Gen Z, don’t blow it. Fight for America's future and vote.

I read with astonishment the article regarding the dilemma facing young voters this year.

I would like to offer my advice as a boomer.

First, the guiding principle for many of my generation is the famous quote from John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." It seems that many of our young voters are unaware of this. I suggest they adopt this principle as their own.

Second, I encourage these young voters to get on their computers, tablets or phones and do some research. I believe they will find that many of their concerns have been or will be addressed with a Democratic victory in November. Democrats need to win back the House of Representatives, maintain control of the Senate and re-elect Joe Biden. We need informed and energized voters of all age groups to accomplish this task.

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I offer some examples in answer to their concerns: one 23-year-old was quoted that she's "angry that Biden and Democrats have failed to protect reproductive rights or wipe out student loans." A little research will show that is the Republican House of Representatives that has not allowed Biden to wipe out student loans. And, as far as reproductive rights, it was Trump and Republicans who led the fight to overturn Roe v Wade. Biden and Democrats have promised to codify reproductive rights if there is a Democratic Senate, House and Biden is re-elected. I hope young women like the 23-year-old vote for their bodily autonomy.

Another example cited was that "...young voters often feel disillusioned because lawmakers suppress their participation." Republican state legislatures around the country have been behind most (all) voter suppression laws. I challenge these voters to research the "John Lewis Voting Rights Act" championed by Democrats which when passed would guarantee national voting rights.

Yet another example was, "...one longstanding concern young voters have is that they often feel as if they lack enough information to make a decision." Once again, I suggest they do some research. They might Google a topic like "policy differences between Democrats and Republicans." Which party more closely fits their needs?

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And I would like to remind voters like Emersyn Ware, 18, who said she was likely to vote for Trump because "...the cost of groceries and gas are among her biggest worries, along with overspending by the federal government, including aid to Ukraine," that four years ago shelves were empty, thousands of Americans were dying due to COVID, supply chains were disrupted, and inflation was over 10%. Democrats under Biden brought the economy back with lower inflation that the rest of the world and little disruption to our economy (soft landing instead of recession). As far as aid to Ukraine, I suggest she and other young voters Google what happened when the world didn't stand up to Hitler in 1939.

Finally, I would like to remind young voters of the effect we boomers had on our country. We made this country better by passing voting rights legislation, championed women's rights, focused attention on the environment (upcoming Earth Day came from us), and encouraged democracy around the world. We also protested and voted to ensure the rights of all our fellow Americans. We were and are an active generation. I'm proud to be a boomer. Now it's your turn to take up the fight for our country's future. Don't blow it.

Ray Lowe is a resident of West Palm Beach.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: This election needs Gen Z. What do you stand for as an American?