Has to be my generation.

We raised the generation of "Gimme everything the older generation has, and give it to me now, and don't expect me to work for it".

"....and blame somebody else when I don't have it yet."

believer wrote:
I for one DO NOT share much optimism for the future based on the Gen X-er's and Young Punks born in the early 80's that I see in my workplace and day-to-day life. I've never seen a bigger bunch of "you owe me a living", "what's wrong with with doing personal business on company time with my latest and greatest techno-gadget", and "why should I care about getting to work on time if at all" whining, lazy worthless pieces of shit in my life.

You newbies who think you're clever, capable of thinking outside the box, and believe yourselves to be rational world-view "thinkers" still have a lot of dues to pay before you can qualify to pass judgment on the Boomers.

Who raised the so called "young punks"? The boomers. And as far as all the debt starting with the "great generation", you are correct, it did. But it has been increased exponentially over the last decade or so under the boomers. JMO

dwccrew wrote:Who raised the so called "young punks"? The boomers.

No question...I never denied the Boomer contribution to the mess we're in....just don't lay blame solely on our shoulders since EVERY existing generation has contributed to our economic malaise in one form or another.

And I agree...the Boomers did parent the Young Punks. You were born and raised on television, the Internet, materialism, and non-stop economic good times provided to you by your Boomer parents.

Your spoiled "you owe me a living" attitudes can be blamed entirely on your parents. I wholeheartedly agree. Big FAIL on our part which is precisely why I have little confidence that your generation will right the ship.

In that sense you are right: the Boomers are to blame.

I don't think blaming the shape the economy is in on "Baby Boomers" is correct. I don't think you can blame it all on government either. Blame it on those that:

Bought houses that were way beyond their means and are unable to pay for them.

Ran up large credit card bills and unable to pay for them.

Put more emphasis on "comfort" items than the necessities.

I'm a Baby Boomer and I have done none of these.

fortfan wrote: I don't think blaming the shape the economy is in on "Baby Boomers" is correct. I don't think you can blame it all on government either. Blame it on those that:

Bought houses that were way beyond their means and are unable to pay for them.

Ran up large credit card bills and unable to pay for them.

Put more emphasis on "comfort" items than the necessities.

I'm a Baby Boomer and I have done none of these.

All these issues are why I brought women entering the workforce into the discussion. Not that they shoudn't have the right to work, but the result of two income families vs. one income families forced the "keeping up with the Jones'" mindset. I feel it has a lot more relevance than a particular generation.

My mother, who is an enigma of a woman (didn't change her name, but stayed home and raised her children) has some interesting thoughts on what screwed up this country. I agree with them somewhat, but I thought they'd be interesting to share.

1.) Feminism, or at least the way it was defined when it first came about. To me true feminism means not feeling guilty should you want to stay home with your family, but unfortunately women are made to feel as if they can -- and should -- "do it all."

2.) Sesame Street - While fun and educational. The programs constant switching to new segment contributed to short attention spans.

3.) Parents (of her boomer generation) trying to be "friends" with their children.

I know the second one may seem a little bit of a stretch, but I think she has a point.

Websurfinbird wrote: My mother, who is an enigma of a woman (didn't change her name, but stayed home and raised her children) has some interesting thoughts on what screwed up this country. I agree with them somewhat, but I thought they'd be interesting to share.

1.) Feminism, or at least the way it was defined when it first came about. To me true feminism means not feeling guilty should you want to stay home with your family, but unfortunately women are made to feel as if they can -- and should -- "do it all."

2.) Sesame Street - While fun and educational. The programs constant switching to new segment contributed to short attention spans.

3.) Parents (of her boomer generation) trying to be "friends" with their children.
I know the second one may seem a little bit of a stretch, but I think she has a point.

I most certainly agree with #3

CenterBHSFan wrote:

Websurfinbird wrote: My mother, who is an enigma of a woman (didn't change her name, but stayed home and raised her children) has some interesting thoughts on what screwed up this country. I agree with them somewhat, but I thought they'd be interesting to share.

1.) Feminism, or at least the way it was defined when it first came about. To me true feminism means not feeling guilty should you want to stay home with your family, but unfortunately women are made to feel as if they can -- and should -- "do it all."

2.) Sesame Street - While fun and educational. The programs constant switching to new segment contributed to short attention spans.

3.) Parents (of her boomer generation) trying to be "friends" with their children.
I know the second one may seem a little bit of a stretch, but I think she has a point.

I most certainly agree with #3

me too.

CenterBHSFan wrote: The people who found out what was really going on, and tried to do something about it were liquidated or added to "the final solution".
Most of the German population only knew what they were told, as in what Goebbels (the Propaganda Minister) put out in the radio and tv waves, newspapers, town hall meetings, etc.

An overwhelming majority of Germans knew what was going on.

Moving on, I don't think you can 100% blame the boomers but Gen-Y will most certainly earn a 'Great' Generation tag if they manage to get us out of this mess. I fear that Gen-Y is the new "Lost Generation", though.

believer wrote:

dwccrew wrote:Who raised the so called "young punks"? The boomers.

