This young generation has not X-ed out responsibility, character

FRANKLIN — A reader, Douglas Shaw, recently wrote The Tennessean and asked if the America that sacrificed at home to win World War II had died.

Would Americans today give up their SUVs so the military could have fuel? Would they give up precious possessions if the military needed the materials for weapons? Or have they become too selfish and jaded?

Mr. Shaw, I have your answer. And I found it in the faces of our young people coming of age, starting their own families and seeking their own purpose. The kind of America that would sacrifice to vanquish any foe is alive and well — more vibrant than at any time in my lifetime.

We now call the citizens of World War II — who made up that kind of America — the Greatest Generation. The young people answering the challenge in a post 9-11 America and world are the Next Greatest Generation.

These teens and young adults have shown themselves to be more than willing to sacrifice at home — and also thousands of miles away. Last week, J.D. Hobbs of Nashville left the comfort and security of the United States. This Marine is headed to Iraq. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters(two-years-old and six months), and a grandfather who says, ''J.D. is the best man I have ever known''.

His mother, Teresa, says her son was asked if he dreaded going to Iraq: ''He said, 'No, I will certainly miss my family, but I have to go. I would rather fight over there than it come here.'

Some Americans don't believe that contention. But Tennessee Marines who have been there attest to the truth of the statement. And building democracies in the Middle East ultimately gives people there another option for change — besides terrorism that turns U.S. airliners into bombs and Russian schools into killing fields.

Cpl. J.D. Hobbs has another reason to fight and sacrifice. His mother says: ''When he first told his wife that he had been activated and she spoke of how much his daughters would miss him, J.D. said he had to go 'so someone else's Daddy can come home'.

''Isn't that something? That is my son — total unselfishness, and maybe that is the basis of the majority of this generation's attitude: 'I have to take care of my family and I also have to share in the responsibility of caring for my neighbors, my countrymen and our freedom.' ''

Teresa Hobbs — whom I met at a recent gathering of Marine families at CrossRoads Community Church — is proud of the life choices both her children have made. For example, J.D. and his wife Amanda save and cut back so she can stay home with the children. Kimberly Best does the same for her family.

''My children and a lot of their generation were born and lived through 'liberal'' times','' Hobbs said. ''People were more concerned with the 'me and my freedom to do whatever I want.' Credit was readily available to get whatever you wanted, now. So more income was needed to pay back for the expensive cars, boats, eating out constantly, expensive vacations, etc.

''These same kids also had grandparents and great-grandparents who grew up during more conservative times (Dad went to work and Mom stayed home). People did without 'stuff' until they could afford it. Credit just wasn't used (except perhaps for a house). You saved and budgeted to pay cash for things, and you did without the 'stuff'. It was a calmer time, and I think this generation compared the two … and chose more time with family.''

The news media try to classify these teens and young adults as Generation X or Generation Y, as if they're some mystery. They're not. These young people are very readable. They wear their values on their sleeves and in their actions. They are more spiritual. They are more family-oriented. They're very loyal. They are not interested in fitting some ideological or feminist ideal. They've rejected society's dependency on rationalization, its aversion to saying something is right or wrong, good or evil. They easily see through that dodge.

Artie Tuttle, a creative writing teacher at Franklin High School, also has noticed a difference in this generation. Young people today, she said, are more determined. Tuttle has taught since the 1960s. And I saw what she meant when I spoke recently to her classes. I teased students about society's stereotypes of them — that they're only interested in being rich and shallow like Paris Hilton and having every body part tattooed or pierced. And I hit a sore spot.

Of the speeches last week at the Republican National Convention, one of the best was by Princella Smith, a college student and young African-American woman from Wynne, Ark. Smith spoke of how her generation has been underestimated: ''Growing up in Wynne, I learned to value service and community. However, as I grew older, some residents began to lose faith in my generation, labeling us 'turbulent teens,' 'troubled children' and the one I like least — 'Generation X.'

''Unlike those who fought in the World Wars and battled for civil rights, we seem to be perceived as a generation without direction. We reject that label. We are Generation X-ample.

''Our generation of 18-year-old soldiers has taken a stand against the horrors of terrorism in order to bring peace and democracy to those without hope.''

This Next Greatest Generation is truly a blessing from God at a most crucial time in our history. And from this generation will come our next leaders — who have realized the preciousness of freedom by winning it for another country, recognized the importance of family by sacrificing to keep one parent home and championed the importance of values by having the courage to state something's right or wrong.

