From: ivaliote@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (Lotus )
Subject: Re: Politics and Intelligence
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Sat, 19 Dec 1992 20:18:56 GMT

anderson@cs.uiuc.edu (Andy Anderson) writes:
>Without going into a lengthy debate (I don't have the time; I'm grading a
>stack of finals), I think the young `(semi)intellectuals' of my generation
>are as socially conscious as previous generations.  The difference, I 
>believe, is that the 80's taught us about the economics involved with
>(un)controlled spending on programs.  We don't want anyone's rights trampled
>on, but we don't want to put a second mortgage on (what will be) our
>government either.  As a result, I believe we tend to be more economically
>and philosophically conservative, while still being socially liberal.
Actually, I disagree.  I find few fellow college students who are willing to
so much as inconvenience themselves for what they believe in.  They therefore
pick ideologies that require no more sacrifice than taking a few nasty names.

>As for falling between Reagan and LaRouche, I really haven't noticed this.
>In fact, during this last election I was regularly called names from evil
>to Nazi and Fascist.  I wasn't even asked about my views on any issues...
>(But, that's another thread.)
I agree that there are (as always) a few rabid activists around, but even they
are far more money oriented and self-centered than has existed in the past.
Of course, the past wasn't much better...but that's another topic.

>>I can't believe that worsening economic conditions are solely to blame.  Times
>>were also very bad in the late 70's and early 80's and as many kids weren't so
>>coldly mercenary about getting through college with minimal effort and entering
>>corporate America.  It seems like idealism and activism are all but dead among 
>>those who used to be the most optimistic about the changes the future may hold.
>Coldly mercenary?  Getting through college with minimal effort?  *OUCH!*
>Let me put it this way:  I have become `heavily leveraged' to have the
>oportunity to go to college (and grad school).  I don't have the luxury
>of being idealistic about the future.  My goal is to be able to eat while
>paying back the money I've been borrowing. (Having a few toys along the
>way would also be nice. :-) )
He is dead right.  I am in debt, too.  My goal is to help people.  I get the
impression that your goal is toys (it may not be.  Don't wanna peg you unfarily)
All these students who just want their accy training on engineering degrees 
and a quick job depress me.  They seem to think that not doing harm is enough.
Some even don't mind ddoing a little harm, and think others 'overreact.'

>However, I must believe "deep down" that the future will be better, or
>else I would not have gone this far in debt!
Better for all, or just for you?  That is an improtant distinction.

>>Or is it just me?  Is my generation gap showing?
>Maybe.  :-)
Yeah.  Of course, your generation espoused all of these moralks, then went out
and bought BMWs, let Tipper Gore warn you about our evil music, sent Oprah and
Geraldo laughing to the bank, and let the government spend itself into the red
and send *us* into Grenada, Nicaragua, Iraq, etc...without so much as a peep.
Threaten to tax your gas, though, and your generation goes ape shit.  Of course,
your parents were even worse, greedily padding the already highest standard of 
living in the country with bloated Social Security funds.

People.....yeesh

Matt I.

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