An Appeal To Young Americans

http://allisonebert.wordpress.com/ ^ | Sept. 6 , 2009 | Allison Ebert

[LeoWindhorse]

I’d like to take a few minutes and write directly to younger readers, specifically teens and young adults. When you’ve questioned authority – for whatever reason – and were told, “Because I said so,” what was your immediate response? What is your general knee-jerk reaction to being told that “you’re too young to understand”? (Do not confuse this with being disrespectful to authority.) Questions can – and should – be asked, but in a respectful way. This is the principle upon which our Constitution’s First Amendment is based:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

I consider myself fortunate for having been raised by a father who taught me to question everything. The reason for this was simple: Not everyone will tell you the truth. So, how can you tell when someone is not being truthful? I was taught to take what someone tells you, and to compare it against what you already know to be true or right. If you don’t have anything by which to compare the answer, go out and learn it for your self. Only then can you believe – or not believe – what someone has told you. The lesson is that you cannot take everything at face-value alone.

[rabscuttle385]

What is your general knee-jerk reaction to being told that “you’re too young to understand”?

I've gotten that general message, albeit in a nastier tone, from quite a few Freepers, none of whom I am pinging in this particular comment.

[dcwusmc]

Aw, c’mon, Rabs. You’re WAY too young to understand this stuff!!!

[Impy]

What is your general knee-jerk reaction to being told that “you’re too young to understand”?

Mine is "(tongue click) whatever old man".