Work together or perish.

Do I feel guilty for performing a role that might otherwise go to someone younger?

Absolutely not.

[The question was posed in the article “Our Take: Blaming the Victims” on Jul 31 2009 - http://news.efinancialcareers.com/Blogs_ITEM/newsItemId-20509 and "Stepping Aside" on May 2 2009 - http://www.newsweek.com/id/195657 the article which kick started the debate.]

First, even the brightest and most energetic gen x,y or z's, can and do benefit from the knowledge and experience of older colleagues which makes them more marketable in the future. Second, the right to be productive does not diminish with age, concept that in the U.S., is sanctioned by law.

At any event, this cross-generations anger is misguided. Much of the problems being faced by the boomers and younger generations alike is rooted in the unchecked greed and corruption of the past decades in the private and even public sectors. The private, political and educational leaders have all abdicated their social roles and responsibilities, creating the mess which we see all around us. The American voters have recently reacted to the current ills, but the pressure on the leaders to do the right thing must be kept. Our social responsibilities do not end upon leaving the voting booth. The challenge is to restore high ethics and the sense of social responsibility to our leaders. That, ethics aside, is also good business.

Is it a tall order? Perhaps, but I, for one strongly believe in it. And fear not, this does not have to contradict with our capitalistic system, as the fear mongers like you to believe and turn to socialism. In my mind, only the government and education sectors are in dire need for change. The private sector already does what they do best, which is make money. Only their self-destructive conduct needs to be kept in check.

So, boomers, x, y and z gens, set aside your anger and frustration and focus your energies on the real issues. United we can effect meaningful changes to address our social ills. Divided, we all lose.