99% v 1%

I think we are looking at this so-called "income inequality" all wrong.  We are asking the wrong questions and focusing on the wrong thing.

Instead of pointing out that "the rich are getting richer...," obviously benefiting from tax loopholes, an unfair or not level playing field, etc., perhaps we should look at the big picture differently.  How about if we ask if most of the 99% are better off than their counterparts of, say, a generation ago?  I think all but the most die hard politicians seeking to exploit the wealth disparities for their own agendas would have to agree they most certainly are.  (Now, with all the rotten things being done now, I'm not sure we can say that about the next generation, but that's a question for after the war.)

Quite seriously, at my age, did my parents have what I have now, have what my siblings have?  Were my wife's parents able to buy the things she can or live the way she does?   I ask that of a lot of people and, before they realize what I am up to, admit they are far better off than their parents.

In fact, most people are far better off today than they were twenty or thirty years ago.  OK, my evidence is merely anecdotal, not empirical, but I think it's safe to say that.  When I was a kid, we had spaghetti several times a week because it was cheap to make.  (I didn't mind; I love it.)  For the same reason, we had canned salmon patties, with lots of bread crumbs, macaroni and cheese, lots of soups, etc.  We never had steaks, never.  Desserts?  Rarely.  Oh, there was a lot of peanut butter and jelly, which I still have for dinner once in a while when I eat by myself.  Maybe a Sunday or two a month we had a roast.  We couldn't afford it.  And we were not deprived; at least we didn't think so  We never considered less of ourselves.  Week-long winter or spring trips to Florida or other points south?  That never happened.  Owning a place Up North?  C'mon.  If we took a vacation up there once in four or five years, it was great.  And we never lacked for anything, at least nothing we needed or thought we wanted.  We made fun of the richer people in the West End, calling them "cake-eaters," never envied them.

Visit a school in a so-called "economically depressed" area.  Note the clothes the kids are wearing.  I wonder if any of them have smart phones or even just cell phones.  Check the student parking lot.  Student parking lot--what's that?  They have cars.  There are been studies that show incredible percentages of US households have cable television, air conditioning, more than one car, and other necessities of life that, well, weren't necessities a few decades ago.

In other words, instead of comparing ourselves to the billionaires, maybe we should take stock of what we have compared to what others, like us, had in years past.

I think my use of the word "envy" is appropriate.  People envy what others have, not that they need what others have, just that they want them.  After all, if other people have this or that, then we deserve this or that. Envy....  Now isn't that a hoot.  Many who exploit this "income inequality" cite the "greed" of the wealthy.  Well, what exactly is "envy?"  Isn't it a self-absorbed greed?  Of course it is.  We can't be happy with all that we have--we demand what others have, whether we need it or deserve it or have earned it or......

I had a discussion with a guy a few days ago who thought he should have to have a job he doesn't like in order to provide the necessities of live, specifically in this case health insurance, for his family.  OK, I sort of opened the door to this, but never suggested this.  But my look at this comment (and I'm paraphrasing, not remembering his exact words or what I even had for lunch two hours ago!), led to a question from him, asked a bit sheepishly.  Again I don't remember the exact words, but they were something like, "You think I'm greedy to expect this, don't you?"  I don't think I had to say it, but I did anyway, "Yes, I do."  If you don't want to take care of your family, don't have one.  If you aren't willing to sacrifice for your family, your own kids, don't have any.  Don't have them and then expect or even demand that others fulfill what are your responsibilities.  I'm sure I didn't score any points, though.  Politicians and the media have done a terrific job to convince people that they are owed something just because......