On 5/29/12 12:17 PM, Wayne.B wrote:
On Tue, 29 May 2012 10:50:31 -0400, X ` Man
wrote:

Without a strong middle class and the ability of the masses to achieve
it, there's little reason for this country to exist.

===

What is your definition of middle class? Statistically there will
always be a middle as well as an upper and lower. Is middle class
defined by home ownership, multiple SUVs and smartphone accounts? Is
it defined by the television advertising media? Is it defined by
political rhetoric? Is it defined by middle class values and
behavior? Is it defined by blue color workers being able to live like
educated professionals?



D'oh.

Why am I not surprised you don't know, Wayne? I doubt there is a
specific criteria for defining "middle class" that would satisfy most,
but, generally speaking, it includes having a secure and upwardly mobile
job; a clean, safe and stable home; easy access to and the ability to
pay for health care; retirement security: paid time away from work for
vacation, illness and the birth or adoption of a child; opportunities to
save for the future and the ability to provide a good education,
including a college education, for one's children. Income-wise,
depending upon household size, earnings, geographic location and age,
might be anywhere between $50,000 and $150,000, but those numbers may
vary wildly.

These days, that's more like modern socialism in Europe than what we
have in the United States. But it used to be that way here, before the
rich became even more greedy.