We realized early on that while we'll always be part of this generation, this generation is not going to be young forever. Consider today's session as a passing of the baton from leaders in one generation to those in another. As for the external reason, it goes much deeper. Our country is mired in its own shortsightedness. Corporations are focused on the next quarter's results, not the next quarter-century's.
Politicians are concerned about the next election cycle far more than the next generational cycle.
We started this organization for the purpose of ending this practice. And we need you, the folks who will be future leaders in government, business, and academia in the years 2020 and 2030 to begin thinking about the world you're going to inherit and how you can begin now to tackle the problems you're likely to face then. You will not be on that quest by yourselves. We will enlist your teachers and administrators. And you, through your op-ed articles this spring, will enlist your fellow Americans.