Young voters are fed up

[AntivaxHunters]

This is the reality for many.
I think within the next decade we're going to see our party change a LOT so it swings very left. The current system is unsustainable. And young voters are now the largest voting bloc.

Her story isn't unique. Over half of Americans don't have $400 in savings for an emergency & people are getting very pissed off just trying to survive.

Yup, change is definitely coming.

Link to tweet

[Recycle_Guru]

1. what do they think should happen

and how?

[Sky Jewels]

7. I'm no Gen Zer, but I know many.

They want stop the massive transfer of wealth from bottom and middle to the very, very top by taxing the shit out of billionaires and multi-millionaires. Give everyone a guaranteed basic income so they can afford to food and decent shelter. Slash the military budget. Implement strong gun control nationwide. Put in place very strict climate action policies (they will hurt, but what choice do we have?). And so on.

[Recycle_Guru]

12. first 2 are gonna take a ton of political engagement

I hope they will stand behind their wishes and help cote those priorities with us older folks

[DownriverDem]

28. If Dems win

we all win! Young folks help save Michigan.

[Trueblue Texan]

58. well, the rethug plan has always been...

...to focus as much of that working class energy into survival so there is none left for political engagement. If they work 3 jobs just to buy groceries and pay rent, they won't have time or energy to pay attention to their pockets being picked. They'll be more susceptible to the messages that stoke their anger and cause them to vote against their own interests, if they vote at all.

[BComplex]

26. Once we truly start taxing billionaires and making laws about how many times more

the CEO's can make than the employees, the billionaires are going to put armies in the streets, because they can pay for those armies. And the military/police are the ones who protect the wealth in this country. The soldiers and officers may not realize it, but the overlords know the score.

[Magoo48]

45. The morbidly-rich and their greed driven, extraction, vulture capitalism is crushing working folks.

Until these billionaires and multimillionaires are reviled and shunned for their excess and callous greed, until they are rendered irrelevant and obsolete can we turn the corner towards respect for everyone’s work and mental health. Everyone must receive a living wage, a secure place to live, and access to enough food. As long as many of our neighbors face going from their sick beds to the street, we will race ever faster into the dystopian future just over the hill.

[treestar]

130. I wonder if it includes their voting Democratic

in all elections, not just the Presidency.

[Autumn]

2. Can't blame them for being fed up. I just shake my head when I see someone say the economy

is doing great. Yeah for most older retired people but young people are fucked. I think they will have to change the system or burn it down. They're out of time and options, and not just when it comes to climate change.

[maxsolomon]

23. They're not going to burn it down.

Or, probably, change it much.

The economy IS doing great: low unemployment is great. Low/no interest rates weren't going to last forever - those were the way to keep a Recession from becoming a Depression. Yes, inflation always sucks, but the US has reduced it as well as any nation on the planet. We just came out of a once in a 100 years Pandemic, with a malignant narcissist leading the nation.

Has a recession arrived? Nope. We're damn lucky we're in this shape.

That doesn't mean the economy is fair, or that it's easy, or that people aren't struggling. People are always struggling.

[Autumn]

35. Do you think young people are going to continue to vote for the status quo? Because I don't

think they will. People who are struggling have no loyalty to a political party who doesn't alleviate the burden.

[maxsolomon]

37. I didn't want to vote for the "status quo" when I was young

but 40 years on, it sure looks like I did - if you think mainstream Dems are the "status quo". I've voted for every Progressive I can, even Socialists, but mainstream Dems are what got elected. I've learned to accept it. Things change very slowly and don't change very much.

Dems struggle to "alleviate the burden" when Repukes have power. And they have plenty of that all across the nation.

"Status Quo" mainstream Dem Joe Biden HAS "alleviated the burden" for countless Student Loan borrowers, to the point of overreaching and getting struck down by the SCOTUS. He gets barely a thank you from Dems like Sen. Warren. Just more pressure.

[Autumn]

68. Things don't change much because politicians don't want them to change and the media

puts out every Republican lie that they spew. I don't know if you weren't paying attention or you just don't think Warrens praise for Biden wasn't good enough.

“Today is a day of joy and relief because President Biden has canceled a big chunk of student debt for as many as 43 million Americans. The President has taken a powerful step to help rebuild the middle class. Americans making less than $125,000 a year will receive up to $20,000 in student loan forgiveness, transforming the lives of working people all across this country.”

“Student loan debt has held millions of Americans back from starting a family, buying a home, saving for retirement, or creating their own businesses. With the President's action, millions of workers—educators; municipal employees; auto workers; food and retail workers; flight attendants; medical workers; care workers; and many more—will breathe a little easier knowing this burden will be lifted. Cancelling student debt will provide financial relief to the many Americans who have been paying back student debt for over 20 years and to seniors who have seen their Social Security checks garnished because they fell behind on their loan payments. Because Black Americans borrow more money to go to school, borrow more money in school and have a harder time paying their debt off after school, the President’s action will also help narrow the racial wealth gap in the United States among borrowers.”

“The bottom line is this: Millions of working people will have a chance to build a more secure economic future because of President Biden’s decision to cancel student debt.”

“This victory happened because thousands of Americans organized and voted for real action to improve people’s lives. I am grateful to these organizers for their years of hard, persistent work. They show us that we can make democracy work and that elections matter. The first bill I introduced in the Senate was to make student loans cheaper so that fewer Americans would get crushed by debt. I’ll continue working with the Biden administration to reform our higher education system and create a stronger economy for all Americans.”

I don't think that sounds like pressure to me. But you are partially right... ALL student debt should have been forgiven.

