Real Time with Bill Maher: Middle Class Economics

[Darkwind]

The middle class has been pummeled for decades? You actually buy that crap? The middle class has been pummeled for the last 6 years. Thanks to Democrats' stupid policies. See my thread on Obamanomics.

The Middle Class has been under pressure since the 60's. The extent of the damage wasn't fully realized until 2008. The foundation to our declining Middle Class started crumbling in the 60's, and steadily progressed to the point we're at today. It was in the 60's when we started closing our plants and factories, thus taking away self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels. We started by closing the steel factories, then we lost the electronics industry ( when was the last America made TV produced? ), then those were soon followed by the textile mills, furniture and appliances, tools, farm equipment, automotive parts, toys, housewares, etc. etc.

Back in the 50's and early 60's, the men went to work and the women stayed home and raised the kids. One income was enough to live the good life. The Middle Class was doing great. Then, as plants and factories closed, the women entered the work force, and their numbers have been growing every since. And, now, two incomes aren't enough to support families in many cases. Steadily, over time, government assistance programs became a necessity in order to supply families with basic needs and necessities.

Once we started closing our plants and factories, taking away the self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels, the Middle Class was basically doomed. The proof to that statement makes daily headlines. We have 50% of our children living at or below the poverty line. We have 48 million citizens receiving food stamps. We have a growing homeless population. We have shameful unemployment, and employment consist of part-time jobs, temporary jobs, low paying jobs, and jobs with reduced company paid benefits. We have created a poor and dependent society. And, as I have stated, the foundation was laid back in the 60's with the closings of our plants and factories that supported the Middle Class.

Over the past 50 plus years, we've sacrificed our economic well-being in favor of strengthening foreign economies. And, the Middle Class has paid the highest price. Our socioeconomic woes didn't start 6 years ago, they just became front and center 6 years ago. They became more pronounced and damaging. They opened our eyes to the fact that we'd been sold out by the very ones that we entrusted with our well-being. Trace the roots of our economic decline and see what you find. I think that you'll be surprised.

All of these woes you spout can be tied to one single villain.

Government.

I take it your solution is more government?

 

[The Rabbi]

The middle class has been pummeled for decades? You actually buy that crap? The middle class has been pummeled for the last 6 years. Thanks to Democrats' stupid policies. See my thread on Obamanomics.

The Middle Class has been under pressure since the 60's. The extent of the damage wasn't fully realized until 2008. The foundation to our declining Middle Class started crumbling in the 60's, and steadily progressed to the point we're at today. It was in the 60's when we started closing our plants and factories, thus taking away self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels. We started by closing the steel factories, then we lost the electronics industry ( when was the last America made TV produced? ), then those were soon followed by the textile mills, furniture and appliances, tools, farm equipment, automotive parts, toys, housewares, etc. etc.

Back in the 50's and early 60's, the men went to work and the women stayed home and raised the kids. One income was enough to live the good life. The Middle Class was doing great. Then, as plants and factories closed, the women entered the work force, and their numbers have been growing every since. And, now, two incomes aren't enough to support families in many cases. Steadily, over time, government assistance programs became a necessity in order to supply families with basic needs and necessities.

Once we started closing our plants and factories, taking away the self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels, the Middle Class was basically doomed. The proof to that statement makes daily headlines. We have 50% of our children living at or below the poverty line. We have 48 million citizens receiving food stamps. We have a growing homeless population. We have shameful unemployment, and employment consist of part-time jobs, temporary jobs, low paying jobs, and jobs with reduced company paid benefits. We have created a poor and dependent society. And, as I have stated, the foundation was laid back in the 60's with the closings of our plants and factories that supported the Middle Class.

Over the past 50 plus years, we've sacrificed our economic well-being in favor of strengthening foreign economies. And, the Middle Class has paid the highest price. Our socioeconomic woes didn't start 6 years ago, they just became front and center 6 years ago. They became more pronounced and damaging. They opened our eyes to the fact that we'd been sold out by the very ones that we entrusted with our well-being. Trace the roots of our economic decline as see what you find. I think that you'll be surprised.

