Smoke pot. Play Xbox. Do nothing.

Smoke pot. Play Xbox. Do nothing.

Vermont, once celebrated for its spirit of hard work, independence, and community strength, is now at a crossroads. Today, the state seems to be fostering a different kind of culture—one where complacency is growing, fueled by policies that promote leniency, mixed priorities, and leaders unwilling to confront uncomfortable truths. If Vermont had a new state motto, it might very well be, Smoke pot. Play Xbox. Do nothing. Though satirical, this phrase reflects the disillusionment many feel with the state’s current trajectory.

The Role of the Legislature: Misplaced Priorities

The tone set by Vermont’s political leaders has shifted over the years. There has been a relentless focus on the “unfairness” of the minimum wage, with calls to raise it so it qualifies as a “living wage.” However, the original purpose of the minimum wage has been forgotten: it was never intended to support a lifetime, but to serve as a temporary starting point for those entering the workforce.

When leaders repeatedly portray the minimum wage as insufficient without simultaneously encouraging people to seek skills and better-paying opportunities, the message is clear: remaining in low-wage, entry-level positions indefinitely is acceptable. This narrative erodes the drive to improve or grow, particularly when the state’s extensive support systems make working less attractive than staying home.

Vermont’s various benefits programs contribute to this mindset. While critical for those in true need, these programs also disincentivize labor market participation, especially for able-bodied adults. Consider the combined support an individual can receive in Vermont:

  • Unemployment benefits of up to $583 per week for 26 weeks.
  • SNAP benefits providing up to $281 per month for an individual.
  • Housing assistance covering up to 70% of rent through vouchers.
  • Medicaid coverage for those earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $20,120 for a single adult.

With these benefits, an able-bodied individual can rely on substantial support that effectively competes with the income from many low-wage jobs. The notion that it is better to stay unemployed than to take a minimum-wage position only deepens this issue, creating a cycle of dependence that keeps people out of the workforce.

Vermont’s Economic Drift: Celebrating the Wrong Industries

This shift in attitude is a far cry from Vermont’s proud history of industriousness and innovation. Consider companies like John Deere, which began its roots in Vermont and went on to revolutionize the agricultural industry. Vermont has long been the birthplace of ingenuity and hard work, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy with businesses like Burton Snowboards and National Life Group, a prominent financial services firm. Yet, today, instead of fostering environments where new high-paying companies can flourish, the focus has shifted to celebrating the rise of marijuana dispensaries.

When marijuana dispensaries opened across the state, they were met with great fanfare and praise from both the state and the media. However, there have been no similar celebrations for the rise of high-paying manufacturing jobs or businesses that could provide long-term, stable employment for Vermonters. The excitement surrounding the cannabis industry reflects a misalignment in priorities, where short-term gratification and low-wage opportunities are valued over sustainable economic growth.

Decline in Workforce Participation and Drug Use

The broader cultural impact of these policies is clear. When the state’s leadership continually emphasizes the inadequacy of minimum-wage jobs without acknowledging that these positions are temporary, it fosters a sense of entitlement. Instead of encouraging hard work, development, and financial planning for the future, leaders set a tone that says it’s fine to coast through life on state assistance. This message is particularly damaging to young people who may internalize the idea that entry-level work should be enough to sustain them long-term.

Adding to this problem is the rise in recreational drug use, particularly marijuana, which has become normalized since its legalization. Vermont consistently ranks in the top 10 states for marijuana use. As of 2020, about 20% of Vermonters reported using marijuana in the past month, and among high school students, nearly 27% reported using marijuana in the past 30 days. While adults are free to make their own choices, the widespread availability and social acceptance of marijuana can lead to complacency, especially among younger individuals who are already facing economic challenges.

This issue is compounded by the opioid crisis, which has ravaged parts of the state. Between 2010 and 2019, opioid-related overdose deaths in Vermont rose from 38 to 111 per year, and in 2021, that number increased to 158 deaths. The crisis has not only devastated families but also further decreased workforce participation, particularly among younger men, who are already less likely to seek employment or education compared to their female counterparts.

