I’ll see you on the front line

Gordon Meriwether
Published: March 5, 2008

The idealism of the '60s generation does not need to fade away

Warning: If you are 60 years of age, or nearing it, you may want to pass this editorial by. Read on at your own peril. You've been fairly warned.

The '60s generation -remember, we were going to change the world.

When we got through, there would be no more war, we would eliminate poverty and hunger and there would be equal justice for all, etc.

Now as this '60s generationer nears my 60th birthday, I look back to see the difference we have made.

Unfortunately, the change is negligible at best: In some areas we have lost ground, not only to the era of the '60s, but also relative to the rest of the developed world.

With so much promise, we were the solution to all the world's ills, but with the yoke of time we became the problem.

When Bobby Kennedy came to the University of Alabama to address the student body in 1968, my enthusiasm for change was only exceeded by the difference I thought I could make in the world.

Bobby spoke of hope, promise and with a vision - not just for the nation but for the world.

Three weeks later, he was dead from an assassin's bullet and my promise of the '60s waned into the world of reality.

Now I turn 60, with the time in between then and now a blur of service, marriage, children and mortgages. What has changed in 40 years- Not much.

We are in another war started under the false pretense with our young dying again in somebody else's war.

Poverty and hunger are just as severe as they were in the '60s but with the sidekick of rampant new epidemics along for the ride.

Health care is more expensive than ever and not available to those who need it the most. Millions of children go without coverage under a lack of action and political leadership.

The middle class is crumbpling under the weight of the economy with more and more joining the ranks of the impoverished, while the well-to-do do better than ever.

The economy is in shambles under the pressure of oil, food and the mortgage mess.

While our deficits and debts skyrocket, the White House demands more tax cuts.

Racial and immigration issues still haunt us without solutions while providing ample fodder for the political opportunists and demigods among us.

Education lags from the lack of funding for teachers and facilities.

There is no Cold War, but there are ample supplies of wars for our politicians to promote, pushing our military to the brink of dysfunction.

Where are you, '60s generation- We are a unique group bound by time and service.

Our time has not passed.

We may not be able to reclaim our youth, but we can certainly stand up and claim our legacy once again.

Whether Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, black or white, male or female, don't let these opportunities for change pass us by.

Choose to get involved and make a difference.

Once again, take up the mantle to make the world a better place. Let those who come after us marvel at the rebirth of a generation. 

See you on the front line.

Gordon Meriwether is an independent columnist who lives in Culpeper. He appears every other Thursday in the Star-Exponent. E-mail