Beyond 2008: The Bono - Obama Generation
UPDATE: Please note this post refers to Baby Boomers that are a part of the “political establishment” and in the “federal bureaucracy - whether in Congress, the White House, or on K Street.” Please read the post before you make some silly comment on how I lumped all Baby Boomers together. I am specific, and I don’t mean all. And, for the record - there is a ton of research that reflects different birth years for Boomers. So, keep your condescension in check.
During the primary election season, I penned a piece called The Bono - Obama Generation. With President-elect Obama’s historic win earlier this week, it seems appropriate to take those ideas and look at next steps for Gen X, Gen Y, and how we can ease political establishment Baby Boomers into their retirement without too much of a fuss.
A commenter once pointed out that Barack Obama actually falls into “Generation Jones†- which is something I am familiar with - but we aren’t about to rewrite the popular culture script for a nation of 300 million people overnight. Barack Obama may have associated with the 60s radical like William Ayers - but his campaign was tech-savvy, appealing to Gen X, Gen Y or the Millennials. How did this identity get created? And who are these thirtysomethings and fortysomethings coming to town? What makes us tick?
Generation X. Born from approximately 1961 - 1980. The children of Baby Boomers and Beatniks. We saw the Berlin wall come down, the Marine barracks in Beirut blown up, glasnost and perestroika crest and fall, the first shuttle launch - the Challenger disaster - and now, we are watching the end of the Shuttle program. Our men were young, fresh from high school and college when they went to liberate Kuwait in late 1990 and early 1991. Now - they are commanding forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. We remember the hostage release in Iran and we were children when Black September was the violent islamist group everyone feared. We remember the Achille Lauro and when hijacked airplanes landed on the tarmac instead of crashing into buildings. We remember the famine in Ethiopia. The genocide in Rwanda. We remember the Mog because it was our men who died there, and at Khobar Towers.
The soundtrack for our generation features Bob Geldof, Bono and U2. Sure, a lot of other artists are socially conscious. But ask a Gen Xer whose voice they hear when they see the news in Darfur, you’ll get U2 as an answer. (See DATA, RED & ONE)More than a few of us skipped school the day the Joshua Tree record was released. Whether you bought it on tape or vinyl, it was a big deal.
We were deprived of knowing Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bobby Kennedy and JFK. Because these great men were assassinated. We remember when Sadat died. We have watched as Baby Boomers ran in fear from every major challenge, shirked every responsibility, talked the talk about social justice but refused to let go of their youth. They fought in a botched war (Vietnam) and are determined to make Iraq just as awful - they don’t care how many die in my generation — they just want us to feel their pain.
Here’s my thought - and it’s shared by many, if not expressed outright - Screw Off. Take your obsession with your wasted youth and get the hell out of leadership. Baby Boomers in the federal bureaucracy - whether in Congress, the White House, or on K Street - are trapped in a nightmare of their own making. GROW UP.
Gen Xers are ready to lead. We gave the world YouTube, Google, and ONE - with the help of modern visionaries like Bono. Our people, like Pierre-Richard Prosper, are the War Crimes Prosecutors - for the Rwanda genocide Baby Boomers (specifically President Bill Clinton) did nothing to stop. Our people, like Barack Obama, are motivating people in amazing ways — look at the Iowa Caucus results. And he did not just scare off (and soundly beat) Hillary Clinton - according to The Washington Post, GOP Doubts, Fears ‘Post-Partisan’ Obama.
Do you know why the “conventional wisdom†prior to the election said that Obama can’t possibly turn out the youth (under 30) vote? Because the people providing the CW, are Baby Boomers. And yes-men. The 2008 presidential election is the election where Generation X assumes control of the Republic. Despite my policy differences with Obama, and they are legion, this may be a chance to finally cut ties to the past - and move towards a future without the personal dramas of the past.
American voters don’t care how the Baby Boomers feel ANY MORE. That’s why elder statesman McCain was our nominee. At least McCain gives the impression he still believes in the American ideal. There is no place for petulance in presidential politics. Generation X is leading younger brothers and sisters of Generation Y, to the polls for the first time. Voters want authenticity and change.
And they proved willing to take a chance on a guy, like Obama, who is one of their own generation- rather than give one more ounce of credit to the generation that presided over the obstacles and social engineering that our tax dollars are paying for.
Republicans must do some soul searching. Stop playing the blame game. Be realistic. Get in the here and now. Identify new leaders - like US Rep. Eric Cantor, who is running for the #2 spot in the House. Look in our local communities - identify more folks like Cantor, and get them on the ballot next time for state and local races. We live in the most exceptional country in history. We need to embrace that. Live up to that legacy. And remember, ideas matter. Words matter. Perspective matters.
Gen X matters. Look at Tuesday’s results, Obama knew it. Time for us to get back into the game.
—Media Lizzy
http://generationjones.com
November 7th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Hi Lizzy! I am Gen-x and used to be a republican before I became a staunch libertarian. From my perspective - and I understand the liberal ideology - ideas like preemptive war and war in general will never again be accepted by people, especially the younger generation. I supported John McCain until the day he voted for the bail out - I was shocked!
McCain at best, is a democrat, not a conservative. The Bush administration became the “big government” conservative party - mad spending galore. I hope the republican party can evolve over the next four years, return to fundamental ideas like small government, low taxes and so forth. Also, corporate welfare is just as bad as personal welfare. With all the talk about Obama being a socialist - and he definitely is a socialist - the republican party has also exhibited socialism: corporate welfare.
I want a return to free market capitalism! Let banks, corporations and failed businesses FAIL! The republicans need fresh faces and powerful ideals that will garner attention from the youth, African Americans and even liberals. Liberalism isn’t the enemy, it’s what liberalism has become: corporatist/fascist high tax liberalism - a far cry from classical liberalism.
I just want a republican candidate I can actually vote for and feel good about: a small government, low tax libertarian edged republican with strong economic knowledge, conservative values and for strong defense. I’ll help/support the republican party if they get their shi* together:)
November 7th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Nope, Obama is not a Gen Xer. He’s a
boomer, someone born between 1946-1964.
He was born in 1961.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I’m not clear what you mean by “we aren’t about to rewrite the popular culture script for a nation of 300 million people overnight” in reference to Obama’s identity as part of Generation Jones. As many prominent experts have pointed out, Obama is unequivocally part of Generation Jones; he is clearly not a Boomer or Xer. Is what you are implying (re. not rewritng pop culture scripts) is that because GenJones isn’t as well known as GenX, let’s just pretend he’s GenX? I don’t mean that question in an insulting way, and you obviously are bright and write well, but I’m genuinely confused re. your approach here.
I believe that whatever generation a person is actually a part of is the generation we should use to describe that person. A concept’s truth is not based on how well known it is. And it sounds like you may not realize how well-known Generation Jones has become. You may get a better sense of this by watching this recent 5 minute video filled with top national pundits and experts talking about Obama as a GenJoneser:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ta_Du5K0jk
Or take a look at this short video of a discussion about Obama’s GenJones identity on CNN’s election night coverage a couple of nights ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSB5l3t1iRA
If you go to the Generation Jones website, you’ll find many more examples like this of how established Generation Jones has become, and how widely Obama is viewed to be a GenJoneser.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Not much I can add to Bobby Revell’s comments, he’s said it all. Stay safe, everyone.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
President-elect obama is a part of Generation X (1961-1981) and that make him a part of a large group of people who are now in a position to be in power. The generations prior to this one have not cared much about the planet that we live on. They are responsible for the most aggregious enviromental disasters and they are not sorry. To this day “big business” is still not sorry and woul;d reverse all enviromental policy to make a buck. many people would call my views “leftward leaning”, but I do believe in a free enterprise system and I would not want to live in any other country on the planet. What I don’t believe in is people who think that that are paying their fair share, but are actually avoing their legal responsibilities. $700 billion could have gone a lot farther in the hands of the people than in the hands of “big business”. All of those executives should be ashamed of the position that they have put this country in. The people will always be here, but they trust you even less than before and without trust, there is no business. Thousands of American families are struggling now when it used to be only hundreds (and thta was less than a year ago). Creditors are tightening their lending policies, but that doesn’t help me put food on the table. I am guilty of paying my bills on time and often sending more than I have to (higher than minimum payments on credit cards), but they don’t seem to care. Reducing available credit and destroying credit ratings is a sure way to make this recession a full fledged depression. If people don’t have the ability to get the necessities, then what can they get? What can they hope for? Who is going to bail us out? The policies of the past have caught up in a big way and now I con only pray that the change I voted for will make a difference for not only myself and my family, but for generations to come.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I think there is a confusion on what defines a generation, and it seems that Boomers and Xers alike want to claim Obama. Boomers want to claim him because he represents the last vestiges of the 1960s mentality of liberal radicalism. Xers want to claim him because her represents a neo-pragmatism that moves beyond mere idealism. I think Generation Jones is a worthy compromise, since Obama represents the best of both generations, but I do think that the reign of the Boomers is ending, and when the next US Presidential election comes about, don’t expect to see anyone (Republican, Democrat or otherwise) over the age of fifty to be running again (the McCain campaign is an example as to why this won’t be the case ever again). The presidency is all about style, youth, tenacity and a willingness to take chances.
