Reading between the political lines

Fighting from the left and right sides of our politics is getting tiring. We see, every day, that people are getting fed up with politics that seem out of a different era. We find ourselves struggling for equality, pay and basic rights our forbearers already went to battle for.

So why is it now, more than ever, seeming we are losing ground in a seemingly progressive culture?

One of the biggest changes I see is the end of a generation's control on the world. The era of the world war children is nearing an end and the Baby Boomers are beginning to retire. These two generations seem to vote more and have more financial influence on a world they are now leaving.

Meanwhile those most affected, at least in this country, seem to be waiting the fight out while watching their rights erode.

But I want to give hope. Why? Because I believe the Gen Xers and Millenials are getting tired of waiting. They don't cater to the boogeymen of yesteryear. They don't care who gets married as long as the two want to be together and love each other. They know the truth about marijuana and want to stop putting people on jail over it. And they are becoming less loyal to those who use religion as a control mechanism and are searching for meaning in life rather than fear-based decision making.

I call this movement the "Great Transition." It is painful, in the beginning, especially when we see just how screwed we were from the get go. Here are some great examples:

-We were fed half-truths about our country since schooling became mandatory. Countless media outlets are shining the light on what really happened and, if we pay attention, we can learn going forward, not accepting what version of truth we were given.

-Wages at the bottom are starting to rise despite the desires of the barons of industry that do not wish to cede control. People see that the world needs workers, in all avenues, and that there is value to those that show up and wish to work, despite their economic class.

-The environment is becoming important to young people because they understand we don't need to destroy everything outside the borders of our towns just to turn a profit.

-Young people are embracing change, and rapidly. They are satisfied with being stuck in a certain era any longer than they have to.

The world is becoming a more connected place and we are making greater strides toward peace and understanding. Younger people don't wish for war for resources or the destruction of developing people like their scared ancestors did.

It will be a slow process but I want to stay positive despite the growing pains. I can see the good change coming and I welcome the dawn of a new era.