So now we see the liberal pundits, media, and politicians in a snit over the organized rallies in support of George W. Bush. But why are the Democrats- the party of free speech and historically bitter protests- coming down so hard on the Republicans?
I'll tell you why.
Since the activism of the 60's, protests, rallies, sit-ins, etc. have been the exclusive domain of the left. Whether it's a rally against the World Trade Organization or a demonstration for bra burning, political demonstrations have been a defining characteristic for the Democratic Party. We have been saturated for years with images of flag burning, peace signs and no blood for oil signs... but all of that has disappeared. And a new kind of demonstrator has been born.
Enter Generation W. In the year 2000, young and old, rich and poor, black and white, men and women have joined together in protests against the 2000 Presidential election. For so many years, Republicans have sat silently by their radios and televisions, protesting in the safety of their own homes always hoping from afar that they could organize and be heard, but, in the end, accepting the 'whatever is meant to be is meant to be' line.
But no more.
Generation W now represents a growing tide of conservatism in the United States- especially among 20-40 year olds. Traditionally, this has been a demographic group that has been either staunch leftists, or silent conservatives. But something has happened in recent history to ignite a flame of activism- a flame that basically says, 'we are mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore.'
What triggered such a strong rise in patriotism and conservatism? One guess. Eight years of Clinton.
Not only will Clinton's legacy be that of scandal, but also will be credited in years to come for the rise of Generation W.
Generation W is the new generation of activist Republicans who will use the amendment that Republicans for so many years have been accused of trying to take away from everyone else- the 1st amendment. Those of us in Generation W have stolen the thunder of the left and turned it into lightning a million times brighter than any Democrat ever expected.
In demonstrations across the nation, Republican demonstrators have significantly outnumbered those on the left. Yet we see Liberals like Joe Lieberman saying that the peaceful protests of Bush/Cheney supports have intimidated Democratic canvassing board members.
My, my, my, how the tables have turned.
The bottom line is that the left was counting on us to be silent. They were counting on us to sit in front of our televisions and cry foul. They were counting on their supporters to be in the streets. They were counting on history to repeat itself.
We I've got news for all of you Democrats. We are organized, and we are growing.
We are Generation W- and we are here to stay.