November 7th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
On the Baby Boomer generation - I couldn’t agree more, and have been uttering similar thoughts for a long while now. As far as Bobby Revell’s statements above, I don’t know how anyone can call Obama a socialist. Disagree with his political choices all you like, but a socialist? And they say that the Obamaniacs drink the kool aid, Sheesh.
November 7th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
i believe anyone of our poltician are ready to lead but lead into what.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Sorry to tell you this but a Gen-Xr is not someone born in 1961. It starts in 1965. Always check your research and material please before you write something that you think is pertinent and world changing. Only to find out that your “facts” are wrong.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
The definition of a baby boomer is someone born between 1945 and 1964. Obama is a baby boomer no matter how many people try to say that he is post-boomer.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Obama is a Boomer - Boomers are anyone born 1946-1964.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
If we have the lack of wisdom, emotional intelligence, and appreciation for those who went before us as expressed in this diatribe, I’d say we’re definately not ready to lead.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Actually folks, I highly recommend you look at additional resources.
http://generationjones.com
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/10/generation_jones_looks_for_att.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15592086/
http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost/specials/genx.overvw1.html
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hNIYcOlVvU-kzjFaRvyCKszO0Izw
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_34/b4097060796052.htm?campaign_id=rss_daily
November 7th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I have no problem with “Generation-Whatever-You-Decide-To-Call-It” leading.
But you don’t need to indulge in all the Anti-Boomer Crap.
Just lead — Go ahead….Lead!
November 7th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I’m glad that someone pointed out that “Boomers” end in 1965! President-elect Obama is two years older than me and I know that I’m not an “X”-er!
November 7th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Sorry, you got the babyboomers all wrong..at least the ones who remain true to their ideals…The cooporate system has sold you a lot of crap on what we want! My kids are proud of me and they range from 35-to 21. I am also a U-2 Fan. The conservative cooperate media has never shook my ideals that were expressed by JFK,his brother Bobbie, Martin Luther King and so on. The history books have been rewritten to serve the agenda of the elite not the vanquished, and as usual you will find the truth in music and folklore of the people!!!We paved the way for you..God luck!!!Eternal youth?Bullsh*t! I prefer to be the wise old crone!!!Pease and Love to All!!Go Obama!!
November 7th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
every generation has it easier than the last. theydon’t know it because they din’t live it. X’rs are more capable of the computer based nucleus that drives verythig we use.phones thru roadgraders..they grspr tha but they didn’t sleep with coal stoves or bath onc a wek with thers simbligs. there are still people alive in this country that lived that. worl war two vterans were cave men in equipment compared to todays army and housewives and every is as well. rather tan out-do each generation take a clue fro marial arts and other arts..music.dance and keep making it better but don’t waste the wisdom of experience. i have managed and mentored many peop;ae and i laugh at how nieve and spoiled the new generations rae and i wonder if im jealoy=us but we’re still part of the universe and have to follow the weak don’t make it ..but x- pees have aserios coversation wit atrue early boomer 60 plus and if he has his shit together you can learn how to be very si=uccesful sucku=ing himdrt-y of any wisdom he would a=share. if he is a true sririt e will know if you are worthy of that. if you are a punk x’r you thinks he ’s cool humility will await you. it may take time but your geneeration will live longger…good young bio people looking at cells inside cell and so on. caio
November 7th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Although Obama is a Boomer, he’s on the cusp of Gen X. That’s why his
ideas are innovative and differs historically from previous presidents.
He’s ready.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Lizzy is so wrong! The Baby Boom generation are the biggest overachievers ever! Little miss Panzzy with her latté mocha has no clue what it takes to maintain a society like this, not to mention a better one. Even the best of the best have trouble doing it. All I can say is OK, you give it a try, maybe you can do it better, but with that attitude I doubt it.
My birthday is coming up November 22, 1953 Cadmanb@aol.com
November 7th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
One more thing Lizzy…the mere fact that you don’t know when one generation ends and another generation starts answers your question. Generation-X is not ready to lead anyone, anywhere except to the video section of Wal-mart! You can’t just lay claim to someone just because so many of you voted for him. I voted for him also, he’s a fellow Boomer and proud of it! LOL
November 7th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Also… note to those who are concerned about my characterization of Baby Boomers. Please ACTUALLY read the article, because I note the “political establishment Baby Boomers” - if you are not a part of the political establishment, then I am not talking about you.
Toughen up, folks.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
We’re ready for new, young leadership. I’m an early baby-boomer, and I’m happy to see new enthusiasm.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
You are treating the baby boomers just like every young person does their elders. “Just get lost, we do not need you any more” What a crock of you know what. You did not get here by yourself. Thought this country was trying to show more respect to the elder population. Some of the baby boomers are still quite young. And guess what? As you try to push them out of the picture, your social security payments are still going to payments for those baby boomers.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Actually we are called the “Shadow Generation”.
Check it out on Facebook~
November 7th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I’m a baby boomer & you got it all wrong regarding my generation. You missed out growing up during the best of times (’50s,’60s,’70s) You’ll never know what it REALLY is like to be a baby boomer!!! I would never trade a minute of my life to be a Generation X-er!!!
November 7th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
What? “The generations prior to this one have not cared much about the planet that we live on. They are responsible for the most aggregious enviromental disasters and they are not sorry.” That is
complete crap. This tail end Baby
Boomer (1954) did and does care.
Always has. Before it was called
“Going Green” it was called in the
early 1970’s “The Ecology Movement”.
As a kindergardener in 1960 I went to a camping school with my family
and learned about leaving no trace behind. Leave a place better than you found it. No footprints. Recycling is nothing new. I’ve always driven energy efficient cars. Understanding that there is no difference between a BMW or a Toyota in the end. They just rust out. Don’t waste money on something that is going to rust out. Do not, tell the younger Baby Boomers still in their working years to “Screw Off”. We were patted on the head and told we were not old enough yet to understand. But those, like me, understood and still understand. I won’t get out of the leadership process. I’ve always been smart enough to not employee myself in getting so far into the process that I become incompetent! Like so many of my contemporaries did. Stop disenfranchising people with
stupid generational labels. Or other pigeonholing thought. That makes the younger set just as bad
as the ones they are pointing fingers at. Older can learn from younger and vice versa.
I like what Bobby Revell wrote in
his last paragraph. It’s what I wanted this past election and felt we had in Mitt Romeny. Too bad it
didn’t happen.
The Presidency is about leading the nation of “We The People…” and working for that collective “we”.
With wisdom, competence, tenancity, getting the job done. With responsibility, honesty and accountability (something many Boomers, let alone other generationals toss aside when power and money comes). It is not about necesarily about style or youth, but
both do help.
I’ve been burned by both parties so I am a die hard Independent with
conservative leanings.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I read half the article… and chuckled. The writer sounded a whole lot like the baby boomers during the sixties…. Obama, is part of the baby boom..hes at the tail end of it…still green beyind the ears, but full of a lot of the same nonsense the baby boomers were full of. LOL….
There is another place I remember seeing such a sentament expressed as in the article.. It was a history dicumentary about propaganda and the ‘younger generation’ at the beginning of the Nazi Regime. In it a Hitler Youth teen standing with a group of Hitler Youth give the same speech to their ‘over the hill parents’ who happened to be middle class and comfortable while at the same time liberal while the Nazi kids were the new movement in town…where it was at… the future…. LOL
Of course several years later, once the Nazis were established, a new generation of teens found themselves telling their over the hill Nazi parents how great Jazz was…. ITs universal and never changing…
November 7th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Hello? President-Elect Obama is a BOOMER ( 1946-1964 age range. ) The vast majority of Boomers are too young to have children born in the so-called Gen. X era, so get your facts straight.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
GenX?
Excuse me the definition of a baby boomer ends at 1963. Obama is a baby boomer by all definition. You are conveintly changing a statisical end date that has existed for decades to remake your candadate in to something he is not…young.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Wow! Sounds like someone has a beef with Mommy and Daddy. I guess the GenXers will be ready to lead once they quit sucking off their parents–you know, those horrible Baby Boomers who are still paying to keep them in the lifestyle they have always enjoyed!
November 7th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Forgive me, but the age range of Gen X varies significantly depending on which source you consult, and when you consult it. Gen X was first popularly used to describe a specific group in the early 1990s and, at that time, was applied only to 20-somethings (people born only during the late 60s and early 70s) who were characterized as “slackers and disaffected”. Obama was not part of that initial crowd. Later it expanded to include post-Baby Boomers (mid 60s) and those born during the later 70s. Now its defined anywhere from those born between 1965 and 1978, to 1960 through 1980. Basically it’s anyone who was born during a period of low-birth rates in the US. The characteristics of this generation are broad and not nearly as cohesive as the author purports. The defining experiences of a “Gen Xer” born in 1961 include the Vietnam War and disco, while someone born in 1971 came of age with Atari, AIDS, and that whole neon clothing fad. These broad population categorizations are rendered almost entirely useless by the rapid pace of change we experience in today’s society.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
You got it all regarding my generation. The baby boomers grew up during the best of times (1950s, 1960s, 1970s) You will never know what it was like to grow up during those times, you & your generation missed out growing up in the most exciting of times!!! I see most Generation-ers as spoliled, confused, unhappy. I woluldn’t trade a minute of my life to be a Generation-er!!!!!!!!