[betsuni]

70. +1

[cilla4progress]

3. Last night on Daily Beans, Alison Gill's podcast,

she predicted 2 new political parties: a moderate Dem party encompassing now sane Republicans who are fiscally conservative and moderate socially/culturally, and a farther left Dem party.

[Johnny2X2X]

4. When people ask me about the younger generations

When people ask me, they're usually fishing for someone to agree with their criticisms of young adults be they Millenials or Gen Zers. My response usually is, "well maybe that's because everything is so much harder for them than it was for us at their age."

I am Gen X, and yeah, I probably had it harder than my parents, but I still had it much easier and didn't have to work as hard as 20 somethings have to now. I don't think people appreciate that. These kids have never known a world where regular workers caqn own a home and have some security. They'vwe never known a world with a robust blue collar middle class. The world they've grown up in was one where both parents worked and still struggled with everything.

But above all, the world for them is much much less forgiving than the one I came of age in. I was able to screw up in high school, I drank, smoked weed, and eventually did other drugs. Got in trouble with the law. Wasted time, slept around, and just took years to find myself. None of that prevented me from eventually graduating from college and having a great career. I grew up in the 80s and early 90s. Kids today drink less, they do less drugs, they have less sex, and they are under way more stress and suffer from anxiety because of it. They can't afford to make the same mistakes that I was afforded. And even if they don't make mistakes and do everything they're supposed to do, they're still looking at student debt and a corporate world that is the main primary option to blue collar life where you're constantly fighting still just to get to a level where you have a decent life. And all with the climate crumbling around us ebcause of actions of their parents and grand parents.

Reaganomics dismantled the middle class, that's what is the cause here. Joe Biden is dismantling Reaganomics and trickle down economics, you;re seeing a rebuilding of the middle class. Keep fighting for Joe and he can really gain some momentum towards making people's lives better the next 5 years.

[Sympthsical]

11. We think $20/hr is a living wage in California

At my company, that's around what we pay production workers who are basically considered unskilled labor. And we think we're great for that. We're even very pleased with ourselves for trying to raise the minimum wage to $15/hr for people in various jobs.

But let's break that down. $20/hr is $41,600 per year, and after taxes you're hitting about $34,000. A one bedroom apartment in California - not even in the city - will easily run you $1700-$2300/month. Easily.

Welp, there's $20,000 of your income out the door before you even get started.

Now you have $14,000 per year to manage everything else. That's food, utilities, transportation, insurance, clothes, any problem that comes up ever, emergencies, medical deductibles if you get sick, student loans if you have them, etc. etc. etc. God forbid you have a child or two.

Enjoy your non-stop stress, peons.

But, you know. The real problem is the avocado toast. Which we're all apparently eating at fancy restaurants.

(Speaking of. Avocados are $1 apiece. Do the people making these criticisms not do their own shopping?)

[inthewind21]

17. Newsflash

It's not just "young" people." Not by a mile.

[Sympthsical]

21. Newsflash: It's not a contest

And our production isn't just young people. One of our largest demographic groups working in production are Latina women who are in their 30s and 40s.

However, when you stack the deck against people from the moment they start their life, they're going to have some thoughts about it.

But the Me Generation gotta Me, I guess.

[inthewind21]

60. It's not?

You mean it's not ONLY 20 and 30 somethings having a hard time. Who knew?

[Sympthsical]

64. No one said it was

But there is an election coming up, and young voters enthusiastically turning out are going to be key.

So being hostile at them discussing what they're going through is . . . an approach.

One of the things I sort of love watching when it happens is that kind of diaphanous and vague, "We love young voters!" said in a very general, bumper sticker, let's-use-them-as-mascots sense. But the minute anyone under 30 says anything, it's "STFU, we don't want to hear it! Everyone's got problems!" (see: any time student loans and housing come up).

Reminds me of fighting for gay marriage. People looooooved the LGBT community. "I'm an ally! I bought some rainbow stickers and showed my gay nephew who mysteriously leaves the room whenever I start telling him what an awesome ally I am!" But if we ever made a peep about the problems we were facing, "STFU about your pony! Now's not the time! There's an eleeeeecccction!"

People want the appearance of caring, but when asked to actually care, ooft. Gets ugly.

My toucans are in danger.

[inthewind21]

65. Pretty

sure a Tic Toc Rant doesn't qualify as a discussion. You're assuming quite a lot there. And a "young voter" is very different that some random ranting chick on Tic Toc

[Sympthsical]

67. Well, I didn't experience septum separation

Because a young person complained somewhere.

It has qualities of lawn ejection.

[Mariana]

82. It never fails.

Every time someone tries to discuss the experiences of Gen X, Millennials, or Gen Z, some Boomers are sure to show up and try to make the thread all about *them*.

[inthewind21]

66. Pretty

sure a Tic Toc Rant doesn't qualify as a discussion. You're assuming quite a lot there. Or do you know her personally? And "talk to" a "young voter" is very different thank some random ranting chick on Tic Toc

[Bettie]

118. Thanks for this

very well said.

[brooklynite]

109. Funny how Democratic voters keep nominating "mainstream" candidates...

...rather than the left-wingers.

[treestar]

132. I wonder if she and the young voters she supposedly

represents so many of even voted in the primary.

Or voted for or supported any democrats.

[betsuni]

133. No. I say no.

[treestar]

136. 23% turnout for 2022

https://circle.tufts.edu/2022-election-center

Yep, very good chance the answer was no.

[Johnny2X2X]

22. Great points

My dad grew up in a world where he was smart and a good student, went to college, but then decided he could make a lot of money right now as a tool and die maker. So that was his career. Was a hard worker and really smart, and got into GM as a skilled worker. We had a middle class house with a built in pool. Always had 2 newer cars. My mom raised us, and then tok a part time job when we got a little older. He had a pension, they had security, we had health care coverage that would be crazy to have today. They sent all 4 of their kids to Catholic school for 12 years. All on 1 blue collar job. Now they're retired and comfortable, will never not be able to afford what they need.

