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The Bueno Master Speaks: The Beginning of a New Chapter. I echo the sentiments of many when I say that we live in volatile times. Beyond the predominant ongoing conflict in Iraq we have the dangers of nuclear war between India and Pakistan, a fluctuating global economy, heightened international tensions, and the never-ending struggle between the old and the new. At home, we have an upcoming presidential election, a Federal Reserve who raised the federal funds rate for the first time in four years, and an increasingly divided populace. When discussing each of these important issues, numerous politicians, pundits, and critics pontificate about “what kind of future we want to create for our children.” While the thought is admirable, these well meaning politicos neglect to realize one important fact - your children live in the present. The American Dream is that of the self-made individual. The American Dream is not success by birthright, not the person who has everything handed to them. It is to start with nothing, and to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps. Ronald Reagan said, “Can we solve the problems confronting us? Well the answer is an unequivocal and emphatic ‘Yes.’ ” John Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” It is in the spirit of these two American Presidents that I contend instead of waiting for the leaders of today to wave a magic wand and solve all the problems in the world, the youth should question what kind of future we want to create for ourselves. I issue that challenge to the youth of America and around the world now. The American Constitution may only guarantee life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness if you are eighteen years old, but nowhere does it say the youth should have no voice in the national dialogue. For too long, we have used the fact that we cannot vote as an excuse. We pay no attention to politics. We do not try to get involved. We have allowed ourselves to become complacent. This must end. Even worse are the youth who have the right to vote, but do not. The voter turnout for our demographic is so low, that major political campaigns treat us as an afterthought. Some complain that politicians refuse to address issues important to young people, and so respond to voting with apathy. In response, politicians pay little attention to such a small demographic, and the vicious cycle continues. This must end. We have a responsibility to make this world one we want to live in now not twenty or sixty or one hundred years from now when it is already too late and we are the ones blowing hot air about what kind of future we want to create for our children, but today. When our time rolls around, I do not want to be the bitter man sitting on his porch, shaking his fist, and complaining that “The future is not what it used to be.” We have had more technological resources and advantages than any other generation in history. It would be an embarrassment if we still remained apathetic, contented, or indifferent to how things are. Five columnists have answered this challenge, and they will let their voices be heard every weekday. I will be taking a step into the woodwork in order to perform the duties of Editor-in-Chief. For the rest of you wondering how you can stand out and speak up, you have three options. The first is to send an e-mail to the link at the bottom of this page and apply to be a columnist. I revel in discovering new and interesting points of view. The second is to simply click the “Send a letter to the editor” link at the bottom of each column you read here, and respond. Each weekend I will put out a column filled with reader response to the ideas of our columnists. Finally, the most simple option is to spread the word person to person. After you read a column on this website, or anywhere for that matter, go discuss the topic with your family, with your friends, with anyone who will listen. There are plentiful ways for the youth to express themselves in a world full of adults. The staff here will be doing our part to speak up, yet this is not enough. I speak for myself and the other columnists when I say that fair and balanced should be a philosophical foundation, and not just a catch phrase designed to grab ratings. There must be a balance somewhere between Fox News and Air America, between CNN and Rush Limbaugh, between NPR and The Drudge Report. At some difficult to find point, the left and the right do meet. There and only there, you will find The Corner. Andrew Blumberg Editor-in-Chief Age 17 Send Feedback to Andrew Blumberg |
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