the downward mobility of the middle class and why mitt romney doesn't know
http://www.nationofchange.org/downward-mobility-american-middle-class-and-why-mitt-romney-doesn-t-know-1328627495Januarys increase in hiring is good news, but it masks a bigger and more disturbing story the continuing downward mobility of the American middle class.
Most of the new jobs being created are in the lower-wage sectors of the economy hospital orderlies and nursing aides, secretaries and temporary workers, retail and restaurant. Meanwhile, millions of Americans remain working only because theyve agreed to cuts in wages and benefits. Others are settling for jobs that pay less than the jobs theyve lost. Entry-level manufacturing jobs are paying half what entry-level manufacturing jobs paid six years ago.
Other people are falling out of the middle class because theyve lost their jobs, and many have also lost their homes. Almost one in three families with a mortgage is now underwater, holding their breath against imminent foreclosure.
The percent of Americans in poverty is its highest in two decades, and more of us are impoverished than at any time in the last fifty years. A recent analysis of federal data by the New York Times showed the number of children receiving subsidized lunches rose to 21 million in the last school year, up from 18 million in 2006-2007. Nearly a dozen states experienced increases of 25 percent or more. Under federal rules, children from famlies with incomes up to 130 percent of the poverty line, $29,055 for a family of four, are eligible.
DCKit
(18,541 posts)They don't know any working class people, and those who work for them wouldn't dare breach the subject for fear of losing their minimum wage jobs.
It's not that it's lonely at the top, it's just really well insulated.
peace frog
(5,609 posts)and yes, they are really well insulated.
kemah
(276 posts)In those third world countries you are treated like the 1%. I know I have traveled to Costa Rica, Panama, Thailand, and Mexico. There you go to a restaurant you are greeted with Mr. Smith here is your table. Here in the USA you are greeted with Number 25 your order is ready. BIG DIFFERENCE. I was at a coffee house the first time, I ordered the waiter got to know my name. The second time I got there my order was delivered exactly like I had ordered the day before. With Good Morning Mr Smith. Not number 21 get come and get your food at the counter.
kemah
(276 posts)And he whines because he is also unemployed.
He doesn't care for poor people. When he bankrupted those companies and walked away with millions, why did he not just give the employees a severance pay. Instead of walking away with $20 million, he could have walked away with $19 million and give that million to the employees. He probably would have gotten a tax credit and it would have not even be $1 million. Just pure greed and no clue as the damage he was creating.
stevebreeze
(1,877 posts)Just look at that graph.
Mitt really doesn't think much about the poor.