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Adults Need to Start Adulting

At the heart of these challenges is the need for adults to start “adulting” again. Personal responsibility, once a cornerstone of Vermont’s cultural values, seems to be waning. Adults need to take charge of their own lives, set an example for younger generations, and understand that long-term dependency on state programs or low-wage jobs is not a sustainable path. Vermont’s leaders, too, must have the backbone to tell the hard truths: flipping burgers forever is not a sound financial plan for the future. Entry-level jobs are meant to be just that—a start, not a destination.

Instead, the current climate encourages passivity. With state benefits providing more than enough to get by and with no push to develop skills or seek higher-paying jobs, why should anyone bother? This mindset is creating a culture where the drive to contribute to the community and economy has all but evaporated.

School Co-Parenting and the Erosion of Parental Authority

Another significant factor contributing to the broader cultural shift is the increasing role of schools in areas that were traditionally managed by families. Vermont has seen a shift toward what could be called “school co-parenting,” where schools are taking on responsibilities related to values, discipline, and social guidance. This shift diminishes the authority and influence of parents, making it harder for them to instill the sense of personal responsibility and ambition that once defined Vermont’s values.

This dynamic is further reinforced by the state’s investment in non-academic programs. Between 2015 and 2022, Vermont increased spending on support services, such as counselors and social workers, by 50%. While these services are important, the focus has moved beyond traditional education into areas that were once the domain of families. The expansion of pre-K programs, though not central to the issue today, is a looming example of how the state may continue to encroach on parental roles.

Conclusion

Vermont is at a tipping point. The state’s policies, though well-intentioned, have created an environment where personal responsibility is in decline. By focusing on the perceived inadequacies of the minimum wage, providing extensive state benefits, and expanding the role of schools, Vermont’s leadership has set a tone that encourages complacency and dependency. Drug use, particularly marijuana, is further eroding the workforce, as individuals become increasingly disconnected from the values of hard work and community involvement.

Without a course correction, Vermont’s future risks being defined not by its storied values of hard work and independence, but by a culture of inaction. Adults need to step up, take responsibility, and lead by example—only then can the state reclaim the values that once made it strong.

Dave Soulia | FYIVT

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2 responses to “Smoke pot. Play Xbox. Do nothing.”

  1. KJ McIlveen Avatar

    I totally agree with the facts that the people have become stagnant. So many people cannot have a conversation without looking for something on their cell phones, posting numerous posed “selfie” photos with drinking and drugging are their hobbies. We as a state used to be known for our delicious cheeses and apples but it appears that craft alcohol and pot are our newest products we are known for. There is absolutely nothing wrong with adults using products that are mind altering but the fine line between use and abuse of substances and devices which can be addictive (including technology) but in my opinion humans are dumbing down and getting less creative and able to work with their hand and their environment. Plugging children into technology to placate them and keep them out of the elders hair is a sad attempt at parenting. I wish I knew the answers for reversing this process or people finding balance while encouraging themselves to be their best However, the multi million dollar industries and societal programming are dumbing down creativity and joy. Programming is a powerful tool and should be used as a helping tool instead of a control technique to make humans comfortably numb.

  2. KJ McIlveen Avatar

    I totally agree with the facts that the people have become stagnant. So many people cannot have a conversation without looking for something on their cell phones, posting numerous posed “selfie” photos with drinking and drugging are their hobbies. We as a state used to be known for our delicious cheeses and apples but it appears that craft alcohol and pot are our newest products we are known for. There is absolutely nothing wrong with adults using products that are mind altering but the fine line between use and abuse of substances and devices which can be addictive (including technology) but in my opinion humans are dumbing down and getting less creative and able to work with their hand and their environment. Plugging children into technology to placate them and keep them out of the elders hair is a sad attempt at parenting. I wish I knew the answers for reversing this process or people finding balance while encouraging themselves to be their best However, the multi million dollar industries and societal programming are dumbing down creativity and joy. Programming is a powerful tool and should be used as a helping tool instead of a control technique to make humans comfortably numb.

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