As long as we’re talking about changing voting requirements, let’s talk Robert A. Heinlein and “Starship Troopers.” (the novel, not the worthless movie)

I don’t mean to point out minor gaps in Wretchard et al.’s encyclopedic knowledge, but I am always looking for a discussion about Heinlein and his ideas about citizenship. For those BCers who haven’t read “Starship Troopers,” Heinlein proposes a system of government where the franchise is limited to those who have, in some way or another, served their nation. While this usually means military service, an individual who couldn’t cut it in the military may still prove their dedication to community over self and earn the right to vote and run for office.

I’ve put some serious thought into this, and I have never come up with a better way of ensuring a better voter and a better class of politician. Heinlein is dismissed as a fascist, but really was a free-speech loving libertarian with ideas way ahead of his time.