This is why I have you on Ignore. Late night boredom kicked in though.
Middle class people do not work in factories. Working class people work in factories. The decline of manufacturing coincided with rising incomes anyway.
What changed was the massive inflation of the 1970s. In 1960 a person could get a job at $9000/yr. He could buy a new car for 1500. Buy a house for 25k, etc. Now multiple all those prices by 10, which is about right. But no one, or very few, are finishing college and getting jobs at 90k. The second income was needed to off set the effects of inflation.
The worst has been the past 6 years with a stagnating economy.

Oh! I see it all clearly now! The worst has been the last 6 years. Thanks Obama!

Trying to boost your post count or competing for most inane poster of the week?

 

[SwimExpert]

In 1960 a person could get a job at $9000/yr. He could buy a new car for 1500. Buy a house for 25k, etc. Now multiple all those prices by 10, which is about right. But no one, or very few, are finishing college and getting jobs at 90k. The second income was needed to off set the effects of inflation.

No surprise, Rabbi is pulling numbers out of his ass to try making a bullshit point. A new car for $15,000? You would have to look at the lowest priced economy cars to hit that price range.

Then you suggest a $250,000 house? That's quite a price tag. I live in a two bedroom waterfront house that's 1500 meters away from the ocean, and the market value for this house is only about $180K. There are some places where a livable house can be bought for $80,000.

 

[The Rabbi]

In 1960 a person could get a job at $9000/yr. He could buy a new car for 1500. Buy a house for 25k, etc. Now multiple all those prices by 10, which is about right. But no one, or very few, are finishing college and getting jobs at 90k. The second income was needed to off set the effects of inflation.

No surprise, Rabbi is pulling numbers out of his ass to try making a bullshit point. A new car for $15,000? You would have to look at the lowest priced economy cars to hit that price range.

Then you suggest a $250,000 house? That's quite a price tag. I live in a two bedroom waterfront house that's 1500 meters away from the ocean, and the market value for this house is only about $180K. There are some places where a livable house can be bought for $80,000.

You're such an ignorant piece of shit. Even when you agree with me you're a douche. You must be really butt hurt that I show you up all the time.
You live ina cardboard box outside a cess pool in Kansas. That doesnt count.

 

[Sonny Clark]

The middle class has been pummeled for decades? You actually buy that crap? The middle class has been pummeled for the last 6 years. Thanks to Democrats' stupid policies. See my thread on Obamanomics.

The Middle Class has been under pressure since the 60's. The extent of the damage wasn't fully realized until 2008. The foundation to our declining Middle Class started crumbling in the 60's, and steadily progressed to the point we're at today. It was in the 60's when we started closing our plants and factories, thus taking away self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels. We started by closing the steel factories, then we lost the electronics industry ( when was the last America made TV produced? ), then those were soon followed by the textile mills, furniture and appliances, tools, farm equipment, automotive parts, toys, housewares, etc. etc.

Back in the 50's and early 60's, the men went to work and the women stayed home and raised the kids. One income was enough to live the good life. The Middle Class was doing great. Then, as plants and factories closed, the women entered the work force, and their numbers have been growing every since. And, now, two incomes aren't enough to support families in many cases. Steadily, over time, government assistance programs became a necessity in order to supply families with basic needs and necessities.

Once we started closing our plants and factories, taking away the self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels, the Middle Class was basically doomed. The proof to that statement makes daily headlines. We have 50% of our children living at or below the poverty line. We have 48 million citizens receiving food stamps. We have a growing homeless population. We have shameful unemployment, and employment consist of part-time jobs, temporary jobs, low paying jobs, and jobs with reduced company paid benefits. We have created a poor and dependent society. And, as I have stated, the foundation was laid back in the 60's with the closings of our plants and factories that supported the Middle Class.

Over the past 50 plus years, we've sacrificed our economic well-being in favor of strengthening foreign economies. And, the Middle Class has paid the highest price. Our socioeconomic woes didn't start 6 years ago, they just became front and center 6 years ago. They became more pronounced and damaging. They opened our eyes to the fact that we'd been sold out by the very ones that we entrusted with our well-being. Trace the roots of our economic decline and see what you find. I think that you'll be surprised.

