This is Floyd Wynne with THE VIEW FROM HERE (8-26-04)

We adults could certainly take a lesson from our young people.

While politicians are busily engaged in bashing each other and lambasting the government at every turn, our fine young athletes are winning gold after gold in the Olympics in Athens, Greece.

In this country in recent years the press has been bemoaning the fact that our youngsters are indulging in drugs, too fat, not motivated enough, and not educated properly.

Not only that but politicians are trumping up issues for nothing more than political gain. Maintaining that America has lost face in the world and that we have used our power and our wealth in the role of a bully.

Well, pair that with the tremendous athletic efforts being performed by our young people. They have shown the world that America is also a nation of achievers.....that our young people can compete victoriously in the many venues of the Olympics.

Not only that.....but it is encouraging to see the harmony and good will that prevails among all the other young people of the world. One would wish that the same harmonious relationships would prevail in the world of adults.

At home we listen to the rising tide of criticism of just about everything the President does or does not do. We hear criticism about the war in Iraq which has lifted a tyrant from the backs of some 25 million people.

We also deplore the criticisms of independent groups of both the service record of Senator John Kerry......as well as the criticism of the President’s National Guards Service.

These are side issues and really have little bearing on who would lead this country in the future. The issues of jobs, health care, as well as security against future terrorism are the main issues, in my mind, in this current campaign.

The question comes down to who can best lead this country in the future.

In the meantime.,...speaking of the future.....we Americans can not only take justifiable pride in the actions of our young athletes in Athens, but can also take some comfort in the knowledge that we have young people who undoubtedly will be the leaders in this nation in the years ahead.

So....as the politicians continue to run down America.....take extra pride in our young athletes.

This is Floyd Wynne and that’s THE VIEW FROM HERE.