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(REUTERS/Jason Reed )
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THE MILLENNIAL GENERATION or IPOD GENERATION born between 1979 and 2001 are the kids and consumers courted for their TV viewing and buying habits. According to the literature, however, they are very civic-minded.
In the 2006 Cone Millennial Cause Study(the first indeph study on this generation), sixty-one percent said they feel personally responsible for making a difference in the world.
Seventy-eight percent in this study think businesses should join them and those surveyed plan to use their spendable income as leverage. Now, that ain't bad.
For once in our lives, we ought to "mine" this civic-minded group of kids, seventy-eight million strong. We had our chance after 9-11, but didn't even ask that they make any sacrifice.
What about "Universal Service"? The government could set up opportunities of service that are mandatory so this generation can "give back" something to their country(joining the military, working with Habitat For Humanity, working in low income communities, working with children, working with the elderly...) Some kids do feel a sense of entitlement, but others would be willing to participate in such a program if nudged a little.
Our Congress hasn't had any intestinal fortitude thus far. Maybe a politican could pick up the mantle. John Kerry might be the guy. If he thinks that Iraq is in the future of those who don't take advantage of education; or, as I like to believe, don't think they have any prospects, then let's set up a system to help youngsters along.
Universal Service would give all youngsters, especially those lacking education or opportunity, a sense of purpose and self-confidence. We could and should do it.
JHL
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| The Troops Have a Little Fun With John Kerry?
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This photo is so funny. Now, how would you interpret it: making fun of Kerry, castigating him, truly wanting help(I don't think so) or just making a joke. Don't we make life so complicated?
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(AP Photo/Ann Johansson)
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What has happened to John Kerry? Let's just call him Fighting John. He is definitely a reinvented, Raging Bull.
In the old days, Kerry acted presidential and kind of looked dismayed when the hypocritical swiftboat vets lied about his heroism, despite all the evidence to the contrary.
Here's what I think: John can't get the swiftboat vets questioning his patriotism out of his crawl. Well, get over it, John; politics in the form of present day desperation is after you. The Prez says that you owe the troops an apology. What he is really saying is you can't question what I'm doing. And, the mantra that he wants to use is "support the troops."
Coming from some of the political quarters, support the troops is pretty hollow if you ask me. One of the architects of the war in Iraq, the VP, had other priorities during Vietnam and didn't serve, not unlike many of his cohorts. It has always been ironic to me that those who served in the military often get castigated for their patriotism by those who didn't serve.
The epitome of physical loss, was that of the former senator from Georgia, Max Cleland, who was severely wounded in Vietnam(lost both legs and right forearm). Yet, in the final analysis, he lost his senate seat to a guy who had never served and questioned his patriotism (ads which featured Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein). The MF!
Well, John is not going to take it anymore. Here's what he said before a college audience Monday that gave the Prez ammunition, "You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq" And, John is telling the truth. Who do you think is fighting the war in Iraq? It is not the sons and daughters of doctors and lawyers or investment bankers, or anybody who has any real prospects, especially for college.
I don't want to put words in John's mouth, but what he appears to be saying is that you are here (in college) because you have prospects, make the most of it. And, those who are not as fortunate as you decided on the military and are in Iraq. And, I might add for John, "they are off fighting the war for you."
Wednesday, John Kerry, bowed to pressure from both Republicans and Democrats and issued an apology "I sincerely regret that my words were misinterpreted to wrongly imply anything negative about those in uniform and I personally apologize to any service member, family member or American who was offended."
Kerry has decided to disappear for a while so he will not be a distraction to the political campaigns to the Democrats delight. I am sure the Republicans are dismayed because they wanted to use this as a political issue.
Will the Republicans let this issue go? I doubt it. I heard they are working on radio and TV commericals already using Kerry's comments. KT
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