Message to Today's Youths in the Streets

So today’s message is a contrast in perspectives; one between us 70s and 80s kids and the current crop from the last 20 years. Not all of them. We raised 2 of them, of which neither is remotely associated with who I am talking about. I am sure you have raised some as well, and I am not casting aspersions on anyone. I am simply directing my analysis to those unhappy souls who seem to be filling our streets with such anger, frustration, self-righteousness, and indignation. 

The big difference between us and you is how we view this great country. We see the beauty in her flaws. You see the flaws as unforgivable. We see opportunity. You see oppression. We value debate. You don’t know how to debate that is why you just shout and yell. We look at the sun. You howl at the moon. We let people see us. You dress in black and cover your faces. We accentuate the positives. You obsess on the negative. We look for honesty. You look for approval. We love America. You hate America. We embrace our flag. You burn our flag. We honor our history. You want to rewrite it. We say, “In God We Trust”. You trust no one and certainly not God. We respect people’s opinions. You do not. And one last thing, we had much better hair! 

Perhaps you should read the following lyrics from John Mellencamp’s “Cherry Bomb” to understand how we kids of the 70s and 80s kind of dealt with life in general and our overall attitude.

When I think back about those days

All I can do is sit and smile

That's when a sport was a sport

And groovin' was groovin'

And dancin' meant everything

We were young and we were improvin'

Laughin' laughin' with our friends

Holding hands meant somethin' baby

Outside the club "Cherry Bomb"

Our hearts were really pumpin'

Say yeah, yeah, yeah

Say yeah, yeah, yeah

You see, we can sit back and smile, reflect on so much happiness, optimism, hope, and each other. You will have nothing but anger, frustration, and therapists. You will brood from your dark, deranged world, and we will sit on a beach and say, “remember all those good times?” as we look heavenward to a God of all that is and ever shall be. A God you should embrace, worship, and glorify, rather than whatever it is you embrace. This is your chance. Turn it around. See the light, be the light.