The Journey, Part V...Rise of the 9-11 Generation

I am a proud member of "Generation X." Like myself, Michael Buonocore in The Calling to Lead is a proud member of "Generation X."

For years, many in my generation have been criticized by those older than us, specifically the Baby Boomers, in that we have not done anything significant. The Baby Boomers then run through the list of the things their generation has done. (some of which I don't think I could proudly say were good) To my Baby Boomer friends and others who have doubted us over the years, I believe our time has come.

Most historians put Generation X between the years of 1964 thorough 1979 births. Gen-Xers have learned about the greatness and history of this country from their parents, grandparents and teachers, have been inspired by leaders such as Reagan and events like the end of the Cold War; which have allowed those lessons to become reality. Applying what they have learned in those important life lessons, Gen-Xers played roles in the longest peacetime economic boom in United States history. Add another event to that list that will forever impact Gen-Xers: the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Fresh to the professional world, and some having just, or almost finished their four years of college were brutally and brazenly awoken to the evil in the world as terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. No longer was the United States exempt because of the two oceans that separate her from the rest of the world. On that day and since, members of Generation X have stood up to protect and defend the United States of America, whether spontaneously stopping terrorists from further attacking America in the way that Todd Beamer (born 1968) did, to the brave American soldiers, many of whom decided to carry out plans to fight for our interests abroad so citizens at home will not have to live through another September 11th. Members of Generation X have re-evaluated their positions in life as a result of this event, causing them to ask themselves, "How will I best contribute to America's Exceptionalism?" It may not be tomorrow, it may not be in two months or two years, but that fateful day will drive Generation X and they will then become known as the "9-11 Generation."

As stated above, Gen-Xers have learned about the United States and know what makes this country the best nation God has given man. Gen-Xers also know the importance of the individual to the American success story. As a result, they see what their Baby Boomer president (born 1961) is doing legislatively, in that he and the Congress are pushing though legislation that stifles individualism thorough Federal Government control. With large majorities in Congress, the president was able to pass health care legislation that increases the size, scope and influence of the Federal Government, the ARRA (Stimulus) that increases the size, scope and influence of the Federal Government, as well as the financial reform bill that increases the size, scope and influence of the Federal Government.

It will be a member of the eventually minted "9-11 Generation" that will stand up to this baby boomer president, get the American people on their side and right the ship, giving Americans the opportunity to succeed and use the Federal Government not to stand over, but to stand behind.

We may have that leader now, we may not; but in The Calling to Lead, I describe how that GenX/9-11 Generation leader can rise. Michael Buonocore is that leader and he was deeply affected by September 11, changed his life goal so that it best contributed to the continuation of American Exceptionalism, and rose in prominence because of his leadership skills and ability to articulate how America will continue to be the best nation God has given man. I hope that when The Calling to Lead is eventually published, readers and members of my generation can look at it as a handbook on how tomorrow's leaders in the "9-11 Generation" can be born, grow in influence and become celebrated, distinguished leaders who will positively impact the United States of America for years to come.