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The argument that hurtful, explicit and harsh words particularly in the realm of politics can be damaging to the individual to whom they are directed as well as lead to dangerous actions by unknowns among us is, in effect, a way of neutering our language.  Why take the passion out of what we say and mask or distort the true meaning of what is said.  This is not a kindergarten class; this is real life adult commentary.  Or, at least, it should be.

Politics in America, as in most of the free world, has always been a rough and tumble affair.  In Revolutionary Days the population was split into three factions.  Those loyal to the crown, those comfortable with the status quo and those wanting to break away from England.  So there were lots of heated debates and actual fisticuffs over the direction the Colonies should take until those wanting to fight for freedom won out. 

Maybe it is the weakening of the American spirit due in part to a lack of faith in our exceptionalism that took the fight out of some.  These timid souls believe we should not resort to using strong words to make a point or even refer to the opposition in a less than flattering manner. 

Just because you don’t like the words used by others to describe your philosophy, your position and your ultimate actions does not necessarily put you on the right side of a particular issue.  In fact, the more distinct and impactful the words the better able we are to frame and define the topics in order to form a studied opinion. 

So why don’t the politicians — many of whom have engaged in this kind of rhetoric in the past, and their do-gooder supporters including some of the media — just drop the false bravado?  Get honest and get back to focusing on the points they want to make and do it as powerfully as possible.  The opposition should do the same.  Don’t pull any punches.  Simply say what you mean and mean what you say.  That’s all we ask.  

Bold, even vitriolic discourse, is not the only way to communicate.  However, there always has been a place for charged words.  Free speech is not necessarily pleasant, but it is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. 

We want our politicians to stand tall, buck up and stick to their principles.  Instead of cowering when attacked by an opponent, fight back with a spray of rich, powerful and enlightened words that make your point and lets them know that you’ll pick up the gauntlet and fight when necessary.  That’s the American way.  There are no other words for it.  

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It is not as if this amendment is something new.  The first ten amendments were ratified effective December 15, 1791 and are known as the “Bill of Rights.”   Why are politicians more concerned with words than actions?  Or is this just an easy way for them to control, and ultimately silence, descent or criticism?

The shootings that occurred in Tucson, Arizona on January 8^th left five people dead and many wounded, including a Congresswoman who was making herself available to constituents via an open public forum.  The tragedy did not stop there.  Politicians, not all of them but enough of them, and numerous news outlets seized the moment to try to blame the other party and selected media for the mayhem, the maiming and the murders.

What they were trying to accomplish in the name of protecting Americans was to take another step toward snuffing out free speech.  Their goal is to regulate free speech.  Think about it; how can restricting free speech be construed as aiding liberty?  

They will argue that the airways and many blogs are promoting hatred and animosity against politicians and fellow Americans.  Their solution is to reinstate the fairness doctrine for broadcast media allowing the government to decide who can say what and to what extent.  The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has already made a power grab to regulate the Internet.

Don’t the politicians realize that supporting flag burning as a right is unacceptable to most Americans?  This act, as despicable as most of us find it to be, is allowable because it is deemed as freedom of expression as guaranteed the Amendment I of the Constitution.  Why then is talk radio, where people call in to argue with the host or expand on a given subject, to be censored because it might insight listener unrest?

The early pamphleteers were the bloggers of the Revolutionary Times, when much of the rhetoric was blistering.  And, the politicians of those days said more slanderous things about adversaries than their current counterparts.  They just did it more eloquently, but their intent was to stir the pot and rouse up the citizens.

If the politicians would do the jobs they were elected to do, maybe there would be less criticism, but that’s against the nature of the electorate.  Perhaps being less thin-skinned would help them understand that this is something that goes with the territory.  After all, no one forced them to run for office; they sought it.  So as one famous politician said, “If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.”

Yes, sharing information via the Internet can be likened to connecting with friends via telephone or perhaps mailing notes to them.  However, rather than contacting each person one at a time, all you need to do is hit the send button on your computer and cyberspace delivers the message to everyone.  In most instances, this is one way communications, transmitting without the expectation to discuss the matter further.  Much of what comes to us in this manner contains a suggestion to pass it on, making it more like a chain letter than personal communications.

The topics that popup in my inbox cover a wide range of subjects.  Some are informative.  Some are provocative.  Some are funny.  Some are sad.  Some are tender.  Some are frightening.  Some are designed to motive.  And, others fall some place in between.  This makes going through the lineup on a daily basis an interesting task.  But the information often plays it fast and loose with the facts. 