No question...I never denied the Boomer contribution to the mess we're in....just don't lay blame solely on our shoulders since EVERY existing generation has contributed to our economic malaise in one form or another.

I never placed all the blame on the Boomers, but I do believe they share majority of the blame. They are currently the leadership of this country (which you would agree that we have ineffective leadership, right?) and as you stated, they have raised young punks. So the Boomers haven't done a whole of positive contribution.

believer wrote: And I agree...the Boomers did parent the Young Punks. You were born and raised on television, the Internet, materialism, and non-stop economic good times provided to you by your Boomer parents.

I disagree, the non-stop economic good times were the result of the Boomers parents' generation. The 50's and 60's were economic juggernaut times for the US.

believer wrote:Your spoiled "you owe me a living" attitudes can be blamed entirely on your parents. I wholeheartedly agree. Big FAIL on our part which is precisely why I have little confidence that your generation will right the ship.

In that sense you are right: the Boomers are to blame.

I hope this isn't addressed to me personally. I have never been given or asked for anything. I put myself through school and everything I own is something I have worked for. Also, I feel that has a blanket statement for an entire generation, this applies to the Boomers as well.

I do believe that my generation will be able to right the ship, so I don't share your pessimism.

Every generation usually looks down on the next generation, always has and probably always will. There is plenty of blame to go around. And yes, it did start with F.D.R. If it really pisses off some of you that much to call him a socialist, then lets just say he is what started many of the social welfare policies we have today. Granted, like all big government solutions, they were started to be "compassoinate," but eventually turned in to the massive social welfare wealth distribution policies of today because no one had the balls to reign them in when they began getting out of hand. I believe L.B.J's "great society" is really what put us on the path of bankruptcy and economic collapse, and every President since him has at least a few more social welfare programs that they added to the list.

I am a gen xer, born in 1976, I think the verdict is still out on us, because very few from my generation hold positions of power or authority right now, but I admit that I am not to optimistic. I know what believer is saying, because I too see it everyday. I'm just thankful I had good parents and was raised with good values, so I am proud to say I don't fit this mold. We shall see....

general94 wrote:I am a gen xer, born in 1976, I think the verdict is still out on us, because very few from my generation hold positions of power or authority right now, but I admit that I am not to optimistic. I know what believer is saying, because I too see it everyday. I'm just thankful I had good parents and was raised with good values, so I am proud to say I don't fit this mold. We shall see....

Well there are always exceptions to every rule!

dwccrew wrote:I disagree, the non-stop economic good times were the result of the Boomers parents' generation. The 50's and 60's were economic juggernaut times for the US.

I can agree the the Greatest Generation set the economic wheels in motion but it was the Boomers who went to work every day, paid the bills with credit, bought your designer jeans, computers, video games, cars, etc. thereby creating the spoiled, materialistic skanky body piercings & tattoos are cool "you owe me a living" Whiner Generation. So it's not surprising that the Boomers have also brought the "spend like there's no tomorrow" mindset to Washington, DC thereby dumping future debt repayment in your laps.

Boomers parented the most materialistic generation in American history by giving you everything you want. The way I see it you now "owe me a living."

But since your generation still thinks you should receive a lot in exchange for little, I somehow doubt you'll right the mess the Boomers admittedly helped create.

OK maybe that's a bit over the top but I think I've made my point.

"it was the Boomers who went to work every day, "

Indeed, they had work, that is when they weren't taking off for paid vacations that they could afford since many (particularly public sector workers) have defined benefit retirement plans....try being a recent college graduate looking for a job right now. People under 30 should be scared, regardless of whether they are whiny brats are hard-working kids. And those benefits that workers have enjoyed in the past are dwindling. Entry level workers are being paid less, defined benefit plans are going the way of the dodo (although new workers will continue to pay for retirees), and all of this while school and job entry costs are at all time highs.

It should be very obvious to everyone that we are looking at a generation, likely at least 2 and maybe more that will have a lower standard of living than the previous ones, something that has rarely, if ever, happened in the U.S. It should also be obvious that the concept of "retirement" simply isn't going to happen for many Americans, particularly younger Americans. If people blame the "Boomers" for this, other people may disagree...but I know several mid 20-year olds and have relatives in the 20's that are very hardworking, don't expect anything other than to work diligently and be able to provide for their families that simply don't have many opportunities available for them regardless of their education and work ethic. This country is going in the wrong direction, quickly. Boomers should be thankful they lived during the proverbial salad days. I'm thankful I was able to work for 10 years before this shit has hit the fan.

To answer the original question, the worst generation is going to be any that follows that of the person answering the question. To my dad's generation, mine is a bunch of lazy pinheads. To my grandfather's generation, my dad's was a bunch of lazy pinheads. To my great-grandfather's generation, my grandfather's was a bunch of lazy pinheads.

Websurfinbird wrote: My mother, who is an enigma of a woman (didn't change her name, but stayed home and raised her children) has some interesting thoughts on what screwed up this country. I agree with them somewhat, but I thought they'd be interesting to share.

