Looking Forward - Youth in America

The dirtiest secret in Washington these days may not be about the upcoming election; not directly at least. Rather, I think, it's the impending financial disaster (not the Bush spendathon disaster, one of far greater proportions). I'm referring to, of course, Social Security and Medicare. It's a disaster waiting to happen, yet no politician will tackle it. Why not? It's political suicide; it doesn't help anything that the most influential lobbying group in Washington is the AARP. They have a vested interest in seeing the status quo maintained, but to do so is treacherous. In a few short years, the massive generation we've termed the Baby Boomers will begin retiring, and collecting their Social Security benefits; then the trouble begins. At that point, it may be too late. Politicians need to act now.

Yet if the strongest lobbying group in Washington doesn't want to see any reform, it doesn't seem likely it will. Unless, of course, a group with an equally vested interest in seeing Social Security and Medicare reformed speak up. I'm talking about the youth. They may be the greatest power in America, but they don't realize it yet. The youth are the future of this nation, if only they'd look beyond pop culture and realize it. Some do; brilliant young leaders at top universities across the nation perceive the problem and realize their power. But they must mobilize their peers, and make their voice heard. Even in this day and age, Washington is accountable to the people, and not just the special interests. If the youth speak up, they must speak not just for themselves, but for the nation; for future as well as present generations. I'm not talking a youth party here; I'd dread that platform on drug policy and foreign relations. Rather, we need those same youth who see what's coming and understand its implications to speak up, not only to the nation but to their peers. It's often difficult for youth to find their voice, not just as individuals, but as a generation. It is now imperative, however, that the youth of this nation not only find their voice, but make it heard.