We're The Kids In America

I had not declared any politial affiliation for about 18 years, ever since I could vote. I had an extremely basic knowledge of politics, but I knew enough about world events and other things that would affect me. Liberal or conservative, Republican, Democrat or Independent, it did not matter. I've always lived by the rules of common sense.

Which is why it frustrates me to read about college students who so lack common sense that they parrot the liberal bylines without hesitation.

Newsweek Magazine's online version had a twenty-something guest columnist from Michigan State University, Traci Carpenter, write an article on what her fellow college students thought of Social Security, if they even thought about it at all.

...but we never think for a moment that when we get that age, we won't be able to retire in style—or at all.

But this is the picture President Bush painted for us in his assault on our Social Security system at a White House forum last Tuesday and in his State of the Union Address on Wednesday.

"Assault." Didn't waste any time giving us her point of view, did she?

"If you're 20 years old, in your mid-20s, and you're beginning to work, I want you to think about a Social Security system that will be flat bust, bankrupt, unless the United States Congress has got the willingness to act now," Bush told the forum, using his usual rhetoric of impending doom.

"Usual rhetoric of impending doom." Wow. So scientists who predict a volcanic eruption, or an earthquake, or even forecasters who predict a hurricane, and warn people about the possible dangers, are just using their usual rhetoric of impending doom? Curious...

And as an inherent cynic about all politicians, I can't help but wonder if Bush truly has the best interest of my generation in mind. Through four years of his administration, he has barely acknowledged our needs and now he wants to save us from a threat looming a half century away? I can't help but be a little skeptical.

I'm sorry, I didn't realize your generation HAD needs, aside from going to school and getting a decent job that may turn into a great career.

Megan Connor, 21, a self-proclaimed Kerry supporter way back when, takes a more optimistic approach. She's happy Bush has taken notice of what she feels is an important issue, even though the shortfall isn't set to kick in for at least a decade after Bush leaves office.

THIS is what I like to hear. Although a Kerry supporter, Connor has the capacity to see things from the other side, and not just dismiss them outright.

However, she is concerned that our generation isn't prepared for what Bush has proposed. For those of us not financially savvy and clueless when it comes to investing, "it's going to be guesswork," she says.

Andrew Bell, 21, shares the same anxiety. "People in general have a pretty Short-term outlook," he said, adding he would be willing to pay more now to keep the current system because it would be "one less thing I have to worry about."

Well, we wouldn't want Mr. Bell to worry too much, would we? I mean, it's only LIFE we're talking about here.