It’s not that I don’t love getting youth involved in politics…

…Or that I even like the planned Trans Texas Corridor. Personally I think it’s colossal waste of time, taxpayer dollars, and will run roughshod over individual property rights for farmers and ranchers…two professions that aren’t having the easiest time right now.

I do, however, have a big problem when kids are used as props, even just a little and in a benign way…like here.

For Peyton Gilbert, the battle over the Trans-Texas Corridor is reminiscent of the moment in 1836 when Lt. Col. William Travis drew a line in the sand at the Alamo and invited those willing to fight thousands of Mexican soldiers to step across.

“That line in the sand is the Trans-Texas Corridor, and it’s a threat to our sovereignty again, just like at the Alamo,” said Gilbert, 14, who is from Whitehouse, near Tyler.

He’s 14. I’m sure there are better things for a 14 year old to do on a Saturday afternoon that hit a political rally. I agree with the kid (though the allusion might just be a tad on the melodramatic side) and I don’t fault his parents for bringing him. He sounds pretty well informed…more so than most voters.

But, regardless, at 14 he should be out playing instead of seeing the raw and untamed side of democracy. Let kids be kids and let the adults give the quotes (insert wag of the winger at the Austin-American Statesman). I’m sure they could have found a lead in that story that didn’t quote a teenager…maybe an actual expert instead. Kudos to the kid, but take it from me, you only get to be a kid once. Make the most of it.

~ by Sean on April 6, 2008.