The American Spectator

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Mr. Tyrrell's analysis of the odious "counterculture's" influence in this year's presidential contest is excellent, but it neglects a third group of sixties survivors -- erstwhile hippies ashamed of '60s behavior and anxious to atone.

We are the clowns who argued that the domino theory was a hoax perpetrated by the unethical on behalf of the brutal, in the name of clods too mean to embrace a brave new world. When triumphant Vietnam's first step toward Utopia was vindictive slaughter, we knew remorse. When Cambodia was dragged into bloody, savage anarchy we knew shame, and know it still.

When the honorable Carter arrived we expected the Cold War to fade away, as Soviet leaders were made tractable by the common sense efforts of just plain folks. But our man's servility and willful ignorance of reality made the world a more dangerous place, and we looked elsewhere for inspiration. Little by little, we grew up.

There are not enough of us to cinch this year's election for the incumbent, human nature and the bell curve being what they are. But we can amplify our effect by conducting partisan efforts behind enemy lines.

Chat up the fellow next door when he waters his lawn wearing a Cheap Trick tee shirt. Remind him that the people who took acid and weed away from him are after his cigarettes.

Show the picture of the girl screaming over a dead body at Kent State to some liberated lady; if she blanches, show her the photo of J-Reno's thugs liberating Elian Gonzalez; explain who's who and what's what.

Most of all, and as often as possible, remind boomers that the convictions that move them are no longer matters of principle but articles of faith. Show them that now they are the fusty old ladies and caponized men trying to make the world conform to saccharine delusions they've had about life for 40 years.

Explain that the easiest way to dissent these days is to oppose the censors trying to purge the Western mind of unkind words and impolitic assumptions. Explain that a way to defend freedom is to fight for journalists' right to describe events as they happen, no matter whom that offends, or what stereotype it might prolong.

Then do any scut work that comes your way. Stuff envelopes or drive voters to the polls, walk precincts in the toughest part of town; do whatever it takes to offset the influence of all the dippy hippies who will never be troubled by the demands of logic or the lessons of history.

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