It's so hard for us young people, just starting out. We were told that our opinions were valuable. We were led to believe we would graduate school into a world where our education would be respected. Where our ideas and hard labor would help shape a better tomorrow. Where we would live in comfort as long as we were contributing our share. Yet in the world we emerged into we find a complete lack of opportunity. A world where gaining favor of the people in power matters more than brains or ability. Where by keen maneuvering we may stand some hope at job security, in a job we can tolerate, that affords us just enough to keep going. Those of us who were told to follow our dreams, to enable the dreams of tomorrow come to life, find a brick wall. What recruits are taken are treated roughly and paid poorly. Those of previous generations who have managed to keep their jobs hoard them carefully out of the fear of loosing well deserved pensions. So much potential is wasted in McDonalds or in the unemployment line.

But then there's always a glimmer of hope. I see some of us begin to light a fire. To make a way in the world. Through technology, ingenuity, friendship and kindness some of us are producing what we love despite nonacceptance into the commercial mainstream. We are finding our own channels to swim and are flourishing. There is always a way to achieve your goals, when no way is apparent we cut ourselves a new path. Imagination is the brilliance of humankind. Those who embrace this, embrace our difference from the apes.

Viva las Handmakers!