November 7th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
What a crock! Get over yourself and quit assuming because you were born at a certain time that your skills are better than another generations. Great, you can text faster than the boomers or you now have the internet to get info- which came from a boomer. Try fixing a faucet or playing on a team and not getting a trophy. How about being accountable when you screw up and not blaming it on your self esteem level. Do your homework and know what group Obama fits into-duh.
Next time you want to play guru, have some life experiences that matter.
You sound just like every every generation does when they have had too much to drink. Grow up and come back when you have had your first kid, mortgage, firing and written a book.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
And that is why the label “Generation Jones” is a better label for Obama. He’s not the classic Boomer, who initiated change. He’s not the classic Xer, since he did not grow up after the fact. He came of age during the transition period, which is why he can represent a transcendence of Americana. In other words, Obama represents the BEST of the Boomers AND Gen-Xers.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
It appears some people weren’t taught to respect their parents(or their elders)..Too bad for you.My children were and they are Good people..I was born in 52..Worked my whole life and will keep on working.I am saddened by the way We over 50 people are portrayed.We are far from done being of value..
November 7th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
It was the boomers that it possible for Barak Obama to even think about running for president. before us, segregation was the staus quo.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
There can be little doubt that the baby-boomers in general (not all) are the products of their hard-working, sacrificing parents of the WWII and Depression Era. The hardy generation of the 1930’s and ’40s saw enough hell in their time, and naturally wanted to protect their children(the boomers) from the same hell. The only problem is that in their attempt to protect their baby-boom generation children, they overcompensated. The result, a spoiled and self-serving generation. It was during the baby boom generation that the “me first” mentality gained momentum, and things have gotten worse since. Generation X, in large part, had to raise themselves because their baby boom parents, not wanting to do without their “standard of living” were never home. Both parents were working extra for more money to buy more things, or they were “out on the town” while their children were watched by others. Check your research again. It was during the 60’s when the drug culture became a phenomenon. Who were these youth? The bored boomers. Why weren’t these hippie protesters working? Or going school? The answer, they didn’t have to. Mommy and Daddy paid all their bills. When one is bored, they are more likely to get in trouble. Again, check your facts. Anyway, I am not saying this is the case for all Boomers, so please don’t quote me out of context. It is the case for enough boomers however to prove my point. Honestly, I don’t see their retirement from power as being beneficial to us gen Xers. They are going to demand the same quality of life as they have been living, and it is going to fall on our shoulders. Keep in mind, abortion came into power with the boomers, so there are fewer of us now to take care of them.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Hey Lizzie, from all that I have learned in history classes and all that I see on the internet, Baby boomer time ended in 1964, not 1961 and the births were linked to the boom that happened when the soldiers came home eager to plant their flags in american soil, so to speak.
For the most part, Boomers are stll leading and are young enough to do so, but old enough to know what we (X-ers) are still learning. Are there Xer’s that are ready to lead? Sure there probably are, but I think you have to judge leadership ability by the individual, not by generation. To do that would be silly. You can always benefit from a different point of view, and those the discredit the views of others based on the time in which they are born is foolhardy.
“Baby boomer is a term used to describe a person who was born during the Post-World War II baby boom between 1946 and 1964.[1][2] Following World War II, several English-speaking countries – the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – experienced an unusual spike in birth rates, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the baby boom”—Wikipedia
http://headingright.com/2008/11/07/beyond-2008-the-bono-obama-generation/?icid=200100397×1212470528x1200784530
http://geography.about.com/od/populationgeography/a/babyboom.htm
November 7th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I think Lizzy is Dizzy!!!!!!!!!!
November 7th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Enough already about this petty quibbling over generational labels! Obama’s “youthful” energy, intelligence, and charisma (not to mention his platform) are what inspired people to vote for him. McCain simply was too old, tired, confused, and angry - a relic of the Republican party.
I’m always aghast to realize that Rove and Dubya (and Cheney?) are technically “boomers” although they are far to the extreme right, and hardly characteristic of that (my) generation. While the open minds of the 60s forged new frontiers on many levels, the dummies who just “didn’t get it” drank booze, partied, snorted coke (hey, you could go to work on coke) and pretty much stayed that way, never learning lessons from life going on around them - the civil rights movement, Vietnam, mind-expanding substances, exciting new music which is still emulated by the younger generations, etc. They stayed stuck in Nowhereville, while most boomers married, had kids, bought houses, and pretty much forgot most of what they learned and experienced in those heady days.
The younger generations will probably never quite understand how rigidly conformist American culture was prior to about 1964. Growing up in the 1950s was like growing up in a strait jacket. We rebels of that period paved the way for much that you take for granted today. But, that’s OK.
Many other cultures revere the elderly for their wisdom. Sadly, the US culture does not revere wisdom in any form - otherwise, how would we have ended up with a “leader” like GWB?? The other thing is, you don’t acquire wisdom automatically as you age. You need to seek it. You can start while young.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Imagine if Barry ever actually says something….
November 7th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I think a real indication of what “generation” Obama is, based on one question: which generation supported Obama from “Day 1″? I rest my case.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I really do not care what generation obama is from. I did not vote for the man. I am a “generation xer” and proud of it! But whatever generation Obama is from, I just hope and pray he does what he promised, and fix this country. Maybe, he can fix the whole banking issues, and just let the big shots go broke like the rest of us. Don’t bail out anymore big businesses, if I have to fail they should too. Hopefully Obama is telling the truth and will help us little people get through our life a little easier WITH JOBS.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
The baby boom simply means the birth rate for a certain period, which BTW started to decline in 1958. You don’t define a generation based on a birth rate but pop culture. Obama’s pop culture references are Gen X, not Boomer.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country…….sounds gen x to me
November 7th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
You can not define all Boomers the same. i was born in 1957, and my thoughts and ideals are so different than those of my brother born in ‘48. It was a great time to grow up for the most part, exciting and safer. There were aspects that I am glad have changed, womens rights in work and sports etc.being just a couple.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
screw off? what a brilliant critical analysis!! by the way, U2 is terrible! Michael Minzer b.1950
November 7th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
The problem that I have with the article is not the characterization but the generalization of Baby Boomers. I think what will surprise a lot of the so called Generation X is just how few Generation-Xers Obama will actually have in key positions in his cabinet. Have you seen his Vice-President pick? Have you seen his financial advisors? Have you seen his choice for Chief of Staff? The man ain’t stupid, I would not leave the fate of this country to Generation -X either! He’s a Boomer and to Generation-X he’s the real cool uncle! LOL!
Signed
-Boomer who voted for fellow Boomer Obama!
November 7th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
“He came of age during the transition period, which is why he can represent a transcendence of Americana. In other words, Obama represents the BEST of the Boomers AND Gen-Xers.”
Uhhh…it remains to be proven if
)
he represents the BEST of.
The proof will be in the puddings
he puts out the next four years
with Congress. (OK, so I don’t know what analogy would fit for
2008 and forward! HaHa!
I don’t believe
anyone reading this site has forgotten the President’s office,
alone, can do anything without the
other two branches of the government.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Here is the same article she tried to write, but is from 8yrs ago.
P.S. this one is alot better:
http://www.superseventies.com/worstgen.html
November 7th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Obama is a boomer(1945-1963). I agree with the poster who said you changed the definition dates to claim him. That’s sort of like revisionist history, it just doesn’t wash. You come across as a know it all 15 year old. Seems to me that you are the one who needs to grow up. The boomers are still in power, at least for the next few years. Some of you are ready to lead, but the x-er generation as a whole is not.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
If they want to make a real change and have impact, they need to learn AMERICAN HISTORY. Apparently it’s not being taught well if it all,and therefore,it’s why they’re “taking a chance” on a guy that just comes across as the latest “cool thing”.
Due to a lack of history knowledege,many of the young people have no idea the freedoms and liberties they are giving away freely. I personally never thought i’d see the day when a canidate could literally tell the American people he’s a socialist and even stand a chance at winning the presidency!!
Obama speaks well and does look youthful, but most younger people and others don’t listen to his words!!! Very dangerous!!! It’ s not all propaganda as most of them say when you challenge thenm on an issue…it’s his own words!!! My advice is learn the constitution and AMERICAN HISTORY so you can see the sacrafices that have been made for us to have the freedoms and liberties we have,and Ron Paul would be a great place to start!!!
