The saying "Children are our future" has never been more true than it is right now. I'm hoping that those who influence kids today, such as musicians and celebrities, will have the guts enough to call out TRump. TRump is the most dangerous choice they could make for their own futures. Back in November of 1980, I had just turned 18 the month before the presidential election. My parents were fairly political and my Dad was a readaholic when it came to news. He warned people, including myself, of Reagan's plans to make the wealthy wealthier and the poor poorer. He'd succeeding in accomplishing that very thing during 2 terms as governor of California. I had read a lot about Jimmy Carter and was so impressed when he put solar panels on the top of the White House. I saw him as a visionary. I saw Reagan as malleable boob. I may have only been 18, but I clearly saw the stark difference between those two men. I have been an atheist since a very young age and was leary of Reagan talking about God all of the time. Jimmy Carter, who was an ACTUAL Christian, kept his religion to himself. I remember hearing about Reagan tearing the solar panels off the White House almost on day one of his presidency. Then of course, in later years, we heard how Reagan made a deal with the Iranians not to release the hostages until after he had taken office. He did everything he could to take that presidency from Jimmy Carter, knowing that people were already disgruntled with the status quo. I truly believe that Ronald Reagan was the beginning of the end of our civilized society. The divisions that have been sowed since are a deep chasm now. I'm still proud of my vote for Jimmy Carter. As my dad once said, Jimmy Carter was just too decent of a man to be president. He was right.
At 18 yrs old in 1979, I went to California to visit & stayed for ten years. It was culture shock for a girl from Ohio. The friend group I had at the time were voting for Reagan, or a Green/independent candidate. I knew that America was going through a shitstorm - the family back home discussed it endlessly. The gas shortage & the Iran hostages. Jimmy Carter was a good, kind man. He proved that in spades post-presidency, and I've never regretted my first vote being for him.
That being said, I could afford to vote my conscience, but I understand that other people didn't have that privilege.
How ironic that Reagan's policies led to homelessness and hunger for so many. And that Mr. and Mrs. Carter spent the remaining years of their lives building affordable housing for people. Meanwhile, Reagan lost his memories of his cruelty and even of the White House he once inhabited. You would have to be quite daft to think Trump could or would make life any better for anyone.
Great insight and perspective. As a mother of a 25-year-old, I can attest to the fact that a lot of people in his generation feel a little (or a lot) of resentment that the country has seemingly placed the burden of "saving America" on them. I don't blame them. I think they're also feeling scared and apathetic at the same time, especially given climate change and the pandemic, which showed how things can go horribly wrong very quickly. I believe if we want to win this thing (the election and beyond) we have to meet them where they're at instead of insisting they meet us where we're at.
Donald Trump is a baby boomer, like me. I voted for the first time in 1972 and have never sat out an election. It is our generation’s obligation and responsibility to safeguard democracy by ensuring DTJ is not returned to the presidency. We shouldn’t expect or want our grandchildren to clean up our mess.
Another compelling read, Sir. A little older, I was politically aware and active in the 60’s after the Cuban Missile Crisis when my parents sat at lunch discussing whether to build a bomb shelter. I then met JFK at a speech shortly before the assassination. I was terrified by Kruschev’s aggressive UN speech about burning America. I then committed to work for Bobby (the real one) and every Democrat since. My parents were active Reagan supporters of the “fought for WW2/Korean War/business” variety and we never did agree on politics even though we all meant well. My mother, (one of the very first of the women to become a stewardess in 1944 and then an award-winning life-long teacher,) one 1963 day at Sunday family dinner, was the very first person I EVER heard say she would not support The Vietnam War or anyone who did. That gave my dad pause and set me on the “Power to the People” Democratic course for life. He could not give up the “business person” Reagan spiel and we all suffered as a country - still suffer the evil of that monster.
Having marched, volunteered, and worked to support good Dem candidates because I knew it was the right thing to do for my country, I have very strong hope and belief that those younger Americans now are beginning to understand how serious these times are just like I had my awakening years ago.
Children have always been the future and no matter how badly things have gone the past 8 years, I have to believe they care more than we know and will show it with responsible actions for their own futures. Yes, it does seem unfair that the wealth of our country cares more for the few but really I hope this will change for inclusion of all levels of our country - soon.