All of these woes you spout can be tied to one single villain.

Government.

I take it your solution is more government?

Yes, the government is responsible. Yes, the government has sold us out. I have no idea as to why you think my solution would be more government. The solution is NOT more government. I have detailed my solution many times on this forum, and did so again this morning on another thread. I give my solution almost every single day on this forum.
What gave you the idea that my solution would be more government? Just curious.

 

[LoneLaugher]

The middle class has been pummeled for decades? You actually buy that crap? The middle class has been pummeled for the last 6 years. Thanks to Democrats' stupid policies. See my thread on Obamanomics.

The Middle Class has been under pressure since the 60's. The extent of the damage wasn't fully realized until 2008. The foundation to our declining Middle Class started crumbling in the 60's, and steadily progressed to the point we're at today. It was in the 60's when we started closing our plants and factories, thus taking away self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels. We started by closing the steel factories, then we lost the electronics industry ( when was the last America made TV produced? ), then those were soon followed by the textile mills, furniture and appliances, tools, farm equipment, automotive parts, toys, housewares, etc. etc.

Back in the 50's and early 60's, the men went to work and the women stayed home and raised the kids. One income was enough to live the good life. The Middle Class was doing great. Then, as plants and factories closed, the women entered the work force, and their numbers have been growing every since. And, now, two incomes aren't enough to support families in many cases. Steadily, over time, government assistance programs became a necessity in order to supply families with basic needs and necessities.

Once we started closing our plants and factories, taking away the self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels, the Middle Class was basically doomed. The proof to that statement makes daily headlines. We have 50% of our children living at or below the poverty line. We have 48 million citizens receiving food stamps. We have a growing homeless population. We have shameful unemployment, and employment consist of part-time jobs, temporary jobs, low paying jobs, and jobs with reduced company paid benefits. We have created a poor and dependent society. And, as I have stated, the foundation was laid back in the 60's with the closings of our plants and factories that supported the Middle Class.

Over the past 50 plus years, we've sacrificed our economic well-being in favor of strengthening foreign economies. And, the Middle Class has paid the highest price. Our socioeconomic woes didn't start 6 years ago, they just became front and center 6 years ago. They became more pronounced and damaging. They opened our eyes to the fact that we'd been sold out by the very ones that we entrusted with our well-being. Trace the roots of our economic decline as see what you find. I think that you'll be surprised.

This is why I have you on Ignore. Late night boredom kicked in though.
Middle class people do not work in factories. Working class people work in factories. The decline of manufacturing coincided with rising incomes anyway.
What changed was the massive inflation of the 1970s. In 1960 a person could get a job at $9000/yr. He could buy a new car for 1500. Buy a house for 25k, etc. Now multiple all those prices by 10, which is about right. But no one, or very few, are finishing college and getting jobs at 90k. The second income was needed to off set the effects of inflation.
The worst has been the past 6 years with a stagnating economy.

Oh! I see it all clearly now! The worst has been the last 6 years. Thanks Obama!

Trying to boost your post count or competing for most inane poster of the week?

Just mocking you and your lame contention that the world....and especially the US economy....began in January 2009.

Wages and benefits see highest bump in six years Marketplace.org

 

[NoTeaPartyPleez]

"""what would bill Maher know about the middle class?

He's sits in his Ivory stage where people PAY to see him.
Exactly. He will never know what the middle class goes through."""


But you do feel that the Waltons and Romneys and Koch brothers DO understand the middle class, right?

Maher wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth. And I suggest you actually watch a few of his shows before you try to tell everyone what he knows or doesn't know.

In that video he states simply facts about how the middle class was built after WWII, the GI Bill paid for college, job training and cheap housing. The GI Bill was possible by taxing the wealthiest Americans up to 90%. He admits it was a socialist structure, but it worked because households could survive with one breadwinner and their house cost about twice of what they paid for their car. Watch the clip.

 

[The Rabbi]

The middle class has been pummeled for decades? You actually buy that crap? The middle class has been pummeled for the last 6 years. Thanks to Democrats' stupid policies. See my thread on Obamanomics.

