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Mike Musker

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The new generation: should we take control?

The previous generations have helpfully created economic and environmental crises which they won't end up having to fix, we will. I'm fed up of the excuses they make up and the attempts to force the world to return to how it was when they were younger because it's never going to be that way and they'll only create more trouble. I think they've had their chance and they've not delivered.

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Topics: education next generation
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    Krisztián Pintér 200+

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    Dec 12 2012: what difference would that make? do you know any better?

    • Mike Musker

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      Dec 12 2012: Maybe I know different, who can say what is better until it is tried. An observation which I would say of the UK government at the present which I would say is positive is that they try something and if the public disprove they make a U turn which everyone seems to hate and try something different.
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        Krisztián Pintér 200+

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        Dec 12 2012: i would rather change the order here. first you tell me what to do differently, then you can assume the position to do it.
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          Colleen Steen 500+

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          Dec 12 2012: Hey Krisztián,
          Mike said in the previous comment..."who can say what is better until it is tried".

          How does your proposal work? How is he going to tell you what to do differently, THEN assume the position to do it, if it is not yet tried? I'm sure there is a common ground here guys:>)

        • Mike Musker

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          Dec 12 2012: I don't claim to have answers to everything, I think I agree with Don Anderson in that the younger generations should be better integrated into even low level politics or jobs or whatever and have their ideas better respected. My assertion would be that young people would be put in a position such that they are able to create new ideas and have them respected and/or tested. I'm still undecided on the matter so I'll continue arguing.
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        Krisztián Pintér 200+

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        Dec 12 2012: but mike, i don't think that. i think that age does not count, only merit counts. you want to be a part of politics? convince voters. you want to be a part of business? convince investors. age should not be a benefit.

        however, a more constructive way of looking at it would be: why don't you make yourself better by learning about the world, understanding what the old generation did wrong, and then, when you actually have a fresh view, open a conversation about that?

        i did the homework. i have an idea what to change and how to change. i would rather see myself in position, rather than any youngster that did not demonstrate any skills.

        • Mike Musker

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          Dec 12 2012: Hmm, I see where you're coming from. My concern would be that the current powers that be would continue damaging our future when I have much more of it left than they do. I would suggest that you are in the same position as myself and possibly answer to the debate would be that it should be easier for those who are willing to take part along with their merit. You make an interesting point.
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        Colleen Steen 500+

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        Dec 12 2012: Mike,
        I agree with you that younger people can be integrated into positions of authority....integrated is the operative word....rather than taking control, as you suggested in your introduction.

        Do you have any ideas as to how to achieve that goal?

        Here's an idea...our regional Planning Commission recently updated our by-laws to include high school students on our board. This gives young people the opportunity to see how a governing board works, what is going on in their community, etc. The students would get credit for their participation from the school, and they would contribute to discussions and decisions on the board.


        Krisztián,
        You make some good points....age is not as important as interest and enthusiastic participation. Gaining information is very important, and generally, that comes with participation.

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