How FDR made my generation lazy and entitled

America has become a nanny-state. Entitlement programs now consume most of the federal budget and are growing at unsustainable rates. Currently, 3.3 taxpayers support every retiree. The ratio of taxpayers to retirees will continue to fall as the baby boomers retire. The government will have to raise taxes or increase the retirement age in order for younger generations to receive the level of benefits that today’s retirees are receiving.

Who will bear the costly burden of these entitlement programs? My generation and the generations that will follow.

Young Americans like me need to fight for the principles of the American Founding before we become just another page in history. It’s up to us to serve as way-showers for those who have lost sight of the beauty of self-government. We are the hope of America’s future, and it’s time we take on this responsibility.

Celia Bigelow is a senior at Hillsdale College.