The Boomer Generation’s Legacy: How They Took Everything and Left Us with Crumbs
I’ve been holding this in for a long time, but it’s time to speak my truth. I’m tired of hearing how we’re lazy, entitled, or “just need to work harder” when the game has been rigged against us from the start. This isn’t about hating Boomers as people—many of them are my family, friends, and mentors. But as a generation, they benefited from systems they dismantled the moment they got what they wanted, leaving us to pick up the pieces.
Economic Exploitation and Wealth Hoarding
Boomers grew up in an era of unprecedented economic growth. They had access to affordable education, well-paying jobs, and the ability to buy homes without selling their souls. They benefited from a thriving middle class, then turned around and pulled the ladder up behind them.
Housing Market Manipulation: They bought homes when prices were reasonable and watched those homes appreciate massively in value. Instead of advocating for affordable housing policies, they fought tooth and nail to protect zoning laws that limit development, driving up property values and keeping younger generations out of the market. I’m out here trying to scrape together a down payment while they complain about property taxes on homes worth ten times what they paid.
Pensions and Social Security: Boomers enjoyed defined-benefit pensions and Social Security checks they were promised—and they’ll fight to the death to keep them. But they also refused to update or reform these systems, leaving them on the brink of collapse. Now, my generation is told to invest in a 401(k) (if our gig jobs even offer one) because Social Security “might not be there” for us. They drained the well and left us to die of thirst.
Wage Stagnation and Gig Economy: They had jobs with benefits, pensions, and job security. Then they deregulated industries, busted unions, and normalized outsourcing and automation, leading to wage stagnation and the rise of precarious gig economy jobs. Now we’re “entrepreneurs” driving for Uber with no health insurance or retirement security, just trying to make rent.
Political Decisions and National Debt
Boomers have held the majority of political power since the 1980s. They made decisions that served themselves in the short term without thinking about the long-term consequences.
Tax Cuts for the Wealthy: From Reagan to Bush to Trump, they consistently supported massive tax cuts for the wealthy, starving public services and creating massive national debt. They benefited from public schools, affordable colleges, and robust infrastructure while simultaneously defunding these very systems, leaving them in shambles for us.
National Debt and Deficit Spending: They racked up national debt to fund their programs and tax cuts. Now, we’re stuck with the bill while they complain about government spending and preach about “fiscal responsibility.”
Environmental Neglect
They knew about climate change for decades. They knew about pollution, deforestation, and the consequences of overconsumption. But they did nothing—worse, they actively denied it.
Resource Overconsumption: Boomers consumed resources at an unsustainable rate, leaving behind polluted air, poisoned water, and a rapidly warming planet. Their materialism and consumption-driven lifestyle set the stage for the environmental crisis we’re living through.
Political Inaction on Climate Change: They had every opportunity to pass meaningful environmental protections but chose deregulation and corporate profits instead. Now, we’re facing wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and food shortages, and they have the audacity to call us “snowflakes” for worrying about the future.
Healthcare and Education
Boomers grew up with affordable healthcare and education, and then they let those systems fall apart.
Healthcare Costs: They benefited from employer-sponsored health insurance and low medical costs. Then they allowed healthcare to become privatized and profit-driven, leaving us with absurdly high premiums, deductibles, and medical