This Next Greatest Generation of Americans — from J.D. and Amanda Hobbs to Princella Smith to the students of Artie Tuttle's classes — are being forged into better citizens by the furnace of adversity and challenge, just as their grandparents of World War II.

Ultimately, perception is more important than reality in this matter.

The media contributes enormously to the perception. Right now we as a nation are supposed to be 'bitterly divided like never before.'

The 'divide' as a media story was not a factor when Clinton was president, for example, though he won the presidency with 43 and 49 percent of the popular vote. In both elections more people voted against Clinton than for him.

What happens if Kerry wins in a nailbiter? Don't worry, he won't, but imagine what if? Figure we as a nation would be as divided on November 1st ad we would be on November 3rd, but the balance of power would have shifted.

Expect any stories on how 'divided' we are? Or will the angle be 'the healing has begun?' Of course, you will see more stories from the latter angle.

In regards to 'would america sacrifice like the WW2 generation,' most of america would, yet the media centers would depict the situation in their backyard: a steady procession of young mothers who insist that they can't sacrifice, a bunch of young adult slackers who simply won't sacfifice, etc.

Not good.

Nice article -

9/11 had an impact on many - of all ages.

Other Youths and Teens:

But I think on the political scene - some will need to be talked to again. If all these stories of the youth being registered to vote - and about fraud - are true - Because I think there might be people telling them their role in voting is to disrupt the establishment - much like what the "flower children" did in the 60s. I believe Spain's youth got the same speech - and voted -

just thoughts -

I didn't realize I was a Gen-Xer but I guess this fits me to a tee.

Born 1970, conservative, married, SAHM. My father served in Vietnam while my mother stayed at home with us. My grandparents were all very poor but hardworking and raised their families. Granny always said that when the stock market crashed in 1929, it didn't really make a difference. You can't lose what you don't have.

I love hearing stories about the "old" days (my grandparents time). Simpler times and before the invention of annoying electronic baby toys!!! We need wooden blocks! Ok...rant over.

It's most awesome.

It reminds me of some of the first pages of Ollie North's book, War Stories. He starts talking about the young men and women who are serving in Iraq .. by the time he finishes describing them .. what they know .. what they can do .. how they treat each other .. how they treat the citizens of Iraq .. I found myself questioning if I was even qualified to shine their shoes.

I disagree. I met a young marine who lives on my street last week. He had just returned from Fallujah, and is not more than two years from his high school graduation. He was very shy and humble, and nothing like the "flower children of the 60's" I'm VERY impressed with our current 20-somethings. They were raised during the clinton years, and are rejecting it.

BTW, Australia's youth got the same speech from Kerry's sister, and THEY voted too!

Well - good for them - but in some of these states - our schools have had an impact on the students - and for the worse - and I'm not talking about 20 year olds here - if you don't mind.

you have your opinion - I'll have mine - thank you very much - we are all individuals - influences do play a part - like it or not -

Yep, you're definitely an X-er. Me, too. I was also born in 1970, I am conservative, and I am a SAHM. (Son #3 is due Monday!)

I am not a SAHM because I am uneducated, ignorant, or lazy. I have a college degree, and I gave up a professional job when I was pregnant with son #2. It's all about choosing what's best for your family. We X-ers simply asked ourselves if our family needed Mom or Mom's salary more.

I used to get annoyed about being called an "X-er", which always carried an implication of "slacker." Now I accept the label proudly.

I also think that at last the boomers and members of other generations are starting to realize that they were wrong about our generation after all.

We aren't slackers - we just care more about family than career, social status, or possessions. We know we can have a fancy job title and all the newest grown-up toys *after* the kids are adults. But we know we only have one chance to raise our children.

And I wish my Granny were still around to tell me stories about the "old" days. Sigh...

I'm sure that influences played a part in the Australian election too. Which you neglected to mention. And if you're not talking about 20 year olds, do you mind telling me WHAT voting age group you are referring to who have "influences" from "our" schools?

Hey - I wasn't talking about Aust. You put Aust. into the post - so I neglected nothing - honestly - what are you - a practicing Socialist - ?

My original post stands - it's my opinion - and as I said - you have your opinion and I have mine -

If you have a problem with that - talk it over with yourself - that way you might get someplace with shoving your views around onto others -

I notice you're new here. Maybe you don't understand the power of debate. Debate means that you defend the points you have come on this site to make. If you can't debate, I guess what you say is "You have your opinion, I still get mine".

