This is a complex issue. It takes a bit of thought to come up with reasons why I hypothetically disagree with you other than the fact that you are taking away rights.
I agree that those using the government's systems are generally going to vote for more free stuff.
That's a problem with democracy, we assume the population is good and will vote for what's best. We hope that people will be willing to vote so that everybody has equal rights. Democracy works best if everybody follows the golden rule and treats others as they want to be treated (and love's thy neighbors).
The fact that someone has fallen on hard times doesn't mean we should worsen the matter by neglecting their voice. If anything, they might have some helpful insight to prevent others from sharing their fate. If somebody is abusing the government systems, we need to fix the system. When we give people without jobs as much money as they would make if they went out and got a job, they find no reason to work. I think instead of taking away votes of the poor, we need to change the welfare system, and other such systems, so that it isn't worth it to abuse it. We don't need to punish those who are using it correctly.
One factor that makes this difficult is you need to determine the net effect of an individual on the government. Over the course of their life, are they helping or hurting the US? If somebody has worked for 20 years, then is on unemployment for a few months, do they loose their voting rights? Can somebody who is on unemployment for most of their lives just get a job at McDonald's every four years in November when they want to vote, and then quit shortly after?
It's interesting how 'Rights' can be taken away. If you commit a crime, you often loose your 'right' to bear arms (depending on how you interpret that right.) Most 'rights' are really just rewards you get for following the law. With that being said, I disagree with the real you and I'm leaning toward the hypothetical you. You "DO NOT" agree with this in any way, and none of that was your opinion, etc. I have a hard time arguing against it though, because I think I agree with it.
I know it's not perfect, but I don't see anything immediately wrong with suggesting that voting is a reward earned by those who contribute to society.
Voting is already messed up. People, myself included, often vote for issues and candidates based on how they are presented, not on the actual ideals behind them. Maybe making people earn votes will motivate them to work harder. If not, I doubt it will mess up the system too badly.
This topic is draining me. I'm overwhelmed thinking about the voting system in America, the motivations behind people's actions, all kinds of psychology stuff (like how people can manipulate others to vote certain ways), how effective I think Democracies are, and many other things.
I keep typing and deleting entire paragraphs and thought processes, and the only reason this posts looks like it does is because I decided to post it at the time I did. Had I worked on it for another hour, it would look nothing like what you see now.
I don't know my opinion, and I keep counter-arguing any points I try to make. Next can we please discuss something that doesn't involve the whole government process. (My brain is a soft goo, like an overcooked noodle straight out of a Magic Bullet)
I'm not sure whether I should end this with a frustrated scream, or a moan of despair.
(Sorry I didn't quote any philosophers or anything - unless you count Barney Stinson)
