Robert Reich: A Message for Millennials

[babylonsister]

http://prospect.org/article/message-millennials

A Message for Millennials
Robert Reich
October 23, 2018
On November 6, you have the power to alter the course of American politics.



You are the largest, most diverse, and progressive group of potential voters in American history, comprising fully 30 percent of the voting age population.

On November 6, you have the power to alter the course of American politics—flipping Congress, changing the leadership of states and cities, making lawmakers act and look more like the people who are literally the nation’s future.

But you need to vote. In the last midterm election, in 2014, only 16 percent of eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 29 even bothered.

Now, I understand. I was young once. You have a lot on your minds—starting jobs, and careers, and families. Also, unlike your grandparents—some of whom were involved in civil rights, voting rights, women’s rights, the anti-Vietnam War movement—you may not remember a time when political action changed America for the better.

You don’t even recall when American democracy worked well. Instead, during your lifetime you’ve watched big money take over Washington and state capitals. Which may explain why only about 30 percent of you born in the 1980s think it “essential” to live in a democracy.

But the issues up for grabs this coming November 6 are not ideological abstractions. They’re causes in which you have direct personal stakes.

Take, for example, gun violence—which some of you have experienced first-hand and have taken active roles trying to stop.

Or immigrant rights. Over 20 percent of you are Latino, and a growing percent of you are from families that emigrated from Asia. Many of you have directly experienced the consequences of Trump’s policies.

A woman’s right to choose whether to have a baby, and LGBT people’s right to marry. They’re also issues you’re deeply committed to. They’ll be front and center if the Supreme Court, as expected, puts them back into the hands of Congress and state legislatures.

You’re also concerned about student debt, access to college, and opportunities to get ahead unimpeded by racial bigotry or sexual harassment.

And you’re worried about the environment. You know climate change will hit you hardest since you will be on the planet longer than older voters.

You’ve also seen that your votes count. You saw Hillary lose by a relative handful of votes in places like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. You’re aware of the slim but increasingly real possibility of taking back the Senate.

As doubtful as you are about politics, or the differences between the two parties, you also know that Donald Trump and his Republican enablers want to take the nation backward to an old, white, privileged, isolated America. You don’t.

In my 35 years of teaching college students, I’ve not encountered a generation as dedicated to making the nation better as your generation.

So my betting is on you, this November 6. Please register and vote.

[Eyeball_Kid]

1. Of the voting population under 30, in the 2016 election,

only 18% actually cast a ballot. If that's what happens this time, it's time to Heil Trump! Fascism will reign, Democracy will die.

[zipplewrath]

2. 20 something bartenders

I was chatting with some 20 something bartenders yesterday. I mentioned that early voting had started. Asked if they had voted yet.
"No"
"Are you going to?"
"Probably not"
"Why?
"Well, um, don't you have to register or something?"
"Yes. Have you registered?"
"Um, no"
"Why not?"
"Politics is SO boring!. I'd rather watch The Bachelor. Did you see the new one, oh he is SO cute."

As she pulls out her cell to show me a picture of the guy.

[violetpastille]

3. Good

Last edited Tue Oct 23, 2018, 02:32 PM - Edit history (1)

Now I think it's safe to say, anyone who knows or cares about Robert Reich isn't a non-voter.

But his tone is expert. If a voter is trying to convince a non-voter to vote, this a a pretty good script to work from.

(appealing to vanity is an excellent sales technique.)

"You are the most progressive group of potential voters in US History"

(keeping it short enough that one doesn't have to scroll)

(acknowledging Millennials didn't break this shit, but are needed to fix it anyway.)

(closing with more flattery)

"In my 35 years of teaching college students, I’ve not encountered a generation as dedicated to making the nation better as your generation. "

Probably works best if you make your eyes really big, and sincere and keep your voice in the middle range as Robert Reich does. More sincere pleading, less finger waggling and ALL CAPS!

[AlexSFCA]

4. millenials are more tribal than gen x

they are more impacted by peer pressure. Hopefully, they all have an influential millenial friend who will make sure they vote. It’s either 18% of them vote or 80%.