1969 - Did That Ever Work?
The question is, 1969 - Did that ever work? It is easily provable that 1969 did work.
Just look at the sheer number of today's youth that embrace the same philosophy of that time.
The peace symbol has had a reemergence, a popular symbol of my youth, now seen again, everywhere I look, even the retailers see the trend.
Our music also continues to stand the test of time, spanning generations of listeners, and then, of course, there was the *Occupy Movement*, however misguided, it was still an attempt to change the status quo, it became an international protest movement against the social and economic inequality of today, it will become a defining happening for the youth revolution, just like my time in 1969 defined me.
In 1969 the environment was a topic on our minds, one that we took to the streets, from acid rain, to chemicals, and unethical corporations; So familiar are these same topics today, and that the problems are more monumental, is both disappointing and shocking.
When will we ever learn? As another war rages on, again on foreign soil, we can't help but draw comparisons, as the youth of today face the same challenges, more challenges than even we faced.
At least we had some level of innocence, still left over from our childhoods of the 1950s, prior to our American Dream being shattered, we felt a sense of pride and belonging.
For the youth of today, with their innocence shattered by 911, the ungodly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, globalization, a devastated environment, inequality, and a bad economy.
This was the childhood of the 80s and 90s, my own children grew up in this generation, they grew in the shadow of conflict, on all fronts.
So, I say bring it to the streets, with a little advice, however unsolicited.
First, *Do it peacefully, be a movement, not a protest*, and *find someone to lead you, one strong voice for your cause*.
For here lies the biggest comparison of the 1960's to present, we had our leaders, the strong voices we admired, the ones that led the way, defined the mission.
In the passing of the baton, there is much work to do.
Who will lead them? Can you name a leader of today? Should it be me, or you? With these questions, I try to flow with hope for a better tomorrow, and turn a new page to peace, understanding and love in the hearts of man.
I have faith in the youth of today, they will define the present time, hold an important place in the history of this country, and enable you and I to know peace and equality in our lifetimes, at least, in the lives of our children.
Peace and Prosperity ~ "We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.
" -- Mary McLeod Bethune
Just look at the sheer number of today's youth that embrace the same philosophy of that time.
The peace symbol has had a reemergence, a popular symbol of my youth, now seen again, everywhere I look, even the retailers see the trend.
Our music also continues to stand the test of time, spanning generations of listeners, and then, of course, there was the *Occupy Movement*, however misguided, it was still an attempt to change the status quo, it became an international protest movement against the social and economic inequality of today, it will become a defining happening for the youth revolution, just like my time in 1969 defined me.
In 1969 the environment was a topic on our minds, one that we took to the streets, from acid rain, to chemicals, and unethical corporations; So familiar are these same topics today, and that the problems are more monumental, is both disappointing and shocking.
When will we ever learn? As another war rages on, again on foreign soil, we can't help but draw comparisons, as the youth of today face the same challenges, more challenges than even we faced.
At least we had some level of innocence, still left over from our childhoods of the 1950s, prior to our American Dream being shattered, we felt a sense of pride and belonging.
For the youth of today, with their innocence shattered by 911, the ungodly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, globalization, a devastated environment, inequality, and a bad economy.
This was the childhood of the 80s and 90s, my own children grew up in this generation, they grew in the shadow of conflict, on all fronts.
So, I say bring it to the streets, with a little advice, however unsolicited.
First, *Do it peacefully, be a movement, not a protest*, and *find someone to lead you, one strong voice for your cause*.
For here lies the biggest comparison of the 1960's to present, we had our leaders, the strong voices we admired, the ones that led the way, defined the mission.
In the passing of the baton, there is much work to do.
Who will lead them? Can you name a leader of today? Should it be me, or you? With these questions, I try to flow with hope for a better tomorrow, and turn a new page to peace, understanding and love in the hearts of man.
I have faith in the youth of today, they will define the present time, hold an important place in the history of this country, and enable you and I to know peace and equality in our lifetimes, at least, in the lives of our children.
Peace and Prosperity ~ "We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.
" -- Mary McLeod Bethune