I am struggling a bit with my 42-yr old brilliant son, artist, musician, smarter than I could ever be. He has a hard time with the aging of politicians when the “youth really need to be taking responsibility and benefitting, too.” I tell him Gavin Newsom and Pete Buttigieg and x, y, z will be coming, will get their chance to make America what I grew up cherishing. That time just is not this year. And, if Biden/Harris are not allowed to keep saving us from Maga evil, the young will see their, and our, dreams die forever. It is a hard discussion but necessary and I believe we will prevail.
“They can say I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one…”
It's not just inexperienced people, a good chunk of many societies subconsciously have more gripes, or harsh criticism towards the current situation, whatever the context. That's a petty atavism we all have inside. Even those "schooled" by experience might not recognize a different appearance of the same ill (you know, like a wolf in sheep's clothing, haha).
It is very sad to see that. To see that to stop and think is a nuisance often substituted by shooting from the hip (and then standing behind that at all coats) has always been utterly disappointing, but... here we are.
Regardless, democracy doesn't work by itself, it's against the laws of universe like entropy. It has to be protected by conviction, which can only be gotten by education, training and regular practice.
Thanks, Earl. I always enjoy your personal stories. I remember an interview with the young rep Max Frost some months ago where he actually said for us boomers to stop saying the young are going to save us. I’ve thought about it a lot since then and stopped saying it after that.
I listen to both my 20-somethings and I’m nervous. One gets the real news because she is immersed in it and her reproductive rights are on the line. My son, on the other hand, is getting his news from “youtubers” who discount Biden’s jobs reports, believing Biden only filled the jobs that were lost during Covid. My son has never gotten vaccinated either. And it might be why he is currently leaning toward RFK. Geez, you can bore your child right through your vagina but you cannot make him think. 😂 Sorry, so graphic!
But, good news, at the end of our recent conversation, he concluded he needed to get involved with his local legislature in Vermont and see what is going on. I championed that and I told him I am friends with my district’s Democratic legislators so I know they are fighting for me and my values. So, we shall see.
We still have a little time left for more truth to rise to the surface and “Sleepy Don’s” ridiculousness to make it to MSM! 😂
Democracy was on the line in 1980, and the Baby Boomers were instrumental in getting us to where we are now because of the thinking you just described. I know a 24-year-old who said she plans to vote for RFK JR, and if she has to choose between Trump or Biden, she will choose Trump "because he is less likely to get us into a war." I've become so cynical about the illogical youth today that I wish they couldn't vote at all. We are undoing, or trying to undo, what the selfish young voters of 1980 got us into. It's not only unfair to ask them to fix your mess, it's useless.
From my very first Presidential vote I voted for The Supreme Court I wanted. My last one, whenever it will be, will be for the very same reason. Presidents come and go. The Supreme Court remains the most influential. The judicial in general.
I understand what you’re saying, but I have to disagree a little. Your most sobering point is that DJT has been a fixture for half the life of an 18-year-old. But I have to believe that kids growing up today still meet bullies. That is all DJT has ever been: an insecure braggart, an over-privileged bully. Any 18-year-old who thinks for a hot minute about it should be able to choose between decency and a bully.
I'm 18 with 54yrs of experience. It's the latter that compels me to be involved starting with voting, door knocking, talking to people and making certain the information I digest is of the highest quality. The events that took place when I was 18 put me on a trajectory, never to be forgotten.
This is disheartening to me. I grew into a young adult from 1968 into the 70’s. It was a time of much sorrow and chaos. The Vietnam war brought young people to the streets only to be met with other young men in uniform with guns? Black people joined arms singing spirituals . Women found their voices and they too walked hand in hand demanding their rights. Our elders shouted “love it or leave it” as we walked down the street wearing long hair and flag decals on our vests.
There was a shared low vibration of possibility and we felt we could make a difference. Perhaps a riot at the Democratic Convention in. Chicago wasn’t the best action but it did make people listen
We were living our politics and perhaps for the first we understood the power we possessed. I turned 18 in time to be in the first group of 18 year old voters.
"how the young people are going to save the day" Don't count on it. Young people are the least likely to vote : ( However, overall participation in this cycle is predicted to beat the last one, which set an all-time record. Say what you want, the most peculiar candidate in presidential history is getting out the vote.