November 7th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
BS I’m a BB and proud of the contributions I any many like me and my wife have given too our country. Yes it is time for the next generation too step up and lead, but do not count out the previous generations for many of us know what it is like to suffer at the hands of inept leadership Johnson, Carter, Nixon, and Clinton. We will survive because we listened to our parents, grand parents and great grand parents pay attention to the candidates and vote. Those of the population who voted for the first time in this election, who have been able to vote prior to this time, IT IS ABOUT TIME! You complain and whine and do not participate, as my grand father said” If you do not participate in this society you have no reason to complain”.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Hi Lizzy~ I am 39…was a GOPer for 19 years until I switched to Independent in 2006.
I’ve read the bible through 5 times completely and am on my 6th read through. I’ve tithed 10% of my gross income since I’ve been making income. And I voted for a Democrat for president for the first time and I’m very happy about it! Go Sen. Obama!
I even voted straight ticket Democrat. How far I’ve come since my straight ticket GOP days of 1996.
The paragraph that I love best that you wrote is below. And I haven’t been nearly as nice! Good article!
“Here’s my thought - and it’s shared by many, if not expressed outright - Screw Off. Take your obsession with your wasted youth and get the hell out of leadership. Baby Boomers in the federal bureaucracy - whether in Congress, the White House, or on K Street - are trapped in a nightmare of their own making. GROW UP.”
November 7th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I am ecstatic that finally, my generation is assuming the reigns of responsiblity. I grew up hearing every excuse under the sun for the inabilities, shortcomings and inadequacy of the generation that has been in charge of the world for so long. I was born in 1961, and have always made sure to do my very best at everything. I never needed someone to supervise my work, because I am responsible, thorough, and resourceful. I care about the world I live in, always have, always will; We have inherited a world in ruins,practically, and I know that very hard, constant work lays ahead. But that is not new to me, or those of my generation. We have survived the cynicism, the put-downs, and the total lack of encouragement from those whose apathy we loathe. So whatever it takes to put us on the right track I will do my bit, however small, because I believe in us, in our ability as a nation, to remake itself, whichs serves as an example to others everywhere, that every person matters, and that countries are built by their people, not by faceless individuals. I believe in the U.S.A. and now, so does the rest of the world.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Ready to lead. Me-diva Lizzy you aren’t even ready to write an intelligent post. Most of this post is pure B.S. Next time try to do a bit of research before you work yourself into a tizzy, although I do suppose this rant helped you get your 15-minutes of fame.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
I am Generation X and born in 1970. I do not claim Mr. Obama as a part of Gen X. The Boomers can have him (prior to 1964 birth). Just for the record, I am not lazy or uneducated. We are ready!
November 7th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
OK Liz, you’re description of Baby Boomers leaves much to be desired. Firstly, how can you call the Vietnam war botched? It was a counter-insurgency operation, which means that there were no clear battle lines, much like the bulk of Iraq and Afghanistan. Since you never served in the armed forces, you and every other journalist has no right to call any war botched.
Moreover, you just don’t know what the devil you’re talking about!
What happened with Vietnam, was that Congress voted to cut off all funding. We were a year away from winning the thing!
This boomer served nearly 22 years in the United States Army. Who the hell do you think made it possible for the Berlin wall to fall? Yep, you got it, us boomers. Gen x for the most part are spoiled little children who have seldom experienced adversity.
The soldiers in the first Iraq war were led by boomers. The senior officers in Iraq are boomers. The junior and mid grade officers and NCO’s are gen X.
For the record, Obama, who was born in 1961 is a boomer. Gen x is not ready to lead - not by any stretch of the imagination.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Okay you may call him Generation X. I expect that from AOL.Com. He is not Generation X he is what is called a “Tweenie”. Those of us caught between the “yuppies” and “generation x”. That is what makes him, Obama. He listens, he is eloquent and knows what every age group is thinking.
He is not Generation X. Nor a Yuppie he is what is known as a “tweenie”. One who knows both generations.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Trials and Tribulations of the American Youth
I saw history unfold Tuesday November 4th 2008. As though prophecy fulfilled, a new order has come to this age. Of the people, by the people and for the people are the principles that unite and bind us as citizens of this country. These are the ideals our founding fathers fought and died for. We the people owe to the framers of the constitution a debt that can only be paid through integrity and honesty of the political process and our elected officials.
Hope and the right number of votes has carried the election with something historic happening. The youth of America have shown how to ignore race and color and vote according to conscience and logic. For the first time an election was won because of the youth vote and for the first time a black man will hold the highest office in the land. In an election process historically plagued with hidden agendas and false promises the youth of America have voluntarily disenfranchised themselves from the politics of their predecessors. Instead of the status quo they opt for change. I am a by-product of this mindset.
As I watch the analysts and experts stutter for an understanding of the changing face of America I see for the first time very clearly who the truly disenfranchised are. The times have not changed, the country is just catching up. It is not bound by prejudice or ignorance. Information is not lacking. Opinions without supporting evidence are useless to the youth of America. They want to know why and what; they want to know the truth. There is a generational divide in this country that threatens its very unity. While the youth of today have a firm understanding of the generations prior, the seniors find themselves caught in a technological abyss. Opinions are not as important as information. With internet access we can find answer’s to questions as quickly as the information becomes available. Access to this degree of information will redefine knowledge.
In regards to politics, we are neither amused nor swayed by negative campaigning. The youth does not support unfounded allegations. We can identify manipulative intent. We are the result of countless generations that wanted more for their children than was available to them; we received it. We are educated like no other generation before, only to be surpassed by those that come after us.
Growing up I heard one constant muttered by my elders…â€Kids these days.†The faults of today are none of our own devise. Our suggestions for the future fall of deaf ears. Age is the underlying discriminatory factor. At 34 years old I am considered a child by my parents. While I may be ‘their’ child, I am not ‘a’ child. Thomas Jefferson was 33 when he wrote the declaration of independence. Despite the fact that Jefferson lived beyond 80, at the time the country was founded, 34 was an old age for the average citizen. Medicinal advances may have prolonged the current average life span to 80+ but we still mature at the same rate physically as well as mentally. While a 24 year old undoubtedly does not have the same experience as a 74 year old counterpart, the 74 year old is with out the benefits of socio/technological advancements that existed during the lifetime of the 24 year old. The ability to perform the task is more relevant in the now than previous achievements and experience combined.
If you were to compose two historical books, one with all that has been discovered and one with all the things people thought to be true you would find that was is known would be a bookmark in the book of what was thought. The youth carry this torch of truth. The most important information that elders can pass on to youth is personal experiences. While they may be able to tell us what was, we are here in the now and fully cognitive of history’s role in shaping the present. We can help them see the world as it is and what the future will be. I watch my 80+ year old grandmother attempt to navigate a computer much the way I imagine she enjoyed watching me as a child discover how to stack blocks. As the parent of a two year old I see that the joy from new experiences is not restricted by age. To the statement, “Kids these daysâ€, I say “what about them?†The emancipation from mental slavery can be achieved through information.
With information obtained through U.S Census Data the much talked about ‘baby boom’ generation (40-60 yrs old) has a population approximately equal to that of 20 to 40 year olds. Every 5 years another 20 million children become eligible to vote while beyond the age of 60 there is the loss of approximately 5 million people every 5 years. As consequence to the baby boom and then the population explosion the youth demographic has grown substantially. The center for disease control estimates life expectancy to be 77 years old. Currently there are an estimated 20 million people in the United States over the age 77, roughly equivalent to the number of children under the age of 5.
All efforts should be taken to secure the safety and prosperity of our nations elderly. Due consideration should equally be given to the children as they are to inherit the consequences of current choices. The generational gap must be bridged while the opportunity exists. There is a fondness, love and admiration that exists toward our elderly. The problem is a mutual lack of respect of ideals perhaps based on a lack of understanding. If we are to truly propose to have the future in mind it must be the potential interests and ideals of the children that are addressed. I believe in my heart and mind that the children have the best interests of adults in mind. My two year old would undoubtedly prefer his grandparents to any toy the world can provide. While they may be the light in your life, you are the caretakers of their world. Act accordingly. If current Young voter trends continue as they have been for the past three presidential elections, we may see as high as 65 percent of the youth voting in the next decade. We must take the responsible action and clear the course for future generations.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Generation X didn’t start until 1965. Barack Obama was born in 1961 and therefore is a Baby Boomer. Get your facts straight.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
When did Bono for U2 become a visionary? Are you kidding me!!!!!! Once I arrived at this point in the text I knew I was in troouble. He can write some good music and lyrics but a visionary—-WOW!!!!!
November 7th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I’m pre-baby boom, born in 1943. My husband is early baby boom, born in 1947. And as to how anybody can possibly call Obama a socialist, go read his books, for cryin’ out loud. He SAYS he’s a socialist. I’m taking his word for it.
I don’t know whether he’s ready to be president. He’s a brilliant writer but he doesn’t think on his feet very well. He dwells far too much on the subject of race. Well, all my life I thought I was white, but two months ago I found out that under the Texas laws I grew up with, and probably similar laws in other states, I’m legally black. My great-grandmother was 1/4 black, but she was able to pass, and she married a Confederate veteran about 30 years her senior. She never told her children or grandchildren; she told one great-grandchild, my second brother, when she was 96. He told me two months ago; he assumed she had told me at the same family gathering at which she told him, and was astounded that I didn’t know. So at the moment I’m dwelling on race a bit also, but I don’t let it rule my life.