The Middle Class has been under pressure since the 60's. The extent of the damage wasn't fully realized until 2008. The foundation to our declining Middle Class started crumbling in the 60's, and steadily progressed to the point we're at today. It was in the 60's when we started closing our plants and factories, thus taking away self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels. We started by closing the steel factories, then we lost the electronics industry ( when was the last America made TV produced? ), then those were soon followed by the textile mills, furniture and appliances, tools, farm equipment, automotive parts, toys, housewares, etc. etc.

Back in the 50's and early 60's, the men went to work and the women stayed home and raised the kids. One income was enough to live the good life. The Middle Class was doing great. Then, as plants and factories closed, the women entered the work force, and their numbers have been growing every since. And, now, two incomes aren't enough to support families in many cases. Steadily, over time, government assistance programs became a necessity in order to supply families with basic needs and necessities.

Once we started closing our plants and factories, taking away the self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels, the Middle Class was basically doomed. The proof to that statement makes daily headlines. We have 50% of our children living at or below the poverty line. We have 48 million citizens receiving food stamps. We have a growing homeless population. We have shameful unemployment, and employment consist of part-time jobs, temporary jobs, low paying jobs, and jobs with reduced company paid benefits. We have created a poor and dependent society. And, as I have stated, the foundation was laid back in the 60's with the closings of our plants and factories that supported the Middle Class.

Over the past 50 plus years, we've sacrificed our economic well-being in favor of strengthening foreign economies. And, the Middle Class has paid the highest price. Our socioeconomic woes didn't start 6 years ago, they just became front and center 6 years ago. They became more pronounced and damaging. They opened our eyes to the fact that we'd been sold out by the very ones that we entrusted with our well-being. Trace the roots of our economic decline as see what you find. I think that you'll be surprised.

This is why I have you on Ignore. Late night boredom kicked in though.
Middle class people do not work in factories. Working class people work in factories. The decline of manufacturing coincided with rising incomes anyway.
What changed was the massive inflation of the 1970s. In 1960 a person could get a job at $9000/yr. He could buy a new car for 1500. Buy a house for 25k, etc. Now multiple all those prices by 10, which is about right. But no one, or very few, are finishing college and getting jobs at 90k. The second income was needed to off set the effects of inflation.
The worst has been the past 6 years with a stagnating economy.

Oh! I see it all clearly now! The worst has been the last 6 years. Thanks Obama!

Trying to boost your post count or competing for most inane poster of the week?

Just mocking you and your lame contention that the world....and especially the US economy....began in January 2009.

Wages and benefits see highest bump in six years Marketplace.org

You failed. You look like an idiot because you conflate wages with GDP. Wage growth has been pitiful. "Best in 6 years" is hardly anyuthing to brag about.

 

[Wyatt earp]

It took a financial meltdown and decades of the middle class getting repeatedly pummeled but it looks like "free market" economics days are numbered. More and more people are waking up to the reality that trickled on economics works great for the top 1%, perhaps even moderately well for the top 10 or 20%, but doesn't work for anyone else and results in crony Capitalism. The true believers still swear their big paycheck is coming, if only we'd cut the <100B in welfare going to the "moochers". But irrespective of red herrings, Reaganomics doesn't work for the middle class and especially not for the lower classes. It's time for a paradigm shift. We shrugged off Keynesian economics in the 70's and went far right into "free" markets. Now its time to swing back to the left and build another middle class the whole world will envy.

How do we do that? How can we build the Middle Class back to where it once was? What would you do to accomplish that?

He wants to start another world war, get rid of red tape , regulations I guess, why do the liberls Always want to drag us back to the 40s? Getting sick of hearing about it.

 

[Darkwind]

The middle class has been pummeled for decades? You actually buy that crap? The middle class has been pummeled for the last 6 years. Thanks to Democrats' stupid policies. See my thread on Obamanomics.

