In this time of affirmative action and women's rights, many great strides have been made to dissolve the differences between the people of the United States, but I think that there is one blatant example of discrimination: age discrimination in auto insurance.

Based on a driver's age, a driver under 25 is charged more for insurance than someone older, even if they have the same number of accidents and speeding tickets. Why is this type of discrimination any different than racial, religious or gender-based discrimination?

I have written to many people about this issue and I usually get one of two responses. The first response is that it is not technically illegal to discriminate by age. I would first like to say that even though there might not be a specific sentence in the Constitution forbidding age discrimination, I believe the authors of the 14th Amendment wrote it to ensure that all citizens received equal treatment, not just those older than 25.

The second response I got was that the rates are based on of actual statistics. Who cares?

Statistical discrimination is illegal when talking about race and gender. Why is it suddenly accepted when it comes to age?

Your age has nothing to do with your driving ability.

That is why I propose that insurance rates be based on your driving record, and the year and make of the car you drive.

The insurance companies in the United States are getting far too powerful. Making them change this policy would show them that the U.S. people are still in control.