This problem is not limited to partisan political articles, as one might expect.  It encompasses most every area, aside from humor and may exist there too.  There are warnings about everything from diseases being transported into the country via foreign visitors to all sorts of conspiracy theories against America to little known facts about a variety of things that will affect my life in some negative way.  Usually there is a plea at the end of the message to send the information to everyone I know.

If I believe the article might be of interest to others, I check out the facts.  It’s easy to do on Google.  Once I ascertain the information is correct, I can feel free to pass it on to friends.   Unfortunately, the nature of the Internet allows anyone to be a reporter without regard for accuracy.  This places the burden of truth on the receiver of the information rather than on the sender, which is where it belongs.  So, please think twice before sending unresearched information on to others as if it is factual.  Otherwise you may become part of the misinformation problem that affects all of us. 

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The majority of younger people, those under 50, look to the Internet as the best way to get news and information.  The majority of those in the 50-64 age group get their news from broadcast outlets while nearly two-thirds of the 65+ segment turn to television and radio as their first choice.  The latter group was the only one to place newspapers ahead of the Internet

When asked which is the most reliable source for credible news and information 40% of the total sample said it was broadcast news followed by the Internet with 29% and newspapers with 21%.  Interestingly, a plurality of all those above 50 years of age (44%) identified broadcast news as the best source.  However only 19% of those 50-54 polled pointed to newspapers compared to 32% of those 65+.  By the same token, 25% of the younger of these two demographic chose the Internet versus 12% of the 65+ respondents.

There’s little doubt when one examines the research findings that America, and the world, is headed toward a paperless society.  This will not occur over night, but it is happening.  Look at how Internet usage has exploded in the last decade.  And upcoming generations can be expected to utilize and depend on the Internet even more than younger adults do today. 

Many in the media, as well as the general population, question the reliable/credible aspect of some Internet news and information versus what is reported through traditional media.  As online media continues to grow in importance, necessary improvements regarding honesty and accuracy must be considered.  Otherwise, the reputation and seriousness of Internet reporting will be questionable.

At NewSeniors.com, we write or accept original content for the Journal (Home Page).  All the articles are written by those who are 65+.  The Neighborhood section accepts material that has appeared elsewhere but is deemed interesting, important and appropriate to all New Seniors.  And, we check our facts.  Our goal is to provide content that will spark thinking, stimulate discussion and, in some stances, just be nostalgic.  While we do embrace traditional values, NewSeniors.com endeavors to present our point-of-view in a civil and respectful manner.

NewSeniors.com will continue to serve the 30 million pre-boomers as we welcome the 76 million baby boomers who start turning 65 in 2011.  In the next five years, our ranks will swell to nearly 50 million and continue to grow for years to come.  So, log on; there’s something new everyday.  Tell your friends.  Send us news and information you’d like to share, because if you’re 65+, you’re already part of the New Seniors movement.          

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Those of us born between 1930 and 1945 are part of a generation that learned how to control our family budgets over the years, and many of us were responsible for business budgets as well.  It never occurred to us to borrow money to run our household or a company knowing we could never pay it back.  Back then, credit cards were just getting started.  American Express was introduced in the ‘60s and those qualifying for the card had to pay the balance at the end of each monthly billing period.  It wasn’t until the ‘70s, when Visa and MasterCard came on the scene and allowed consumers to build a balance and pay finance charges for the unpaid amounts on their accounts.

Making it easy to spend money is never considered an excuse for spending more than a person can afford to pay back.  Yet, we have been educated – maybe propagandized is a more appropriate word – to believe this is the way government works.  That’s why the national debt is $13 trillion.  Image if your personal budget had to pay a third or more of every dollar taken in for interest on the things you bought in the past but had yet to pay for them.  Well, this is how our government handles the monies we entrust to them. 

The proposed budget freeze only slows down the out-of-control spending in selectively, because most of the budget is committed and not discretionary.  It does not address the problem of throwing good money after bad, because once the feds get their hands on our tax dollars they feel compelled to find something to spend it on, or worse yet create new programs requiring more funding.  Government is addicted to spending our money.

