"People get the government they deserve"

[redqueen]

I heard this on NPR last night... I thought it was great so I thought I'd share. :)

There apparently was a bit of an argument between listeners. An older listener had called to complain about how the younger generation are 'slackers'. According to a younger listener, that isn't fair, because according to her, the younger generation works longer hours, has less buying power, and is less secure in their retirement.

A gentleman then responsed to her that, "if you're fed up with working too many hours, then consider not buying a house three times your annual income, and buy a house that's double your annual income, like your grandpa did."

But the greatest part was where he said this:

"If you're fed up with the falling buying power of the dollar or your retirement being insecure, then stop getting your news from TV, register, and vote -- people get the government they deserve."

Whoever you are, sir: :yourock:

[wuushew]

1. A substantial number of them "old" folks voted for Bush

stupidity is not defined by age, although perhaps apathy is.

[DrWeird]

2. If you can find a $30,000 house, let me know.

Preferably in the present, since my time machine's on the fritz.

[redqueen]

3. Heh well I'm not saying the guy was a genius.

His comment about housing shoed he clearly didn't 'get' how bad the crisis in affordable housing really is...

But his advice on how to deal with these situations was spot on!

[happyslug]

5. Here's a house for $29,900:

Here’s a house for $29,900:
http://www.goodnewsrealty.com/radebach.htm

In Beautiful Commodore, Pa.

[happyslug]

6. If that is to expensive for you here is some more:

This one is selling for $5,900 (Yes that is Five Thousand and Nine hundred Dollars). Johnstown has a lot of housing, just no jobs to go with them.

http://www.johnstownpahomes.com/

[JohnKleeb]

10. Johnstown!

Thats where my grandparents are from.

[happyslug]

14. Johnstown, where a lot of people are from:

Johnstown:
The city's population reached 70,000 by 1920 and remained stable between 60,000 and 70,000 from 1920 to 1950. Since 1950, the population has steadily decreased by almost 800 people per year to the current total of 23,906 in 2000.

http://www.route56westend.com/03_description.html#historical

[JohnKleeb]

15. Yes I know

Good town, I wish I could go back sometime. It has gotten smaller true.

[happyslug]

16. Many just moved to the Suburbs, but many just left.

About 3-4 years ago it was reported by the local newspaper that the property is Richland Township (A suburb of Johnstown off New 219, a limited access Highway connecting US22 with the Pa Turnpike) had higher value than the property located in the City of Johnstown itself.

Think about it, just ONE suburb is worth more than the city it is a suburb of. How far Johnstown has fallen.

[JohnKleeb]

17. My grandparents lived there during the depression

Its amazing really. My grandparents came down here to VA in the early 50's after my grandpa got out of the Army and after they married, he didnt wanna work in the mines or steel mills, he became a bricklayer. It has declined to the jobs lost in those sectors obviously but what a great town though, I loved going there as a little kid.

[happyslug]

18. But this thread was to Dr Weird

I found him his $30,000 "dream home" and now he does not repond, maybe is likes the $5,900 one better?

[drewb]

4. It is 100% true...

We have exactly what we deserve...

[AndyTiedye]

7. Nobody Deserves to be Robbed by the BFEE!!

[redqueen]

11. I think the part about not getting your news from TV

was supposed to address that. :)

[elperromagico]

8. That's fine, but the majority of voters "deserved" Gore

We "got" Bush.

Somebody up there doesn't like us.

[bluestateguy]

9. Mandatory voting is the answer

That'll get them off their duff and to the polls.

[SOS]

12. "people get the government they deserve."

Except in the US where the guy with fewer votes wins.

[izzie]

13. I sort of think so. Manything they will have to re-fight for as they...

think it is just here for good. Look at Roe vs Wade.Look at what Uniona did for the working man and see what is now going on and who believes in joining a union?It is waves and we are in the troth and will have to work our way out. Laissie faire capital did not work before and will not now but every one has to re-learn.