The Clash of Generations

There's nothing like having a front row seat to viewing a train wreck...

Is it so conceited to believe that my generation is unique? Without a doubt no, but many generations have thought of themselves as particularly strong, innovative, or passionate well before my time. Perhaps it is the environment that makes my generation's experience different. For the first time in America's history, the older generations are not fighting to create a better world for its children. The baby boomers have woven a strong safety net for themselves and forgot to invite the younger half of America to the party. Lucky for us, the people who hold all the chips in politics is (wait for it) the baby boomers. The create more than just job security with their antics; they create life security. But is it really true? Is it even possible for a generation to condemn all others? Well, perhaps we need to look at the facts.

America has seen very little progress on key problems in the last three presidential administrations. Pledges to fix Social Security and Medicaid, commitments (overzealous and irrational I might add) to fix the education system, and recently more proposals to maintain a healthy economy. In post-recession America, we have seen nothing accomplished. Attempts to adjust and mend an outdated education structure have remained within the committee that passed NCLB in 2002 with bi-partisan support. Unemployment still remains high as many Americans struggle to meet basic living requirements. Moreover, we have skipped from one crisis to the next with the budget, debt ceiling, tax cuts, bailouts, negotiations, and other folly that seemingly provides minimal aid to a damaged country. The best yet is the Social Security program. We know it is unsustainable. We know in a few decades something will have to be done. Yet, politicians won't touch medicaid and other welfare programs with a ten foot pole. Not to mention problems that have surrvived 30 years of debate like abortion rights, gay marriage, and equal pay rights.

We can't just blame three presidents (though I would assign different amounts of blame to different administrations). As a country, we can blame the entire system, and a growth in selfish careerism for the stagnant behavior throughout politics. What have we accomplished in the last two decades? The only industry that has changed is technology. Ipolitician anyone?

So what does the "facebook" generation do while this happens? How do we convince the people who wield the power today that we deserve a future too? Without sending smoke signals to Washington, how do we communicate that we are FED UP?

Ah but we aren't powerless! There's nothing more American than using our right to vote or protest to send a message to Washington. Sadly, I think those in power stopped listening decades ago when they took office.