In the past, I would agree with you. However, a new paradigm is coming into effect. In the past, these government programs have benefited many in the middle class because paying for the government programs were put of to future generations. So, many working people could go about their daily lives without feeling the impact of the legislation. Its easy to support what doesn't hurt you directly.
This legislation is aimed squarely at harming the middle class. It is not so much a health care bill as an income redistribution bill. I think the reason this bill, which started out with popular support, is hated by so many is the middle class instinctively recognize this fact. Add to this the facts that many in the middle class are already hurting (they may be employed, but their income has still been reduced by lack of overtime and concessions in wages and benefits, and the fact that there is no money to pay for these programs these government programs are likely to remain highly unpopular.
As for your hypothetical 26 year old - he or she just may become to the big government left in the upcoming years what the peace movement was to the right in the 60's.
As for your hypothetical 26 year old - he or she just may become to the big government left in the upcoming years what the peace movement was to the right in the 60’s.
Your point is well taken. I came of age in the 70’s with all of the post-Vietnam Hippie-era Carteresque crap being shoveled at me, but it didn’t take. (unlike our President who seems to have swallowed every last bit of it)