Ocasio-Cortez Attributes Socialism’s Rise to Baby Boomers

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez believes that the increasing popularity of socialism among young people is largely due to the baby boomer generation.

She pointed out that for the first time, the combined populations of Millennials and Gen Z now surpass that of Baby Boomers.

“Young people collectively feel a huge betrayal of the world we are left with,” she stated.

It’s clear that younger generations do feel this way, but claiming that Millennials and Gen Z are facing uniquely challenging economic situations seems a bit misguided.

Encouraging young individuals to see themselves as victims of “oligarchy” or unchecked capitalism only deepens feelings of hopelessness.

One myth circulating is the notion that America’s middle class is disappearing.

However, this isn’t quite accurate. Back in 1980, 36% of American families identified as middle class, whereas now that figure stands at 31%. Interestingly, there has been a notable increase in the upper middle class, which has grown from 10% to over 30%.

So, while the middle class may appear to be shrinking, the upper middle class is on the rise.

Real median incomes have risen for all classes over the past four decades and have even outstripped many other Western countries.

For example, the average family in Mississippi has a higher GDP per capita than families in France, Britain, or Germany—remarkable when you think about it.

Another significant concern among younger people revolves around skyrocketing housing costs, which is valid. Yet, homeownership rates today are comparable to those in the 60s, 70s, 90s, and much of the 80s.

In 1980, the homeownership rate was 65.5%. Predictions for 2025 estimate it at 65.4%. Sure, interest rates spiked in the 2000s, thanks to government policies encouraging people to buy homes without down payments.

Housing shortages stem from demand exceeding supply in urban areas, something that can’t simply be blamed on the boomer generation.

Does the average Gen Z follower realize how much cleaner our environment is today compared to a few decades ago? There has been significant reforestation and a reduction in waste, along with greatly improved air and water quality.

When baby boomers hit the road, gasoline was often leaded, and most cars lacked catalytic converters. Generation X grew up with fears of “nuclear winter” and “acid rain.”

Today, households spend less on clothing and food, and the variety of options available, like international cuisines, is far greater.

It’s true that healthcare costs are rising, and some of that can be linked to poor policies. However, it largely reflects improved prosperity, as younger Americans enjoy longer life spans and better healthcare than previous generations.

Big pharmaceutical companies, often criticized by Ocasio-Cortez and her allies, continue to innovate treatments for diseases once deemed fatal—although these innovations don’t come cheap.

Moreover, we are generally safer now; since 1980, car accident death rates have halved, and fatalities from fires and workplaces have also plummeted.

Last year, New York City recorded 305 murders, marking one of the lowest annual homicide counts in its history.

When Ocasio-Cortez first entered Congress, a profile noted her background of financial crises, debt, and climate change, implying her leftward shift was understandable.

However, since she turned 18 in 2007, the U.S. has only faced two years of negative growth, one of which was due to a global pandemic. Comparatively, between 1970 and 2007, recessions were much more frequent.

Americans previously navigated the recessions of the late 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and into the new millennium without turning towards socialism.

It can be argued that Ocasio-Cortez’s experience is unique in that recessions today are shorter and less severe. In fact, she is living in what some might call a golden age.

The baby boomers may have faltered in certain areas, but incurring significant student loan debt for an impractical degree isn’t among the greatest tragedies of humanity.

This scenario largely stems from personal choices, and many progressives seem to expect others to subsidize those decisions.

The challenges we face are serious, as they always have been. Yet, historically, Americans today live in a uniquely affluent and secure environment.

Ocasio-Cortez should perhaps express some gratitude for the world left to her by the baby boomers.