The Anger of the Electorate
Much is being of the anger that the outsider candidates are tapping into this election cycle. Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders both have dialed into the zeitgeist of the disaffected American voter, those who feel angry that things haven't worked out the way they dreamed, who feel the institutions they had trusted have deserted them or failed to live up to expectation. How things are doesn't match up to how they were (or were supposed to be). So they are looking for blame.
So the search for someone to blame is being led to blaming someone/anyone else. It's Muslims or Mexicans, rich bastards or poor freeloaders. It's President Obama or Tea Party obstructionists. It's refugees or white supremacists.
It's anybody/somebody else.
Mostly, I think it's a desire for people over 45 in America for a "do over" or a mulligan. But sadly, that isn't how it works. As I look back over the years, I can see those moments when the responsibility for how things are in my life when set in motion by my own choices.
So to those white, middle-aged Americans who are angry that things are going well for them and blame others, I say this - if you are finding it hard to get ahead in America, look at your own choices. There are tons of jobs in America for people with the proper training. It might be engineering, code writers, truck drivers, specialized trade workers (electricians, carpenters, plumbers) or other specialized positions. If you can't get one of these jobs, is it because you won't pass the drug test? Is it because you would need to relocate? You aren't qualified?
My own experience leads me to believe I squandered the advantages and opportunities I was given at birth. The education provided by my home town was better than most, had I chosen to avail myself of it fully. Instead, I chose the easiest route possible, with many late arrivals my last year of high school (tardy). I did enough to get by (pretty easily, actually). But like one of my classmates has said, no one told me college (and life) was HARD. And that it would require effort on my part.
So, kids, don't waste your time - get to work. Study. Learn. Be early to work and have a good attitude about being there. EVERY paid job has worth. Respect everyone working for a living, don't expect anyone to give you anything (and be grateful if someone does) and be ready to give help to someone who needs it.
So the search for someone to blame is being led to blaming someone/anyone else. It's Muslims or Mexicans, rich bastards or poor freeloaders. It's President Obama or Tea Party obstructionists. It's refugees or white supremacists.
It's anybody/somebody else.
Mostly, I think it's a desire for people over 45 in America for a "do over" or a mulligan. But sadly, that isn't how it works. As I look back over the years, I can see those moments when the responsibility for how things are in my life when set in motion by my own choices.
So to those white, middle-aged Americans who are angry that things are going well for them and blame others, I say this - if you are finding it hard to get ahead in America, look at your own choices. There are tons of jobs in America for people with the proper training. It might be engineering, code writers, truck drivers, specialized trade workers (electricians, carpenters, plumbers) or other specialized positions. If you can't get one of these jobs, is it because you won't pass the drug test? Is it because you would need to relocate? You aren't qualified?
My own experience leads me to believe I squandered the advantages and opportunities I was given at birth. The education provided by my home town was better than most, had I chosen to avail myself of it fully. Instead, I chose the easiest route possible, with many late arrivals my last year of high school (tardy). I did enough to get by (pretty easily, actually). But like one of my classmates has said, no one told me college (and life) was HARD. And that it would require effort on my part.
So, kids, don't waste your time - get to work. Study. Learn. Be early to work and have a good attitude about being there. EVERY paid job has worth. Respect everyone working for a living, don't expect anyone to give you anything (and be grateful if someone does) and be ready to give help to someone who needs it.
posted by Kurt at 9:04 PM
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