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The fact that Corporate America is making record profits isn't surprising (Americans work longer hours, and take fewer vacations and days off than any other western nation). And it doesn't necessarily translate into strong earnings for the average American. Statistics have been showing for years that the middle class is been squeezed out, and that the gap between the rich and the poor is growing. The rise of the middle class is what MADE the American economy what it is; The contraction of the middle class is a very worrisome sign. Please don't think I'm some left-wing liberal; I'm a conservative (old-school fiscal, not religious fundamentalist). However, after seeing how badly the (almost) unfettered capitalism we have here has skewed things in favor of big business, at the expense of everyone and everything else. I have to say that a little socialism is a good thing. (Never thought I'd say that).

Oh, and getting back to the original thread. I have a Ducati S2R 1000 and belong to Ducatimonster.org A Ducati Monster meassge board. The general opinion is "Eh, so what?" The picture is a photoshop, and theres no substantiating evidence that the article is accurate. The MCN article on the 1098 was way off, so why believe them on the monster.

 

[16421]

Thats statistically true, but he empirical evidence is that the actual rate of increase is growing more rapidly for the upper class. (Also they tend to be much less affected by cost of living increases that take a much bigger bite out of middle class household incomes.) Most professions tend to "top-out" in terms of income after a certain point, and no longer get substantial increases. This is particularly true among the blue/white collar jobs that make up the middle class. So the upper income increase in your example would probably not be the same as the middle class one.

Actually thats not entirely true. Most of the studies I've seen list upper class incomes as being over $250,000 (If I remember correctly). So the $100,000 one in your example would still be considered middle class. (I suppose the term RICH is relative. )