An idealistic generation

A new generation is entering vigorously into political life — I see and work with them first hand. They understand the institutional machinery that exemplifies how undemocratic and unrepresentative the current system is: the anachronistic Electoral College, partisan gerrymandering, lobbyists and interest groups, secret money and more.

They have reason to be disillusioned, but are not. Rather, they are determined.

Political life for the new generation is not divorced from daily routine. Young people are perpetually aware of society’s maladies, caring deeply about them. Thinking them feckless in their pursuit of equity or new party identities only exposes the arrogance and inefficacy of the body politic, and our own general complacency we have developed with dysfunction.

Not content with the status quo, today they agitate for change to address the most basic and pressing issues: ensuring clean air and water, good education, health care, increased economic prosperity and opportunity for all.

The new generation pines for reason to have faith in all levels of our government, and they will not settle for disenchantment. Rather, they will pursue a new, more representative system, that, like the Founders, affords them that confidence and change they so seek.

Brian Hartling West Allis