Naive Idealism

I recently read an article in The New York Times, entitled " Generation Q", written by Thomas L Friedman (author of The World is Flat). He made some comments on the pacifism of Gen X and Y...which is naive idealism, mixed with a surreal outlook on the future of politics, the environment, and peace among our enemies. He claimed that this generation -or two- can also be called 'Generation Quiet'..."more optomistic and idealistic than they should be...so much less radical and politically engaged than they need to be". We truly wont understand the inpact of the Baby Boomers until they have used all the Social Security, overpopulated the nursing homes, and left a trail of policitics that no one wants to clean up. I agree with his thoughts that my generation believes in the power of one, the click of a mouse to change policy, but maybe beyond the point for our own good?

If we dont pay attention soon to the state of our nation, global economics, climate change, foreign power players, and the changing face of life as we know it, we will be left behind in a world that wont stop while we catch up. Friedman quotes " American (and the twentysomethings) need a jolt of activism and outgrage". Being in the finance business, and seeing how quickly our world can change with a sneeze from someone in China makes me awakened to this idea. I hope that others in my generation can turn on the heat, stay involved in politics, be well read in world affairs, and take ownership for the US of A before courage and idealism become attributes of the past.

Anyone coming with me?