Youth need positive vision for 21st century

The low point in the high-minded 17th Camden Conference, “U.S. Foreign Policy for the 21st Century: Seeking a Balance?” conducted last weekend at the Camden Opera House, came midway when a young woman, probably a student and obviously affected by the prospects of the dangerous and uncertain future outlined for her by the distinguished lecturers, asked what she and others of her generation might do to make a difference. How could she get involved?

After some hemming and hawing, one speaker suggested that on her own she might travel and study overseas, apply for a job with the State Department or the CIA, or volunteer to work for free in one of a number of suitable foundations, all of which might be plausible endeavors were she independently wealthy, the child of generous parents or well-enough educated that she might get a job in some under-funded government or private agency with few jobs to offer.

A day later when the moderator gave the entire panel of speakers a chance to redeem themselves, their answers were equally bereft of imagination and inspiration. Apparently our youth, who are in good faith offering their time and energy, are to be left to their own devices, with little in the way of adult support or direction.

How the youth of today should yearn for the 1960s I remember. John Kennedy knew how to stimulate and engage the young, to capture and harness their idealism and enthusiasm while at the same time offering them an opportunity of the unique type of education learned only through experience. Part of his call and challenge to the youth of his time was to join the Peace Corps, and those who participated in that altruistic and useful endeavor later returned home with a maturity and commitment that would be of long-term benefit both for themselves and their communities.

Like the twin towers, our leaders have fallen. The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 offered an opportunity unmatched since Dec. 7, 1942. The entire nation, especially its youth, was aching to do something to help, to volunteer, to commit themselves, to be called into useful action.

Yet President Bush asked of us only that we spend money to keep the economy going. This was a vision and a calling to public service completely in character for him, but as bankrupt for the common citizen as has been his fixation on his ill-conceived economic policy.

What should have been called for then should still be called for now. Our youth should be challenged and called upon to serve our nation and in turn to be served by the nation and we adults should encourage and support that service. Every able young adult at some time between the ages of 18 and 26 should be expected to devote two years of service to our country.

They may choose the military, the Peace Corps, VISTA, Teach For America or from a host of other appropriate service opportunities, but serve they should. And we adults through our government should organize and support that service.

By rescinding some of the long-term Bush tax cuts, we can effect two positive outcomes: First we will both reduce the financial burden our children will face as adults when they have to repay the debt engendered by these tax cuts. Second we will have the funds that, instead of continuing to be committed to the future enrichment of the already wealthy, can be spent in a much more productive way – on our children now – by funding service opportunities.

The Camden Conference did indeed define the dangerous and uncertain times our nation faces. We are all challenged. We want to respond. We need to be led. We need a positive vision for the 21st century, a calling to commitment and purpose.

Our youth cannot be left to languish. They must be engaged for they are the generation who will bear the brunt of the future the most.

They need inspiration and direction. They need something to do.

Sidney R. Block, M.D. is a resident of Belfast.