My grandparents came over after world war 2, with my grandfather barely speaking any English. He got a job as a busboy and could afford to rent a house and have my grandma raise my mom and uncle (and my aunt, later) while he worked.

10 years or so ago, he lamented how nobody was having kids like they used to. I asked him to repeat his situation when he got here, then explained to him that my wife and I barely have enough to pay our mortgage and have some fun while we both work full time, with no kids.

We’re actually doing fine financially now, but the window for kids passed. Even if it were still a possibility, I’m not sure I even would. Just so I can raise some wage slaves to keep this klepto-plutocracy alive and well? Nah, fuck that.