My 17 year old son, and Obama.

[Mother Of Four]

My son turns 18 in the beginning of October, we were talking and I had a bit of surprise.

I refuse to push my political views on my children, I believe in freedom of thought and choice even if I don't agree with them. I'm just as firmly for that freedom as I am for religious belief freedoms.

My son looked at me with very thoughtful eyes and stated "Mama, Obama is going to be our next president."

I may not agree with his thought process, but I can understand where he gets it, my son doesn't feel drawn to any one party affiliation...in his words "I believe what I believe, not some party line"

I asked him why he thought that Obama would be President...

This is some of what he said, I'll try to get it down as close as I can recall it:

Mama, you have to understand that you and people your age or older look at the world differently that we do. (Talking about young adults, or soon to be young adults) You remember the Berlin wall, the cold war, you were born in 70 and grew up with the aftermath of the vietnam war. You grew up when both parties actually stood for something, now we have all sorts of splinters coming off the old parties and there is no real line between left or right. NOW...we have centrists. Now, we have the Green Party, Libertarians...you name it.

We (the younger ones) aren't looking at all of that, what we see is how messed up our country is and how much we are being drained by trying to rule the world through threats, violence and sanctions. We see the promise of the American dream slipping through the fingers of our future, and immigrants ...who made this country, criminalized for wanting to live in a better place. We are all told that if you work hard, and get educated you will be a success. But with all our jobs going to people from overseas...that is a lie.

We are growing up watching the right and the left tear themselves apart, watching adults on television act like they are on Dawsons Creek. (I raised my eyebrows at that one)

(My son knows I support Edwards, even though his campaign is suspended)

He told me that he knows that Edwards would have done a fine job as president, and that he didn't want to offend me. He asked me "Mama, think about it. WHY do you think so many of these new voters are younger? WHY do you think all of the college students are coming out to vote for Obama?"

I couldn't answer him.

He told me that it's because he and the 20's crowd recognize that we need something bigger than right or left. That we need something/someone that can gather us all together and have us work with one another. That if we don't learn to work together, we'll start to die as a country. He mentioned Global warming, the spread of diseases, global economy.

Needless to say, I'm a little shocked and surprised.

I tried to shoot him a curve, and asked "Well...policy wise Edwards, Obama and Clinton really aren't that far apart."

He shot back "Maybe not policy wise, but right now...it's getting it DONE thats important. You could have the best plan ever created, but if you can't get people to work together it may as well be thrown out with the trash."

So I shot him the second curve ball, to see if he was listening to the parroting instead of thinking for himself "Well, don't you think that people are more attracted to his style instead of what he plans?" (I don't actually believe this, but TV rots your brain...so I tested him)

I got that wonderful teen :eyes: and a heavy sigh for that one. I also got the Moooom (pause) c'mon!

He then went on to say that it's IMPORTANT we have a president that can inspire us, the more inspiration the better. The more riled up the people, the more likely any elected official will be to carry out what we as a people want. The more involved we as a people get, the less likely corrupt politicians will get re-elected. Even less likely someone like Bush will get elected for a long time.

All I could do was :wow:

I love my kids.

[EmilyAnne]

1. You've got a very smart son. He's so sweet to be concerned about your feelings for Edwards, too.

Did you happen to read the article about the students from Prairie View University walking 7 miles to vote? Now that is ACTION. If Obama can combat the political apathy that has paralyzed the much of the youth of this country, than that is power indeed.

[Mother Of Four]

26. He is a wonderful young man...

When we get time tonight, I'm going to show him that article. I think it would make him smile.

[qanda]

2. Don't even ask me why this brought a tear to my eye

You've obviously done a wonderful job of raising him. Good for you and him!!!!

[Hersheygirl]

3. That's one smart cookie, you have there.

Maybe the younger generations 'can' get us out of this mess.

[adabfree]

4. Smart Kid...and Ed Schultz said...

Pretty much the same thing on CNN last night..

The Youngins are looking at the world with different shades and eyes glasses..and for this country and the world..I say that is a good and positive thing..for it is a positive outlook.

They are the new flower power generation with a twist...

[Cha]

30. And this original Flower Power

generation woman is for Obama and I'm in awe of the kids the OP's son's age and older(like my son) who see this in Obama's campaign!

