The list of great things about America is almost endless and we should all take time every day to give thanks that we live in the nation we call home. Our generation is charged with keeping it devoted to the principles that led to its founding and continuing to be an example for all the world. We have an incredible history to cherish and we owe our forefathers and mothers a great deal of gratitude for getting us where we are as a nation.
When I observe many of the things in our society that have changed in my lifetime, it is hard not to wonder if things are changing too rapidly for us to realize they are affecting us along with all of our surroundings. There is more to evaluate about change than 'global warming.' New technology in communication is making an impact on all of us regardless of our station in life. New millionaires are as common as new smart phone 'apps' and internet start-ups. These changes are rapidly affecting everything in our lives including dramatically changing our political expectations.
With new candidates coming into the political party presidential primaries scene almost daily, it will take a genius to keep track of every candidate's stand on all the major issues throughout the primary race period. The use of computerized calling, automated mailings and the high cost of campaigning will demand more of our attention in the fund-raising arena -- like it or not.
Young American families face more demands on their time than any generation that preceded them. With the activities of their children drawing their attention to sports, education and social events, they are faced with time restraints that must make keeping up with political news a difficult task. If I don't have those demands on my time and I don't know how many people have announced their candidacy for the two major parties, how can we expect the generation that will be living with the ultimate winner -- the president -- to have a well informed basis for their choice when they vote?
One of my sons with a daughter in college and three boys at home, said he seldom gets to watch a newscast. With Boy Scout responsibilities for the middle son (an Eagle Scout) and Cub Scouts for the youngest son, competitive athletics for all the children, an active church life and a job, there is little time to follow the comings and goings of politics.
For better or worse, in America we have established a life-style standard that desires a professional income with expectations that keep pace with "the Jones" while trying to maintain a "Father Knows Best" or "Brady Bunch" home life. It is unfair to believe that every family can or will have the perfect combination of time and activities to keep abreast of all the candidates' names and their views on foreign affairs, monetary policy, the conflicts with ISIS and who provides their primary financial support.
My greatest fear about the primary elections, which are still a long way off, lies in the possibility that the very best candidates will not win because of the pace voters strive to keep on a daily basis. There are probably many capable people offering themselves as candidates, but separating their motives from those who seek office solely for their own gain is not always an easy task. Should we want to elect someone who has been a governor, someone who has been a member of Congress, or simply a statesman who has common sense and has held one or more of those positions?
The faster Apple comes out with new products or some other communications device hits the market, the more the choices become for the younger persons who will need to be informed when they are headed to the voting booth on election day.
We need to be doing what we can to help the next generation to prepare themselves and to "chose wisely" with their obligations and their time.
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Editor's note: Leo Lynch is an award-winning columnist. He is a native of Benton County has deep roots in northwest Arkansas. He is a retired industrial engineer and former Justice of the Peace. He can be contacted at [email protected].
Editorial on 05/27/2015