This question, possibly the most frightening of interrogations, remains with me long after the conversation takes on new direction. The Vietnam generation proudly looks back at its passion and activism, looking down at the apparent ambivalence and apathy that we supposedly characterize. I see it differently. Behind our mass de-mobilization are not complacency, disregard, rapaciousness, or lack of sentiment, but rather a lack of proper organization and awareness. Without a central cause, like Vietnam, this generation is experiencing a schism between assets and energy for many compelling yet fringe interests.
Students handcuff themselves to fences to save dolphins and lobby their congressmen for gun control.
They gather in small rooms to write letters to foreign dictators accused of violating human rights. They gather in small numbers, each seeing their cause as the most immediate and important. What fails to be recognized is the fact that all of our causes are inter-connected and victory in one realm requires not just legislative or policy gains, but a change in the way we as a country, as a world conduct our affairs. It is my generation, both noble and wandering, that I see as the Peace movement's greatest hope in achieving these ends. Although progressive enemies range from guns to big business, they share a common misguided trust in the use of force, violence and power in negotiation.