The entitlement culture in Austin has become so ingrained that city council members and activists are literally booing one conservative’s healthy advice that students “pursue an education, career, or vocational training” and not “live off others.”

At an Austin city council meeting Thursday, conservative councilman Don Zimmerman offered some simple advice to a group of students who were present.

“I’d ask for everyone here, including the children, when you grow up, I want to ask you to pledge to finish school, learn a trade, a skilled trade, get a college education, start a business, do something useful and produce something in your society so you don’t have to live off others. Thank you.”

Zimmerman’s comment was met with boos throughout the audience, along with criticism from his fellow councilmembers. Councilmember Delia Garza spoke around two hours later, calling Zimmerman’s statements “offensive” and assuring the audience “we have your back,” which was met with applause.

Another one of Zimmerman’s colleagues, councilman Gregorio Casar, took to twitter to air his grievances with the statement, saying that Zimmerman “implied that those that rely on, and ask for public programs are nonproductive citizens.”

It is a shame that urging self-responsibility is being met with hostility. Zimmerman defended his comments in a message to KXAN:

“On behalf of those non-subsidized taxpayers being forced out of our city by legions of special interests, I apologize for the greed and selfishness of those willing to expand city government force, through the ‘political process’ to maintain and increase their own subsidies at the unaffordable expense of others.”

Finding offense in encouraging children to finish their educations and get jobs, is insanity. But no taxpayer in Austin is under any illusion that the Austin City Council is sane. It is clear that the Council needs more of Zimmerman’s common sense, not less.

Greg Harrison

Gregory led the Central Texas Bureau for Empower Texans and Texas Scorecard. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he got involved politically through the Young Conservatives of Texas. He enjoys fishing, grilling, motorcycling, and of course, all things related to firearms.

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