The Future of the USA when Baby Boomers Retire

[GregoryS]

I think it can be misleading when people talk about what "we" did(as an all inclusive group of baby boomers I mean) and then use that reasoning for some kind of basis for what "they"(meaning future generations) will do when they face the challenges of their lifetimes. Since I have been reading this forum(about 9 months or so), I have found very few instances where I felt that my experiences in my youth were very much like those of others posting. I'm sure there are people with similar stories about certain events. But I am just as sure that there are many many others with completely different memories. Oh...some of the stories and reflections bring back thoughts of what you heard was happening here or there. But ultimately, from my recollections...it really wasn't a majority of all young people at that time demonstrating in the streets and getting tear gassed and all that stuff. It was groups of people(granted very large groups at times) who were(rightly so) expressing their freedom in the way they thought would effect what would be meaningful change for their cause. And that is not to downplay their importance in any way. They were very effective at bringing about some long overdue social changes.

But in our free country, there are an infinite number of ways to "live". Ultimately, as you look back on your life....your opinions on everything from what happened then to what will happen to future generations...may very well be based on your very own resume of personal experiences from those formative years. Those life choices and memories have a lot to do with your opinions of most everything.

For that reason, I feel that it really is more about what you did....not what we did if you venture an opinion to somehow predict how future generations will fare. And that is ok too. Personal opinions are a confirmation of the creative and unpredicatable power of diversity in a free society. One of the secret rewards of freedom. We don't always base our opinions on what we may feel is the majority opinion. We more likely base it on feelings and thoughts that we have acquired during a lifetime of infinitely different experiences. However, opinions devoid of fact about what THEY(meaning youth of today) will do tomorrow seem pointless and arbitrary to me. Conjecture at it's finest. Tarot cards might be more accurate...The only prediction I would care to make is that they.... will probably will do what they have to do to survive...

[gemkeeper]

Well, there you have it. Dorothy and the Tinman. The optimistic idealist and the practical realist.

Of course, we can only ever speak from our own experiences and perspectives. I think most of us would agree that using the terms "we" or "they" would indicate a general collection of various ideologies and demographics, and I am using it only in a very general sense pertaining to age groups.

It would be impossible for any of us to predict what will happen 5 minutes from now, let alone 20 years. There is no economic or political forecaster gifted enough to let us know what our economy or political situation will be next month. We certainly cannot divine what the next generation will do with our country or the world.

In very general terms, history tends to repeat itself. Yesteryear's generations lived their collective lives based on the conditions surrounding them. The arena is getting larger and larger as the world becomes smaller and smaller. We can only assume that tomorrow's adults (meaning 30 years or so from now) will use the same sort of sensibilities and past experiences as those in the 19th century and as those in the 20th century.

I may well represent a very small group, but I feel that we (randomly, collectively speaking) need not fear that those youngsters that many look upon now as being spoiled, uncaring, and misguided aren't actually similar to those that our grandparents looked upon when they shuddered at the sight of many of us in our youth. It is all a matter of perspective and outlook. I choose to expect the best from my grandchildren's generation.

I agree that they will do what they must to survive, but I think their general, collective decisions will be made judiciously and will reflect the same values that their forebears demonstrated. I'm sorry that I won't be here to witness it first hand. But, then again. . .

[normie]

Originally Posted by GregoryS

I think it can be misleading when people talk about what "we" did(as an all inclusive group of baby boomers I mean) and then use that reasoning for some kind of basis for what "they"(meaning future generations) will do when they face the challenges of their lifetimes. Since I have been reading this forum(about 9 months or so), I have found very few instances where I felt that my experiences in my youth were very much like those of others posting.

A good point, indeed.

[normie]

Originally Posted by gemkeeper

Well, there you have it. Dorothy and the Tinman. The optimistic idealist and the practical realist.

Of course, we can only ever speak from our own experiences and perspectives. I think most of us would agree that using the terms "we" or "they" would indicate a general collection of various ideologies and demographics, and I am using it only in a very general sense pertaining to age groups.

