Absolutely brilliantly put WS. It is so true, it seems those ideals from yesteryear are clung to like a badge of honour by many baby boomers. How can the younger generation change things if they are being fought every step of the way?

We need to, as the supposed adults, commend those who are coming up into adulthood for taking stands & making themselves heard. Maybe not with protests & sit ins but perhaps their methods are more effective & all the more power to them !!! Perhaps all that the burning stuff in protest that took place back in the 60's & 70's accomplished was the current pollution problem.

However much credit the Boomers-at-large take for the 60s-70s revolution, the activists were a celebrated slice of the generation. And, for me, nothing characterizes the 70s so much as this: Abbie Hoffman became a stockbroker. With respect, I suggest that Boomers should get over themselves. The rest of you have a responsibility to activate, and help make this next evolutionary change in American society.

I think every new and emerging generation lives with blinders on, until they're no longer the youngest generation. Do you remember when you were in your 20's? Did you ever worry when you were in your 20's that you'd be dealing with, health issues, career changes, aging parents someday? When you were in your twenties, you were probably concerned with college, music, friends, etc. The generation gaps only exist when the next generation comes. The gap used to be 10 years, then 5 years, then 2 years... Technology is speeding up the changes in generations. That's just life!

You have said it well - and although there seems to be more harships now in life than in past years, the fact of the matter is they are now THE generation and are in control -

If we have taught them well and if our examples have been good, as in reasonably responsible adults, then we can only trust that they will do well, come what may.

There are so many changes that have occured but the biggest is the internet. I believe that young people control the internet and therefore control society. This is not how things were when I was young. Walter Conkrite told you what was up and that was it.

Heck when I was in my twenties, I WAS dealing with an aging parent,health insurance nightmares,seeing those on Medicare not be able to afford the medications Medicare paid for them to find out they needed. There are a lot more out there like me. Maybe they are all the parents of the kids who are proactive in their communities. Who's going to teach the younger people if not us?

It's not that this new generation disreguards things, we tend to value, it's they think it is owed to them no matter what. check your local university and just watch or the local high school. Just think in XXX or in ZZZ they could be the Mayor of your city. Just think local, due to thinking global makes the mind leak or go to the happy place.