If the New Seniors don’t want to pass this debt on to our children and grandchildren, then we must be sure our voices of protest are heard.  We did this in opposition to the government takeover of health care.  Our generation showed concern early on and kept the momentum going throughout the year.  Now we should be looking for candidates in the upcoming elections who understand our needs and are willing to listen to us.   Why, then, can’t we insist on having our elected representatives be fiscally responsible?

Sitting back is not an option.  This country has been good to us.  We believe in what it stands for and want those generations following us to have the opportunities we had.   If that’s not reason enough to get involved, consider the possibility of tax increases, inflation or both.  Those retirement investments we worked so hard for are worth less than before, yet the gains may be taxed at a higher rate.  At the same time, increases in Social Security benefits are on hold and Medicare is slated to be slashed.  If these situations aren’t enough to get you moving, then nothing will.  Come on, join in the fight for what’s right.

Some people claim 50 is the new 40 and 60 is the new 50.  But what about those of us who are already 65?  Once we reached the so-called “retirement age,” pre-boomers discovered an entirely new world lay ahead of us.  Maybe that’s why our generation (those born between 1930 and 1945) believes we look 5 years younger, feel 10 years younger and think 15 years younger than our dates of birth may suggest.

Medical science, better lifestyle choices and positive attitudes have combined to help people enjoy longer, healthier lives.  Folks turning 65 this year have many years ahead of them – 20, 25 or more – so we ‘re not finished yet.  We have a wealth of experience, understanding and blessings to contribute to our families, friends and communities.

There’s not much we can do about the natural, physical aging process.  Time takes its toll; however, proper eating and exercise are proved to help maintain the quality of life, longer.  The one thing we often forget is the mental part of aging.  Gone are the days of sitting in a rocking chair and waiting for the end to come.  Our generation has been too active for that.  As I heard someone say recently, “I may be retired, but I’m not tired.” 

We can all take encouragement from that message.  More and more New Seniors are getting involved in their communities: volunteering to help in schools, visiting and taking food to those who are homebound, sharing what they’ve learned over the years with younger generations – including their own grandchildren and great grandchildren.  The opportunities to be of service are endless.

Being busy and being useful diverts our minds from ourselves and takes away those annoying aches and pains, or at least overrides them to some degree.  Maybe more important is the mental well-being this brings as you do something for others.  We did these kinds of things all our lives, and we felt good about doing them.  So there’s no reason to stop now.

Please share with us your experience, observations and feelings about being a New Senior and what you have done or are doing about it.  This will dispel some of the myths associated with turning 65 and will help make the transition a little easier and smoother for those still facing this life passage.

Since this one-person communications vehicle has been so well received, several friends suggested that an expanded version might be the appropriate next step to consider.  I took this challenge quite seriously.  After all, those of us born between 1930 and 1945 are the “forgotten generation.”   All pre-boomers will be 65 or older as of 2010.  And, there are more than 30 million of us who need a forum to express our views as well as hear those of others.  This is the perfect time for us to come together as the “New Seniors.”

New Seniors evolved over time, because we need a name that indicates who we are rather than one describing us as the group sandwiched between the Greatest Generation and the Baby Boomers.  I don’t know about you, but I never liked being referred to as the generation born before another, seemingly more important, generation.  We made plenty of contributions on our own and have the experience and the willingness to continue doing more.  We have earned the right of passage, yet we are different from any group that has turned 65 in the past.  Yes, we are the New Seniors.

With these thoughts in mind, I am pleased to announce the launch of NewSeniors.com  Included in this online community is New Seniors Journal, an online magazine written by New Seniors for New Seniors.  It features topics of interest to us: governmental issues, lifestyle, health, family matters, food and wine, entertainment, finance, travel and leisure, senior surveys, nostalgia and much more.  These are presented as printed articles, streaming videos and podcasts in one, easy to navigate Web site.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to respond to articles online or by telephone.  Traditional chat rooms and bulletin boards will give visitors access to additional information or to state their own opinions.  New Seniors can feel comfortable knowing that we are safe and secure in our own online neighborhood.

Don’t miss the kick-off of  the site and New Seniors Journal, which is scheduled for mid-January.  The actual launch date will be announced on this blog.  Don’t miss out, keep coming back here, and you’ll be able to link up as soon as the inaugural issue goes online.  If you’re 65+, it’s the place to be for news, for information, for fun and for free.

