A poll by the Cato Institute found that over 60% of Americans aged 18-29 hold a “favorable view” of socialism, with 34% saying the same of communism. By contrast, 98% of those age 65 and over have an “unfavorable” view of communism.

This shift did not emerge overnight. With an anti-capitalist and anti-free-market worldview taught in K-12 education, Gen Z has been conditioned to view socialism not just favorably but as superior to capitalism, free enterprise, and free markets.

At the same time, rising housing costs, inflation, and affordability concerns have made promises like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s government-owned grocery stores, rent freezes, and universal child care sound like solutions.

But these policies come with consequences. Government-run businesses burden taxpayers and undermine private competitors. Rent freezes discourage housing construction and contribute to shortages. Universal government programs raise taxes, distort market incentives, and crowd out private providers.

Too many students graduate from public schools having been taught the promises of socialism without understanding its record of economic decline, shortages, weakened incentives, and lost individual freedom. Then, at age 18, they begin voting for the policies and politicians shaped by what they have been taught.

If we want future generations to preserve America’s prosperity, students must learn why capitalism has lifted billions out of poverty and how free markets drive innovation, lower costs, and expand opportunity. They need to understand that socialism isn’t the answer.

America doesn’t just have a public-school monopoly. It has a monopoly of the American mind. Breaking that monopoly requires school choice. In nearly every other area of life, Americans are free to choose. Education should be no different.

The battle for America’s economic future begins in its classrooms. Parents must have the freedom to choose the education that shapes their children’s worldview.

Click HERE to watch Keri D. Ingraham’s interview on NTD Evening News or watch below.