Young people

In far too many countries across the globe young people have been ignored by their leaders, leaders obsessed with power, greed, prestige and political maneuvering. Young people are seeking personal independence and want to make their own world They want a degree of freedom, jobs, security and hope for a stable future for themselves and the families they want to build.

Time and time again their governments fail them. They become the victims of repressive governments and religious and sectarian battles, often initiated by the leaders themselves. They fight poverty and poor health while their leaders stuff their pockets with cash and live in luxury.

Young people ought rightly to believe that their elders recognize a duty to care for their basic needs. But protests and riots across the globe demonstrate how the elders have failed. We see the consequences of so many restless and hopeless young people.

The elders expect to be cared for by the young, to be remembered for their accomplishments, to be respected, especially in a world of increasing numbers of elderly. What will be the payback then?

When do we stop loving our children? When do we start?