I’d have thought I’d died and gone to heaven if I’d lived his life after about age nine. When I was thirteen I wasn’t living in a high-rise apartment with a glorious view of palm trees, beach, and ocean and going to a posh private school. I was one of nine people living in a one-bedroom house that had the bathroom on the back porch.
But he’s about to be president, and I hope he does well at it. I’m a pretty well-known writer (no, you probably won’t recognize this name because I used it on only seven books) and I’d give my eyeteeth to edit his speeches. At an adequate salary, of course.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
the cool part is that with gen x and y ,supporting class
class envy socialism,they will get to pay about 80% of
thier income someday to pay for all of the retired baby boomers.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Baby boomers may move out of their leadership roles, but the succeeding generations will have to clean up the mess they have created. Their parents lived through the depression and World War II and were willing to sacrifice. Baby boomers have more of an entitlement mentality. They have no intention of reducing their standard of living.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
What is with the lables anyway? If you want to be correct, Obama is bi-racial and yet everyone in the black community is clamoring for him as one of their own. He was raised by white mother and grandparents and their values of their generation. To not value the wisdom of the previous generation is dangerous and foolish. Obama is niave and arrogant. He depends on his intellect and many foolish men have fallen and made many costly mistakes. He has nothing to offer the world. He inspires nothing and his charisma is fleeting.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
It will be known by all in the far future Barack Hussein Obama is FLUFF. Fluff is soft ..fluff is cozy . But when you sit on it.. it collapses. Due to the FACT it is not SOLID.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Hay, don’t count the so called baby boomers (and older) out just yet. We are living longer and if the population projections are correct we will soon out number the younger generation. By the way you will also enter the dinosaur years yourself some day. What will you have to say then. So jump up and lead - just remenber who taught you as you grew up to this point. By the way what are you going to do if President-Elect Obama’s tenure moves to the far left. You will feel it in your paycheck (as well in terms of freedom)as the years go by and then you will cry the blues. You will also forget that you (the younger genertation) played a large role in the transition - but you will not blame yourself, god no. You will blame the President and Party in power at the time. Americans seem to have such a short memory. Again jump up and lead, IT IS YOUR RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY. Just make dam sure that you don’t push this country to the brink. History always seems to repeat its self. There are any number of enemies and so-called friends out there who would love to see this country go down. I doubt many f you really remember the Carter years - 13+ percent interest rates, country almost in financial ruin, weak defense and foreign policy, and worthless social programs. Your time will come. See you in 4 years (I hope). I am not so sure that you will feel the same then. Just might see the same you(s) demanding great change again - why (?) surprise you grew older and you found out that socialism is not so great. Enjoy while you can. Thoughts from a dinosaur. Love to hear your come-backs to the above.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Let’s see what the average age of President-elect Obama’s new cabinet is when he takes office in January. I bet the majority of the advisors, that he himself names, is over the age of 50.
Keep in mind that Barack Obama would not have been elected on the youth vote alone. A lot of Baby Boomers voted for him also.
Lizzy, I was disappointed with the content of your article. I thought I was going to read an encouraging article about the future of our nation. Instead, I read on article displaying the tactic of building oneself up by putting someone else down. For you, no, you are not ready to lead. Please don’t try to get into global diplomacy. And, hopefully, if you ever run for President, nobody will have kept a copy of the article you have just published.
Every generation has eventually handed the mantel of leadership over to the next. The Generation Xers who are ready for that leadership role know they need to also assume the responsiblity of making decisions for all the citizens, young, old, and yet to be born.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Reading Lizzy’s post I said ” she doesn’t sound like an Obama supporter, she’s too venomous and lacking in reason. She sounds more like a Cheney/Rove/Bush fan.”
November 7th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Obama IS a baby boomer no matter how some of the posters on here try to twist it into that he is not. People who were born a couple of years after Obama are still Boomers. The Boomer generation covers about 15 to 16 years and Obama’s birthday is within those years, as is mine.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
There seems to be quite a bit of confusion and misinformation among these comments. One big problem is that some here seem to think that there is some sort of official designation of generations. There isn’t.
Generations are determined by experts (like sociologists, generation experts, etc.) who study, for example, the effect of historical events on young impressionable kids, and how these events create ongoing collective generational personalities. These experts are primarily focused on psychographic (e.g. attitudes, values, etc.)variables.
The old traditional ‘46-’64 definition of the Boomer Generation has increasingly become discredited and obsolete; hardly any serious generation experts still use that old ‘46-’64 definition anymore. That defintion was based on one thing only: a bump on birth charts, but generations have nothing to do with the fertility rates of that generation’s parents.
Yes, there was a demographic boom in births between the mid-1940s and mid-1960s, but a consensus has emerged among experts that there were two entirely seperate generations born during that time: Baby Boomers and Generation Jones.
The dominant definition of Generation X starts with the birth year 1965. There is a minority view advanced by writers Strauss and Howe that GenX starts with 1961, but that is a much less popular view than GenX starting in the mid-1960s.
Obama has been repeatedly clear and emphatic in arguing that he isn’t a Boomer. I’ve only seen one time when he said what he does consider himself (after many references to what he does not consider himself, ie. a Boomer)…he said he related to being part of Generation Jones.
I would bet a chunk of money that within a short time from now that he will widely be considered a part of Generation Jones by not just experts, but by the public generally.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
We, of the “Baby-Bust” generation have been cleaning up after the poor parenting skills of “The Greatest Generation” all of our lives. Whereas, I agree with most of the descriptions of the “Babyboom” generation in your article. I refuse to be lumped into the “Gen-X” whine-fest. For the record, Pres-elect Obama is a little old and could actually be a “Boomer.” We shall see.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
The scary thing I read into what is developing into the “anti-boomer” line of thinking is that your thoughts were OUR thoughts at one time. Believe it or not, many of we “boomers” want to work with the new generation of thinkers and leaders in to the future. Our “mentors” were rigid thinkers with very little room for mind expansion and tolerance for any other line of thought but their own. Boomers started the movement of reform and non-conventional thinking. Our country is screwed up because there are STILL a lot of the old guard STILL in power (that is, until the ‘08 election). I’m proud to still be alive to see a Black president and women’s rights. Many of our own sold out to the guile of power and money that the old guard seduced them with. A lot of us remained true to our ideals. We’re aging but our hair is still long and we still believe in what we fought for in so many ways. I was thrilled when I saw the numbers of young persons who voted this year and their voices spoke LOUD AND CLEAR! Don’t fall prey to the seductions of power and hold true to your ideals. Keep the flags of discontent flying and if I live long enough, I want to point to an era when x,y and all we fought to insure would have a voice took over what boomers had a big hand in starting flower into something that history will always recognize as a turning point in history. True Boomers are with you.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Interesting article, but I’m afraid I have to agree that President-elect Obama isn’t really Gen X…he’s either tail-end Boomer, or Gen J (which I thought was a silly grouping, but I suppose it does define a demo. of citizens).
What will be interesting is if Gen X is actually going to step up and be finally involved…completely, willingly, and getting our hands dirty. The same goes for Gen Y/Millenials. (I think Gen Z has a way to go before the first of them even reaches voting age.)
I’m Gen X, and I always thought the characterization of my generation was simple sloth, disinterest, and boredom on the part of older generations…Boomers were always more impressed with themselves, and always thought of us as children. In return, we had no use for them, after a fashion, and didn’t want to get stuck with the mess and the bills they were going to leave after they were done with their lives.
Hate to say it tho…the Boomers of yesterday will become the senior citizens in 5+ years…it’s starting now. They will expect the “American Dream” to pay off for them. Now. Do you think they’re going to want anyone to touch Social Security, make taxes less favorable to themselves, mess with Medicare/Medicade (gotta get Gramps his Viagra, and Granny her Hoverround at no cost!) or make any of the other sacrifices that will be necessary to make sure our country makes it through the next 100 years intact?
Sorry, I don’t think so. And while I could be petulant and ask why I have to sacrifice so they can retire in comfort…I’m a Gen Xer…I have the pragmatic, realistic outlook that says “Yeah, I’m going to be working until I’m 70, or 80. *sigh* Can’t we get started on fixing things yet?”
I don’t agree that Boomers can just vanish…it won’t happen. But, it’s going to take the combined political will of 3 generations…X, Y, Z and anyone else we can get to vote, to keep our country solvent, prosperous, and vital. TANSTAAFL kids…you may not believe it, but it’s true. And Gens X, Y, and Z are stuck with the bill.