Me? Got an engineering degree, got a masters degree in Business with a focus on finance. Got into a great company. Have a nice home, can't afford a pool. Buy used cars. No complaints though. But I will never retire as comfortably as my parents, that age is gone for me. I will be fine in retirement, but will probably have to work several years more than my dad did.

A kid getting out of high school today? Will have to bust ass just to get a job that will allow them to rent an apartment in any decent place to live. Anhd the penalties for making mistakes will cripple their earning potential. Show up to a high school dance drunk and you could get expelled, in my day you'd just get told to be careful, or maybe have your parents called. Get busted with drugs and you can be ineligble for financial aid for college. And every mistake is recorded on social media, I can't imagine living with that pressure to not screw up or have it recorded forever.

Yeah, avacado toast isn't the problem, wages and benefits are. I do see some hope with a president like Joe Biden finally fighting for regular people though.

[Sympthsical]

94. Yeah, it's a different world out there.

I grew up poor. My father injured himself when I was a baby and mom went back to community college as they desperately tried to sort themselves out of debt and save the house, etc. etc. My childhood was welfare and food stamps until they got back on their feet. They did pull themselves back up, but it was rough til my teen years.

But that's fine. In my 20s and 30s (in my earlyish 40s now), I had a decent job and apartment, but it was paycheck to paycheck until my mid-30s with loans and everything else. I had to quit a job in social services, because it just didn't pay. I had to go corporate for the breathing room. My partner and I are very well-situated these days with a house and income and things. However, my partner's brother died of brain cancer almost 10 years ago. He had 4 kids. So we're kind of half-raising them nowadays. They're hitting community college that we mostly pay for. The agreement is do two years there and then two years at a state school, and we'll help as much as we can. Even with all the assistance, it's not cheap.

The eldest and his girlfriend (who we think will eventually get married) moved to San Jose a couple months back. His girlfriend got a job with Stanford medical, and he's going to school down there. They needed an apartment.

I'll just say this. Their apartment costs as much as the mortgage on my house. It is 3.5 times the cost of what I first rented 13 years ago. They couldn't even get it unless we co-signed the lease. Between his school, their living expenses, and her student loans we have a "Are you guys going to have enough money?" conversation every single month. She works for Stanford. We should not be having this conversation.

I get it's California, so we're having a somewhat inflated conversation. Even twenty years ago, when I was their age, I did not have to deal with what they do. And I was the boot-strappingest boot-strapper who ever boot-strapped.

It drives me wild when people don't get it or have empathy for it. You know there's that saying, "Born on third base, but thinks he hit a triple." Well nowadays, there are too many on our own side who got walked to second and think young people today are just terrible at batting.

[leighbythesea2]

51. Same

Accurate post. My daughter is millennial & step kids are Z. The hurdles are real.
My daughter was in college during 2008 crash. & near her masters during covid (and post covid). Their milestones for career and earning power get supplanted over & over. She’s doing ok, but I wonder the total trajectory as far as salary.
And Zs? So screwed. Yeah, they’re all pretty mad, rightfully. And loyalty to what? I wouldn’t be loyal to brands, concepts, or parties either.
As X, not the stability my parents had either, but kind of half experienced life as a person in a union, and having a pension (mom). Got to at least see what was.

[vlyons]

5. Same is true for us seniors on social security

nt

[CountAllVotes]

6. +1

No kidding!

At least she can still work, I cannot nor can many of the other elderly and disabled among us.

We are forgotten; down the memory hole so to speak.

[flamingdem]

8. I hope that doesn't mean all in on "left" or "Green Party" candidates

I hope it means realizing that supporting Biden helps them more.

Worried that group is rife for disinformation.

Young Latinos in Miami seem to have caught the Trump bug

[Brainfodder]

9. That was me 30 years ago also when things were also not great for someone without $ already.

[CountAllVotes]

14. Many of us have been or still are in this situation

I often wonder how/why we are able to go on.

It is so disgusting and yes, I was in this situation about 25 years ago myself.

I was sick and had lost my job promptly after my diagnosis.

I could no longer work.

It was a hell to be in, a hell that never really changed a whole lot esp. since I lost my husband last year and ended up with nothing.

The "survivor's benefit" was a small check of about $200+ or so and that is the end of it after being married to him for 36 years. Nothing.

[AwakeAtLast]

71. You stole my answer!

[The Wandering Harper]

78. and 20 years ago I could find a 2 bedroom apartment for $600 a month

today you can barely rent a room in someone's house for $600 in the same area. Prices on some fairly basic foods have doubled in the last few years. And wages are definitely not keeping up

[vlyons]

10. #1 is raise taxes on the rich and on corporations

make them pay their fair share.

[RKP5637]

16. K&R! n/t

[onethatcares]

20. #2 is

have corporations justify 500-800% increases in the cost of consumer goods. It's the greed factor and the hedge funds have figured out how to just say, "due to so many poor people needing housing, we have to raise the cost of housing" or "yes, we've cut the amount of actual food in those packages but we had to do it in order to buy that 5th home in the country so just suck it up and lick our $4500.00 sneakers"

[sarge43]

41. #3 is over turn the Citizens United v. FEC ruling

It's allowed corporations to buy up all the politicians they need to get anything they want.

ENOUGH!

