vice President's willingness to talk with young people directly.

"It was amazing to see so many young people so excited about the election and to hear about Vice President Gore's commitment to a youth forum," said Cohen. "One of the most important ways to engage young people in this election is for the presidential candidates themselves to engage in dialogue with young people themselves."

The first step

Gore participates in MTV Choose or Loose forum

Appearing in casual attire in front of a crowd of some 150 young people, many of them students at the University of Michigan, Gore did his best to encourage those in the audience and those watching at home to register and vote in November's election.

"There are a lot of young people who have kind of stayed away from the political process. There is a lot of disillusionment. Try to fight through that," said the Democratic Party presidential nominee. "You need to get actively involved in registering to vote and voting. Don't let anyone tell you that it doesn't make a difference and that you cannot change the world."

One by one, Gore took questions from the audience in an MTV format made famous by President Clinton during his 1992 quest for the presidency.

* In response to a question about Napster, Gore said, "it's a great technology, but it can only be used over the long term if they find a way to protect the rights of the artist. If you make something then people take it for nothing, well... intellectual property is still property."

* He reiterated his support for abortion rights and "access to appropriate sex education, family planning and programs including abstinence but all the range of options."

* He promised that "a ban on racial profiling will be the first civil rights act of the 21st century," if a panel convened by President Clinton finds enough evidence to support an executive order outlawing the practice.

An MTV-Kaiser poll released on Monday revealed that many young people, while passionate about certain issues, are unlikely to vote. In fact, the survey found that less than half of the 18-24 year-olds intend to go to the polls in November.

"The Supreme Court that is picked by the next president -- three maybe even four justices -- will interpret the Constitution for the next 30 or 40 years, until you're my age," Gore said. "And so, you have a lot riding on whether or not civil rights, equal rights, women's rights are protected in the philosophical choices made by the next president."

During the final, rapid-fire session of q&a at the end of the program, Gore said he would cast Tommy Lee Jones to play him were a film ever to be made of his life. He also confessed that Sister Hazel was the CD that could be currently found in his CD player. And he said he would invite Lenny Kravitz to play at his inaugural ball if he is elected.

Joining the Vice President at his appearance in Michigan was his eldest daughter, Karenna Gore Schiff, who later took part in an online chat at ChooseorLose.com following the program's broadcast.

MTV has a long-standing invitation to George W. Bush to take part in a similar forum with young people. Bush has declined to make such an appearance on MTV and declined all interviews with the channel since January.

On the Contrary by Mary (age 16), our special youth correspondent

How do I tell you this horrible tale?
The loss of your freedom,
to be thrown into jail
because of your race, your sex, your age,
your religious beliefs, they're all on a page
in a little black book they carry around.
Don't like this person?
K, they're goin' down.

How can I sing you this terrible song?
of corruption and scandals
and what else went wrong?
The officials were treated with utmost care,
while workers and peasants were disfavored there.

What can I tell you to make you believe?
All the death and the hatred made people grieve.
Kids used to run in the streets without care
Now what held them back?
The army was there.

But that has all changed,
that life is gone.
But you can remember
and carry it on.
Keep what you've learned,
and remember it well
so you don't endure the nightmarish hell.

Or is it that different?
I'd like to ponder.
Yet as I think on this,
my mind seems to wander.
I'm praying for safety.
For me and for you,
I hope we don't have
a Holocaust 2.