War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!

A hit song from the 70s became a rallying cry for a generation against the Vietnam War, one of the longest and deadliest in American history. Many of our parents protested not only by marching and chanting but also by doing the unthinkable at that time, dodging the draft, with some fleeing to Canada and others to points south. In conjunction with the Civil Rights Movement this was a time of activism, a time where American citizens demanded that their voices be heard. And though it wasn’t always easy, eventually change was affected, and we of “Generation X” and beyond are reaping the benefits.

Yet, here we are in the 21st century and another defining period in our history is upon us. There is the years-long war in Iraq, not to mention the recent conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah and brutally deadly situations in Rwanda and Sierra Leone. But what are we doing...what are we protesting? Gas prices skyrocket to never seen before levels and what do we do? Build and purchase bigger SUVs. Airline and hotel prices are through the roof but tourism around the world is at an all-time high. Hell, even our “protest songs” are being drowned out by the deafening clamor of shoulders leaning, bottles popping and chains swinging. “Our” president lies to us about the need to fight terrorism in Iraq and we vote him into office for a second term?

When we do decide to take a stand our priorities are not necessarily where they should be. As thousands of American soldiers and civilians (not to mention hundreds of innocent Iraqis daily) are killed in what amounts to an oil war, many of us stand united and intent on taking our country back…from illegal immigrants, many of whom flee Latino countries for the right to make your Big Mac or build your new house, just so they can support families in their home countries.

In protest of the War in Iraq the most outspoken critic is Cindy Sheehan, a baby boomer who lost her son in the field of battle and who has subjected herself to much criticism and even jail time in her quest to make her voice heard. And with her are others like her, mothers and fathers who have lost children (or fear doing so) to a lie. But where are the young protesters. Where are, for lack of a better word, we?

Now I do realize many of us have too much to lose by becoming involved in protests. Today’s athletes, actors and singers are urged not to bring negative attention to themselves, teams and leagues by speaking out against the powers that be. Society as a whole takes a more nonchalant attitude when it comes to protesting that which surrounds us because, in the end, aren’t we as a society better off than we’ve ever been? I mean, there is a clearly defined minority middle-class and the women’s liberation movement has leveled the playing field in the battle of the sexes. And hey, let’s face it, activism ain’t for everybody.

But, I do want to leave you with one question: What does it take for you to get angry?