Standing

There used to be a time when standing for something stood for something.

Ok, I stole that from a Kettel One commercial. Regardless, I think this simple statement makes a great commentary on the way things are nowadays. It seems that apathy is slowly becoming the new American norm, especially in my generation. A favorite author of mine, David Foster said in his book Accept No Mediocre Life,

"If it is wrong to overestimate yourself, isn't it at least equally wrong to underestimate yourself? Because we haven't learned to balance pride and humility, the paradox of our time is that we can buy more, but enjoy it less. We have more conveniences, but less time; more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge but less judgment; more medicine but less wellness. We have multiplied our possessions without adding to our worth. We're obsessed with making a living, but not a life. Medical breakthroughs have added years to life, but not life to those years. We've done bigger things, but not better things. We eat fast food; we suffer slow digestion and shallow relationships. In our quest to get "the good life" we have two incomes, but more debt; fancier houses but broken homes. We take quick trips, use disposable diapers, possess a throwaway mortality, have overweight bodies, and buy pills that do everything from cheer to quiet to kill. All in a futile quest to get what we already have... love."

A brief glimpse into the past concludes that we are at one of a few historical turning points in the story of the "Great Experiment." Today's issues are not much different than the Progressive Era (1866-1910) and the experience of the greatest generation (1925-1970). We, as a nation and society have again been brought to the edge of oblivion. A shaky economy, monopolistic corporations and special interest groups draining the system of sustainability, a shrinking middle class, immigration problems, national security, industry vs. the environment, political inaction. The ship of the United States has been steered to rough waters and I'm getting the unsettling feeling that the crew is asleep at the helm, much like a frog placed in a pot of water, slowly boiling to death.

I'm not calling for political action, but I think there should be a call to return to principles. "Reality" shows illustrate that my generation is the poster-child for the path society has taken over the last 100 years. Shows like "Jersey Shore" demonstrate our youth's digression to a microwavable mentality; a consumption-driven lifestyle fueled by the latest candy-coated pop song on the iTunes. In the movie, Gladiator the question posed is "is Rome worth one good man's life?" Given the context of history, we are the New Rome, are we worth one good man's life? Many of our soldiers have demonstrated they believe it is worth theirs...

I'm not talking about candy, I'm talking about meat and potatoes; sustenance. Principles of a different wave length than a throwaway morality. Principles that reject mediocrity, pacifism, and submission to the status quo. Principles that set that foundation for a framework of actions that respect consequences, not actions that soothe the current emotional state. Principles worth standing for: Smart work ethics. A teachable spirit. An educated approach to issues. Common Sense.

I challenge mediocrity and MTV's version of what "the good life" looks like. I challenge the notion that every waking moment must be spent making a living, waiting for a time in life when a bank account must be a certain size to support unrealistic enjoyment. I challenge those to act, drawing back from the obsession to make a living and instead make a life. To build that life using principles worth standing for. To be an example and encourage others to stand for theirs. To hope that there are still some willing to play a part in keeping this ship from capsizing. To understand that we can learn from the past, and create an existence where failure does not equate to a chain of regret that we drag with us. To live closer to the edge, away from what is comfortable and stagnant. To be the generation that steers, through the decision to live their principles, and deliver this nation from the brink of implosion to again respresent principles and ideals worth standing and dying for.

So, in closing: Never forget. Never Regret. Live your Life.