generational angst

NPR has been running 2 series of stories which dovetail into an unsparing view of the future.  Starting with the GI Bill of Rights after world war 2, college education became more of a middle class phenomenon rather than something only the elite could take advantage.   As the baby boom generation came of age, we took advantage of the massive expansion of college campuses which were built to serve veterans.  Further expansion created the expectation virtually everyone could and would attain a degree.   Meanwhile, the manufacturing jobs which earlier generations used as a gateway to the middle class were being stripped and sent to the third world.  Now we have a highly trained and indebted class of graduates.  But the "information economy" is not generating the numbers of highly paid jobs envisioned by policymakers.  Instead, most of the rewards are going to the elite 1% of the population.   Many 4 year graduates are now asking "Do you want fries with that", the pain is evident.   Meanwhile, the parents of said grads are slowly realizing the comfortable retirement they envisioned is receding as they get closer to it.  The combination of stagnant wages, college debt and rising prices has trapped many boomers into a choice of either toiling until they die, or accepting a retirement into poverty and hardship.   Aside from those with defined benefit pension plans, i.e. teachers, cops, firemen and state employees, most of my contemporaries have $10,000 or less saved for retirement.    The kids need help, the parents need even more, and the politicians say we need to cut vital benefits and slash taxes for the "job creators".   I think I see pitchforks  (or AK 47s) in our future.