[vlyons]

54. I would make that #2

or rather, make it illegal for corps to make campaign contributions. Only citizens, ya know PEOPLE, should be able to do that. In Canada, corps can't make contributions. That would probably take a constitutional amendment, and I know how impossible that would be. So I guess, since SCOTUS made corps to be the same as people, making them limited to the same max contributions as people, $3300 per candidate.

[True Blue American]

121. I agree!

Buying candidates by the ultra wealthy is what started this long decline. Ignoring the McCain/ Feingold bill thanks to a bought and paid for Supreme Court started us down this sickening spiral. OIf just a couple of them had any decency, or cared about this Country and Freedom they would straighten their spines and start fixing the massive problems they caused.

[leftstreet]

63. But you'd need programs in place to fund

Medicare For All, Education, rent and utility subsidies, etc

You could tax all the rich all day long but unless that money has a way of 'trickling down,' what's the point? The military just gets it?

[Greybnk48]

124. 100%! Go back to Eisenhower tax rates and give the people

low taxes, good schools, child care, medical care, put the banks in the Post Offices like Bernie has said, and demand a fucking living wage.

If Big Banks and other crooks want to buy up the houses and try to fleece people who just want a roof over their heads, then maybe the real estate market should be regulated so that can't happen as well.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

13. Oh there is lots of wealth, there's just no 'trickle down' from the upward flood...

[raccoon]

81. Great poster.

[Greybnk48]

125. We and the young voters need to force a trickle down like Eisenhower did.

I've never for a minute believed he was a Republican.

I read his autobiography, and he said he was never political but was forced to pick a party to run for office. He chose Republican on advice of others because they're more closely aligned with the military (or were).

[Wednesdays]

15. She's prime pickings for the Repukes to "bLaMe TeH lIbRuLzZ!"

That's how they get 'em.

[AntivaxHunters]

40. Nope

And this is where you're very incorrect.
Young voters HATE the GOP with a passion.
Why?

* Student loans
* Climate change
* The war against LGBTQIA people

Those are the big 3.
Young voters prefer Socialism over Capitalism.
No chance they go Republican.

[Sky Jewels]

53. Abortion rights is probably the biggest one

at least for the female Gen Zs.

[Bettie]

119. This is what my GenZ kids and

their friends say.

[maxsolomon]

18. I was fed up at that age, too.

Guess what? It's always been unfair, it's always been rigged.

[Kaleva]

19. Similar to Ashley Babbitt's videos

[honest.abe]

24. She seems to blaming this country for her financial problems... like its Biden's fault.

That's totally unfair as the entire developed world is f'king expensive, in fact many countries are more expensive.

I dont have a solution except to maybe get a better job than cleaning houses or move to less expensive area.

[CountAllVotes]

25. It is NOT Biden's fault

If she were to look around a bit she'd realize that this is a worldwide problem that emerged when the pandemic arrived.

A better job could help a lot.

She is able to work which is a real plus.

As for the braces on the child, well I needed those as well but my parents didn't have money for those so I never got them. I live with my overbite.

She is very angry obviously but what solution does she present?

[honest.abe]

29. Yeah, I was thinking about commenting on the braces thing.

However I suppose it could be a serious issue that the kid really needs them but if its just cosmetic then I dont see how that is a critical expense. I also needed braces when I was a kid and my family simply couldnt afford them. I have really crooked front teeth but somehow I survived this "f'king country".

[Wingus Dingus]

27. She "forgot" to pay for her daughter's braces?

Should have dipped into her false eyelash and microblading fund. Whiny AF.

[CountAllVotes]

32. plenty of $ for piercings and jewelry and make-up

These are all things I never had.

I put things like food and shelter before such things.

Maybe I'm just old, I don't know but I have my priorities. Braces and make-up have never been on the list.

[AntivaxHunters]

47. She addressed you

She actually addressed you with what you're saying in her follow up video.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8FcUqWR/]

[misanthrope]

50. Not to mention the smart phone

being used inside what looks to be a fairly nice car.

My mother was a single mom. She only had two years of college and tried to raise two kids working jobs like a vet tech and a secretary. We rode around in old, worn-down cars.

Mom had to chase our father for the meager child support he rarely paid. When I needed dental braces for a terrible malocclusion, it was only because my paternal grandmother pleaded and cried to her husband that he relented to pay for them.

I understand this woman is frustrated but I think what she is frustrated with are the standard hardships of life.

[AntivaxHunters]

42. What an out of touch statement

Gross 🤢

[txwhitedove]

44. Yep, my thoughts exactly. I raised 3 kids, then 3 grandkids

primarily by myself, went through mega hell and stress for years, but NEVER once blamed my country for any of it. Cry and rant away, lower expectations and cry about that, it's life. I couldn't afford braces for my kid. He grew up smart, tall and handsome.

[treestar]

139. that was an odd way to put it

like she has the money, she just "forgot." Or she forgot that item in her budget. A lot here suggests she could just use some help with arranging things and it could be better. She doesn't want to rent out a room - why not, it could help. Can she find cheaper housing? We don't know.

[moonshinegnomie]

30. when you look at how much top corporate execs make i dont blame the youth

this is the pay of some corporate ceos last year (by company)
hertz rent a car. 182m
pinterest 122m
docusign 85m
netflix 51m
western digital 32m

just a few i picked at random . meanwhile he minimum wage hasnt budged in years. rent and healthcare has skyrocketed. im surprised that the youth havent burnt everything to the ground yet....


https://aflcio.org/paywatch/highest-paid-ceos

[Marius25]

31. Who does she attribute these problems to though?

[CountAllVotes]

33. She presents no plans

Its just a rant IMO.

She offers no solutions whatsoever.

Sad joke IMO.

[womanofthehills]

123. Most kids I know today have roommates because rents are too expensive

My grandson lives in a house with three roommates and my granddaughter moved back home after 10 yrs of living on her own.

