I see you rising. I hear your cries that we - the adults - have failed you. I feel your passion ... and I’m with you.

The planet is dying. Innocent people are dying. Objective reporting is dying. Civility and respectful dialogue are dying. We can’t fix the “hard” because everyone wants to talk and no one wants to listen. Sadly, we’ve become lazy and complacent.

But what “is” doesn’t have to be.

This is the greatest period of innovation in history. So innovate. Ask the tough questions - not of us but of yourselves. We don’t have all the answers. Or perhaps we’re too spineless to act. Either way, we need you. You’re the new captain of the ship. We need your energy to unbiasedly study where we’ve been. We need your focus to observe the rough waters of today. We need your courage to creatively chart a fresh course for the future.

My only advice ... please leave your parents’ politics in the past. It’s a new day. Rise above the noise. There aren’t “liberal” and “conservative” issues ... not really ... there are only challenges. Hurricanes don’t discriminate. Survival requires fresh action based on the present conditions. Caucus with people different than you. Do your research. Listen more, talk less. And for the love of mankind, please work together. See us through the storm.

As for me, I’ll work to empower you. I’m afraid I lacked the courage to change things on my own. But you are braver than me. Stand tall.

Signed,

Generation X