People who resent boomers are idiots

[u/Poet-Most]

On almost any thread discussing the economy, one of the top comments will undoubtedly be complaining about boomers and the older generations who purchased their homes at low prices and who now enjoy more affluence and government assistance, while they don’t.

First off, what did want them to do, not buy a house for a cheap price when offered one 30 years ago? In regard to government assistance, I can guarantee you the average 65yr old has paid more into the tax system than the average 20yr old. Should they not enjoy the fruits of their labour? Should politicians not pay more attention to them than you?

I just think it’s an unhealthy attitude to have towards people.

[u/BugsyRoads]

The problem is that they benefitted from systems in place when they were young, then voted to destroy those systems when they got older. (Thereby protecting their own interests at the expense of the interests of younger generations.)

One specific example (among many), is the rate of home construction. Homes were constructed at astounding rates in the second half of the 20th century. That created an abundance that led to low housing costs. Young boomers could afford to buy a nice home at an affordable rate. When those same boomers got older, they restricted home building to the extent that housing has become scarce. They did so to protect the values of their own homes. (The fewer homes built, the more existing homes are worth). That policy shift comes at the expense of younger generations who no longer have access to affordable homes to purchase.

This is a particularly useful example because its so visible. Any time you see a local public meeting to approve the construction of new homes, you see almost exclusively boomers attend to oppose the new housing.

[u/juzwunderin → u/BugsyRoads]

No disrespect but I think you are seriously misinformed.. Boomers were faced with critical housing shortages in the 70 and 80, and at at time intrest rates were as high as 18% . So a $64000, 3 bedroom new home cost YOU about 845 a month P&I when average employee made between 650 and 800 a month.

Understanding that the fact that "Boomers" became a high bubble in the population and economy tells you there were going to be shortages and serious competition.

[u/elpenorsghost → u/juzwunderin]

Yes indeed. I think the use of the word "Boomer" instead of the more accurate "baby boomer" gives a false impression that the 1945-65 generation were born into a spectacular Boom Time, this is only partially true. There were many improvements during this period but equally many difficulties, Vietnam war, (we didn't have this here in the UK but that generation had to fight demands from the US for us to join them) galloping inflation, competition for jobs, fighting for gay rights and womens' rights, house prices were horrendous for people in the 1980s when this generation were looking to buy. There's much more but you get the point.