When I went to an art school connected to NYU it was $1000 a semester - now it’s $26,500 a semester. At UNM, it was under $500 a semester and now it’s $5000 a semester.

Rents all jumped in NM in the last year. The average rent in Albuquerque is $1100. $2750 in Santa Fe. Studio apartments (what many young rent) just jumped 29% higher in SF.

Food prices are off the wall. My dogs Iams kibble went from $14 to $25 dollars in a yr.

If I didn’t own my house, I would be screwed if I had to rent.

[LisaM]

34. So get out and vote.

And don't just come out and vote for rock star candidates in presidential years. Vote for school board, vote for judges, vote for taxes, vote for mayor, vote for town and city council, vote for library board and park commissioners, vote in special elections. Vote for community college trustees. Vote for the state board of education.

Vote vote vote vote vote.

[CountAllVotes]

36. +1

She's likely too busy complaining to vote.

She never mentions this simple task as a potential solution to some of her problems.

Its easier to complain and do nothing.

[AntivaxHunters]

43. Wrong

She's literally struggling to survive my dude.
Why you acting like the manager?

[inthewind21]

61. A great

many in this country are struggling. Then there are those who are barely existing. Clearly she, nor you are able to tell the difference. Why are you acting like you know anything about this woman other than her random rant on Tic Toc?

[CountAllVotes]

69. whatever

I remain unimpressed.

[AntivaxHunters]

84. Nobody's here to impress you

I bet you have healthcare, own a home, all of that.
Guess what? The younger generations don't because they're making less than their.parwnts did.

You're basically saying "FU I got mine" because you're from a generation where those things were possible. They no longer are. Do you know what the average home costs today? $450,000. How is anyone supposed to afford that when they're swimming in student loan debt?

Capitalism is literally killing us.
No offense but your class consciousness needs some work..
There was a time when things like in the image below were the norm. But it was normal for white folks. We want that back again but this time for everyone. The current system is unsustainable.

[treestar]

134. she has health care

the ACA is there and the kids are otherwise covered.

She has a home and it's too expensive - 2000 for a 2 BR, don't know what city this is.

Car looks new.

She's not a good example - she is struggling in white privilege middle class terms.

She's apparently getting the child support regularly, with is not always the case, and depends on she and the father's income.

Maybe she is not charging enough in her business. We don't even know if there are solutions that would help and that her struggle isn't due to poor management.

Yet we are supposed to generalize about young voters from her rant?

The millennials of my family are finding day care expensive, but I haven't heard any rants about "this country" and they have houses they own and good cars and one is sending the kid to a private school. Teaching and LEO jobs, which don't always pay well.

[treestar]

103. exactly!

and get involved. Stop sitting there and expecting anything to happen without doing something about it.

[IronLionZion]

38. GOP's plan is to stop them from voting

Since young people are disproportionately fed up with GOP BS. Blaming me for stealing your jobs is less effective during labor shortage.

Some sort of housing cost reform is something that not enough are talking about. There isn't a profit motive for building affordable housing in many markets. So builders build "luxury" housing to make it worth the cost. That's great for the wealthy but it screws everyone else.

[Hortensis]

39. Don't mistake bigger actions or ones that weren't done or possible in the past for

change in political direction. The ideals of America's liberals are essentially the same as they were 70 and 270 years ago. And the Democratic Party has been wonderfully stable over the past century. Proven -- by many studies.

We owe everything we have to that. Just imagine where we'd be if our liberals were as ideologically rudderless and corruptible as so many conservatives. And our liberal, progressive goals instead of continuing to develop with change of situation disappeared when traditional conservative goals did.

But they didn't. Those who soaked up that shift premise without examination might did into themselves to find their liberalism. They'll realize the don't need to swing far left to want to accomplish what they already do.

For those who realize they're already there, no need to shift either.

[aocommunalpunch]

46. Whole lot of judging going on in this thread.

That's that smugness that is so off-putting. Damn.

[txwhitedove]

59. Nope. Her repeated blame of this "f'ng country" was

off-putting for me. I've been in her shoes, but NEVER had as nice a car, house nails, and NEVer blamed country. No sympathy for this one.

[AntivaxHunters]

85. She's correct

And just because you were in her position & suffered doesn't mean she should have to as well..

Man you can really see some hoods lifted in the replies.
I can't wait for the younger generations to be in power. Things are going to be so much better.

[treestar]

138. now that's not fair

and ageist.

There are articles out about not having enough retirement saved. It's not a generational fight. Plus she's white.

Enough of this generational self pitying. The issue is the wealth being driven more and more to the 1% - no generation is without struggling people. And if they aren't, their struggling back when they were young too is not irrelevant. You are claiming today's youth ought not to ever struggle, unlike prior generations? Why emphasize the claim they are entitled?

This is one person, too. I have millennial and younger family - don't see them blaming this fucking country or even complaining that much.

[LiberaBlueDem]

48. Green new deal can make the changes needed

Not only will we quit sending money elsewhere for oil but the jobs to build back better will enrich the workers who make America a place more livable.

It's what Bernie has been saying for years. He and Biden are making it true.

[homegirl]

49. Some people

just let life happen to them, then they piss, moan and cry for the next 20 or 30 years.

Honey, is that the language you subject your children to? And how much do those false eyelashes cost???

[CountAllVotes]

73. very limited vocabulary

Every other word is fuck.

Again, I am so unimpressed!

[AntivaxHunters]

86. JFC this is gross

Lashes are $30 a month. Are poor people not allowed to have nice things? And using the word "honey" is misogynist AF.
Are you sure you're not on the right forum?

