I was reading a very intelligent heartfelt post on HuffPO, about a boomer's take on Hillary Clinton and her campaign. I found it insightful, and for the most part supporters of both candidates where respectful and classy in their responses and replies.
However, I did was struck by one reply in particular. This woman's words prompted me too poor out of my soul half (well not even half) of the issues that I have had with my parents generation. These are things I have always thought (and stated to my parents)
Here's the conversation, and my soulful (though not my full soul) response after the break.
Here is the link to the HuffPo blog, I think this is a good read.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...
Response to the post
Thanks for this. Living in a household that challenges traditional gender roles both my partner and I are supporters of Senator Obama. We were both "on the fence" for quite sometime during the numerous debates and found great excitement in the field of candidates, all of which we, at that time, would have been pleased to put up against John Mcain. Unfortunately, due to the last few months we have both been severely put off by the politics of Senator Clinton. No need for details here.I would also be interested in reading more thought from younger points of views like this one. It sickens us both when the youth vote or women are having their votes questioned as cult like and "traitoresque," if they support Obama. A look into the mentality of the younger voters could give a lot of understanding as to why Obama is appealing to us/them so much. And no, critics, it is not just because he has a cool you tube video or that he speaks so eloquently. Lastly, I would call on Obama supporters to champion the message of not "demonizing" those with whom we might not agree. This is a change we can definitely believe in and bring to fruition.
Dissent?
That "look into the younger voters" can be easily explained. They like new and shiny, and if you recall, it was the youth who vaulted Gov. Dean into the stratosphere years ago. All it took from him was a scream, the media ran with it and the guy was forced to drop out. (But by the looks of the DNC, the media probably did us a favor.)
They didn"t do us a favor with regard to Bush, however, and I am still not sold on their Obama pitch. I don"t think he can beat McCain, and that is the ultimate reason for choosing a presidential nominee, to win the general election.
This was my response to that somewhat scornful reply.
Who is "they" seriously, that is one reason I have a problem w/HRC and her campaign. That campaign always tries to paint people w/broad strokes. I am sure you have children, nieces and nephews. Would you call them "they"? Would you denigrate their intelligence? Their passion?
Why do you hate us so much? How can you hate your own children. Think of "they" as your children. Think of the things that "they" will have to inherit from a generation who knew back in the 70's that oil would not last. Your generation experienced stagflation, and Savings and Loan scandals. All of that, and yet, it seems that generation continues to make the same mistakes.
I have seen pictures of the boomers pushing cars in the Oil crisis. I know that right after that small efficient imports took off in sales. Yet, 20 years later, that same generation started the Hummer and the SUV craze. NO not everyone of course, but everyone did live though those same events.
New and shiny things? Really, from the generation that started the love affair w/the credit card. The generation that forgot the lessons of their parents (and some of their parents are engaged in the same behavior). about saving, and started the personal debt craze.
The generation that took a leap for trickle down and supply side econ. OH I'm sure so many HRC supporters will tell me now they didn't vote for Reagan, but obviously some did.
The ultimate reason for choosing a nominee is not just to win, but to keep your soul as well. To better America's soul. Yes countries do have a soul, they have an essence. You get a sense of that when you watch docs like "The Plow that Broke the Prairie's Back" .
We are a sick sick nation right now, and I think some of that is because we blame others for our problems. We can't face the mirror. Until we realize who we are, we can't move forward. A stagnant nation dies. So I look at your comment, I see words of depression, malice, and ultimately death. You are cursing the next generation (which truthful is the same size as the boomers 40 million). You may not be convinced by that but I will leave you with one last thought.
What is going to happen when more of my generation starts to enter the work force and can not find a job? 40 million people who are making less then there parents did, 40 million people who feel like their future was taken from them. That is a dangerous thing. Perhaps you should let the next generation start to take control of their destiny now, instead of latter.
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I do have more thoughts that I am willing to discuss. But what really sticks in my mind is a small quote from the Bible. (That I now gleefully take out of context).
MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN
Numbered, Numbered, Weighed and Divided
Dan 5:25