California Liberals. Increasing gap between haves/have-nots?

Question

OK. I just returned from a trip to LA. I am understanding more on why the left coast people think there is such a gap between the haves and have nots. My observation in LA this last week (but I have been there many times before) was that in LA, you are either rich or a bum...there is not much in between.

I often see the argument on here: the middle class can not afford to live...

Where I am from, there is a much larger middle class, who live very comfortably...not in someone's converted garage for 1200 per month.

My question is: Do you feel that the disparity between classes is the same in the rest of the country as it is in Southern California?

Please, think about your answers...I learn nothing from smart aleck answers that provide no information.

Bobbie - care to expand?

The Brother in Law lives in Glendale...

No, LA is not indicitive of ALL of California, however, it is the largest municipality in California...so it is a good example of my question. I lived in San Diego in 95 and Burbank in 2000. I just had not thought about this until we went to visit.

Answer 1

I'm from the LA area so I know what you're talking about. I'm guessing that LA is similar to most urban areas (of course much of the LA metro is suburb type neighborhoods).
I'm sure there is a noticeable gap between haves and have nots in any major US metropolis.
But it is definitely here in LA. Movie stars, immigrants, an international harbor where many goods from Asia enter the US, and a large complex economy make for a very diverse population. The cost of living here is high for everyone, and we all do what we can with what we have to get by.

But that is an interesting idea proposed in your title. I wonder if liberal policy has actually resulted in widening the gap? (Liberals are the ones that claim to be dedicated to closing the gap , so to speak, right?)

(of I forgot to mention, traffic, traffic and more traffic from 7am - 10am and 5pm - 7pm every weekday!)

Answer 2

I haven't lived all over the country, so I don't think it's fair for me to make a sweeping generalization. I also applaud you for speaking of your own experiences and not just what millions see on TV and movies.

But yes, I do believe that income disparities between social and economic classes are greater in California (especially Southern California) than other regions. It's also because lots of people move to California (which is one of the most expensive place to live) from all over the country with money and they can afford housing. Others move to California from all over the country without money (to find jobs) and they can't afford housing.

As has been posted in past questions, it's all economics and a balance of supply and demand; if more tenants are willing to pay $1200 a month to live in a converted garage, than more landlords will charge $1200 a month to live in a converted garage.

It's a different world there, good and bad.

Answer 3

The" haves/have nots" is the current political slogan used by DEMs/Liberals who actually believe that
...stating that "xxx" exists..harmfull...unfair...discrimatory...
Makes it A FACTor a NEED THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED! Its all about suckering VOTES from the population who like most HUIMANS always want more...

Do U kinow anyone who doesnt want more pay, fewer work hours, more perks, less taxes, free "services" (health,college,employer offests for increased transportation costs (gas,metro price increases) ,ability to force employer to let you work from home computer (if that is what you do all day in an office??) ,free day care......
.....NO because humans always want more....
There have always been people in any society who choose to complain,demand, or beg in order to get what the other (more fortunate/"rich" have..Some of these"have nots" choose to scam, cheat,complain/bully ,or simply choose to engage in illegal activities because the $$ is good (ex. sell drugs,rob)
IN the USA- society is composed of
1. Those that recognize that their "lot" in life can be changed by ACTIVELY PURSUING a plan-->education, training, skills, which will allow access to jobs that traditionally pay above average salaries. Desire and determination to achieve is what produces a contributing member of society..
WILL they all achieve vast riches.,,mansions, fancy cars, ???..NO but in the USA,they can achieve a comfortable lifestyle. Life is a journey: individuals decide what is more important..from jobs,to location,to affording a vacation or making high car payments...

2.Those that chose to believe that they should NOT have to deal with all the hassles of getting skills, dealing with bosses,schedules, or wasting THEIR time on boring jobs.They somehow should be able to get all the stuff they want because they "DESERVE" THE SAME BENEFITS,LIFESTYLE ,LUXERY ITEMS ETC ..
In come the politicians who try and and DO coerice the responsible members with the rhetoric ...where is our humanity???WE NEED to give "help"/services/ programs/ translators Why should the "rich" be allowed to ignore the pain and suffering of the "poor"...yada If not the rich then the employers must be forced to care for their employees or the Government (fed/state)are OBLIGATED to create programs for the xxxx.
Politicians and the populance forgets that
pioneers and settlers did not survive because they were guaranteed a DR if they got sick, or fuel or shelter or food if they couldnt get enough or suffered a disaster (flood,fire,crop failure,indian attack etc... Populations that fail to maintain self directed competency devolve into squabbling bands all bent on acquition
Our politicians and their socialist or simply power hungry backers have started the slide...
There may never again be a gov for the people and by the people....

Answer 4

I was born in LA and the difference in 48 years is staggering. There are huge areas of bleak poverty, gang and drug ridden with no hope. Then in a matter of just 3 blocks, cars that cost more than I make in 5 years. It is this disparity of incomes that will lead to revolt within the states. Keep a man down long enough, and when he has nothing left to lose that's when he becomes dangerous.

Answer 5

Chicago has a huge middle class. I give credit to the Dems in Chicago for doing what they can to make living here affordable. I was making $550 a week here just a few years ago and got along just fine. One has to be able to lower their sights from time to time.

Answer 6

No, because LA is one of the most expensive places to live and a middle class person is not quite making it alright...

Answer 7

No. Also I'm only assuming you where in downtown. LA is a huge place and their are hundreds of miles of middle class suburbs.
The fact is though that overall the middle class is shrinking. Maybe not where you live but it is getting worse world wide

Answer 8

kalifornia has the worst gap, i agree. chicago has enough space for most of the middle class to find affordable housing, either renting or owning.

Answer 9

How exactly are the "have nots" forced to live in california against their will?

Answer 10

So L.A. represents all of california? Go to any major city and you'll see many haves and have nots!