[homegirl]

101. But, you

are OK with her foul mouth? No comment?

I have had a difficult time, I spent my money on the best for my child, not false eyelashes.

My daughter needed braces, I did extensive research, pre internet, and found a local hospital dental school that provided care, follow up and the braces for a GREATLY reduced fee.

[treestar]

104. that's a lot for an unnecessary luxury

if what you are claiming is poverty or lack.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

142. If someone is complaining

About not having enough money to survive, then $30/month for fake eyelashes is wasteful.

[BannonsLiver]

144. Are you sure?

🤷‍♂️

[BannonsLiver]

143. +1000000

American grievance culture in action. I’d love to see her lifetime spending on iced coffee.

[Warpy]

52. They have to brains to know who fucked things up and how they did it

while we old lefty Boomers were in the minority, too many were suckers for that "socially liberal, fiscally conservative" bullshit that meant no working person ever got a break and services we did once have were eroded down to nothing.

Because there is a shortfall in the labor supply, the opposite of what we faced, the 2 younger cohorts will very likely be able to exert enough influence to totally derail the billionaire gravy train.

[Bettie]

122. And that would be a good thing

for all of us and future generations.

Derailing the billionaires would be the best thing that could happen.

[OMGWTF]

55. If you want to live like a Republican, vote for the Democrats

Every fking time. Vote Blue no matter who.

[aocommunalpunch]

56. Stay vigilant. This "lesson" was only a few months ago.

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/north-carolina-state-representative-flips-parties-republicans-supermajority/story?id=98384362

[JudyM]

57. We need to be sure they understand the why behind it.

Because the GQP are constantly saying it’s Biden’s fault.

[SpankMe]

62. I'll believe it when I see it

I see nothing indicating that young people will turn out in greater numbers any time soon. I only see a few one-off Tweets from activist Gen Z's and Millennials threatening that the youths are coming.

The non-voting stats on this generation in recent elections is concerning. Many of my son's Gen Z college friends don't vote for one of 2 reasons: 1. They see it as a chore/hassle and a conflict with gaming, studies or recreation. Or, 2. They actually don't vote on purpose as a sort of protest against a system they don't see as working well. They spout off some hyper-intellectual, cynical tripe about imperfect candidates, their vote not counting or some other abstract or nuanced excuse not to vote.

They consider their non-vote as a punishment to "the system" for not meeting their every requirement for their vision of perfect democracy. They say their vote doesn't count because it's only one vote out of thousands/millions and thus won't create change. At the same time they think their non-vote does count enough to create change. Fucked up.

[betsuni]

72. What does this have to do with "young voters"?

She's just venting, a Single Mother's Blues, and blaming America instead of her ex-husband (if she had a husband, but it was definitely a man that did it).

[liberalla]

74. K & R!

The young people are the hope for the future and the way things will change. It will be messy, painful and ugly at times... but it's necessary.

[brooklynite]

75. I'll let "many of us" speak for many of us...

...rather than make a mass judgment from a Tik-tok performance.

[Skittles]

76. they have a right to be frustrated

every time I pay a medical, dental, grocery bill I think of what it must be like to be younger with kids and having to deal with these ridiculous prices

[The Wandering Harper]

77. saying things like

"I was fed up at that age, too. Guess what? It's always been unfair..." and "That was me 30 years ago also when things were also not great for someone without $ already"
is a part of the problem. It's out of touch. It's a sure way to turn off younger voters to voting for your party

[AntivaxHunters]

87. THANK YOU!

As it is, young voters are fed up with politics, politicians, & political parties. Such verbage lacking compassion & empathy, aren't going to bring in voters. No, in fact it'll push them away.

And those making such statements I bet own homes, have healthcare, & were never swimming in $100k in student loan debt.

"Out of touch" is right.

[The Wandering Harper]

98. very welcome

[treestar]

105. lol then who will they vote for

or just not vote?

Maybe if they got involved instead of just complaining people would listen to them.

[JI7]

79. What state is she in ?

[jxla]

112. Cape Coral FL 33909

She's 33 (born in 1990) and is not affiliated with any party.

Ex husband and his family are all Republicans except 20-yr-old step sister who's unaffiliated. Ex FiL is gastroenterologist in Naples FL.

Ex-husband is 30 (born in 1993) & seems to be what they used to call a ne'er-do-well. In 2015 he and some friends stole a Mercedes-Benz along with more than a dozen firearms and $250,000 worth of gold coins.

[betsuni]

114. Thank you.

She's angry because she bet on the wrong horse (husband).

[Silent3]

80. I don't see that kind of frustration being easily converted into sustained votes for Democrats

For one thing, a Democrat is currently the President, and she currently has all of those problems in her life.

For a lot of people that means their problems are being caused by Democrats. You know, and I know, that with a Republican controlled House, and a very narrow filibuster-hampered Senate majority, there's precious little that can be done right now but hold the line against the way Republicans would be making things much worse for people like this woman if they were in control. But not too many voters think that far into what's going on.

People like this will, for the most part, only give their votes, if they bother to vote at all, to Democrats when a Republican is President. If their lives aren't better in 2-4 years after electing a Democrat to the White House, then they'll flip back to supporting Republicans.

Even if we currently held the House, and had a stronger hold on the Senate, it would take many years of sustained effort to make the lives of people like this woman substantially better. American voters, on the whole, don't have that kind of patience and tenacity. Our shallow, horse-race minded media will never send them the kind of messaging that would help grow that kind of patience and tenacity. Right wing media, which is going to affect how many struggling people like this woman think, will be convincing people like her that her problems are caused by high taxes and immigrants and a lack of school prayer and "too much regulation" and all of the "wrong people" getting government "handouts", etc., etc.

