In the Sixties, the hippies used to say, "Never trust…
““In the Sixties, the hippies used to say, "Never trust anyone over 30." Now all the Sixties hippies are in their sixties, and they've gone quiet about that, but it's good advice for you: never trust anyone over 30 with the societal checkbook. You thought you were the idealistic youth of the Obama era, but in fact you're the designated fall-guys. You weren't voting for "the future," but to deny yourself the very possibility of one--like turkeys volunteering to waddle around with an "Audacity of Thanksgiving" bumper sticker on your tush. Instead of swaying glassy-eyed behind President Obama at his campaign rallies singing "We are the hopeychange," you should have been demanding that the government spend less money on small agencies with fewer employees on smaller salaries. Because if you don't, there won't be a future. "You can be anything you want to be"--but only if you first tell today's big spenders that, whatever they want to be, they should try doing it on their own dime.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A critique of generational entitlement, urging younger people to demand fiscal responsibility from older policymakers.
In simple terms: Don’t let older elites waste public money; demand accountability.
Key Takeaway
Ask leaders to fund responsibly.
Themes
generational conflict
fiscal responsibility
political activism
Mood
skeptical
critical
motivational
Type
political
economic
social
When to use this quote
- budget hearings
- grassroots campaigns
- voter education
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
public finance
intergenerational equity
political accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can youth influence fiscal policy effectively?
- What mechanisms ensure responsible spending?
A Different Perspective
Older officials may have experience that balances youthful idealism.