Several weeks ago I was listening to the radio while driving to work and a report came on recounting the events leading to the U.S. Federal government shutdown of 1995, led by possible 2012 presidential contender Newt Gingrich. My crotchety, in-a-hurry-to-get-to-work self thought at the moment, "I don't need to listen to this, I lived through it! This is old stuff - give me something new."
Then it hit me - there are many (many!) U.S. citizens younger than me who did not live through this and other fairly recent historic events who need to hear and learn about them outside of a sanitized classroom environment. I realized then that 1) I'm old, and 2) I need to shut up, listen, learn and remember this significant event as well as countless others, both in its context at the time and how it has contributed to governance and politics today.
Coming across this video recently reminded me of my feelings that day, and how important it is in this age of instantaneous communication and exchange of ideas to pay attention to the younger citizens of this world. Here young children discuss their knowledge and feelings regarding the killing of Osama bin Laden. Hearing them state their ages at the time of 9/11 is particularly compelling - they were either toddlers or not yet born. Taking their shoes off at the airport or going through a scanner is normal for them, as is our country being at war in two separate countries. They've never known life any differently. A couple of them express wisdom about the world that belies their young age.
The kids in this show (I guess) are more accustomed to commenting on lighter subjects like Justin Bieber, but they hold their own here. The babyish background music is annoying - the editor(s) should have just let them speak without that. The young man in the green-and-black shirt seems particularly thoughtful for his age.
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