[AntivaxHunters]

89. I disagree & I'll explain why

While it's true that they blame both parties for the problems of today and if we're going to be telling the truth here that would be correct but there's one party in particular that's done a whole lot of shit and that isn't Democrats .

That said they won't vote Republican because young voters don't want anything to do with the GOP. They view the GOP as a racist, white supremacist, out of touch white Christian nationalist entity. The number one issue with young voters is climate change. And Republicans believe that that is a fucking hoax. And while it's true that they blame Democrats they also blame Republicans 10 times more.

The big differences besides climate change is this; the war on LGBTQIA people. Young voters all know somebody who's queer. Every single one of them. It's not the 1970s and 1980s anymore were one in 500 people may know someone who's queer. It's 2023 and it's acceptable now to be queer. Only in the eyes of conservatives is it not. And that's a defining issue. They see all these laws being passed against trans people and everything else They're not blind. And they realize that these kind of laws hurt their friends and family along with their loved ones.

This is a big opportunity for a party. As in massive. Young voters are more educated and more aware or " woke " then the generations before them as study after study is shown. They are fully engaged. And instead of going towards the right to cater to people that are disenfried Republicans I feel what we should be doing is going to left and going after all these young voters because they are the largest voting group now and they will be a future very very fast. The opportunity here we have is to completely eradicate and erase the Republican Party on the national stage entirely and we need to pick up that torch and absolutely run with it. Some things I feel have to change. And one of those things is definitely stop defending incumbents in primary races. Henry queller for instance is so out of touch. He's an anti-abortion NRA friendly Democrat. That guy can take a hike as far as I'm concerned and in the minds of most Democrats.

We need to be backing the future and the sooner that we do that the sooner the GOP goes adios. We have the ability to relegate them to a minority party status that is basically a regional entity in the original Confederate States. As it is right now Utah of all places, although Mormon, is beginning to Trent to the left. There's changes happening in Utah which is red as it gets although it is a different kind of red They're not wackos. But even young Mormons are beginning to see that things have to change and that's saying a lot when they see that given not only their views with religion and conservatism but their judgmental practices of others. Why? Because once again as I said they all have friends that are queer. Every one of them.

We need to seize upon this opportunity and that doesn't mean people saying oh it's her fault blah blah blah or I got mine fuck you. The people that are saying these kind of things have never ever experienced what young voters are. None of them were ever swimming and $100,000 student loan debt. None of them ever were harassed for being queer. None of them ever had right-wing wacko show up at their schools protesting because people had a mask on or about the classes that are being taught with regards to history and black Americans. No they've never experienced anything like that in their lives. They've never ever had to struggle with wages being so low. There's a lot of really out of touch statements being made and replies here and that really does say a lot You can definitely really see the generational gap. It's really kind of sad when you think about it. And I wish people would have a better sense of class consciousness.

[Silent3]

97. "None of them ever were harassed for being queer"? Huh?

There's nasty anti-LGBTQ backlash going on right now, but I'm pretty sure older LGBTQ DUers will tell you they had it much worse in the past than they do now. If "None of them ever were harassed for being queer", it was only because they had to stay in the closet.

I don't disagree that for most (not all, only most) young people the Republican party is more repugnant than the Democratic party. And I don't disagree that we should do all that we can to press our advantage there.

I'm much more cynical, however, about how far our best efforts will get. For a lot of young people, Democrats are merely "the lesser of two evils", and many people resent choosing the lesser of two evils. They simply choose not to vote, or they vote Green or for other independent/third-party choices that end up taking votes away from Democrats and helping Republicans.

There is a small but significant number of young men being drawn far right, by the likes of Nick Fuentes and Andrew Tate (well, Tate's having a harder time influencing from Romanian prison these days!).

You may be right that some people here have made out-of-touch criticisms of the woman in the video, but it's accurate criticism to say she's expressing inchoate anger without any signs of what she thinks should be done to make her own life better.

[The Wandering Harper]

99. would you rather have tepid support on the basis of a "lesser of evils" perception,

or enthusiasm? The treatment I've seen young people get from some who call themselves democrats doesn't exactly foster enthusiasm

[Silent3]

111. Of course I'd RATHER have enthusiasm

There's nothing in my post to suggest that I wouldn't prefer enthusiastic support for Democrats from young voters.

The point is I'm very cynical about getting it. My preferences are irrelevant.

[The Wandering Harper]

100. thank you for articulating so well

where my words fail me

[betsuni]

83. "see our party change a LOT so it swings very left" -- what's not Left about Democrats now?

Exactly what's not Left about the Democratic Party?

[betsuni]

115. Myth that the Democratic Party has shifted Right, bullshit about "neoliberal."

[nini]

126. It's always easier to blame Democrats

..instead of the GOP, the media circus, etc.

[NewHendoLib]

88. well - as she said in her last sentence, she is "just venting"

I am 67 and don't get the need to post things like this. Generation gap for sure.

Not going to fall into the trap of judging her - it is what it is. If those are her feelings, they are valid - to her. I could do and nitpick all of her points, or her appearance, or whatever - but won't.

[AntivaxHunters]

90. Thank you ❤️

[NewHendoLib]

91. .

I have two daughters - I see what a slog life has been for each of them compared to the paths my wife and I took. Sometimes you just need to listen. Venting is important and doesn't always need a reaction.

[honest.abe]

108. Yes but the problem is she is now a TikTok star and her words have impact.

Many who have similar financial issues like her can be convinced that this "f'king country" is to blame.. using her words. Which suggests that its Biden's fault. Its a not so subtle attack on the President IMHO. Not good.

