Speaking in an interview for the Weekly Standard's podcast, Kristol said that he finds "something pathetic" about politicians now coming out in support of gay marriage, and "jumping on the train because it looks fashionable."

"I’ve found it really distasteful," he said. "I mean I myself am socially conservative on the marriage issue but even if you’re not, just say what you believe and let the country decide."

He continued: "This kind of pathetic attempt: ‘Oh my god, young people especially are liberal so let’s just rush to cater to them.’ As if they’re going to respect you if you just embrace the views of some 26-year-old who doesn’t know anything honestly. Can’t adults say young people are sometimes wrong?"

h/t ThinkProgress.

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There is a paradox in the Millennial generation’s relationship with government. On the one hand, research shows that we firmly believe government can and should play a role in solving society’s most urgent and complex problems. We’re less interested in big government vs. small government than we are in better government -- making our democratic systems more inclusive and more responsive. On the other hand, despite seeing government as a theoretically important tool, this generation is opting out. We don’t see ourselves reflected in the decision-making process in our governments, in the values undergirding policies, or in the issues being debated by our representatives.

Still, opting out doesn’t mean this generation has checked out. We are engaged politically, just not in the ways and systems that previous generations have engaged. We don’t want to be courted for our votes and then kicked to the curb until the next big election. We want to build systems that meet us where we are, that is, in community-based service projects, where we see things directly change as a result of our voices, ideas, and action. In short, we need complementary systems that create the sort of direct connection not found in our representative democracy. But how?

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After a rough year featuring an aborted presidential run and a too-close-for-comfort congressional race, Bachmann's star may have dimmed on Capitol Hill, but not here, where there was standing room only in a space with seating for over 250. TheTeaParty.Net's Todd Cefaratti's introduction was so effusive that Bachmann joked, "I think that Todd has just nominated me for sainthood, right after the pope!"

But Bachmann was here for another reason than to soak up the praise: She had the honor of handing out the "Blogger of the Year" award, sponsored by a consortium of Tea Party groups and conservative media outlets. "Bloggers are where it's at!" she said.

"Through the miracle of bloggers, we're telling the story" of how conservative values are winning out over liberals, she declared.

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No matter where we live, we face the same struggle against national state and profit driven interests, and their hold on education. Increasing tuition fees, budget cuts, outsourcing, school closures, as well as other phenomena are linked to an increasing commercialization and privatization of education.

This month, ISM hosted Web-based chats with students from Morocco, Bangkok, Vienna, New York and many other locales leading up to today's “Global Day of Action to Reclaim Education.” The blend of high tech and grass-roots activism is still being tested, but it has already emboldened students to coordinate a Global Education Strike for Nov. 14-22.

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