What is Middle Class?: Politics and Globalization

Alot of the debate about our economic culture today deals with the inequality. The question that really should be answered is, what is middle class? Most things in life are well defined. How can so many get away with talking about rich vs. poor and discuss inequality in our nation and elsewhere in the world if no one can seem to define it. I understand the how conditions depend on environment; if someone in NYC makes $50,000 their PPP is lower than someone making $50,000 in rural Arkansas. How do we measure what is middle class. The only way to prove true inequality is to establish classes. If poor in America means a family with two cars, owning their own home, and having a TVs, ipods, and food on the table, is inequality an issue. This country is well enough off that no one should be hungry or homeless, but the environment we have provides opportunity. In our society everyone has a chance to succeed. While it is not guaranteed that everyone will, anyone has a chance.

I think that the true problem of inequality and class division in this country is political. Politicians speak freely about the struggles of poor or the richness of our nation. Simultaneously, these politicans hold vastly different views. If inequality exists what is the goal we as a nation have to combat it. What is the acceptable level of inequality? People will continue to get richer at the top, there possibilities are endless. People at the bottom won’t be allowed to fall through the cracks. Its not wrong to be rich.

The debate wil rage on today and forever. Politians will focus on inequality in various elections. There power to change it will be limited, there power to get elected because of it will be great. The discussion of inequality is so often based on dynamic figures and controrted facts that can be twisted. There will always be inequality, but the real problem is simply poverty. Yes the lower end can and should do better, but what happens on the top IS NOT an excuse. There is always more opportunity in this countries economy. Nothing stops anyone from going to college, finding a better job, or in someway improving there situation. There is a way. Yes often the rich can pad their purses by “taking advantage of the labor of others,” but these people are also taking advantage of the work offered by the rich. It is mutually beneficial, if there is a problem it is up to the individual to make it more beneficial for them. Initiative is hte great equalizer not social programs or fiery politicians.