[meow mix]

5. my 18 year old neice and her friends were for obama like a year ago

i shoulda listened to them back then LOL

[ChazII]

6. You can be proud

Mom. He has a head and heart.

[paperbag_ princess]

7. it won't be long for reality to set in

What is it about this "movement"...this candidate that changes human nature? Politics from the beginning of time has been about fighting for power. It is a bitter, hard fight that has led to and provoked all kinds of nastiness. It has been this way from tribal times to Rome and Greece, Brits and from the formation of our nation.

What is so special about this generation that they have the ability to do what no one before them has done? I can appreciate the sentiment, but I am old enough to have heard this "going to change Washington" song before.

After a few setbacks these new voters will be singing verse two, "All the candidates are the same"..and they will be complacent

and then they will resolve to choose pragmatic candidates who they know will fight for things an inch at a time...with 2 steps forward and hopefully only 1 back...only to then have the next generation come up and tell them that they just "see" the world differently and it is time for change.

There is nothing new under the sun.

[adabfree]

11. Two Words...

Kill Joy!

lol

[paperbag_ princess]

14. lol

yeah I know....I am just not one of those emotional people...I was young and idealistic out of college for a little while....shrug

[adabfree]

17. Hey I understand...I'm only recently feeling hopeful..it could be

a waste of energy, but I certainly HOPE not. Gotta go with hope and optimism and pray this time will be different.

Think about it...this way imagine how slaves felts at one time or how women felt and the Irish felt at one time...theY probably believed things would never change or get better..but it did. So, let's hold out for THE hope of things getting better..at least for a little while longer..

If things don't change or improve ( and that doesn't mean it has to be legislative, but just a better feel in this country, more coming together, a better view of us in the world, better relatioships with other countries..just the slightest movement of "feel good!"), you and I can get together and curse the moon, the planet, the stars, the earth and human existence.. deal?

Btw, thanks for not taking my "Kill Joy" comment seriously, it really was meant as a joke..but often times on these boards...such comments can be taken personally....

[EmilyAnne]

12. Then why the hell are you even on this board? Why waste your precious time?

[paperbag_ princess]

15. because I still believe change can happen one small step at a time

and when reality sets in for this generation...I will be standing right there by their side fighting the good fight..

[Hobarticus]

24. For someone with 45 posts...

That's pretty funny.

[paperbag_ princess]

40. *shrug*

I would think that someone who feels that "seniority" is important on a internet discussion board could appreciate my point.

[paperbag_ princess]

41. sorry - double click- double post nt

[Big Blue Marble]

18. "Cynicism is a sorry kind of wisdom."

There has never been a time like this. The challenges we face as a country as a world are
daunting. The only way we are going to survive as a people as a species is if we learn
to work together.

Maybe this generation "knows" something you are missing. We have to do it differently and
we have come together soon. They want this world to be their world. They want to
save it for their generation and generations to come. They have a right to try.

Obama is different than all other politicians. They know it. Many see it.
And that is why he will be the next President of These United States. And when
he is, these bright young people will be largely responsible for his success.

And they understand that then their work and our work begin. They understand
we could fail, but we have to try. Our country, our world, their dreams are too
precious not too.

[paperbag_ princess]

20. who said we shouldn't try for change?

there has never been a time like this? Are you serious...you don't think that those that have come before us faced challenges in a daunting world? Where does this generation's "knowledge" come from? Are they born with some gift? I thought knowledge came from education, experience and maturity..maybe that is old fashioned..but that is how all the great ones gained it

How is Obama different from other politicians?...really ...come on...there are many good democrats fighting this fight....including all the candidates that were up this year....don't discount their contributions

Obama may very well be the next president....but he will face the same roadblocks as all the rest...and then this generation will learn just like everyone else that nothing comes easy...and life is full of unfortunate compromise...

We have made steady progress in this nation...and it is from a great deal of hard work. Every democrat this year ran on a platform of change...Obama's message is not unique...he just presents it better and makes people think it will come a lot easier..

I have/had plenty of hope that my candidate of choice could make a real difference too. If Obama wins the GE gains for our side will certainly be made..and I will cheer that on...but it will be incremental like it would have been for every other candidate.



PS: I have never made a cult or Messiah reference....but this is where it comes from...

[Big Blue Marble]

31. Please name a time in history that was like this time.

We are about to tip the planet into an irreversible climate change that may threaten almost
all living species on this planet. There has been no time like this; there has been no challenge
such as this one in human history.

