New Seniors

I remember, as a pre-boomer, the coming together of the United States to fight common enemies in WWII. Although I was only a kid, there was no doubt the country was committed to a patriotic cause with one goal in our collective minds: defeat those who threatened freedom. Victory was all that was acceptable, no matter what the cost. Wars, conflicts and other military engagements since than have met with more and more opposition, the most notable being our involvement in Vietnam and more recently Iraq.

While the fighting continues in Iraq as well as Afghanistan, the protests at home have shifted from overseas military operations to a battle of philosophies instigated by strong opinions for and against health care reform. Both sides are gaining supporters and it appears as if all-out war is just over the horizon. What’s interesting is that the loyal opposition is on the right while other protesters over the last hundred or so years have primarily been to the left of center, far left in most instances.

The suffragettes, a century ago, were on the left as were the anti-war sympathizers in WWI. There were workers rights causes, which resulted in unions and their form of protests, the strike, coupled with their form of demonstrations, the picket line. Later the civil rights marches of the ‘60s, the women’s movement, and the anti-Vietnam protesters where strongly supported by liberals, at least in the beginning. Then there are animal rights, gay rights, global warming, immigrant rights and more.

For now, the shoe is on the other foot, and the left is not happy having to defend its positions. That is the likely reason for demonizing the new protesters by many in Washington, the media and the party faithful. However, there are plenty of us who think this is simply democracy in action. Some would like to ratchet down the rhetoric to what they think is a more civil level; but I’d rather see peaceful, yet boisterous, gatherings than have people seat idly by and not voice their concerns. That’s the way this country got started, and it’s still an effective way for Americans to be heard.

Most people agree that the citizens are scared at worst and anxious at best. But the politicians are not willing to attack our problems on a bi-partisan basis. The result is those in power are pushing through the items on their political agenda. Those on the outside have dug their heels in and refuse to budge without offering alternative plans of their own. So in the words of the song, “When an irresistible force such as you meets an old immoveable object like me, you can bet as sure as you live, something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give.”

Whether they like it or not, the politicians work for us. If they don’t deliver what we expect, they can be voted out of office. During this critical time that will set the direction of the country for years to come, they better listen to both sides of the argument, and then to do the right thing. They’ll get their report cards when the ballots are counted. So don’t stop protesting or demonstrating. Be loud if you must, but not obnoxious. Take part in the greatest, and sometimes messiest, form of government ever to exist: democracy.

Don Potter: Editor-in-Chief

Don Potter, a veteran of the ad agency business, is a Philadelphia native currently living in Los Angeles. He is the author of an acclaimed marketing book, The 50+ Boomer: Your Key to 76 Million Consumers. In retirement, Potter has written two novels, hundreds of articles and is a frequent lecturer. A leading advocate for those 65+, he is a founder of NewSeniors.com.

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