Every generation tends to look down on the youth in this country, and this generation is no different. Poor work ethics, laziness, and apathy are the most often heard criticisms of those coming of age today. And yet not all are the same, and one in particular is standing out as the newly adopted poster child of the right.
The shirts that VSU student Ashleigh Kenny designed, with R.I.P The U.S. Constitution on the front and a quote from former President Ronald Reagan on the back, have been selling so fast that her Web site had to be temporarily shut down.
But what makes Kenny so extraordinary is not that she made a T-shirt, or that she wore it to a rally, or that after presenting it to Congressman Jack Kingston, she has been the subject of several national political shows. No, what makes her special is her outlook on life.
In the wake of her newfound fame, Kenny is not just selling T-shirts, she has founded a new movement, matternow.org as a way to encourage others her age to get involved, now. She understands that the future depends on these young men and women, and knows that they will be the leaders for generations to follow. Mattering now is a way of getting students engaged in the political and social arenas, thinking about the future and working towards making a difference. While Kenny is now a full-time college student, she is getting an invaluable lesson in what it feels like to be the new face of a cause. In an interview with The Times this week, she played down her newfound fame to focus instead on the issues. She demonstrates a strong belief system, but is not so strongly conservative that she has lost her tolerance for other opinions.
For those who believe that the country’s youth will be unable to navigate the future, those like Kenny are showing that a little act of patriotism can go a long way to restoring the faith.
Whatever side you choose, right or left, young men and women like Kenny are a reassuring sign that the future may be in the best hands after all.
What We Think
What We Think: Student’s actions inspiring
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Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
Memorial Day has taken on many meanings through the years. The unofficial start of summer, a day off from work, a day to honor family and friends who have passed away.
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