[Sympthsical]

92. Well, this topic ended up being a look

I'll be honest, though. I'm not even kind of surprised. Been discussing the student loan issue for a few years, and it always circles around to a total lack of empathy and "Got mine."

Always.

[Carlitos Brigante]

93. My question is. Why doesn't she look more poor?! What's wrong with her

wearing clothes, having a cell phone and shit? I bet she was wearing shoes too. The fucking nerve!!!

[Sympthsical]

95. She looks showered

And unless she did that by poaching off a random apartment building's garden hose, I'm not sure I can listen to what she has to say.

[aocommunalpunch]

107. People have to reinforce their stereotypes.

Pretty gross, yea.

[betsuni]

116. Like Democrats are called corrupt "coastal elites" even though they were from working class

and middle class backgrounds and just went to college and actually studied hard and worked. Somehow this is "elite."

[Carlitos Brigante]

117. Which has jack shit to do with what I posted. nt

[betsuni]

120. LOL.

[treestar]

129. given what she was saying

it would have been wiser not to look too well off - the eyelashes especially. No one resents you for it unless you are claiming to be oppressed and poor - then it just can look hypocritical. And you are exaggerating. I get having a cell phone. I'd just advise don't have expensive looking clothes or beauty items visible when you are claiming to be a victim of a system. Marketing 101.

[Carlitos Brigante]

131. That's some silly ass shit. What was she wearing, specifically, that makes her

look "well off"? How poor do you need her to look to take her complaints seriously? Maybe she should've thrown some dust in her face from the houses she cleans. Given your reply I'm not exaggerating at all. So, thanks for that.

[treestar]

135. you are - that car looks rather new

Haven't seen the house - you're just assuming a lot here. No one says look ragged, but when you are complaining you are oppressed by a system, why would you expect people to believe you. You are exaggerating what we are saying, too. Nobody said that she has shoes or clothes, so she can't complain.

[Carlitos Brigante]

137. How new is that car? Please tell us car expert. It looks clean. Other than that you

really don't know. Do you. It could be a Kia for all you know. But go on, keep doubling down on judgmental nonsense. It's not claiming "being oppressed by the system", as you so condescendingly keep repeating, to complain about the cost of living and wage stagnation. You're straight up doing what right wingers do when they see other people protesting. "Oh my! Why are protesting this way or that way? Why won't you protest the way I want you to?".

[Sympthsical]

141. Completely unrelated

I was reading about Reagan Democrats a few months back, because I'm too young to remember politics from that era. I couldn't figure out how his assault on the poor, the disabled, and minorities could work as well as it seemingly did.

And then there are days I read something and think, "Oh, nevermind. I see."

[demmiblue]

147. I bet she owns a refrigerator, too!

[Nixie]

96. TikTok, good Lord.

Not fooled, sorry.

[treestar]

102. thread no. 4,594,599,443

about this subject. Can't they just get involved and do something? Why are they always blaming others? At least according to this type of meme.

They are free to get out there and get involved too.

[Mariana]

113. Why are they always blaming others?

Because it was others who set up the fucked up system they're struggling with. You really can't blame people for policies that were put in place before they could vote.

[treestar]

127. so why don't they get out there and get involved?

everybody comes into adulthood with policies started in the past.

[betsuni]

128. It's very passive-aggressive.

Manufactured generational wars.

[RANDYWILDMAN]

106. The neo liberal/greed is good ,plan sucks

wars in fareway lands create massive debt and don't change the political/social landscape anyways


and freakin unfettered capitalism sucks for MOST people and the real welfare queens are big corporations


and republicans think you should never be able to retire or have affordable health care


and the older generations elected TRUMP a total dumb ass washed up bankrupt reality star...

[brooklynite]

110. So, would anyone care to share a list of the Democrats who don't share your apparent standards?

Whatever the "plan" currently is is being implemented by a mainstream Democratic President and a mainstream Democratic Senate Majority Leader.

[Mosby]

140. $300/mo child support for two kids

Doesn't seem believable to me.

How much a month does she pay for that car with the leather interior?

My car payment is $0.00 per month because it's a 2003 Toyota.

[JI7]

149. Didn't the Florida Governor put limits on child support payments ?

Her ex husband is A republican and criminal.

[Mosby]

151. I found a calculator

https://floridachildsupportcalculator.com/wp-content/FloridaChildSupportCalculatorZ/FloridaChildSupportCalculatorZ.php

I put in some data, 4k mo income for him , 3k for her, 2 kids, 400mo health care expenses, 100 days per year with him, payment was appx $900/mo.

I changed it to 6k for him and now he owes $1400/mo.

So I think the reason she only collects $300 mo is because her ex makes very little income, or their incomes are similar, and possibly relatively high.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

145. I hope "fed up" means "fired up". Fed up? Vote!

And, for those fortunate enough to not be fed up, vote anyway.

Just vote.

[demmiblue]

146. This thread is embarrassing.

Reading some of the replies, I almost forgot I was on a Democratic site.


Some costs today are completely prohibitive... I can't even begin to imagine what it is like being a single parent in this day and age. Vent away, sis! I came across this earlier today:

Link to tweet

[JI7]

148. The issue here is her Republican Criminal Ex Husband

who is paying 300 a month in child support for I think she said 2 kids.

Start with the fact that she is in Florida and she married a Republican . Maybe she was doing fine while married to him. I wonder if she agreed(s) with him politically. There were people struggling then also but was fine with him voting for a party that wants to deny any help to other people.

I jwonder why she didn't mention anything when it comes to policy and politics. She is in her 30s. This isn't some 20 year old single mother that could be uninformed and uneducated and still has a lot to learn .

Didn't the Governor of her state sign some bill which limited child support payments ? Why didn't she mention this ?