Actually for you oh-so quick-witted types that feel it appropriate to judge me although you know nothing of me short of my interpretations of opinions shared by others in my age group, here's a little background:
I have a B.S. and a Master's degree; I have a commercial pilot's license and over 3,500 hours logged, most of it during three years flying cargo and working as a certified flight instructor. I have weathered a post-9/11 economy in the aviation industry (which sucked, to put it mildly) and a layoff during the recent recession (which sucked even worse). I am currently pursuing professional registration in the State of California as an architect and have a number of projects already under my belt. I have a pretty decent list of accomplishments and I'm busting my butt daily to better myself. I'm fairly proud of who I am and don't give a damn what anyone else thinks of it. If you think I'm just sitting idly by and lamenting lost opportunities for myself, you've greatly misread what I posted. I spoke in generalities, not specifics. I just happen to think my efforts won't be enough to enjoy the kind of standard my parents had and "lucked into". All I'm saying is that people today are not getting the same return on what they put into their careers and opportunites; I'm NOT saying that's a reason to not pursue it - merely identifying this dissatisfaction as a potential cause of depression for people - to bring it back to the original topic. Not that it matters that much - it ain't a contest; I'm merely stating that we've entered a time of backwards movement - social regression. Oh well.
I have seen and done things that you boneheads will only dream of. I have a good job, I make decent money, I live a pretty decent life. I do NOT however share your naive opinion that the world is all happy-go-fukky as you portray it. I call it like I see it. It's bleak. I see no clear vision or direction for our country and its people. I see very poor futures for our children. I see very difficult times for them. I CIVILLY gave an opinion to a question that was put forth on this board that DARES to differ from the "appropriate" canned B.S. line that everyone else will spew without thinking - and for that I get flamed. Figures. That seems to be about par for the course with regards to intellect and critical thinking nowadays - conform or flame. What a pinnacle of debate we've reached.
Who's the one with the gonads here? The one that just pukes forth what's expected as a response ("gee, that's terrible. I guess there are some pretty messed up kids. Must be the fault of those dirty liberals", or whatever) or the person that actually offers a fresh opinion and an alternative viewpoint, politically incorrect though it may be?
Did I hit a nerve? Are you THAT insecure about the fact that you MIGHT POSSIBLY have something to do with being part of the problem, rather than the solution? You seem AWFULLY defensive. . .
Do you REALLY give so much of a damn about it? Give me example of you personally are helping to leave the world a better place besides buying crap and being good little consumers and slaves to our oh-so-visionary corporate and financial masters. Are you teaching those poor, messed-up kids to be concerned citizens? Encouraging works of charity? When's the last time you spent some time with your kids picking up a beach or a park? How about volunteering to teach or coach? I've done both, FWIW because you know what? I actually give a damn. I ultimately think it won't change anything, but at least I promote hope in the concept so that maybe someday when the "little guy" gets some real opportunity to effect some change, there might be people with the initiative to do something with the chance they're given.
Why then aren't you raising hell over the fact they're going to inherit a world that is NOT cleaner and more environmentally-conscious as you claim. I'm calling bull**** on that one. Prove me wrong. So we have Kyoto now. Big whoop. The U.S. (the worst polluter in the world) isn't even participating. As such, global warming will barely have a dent put in it over the next 50-60 years as a result. Things will get FAR worse before they get better while you monkeys sit on your asses and do nothing except bash those different than your pseudo-redneck selves in true "hater", ugly American fashion. How predictable. Yep. You care so much about the next generation, dontcha.
I'm out of this thread. It's clear to me that nobody here is going to offer anything further in the area of intelligent discussion, just more of the same old chest-beating, holier-than-thou crap. It's a shame. This thread actually had the potential for some interesting opinions and intelligent discussion with regards to how we can improve the state of our world, but I guess the level here is beneath such aspirations. Pity.