UP NEXT – AT 12:50 P.M. ET:   Despair about the young generation is a regular political sport, but there are those who see some real, positive promise. Salena Zito, a Pittsburgh-based reporter, has emerged as one of the sharpest observers of the political scene, and she feels a new, young generation, offers much hope.  Let her be right.  From the New York Post: 

ERIE, PA — Max Bloomtine has a positive view of the nation’s growing diversity, believes the American dream is attainable (but doesn’t believe he’s entitled to it) and is more into the “we” instead of the “me.”

He is politically independent but leans conservative, attends church on a regular basis, and views his parents — not sports figures or celebrities — as role models.

Right now, though, two things weigh heavily on his mind: where to attend college next year (It’s either going to be the University of Pittsburgh or Rochester) and working on a summer job.

“I am a good entrepreneur when it comes to online gaming administration,” he said.

Say hello to Generation Z, the most recent to come of age. It is the youth of America, with its oldest members in their early 20s.

Sometimes referred to as the iGeneration, as they literally grew up with technology and social media in their hands, they are poised to dramatically change the cultural, economic and political landscape for some time to come.

And...

“Gen Z actually like and trust their parents, who have been transparent with them, much more than any generation before,” said Jeff Brauer, a political-science professor at Keystone College in suburban Scranton, Pa., who has produced one of the first comprehensive studies on the next generation.

Analyzing research from Wright State University in Ohio on 1,200 Generation Z students at 15 colleges and universities across the country, Brauer also used exit polling from CNN and census data to draw his conclusions.

“They are not as impressed with fame — celebrities, athletes, politicians — as are their predecessors, since fame in their lifetime has become rather easy to obtain with social media and reality TV,” Brauer added.

And...

Generation Z possibly had a major, yet completely overlooked, impact in this historic election. “Generation Z voters were likely attracted to Trump because of his strong stances on national security and economic recovery — the main concerns of that generation,” said Brauer.

“This generation is different, and they are about to have a profound impact on commerce, politics and trends,” Brauer concludes. “If politicians and business leaders aren’t paying attention yet, they better, because they are about to change the world.”

COMMENT:  Read the whole thing.  Zito is one of the few reporters who can look beyond the race, gender, and ethnicity agenda of the mainstream media.  I've spoken to teachers who confirm what she is saying.

Maybe we'll yet be saved.

July 1, 2017