This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It's always amusing to read a hand-wringing opinion piece written by a political science professor. Michael Lyons provided a prime example ("What we need is less democracy, not more," June 7).
First, the academic deplores the current state of democracy. Then, he moves on to a misty eyed, vague reference to the good old days. Next, he segues to an ivory tower explanation of seniors' great advantage: "They often have flexibility in their time, reducing their 'cost of participation' in politics."
In other words, seniors spend some of their spare time going to town hall meetings, writing emails and letters to their representatives and even going so far as to meet them. Worst of all, seniors actually vote!
It's a crying shame that the rest of us can't do the same, what with our busy schedules. Heck, we can barely squeeze in four hours a day to watch television.
What we need is more participation, not less.
Jim Schnitter
Salt Lake City