THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 23, 1994 TAG: 9412220077
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Opinion
SOURCE: BY MILES DANIELS, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 92 lines
CALL IT WHAT you will, an earthquake, landslide, wipe out. It really doesn't matter how you label 1994's election results - Republicans have almost totally taken over the political arena. Today's teenagers need to understand what this means to them.
Last month's dramatic political event may have escaped most teenagers. Athletics, music, personal relationships and partying take priority over politics in the lives of teens. But in a few years, we will be tax-paying citizens with the right to vote. Decisions made by this newly elected government will greatly affect us.
Stop and think about the role government plays in our lives. It can control everything from health care to welfare.
The economy often hinges on government action, and only a healthy economy will provide the jobs we will need to buy cars and homes and to raise a family. Illegal drugs, parentless children and violent crime are destroying the family unit. Unless remedies are found, these problems will be even more troubling when our time comes to establish a family.
To fully understand the importance of the November elections, we need a clear understanding of politics.
The dominant political parties have always held opposite views. Conservative Republicans believe there should be less government in people's lives. Liberal Democrats believe government is needed to keep our system under control.
Fiscally, Republicans believe in creating tax benefits to put money into the economy and cutting social programs. Democrats are more supportive of government programs such as welfare and Social Security.
Republicans are essentially pro-life, while Democrats are usually pro-choice. Republicans stand behind voluntary school prayer, while Democrats generally want to keep church and state separate. THE REPUBLICAN AGENDA
The last time Republicans controlled Congress was 1954. No one under 40 has known what it was like to be lead by moderate and right-wing conservatives.
For their first 100 days, Republicans will be concentrating on their ``Contract With America,'' a set of 10 bills to be considered immediately upon their taking office, said Megan Lott, organizational director for the teenage division of the Republican national party. ``And then once those are accomplished, I think that what you will see is then another set of 10 or maybe five. . . issues that are more complicated, or that can't be done in such a sweeping way.''
Should these bills pass, we will begin to see the difference between the way Republicans run things as opposed to the Democrats. A big difference will be the amount of power the federal government will hand to states.
Crime will be a major focus of the Republicans who believe that the United States has failed to get a handle on its growing crime problem. One proposed change includes mandatory minimum sentences for crimes involving the use of firearms and drug crimes.
More than $10 billion for state prison construction and a requirement that convicted criminals pay victims for damages are the most significant parts of the GOP crime plan.
The Republicans want to reform the welfare system to reduce government dependency and attack illegitimacy. They would require welfare recipients to enter work programs and cap total welfare spending.
Under this bill, teen mothers' Aid to Families with Dependent Children payments could drastically change. Mothers under 18 may no longer receive AFDC payments for children born out of wedlock, and mothers who are between 18 and 20 could be cut off from housing benefits.
Teenagers might have more job opportunities because taxes may be lowered on investments. Regulations to create additional jobs, enhance wages and recognize private property rights may also come to pass. THE BOTTOM LINE
Like it or not, Republicans are in for a while.
``I really think the new leadership has learned from past mistakes and is basically going to be a lot more focused and concentrated in what they're going to try to do,'' said Lott.
So, what does all this really mean to America's teens? By the time today's high school freshmen and sophomores are out of school, our country could be very different.
Current juniors and seniors will be able to vote in the 1996 presidential elections. They could have a strong input on who runs the country then, and many politicos are predicting that a Republican president will replace Clinton.
Whatever the outcome, we, the people, including teenagers, will have to live with the results. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Miles Daniels is a senior at Manteo High School.
by CNB