Do older Americans feel guilty about the state they have left America in?

We do not have choice. We have the Illusion of choice.

If you look at the events that shaped government since the end of WWII I would have to say it has been a slow methodical change in understanding of democracy. Those who lived in the 40's, 50's and parts of the 60's were satisfied with the course of representative government, and while we now understand the dynamics of our type of federal government, I don't think that was so back then. In addition; our government and citizens 40 plus years ago were riding high on coming out of a great depression and the end of a serious world war.

From the Nixon era to now of course has been nothing but total mayhem politically. To ask if there were any kind of blame to spread around to the older generations, I would have to say no. I suspect it's more of politicians figuring out a system that puts our politicians on a level making them more than a citizen, which is completely opposite of our constitution. I do think there is blame, but it lays squarely on the shoulders of voter for buying into a concept that allows the government to dictate social correctness along with their duty to protect and serve. I'll give you just one small example: Even though I personally don't buy into random abortion, somewhere inside me says a woman has a right to choose, and since I've been witness to the subject for more than half a century I have seen our politicians use the subject as a battering ram for political gain. Now don't you think it would be interesting if political candidates (federal politicians) didn't have that one single issue to throw around while campaigning, maybe they would have to campaign on things like budgets, military, debts, and laws that correct injustice for all Americans likewise? Wonder what politics would look like if they only had the constitution in it's purest form to campaign on?

Depends on who you consider "older Americans." I don't. I was part of the civil rights battle. I was part of the anti war movement. I was a part of the generation that fostered the war on poverty. I voted against Reagan and I voted against Bush. I don't have anything to apologize for. My generation was followed by the boomer generation that learned that greed is good and take what you can get when you can get it. Hopefully (and I have seen some signs of it) the next generation will learn and we can build a better America understanding that someone's gain is not necessarily my loss (That is the real conservative objection to social programs) Something I really don't think we have done for most of the past 40 years.

We old folks were doing OK until all you foolish, young, want something for nothing, Kids voted on that stupid *** never had a real job asshole we got stuck with for 4 years. We The People are going to Take Our Government Back before that socialist asshole ruins everything. America's first Black President will also go down as the Worst President in History. The only president that accomplished nothing but debt in his 4 years.

They should. The majority of the deficit is composed of the following:

social security liabilities

medicare liabilities

the wars (roughly 3 trillion altogether)

You and I are going to be paying huge increases in SS tax in the coming years. Many economist, regardless of ideology, are in 100% agreement on this. The older generation only paid 5% into it, and the deficit has always been expanding since 1940.

They also were reckless in the housing crisis, buying what they couldn't afford. That was a huge part of the economic crisis we're currently in.

My parents are baby boomers. These people trashed our country and created two hundred trillion dollars in unfunded liabilities with no end in sight. They have taken over the education system and looted it. They have taken over the entertainment industry / media and have turned them into a joke. They now have control of the government. It is amazing that they aren't running from people. If I were of this generation I would apologize for the shape that I have left the country in.

Yes. Much more should have been done to stop the pig politicians from screwing the pooch by never solving problems and only applying band-aids. The other side of the coin is that idiot Americans sucked up all of these programs that came their way thinking they were getting something for nothing.

This must stop now and I hope the taxpayers and voters remain pissed off and throw out all of these career slobs that have abetted the ruin of a nation.

It began when the people never stood up to McCarthyism. There was a fake, phony war against homegrown commies followed by a fake, phony war against terrorism. There will probably be more scapegoating in the next few years.

Since this older American is not a Republican, I do not feel guilty.

My generation has worked hard and did our bit, it is all the 20 - 30 year old folks who screwed the pooch. Don't try and lay this off on me.

No, it's the progressive socialists agenda that has messed up this country. Vote them out!