This year marks the 40th anniversary of "Woodstock"- the pivotal concert of the summer of '69 that took the world by storm. It took place on a remote farm in upstate New York, and nobody knew that it would turn into such a huge historic event. Originally you needed tickets to get in, but when the gates were crushed by crowds of fans, it became a free concert to all! Thousands made the journey, leaving their cars on the jam-packed highway to back pack in. They set up tents & make shift shelters to brave the rainy weather. All this was done for not only the wonderfully talented bands that they were eager to hear, but for peace. There were many bigger problems in the world at the time--Vietnam, racism & segregation in the South, conformity, etc. This was a chance for all the fun-loving, free-spirited, independent young hippies of the time to come together and make a statement. They proved that people could be loving, kind & caring; that they could share with neighbors to get through troubles, (like food, shelter, & bathroom shortages); and that they were united in hopes of making a better world. Sure there were drugs, sex and rock & roll, but it what concert isn't? ;) It was a bridge to the future and I wish I had been there to experience it first hand.
Now I feel that our generation is at a rebellious stage, and needs an outlet to let our voices be heard. We are all getting out of colleges that many of us rushed into, discovering the world is a tough place to live in with the economic instability and war in the Middle East, and barely scraping by to pay the bills. Life isn't about this, or it shouldn't be. I don't want to conform, just like the hippies of the 60's didn't want to. It's time to rise up and make a difference in our lives. We need to take charge and make our dreams our own. If we don't do it, then nothing changes. It's time for change. I hope Obama can pull us through and lead us forward in this darkening horizon. If we all do a little, a lot will be accomplished! :)
