Friday; September 25

I recently read a note written by former President Harry Truman about then President John F. Kennedy.  When Truman described Kennedy’s actions during the Berlin crisis to Dean Acheson he observed, “You must remember that our head of state is young, inexperienced and hopeful.  Let’s hope the hopeful works.”.  Truman, who had been heavily involved in World War II, and had endured a lot of stress and opposition was now forced to sit back and watch.  There was no way he could guide the new Commander In Chief … all he could do is watch, wait – and hope.  I believe history has been kind to President Kennedy, so I think the “hopeful” worked.

When we look at the up-and-coming generation, I think a lot of us can relate to Harry Truman.  We have experienced life and have been in a position to shape the past into the present.  Now, as we look toward the future, about all we can do is hope.  If it makes us feel better, this struggle is faced by each changing of the guard.  As hardened veterans, we have made our impact, now we wait.  However, we can have an impact when we express hope rather than criticism and despair.  Blasting the next generation probably won’t change their approach; but by being encouraging and supportive, we might get a chance to give them the inertia they need to be successful.

Life goes on.  Are we rooting for those who come after us?  Condemning the actions and disparaging the potential of the up-and-coming leaders doesn’t do any of us any good.  Let’s root for them and hope they develop into the greatest generation the world has ever known.

Think About It!

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