The Middle Class has been under pressure since the 60's. The extent of the damage wasn't fully realized until 2008. The foundation to our declining Middle Class started crumbling in the 60's, and steadily progressed to the point we're at today. It was in the 60's when we started closing our plants and factories, thus taking away self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels. We started by closing the steel factories, then we lost the electronics industry ( when was the last America made TV produced? ), then those were soon followed by the textile mills, furniture and appliances, tools, farm equipment, automotive parts, toys, housewares, etc. etc.

Back in the 50's and early 60's, the men went to work and the women stayed home and raised the kids. One income was enough to live the good life. The Middle Class was doing great. Then, as plants and factories closed, the women entered the work force, and their numbers have been growing every since. And, now, two incomes aren't enough to support families in many cases. Steadily, over time, government assistance programs became a necessity in order to supply families with basic needs and necessities.

Once we started closing our plants and factories, taking away the self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels, the Middle Class was basically doomed. The proof to that statement makes daily headlines. We have 50% of our children living at or below the poverty line. We have 48 million citizens receiving food stamps. We have a growing homeless population. We have shameful unemployment, and employment consist of part-time jobs, temporary jobs, low paying jobs, and jobs with reduced company paid benefits. We have created a poor and dependent society. And, as I have stated, the foundation was laid back in the 60's with the closings of our plants and factories that supported the Middle Class.

Over the past 50 plus years, we've sacrificed our economic well-being in favor of strengthening foreign economies. And, the Middle Class has paid the highest price. Our socioeconomic woes didn't start 6 years ago, they just became front and center 6 years ago. They became more pronounced and damaging. They opened our eyes to the fact that we'd been sold out by the very ones that we entrusted with our well-being. Trace the roots of our economic decline and see what you find. I think that you'll be surprised.

All of these woes you spout can be tied to one single villain.

Government.

I take it your solution is more government?

Yes, the government is responsible. Yes, the government has sold us out. I have no idea as to why you think my solution would be more government. The solution is NOT more government. I have detailed my solution many times on this forum, and did so again this morning on another thread. I give my solution almost every single day on this forum.
What gave you the idea that my solution would be more government? Just curious.

Your detailed solutions have government involvement.

You want to fix the middle class? Get government out of the lives of all Americans.

 

[Sonny Clark]

The middle class has been pummeled for decades? You actually buy that crap? The middle class has been pummeled for the last 6 years. Thanks to Democrats' stupid policies. See my thread on Obamanomics.

The Middle Class has been under pressure since the 60's. The extent of the damage wasn't fully realized until 2008. The foundation to our declining Middle Class started crumbling in the 60's, and steadily progressed to the point we're at today. It was in the 60's when we started closing our plants and factories, thus taking away self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels. We started by closing the steel factories, then we lost the electronics industry ( when was the last America made TV produced? ), then those were soon followed by the textile mills, furniture and appliances, tools, farm equipment, automotive parts, toys, housewares, etc. etc.

Back in the 50's and early 60's, the men went to work and the women stayed home and raised the kids. One income was enough to live the good life. The Middle Class was doing great. Then, as plants and factories closed, the women entered the work force, and their numbers have been growing every since. And, now, two incomes aren't enough to support families in many cases. Steadily, over time, government assistance programs became a necessity in order to supply families with basic needs and necessities.

Once we started closing our plants and factories, taking away the self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels, the Middle Class was basically doomed. The proof to that statement makes daily headlines. We have 50% of our children living at or below the poverty line. We have 48 million citizens receiving food stamps. We have a growing homeless population. We have shameful unemployment, and employment consist of part-time jobs, temporary jobs, low paying jobs, and jobs with reduced company paid benefits. We have created a poor and dependent society. And, as I have stated, the foundation was laid back in the 60's with the closings of our plants and factories that supported the Middle Class.

Over the past 50 plus years, we've sacrificed our economic well-being in favor of strengthening foreign economies. And, the Middle Class has paid the highest price. Our socioeconomic woes didn't start 6 years ago, they just became front and center 6 years ago. They became more pronounced and damaging. They opened our eyes to the fact that we'd been sold out by the very ones that we entrusted with our well-being. Trace the roots of our economic decline as see what you find. I think that you'll be surprised.