Ultimately, MediaLizzy is right…no matter what your political affiliation, if you were born in 1964, or later, get your head on proper, stop pretending magic faeries will fix things because we’re America, and be prepared to have calloused hands and dirt under your nails. No one else is going to do it for us, or look out for us. Except us.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Nice try Lizzie. The Boomers are from 1946-1964, Obama was born in 1961. So sorry. I’d be careful in your phrasing about Gen X mattering. We ALL matter! But the results have proven that the most important group in this election was the 18-30 age group. Feel free to assign any letter/label you wish. Too, this election was unprecedented. How much did they pay to “buy” this election? Yes, they were very savvy, and caught the Republicans very much off guard. But some of the tactics were just gross. The day after the election there was a large group waiting for their paychecks outside Obama HQ in downtown Indy. They grew restless, the police were called, no violence, but the press showed up. And those media people who were not too intimidated, interviewed the disgruntled people in line and found that these people were the Obama “canvassers”, paid to register and encourage citizens to vote for Obama. There were 375 of them. Multiply that out in every medium and large city across the US and you will have many, many votes conjured up by “canvassers”. Not to mention ACORN. I think that, an intimidated media, the last couple of years of the current administration, (including the economic mess) and a lack of cohesiveness in the McCain camp cost the election. Just bear in mind one thing…when you start to turn nasty against the boomers or any other generation, you’re creating a more fractured party and society. I’m guessing if you want the Republican party to continue, you will need the boomers just as much as the Gen Xers. By the way, I’m 48, one year older than Obama, three years older than Cantor. Not much of a difference. Now do you really want to turn my age group off with your immature, bratty sounding rant? I forget, are you the generation that got all the trophies to boost your self esteem in T-ball? Maybe that’s what did it to you!
November 7th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Not worthy of a detailed response. However I will say I feel sorry for your parents. I hope your not responsible for their long term care. Lizzy?? Borden??
November 7th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Obama embodies the “bridge archetype” and he does represent the best of all generations, but that is not all, he represents the energy of change that can come at the dawn of a new cycle of time. This country, this world, does not need its leader at this time to be the great mother or the great father archetype (someone to follow) like baby boomer Clinton and whatever generation McCain offered us (bless their souls). We need someone who can lead us into participating in bringing unity — which is the 7th ray energy coming into the world at this time. Obama truly ushers in the Age of Aquarius (ask a boomer if you don’t know what that is exactly). You can see this unity energy already manifesting in this great new X generation of yours that was able to mobilize as volunteers and achieve a task larger than each individual self involved. There were, however, a lot of us baby boomers who were right there helping too. But, yes, Obama is truly yours, dear X ones, he thinks more like you and has all the agility of the mind and body that you have. We baby boomers who have been working for this change all our lives (not all of us are CEO types), are very very proud of you X’s for all your hard work and persistence in this election process and gladly hand you the controls. It is your future and your children’s future and this is your chance to work this out. If you need us old Boomers for anything, please feel free to call on us, as we still love you with all our hearts and are still around to serve you. Don’t forget, all you children of Boomers, we really believe that you are the Gods and Goddesses and that is why we gave you those silly names like Hope and Faith and Moonglow and Oceansong, because we always believed that you would save the world, not us.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I think Obama is what I call an intellectual idiot. He has knowledge but does not apply it in an intelligent manner. He says the words but has no action, no history to back up his words. He has no plan of action and he knows it. I think he is delusional. The pide piper of stupid, lazy people. These Generation X who are demanding, self absorbed, no work ethic, living in the moment with no savings and lack a commitment to anything or anyone. These are self indulgent and materialistic kids who will believe anything on the internet, but not what is said directly to them. They wouldn’t believe anything unless it came from a hollywood stars mouth. They are also the stupidest generation for not knowing the most basic of skills in life. They would die of starvation if their wasn’t a fast food restaurant or microwave available. And forget about raising kids or getting married and having a loving relationship. They don’t have it in them. Shallow and spiritually empty. They are the lost generation and they tend to have not reached a maturity level that previous generations have. Spoiled by what has been handed to them, yet they have no idea how to make it on their own.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
This article made me cringe.
Already addressed in earlier comments was the issue of whether or not Obama is actually Generation X. Generations are often loosely defined, based on different social factors, and tend to overlap. They also depend on who you’re talking to. If you are defining the beginning of Gen X and the end of the Baby Boomer generation culturally, then maybe the 1961-1980 range is appropriate (although I have nothing really to back this up, I am just speculating as to why these dates define the generation borders). However, if you are defining the Baby Boomer Generation according to, well, the Baby Boom, I am pretty sure that ended in 1964, when the exponential amount of births that took place after WWII tapered off. In that case, Obama would be a Baby Boomer, albeit a young one who probably experienced many of the same disaffection you claim Gen X did.
Second, you say Generation Y and Millenials as though they are 2 different generations. Millenials is just another name for Gen Y. If you were referring to the generation after Gen Y as Millenials, not only is that incorrect, it is irrelavent anyway (they are 7, what do they care?).
Also, you make it seem as though Baby Boomers have been degenerating the nation for decades, when we have only has two Boomer presidents (George W. Bush and Bill Clinton…and didn’t a lot of people like Clinton?). While 16-years is a long time, ummm…get over it. Baby Boomers (and I am not one, for the record) have shirked every responsibility? Like what? Yes, maybe you and they both agree that the Vietnam War was botched, but they were just the kids fighting in it, just like Gen X in the First Gulf War, and just like Gen Y in this one. If you’re gonna talk generations, it was the Greatest Generation (Kennedy, LBJ, Nixon) who ordered that war. You said in a comment you were just talking politics/political establishments; well clearly you were attacking baby boomers before they even got to D.C. You say they “shirked every responsibility.” That is a huge claim to make without any examples or sources to back it up. Despite what you claim, or what you think you mean, you are in fact insulting an entire (elder) generation with virtually nothing of substance to validate it.
All generations go through experiences. Baby Boomers saw through the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, the heart of the Cold War. The generation before survived the Great Depression and the atrocities of WWII. You define your generation as listening to Bono and inventing Youtube. Yes, Generation X is ready to lead.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Hey Lizzie,
Did a baby boomer help finance your good life and college education so that you can write this stuff? Maybe you should live through some hard stuff and sacrifice for your offspring to have a better life before you kick the baby boomers to the curb. Also, why would you skip school just because Joshua Tree was released? I did’t skip work that day. Would you call in sick to work because of something like that? Good luck financing the rest of your life without the support of the baby boomers with that attitude. I’m still paying for my children re: “gen X er’s” college, car wrecks, health care, etc.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Get over it losers, I mean elephant men,
November 7th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Losers
November 7th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Seems like there is more than enough blame game in your article. Perhaps it is because you recognize the ground-breaking actions of your boomer parents paving the way for your chance to get noticed via Barack Obama? Theprofound differnce between the Boomers and their parents will not be matched by what you went thru. Your parents may have played Jimmie Hendrix and smoked dope then settled down to become a investment banker or real estate agent doing tbeir part for the current debacle. But I haven’t seen much marching out of you Gen Xers and whatever there was it was pretty tame.
So Obama with his “Yes we Can” strokes your ego, says what you want to hear, without saying too much of anything. And after 1 day appoints the investment banker Rahm Emmanuel, the pit bull, to be his enforcer so Obama can go on whispering sweet nothings in your ear. Let’s see how tough he is, or will he be just another product of the Affirmative Action policies that others got their asses kicked for to establish.
I swear Obam looked like he realized that the real work is about to begin during his acceptance speech, and for that I give him credit. Let’s see what he does. he knows he got in on a “speech he gave in 2002″ and the white guilt over his skin color. He is ready to lead only in so far as he is smart enoughto pick experienced members for his team. Perhaps his attention to basketball has taught him that rookies with talent are still rookies. We shall see.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Another pinhead with an attitude. Screw the Xers!
November 7th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I believe the term “Generation X” was coined by Douglas Coupland who wrote the 1991 book of the same title. Mr. Coupland was born in 1961 and that was considered the leading edge of Generation X until the advertisers and marketers tried to revise the number to 1964 to serve whatever purpose they wished.
Mr. Obama is decidedly an Xer. He displays that in his attitudes and demeanor.
If you want a litmus test, we Xers do not really remember Vietnam, but we have older brothers, teachers and co-workers that do. We never were any part of the Haight-Ashbury culture nor did we go to Woodstock. We don’t feel attached to anything that the Boomers seem to value. We didn’t listen reverently to Janis Joplin or Canned Heat or what have you–we danced to New Wave. We hated Reagan, Thatcher and their ilk. We are widely assumed that we were just a shadow of the Boomers but we are not them.
Mr. Obama is truly a realization of the multi-cultural aspirations of the Xers. The Boomers mouthed the words of equality convincingly but, for many of them, that is all that it was. The Xers were the first generation to truly strive to have multi-cultural friends and see multi-culturalism as “normal”.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Obama is not a gen-x’er, he is a baby boomer. Without a doubt he caps off the liberal, ‘me’, entitlement generation perfectly. Abortions on demand, more hand-outs, and putting those with inferior abilities in charge of us all. America, if you voted for this ‘black power’ nut, then you deserve what you get over the next four years.
