Millennial's Trust Deficit

 Trust is the oil that greases the wheels of a working Democracy. Hubert Humphrey, a liberal Democrat, realized as much, saying:

“Surely anyone who has ever been elected to public office understand that one commodity above all others, namely the trust and confidence of the people, is fundamental in maintaining a free and open political system.”

But as with everything in Washington these days, the federal government is operating under a deficit – a trust deficit. President Obama and Democratic leaders have given young adults very little reason to believe them. The result is that only 29% of 18-29 year olds trust the federal government to do the right thing. Worse, only 25% of young adults have faith in Congress to do what’s right.

Our generation has been provided with very little evidence that we should believe in what the government is doing. This point has been underscored most recently in the federal government’s tone deafness to the needs of young adults. A new Harvard Institute of Politics study shows that among Millennials the economy is the overwhelming concern.

The reasons for Millennials anxiety over the economy are deep and alarming. For instance the Harvard poll finds,

• 84% of four-year college students said it would be difficult to find a job after graduation
• 60% of Millennials are concerned with meeting their current bills and debts
• 59% are worried about affording a place to live
• 46% of those who were lucky enough to find work remain concerned about losing their job

The lack of trust is partially due to young American’s belief that the government is spending too much time and money on the wrong issues. In the State of the Union Obama proclaimed that “[c]reating jobs has to be our number one priority in 2010.”  Two months later, as job losses continue to mount, health care still dominates the headlines.

Millennials are taking notice of Democrat’s failure to address the economy while simultaneously spending away our chance at future prosperity. The result is a gradual shift of enthusiasm toward conservative candidates. As the Harvard poll explains,

When Millennials were disappointed by the outcome of the 2004 election, they organized in 2006 and rallied in 2008 for Barack Obama

Our generation again finds itself disappointed. This time, by the President’s unwillingness to address our generation’s dire fiscal future. Now it is time for us to organize and rally for change once again.

by Brandon Greife, Political Director of the College Republican National Committee

Read more: www.collegerepublicans.org