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-----Original Message-----
From: Don Hazen [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2011 10:08 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: A message to all Baby Boomers (and those who love them).
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Dear friends (Boomers and otherwise),
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Help us revive the Boomer-conscience!
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Here is a big question for you: Will Baby Boomers-some of the 77 million
Americans born between 1946 and 1964-become a powerful force by reconnecting
to the ideals of our youth? Could Boomers, desperate for moral and political
vision, join forces in our society and say: "We are going to be a positive
force for change as we age"?
Of course, if you are reading this, you are probably already engaged, making
positive contributions to change. But it will require banding together to
leverage our power. Wouldn't it be inspiring if Boomers came full circle? If
we used the strength of our enormous numbers, and our idealism? If we
embraced the economic, environmental and social justice issues that will
unite generations and help to create the better world that we so desperately
need?
It Is Possible. It Is Necessary.
As a Boomer, I think it is possible. And given the direction in which our
country is headed, it is a necessity!
We can see it as a generational responsibility for Boomers to play a strong,
positive role in society, for our younger friends, colleagues and families,
for our children and grandchildren, for everyone. It is vital that we
develop a broader awareness, that we celebrate our roots and our history.
In fact, I think it is so important that we aspire to positive
Boomer-consciousness that we at AlterNet are planning to establish a special
Boomer Web site of thinkers, writers and participants-like you-to explore
the exciting potential of a more liberated Baby Boomer generation, to
jumpstart some creative Boomer thinking and discussions.
No one is really doing this. We can be ahead of the curve. But we need to do
it together. I need you to participate, and I need your help. More about
that in a moment.
An Antidote to Generational Conflict
It is easy to get the feeling that in some circles, like corporate media
pundits, there is a conspiracy to blame Baby Boomers for economic fears
about the future. Boomers are being scapegoated for being greedy and wanting
more than our fair share at the expense of future generations.
As the blogger Karoli writes, "I am a Baby Boomer and lately that means I'm
viewed as a piggy citizen who wants more than my fair share at the expense
of...gasp!.my children. And my future grandchildren, of course."
That doesn't make too much sense, and in fact, it is a pack of lies.
But this is why Boomers have to be politically awake. The scapegoating
pundits are the same forces that are spreading lies about Social Security
and Medicare-and those are direct attacks on Boomers. But the generations
that follow us will also suffer. That is why we need to stick together.
A Familiar Name: The Koch Brothers and a Pack of Lies
Our friends at Brave New Films recently documented how the right-wing echo
chamber, funded lavishly by the Koch brothers, is at work to scapegoat
Boomers with fear-mongering. Lies are generated and repeated countless
times, often featuring the relentless repetition of two words: collapse and
bankrupt.
The first lie is: "We must raise the retirement age, or the economy will
collapse."
The second lie is: "Social security is bankrupt."
These two statements have been repeated thousands of times in and on
American media. Yet there is not one scintilla of evidence that either one
is accurate.
AlterNetters Are of All Generations
Of course, AlterNet readers are all ages, from teenagers to septuagenarians.
And many of AlterNet's staff members are young people.
It is our common AlterNet experience that we want to make the world a better
place by being well-informed and taking action, and enjoying life fully,
while doing the right thing. This set of values crosses all generations. But
a lot of AlterNet readers are Boomers. And I bet you have thought about this
question: "How will I contribute as I get older?"
It is time to step up. That's why we are creating a "Boomer fund." It will
help generate stories, ideas, cover inspirational examples, create
discussions and debates, and generally raise the consciousness of America's
huge Boomer cohort. It will help fight the battles to protect Medicare,
Social Security and pensions, and come up with even better ideas for the
future.
This Is a Startup
We are starting from scratch. This is something altogether new. All the
money raised from this and future appeals will be used to work toward the
goal of a progressive Boomer generation playing a positive role in the
future of our society. Will
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are confident that we can raise enough startup money: $25,000 is a modest
goal that will get us rolling. Then we will launch in September, after the
summer, when we will all need to hit the ground running for the next stage
to ensure a better future.
So please, think about this idea. If it makes sense to you, join us at the
beginning. <http://act.alternet.org/go/8568?akid=7159.252905.jlp5OY&t=3>
Break new ground with us and make a contribution.
And start thinking about what you want to share. In fact, if you don't want
to wait, write us at [email protected] and tell us what you think.
How we can make this work for the future? And what are your ideas? A
<http://act.alternet.org/go/8568?akid=7159.252905.jlp5OY&t=4> contribution
will help a lot, too.
Thanks for hearing me out,
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Don Hazen
Executive Editor
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P.S. You certainly don't need to be a Boomer
<http://act.alternet.org/go/8568?akid=7159.252905.jlp5OY&t=6> to make a
contribution. We are all in this together. Feel free to forward this letter
to your favorite Boomer friends and family members. Get them thinking in the
right direction.
AlterNet is a 501(c)(3) non-profit media organization. Your donation is 100%
tax-deductible.
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