Millennials: Love America, Or Leave It

In the 1960s, a common response to endless protests of the time was: “America, love it or leave it.”

These days, many millennials are constantly carping about the shortcomings of our nation. I respect their right to express their opinions and to protest, but the whining and sniping is becoming a little too much to bear. The worst offenders might consider relocation.

What the hell is irking young people? Let’s consider a list of just a few of the most common issues.

- Rich people should forfeit their wealth to aid the poor.

- The federal government is too intrusive.

- The U.S. should close GITMO and free or prosecute all of its prisoners in the U.S.

- Right-wing radicals dominate Congress.

- Baby boomers have destroyed America.

- The federal government is not creating enough jobs.

- All Americans should have free health care.

- The stock market is a casino that threatens our economy.

- All bankers are all crooks.

- Marijuana should be legalized unconditionally.

- All guns should be banned to prevent a reoccurrence of Newtown, Conn.

- Large corporations are unfairly decreasing the power of unions.

- The use of drones is unconstitutional, and they should be grounded.

- Terrorism is a problem created by illegitimate America activities abroad.

- All politicians are liars.

- There is too much money in politics.

- Republicans don’t give a damn about the needy and want to eliminate entitlements.

- Republicans hate women, gays, and 41% of the population.

Note: I find great fault in most of these frequently mentioned comments by the left, and have addressed many in previous essays on PolicyMic. To be clear, I would like to state that I do believe government should create more jobs, many politicians are liars, and there is too much money in politics.

I really love living in America in spite of the recent domination of liberal politicians in our government. You may be wondering whether growing up with a silver spoon in my mouth is the reason why I am right of center politically? We had no silver spoons in our home. I came from a modest and mildly conservative background. Like many other struggling families at the time, my parents borrowed money to pay for my college tuition, so I would have no debt when I graduated.

When I finished college in 1970, I expected to be drafted into the Army, sent to Vietnam, and possibly killed in action. My circumstances enabled me to find an alternative way to serve my country, and I spent six years as an officer in the National Guard. The cloud that hung over young men at the time was very frightening. Yet, my peers and I found a way to deal with our fears and move forward.

From the beginning of my career, I was optimistic about my prospects and believed extraordinary effort would be rewarded. Why don’t more young people today share this attitude and drive? Where is the spirit and enthusiasm of the younger generation? Why is everyone always so negative and whining about how life is unfair to them? Do millennials think they are the first generation to live through tough times? Is the current recession, or whatever politicians are calling it these days, the first of its kind?

During the 19th and 20th century, many of our ancestors came to America in boats without any money and built a new life. They worked hard and sacrificed for their families. I was a beneficiary of that work ethic. There were several wars during the past 100 years that disrupted the lives of Americans. Loved ones died for freedom, and economic conditions were not ideal. Yet, America thrived.

Maybe, it is the 24-hour media that encourages unhappiness in America. Most of us read the papers and watch the news on TV. The media showcases war, death, suffering, and protest. Every day there are tragedies that get fleshed out in gruesome detail; these stories are depressing. I think Americans were better off in the days before CNN and Wolf Blitzer, who so enthusiastically report every drop of blood spilt around the world.

Currently, our nation is trying to decide what it will be in the 21st Century. During this process, the have-nots have launched a fearsome attack on the haves. I object to all efforts to redistribute wealth in the country perpetuated by liberal politicians for many reasons. Our pols twist and distort the truth about success and legitimate wealth accumulation. Some say our society is unfair and discriminatory, and so they lash out at successful people because they fly first class, send their kids to private schools, or shop on Madison Avenue. The bad feelings inspired by our troublemaking media in cahoots with liberal politicians are making a huge swath of influential Americans very unhappy. And so, the list of gripes, which I featured earlier, grows larger every day, as the attacks continue. Complaints rise every day, while fewer and fewer people count their blessings. This group would be better served by responding to current conditions with creativity and determination.

In spite of all the class warfare and negativity, I believe America is, by far, the best place in the world to live, raise a family, work, and enjoy life. I am saddened that there are so many naysayers in our midst. Frankly, if everything is so bad and so unfair, a person probably should consider moving elsewhere to find happiness. America, love it, or leave it (already).