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The article explores the influence of the Baby Boom generation on American society. Description of the generation as selfish are presented and condemnations that Baby Boomers have wasted the opportunities given them by previous generations are examined. The possibility of redemption for Boomers who feel they have failed to leave a legacy is discussed and suggestions include the legalization of marijuana, the institution of a national service program, and the reduction of U.S. national debt.

The article presents several American or worldwide trends, political movements, innovations, and phenomena occurring in 2009 and 2010. Authors comment on climate negotiations, the American identity, free speech, and unmanned air crafts. Other issues include educational reform, partisanship, and handheld electronic devices to soothe boredom.

The author reflects on the relationship between journalists and the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Particular focus is given to the U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), connections between money and speech, and the legal protection afforded journalists concerning anonymous sources. It is the author's opinion that journalists should not promise anonymity to their sources as the right not to speak has not been recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The article presents the author's opinion on the length of newspaper articles. He believes that they are too long and this is the reason why more people are abandoning print newspapers for the Internet. He relates the article "Seeping Health Care Plan Passes House," in the November 8, 2009 issue of "The New York Times" newspaper, in which half the words in the opening sentence describe what happened. The author believes that providing "context" in the article doesn't enhance the point.

The author discusses the Tea Party political movement of 2010. He compares the movement with the student protests of the 1960s, finding significant differences. He argues that the 1960s protests involved young people whereas the Tea Partiers are middle-aged or old, and that the 1960s addressed the Vietnam war and had a strain of idealism, while the Tea Party goals are self-interested and vindictive. He notes that there is nothing patriotic about whines and complaints offers without solutions.

The author reflects on the effects of inflation and its relation to national debt. The high inflation rate which occurred during the administration of U.S. president Jimmy Carter and its effect on the national debt is discussed and particular focus is given to the book "The Great Inflation and Its Aftermath," by Robert Samuelson. Economic predictions concerning inflation are presented and the author's concerns regarding the national debt are explored.

The article presents the author's reflections on the "biggest ideas of the year" in 2009-2010, suggesting that the concept of partisanship and political opposition was highly significant within the U.S. political culture. Details are given noting the direct and uncompromising opposition of the Republican Party to President Barack Obama's initiatives. Conclusions are offered suggesting that if it is politically rewarded, more oppositional tactics will follow from both parties in the future.