It is difficult to succinctly summarize the prior Negative Data Observations. Below is my emotional take, some of which connects to specifics in the three parts of NDO; some of which would require extended essays.       

What is the common message in the following attitudes: resistance to gun reform legislation, non-differentiated approach to COVID, no continuous substantive restraints on social media, acceptance of minimal educational standards, obliviousness to the economic consequences of single parent births, excessive cost of college?

Answer: we really do not care about children, especially if they are not white or are not affluent. 

(7) Erosion in the American Dream.

*Can anyone who works hard get ahead regardless of background? 2012: 53%, 2016: 48%, 2023: 36%. The latter number drops to 28% when the poll respondent is under 50. It also drops to 28% when the respondent is a woman.

*Will you earn more than your parents: 55%, down from a peak of 62%.

*Will you get a professional degree: 47% expectation, down from 56% in 2000.

*Perhaps relatedly, 47% of adults younger than 50 say “no kids.” In 2018, it was 37%.

In a worldwide survey, 40% agreed that it is “hard to have hope.”

(8) Poverty in the United States seems impervious to substantive change.

*For the last sixty years, it has been in the 10-15% range.

*The current poverty threshold for a one parent/two kid situation is $23.578. For two parents/two kids, it is $29,678.

Definitions of poverty are subject to much interpretation; in turn, the overall topic of welfare and how it is administered is integral to the discussion of Universal Basic Income.