This is why I have you on Ignore. Late night boredom kicked in though.
Middle class people do not work in factories. Working class people work in factories. The decline of manufacturing coincided with rising incomes anyway.
What changed was the massive inflation of the 1970s. In 1960 a person could get a job at $9000/yr. He could buy a new car for 1500. Buy a house for 25k, etc. Now multiple all those prices by 10, which is about right. But no one, or very few, are finishing college and getting jobs at 90k. The second income was needed to off set the effects of inflation.
The worst has been the past 6 years with a stagnating economy.

Oh! I see it all clearly now! The worst has been the last 6 years. Thanks Obama!

Trying to boost your post count or competing for most inane poster of the week?

Rabbi - honestly, you need to grow up and mature. You are constantly throwing slurs, brow-beating posts, and attacking posters. Do you have anger problems? Are you taking medications that adversely affect your thinking? Do you have self-esteem issues? Please, try to be civil and adult. Try engaging in pleasant conversation and civil debate. It's not necessary to be on the attack all the time. This is just a discussion forum, and not a life or death battle. Every conversation is not war.

 

[LoneLaugher]

The Middle Class has been under pressure since the 60's. The extent of the damage wasn't fully realized until 2008. The foundation to our declining Middle Class started crumbling in the 60's, and steadily progressed to the point we're at today. It was in the 60's when we started closing our plants and factories, thus taking away self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels. We started by closing the steel factories, then we lost the electronics industry ( when was the last America made TV produced? ), then those were soon followed by the textile mills, furniture and appliances, tools, farm equipment, automotive parts, toys, housewares, etc. etc.

Back in the 50's and early 60's, the men went to work and the women stayed home and raised the kids. One income was enough to live the good life. The Middle Class was doing great. Then, as plants and factories closed, the women entered the work force, and their numbers have been growing every since. And, now, two incomes aren't enough to support families in many cases. Steadily, over time, government assistance programs became a necessity in order to supply families with basic needs and necessities.

Once we started closing our plants and factories, taking away the self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels, the Middle Class was basically doomed. The proof to that statement makes daily headlines. We have 50% of our children living at or below the poverty line. We have 48 million citizens receiving food stamps. We have a growing homeless population. We have shameful unemployment, and employment consist of part-time jobs, temporary jobs, low paying jobs, and jobs with reduced company paid benefits. We have created a poor and dependent society. And, as I have stated, the foundation was laid back in the 60's with the closings of our plants and factories that supported the Middle Class.

Over the past 50 plus years, we've sacrificed our economic well-being in favor of strengthening foreign economies. And, the Middle Class has paid the highest price. Our socioeconomic woes didn't start 6 years ago, they just became front and center 6 years ago. They became more pronounced and damaging. They opened our eyes to the fact that we'd been sold out by the very ones that we entrusted with our well-being. Trace the roots of our economic decline as see what you find. I think that you'll be surprised.

This is why I have you on Ignore. Late night boredom kicked in though.
Middle class people do not work in factories. Working class people work in factories. The decline of manufacturing coincided with rising incomes anyway.
What changed was the massive inflation of the 1970s. In 1960 a person could get a job at $9000/yr. He could buy a new car for 1500. Buy a house for 25k, etc. Now multiple all those prices by 10, which is about right. But no one, or very few, are finishing college and getting jobs at 90k. The second income was needed to off set the effects of inflation.
The worst has been the past 6 years with a stagnating economy.

Oh! I see it all clearly now! The worst has been the last 6 years. Thanks Obama!

Trying to boost your post count or competing for most inane poster of the week?

Just mocking you and your lame contention that the world....and especially the US economy....began in January 2009.

Wages and benefits see highest bump in six years Marketplace.org

You failed. You look like an idiot because you conflate wages with GDP. Wage growth has been pitiful. "Best in 6 years" is hardly anyuthing to brag about.

Wages rising. Reversing the trend. Unemployment falling. Reversing the trend. Thanks Obama!

 

[The Rabbi]

The middle class has been pummeled for decades? You actually buy that crap? The middle class has been pummeled for the last 6 years. Thanks to Democrats' stupid policies. See my thread on Obamanomics.

