Super fascinating as always! I'm an odd duck, but in this respect there are many like me--middle class parents who believe they're wealthy but don't have the wealth, power, to influence their children's behavior. My parents didn't have money, but like you say, the school system did (greater society) so I understood all governance was an adult domain (older than 25, if not 35!).

My youngest child hasn't supported herself but between our weakness and other sources, she can pretend like she's an adult. In my view she's theoretically "homeless", but if we mention that word as a worry she hangs up on us. There's a disconnect between many young people and the reality I've experience that is hard for me to comprehend.

On the other side, I have a daughter who makes more money out of college than I currently make (programmer). She too is extraordinarily disrespectful, IMO. We're a lot alike, so in the end, I probably deserve it ;) Still.

If I follow your logic I'm not sure voting Democrat in 24 changes any of that. I believe a component of this Republican behavior cuts across political parties, is a freak out of the boomer generation that they're selfishness and disregard for social values has produced the entitled brats we have, the same as us, just worse beyond anything we expected.

What easy way is there back to a better balance between our individual desire for freedom and social limitations?