The saying "Children are our future" has never been more true than it is right now. I'm hoping that those who influence kids today, such as musicians and celebrities, will have the guts enough to call out TRump. TRump is the most dangerous choice they could make for their own futures. Back in November of 1980, I had just turned 18 the month before the presidential election. My parents were fairly political and my Dad was a readaholic when it came to news. He warned people, including myself, of Reagan's plans to make the wealthy wealthier and the poor poorer. He'd succeeding in accomplishing that very thing during 2 terms as governor of California. I had read a lot about Jimmy Carter and was so impressed when he put solar panels on the top of the White House. I saw him as a visionary. I saw Reagan as malleable boob. I may have only been 18, but I clearly saw the stark difference between those two men. I have been an atheist since a very young age and was leary of Reagan talking about God all of the time. Jimmy Carter, who was an ACTUAL Christian, kept his religion to himself. I remember hearing about Reagan tearing the solar panels off the White House almost on day one of his presidency. Then of course, in later years, we heard how Reagan made a deal with the Iranians not to release the hostages until after he had taken office. He did everything he could to take that presidency from Jimmy Carter, knowing that people were already disgruntled with the status quo. I truly believe that Ronald Reagan was the beginning of the end of our civilized society. The divisions that have been sowed since are a deep chasm now. I'm still proud of my vote for Jimmy Carter. As my dad once said, Jimmy Carter was just too decent of a man to be president. He was right.
Democracy is always on the line. It’s like a good marriage. If you want it you have to constantly work for it.
If we are fighting for the soul of America and Trump is selling gold plated clown shoes I think that speaks volumes.
My first vote was that same election.
At 18 yrs old in 1979, I went to California to visit & stayed for ten years. It was culture shock for a girl from Ohio. The friend group I had at the time were voting for Reagan, or a Green/independent candidate. I knew that America was going through a shitstorm - the family back home discussed it endlessly. The gas shortage & the Iran hostages. Jimmy Carter was a good, kind man. He proved that in spades post-presidency, and I've never regretted my first vote being for him.
That being said, I could afford to vote my conscience, but I understand that other people didn't have that privilege.
How ironic that Reagan's policies led to homelessness and hunger for so many. And that Mr. and Mrs. Carter spent the remaining years of their lives building affordable housing for people. Meanwhile, Reagan lost his memories of his cruelty and even of the White House he once inhabited. You would have to be quite daft to think Trump could or would make life any better for anyone.
Great insight and perspective. As a mother of a 25-year-old, I can attest to the fact that a lot of people in his generation feel a little (or a lot) of resentment that the country has seemingly placed the burden of "saving America" on them. I don't blame them. I think they're also feeling scared and apathetic at the same time, especially given climate change and the pandemic, which showed how things can go horribly wrong very quickly. I believe if we want to win this thing (the election and beyond) we have to meet them where they're at instead of insisting they meet us where we're at.
Donald Trump is a baby boomer, like me. I voted for the first time in 1972 and have never sat out an election. It is our generation’s obligation and responsibility to safeguard democracy by ensuring DTJ is not returned to the presidency. We shouldn’t expect or want our grandchildren to clean up our mess.
Another compelling read, Sir. A little older, I was politically aware and active in the 60’s after the Cuban Missile Crisis when my parents sat at lunch discussing whether to build a bomb shelter. I then met JFK at a speech shortly before the assassination. I was terrified by Kruschev’s aggressive UN speech about burning America. I then committed to work for Bobby (the real one) and every Democrat since. My parents were active Reagan supporters of the “fought for WW2/Korean War/business” variety and we never did agree on politics even though we all meant well. My mother, (one of the very first of the women to become a stewardess in 1944 and then an award-winning life-long teacher,) one 1963 day at Sunday family dinner, was the very first person I EVER heard say she would not support The Vietnam War or anyone who did. That gave my dad pause and set me on the “Power to the People” Democratic course for life. He could not give up the “business person” Reagan spiel and we all suffered as a country - still suffer the evil of that monster.
Having marched, volunteered, and worked to support good Dem candidates because I knew it was the right thing to do for my country, I have very strong hope and belief that those younger Americans now are beginning to understand how serious these times are just like I had my awakening years ago.
Children have always been the future and no matter how badly things have gone the past 8 years, I have to believe they care more than we know and will show it with responsible actions for their own futures. Yes, it does seem unfair that the wealth of our country cares more for the few but really I hope this will change for inclusion of all levels of our country - soon.
