The United States, historically a shining beacon of the democratic world, is confronting an unparalleled challenge in contemporary politics. Our presidential candidate landscape is ageing in an unprecedented fashion. On the brink of the 2024 US presidential election, the Democratic candidate is 81, while the Republican candidate is 78. This raises a crucial question: Where are the leaders of the younger and middle-aged generations? Shouldn't our leadership also embody the youthful vitality, innovative spirit, surging passion, and pioneering ideas our nation is renowned for?
Reflecting on the political climate of the 1990s and early 21st century, presidential candidates were typically in their forties and fifties. These leaders were at the nation's pulse, deeply understanding the citizens' hopes and fears. Their youth and vigor resonated with the younger generation, guiding and shaping the country's direction. Today, it's imperative we revitalize this equilibrium, intertwining the vigor of youth and the sagacity of age to create a leadership blend where innovation and stability converge.
Consequently, we implore the young and middle-aged citizens: take the bold step into the political arena. Our nation yearns for your passion, your forward-thinking vision, your profound comprehension of modern technology and societal changes, and your dynamic energy to drive reforms. Your boldness to face, and perhaps even stumble upon challenges in this endeavor will usher in a resurgence in our political system, invigorating it with a fresh vitality and pioneering mentality.
Contemporary issues such as climate change, the influence of artificial intelligence and automation on labor, space exploration, and modern warfare require deep contemplation. The policy decisions surrounding these subjects will significantly shape our future. Those responsible for formulating these policies need perspectives rooted in the diverse lived experiences of the general public. Technological advances, societal transformations, and global fluctuations necessitate a contemporary perspective that younger and middle-aged candidates can provide.
The younger and middle-aged generations are uniquely positioned to instill the drive and energy required to propel these significant issues. They are natives of the big data and artificial intelligence era, raised in a world more interwoven, progressive, and diverse than ever before. The digital age has shaped their experiences, equipped them with an intimate understanding of artificial intelligence, big data, social media, and other technological innovations, thereby enabling them to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities these technologies present.
Moreover, younger candidates often exhibit a greater propensity to engage with, understand, and actively foster inclusiveness, diversity, and social justice. Their commitment to societal progression will steer us towards a more equitable society—a society where every voice resonates and every individual has the opportunity to succeed.
This is not to undervalue the essentiality of the experience and wisdom that come with age. What we are advocating for is balance. Leadership should not be monopolized by any age group. Instead, it should represent a blend of various ages, experiences, and perspectives, all striving collectively to best serve our diverse citizenry.
A democratic society can only thrive when its leadership mirrors its diverse populace. Now, we are presented with the opportunity to invigorate our leadership with a broader age range, infusing it with new perspectives and innovative solutions. We can harmonize the wisdom of age with the creative vitality of youth to construct a government that truly epitomizes us all.
So, to the young and middle-aged Americans: we implore you to stand tall and stride forward courageously. Whether serving as congresspersons, state legislators, representatives, senators, governors, or as the President of the United States, your voice is pivotal. Every stride, every speech, every policy suggestion, and every vote, you are fortifying a more representative democracy.
Rather than viewing this as a burdensome task, perceive it as an exhilarating opportunity. This is your time to shape the future of our great nation, ensuring it truly mirrors the diverse aspirations of its citizens and to pave the way for a better world for ensuing generations. As the 2024 presidential election looms, we eagerly anticipate a more diverse age representation on the ballot. The strength of America lies in its diversity, and that includes diversity of age in our leadership.
未来在召唤：美国新一代领导者的勇气与挑战
蒋红涛，7/23/2023，美国洛杉矶
美国，这一历史上的民主灯塔，目前正在面临前所未有的挑战。我们的总统候选人的平均年龄呈上升趋势。在2024年美国总统大选即将拉开帷幕之际，民主党候选人的年龄已经达到了81岁，共和党候选人也已经78岁。这引发了我们的思考：年轻和中年的领导者们在何方？我们的国家难道不应充满活力、富有创新精神、充满热情，饱含新鲜理念吗？
回顾20世纪90年代和21世纪初的政治环境，总统候选人们往往处于四五十岁的年龄阶段。他们跟随着国家的脉动，深刻洞察人民的希望与恐惧。他们年轻且充满活力，引领和稳定着国家的发展方向。今天，我们需要找回这种平衡，我们需要年轻的活力与老年的经验共同协作，从而汇集创新的智慧与稳健的领导力。
因此，我们热切地呼唤年轻和中年人群：请挺身而出，走向政治舞台。国家需要你们的热情，你们的愿景和理想，你们对现代科技和社会的深刻理解，以及你们推动改革的能力。现在是重振我们的政治系统的时刻，用新鲜的活力和创新的思维为其注入新的生命力。我们更需要你们有勇气面对挑战，即使可能会在这个过程中跌倒和失败，你们也要坚韧不拔。
我们必须深思熟虑我们时代的关键议题：气候变化、人工智能和自动化对劳动市场的影响、太空探索，以及如何应对现代战争等问题。在这些领域，政策决策将深刻地影响我们的未来，而决策者们需要具备与大众生活经验相吻合的观点。科技的进步、社会的变迁以及全球局势的变动，都需要年轻和中年候选人所能提供的现代视角。
只有年轻和中年的一代才能带来推动这些重大问题前进的驱动力和活力。他们是大数据和人工智能时代的一代，他们在一个比历史上任何时期都更加互联、先进、和多元的世界中成长。他们是在数字时代成长起来的，对人工智能、大数据、社交媒体等技术创新有着天生的熟悉感，这使得他们能够处理这些技术带来的独特挑战和机会。
此外，年轻的候选人通常更愿意投身于、理解并积极推进包容性、多样性和社会公正的发展。他们对社会进步的承诺可以引领我们走向一个更加公平的社会，一个每个人的声音都能被听到，每个人都有成功的机会的社会。
这并不是要忽视年长者带来的经验和智慧的重要性。我们寻求的是平衡。领导层不应被任何年龄群体所垄断，而应是不同年龄、经验和观点的集合，共同致力于最有效地服务我们的公民，满足他们的多元化需求。
只有当领导层能反映出公民的多元性，一个民主社会才能真正繁荣昌盛。今天，我们有机会通过年龄多样化我们的领导层，引入新的观点和解决方案。我们有机会平衡经验的智慧与青春的创新。我们有机会构建一个真正代表我们所有人的政府。
因此，对美国的年轻和中年公民来说：我们需要你们挺身而出，勇敢地向前迈步。无论是作为国会议员、州立法者、代表、参议员、州长，还是作为美国总统，你们的声音都至关重要。每一步，每一次演讲，每一个政策建议，以及每一次投票，你们都在为构建一个更具代表性的民主国家做出贡献。
不要将此视为沉重的负担，而应将其视为令人激动的机遇。这是你们参与塑造这个伟大国家的未来，确保其真实反映所有公民的愿望，为后代子孙建设更美好世界的时刻。随着2024年总统选举的临近，我们期待在选票上看到更广泛的年龄代表。美国的力量就在于它的多元性，我们的领导层也应该如此。
最后，如果你是一个年轻或中年的公民，正在考虑是否该步入政界，我的答案是：这是你的时刻，这是你的机会，这是你的责任。不要让这个机会从你手中溜走。为了我们的国家，为了我们的未来，让我们一起前进。
这就是你的呼唤，这就是你的时刻。回应这个呼唤，接过这个重任，向前迈步。
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