YOU brought up Spain's election, and I brought up Australia's. You have no answer in your "flower children of the 60's" view of life for what happenned in Australia. But you are wrong in your characterization of the youth of America. Sorry.

My late father fought three wars so his children and grandchildren wouldn't have to. His pedigree included Guadalcanal, Pelilieu, Inchon, the Yalu River Encampments, and the 1965 Marine landing in Vietnam. The succeeding generations in our family have not and will not forget the sacrifices of our great veterans.

I have two sons. Should the worst happen, they would be as willing as any of their ancestors to defend what we have, as even an old timer like myself would be.

The southern and western halves of my spoiled and soiled generation were always more prone to listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, and the Allmans, than the hippie stuff coming from the coasts. We were longhaired rednecks. David Allen Coe even wrote a song by that name.

The battle for this nation is not generation wide. Many of us boomers came to our senses before Reagan was elected and never wore a mangled military uniform or peace sign to begin with.

Don't pull the new bit on me please - (Shame)

Debate - you are not in a debate - you are in an attack mode - In My Opinion -

This was my "first" post - and I post it again -:

+++++

Nice article -

9/11 had an impact on many - of all ages.

Other Youths and Teens:

But I think on the political scene - some will need to be talked to again. If all these stories of the youth being registered to vote - and about fraud - are true - Because I think there might be people telling them their role in voting is to disrupt the establishment - much like what the "flower children" did in the 60s. I believe Spain's youth got the same speech - and voted -

just thoughts -

End
++++

Now - Please notice the line - "Other Youths and Teens" - I spoke on the article then spaced and put down what I thought was happening with the youths and teens that were caught up in the registering to vote and fraud issue -

First time voters - I am concerned that they are being led to believe that their reason for voting this year is to disrupt the establishment - much like what was done before by the "flower children" of the 60s - And since Spain had a lot of young first time voters - and they went Socialist - that was why I included Spain -

I hope you understand what it was I was posting - Why would I have included Aust. - they didn't fall for it, in that you are correct - but I was trying to show something other than what you took it to be -

Speaking of Reagan, I was 10 when he was elected and 18 when he left. Clinton was the first Dem. president that I have any real memories of and that was definitely a turn off. The only thing I remember about Pres. Carter were the hostages in Iran. I will always remember the name Terry Anderson and when he finally was able to come home.

"First time voters - I am concerned that they are being led to believe that their reason for voting this year is to disrupt the establishment - much like what was done before by the "flower children" of the 60s"

You didn't need to repeat your post, which I had already read. As I responded to it, I disagree. I've met a young man who happens to be a marine, who lives on my street, who has in the past 2 years, graduated from high school, enlisted in the marines, been deployed to Fallujah, and served there for approximately 3 times as long as JOHN KERRY ever served in VIETNAM.

No, after having met him, I guess I don't agree with you that the youth on our political scene need to be "talked to again". I have faith in them. You don't. That's where we depart company. And they are nothing like "the flower children of the 60's".

If you are talking about kids still in school...you may be thinking of GenerationY, instead. Depending on who you talk to, the GenX group were all born between 1965 and 1980. Although I'm generous and say that any late baby boomers or early GenY'ers that don't feel they belong in their respective groups can certainly call themselves GenXer's instead.

Sadly, I'm afraid my children's generation will be called Generation Chub!

Great, great post. Kids today are really underrated as a result of being tarred with the same brushes used on my often less than adequate generation. I love today's teenagers! They are handling this fast moving and confusing world with great grace. Don't judge then just by what you see on TV.

"This Next Greatest Generation is truly a blessing from God at a most crucial time in our history." I could not agree more.

You still don't understand what I posted -

Evidently you can't read - I posted on the article (which talked about the youth you talk about) - and - then I spaced - and - put in the line so that people would know I wasn't talking about the article anymore - or the generation in the article.

If you read the post - you would see clearly what generation I was talking about - it's not my fault you can't understand or don't want to understand -

The words are there for others to read - and they are my thoughts and opinion on the matter of the first time voters who are caught up in the voter registration and fraud issue -

You seem to want to mix apples and oranges - I don't want to do that - my purpose was to put down my thoughts on what might be happening to some of the first time voters - and I did that -

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