Here are a handful of things that “the system” could change that would have helped the author:

- free or greatly reduced cost of higher education

- replacing means-tested programs like Medicaid with universal versions. Medicare for all, for example, where you don’t have to jump through hoops or even opt in, is better than the dehumanizing system we have in place today. Also removes the barrier to slightly improving one’s life, since you won’t lose your aid after getting a 10% raise or w/e.

- cheaper housing, or public housing (god forbid!)

These are not pipe dreams, these are all things other civilized countries have. I don’t want to live in a world where you have to be either lucky or extraordinary to live a secure, modest life.

Those are misconceptions that are often repeated by people who have never needed these services and don't know what they offer.

> - free or greatly reduced cost of higher education

The University of Oregon (where the author went) has free tuition and fees for anyone who is Pell grant eligible. So does the University of Maryland (my state flagship). Georgia Tech (where I went) has free tuition for anyone who graduates a Georgia high school with over a 3.0.

> - replacing means-tested programs like Medicaid with universal versions. Medicare for all, for example, where you don’t have to jump through hoops or even opt in

Which country doesn't require you to opt in? The only two countries that have a truly universal system are the U.K. and Canada, and both require you to opt in, just like U.S. Medicaid.

> - cheaper housing, or public housing (god forbid!)

We have heavily subsidized housing, Section 8. We mostly got rid of public housing in preference to subsidizing rent. Very few people want to go back to government-run housing.