I was thinking about relief agencies. There was a time when I was able to afford to give more than I do now. Personally, I have to keep my ship afloat and I am forced to put my donations on hold. Perhaps in a few years I can redeem myself. If what has happened to me has happened to a good percentage of our middle class one would only think that it would have an impact on our image globally.
2006-09-29 11:56:37 · 6 answers · asked by tadpoleslider 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Most Americans are not really falling behind. If you feel your standard of living is reducing, its not because you have less buying power, its because your standard for living has increased. Americans are blowing disposible income in record amounts on cell phones, internet fees, cable television, fast food, starbucks, credit card interest, and bottled water. So middle-class Americans don't have less because of the price of necessities, they have less because of the price of optional expenses. And in the age of entitlement, they do not realize the difference between necessity and extravagance. Most basic needs are actually a smaller percentage of your paycheck then ever, not more. Gas, food, appliances, and cars are all cheaper than twenty years ago if you view the costs as a percentage of your income (remember when your car was falling apart at 80,000 miles?).
In the meantime, the upper classes are showing extreme willingness to contribute to relief agencies. Google Bill Gates, Richard Branson, or Rupert Murdock to read about their billion dollar philanthropies. Ironically, they made their money by absorbing the middle class's disposible income.
2006-09-29 12:30:50 · answer #1 · answered by freebird 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Middle class is falling behind while the wealthiest people are getting richer, so it should even out. However we have a growing Government deficit, people in their 20's/30's today might lose their social security benefits by the time they retire, so don't worry about our global image now. Look out for ourselves first. In fact, being no. 1 is difficult to upkeep. I don't think it's a bad idea that we have less money so this Country does not have to be relied so much upon for donations.
2006-09-29 19:30:30 · answer #2 · answered by longliveabcdefg 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you're a looney lefty, the middle class in the U.S. is doing just fine. Wages are up, unemployment is down, home ownership is up, etc. Relief agencies and charities seem to be suffering an embarrasment of riches.
And yes, you should be working to keep your ship afloat, as should everyone else as well. A rising tide floats all boats. Make sure your boat is floating well before you worry about anyone else's.
Remember, here in the U.S., poor is largely a choice. If you truely, deeply, honestly want to help the 'poor' - STOP HELPING THEM! Nothing creates dependancy quicker than charities, and nothing motivates faster than an empty stomach.
2006-09-29 19:14:25 · answer #3 · answered by Jolly1 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It just shows the middle class are slowly being pushed to the limit and beyond by these screwy economics. I hope someone gets into office that knows how to really economize instead of spending all of the funds overseas like they are doing now. If there are people in need here in the U.S., then those funds should be used for the citizens and not for other countries and to fund wars and the like..........
2006-09-29 19:35:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You seem to have a good heart, mate. I think you're probably right. But more than that, shrinking middle class will make you more like other nations, unfortunately.
Take care!
2006-09-29 19:05:25 · answer #5 · answered by Dave 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well if people like Bill Gates step up like he did this year
It may even out
But I liked helping others when I had the means also
2006-09-29 19:14:35 · answer #6 · answered by Dan W 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