Only, if we come together and address the seriousness of this crisis, will the young people
of today have the opportunity to grow as old as you are.

As to steady progress, actually it has not be steady. We have lost significant ground over the last 30 years
in every area of government, economy, and community. As the right and left bickered over incremental
changes, we have had the country and our future stolen from us.

Obama is the first politician in this generation that has the ability to help us restore some of what
we, as a people, have lost. That is the message that you have missed. He is a transformational candidate.
That is why he feels stadiums with crowds of 20,000. Hope is what has been missing in our political
process. He is helping us find it within ourselves.

FDR was a transformational candidate and a transformational president. His were not incremental changes.
He changed the lives of millions of Americans, millions and millions. He did it with speeches. He did it with hope.
He did it with policies and programs. And he did it with the help and support of the people.
He changed the course of history in the country. Obama will too.

[paperbag_ princess]

43. too many to count

WW1 and WW2 were pretty freaking bad...

the civil war and revolutionary war were pretty transformational

people have lived through plagues, war, slavery, genocide, famine..throughout time.....it is going on now as we speak

I don't minimize the importance of the issues of the day....and I have/ had plenty of hope that my candidate and someone of the others as well could produce the needed change.

You say that I can not see that this is worst time in history...and that Obama's leadership will save us....I say you lack perspective and an appreciation for those people and situations that have come before you..

Time will tell. I just happen to believe that dreams can only be realized within a context of reality. I think that hope within the context of real life gets you a lot farther towards your goals. We used to call ourselves the reality based community...and shook our heads at GWB's pipe dream to eraticate evil in the world....it seems that now we are the party of idealogues?..



(regarding your FDR example: much of the New Deal has been torn down and we still haven't achieved what the New Deal promised. Two steps forward...and one back. There is a whole section of this population who believes that the New Deal was the worst thing that ever happened to this nation....they don't give a bleep about hope or change or progress...they are not going to just roll over...this is battle ....one bunker at a time)..

but remember I am not your enemy...You may not like my perspective...but here I am fighting along side you.

[Skidmore]

8. I love your kids too...

and mine and all the young people who have stepped forward and headed out into uncharted waters when so many of our generation are clamoring for the best spot on the beach. Throughout this primary season, I have come to finally quit feeling despair over the future. I know we will leave the nation in good hands, and I am determined to do my part to help in that transition.

[Vinca]

9. Congratulations on bringing up a wise kid. nt

[vickitulsa]

10. Count me impressed with your son -- and you too!

I'd say you've done a fine job raising that boy, and he shows remarkable intelligence, common sense AND a good ability to express himself.

I sure liked one thing about his conclusions, if I read him right, and it's something I fervently hope turns out to be true if Obama gets in the White House. Your son said he thinks we the "riled-up" people :) can have some control over how Obama behaves as a President. I am leaning for Obama over Clinton primarily because I too think we might be able to affect how he governs. If he fails to keep his campaign promises, I think it's more likely we can pressure him (not sure just HOW, but still think it's possible) to live up to what he said he'd do, and also press him to simply lead the nation well and honorably.

I tend to think we the people would have far less influence over Senator Clinton once she were president, if she got the office. Having been First Lady before, she has tasted that sheer power, and other things like the respect for -- or fear of -- the U.S. from leaders and people of other countries. And having former-prez Bill by her side back in the WH, she probably knows she could do what * is doing now -- whatever he damn well pleases, ignoring the people's wishes and needs as well as world opinion!

None of us really KNOWS what will happen, for indeed a lot depends on how world events unfold and not just what our next president wants to happen or tries to make happen.

This weekend I watched several episodes of the History Channel series, "The Presidents," and one thing I noticed was that in almost every case, it was not what a man planned to do while in office that ended up determining how he governed, but, again, the events of his times and of the world, not just here in our country. Of course what happened here had more sway, especially in those days, but you know what I mean (I hope).

In any case, I certainly applaud your son's view that it takes an involved citizenry to have any power at all over our fates. We really need that attitude or else we'll just continue to let the politicians and those who corrupt them determine the future.

GWB seems to have learned in his OJT in the office of President that he can just IGNORE what the voters and citizens -- and even the Congress! -- want and carry on with whatever he and his masters have planned, both here and in the wider world. That's a very scary situation indeed, as I think we all agree.