The Middle Class has been under pressure since the 60's. The extent of the damage wasn't fully realized until 2008. The foundation to our declining Middle Class started crumbling in the 60's, and steadily progressed to the point we're at today. It was in the 60's when we started closing our plants and factories, thus taking away self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels. We started by closing the steel factories, then we lost the electronics industry ( when was the last America made TV produced? ), then those were soon followed by the textile mills, furniture and appliances, tools, farm equipment, automotive parts, toys, housewares, etc. etc.

Back in the 50's and early 60's, the men went to work and the women stayed home and raised the kids. One income was enough to live the good life. The Middle Class was doing great. Then, as plants and factories closed, the women entered the work force, and their numbers have been growing every since. And, now, two incomes aren't enough to support families in many cases. Steadily, over time, government assistance programs became a necessity in order to supply families with basic needs and necessities.

Once we started closing our plants and factories, taking away the self-supporting opportunities that covered all education and skill levels, the Middle Class was basically doomed. The proof to that statement makes daily headlines. We have 50% of our children living at or below the poverty line. We have 48 million citizens receiving food stamps. We have a growing homeless population. We have shameful unemployment, and employment consist of part-time jobs, temporary jobs, low paying jobs, and jobs with reduced company paid benefits. We have created a poor and dependent society. And, as I have stated, the foundation was laid back in the 60's with the closings of our plants and factories that supported the Middle Class.

Over the past 50 plus years, we've sacrificed our economic well-being in favor of strengthening foreign economies. And, the Middle Class has paid the highest price. Our socioeconomic woes didn't start 6 years ago, they just became front and center 6 years ago. They became more pronounced and damaging. They opened our eyes to the fact that we'd been sold out by the very ones that we entrusted with our well-being. Trace the roots of our economic decline as see what you find. I think that you'll be surprised.

This is why I have you on Ignore. Late night boredom kicked in though.
Middle class people do not work in factories. Working class people work in factories. The decline of manufacturing coincided with rising incomes anyway.
What changed was the massive inflation of the 1970s. In 1960 a person could get a job at $9000/yr. He could buy a new car for 1500. Buy a house for 25k, etc. Now multiple all those prices by 10, which is about right. But no one, or very few, are finishing college and getting jobs at 90k. The second income was needed to off set the effects of inflation.
The worst has been the past 6 years with a stagnating economy.

Oh! I see it all clearly now! The worst has been the last 6 years. Thanks Obama!

Trying to boost your post count or competing for most inane poster of the week?

Rabbi - honestly, you need to grow up and mature. You are constantly throwing slurs, brow-beating posts, and attacking posters. Do you have anger problems? Are you taking medications that adversely affect your thinking? Do you have self-esteem issues? Please, try to be civil and adult. Try engaging in pleasant conversation and civil debate. It's not necessary to be on the attack all the time. This is just a discussion forum, and not a life or death battle. Every conversation is not war.

Your failure to engage in noted.

 

[SwimExpert]

You're such an ignorant piece of shit. Even when you agree with me you're a douche. You must be really butt hurt that I show you up all the time.
You live ina cardboard box outside a cess pool in Kansas. That doesnt count.

I believe that this is Rabbi's way of admitting that his numbers are goat shit that he pulled out of his own ass.

 

[The Rabbi]

This is why I have you on Ignore. Late night boredom kicked in though.
Middle class people do not work in factories. Working class people work in factories. The decline of manufacturing coincided with rising incomes anyway.
What changed was the massive inflation of the 1970s. In 1960 a person could get a job at $9000/yr. He could buy a new car for 1500. Buy a house for 25k, etc. Now multiple all those prices by 10, which is about right. But no one, or very few, are finishing college and getting jobs at 90k. The second income was needed to off set the effects of inflation.
The worst has been the past 6 years with a stagnating economy.

Oh! I see it all clearly now! The worst has been the last 6 years. Thanks Obama!

Trying to boost your post count or competing for most inane poster of the week?

Just mocking you and your lame contention that the world....and especially the US economy....began in January 2009.