1.) Feminism, or at least the way it was defined when it first came about. To me true feminism means not feeling guilty should you want to stay home with your family, but unfortunately women are made to feel as if they can -- and should -- "do it all."

2.) Sesame Street - While fun and educational. The programs constant switching to new segment contributed to short attention spans.

3.) Parents (of her boomer generation) trying to be "friends" with their children.

I know the second one may seem a little bit of a stretch, but I think she has a point.

When Sesame Street was first being pitched as an idea, the biggest fear that was named (more than the idea of racially integrated settings) was that it would contribute to short attention spans. Sesame Street was the most heavily researched show to ever hit the airwaves, and a great deal of that research went toward exploring that very topic. It was found to be groundless on the basis that kids naturally have shorter attention spans anyway, AND the switching from one segment to another was no different than what was already being widely done on TV to begin with.

I think it's no different with a lot of things that change gradually over time. To an adult of the early Boomer generation, the first memories of TV and radio would have been long segments and very little jumping, but over time it became geared toward shorter segments and a lot more jumping. Since it coincided with the maturing of that generation, it wouldn't have been noticed. So when Sesame Street came on and parents (who came from that generation) were more in tune with what their kids were watching, it would have been more obvious.

NNN wrote: To answer the original question, the worst generation is going to be any that follows that of the person answering the question. To my dad's generation, mine is a bunch of lazy pinheads. To my grandfather's generation, my dad's was a bunch of lazy pinheads. To my great-grandfather's generation, my grandfather's was a bunch of lazy pinheads.

Websurfinbird wrote: My mother, who is an enigma of a woman (didn't change her name, but stayed home and raised her children) has some interesting thoughts on what screwed up this country. I agree with them somewhat, but I thought they'd be interesting to share.

1.) Feminism, or at least the way it was defined when it first came about. To me true feminism means not feeling guilty should you want to stay home with your family, but unfortunately women are made to feel as if they can -- and should -- "do it all."

2.) Sesame Street - While fun and educational. The programs constant switching to new segment contributed to short attention spans.

3.) Parents (of her boomer generation) trying to be "friends" with their children.

I know the second one may seem a little bit of a stretch, but I think she has a point.

When Sesame Street was first being pitched as an idea, the biggest fear that was named (more than the idea of racially integrated settings) was that it would contribute to short attention spans. Sesame Street was the most heavily researched show to ever hit the airwaves, and a great deal of that research went toward exploring that very topic. It was found to be groundless on the basis that kids naturally have shorter attention spans anyway, AND the switching from one segment to another was no different than what was already being widely done on TV to begin with.

I think it's no different with a lot of things that change gradually over time. To an adult of the early Boomer generation, the first memories of TV and radio would have been long segments and very little jumping, but over time it became geared toward shorter segments and a lot more jumping. Since it coincided with the maturing of that generation, it wouldn't have been noticed. So when Sesame Street came on and parents (who came from that generation) were more in tune with what their kids were watching, it would have been more obvious.

I never knew that, very interesting. As I said, this was my mother's opinion. She was a Mr. Rogers supporter.

believer wrote:

general94 wrote:I am a gen xer, born in 1976, I think the verdict is still out on us, because very few from my generation hold positions of power or authority right now, but I admit that I am not to optimistic. I know what believer is saying, because I too see it everyday. I'm just thankful I had good parents and was raised with good values, so I am proud to say I don't fit this mold. We shall see....

Well there are always exceptions to every rule!

dwccrew wrote:I disagree, the non-stop economic good times were the result of the Boomers parents' generation. The 50's and 60's were economic juggernaut times for the US.

I can agree the the Greatest Generation set the economic wheels in motion but it was the Boomers who went to work every day, paid the bills with credit, bought your designer jeans, computers, video games, cars, etc. thereby creating the spoiled, materialistic skanky body piercings & tattoos are cool "you owe me a living" Whiner Generation. So it's not surprising that the Boomers have also brought the "spend like there's no tomorrow" mindset to Washington, DC thereby dumping future debt repayment in your laps.

Boomers parented the most materialistic generation in American history by giving you everything you want. The way I see it you now "owe me a living."

But since your generation still thinks you should receive a lot in exchange for little, I somehow doubt you'll right the mess the Boomers admittedly helped create.

OK maybe that's a bit over the top but I think I've made my point.

Again, I assume you are making a generalized statement about my generation and not me. I agree with you that there are many, MANY people in my generation are as you describe.

I remember the kids that I grew up with that were given everything while my parents made me work so I could afford the things I wanted. Many of them (not all) are now either living off their parents or living a very meager life. I, on the other hand, am very comfortable at the moment. I have my parents to thank for this by not giving me anything besides a work ethic.

It is some of the Baby Boomer generation that raised and instilled the materialism, "you owe me" attitude into some of the people in my generation.

And there are plenty of people in my generation that are this way and I feel we will be the ones to rise above all of the turmoil.