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To: ggersh who wrote (94101)	2/11/2009 6:35:01 PM
From: ajtj99	11 Recommendations Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 116555

gg, I also remember 30-years ago most people didn't have: -Big screen TV's, multiple TV's -2,400 square foot homes -2.5 cars (the new average) -Home Computers -Internet Access -Cable Television -Video Game consoles (Pong doesn't qualify) -Lunch or dinner out several times a week -Cell phones, calling and texting plans -PDA's -i-Pods and MP3 players, downloadable content -Home Theaters -Pimp that house interiors -The need to buy premium fuel that does little for your car -Dog groomers -Lawn Service -Cleaning service -fertilizer service -designer pet food -microwave meals -pay per view -Cruise vacations -Chucky Cheese -Nail salons -Travel soccer, AAU teams -bottled water -organic food -credit card debt -6-year auto loans -used car loans -home equity loans There are tons of things like this that would have been considered luxuries 30-years ago that are now taken for granted by many middle class households. I don't think most incomes are insufficient to raise a family. What I think is often people's lifestyle expectations do not meet their ability to pay for it.

To: ggersh who wrote (94101)	2/11/2009 7:17:22 PM
From: studdog	3 Recommendations Respond to of 116555

<<<I agree with your sentiments, but I think overall wages have in no way kept up w/ inflation at the minimum>>> 30 years of supply side, trickle down economics has resulted in wage inequality never before seen in America. Do you think CEO's should be paid 861 times more money than their lowest paid, minimum wage workers? Especially given the CEO performance over the last few years.? Middle class wages have declined over the past 30 years while the top 10% has exploded, leading to the greatest concentration of wealth ever in this country. Productivity gains were sucked up by executives and shareholders and the workers got bupkis. Since I'm in the top 10% I think it has all been grand.