To The Youth: Use It.

George Bernard Shaw famously said: "Youth is wasted on the Young." It was true when he said it and it is truer today.


As I age, and though it is not scientifically possible as far as I know,  I've found that time moves faster than ever. The things I should have done earlier in life I'm trying to squeeze into what time I have left. This endeavor, I realize is only a limited possibility, however, I am trying diligently.


I recently purchased a motorcycle and found it to be exhilarating.  My wife and I are planning to ride into the wind, not the sunset, this spring and join with other cyclists. I have made contact with a military unit in which I served half a century ago. My wife and I have new kayaks that need to be christened. And so it goes.


The aforementioned frivolities are exciting but there is more to life than the fun things and this is where the youth are in dangerous straights. Living in the moment can be exciting and passionate, but looking to the future can be of much greater value. The youth, in general, fail miserably in this regard.


As a teacher of the US Constitution I am especially aware of the ignorance of our young people when it comes to the principles of our founders when they, the founders, established our nation. Few, young and old, can name the three branches of government. In fact most don't know that there are three. I recently did an on the street survey and found that only one in ten interviewees could name the current Vice President. The ignorance of our society is so pervasive that it has become mentally palatable to all but the serious inquirers. The foolish will absorb whatever is presented with sweetness and savor, but the wise will weigh everything in the balance. Again in the words of George Bernard Shaw:

        "If you leave the smallest corner of your head vacant for a moment, other people's opinions will rush in from all quarters."


We are immersed in a raucous political season as we proceed toward a November 2016 election and, for the most part, what we hear from the candidates is their promises of more stuff, for which the tax payer will foot the bill.  Tell me what I want to hear not what I need to hear is the clarion call from the masses.


The question is; will we arm ourselves with knowledge or continue to be lead as sheep to the slaughter?


So to the young, as the tide and time move on grasp the moment with the strength and time you have  and waste not a moment, for if you do not you will, one day ask;  "Why?"