Up Front 05/08

For most of us, age and forgetfulness tend to go hand in hand. So much so that we sometimes even forget our age. Which is why it’s always refreshing to be surrounded by young people; especially those whose razor sharp wit and uncanny ability to confidently know everything, can be so enlightening. It’s already been quite some time since policemen began to look so young that they looked like little boys in party costume. These days many politicians look so fresh faced that it can be hard to take them seriously. I was fortunate to be in the company of some of them recently (young people who are not yet politicians or policemen that is). In a short time I learned many fascinating things that I’m sure will help craft the world into a better place for all of us. One young man managed to quote Nietzsche, Friedman, Thatcher and Gordon Brown, and confidently explained how developments in the world’s economy will cause shortages and price hikes for fuel, food and other commodities, and will exacerbate the world’s environmental problems. He didn’t come up with any particularly new solutions or strategies, but he spoke with such conviction and assurance that as far as he was concerned, he was undoubtedly right. It left me with some hope that the next generation can make a better fist of the world than we have. What’s infuriating about much of what he said though, is that he was right. I know, because at about the same age, I was right too. I just can’t seem to remember what it was I was right about.