I was at the gym today and overheard two black men say ‘whitey has a new master,’ and how they can wait ‘to get money.’ I no longer believe in this ’sick social experiment’ called America.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
lets see, Gen x, Boomers, Gen y, gen jones, have i included everyone? my self, i’m well me… and i will not be defined by any group of talking heads out there. I was a child in the sixties, a teen in the seventies, have married divorced and burried a spouse. Thanks to all I hvae become some what cynical too. What i have learned is pretty simple. 1. power corrupts 2. single party rule is always dangerous 3. killing unborn babbies is a bad thing and will give you nightmares, 4. god and his angels are all around us and we won’t listen to them often enough 6. hate is corrosive 7. good does not always win 8.don’t f&*k with mother nature 9. there are no, yes no, really simple solutions to complex problems, and any one who tells you there are is full of horse feathers, lying, and probably trying to sell you somthing. 10. Most people have no desire to learn, as it will destroy their preconcieved notions and predgiduces, and more frighteningly perhaps cause growth and wisdom. in my children I see enthusiasm and a naievity of youth, within my compatriates an engrossment with ” navel contemplation and whining ” and in my parents a great sadness, as their wisdom and abilities are washed away with all of our self indulgence. So, “yoouth has taken over the reigns ” so to speak Good luck and Gods Blessings Kiddoes…hold on to your shorts cause the ride is wild.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
It’s kind of late after the piece is written and thrown on AOL to make a correction. Perhaps you should have been a bit more pensive. At any rate, I am 47 and we are most recently ID’d as Gen J (Jones). Whatever. Your telling this group to “screw off” (whether you meant Congress, etc., or not) is not the “coming together party” we need. Those Congress members still represent us. This was part of the problem in the last election. Lack of cooperation and consolidated effort. Take a cue from the Obama camp, during their campaign you didn’t hear ANYTHING! No fighting amongst them. Even FOX couldn’t dig up enough to get anyone’s attention. THAT is what won the election. And the mess we have now with the McCain/Palin team badmouthing Palin to save themselves is going to last a while. So if you care at all, I would follow the Dems plan, and keep these comments contained!
November 7th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
awesome!
November 7th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I don’t care when the man was born he should never have been elected.
He was put into the office for all the wrong reasons.
The blacks put him there because he was black at least half.
The whites put him there because they did want to appear racist.
Me I voted for the one who would have protected us from
another 911. God help us all. And when President Bush’s tax
breaks run out then you can all cry when Obama raises them
because thats what Democrats do they raise taxes. I’ve always
been told that the Democrats are for the working man well you
could fool me, when he wants to break the United Mine Workers
Union. And come down heavy on our oil industry. Guess its true
the only jobs left in the USA will be yard sales.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Lizzy…you can not have it both ways! On the one hand you’re telling the bloggers toughen up, and on the other hand you are yelling foul! You never should have used the term “Baby Boomers” to discribe the “current political establishment”. You offended a generation of people who are “Baby Boomers”. Perhaps you should have said “Republicans”! And again I stress, I don’t see how much of a moving from the status quo that Obama has done yet, most of the people he has picked for key cabinet positions and financial planners are (dare I say it)Baby Boomers! Being born after a certain year does not automatically give you sole possession of forward thinking nor does being born within a time period makes you think like everyone else born in that time period. So next time refer to “ideals” of individual rather than using the birth time of a “generation” to get your point over!
-Signed
Boomer who voted for fellow Boomer Obama!
November 7th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
You need to keep in mind that Obama’s VP is NOT Generation X, and Sarah Palin IS. Do you really think Sarah Palin would have been ready to lead the nation? Her ideas seemed pretty traditional to me, and certainly not innovative.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Oh God! One of those aging Boomers is responding.
And my response is: please be ready to lead. But don’t rewrite history.
When I watched all the college students voting in this election, I was thrilled. 18-20-year-olds couldn’t vote in the 60s. So we had sit-ins and be-ins and love-ins. Blacks didn’t have rights, so they marched and protested and were hosed and beaten and lynched. 4 college students were gunned down BY THEIR PEERS in soldiers’ uniforms at Kent State University. We didn’t have to fear terrorists from outside: Americans were terrorizing each other. But Civil Rights legislation and Roe v. Wade and women taking more active roles in the world. So, many Boomers laid the ground work for a world where President Obama can now take the lead.
We also gave birth to some of you and have been wondering when the heck you would grow up and start taking some responsibility for more than just your own material needs.
The baton has been passed. Do us aging Boomers proud.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
if you really think we were winning the vietnam war ask president johnson but he is gone.its time for the kids to grow up and quit there bickering.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
OBAMA WAS NOT ELECTED” HE IS JUST FULLFILING A NOSTRADAMUS PROFECY. HE PREDICTED THAT A BLACK MAN WILL BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES BEFORE THE LAST DAYS.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Sounds like a spoiled child who only thinks of himself and has no concept of the real world. In order to lead,you have to have learned something from history, care about other people and actually pull your own weight and then some.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
In actuality, Gen-Xers have been leading this country for at least a decade now. We are between the ages of 30 and 40 and have been in the workforce, establishment and political realm for quite awhile. Generation Y (Between the ages of 20 and 30) and the current “Digital Generation” (between the ages of 15 to 20 so far) are the ones who have not quite stepped into the world in a real sense. Most of them either still live at home, are still in school (many after several, several years) or carry mediocre to sub mediocre jobs. They are basically uneductated (have you ever tried to read a report written in text-speak or carry on a conversation with someone who has only a minimal grasp of the English language?) These are the ones I worry about. They are going to be sent into the world with no base from which to glean.
Obama definitely comes from the generation prior to the Xers. Those who were taught to value an education, and that character was far more important than status. He just happened to be born at the tail end of the Baby Boomers and therefore had a clear view of both sides, thus giving him his knowledge of what it takes to survive in the technology arena and still see the values that the so-called “hippies” meant to live by.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
You are a self-absorbed idiot who doesn’t know crap about the demographics of this election. If no one under 30 voted at all, it would not have changed the outcome or its numerical magnitude. You’re the one who should grow up… and face facts.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Wow! It’s no wonder McCain lost. I would be very frightened if I thought you were representative of your age group. And we ARE aware there are differing opinions of where the groups start and stop. Perhaps next time you should be more careful of the words you choose. At any rate, the country is moving on. And those in Congress that choose to play the same old games will be voted out. Things change. But one thing is for sure, dissention among the ranks does not equate to a winning outcome. Remember that for 2012!
November 7th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
You guys wouldn’t know a “boomer” if he/she bopped you on the head.
Although the biggest mistakes your boomer parents made was not to bop you on the head!
McCain is not a boomer, nor are most of the leaders in Senate & Congress. 84 & 96 yr olds hardly qualify as born between 45 & 65. Those born in 45 are the oldest boomers at 63. Youngest boomers are
43
November 7th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
You seem to forget Miss Lizzy: that if the Baby Boomer women you dislike so much, had not gone into the work place and fought hard for women to get the same paycheck and career opportunities as men, you’d still be in the typing pool, getting coffee for the button down suits in the executive suite. And apparently you also forgot, women weren’t wearing the suits back then and they weren’t in the executive suite either. When you got out of college, you weren’t required to take a typing test and no one asked you if you planned to have a family. You feel like you are entitled to equal career opportunities and forger how hard your mothers worked to get them for you.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Obama Wouldn’t Be the First Black President, Diversity Inc, 2007
Obama Wouldn’t Be First Black President
By Aysha Hussain
February 16, 2007
You’ve seen the headlines: “Are Americans Ready for a Black President?” “Is Obama Black Enough?” “Obama: America’s First Black President?”
Ever since the nation first met Illinois Sen. Barack Obama in 2004, his race has been called into question more times than Michael Jackson’s. Obama is clearly a black man, but is this really a breakthrough? Some blacks say Obama isn’t “black enough,” which seems ironic because for many blacks, former President Bill Clinton was “black enough.” In 2001, Clinton was honored as the nation’s “first black president” at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Annual Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C.
Were there other “black” presidents? Some historians have reason to believe people don’t really understand the genealogy of past U.S. Presidents. Research shows at least five U.S. presidents had black ancestors and Thomas Jefferson, the nation’s third president, was considered the first black president, according to historian Leroy Vaughn, author of Black People and Their Place in World History.
Vaughn’s research shows Jefferson was not the only former black U.S. president. Who were the others? Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge. But why was this unknown? How were they elected president? All five of these presidents never acknowledged their black ancestry.
Jefferson, who served two terms between 1801 and 1809, was described as the “son of a half-breed Indian squaw and a Virginia mulatto father,” as stated in Vaughn’s findings. Jefferson also was said to have destroyed all documentation attached to his mother, even going to extremes to seize letters written by his mother to other people.
President Andrew Jackson, the nation’s seventh president, was in office between 1829 and 1837. Vaughn cites an article written in The Virginia Magazine of History that Jackson was the son of an Irish woman who married a black man. The magazine also stated that Jackson’s oldest brother had been sold as a slave.
