Posted on 09/02/2003 6:17:04 AM PDT by tcostell
They had their childhood in the 50's and remembered it as a time of unambiguous innocence.
They had their adolescence in the 60's when they decided that their parents view of hard work and respect for family were "antiquated" ideas that no longer should apply in this age of social awareness. They preached free love while they spouted hate and burned the symbol of their country and called those who were risking their lives for them "baby killers". "Private property" became dirty words to them. Crime soared, many fathers were replaced by the government.
In the 70's they left college and got jobs, but the adolescence continued. They now had more money to buy stronger drugs, and indulge in more exotic means of gratification. Those that did marry gave up on the idea, and divorce rates climbed. They called it a journey to "find themselves" but they were already utterly devoted to their own egos. They even went so far as to name themselves the "me" generation. They replaced the minister with the psychologist, and the community with cultural awareness groups.
In the 80's the myth of socialism finally died, and with it also, their already threadbare pretense of caring about anyone but themselves. The ideas of family and community had been trampled under the feet of the proletariat. In the 80's it became about obtaining wealth, and the rules be damned. Excess was still the preferred flavor, but with age beginning to take it's toll it became external excesses rather than the sex and drugs of the last 2 decades. Conspicuous consumption was the new trend and exercise became the fashion in an attempt to hold back the tide of time.
In the 90's they elected their king, and filled the corridors of power with their number, but it turned out that the emperor's new robe was a stained blue dress. They told each other lies about the "new business cycle" and picked each others pockets. They put off till tomorrow everything they could so they could have one last moment of ego gratification. The band played as the new millennium rolled in. But then there came a day when everyone knew that the party was over. The markets stopped pretending everything would go on forever, and the World Trade Center came crashing down.
I'm a part of the generation that has followed along behind the baby boomers paying the bill. No one asked me if I wanted to, (in fact they still never ask me) they simply present the bill and await payment. I was bussed to public school as a child, turned down from ivy league colleges while my friends with worse performance were accepted in deference to affirmative action. I was taught to fear aids and other diseases when I was laid off in the 80's, and watched my savings and stock options turn to so much wallpaper in the 90's. Worst of all, I lost lifelong friends in the World Trade Center, and my wife still has nightmares about how close I came to being there myself. I've grown accustomed to the idea that although I've paid vast sums into social security, it won't be there for me. It was never "for me" anyway. And now that age is upon them they would like me to pay for their medical care as well. Even if it costs me everything I have. Even if it's long gone but still being paid for by my 3 year old daughter.
I know it will probably happen. The baby boomers are arguable the most short sighted and self interested generation that America has ever seen but they are in the majority so there is no-one to stop them. I'm even certain they will come up with some grand rationalization about why I should be thrilled to pay the bill for them one more time. But it won't really be for me... it never is.
In the meantime I'll care for my family with whatever is left. The schools have failed so my wife and I will teach our daughter ourselves in our own home if we have to. We'll make room for both my parents and my in-laws when they can't afford the property taxes needed to live alone anymore. We'll make our family the center of our universe because the family works better than all the government run pipe dreams that the die hards keep trying to sell. They can take everything I have but my self reliance.
We were landless peasants once, and may well be again before the "most spoiled generation" is through, but we'll survive it. And when they finally leave, we'll build the country again. Not as a collective "workers utopia", but as a place where no man is saddled with the burden of another, that he does not willingly take upon himself. Family is the best reason to shoulder a burden. Even community can be a good reason sometimes ...if the links are close enough. But it should be asked for not ordered. And the government can only order.
I don't ever need to be on the receiving end of government largess. I would just like to see the generation that precedes me to pay their own way for once. I'll carry my own water... and I think they should do the same.
How very 'high school'.
Popularity within the herd is not as great concern for me.
It helps the limited mind to pidgeon-hole.
I am sorry that it has effected you so. Where, do you think, have I been negative?
What value is advice from someone whose proudest claim is that they're not responsible?
It can be both. Anything to base it on?
I don't mean to be negative, but; I don't find anywhere in your "rant" where you mention Viet Nam vets at all. In your "rant" you don't mention anyone except "baby boomers". I know you didn't mean "baby boomers", but they are the only ones you mention.
Am I mistaken?
You are abundantly clear. "Boomers" disgust you, and are to blame for everything. "Boomers", not someone else....."boomers".
To pretend that you were not insulting "boomers", or that I am unable to grasp the simple words you used; implies that I am illiterate, and that you are a coward.
Niether is true.
Insult was meant, and insult was taken. Do not feign surprise or shock. Obviously they were intentionally sought.
To what end?
Having exploited this divide, and angered those targeted; what is your game plan now? Some might suspect this was purely for self-gratification. But being an "Xer", I am certain you had a far more noble, and adult goal in mind.
Pray, tell me.....to what end? What was this "rant" for?
Silent Generation (1925-1942) The current 61-78 year olds. They are are/were hard working, economically
conscience, and trusting of the government. They were very optimistic
about the future and held a strong set of moral obligations.
Baby Boom Generation (1943-1960) or (1946-1955) or (1946-1964)
The current 43-60 year olds. 'Boomers' have a strong set of ideals and traditions,
and are very family-oriented. They are fearful of the future, politically
conservative and active and rather liberal socially.
Generation X (1961-1981) or (1965-1976)
The current 22-42 year olds, who live in the present, like to experiment, and
expect immediate results. Xers are selfish and cynical, and depend a lot on
their parents. They question authority and feel they carry the burden of the
previous generations.
No? There's a surprise.
Both of us knew better, though.
Time to put away the faux-adult platitudes about 'calm', and 'help'. Time to stop playing grown-up. Time to put away the hundred-acre-wood philosophy of 'well...he started it first!'. You are more than exposed.
When you pick a fight, when you breach insult, stand on your position. Hiding behind platitudes, or suffering through the oppression of being misunderstood, will no carry the weight it did on the playground.
In short, get some guts.
No need for this 'boomers doesn't mean boomers', or 'shift in the percieved cultural norm', bullsh*t.
You were clear enough in your "rant". Be clear now.
You were brave enough in your "rant". Be brave now.
To what end. What was this "rant" for?
And you base that on what?
Still unable to make conversation?
Ah!! A wisdom fix from the "Xer" generation.
A shot of whiskey, and a cigar.
I know you want to be helpful, but "a shot of whiskey, and a cigar"?!!!
Try not to get upset, but you're not ready to run a country.
Able to make conversation yet?
(hurl childish insult if answer is 'no')
I like your attitude, please, keep thinking that way...
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