There’s something I find absolutely hilarious about a phenomenon that happens here in the US (something you don’t see a lot in other democracies). Most young people go against conservatism; they seek and embrace change, they want innovation and that kind of crap. And yet, you have senators and judges in charge of making the laws that affect them that are so old, that they’re literally dying of old age while serving their jobs (don’t get me wrong, I also liked RBG but still…). How is it normal that the average senator age is 64?? Are people so satisfied with having TikTok and Instagram on their phones that they’re okay with how others dictate important matters that directly impact their life? Think the whole discussion on abortion… Do you really want grandpa to tell you you can’t get one (even if your life is at risk), because back in his day women took responsibility and raised the baby themselves!!! You know, back when he was 30 and you could rent a two bedroom condo in the middle of Manhattan for $600/mo. Or when your grandma belonged in the kitchen, mostly because one salary was more than enough to sustain a family of 4.
The problem is that Senator Grandpa (R) has memory issues… ooor he’s getting paid shitloads of money from evangelical christians, it’s either one or the other I can’t know for sure.
At 89, Feinstein is the oldest sitting U.S. senator and member of Congress. In March 2021, she became the longest-serving U.S. senator from California, surpassing Hiram Johnson.
Wikipedia
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not only ranting about conservatives and Republicans. This is a problem on both sides. I ask, is having 70 years of experience that much more important than the ability to think clearly? But fine, let’s give them that! They’re not that old, they can still perform their jobs. Is it not then ironic that everything progresses: culture, technology, science (!), etc. but we have people in charge from 2 generations back who don’t believe in that stuff (or simply don’t understand it)? And even those who do believe do so just because their voters do!
One of the biggest problems that involving money and corporations in politics has caused (that unfortunately nobody talks about) is that the current generation is watching and learning.. Yes, they’re probably going through one of the shittiest eras in American history, but what these people in charge are teaching them is that you can be selfish and not care about anything or anyone else and that it’s fine to do so if you’re doing fine for yourself. You can be corrupt but it doesn’t matter as long as you’re rich. You can be incompetent but at least you have connections in good places. You can be a rapist or a pedophile but who cares you’re untouchable! You’re a fucking judge in the supreme court, you’re a senator, your dad is donating a lot of money to the police department, your dog is a lawyer or whatever.
I always tell people that I’m not really into politics when they ask me. But clearly I am. Everything I said above I like to think it’s bigger than just politics, even though politics affect almost every part of your life even when you don’t feel it. The problem with discussing politics with people is that they just regurgitate whatever they hear on TV or read on the internet. Obviously both parties have their own echo chambers, it’s just that the conspiracies on one side are absolutely crazy and young people can tell. Politicians no longer have the values they say they have. All they want is to make some money while they’re in charge. I mean imagine how much money they’ve made from the NRA alone pushing the narrative that guns don’t kill people.
I think part of the reason this country does not riot is because they think the laws work, they blindly believe in the system even though the system is screwing them right before their eyes! Everyone just blames the other side for the state of things, so nothing ever changes. But if you were in another country, say France where recently there were massive protests just because they increased the price of public transportation (or something like that), perhaps the people in charge will think twice before doing something crazy in broad daylight. But then again, how many scandals have you heard about senators vs how many have resigned due to said scandals?
Awkward blog 