Thanks so much for sharing with us your son's thoughtful remarks. I like him, and he gives me hope for how the younger generation(s) will handle things in the years to come.

It's also clear how much you love him and your other kids, and how much your son loves and respects you. That must be truly priceless to you. :)

[Mother Of Four]

27. I was surprised...

And then very gratified. They are indeed priceless to me.

[FrenchieCat]

13. What is ironic is that it is the youth that understood first exactly what

all of this "Hope" and "change" that Barack is offering was all about.

I remember here on this forum, Obama supporters were being asked 5 times a day....what is this Hope and change business. So many just didn't quite get it.....that, as Obama simply stated it....We are the ones that we have been waiting for.

Out of the mouth of a babe. (Don't know who said it--sorry!)

[RoadRage]

16. I've been "for" Obama since his Senate win... and I don't think I could have

spelled it out better myself. I'm not as young as he is.. i'm an old 30 year old, but he makes many valid points.

When we see Obama talking about hope and talking about working with republicans, we see that as an opportunity to turn ideas into reality. When we see Hillary talk, we know she truly believes what she says, but we also see every republican lined up with a hammer in their hand to knock her ideas back to the ground.

Obama has "experience" as a uniter. He has joined different sides together throughout his carreer. His experience isn't in the white house, it's in getting different people to work together twoard solutions. That is a very rare skill set, and in many of us "youngin's" opinions - it's the skill set needed to fix this country.

We don't know if he can pull it off - we have no idea. But, we know that he stands a much better chance then Hillary does. Not because WE hate her, but because so many other politicans do - right or wrong - dating back for many years.

THAT is why the "youth" like Obama.. and as we can see from Virginia, MD, DC and WI last night.. it's spreading to the "older" generations as well.

[doni_georgia]

19. Your son is right on target - My thoughts

This is a new world than the ones people like the Clinton's planned for. I'm 44 years old - I remember Vietnam, but since I was 10 when it ended, it is not what shaped who I am. I have lived my life seeing our government accomplish abolsutely nothing. Personally, I'm tired of living in the shadow of the baby boomers. Like you, I was an Edwards supporter. I supported him in 2004 and continued to do so until he dropped out of the race this time. I did not make up my mind who I would vote for until I entered the polling booth on Super Tuesday. While standing in there looking at the choices, I realized that I have never voted in a presidential election where there wasn't a Bush or a Clinton on one of the tickets. I have been voting in presidential elections for 24 years!

I'm sick of the bickering. I'm sick of the politics where it is okay to do absolutely anything to get elected. I'm frankly sick of the 60s generation baby boomers who had their chance to change the world and instead sold out and contributed to the mess we are in now. Give my generation and the next generation a chance. Before I get flamed - I know not all baby boomers were sell outs. I know not all baby boomers live like America owes them. Still, I think back to the Clinton years - they were good ones for me, but that was a different time. We have new problems and we need new solutions.

I haven't posted my choice on this board before now, because frankly I will vote for whoever the democratic nominee is - any democrat is better than a republican, and I would rather have someone of the baby boomer generation than my parent's generation (a generation that seems stuck in the 1950s). Still, I think it is time we started to unite around Obama. It is going to take a united effort to win in November. It is going to take work and sacrifice from Americans to change this mess we are in. We can either be part of the solution or part of the problem. Which will you be?

[Guava Jelly]

21. Wonderful story

You have a very wise son!

[caseycoon]

22. Wise words that we 'grown ups' would to well to pay heed to!

We are for sure handing our young folks a huge mess.

[cooolandrew]

23. Your son could make a very good president one day. K& R

[lumberjack_jeff]

25. We were all 17, naive and idealistic once.

Who knows, maybe the world would be a better place if someone took advantage of that 30 years ago, instead of pissing in our wheaties.

Adults under 50 have been raised to be cynical. Experience suggests that our kids (my eldest turned 18 a couple of weeks ago, and was very proud to cast a vote in the most recent election - I didn't ask who he voted for) will become cynical too.

We'll see if hope springs eternal or if PT Barnum was right.

[LostinVA]

28. I see lots of balls

Bouncing balls.

[Mother Of Four]

29. Wanted to post a thank you to all that responded...

I was hesitant sharing this, because I didn't want my son insulted or torn down through something I posted. The wonderful responses have made me smile. I do have truly unique children, and I'm starting to have a little faith that if we leave the world in their hands everything may not be all daisies and roses...