Lincoln, the nation’s 16th president, served between 1861 and 1865. Lincoln was said to have been the illegitimate son of an African man, according to Leroy’s findings. Lincoln had very dark skin and coarse hair and his mother allegedly came from an Ethiopian tribe. His heritage fueled so much controversy that Lincoln was nicknamed “Abraham Africanus the First” by his opponents.
President Warren Harding, the 29th president, in office between 1921 and 1923, apparently never denied his ancestry. According to Vaughn, William Chancellor, a professor of economics and politics at Wooster College in Ohio, wrote a book on the Harding family genealogy. Evidently, Harding had black ancestors between both sets of parents. Chancellor also said that Harding attended Iberia College, a school founded to educate fugitive slaves.
Coolidge, the nation’s 30th president, served between 1923 and 1929 and supposedly was proud of his heritage. He claimed his mother was dark because of mixed Indian ancestry. Coolidge’s mother’s maiden name was “Moor” and in Europe the name “Moor” was given to all blacks just as “Negro” was used in America. It later was concluded that Coolidge was part black.
The only difference between Obama and these former presidents is that none of their family histories were fully acknowledged by others. Even though Obama is half-white, he strongly resembles his Kenyan father. And not only is Obama open about his ancestry, most people acknowledge him as a black man, which is why people will identify Obama, if elected, as the first black president of the United States.
Were there other “black” presidents? Some historians have reason to believe people don’t really understand the genealogy of past U.S. Presidents. Research shows at least five U.S. presidents had black ancestors and Thomas Jefferson, the nation’s third president, was considered the first black president, according to historian Leroy Vaughn, author of Black People and Their Place in World History.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
GET A JOB !!! BORING!! YOU SUCK !! YOU WASTE PEOPLES TIME WE THIS CRAP???
November 7th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
SORRY ! I DIDN’T PROOF READ ! YOU WASTE PEOPLES TIME WITH THIS CRAP ??
November 7th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
I’ve discussed this specific issue with quite a few people who are very knowledgable about these matters, and there does seem to be more or less a concensus (among these people anyway)—they say Obama is a member of Generation Jones.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Umm, Bono is also a boomer. Born 1960 I believe. Guess you admire our generation more than you realized.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Hey Low Life:
Baby Boomers have done a lot for this country. By the way they were
born between 1946 - 1964. We are called boomers because we were born when
WWII was over and all the men came home and if you know anything about
biology it caused a lot of babies to be born. Vietnam was not caused by us,
the previous generation started it. (Generation 20 years) Great Boomers:
Bill Gates (if it wasn’t for him you wouldn’t have all you techky toys)Ophra
Winfrey, Arnold Swaztneggar, Tom Cruise,Tim Allen, Wm Clinton, Tim Russet,etc
We, boomers, are well mannered, educated, lively, creative individuals. We
know how to entertain ourselves, we don’t have to rely on some electronic
device. We are also well adjusted. We did not grow up in single parent
homes. We follow the rules. Life isn’t chaotic like generation Xers lives
are. Furthermore, we are more intelligent. They had to adjust SAT scores to
accomodate the upcoming dummies after the boomers. Boomers are also reliable,
trustworthy and compassionate. We learned to deal with our problems, abortion
was not legal when we grew up, divorce wasn’t allowed because of irreconcilible
differences. There was not any internet, we had to go to the library to look
up information using the card catalog or other resources. I could go on but
us baby boomers know how to live. We do not rely on others or some gizmo to
entertain us. We have variety in our life. Being able to be a baby boomer
and live during these times is exciting and challenging. When are generation
X and Y going to come alive.
of the baby boomers was/is a
November 7th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
We’ll soon see. Like most gen x Obama can talk the talk, but can he walk the walk? “Trickle up economics” interesting concept, things go down hill for a reason. When the younger gen’s stop living off of mommy and daddy,earn thier own way, we will see how much they like the idea of redistrubution of wealth then letting it trickle up.
November 7th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Not to split hairs or anything but being 2 days older than Barrack Obama thought I would weigh in.
My mother was a boomer and so was his, while some large families adding on in 1961 there are many of us that are the chilren of boomer. I do not consider myself either boomer or Gen X but something in between. Having said that I think this guy is a breath of fresh air. I remember what the country was like prior to the 70s you can thank the boomers for many of the things you take for granted womens right, the right to vote if you happen to be any kind of minority, environmental protection, drug saftey, food safety the list goes on. People including Caroline Kennedy have campared him to JFK and they are not wrong in some ways, JFK was from the world war two generation but his ideas and attracted the youger boomer generation and lit them on fire. His death and that of his brother RFK created what we now know as the 60s. I highly sugest you find and listen to their speeches to know waht the US used to be prior to being taken ove by those who would enrich themselves at the expense of the rest of us. Barrack Obama is no socialist, he is picking up where JFK left off.
November 7th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Hi,
I read a few of your responses on exactly what years define a
generation Xer and so forth… I can tell you that being born in
1974 fits me right into the middle of that category. However,
being that I am married, have 3 kids, own a house, and have had
the same job for 7 years, and I have 2 dogs, doesn’t make me any
greater or less that the next person or generation. WHAT YOU
NEED TO REMEMBER IS THAT SOCIETY AND ITS MEDIA TRULY WANTS YOU TO
BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE WHAT THEY HAVE LABELED YOU. My best advice
is don’t get caught up in what others tell you to think, but
think with your own thoughts, and do what is right.
November 7th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
I have never quite figured out why Gen X hates Boomers so much.
Is it because they weren’t the ones who had the courage to
sit in, march, protest, sue, take cases all the way to the
Supreme Court to see that women and minorities were granted their
place in the Ivy League, state universities (University of
Virginia) and take their rightful place in law and medical school
(when I was in college, women and minorities comprised 1% of
these positions), win safe and legal abortions, and on and on —
in other words, assure your generation and those to follow of a
fair shake and an easier time? Methinks someone’s parents missed
the boat bigtime on teaching kindness and decency. It’s appalling
how nasty and angry your rant is. Why does Gen X feel entitlted
to be there NOW rather than learn from those who came before
them? Oh, the travesty of learning from Boomers!!! Treason!!!!!
No, their sense of entitlement means skipping that step. Is it
that you’re not in the limelight? We can’t have that, can we?
Push those out who courageously went before you simply because
they aren’t YOU — because we’re taking up a spot you “deserve?
(although you may or may not have done anything to
deserve it)? I was proud to vote for Obama, but I was also
proud that a 72-year-old man — a generation BEFORE Boomers —
was a candidate. You see, Boomers don’t dislike the generation
before them. That began with Gen X. Ageism is the next big baddie
that needs to fall. Maybe we Boomers need to revert to our
earlier ways and assert our power again. If people like you feel
comfortable airing an ageist rant like the one above, then
something is seriously wrong with Gen X values. It doesn’t sound
to me like you’re quite ready to join the club. Oh, and here’s
soemthing that’ll really curl your toes. Have you heard — some
Boomers don’t want to retire? Yeah. Some of us think “retirement”
sucks. So we plan on staying in the system a bit longer. Get over
it. There is room for all of us. We have as much right to be in
and continue to hold positions of power as you. We earned our
stripes and then some, and are an immensely capable and
experienced demographic. I think you need a pacifier, not a
leadership position. Leaders are made of real stuff. They listen
and learn from others — a lesson that’s as old as the earth.
We need more of that kind of leadership, not a posse of indulged
children. Earn your way and stop being a spoiled brat. When you
show that you are capable and mature and less hateful
and angry, you just might be welcome at the table. Leader-
ship has to be earned, not demanded.
November 7th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Before we take a huge bow for dimissing baby boomers I think you better fact check. 1946-64 Obama is card carrying baby boomer as am I in 1963. Better to draw your distinctions between early boom and late boom.
Lastly before we applaud this great outpouring of freedom on behalf of the Obama voters some food for thought. Do you not find it ironic that the wave of African Americans who rejoiced at the triumph of THEIR civil rights at the same time shattered, marginalized, and willingly voted to make second class citizens of gay people by voting overwhemlmingly against gay marriage in California?!!?
November 7th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
BD…you have Coolidge confused with Warren G Harding who yes was most likely at least 1/4 black.
November 7th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
It’s nice and all that you’ve arbitrarily decided that the Boomer generation ends when YOU decide it does but, in fact, people who actually know what they’re talking about always put its last year as 1964. Similarly, Gen X, a term which has been around since the 80s, typically refers to someone who’s been around since ‘64 or so. It would have been absurd to lump in someone from ‘65 in ‘86 with someone from ‘80 and guess what? It still is…’80 (or even a bit older) is definitely Gen Y. Also, I’m not sure what neck of the woods you come from but someone doesn’t “magically” qualify to have a law degree and be part of the Establishment when they’re 35 or 40…if they’re on K Street in any meaningful way, they got there at a much younger age. All that aside, the piece you’ve written is meaningless BS. Keep up the good work.
November 7th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I am so proud of Obama, esp. since he is just a few years older than me. I see all the things he did, that I didn’t do, and know that people my age should start getting off the benches, and start leading. I am inspired to get my act together, go back to school, and actually do something with my lif