Congratulations to all, who have made it until the 20th birthday of your life. You just achieved the joy of reaching your twenties, thus acquiring the right to vote for your opinion. Now by the law of your state, you are a rightful intelligence that can make his/her own opinion.

   No, wait. Seriously? Before any other words, I'd like to ask what you did to earn this right. The right to vote is far easier to qualify than any other rights. For example, as a person preparing for the CPA(Certified Public Accountant) I have to study the tax law, intermediate accounting, financial management, financial accounting, cost accounting, macro and micro economy to qualify as a person who can audit corporate financial statements.

   Contrast to this CPA qualification, what did most of the people who just turned twenty do to earn the right to vote? Some might have independent opinion and formed their own interest groups. Even better, they might have studied about government structure, politics and etc. Unfortunately, most of us do not qualify as an "independent person who can form independent opinion."

   You don't turn twenty and suddenly become enlightened. I've seen many people who have formed their opinion based on some believable resources. Or worse, I've seen some people fall into the tricks of some political propaganda. Like it or not, we are potential victims of political popularism.

   I'd like to recall the recent Seoul mayor by-election. The twenties were 'moved' or what so ever to Ahn Chul-Soo, voting for Park Won-soon. How many people do you think had formed their opinion independent from the media? Did you really believe that Park Won-soon will be a good mayor of Seoul city? Did you vote for him because you know his words, background, and ability? Or did you vote for him because you thought it was the right thing to do?

   I am not trying to say that the twenties should not vote. But I am worried that we are depreciating the value of our vote by not forming our 'real' opinion. You can have a right wing opinion or a left wing opinion. Politics loves dispute, for it brings development and distribution equally. Being in the opposite side of the desk does not mean he/she is wrong, evil, or a capitalist scum. Make your stance, and make sure it's yours.

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