Wages and benefits see highest bump in six years Marketplace.org

You failed. You look like an idiot because you conflate wages with GDP. Wage growth has been pitiful. "Best in 6 years" is hardly anyuthing to brag about.

Wages rising. Reversing the trend. Unemployment falling. Reversing the trend. Thanks Obama!

Worst economic performance ever. Thanks Obama.

 

[Sonny Clark]

In 1960 a person could get a job at $9000/yr. He could buy a new car for 1500. Buy a house for 25k, etc. Now multiple all those prices by 10, which is about right. But no one, or very few, are finishing college and getting jobs at 90k. The second income was needed to off set the effects of inflation.

No surprise, Rabbi is pulling numbers out of his ass to try making a bullshit point. A new car for $15,000? You would have to look at the lowest priced economy cars to hit that price range.

Then you suggest a $250,000 house? That's quite a price tag. I live in a two bedroom waterfront house that's 1500 meters away from the ocean, and the market value for this house is only about $180K. There are some places where a livable house can be bought for $80,000.

You're such an ignorant piece of shit. Even when you agree with me you're a douche. You must be really butt hurt that I show you up all the time.
You live ina cardboard box outside a cess pool in Kansas. That doesnt count.

Please. How childish can one get. Rabbi, you have serious self-esteem issues.

 

[The Rabbi]

You're such an ignorant piece of shit. Even when you agree with me you're a douche. You must be really butt hurt that I show you up all the time.
You live ina cardboard box outside a cess pool in Kansas. That doesnt count.

I believe that this is Rabbi's way of admitting that his numbers are goat shit that he pulled out of his own ass.

Butt hurt much? You support what I say and still maintain I am wrong. How stupid is that? Now run along.

 

[SwimExpert]

"""what would bill Maher know about the middle class?

He's sits in his Ivory stage where people PAY to see him.
Exactly. He will never know what the middle class goes through."""


But you do feel that the Waltons and Romneys and Koch brothers DO understand the middle class, right?

Maher wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth. And I suggest you actually watch a few of his shows before you try to tell everyone what he knows or doesn't know.

In that video he states simply facts about how the middle class was built after WWII, the GI Bill paid for college, job training and cheap housing. The GI Bill was possible by taxing the wealthiest Americans up to 90%. He admits it was a socialist structure, but it worked because households could survive with one breadwinner and their house cost about twice of what they paid for their car. Watch the clip.

So let me get this straight....the relative price of a new car has dropped dramatically over the years, and that has caused the middle class to suffer.

 

[iamwhatiseem]

I have used this several times over the years to illustrate wages vs. inflation in America.
In 1977, my parents bought a 3 bdrm home. and happen to also bought a 1977 Chevy Malibu. My Father earned a little over $10 an hour in a factory.
Price of the home -- $26,000
Price of the 1977 Malibu - $4,500
His wages - $400 a week.

In 2015, that same house where I live will cost you about $110,000
A new 2015 Malibu is about $22,000.
Earnings for a factory worker in this area is about $12 an hour.

Get it?

 

[Wyatt earp]

I don't know therefore I wanted to ask participants of the forum.

Put America back to work, producing what America uses and consumes. Severely penalize the off-shore out-sourcing of jobs, severely penalize importing labor, and severely penalize anyone hiring or assisting an illegal immigrant. Re-write our unfair, unjust, and one sided foreign trade agreements and policies, so that they become fair, equal, and balance foreign trade agreements and policies. End our dependency on cheap foreign imports. Stop sacrificing our economic well-being in favor of strengthening foreign economies. Put the "Made In U.S.A." label back on store shelves.

Elect pro-America representatives to serve in government. Stop electing and re-electing professional politicians to run this country. Rewind the clock to the 50's and 60's when our plants and factories provided living wage jobs that covered all education and skill levels.

The above will create a strong Middle Class, and provide self-supporting opportunities across the board. As it stands now, we're consumers and not producers. This has created a poor and dependent society, living off of government assistance programs and unemployment checks. The above steps will reverse that trend.

Your a fucking idiot, trade wars never work and you want to pay $5,000 for a t v. or computer?