I am struggling a bit with my 42-yr old brilliant son, artist, musician, smarter than I could ever be. He has a hard time with the aging of politicians when the “youth really need to be taking responsibility and benefitting, too.” I tell him Gavin Newsom and Pete Buttigieg and x, y, z will be coming, will get their chance to make America what I grew up cherishing. That time just is not this year. And, if Biden/Harris are not allowed to keep saving us from Maga evil, the young will see their, and our, dreams die forever. It is a hard discussion but necessary and I believe we will prevail.
“They can say I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one…”
It's not just inexperienced people, a good chunk of many societies subconsciously have more gripes, or harsh criticism towards the current situation, whatever the context. That's a petty atavism we all have inside. Even those "schooled" by experience might not recognize a different appearance of the same ill (you know, like a wolf in sheep's clothing, haha).
It is very sad to see that. To see that to stop and think is a nuisance often substituted by shooting from the hip (and then standing behind that at all coats) has always been utterly disappointing, but... here we are.
Regardless, democracy doesn't work by itself, it's against the laws of universe like entropy. It has to be protected by conviction, which can only be gotten by education, training and regular practice.
Thanks, Earl. I always enjoy your personal stories. I remember an interview with the young rep Max Frost some months ago where he actually said for us boomers to stop saying the young are going to save us. I’ve thought about it a lot since then and stopped saying it after that.
I listen to both my 20-somethings and I’m nervous. One gets the real news because she is immersed in it and her reproductive rights are on the line. My son, on the other hand, is getting his news from “youtubers” who discount Biden’s jobs reports, believing Biden only filled the jobs that were lost during Covid. My son has never gotten vaccinated either. And it might be why he is currently leaning toward RFK. Geez, you can bore your child right through your vagina but you cannot make him think. 😂 Sorry, so graphic!
But, good news, at the end of our recent conversation, he concluded he needed to get involved with his local legislature in Vermont and see what is going on. I championed that and I told him I am friends with my district’s Democratic legislators so I know they are fighting for me and my values. So, we shall see.
We still have a little time left for more truth to rise to the surface and “Sleepy Don’s” ridiculousness to make it to MSM! 😂
Democracy was on the line in 1980, and the Baby Boomers were instrumental in getting us to where we are now because of the thinking you just described. I know a 24-year-old who said she plans to vote for RFK JR, and if she has to choose between Trump or Biden, she will choose Trump "because he is less likely to get us into a war." I've become so cynical about the illogical youth today that I wish they couldn't vote at all. We are undoing, or trying to undo, what the selfish young voters of 1980 got us into. It's not only unfair to ask them to fix your mess, it's useless.
From my very first Presidential vote I voted for The Supreme Court I wanted. My last one, whenever it will be, will be for the very same reason. Presidents come and go. The Supreme Court remains the most influential. The judicial in general.
I understand what you’re saying, but I have to disagree a little. Your most sobering point is that DJT has been a fixture for half the life of an 18-year-old. But I have to believe that kids growing up today still meet bullies. That is all DJT has ever been: an insecure braggart, an over-privileged bully. Any 18-year-old who thinks for a hot minute about it should be able to choose between decency and a bully.
I'm 18 with 54yrs of experience. It's the latter that compels me to be involved starting with voting, door knocking, talking to people and making certain the information I digest is of the highest quality. The events that took place when I was 18 put me on a trajectory, never to be forgotten.
This is disheartening to me. I grew into a young adult from 1968 into the 70’s. It was a time of much sorrow and chaos. The Vietnam war brought young people to the streets only to be met with other young men in uniform with guns? Black people joined arms singing spirituals . Women found their voices and they too walked hand in hand demanding their rights. Our elders shouted “love it or leave it” as we walked down the street wearing long hair and flag decals on our vests.
There was a shared low vibration of possibility and we felt we could make a difference. Perhaps a riot at the Democratic Convention in. Chicago wasn’t the best action but it did make people listen
We were living our politics and perhaps for the first we understood the power we possessed. I turned 18 in time to be in the first group of 18 year old voters.
"how the young people are going to save the day" Don't count on it. Young people are the least likely to vote : ( However, overall participation in this cycle is predicted to beat the last one, which set an all-time record. Say what you want, the most peculiar candidate in presidential history is getting out the vote.