Under the baobab: The torch is passed again to ‘a new generation of Americans’
“Let’s not just achieve the American dream; let’s be worthy of it.”-Amanda Gorman
“Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans, born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” -John F. Kennedy
In his 1961 inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy heralded the beginning of a new era. For us baby boomers, JFK championed the cause and grabbed the baton for freedom. At 43 he was the youngest person ever elected president. He was the first Catholic to win the office. He had fought heroically in World War II but had a post-war consciousness. He was pro-civil rights and equal rights for women. Both were radical ideas at the time. He started the Apollo space program and the Peace Corp. He and his wife, Jackie, hung out with movie stars and cultural icons. They were like Camelot, the Left Bank and Super Bowl all rolled into one. For us they represented the best of what we hoped we could be.
However, we treated our beloved earth like an empty soda to be whimsically discarded. We pursued programs that poisoned the air and set in motion forces that are warming the planet past habitability. We haven’t yet cured ourselves of the diseases of violence, war and exploitation. We have not learned how to share our bountiful resources with those less well-situated. We are still seeking ways to protect our children from being killed by monsters at home and abroad. Though we were well instructed by our elders we have still not taught ourselves how to love our neighbors.
Last week in Chicago’s aptly named United Center we watched the torch being passed once again in joyful ritual to “a new generation of Americans” — held high by Kamala Harris, born of Jamaican and South Indian immigrants. Standing on the shoulders of Shirley Chisholm, Sandra Day O’Connor, Hillary Clinton and others she became the first woman of color to be nominated by a major party to run for President of the United States.
It happened because a boomer, Joe Biden, valued his country more than his personal ambition. He passed the baton with grace and dignity. You go, Joe. Others were honored and solemnized by their presence, the Obamas, Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Rev. Al, Jesse Jackson. Even Oprah made an appearance. Rumor is that President Jimmy Carter, approaching his 100th birthday, has refused to die until he can vote for Kamala. The Democratic newbies were there to help raise the USA banner and keep democracy at the top of the podium.
The job is not done. There is still an election to be won, a planet to be saved, wars to end, rights to be expanded and restored, and, as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said, freedom is on the ballot. We still must save the children, spread the joy and share the wealth.
We have been privileged to witness the new generation who will try. They will fail at some tasks and succeed at others. Loving and supporting their efforts, let us embrace each other with patience and kindness, roll up our sleeves like Rosie the Riveter and get to work. God bless America. May we all be worthy of the dream.