It would be impossible for any of us to predict what will happen 5 minutes from now, let alone 20 years. There is no economic or political forecaster gifted enough to let us know what our economy or political situation will be next month. We certainly cannot divine what the next generation will do with our country or the world.

In very general terms, history tends to repeat itself. Yesteryear's generations lived their collective lives based on the conditions surrounding them. The arena is getting larger and larger as the world becomes smaller and smaller. We can only assume that tomorrow's adults (meaning 30 years or so from now) will use the same sort of sensibilities and past experiences as those in the 19th century and as those in the 20th century.

I may well represent a very small group, but I feel that we (randomly, collectively speaking) need not fear that those youngsters that many look upon now as being spoiled, uncaring, and misguided aren't actually similar to those that our grandparents looked upon when they shuddered at the sight of many of us in our youth. It is all a matter of perspective and outlook. I choose to expect the best from my grandchildren's generation.

I agree that they will do what they must to survive, but I think their general, collective decisions will be made judiciously and will reflect the same values that their forebears demonstrated. I'm sorry that I won't be here to witness it first hand. But, then again. . .

Excellent post! That deserves some rep points. I also think we can expect the best from the next generation... at least the best they can possibly give, given the circumstances they will have to deal with.

In the last year I've noticed a spirit, a growing resolve and sense of unity in the young people I've encountered. Of course, that's just the people I happen to have met, and obviously there are all sorts of people in this world with very different experiences. Nevertheless, I can't help but feel optimistic.

As for the impact of my generation retiring? I don't think we will have that much impact. We're retiring in bits and pieces. Some aren't retiring at all.

Regarding our accomplishments, it would be interesting to travel in time and see how history regards us.

IMO, history may consider our greatest accomplishment is directly ahead of us: if we can manage to prove to ourselves and to history that we truly were independent--that we could take care of ourselves even at the end of the game--that will be the most notable hallmark of our generation.

I hope we are remembered for having a beautiful, strong independent spirit in our youth and in our old age. It would be sad to be remembered as a generation of whiners who broke the back of the economy when it came time to retire. But fortunately I don't think that's going to happen--IMO, we'll end up somewhere in the middle, not having that much impact at all. And that's a good place to be in history.

[CosmicWizard]

gemkeeper wrote:

It would be impossible for any of us to predict what will happen 5 minutes from now, let alone 20 years. There is no economic or political forecaster gifted enough to let us know what our economy or political situation will be next month. We certainly cannot divine what the next generation will do with our country or the world.

You're right about that. I have a one word response for anyone who makes a prediction....TimeWillTell.

[GregoryS]

Originally Posted by gemkeeper

Well, there you have it. Dorothy and the Tinman. The optimistic idealist and the practical realist.

LOL tinman....As I mirthfully skip my way down the yellow brick road of reality I think I like the analogy...but I'm not sure

[Lakewooder]

And Cause never was the reason for the evening

Or the tropic of Sir Galahad

So please believe in me

[Missourimomo]

Originally Posted by GregoryS

LOL tinman....As I mirthfully skip my way down the yellow brick road of reality I think I like the analogy...but I'm not sure

Thats funny!

[texdav]

The biggest problem I see is that in this generation the can -do that are worth paying for what they know/can do are widening the income gap to the point that some have little that anyone will pay for.That is why there is a widing income gap ;many have no skills worth selling anymore. The screwdriver assembly manufacturing is pretty much gone ;since thrid world countries can do it.

[TuborgP]

Originally Posted by texdav

The biggest problem I see is that in this generation the can -do that are worth paying for what they know/can do are widening the income gap to the point that some have little that anyone will pay for.That is why there is a widing income gap ;many have no skills worth selling anymore. The screwdriver assembly manufacturing is pretty much gone ;since thrid world countries can do it.

Very true. In many states you have a 20% plus dropout rate along side numerous students getting well educated in technical/finance fields that are much in demand.