The Baby Boomer generation (estimated at around 75 million) became
politically active in the 1960s and 1970s, leaving its' mark on
society. The sheer size of this human tsunami rolled through
American society and fueled the continuing Civil Rights, Gay
Rights, and Women's Movements and agitation against war. It also
coincided with (caused?) loosening social mores, the sexual
revolution, widespread recreational drug use, political
correctness, identity politics, diminishment of personal
responsibility, and excesses in many areas. The 1960s mantra of
"Challenge Authority" was the basis of my political activism. What
exactly does "challenge authority" mean? Certainly more than
disobeying your parents as a kid. Or calling the police "pigs."
Those are juvenile acts of rebellion. Challenging authority is not
an attention getting ploy to display your courage or smarts or just
for the sake of a good fight. A key component is resisting the
temptation to act impulsively. In short, it's okay to break certain
rules. But know why the rule exists, and have a good reason for
breaking it. In a serious political context, challenging authority
does not have to be negative, especially when done with a clear
purpose. Challenging authority is a form of nonviolent direct
action. You must know what you want to accomplish-hence the need
for focus, confidence, and hard facts. A legal/moral/ethical
foundation is a prerequisite for such disciplined non-conformity.
The title Challenge Authority: Memoir of a Baby Boomer tells it
all. Each of the five chapters contains at least a couple of
challenge authority stories. In most cases I still believes my
challenge, or at least questioning authority, was justified and the
correct path. Politics and humor play a prominent role these
stories. Some of the 44 stories include my challenging the
Selective Service System (The Draft) for 2 1/2 years during the
Vietnam War era; learning a Zen-like concern for quality while leaf
raking as a work-study student during my undergraduate years; being
a war tax resister for many years; hosting an "Untying the Knot"
party with my first wife while getting divorced; doing jail time
(along with 1,959 others) for civil disobedience in trying to stop
the opening of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in California;
twice running for Santa Barbara City Council in the mid-1980s as a
socialist and being the only candidate to openly support gay and
lesbian rights; leaving the Left and becoming a libertarian in the
mid-1990s; and bungee jumping out of a hot air balloon on my 40th
birthday. Every Baby Boomer, and anyone interested in recent
history from the ground level can share the experience of this book
on both a rational and deeply emotional level. If you were not
there (there being that state of "in the zone" focus on your
activity), this is a chance to vicariously experience the
intensity, and if you were there you can reminisce about the "old
days." Address all inquiries to Tom Garrison at:
[email protected]. Consider visiting the Challenge
Authority Facebook page. Your comments are welcom
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