Lots of news these days... First of all, people should not be so upset that Senator Evan Bayh has decided a reelection bid. This guy is scum. Not saying he is a bad man, but he is an obstructionist. If you have been wondering who to be mad at over health care paralyzation, honestly you ought not blame the Republicans. Democrats, with a supermajority have not been able to make any of the sweeping reforms that they promised. That the people elected them to accomplish. It is because people like Evan Bayh's wife have received millions of dollars from mega-interests like Wellpoint, a giant health insurance company. These interests certainly expect something in return (i.e. no comprehensive health reform!). Evan Bayh is not a "centrist" Democrat, he is a corporatist, plain and simple. Glad to be rid of him.
The downside to his decision, however, could be that someone worse will win the seat. This is within the realm of possibility, but hopefully Indiana progressives can rally behind a strong candidate. Of course, the weakness of the progressive movement is a serious problem. I can only resort to books and articles to recall a time when progressives actually cared enough to act in the streets. Or at least to have a regular conversation on political matters. To be informed. Nowadays, these behaviors are considered taboo. I know because I experience it on a regular basis. Americans, particularly kids, are severely distracted by technology and pop culture. Dangerously so. We are in the 7th and 9th year of two serious wars, and who could give a damn? During the Vietnam War college student protesters were shot and teargassed for their opposition. Sure, we elected Obama, but if there is no substance behind the vote, then where is the change? If there is no spirit to fight for the most important of causes, to hold Obama and Congress to the fire for health care, climate change, and financial reforms then who would expect them to happen? Congress is terribly corrupt, so it will take a lot of pushing to get these things done.
The push is stronger than in the Bush years, but still not enough to make critical changes for our society's sake. We need to wake up.
Showing posts with label Apathy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apathy. Show all posts
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The Next Generation
So this is my Blog. I just deleted my first version; it was about 9/11 and it sounded sappy and repetitive. That’s not the impression I want to make. I guess I just want to start posting my views and leaving my mark in cyberspace. It’s my Freshman Year in college, it’s 9/11, and I think it’s a good time to try new things.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my role in the next generation. People call us “Generation Y”—the tech-savvy, independent, and self-important youths who are out to “challenge the status quo” and who thrive off of creative innovation. Our parents (Generation X) were similar to us, but USA Today says that we are “Generation X on steroids.” To us, social equality is a norm, not a privilege. In our world, the Internet has always existed, and if we need something we can pull it up with high speed. As we assume leadership roles, we will demand change with that same high speed. The Y’s are the ones who will determine what happens next. The storm is here, and our parents are almost done ruling. We are next in line. This is not a rebellious rant, but rather a declaration: We are charged with the fate of the world. This is serious.
My two greatest fears are fanaticism and apathy. I’m afraid of the fanatics because of their blind devotion to extreme views that are, more often than not, dangerous. I’m afraid of the apathetics because they don’t worry about the fanatics. My experiences with many of my peers, and fellow members of the Y Generation, have ranged from inspiring to despairing. Growing up, I was lucky to make friends with some of the most intellectually active people—these were people who challenged my thinking and made me who I am today. I’m also lucky to have had family members and teachers who forced serious reflection and questioning—tools that are now a part of my very being. However, I have encountered countless who refuse to question…refuse to think…refuse to learn…refuse to care. These are the Paris Hiltons. These are the Entertainment Channel addicts. These are the ones who have never watched the news or read the paper. These are the ones who don’t know the capital of Iraq. These are the self-indulgent mallrats. These are the ones who continue living without regard to the world. These are the overly-patriotic citizens who vote Republican or Democrat without any knowledge on the issues at hand. These are the blind, propaganda-devouring, ethnocentric masses. These are Americans.
Well, I like T.V. and I have an iPod—the difference is that I’m also writing a Blog. I have BBC.com open on my computer and a NY Times on my desk. My point is that you can care and act on your beliefs while still enjoying the perks of life. I do. The problem arises when people push out all of the stuff that matters just to fit in another show or another visit to the mall. Don’t sacrifice democracy just so you can fill your life entirely with meaningless extras. We can maintain a balance.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my role in the next generation. People call us “Generation Y”—the tech-savvy, independent, and self-important youths who are out to “challenge the status quo” and who thrive off of creative innovation. Our parents (Generation X) were similar to us, but USA Today says that we are “Generation X on steroids.” To us, social equality is a norm, not a privilege. In our world, the Internet has always existed, and if we need something we can pull it up with high speed. As we assume leadership roles, we will demand change with that same high speed. The Y’s are the ones who will determine what happens next. The storm is here, and our parents are almost done ruling. We are next in line. This is not a rebellious rant, but rather a declaration: We are charged with the fate of the world. This is serious.
My two greatest fears are fanaticism and apathy. I’m afraid of the fanatics because of their blind devotion to extreme views that are, more often than not, dangerous. I’m afraid of the apathetics because they don’t worry about the fanatics. My experiences with many of my peers, and fellow members of the Y Generation, have ranged from inspiring to despairing. Growing up, I was lucky to make friends with some of the most intellectually active people—these were people who challenged my thinking and made me who I am today. I’m also lucky to have had family members and teachers who forced serious reflection and questioning—tools that are now a part of my very being. However, I have encountered countless who refuse to question…refuse to think…refuse to learn…refuse to care. These are the Paris Hiltons. These are the Entertainment Channel addicts. These are the ones who have never watched the news or read the paper. These are the ones who don’t know the capital of Iraq. These are the self-indulgent mallrats. These are the ones who continue living without regard to the world. These are the overly-patriotic citizens who vote Republican or Democrat without any knowledge on the issues at hand. These are the blind, propaganda-devouring, ethnocentric masses. These are Americans.
Well, I like T.V. and I have an iPod—the difference is that I’m also writing a Blog. I have BBC.com open on my computer and a NY Times on my desk. My point is that you can care and act on your beliefs while still enjoying the perks of life. I do. The problem arises when people push out all of the stuff that matters just to fit in another show or another visit to the mall. Don’t sacrifice democracy just so you can fill your life entirely with meaningless extras. We can maintain a balance.
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