The bigger picture is that the US has created a generation that was raised to believe that they do not need to face responsibilities in any way. Unless you have actually experienced it, making a payroll is a large responsibility.
On the other hand, in general we have a society that has taught:
a) If you (boy & girl) get pregnant then you are not responsible because abortion is the easy out.
b) If you steal, you are not responsible unless you get caught. Even then you are not responsible because you are the victim of some wrongdoing.
c) If you lie, you are not responsible unless you get caught in the lie. Even then you are not responsible because you are the victim of some wrongdoing.
d) If you cheat, you are not responsible unless you get caught. Even then you are not responsible because everyone else is cheating.
So it is no wonder that no one is around to take responsibility, to start businesses, to make payrolls.
The old guys would rather fish.
Possible new tag line?
I retired three years ago at 57 with a nice nest egg. I originally thought I would start a small business and employ five or six young people - have some fun, make a little money - after taking a break to sail around the Pacific for a few years.
I have since decided that sailing beats working and dealing with all the headaches that go with a small business start-up these days. The risk/reward equation just does not pencil favorably, so...