TRAP FOR YOUNG PHILOSOPHERS

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30396, 21 March 1964, Page 12

TRAP FOR YOUNG PHILOSOPHERS

[By

WHIM WHAM)

The Prime Minister, Mr Holyoake, told the annual meetins of the National Youth Council that he was not pessimistic about the quality of young people . . . "We are looking for a philosophy of youth framed by youth. I know this Is a big order, but I have great faith In our youth. . . ” News item. Our tribal Elders, moral Mentors and cultural Mandarins Are frequently to be heard rebuking Youth for its Sins. Ever since 1 can remember, and That's quite long Enough. I’ve heard Colonel Gruff, Dr. Chuff, the Hon. Bluff and Rev. Puff On the Subject, expressing what is quaintly called their CONCERN About what Youth doesn’t but should or shouldn’t but does learn. Far be It from Me, Sir, to ridicule or cheaply sneer At Persons who are (of course) wiser and no Less (I hope) sincere Than You or I, in our CONCERN for the Nation’s Good; And I’m sure it is universally understood That we don't deal irresponsibly with Matters which relate To the Moral and Spiritual Welfare of our island State. When the Young do What is unseemly, or worse, unlawful, Gruff, Chuff, Bluff and Puff cry out that Youth is awful* And how RIGHT they are. But there’s always the Day When Life looks brighter and Things are going our Way, And Puff, Bluff, Chuff and Gruff cry out that Youth is O.K. And how RIGHT they are again! They always are. So am L So are You, Sir! But exactly how far This gets Us, or Youth, or Anybody, remains A question to baffle the best and the busiest Brains. The P.M., bless him, wants a Philosophy of Youth Framed by Youth, some inspirational Truth Concealed from the Thin-on-Top and lxmg-in-the-Tooth; And he's right, if he only means THEY have to learn How to live, whatever we say, it'll be THEIR Turn When we re too old or feeble or dead to express Concern. Ah, Youth, Youth! Better be careful, just the Same, About the Kind of Philosophy you frame. Don't think TOO hard or fast. Mind What you do. Gruff, Bluff, Chuff, Puff and I are watching You!