The Greatest Generation

Many refer to today's seniors as those who are of "The Greatest Generation". This statement is true in many respects. This group grew up post WWII, were some of the most patriotic of past Americans, and defended America while defeating Communism during the Cold Wars. These Americans grew up through often tough times and still prospered and stood strong. From my perspective they also have been around for some of the largest growth of government in U.S. History so I'm bias against calling them this but I digress. This generation might now have to stand strong and truly earn that title in the upcoming elections. Make no mistake about it, true budget changes might not come until after this next election.

Today our nation is facing some of the toughest questions in our nation's young history. European countries (ie: Greece), facing financial meltdowns are making major changes. Some are eliminating lots of government(responsible for these meltdowns) in their lives. But while these same financial crisis's are now being discussed here in America, some recent polls show that most might be against major reform to the Medicare and Social Security Systems in America. Furthermore, important states that are strongholds for conservatives, such as Florida, indicate that they are against major change. Other districts that include large numbers of Senior Citizens are against major change as we have seen in certain areas of New York. These are Seniors that most often vote for Republicans to begin with. But these new young Republican stars in congress that are proposing major changes to Medicare and Social Security might not get support from these staunch Republicans.

This blog might sound pro-Republican(in that I support some of these plans proposed by these Republicans) but keep in mind Republicans are partially to blame for the current crisis. My worry is that this "Greatest Generation" might prove to be no different from other generations. They might prove to have happened to grow up during a tough time in American history when many great things came about. They might be termed the "Greatest" due to circumstances they had no control over not because they did something special. We will soon find out.

Given that most young people who will be most hurt by these programs that will cause massive financial hardship in the future do not vote, and those who do often look to Hollywood, Comedy Central, MTV, and Musical stars for their voting expertise, we can not count on young people to turn out and show support for these plans to overhaul these failing programs. I do not blame Seniors for not wanting change, they benefit big time from my and others who pay for their healthcare and retirement. But if they want to truly be the "Greatest Generation" then we need them one more time to be great Americans and think with their brains and not with their hearts and desires. If that does not happen (and I am not optimistic that it will), then we need young American Libertarians and true conservatives (to support candidates who are willing to do the hard thing that will not win support from the large voting segment of the population (elderly).

People like Tim Pawlenty who have called for an end to subsidies in Iowa to corn farmers and a rise in age for social security benefits while in Florida need our support. This was courageous in that these are two issues that he is correct on all accounts but very much controversial to their respective states for the reason that Iowa is full of farmers, and Florida is full of Seniors. I'm not pledging my support... but if he stands by those issues... I might have to back him come November 2012