American capitalism holds out the promise that the 99% of us who aren't rich can become one of the 1% if we just work hard, aren't lazy, etc. Obviously, mathematically that can't happen. If the pie is only so big, and only grows at a low single digit rate, the only way someone can become rich is if others become less rich.
There's a big difference between the micro economic idea that people are poor because they don't know how to save, or don't work hard enough, and the macro economic world which is destroying the middle class.
What if you aren't trying to be rich, you just want to get by and have a happy, comfortable life and are content to work at a job. Well, if your taxes go up, your cost for medical care goes up, gas, food, etc.- and you're lucky to keep that job, let alone get a raise- THAT's what's going on in this country. Oh, and if you thought saving and investing would make up the difference- the S&P 500 is at the same level as 10 years ago.
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