I'm old and jaded. I sure hate to see the enthusiasm of young people stifled instead of encouraged. [View all]

[Armstead]

I used to be young and enthusiastic and optimistic that we could do better through the political process. I've become a lot more jaded, although the remaining idealistic youthful side of my nature still refuses to give up.

Collectively my Baby Boom generation and the Gen Xers have sold our souls -- sometimes without realizing it.

Now, in the name of "realism" too many elements of the Democratic Party seem intent on CRUSHING the idealism and enthusiasm of the next generation to elect a "give up" candidate and governing style.

Having seen the cumulative result of that form of NON-LIBERAL governance and politics, I gotta say that it is shameful that idealism is now officially categorized as Unicorns to be Crushed just because my own generation and the Gen Xers have become cynical and defeatist and have given up.