But it will be ok.

It'll take alot of work, and a heck of alot more heart to heal this nation. I think they've got it :)

It's funny that all this comes so shortly after my own epiphany that Obama "Gets it"...because I never even discussed that with my son.

[SeattleGirl]

32. Smart young man you've raised there, MOF.

And he's right. Though I am 52, I totally understand what he's saying.

[goclark]

33. Now that is one smart kid and a smart mom too

I have been an educator all my life.

I love to listen to students and to try to see the world as they see it.

That's why I felt so validated by your son's thoughts.

I see the world just like he does -- not through my 60 year old eyes.

Rather, I see America as a gift that we Seniors are leaving to our children and grandchildren.

I don't want to leave them a world that is full of old ideas that are not suited to the 21st century.

Hats off to you for raising a child that can THINK and articulate his feelings, in a meaningful way, to adults.

[Voice for Peace]

34. thank you, that was moving. nt

[BattyDem]

35. Your son sounds like a terrific young man!

He has obviously thought about this a lot and he recognizes the problems we face as a country. He knows the politicians won't change unless the people demand it, but he also knows that the people need a leader who will inspire them to get off their asses and make those demands. It doesn't matter which candidate he chose. All that matters is that he made that choice based on reason, not rhetoric. I'm sure you're very proud! :hug:


edited: typo :blush:

[Shine]

36. Great story. My son is 14 and I've been having some cool conversations, too

this is the first time he is actually interested in what's happening.

Sounds like you're doing a wonderful job with your son and he sounds wise. :yourock:

[Divine Discontent]

37. I think that's very sweet!

I appreciate his teen-aged world view, and he sounds smart for his age. I also think that wisdom comes with age, however, and you certainly are by no means as old as he makes you sound being "born in 70", but I understand why he thinks that is ancient, he's young. What I found sweet is that he looks at Obama and sees him as someone (even though he's 10 years older than you and clearly closing in on "old" in the sense of what teenagers consider old) who can go beyond party and get to the heart of what's ailing this country and not be political about anything.

I think that's noble of your son! I hope he considers a future in gov't, as I don't see many teens talking the way you paraphrased him.

Thank you for the story!

[Mother Of Four]

45. Yes...he does make me sound ancient...

:)

I talked to him some more and showed him this thread, and some of the responses.

He wanted me to say thank you for him, and he had this response on the Government issue, He's sitting here waiting for the bus.

"Thank you, but I could never really see myself as sitting behind a desk- Filing or looking up laws. I'm the kind of person who would much rather go out in the field and work with people."

Thats my boy!

(He wants to be a Police Officer, and advocate...like his dad)

On the off side, I just signed a 90 on his progress report for math :)

[Divine Discontent]

47. I appreciate you showing him your thread and him thanking me

what a good man! If someone who is like you, has a son that wants to work as a cop or city or social type work or field, then I am totally behind that! We need good people doing that. At the root of everyone's problem is a solution of SORTS, it may not be perfect, but we can help each other do the best we can. I met some cops a few months ago that were being very caring about some close gay friends of mine. That's what is needed in an officer of the peace, a heart for helping people! I think Sen. Obama is going to encourage millions of younger people to vote that are your age and younger, who've never voted before.

My hats off to you and yours.

[CorpGovActivist]

38. Kicked, Rec'd and Bookmarked. Thank you!

:hug:

[quakerboy]

39. Rock on

Thats a postmodern for ya. Or maybe a post postmodern. I forget the official designation du jour.

[BringBigDogBack]

42. Sounds like a bright young lad.

[casus belli]

44. I love your kids too. Smart guy that one. :) n/t

[DemVet]

46. Well....

...I wish your son the best of luck in his voting career. It looks like he's starting out with a good head on his shoulders. You are to be commended.

However, the past few elections show that a lot of the nation's youth tend to "blow off" the GE even though they were highly motivated during the campaign season, thinking their "one little vote" wouldn't mean much. Ensure your son doesn't fall into this trap.

[David Zephyr]

48. Your story is being repeated across the land.

Your son is correct.

And they are voting.

As much as my generation was political in the 1960's, we were lucky to get anyone to the polls.

This generation votes and America is about to change.

Yes they can.