Pre-boomer Musings will continue to post my articles several times a week.  Some of these will appear in New Seniors Journal, but not all.  So, you’ll want to log on to both sites on a regular basis to be connected with the growing community of “New Seniors.”

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We pre-boomers lost our desire to idol worship a long time ago.  Sure, I had my favorites while growing up.  There was Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams in baseball, plus the 1950 Philadelphia Phillies “Wiz Kids” team that lost the World Series to the Yankees in four straight games.  I still remember the names of entire starting lineup from when I was thirteen.  There weren’t any recording stars on my list since the rock and roll hoopla didn’t get going until 1954; however, the girls of my era did go crazy over Johnny Ray and a couple others.  My football heroes were college players until the mid-60s, when I was working in New York, and became a Jets fan; because Giants tickets were impossible to get.  I’m not suggesting Joe Namath or any of the others were angles, but they didn’t use being in the spotlight as an excuse to be downright hostile every time they came in contact with reporters or fans.

That was then and this is now.  It could be the expansion of the news media and the 24/7 coverage.  Or, the stress of being in the public eye to the degree that there is no privacy anymore.  Of course, it might be the simple fact that attitudes have changed.  Stars get paid a lot of money and many have a deep-seated feeling they can never live up to what they earn.  The cocky ones, in particular, express their internal fears with outward demonstrations of anger.  The ones that perform the best on the stage or the playing field are those doing it because they love what they’re doing and love pleasing the fans.

People have said that everyone wants to be a star.  Maybe it should be restated to say every young person wants to be a star, to be noticed, to be idolized, to be loved by everyone.   This concept is what’s behind the amazing display of poor behavior that pops up on the Internet in the form of home video or cell phone photos and clips.  Why else would anyone post this trash that is degrading to them or others – making their 15 minutes of fame available for the world to see forever?  Even acts of defiance are still cries for attention, suggesting that without help they could go off the deep end.

As pre-boomers, and the grandparents and possibly the great grandparents of the youth of today, you and I can be an example to them.  Tell them about your early years and what you did to overcome insecurities through hard work that produced results in the classroom, on the playing field, and throughout your life.  Even small successes have endowed you valuable experience to share with these young folks.  And, while nobody can live their lives for them, you can help by providing the tools and the know-how to live and enjoy life.  Because of the special bond you have with these loved ones, you can be their best role model.

Think back to when we were kids.  A telephone came in any color you wanted as long as it was black, to paraphrase Henry Ford.  Until after the war, lots of those living in my neighborhood didn’t have a phone.  If someone needed to reach them in a hurry they had to call the corner drug store, and the proprietor sent one of the boys playing the pinball machine in the back room off to the recipient’s home.  That person would drop what they were doing, rush to the store, and take the call in one of the several phone booths lining the wall of the store.  Of course, the messenger always got a tip for their efforts.

My folks had a phone on a stand in a corner of the dinning room, which was used judiciously.  It was a party line, with three other families sharing the same line, so when our phone was in use and there was a “click” on the line it was time to hang up.  In the late ‘40s we got a private line, but I never used the home phone much, even in my teens. I preferred to use the phone booth at the drug store in order to some have some privacy.  Besides, it cost only a nickel to make a call and talk as long as you wanted, until the booth steamed up from body heat or an adult wanted to make a call.  This system seemed to work out pretty well for years to come.

It wasn’t until I entered the business world that I really became dependent on the telephone.  Still, the phone was simply a convenience in my private life.  Sure there were more phones around the house, in different colors and shapes, but the big part of my personal communications continued to take place on a one-on-one basis.

In the mid-eighties, after starting my own business, I spent a great deal of time traveling by car around Southern California.  Someone suggested I could do a better job of staying in touch with people if I had a mobile phone.  Once I submitted to this innocent enough sounding idea, I was sucked into being available at anytime to virtually anyone who wanted to talk with me; because after a brief time with a pager, I soon was carrying around a bulky cell phone everywhere I went.  The phones have gotten smaller with more bells and whistles, but the concept of being on-call 24/7 remains the same.

Now, thanks to the computer/Internet boom, we’ve advanced from emails and text messaging and blogs to the next generation of social networking tools from Facebook to Twitter to Zimbio.  And there will be new iterations of these as fast as the tech people can bring them to market.  So don’t you yearn, at least once in a while, for the good old days when the most enjoyable communications were when two people got together — face-to-face, in the same room, with no interruptions — and just had a conversation?