Talking About My Generation

18Feb2010

I was born on the cusp of Generation X, I am a Millennial.

Born between 1978 and 2000, Millennials are the largest generation in American history, outnumbering even the baby boomers by nearly 17 million.

Ours is the information age. We grew up with the Internet, and 24/7 cable news. The unprecedented access to technology and information has created a potential for the most socially and politically engaged generation to date.

To what end?

A new movement called Generation WE, loosely based around the book of the same name by Eric Cooper, purports to tell the tale.

Their aim is nothing less than sweeping change of America and the world as a whole. The movement claims to be post-ideological, post-partisan, and post-political; it’s pretty clear that isn’t true. Generation WE is a progressive movement, both politically and ideologically.

Which isn't really surprising. Mine is the generation that elected (with a few allies) Barack Obama. I am a rare exception.

Generation WE appeals to the innate sense of entitlement present in most of my generation, a desire to stick it to their parents for not giving them every piece of crap they pestered them for. “ We’re bigger than you, now you’ll do things our way!” Twisted, but it’s good marketing. Their video is compelling, and well produced. Their website boasts quotes from the likes of Harry Reid and Arianna Huffington, who sound in awe of the energy. There’s an air of something new and exciting on the horizon.

But there’s nothing new about progressives. It’s the same old garbage, with a pretty new wrapper. The last hold outs of the Silent Generation lead the resurrection and re-branding of failed and discredited Socialist policies of the 20th century. Now Millennials are eating it up.

As one of the oldest of the Millennials I feel a certain responsibility. I want you all to know that there’s a better way. We cannot repeat the mistakes of the past. We are fighting for the future of this country, and the soul of our generation. The best way to take care of other people is to ensure nobody has to take care of you. It’s okay to be successful, and to keep what’s yours. Nothing is more precious than your liberties.