teenagers in government: mon mothma, padme, and leia.

Leia Organa of Alderaan was the youngest senator ever elected, while Mon Mothma of Chandrila was the previous record holder for youngest senator. We also know that Padme Amidala of Naboo was fairly young when she was elected senator, after being queen.

Leia was ~16 when she got elected. Do we know who is older, Padme or Mon Mothma, or who was elected first? and how old's bail organa, who seems to be hanging out with these teenaged politicians?

Is it their youthful idealism that gets them elected? or the fact that they appear too young to have been corrupted by the sliminess that has caused the republic to falter? or were they pushed to the senate as pawns of various political players -- we know that Padme's ascension to queen was part of a larger game of control by palpatine, but she ended up becoming her own player and not a pawn of other forces.

is it a wise thing to have teenagers as elected politicians? yes, these were groomed to be leaders... but they might not be old enough to even vote, be drafted, buy intoxicants, etc...

 

Essentially the idea is that teenagers are idealists and less likely to be corrupted by the essential pressures of society and be stronger advocates for change.

Honestly, I believe its a better idea than the essential patronage system that guarantees that very few leaders ever arrive who are dynamic or interesting.

 

Just a thought, we don't really know the age at which people can vote, be drafted, etc. in the GFFA. For all we know it is 16, that's not ever really addressed.

As for the young senators thing, maybe Alderaan, Naboo, and Chandrila have this thing about youngsters being in power? Anyways, I always figured Bail was probably in his 30's at the time of RotS, putting him only about 10 years older than Padme and Mon Mothma (I could be way off on the age thing though). Since he's apparently pretty idealistic it's not to far of a stretch for him to hang out with the younger senators. I mean if they're mature and intelligent enough to get elected there's no real reason not to socialize with them.

 

Anyways, I always figured Bail was probably in his 30's at the time of RotS, putting him only about 10 years older than Padme and Mon Mothma

There is no way Jimmy Smits looks to be in his "thirties".

As for the culture thing: the AoTC VD states that Naboo citizens values idealism and innocence over other (perhaps more political) traits, and as a consequence often raise people far beyond their abilities (ie Jar Jar).

 

the AoTC VD states that Naboo citizens values idealism and innocence over other (perhaps more political) traits,

that explains the Naboo ministry of cookiees and pizza

 

You could say it's ridiculous, but there trillions of peope in the galaxy, and the people running things are the cream of their crop. Padme is Naboo's best. Her daughter inherited her brilliant mind and Anakin's will and passion.

Mon Mothma was the best her world had to offer. So, in this world, youth is marginalized and sexualized, but in the jaded GFFA, substance is valued, regardless from whom it comes. Their success is encouraged. From a very young age, their brightness is cherished and supported and nurtured.

If only earth people had such priorities, what a world we would have.

 

I'll take anything over Cal Omas's utterly generic and forgettable character.

And chief of state is a way to say a title; SW has made it a title. They need to have a better one, and not cliche president. Somethign exotic and regal.

Villie's grin, Conquest actually just called him "the chief!" Ruler of a galaxy, and you're a chief?

 

Why does old Bail Organa hangin around all these young teenage senators anyways mon mothma young and padme young. Then you have Leia but i'm not going there with this hahaha. How many other young female human senators does Bail Organa hang around ??

 

Senators?!?

Have you seen his assistant?

Him and his wife must have an "open marriage".