Read "Dark Money" by Jane Mayer. The excess money owned by a few truly right wing industrialists gives them the wherewithal to relentlessly squash any movement that threatens their hegemony. They regard this as merely the cost of doing business. Blanket smear advertising in campaigns, especially for house seats. Politically active citizens are no match for thousands of paid operatives, mountains of campaign cash, state of the art research into wedge issues and deceptive framing of issues by highly paid advertising types working for tax exempt "think tanks". Just this week WSJ published another sham science piece from Cato Institute, assuring us that climate change is just a hoax, never mentioning that Cato used to be called the Koch Foundation. The problem with our Democracy is that it has ceased to be a Democracy. Saw a depressing cartoon saying, "We don't care what intelligent people think; there aren't enough of them." The assault on the nearly free education this country once had is not just an accident. They saw a threat from universities in the sixties and seventies, and have weakened it piece by piece since. Ms Mayer gives a contemporary example in North Carolina. It explains how the Republicans get away with denial of science to perpetuate profits despite the self destruction that will follow. Anywhere in Europe, and even in China, such drivel would be laughed off the podium. Your balanced analysis of blame is simply naive.
67
One gets tired of hearing, "What you White People did to us." Most of us White People were not born 200 years ago, and usually our ancestors were not much more than day labors and coal miners. What put slavery out of business was the industrial revolution, which was created mainly by the British. And that's mainly the reason why the English speaking world has most of the wealth in the world. The only race talk that I hear each day is from the African-Americans. As far as I am concerned; if you are civil in your behavior, you're all right by my standards. We all have only so many years before each of us give in to the big sleep. So it is a pity to spend that time feeling sorry for ourselves. So if you want to see real poverty, just push the "redistribution of wealth" idea. Then you will see poverty like you cannot imagine.
48
Overall a good article but is missing one point in that white America is getting more and more tired of being depicted as Satan. We pay the majority of taxes, build industry, and remain hard working and dedicated to the country but each and every day we hear on the news and from The Great Divider Obama that we are the root of all evil. Our culture and morality is called into question and if we even compassionately and intellectually bring up our point of view we are shouted down as racists, homophobes, gun toting idiots, or religious freaks. Want to gain the confidence of the white middle class? Just respect us and our desire to raise our families free of government edicts and condemnation
70
"Cultural instability compounds economic instability."
No.
Economic instability is the cause of cultural instability.
You show me a household with a missing father, welfare dependence, and troubled children and I'll show a household that lacks a stable (probably unionized) employer paying $30/hr. with governmental policies aimed at preventing the work from being relocated to the third world.
Just because Trump behaves like a buffoon doesn't mean that his sharp political instincts don't manage to put his finger rather precisely on the core of the problem. And just because Sanders sometimes seem like a relic of the '30s doesn't mean that he isn't pointing to the fork in the path of public policy where America went astray.
An America where every American willing, ready, and able to work has work that pays enough to provide a modest but sufficient middle class life is an America strong enough to stabilize the American culture.
No.
Economic instability is the cause of cultural instability.
You show me a household with a missing father, welfare dependence, and troubled children and I'll show a household that lacks a stable (probably unionized) employer paying $30/hr. with governmental policies aimed at preventing the work from being relocated to the third world.
Just because Trump behaves like a buffoon doesn't mean that his sharp political instincts don't manage to put his finger rather precisely on the core of the problem. And just because Sanders sometimes seem like a relic of the '30s doesn't mean that he isn't pointing to the fork in the path of public policy where America went astray.
An America where every American willing, ready, and able to work has work that pays enough to provide a modest but sufficient middle class life is an America strong enough to stabilize the American culture.
43
When I read this sort of false equivalency, I can't help but wonder just what part of the "left intelligencia," the author's been reading.
Are there haughty types on the Left? oh my, yes--Dyson springs immediately to mind--but for every one of those, there're five or six Cornel Wests.
And the analysis doesn't say that whitey needa to get out of the way, and working men don't matter. It says that beyond asking about how their successes came at the expenses of others, there's this little thing called capitalism.
It says that it's capitalism that's carrying forward its own internal logic, and as Marx said long ago, melting everything solid into air. You know: Schumpeter's creative destruction, which the Right always hauls out as an excuse every time Beatrice Foods needs the ground a family farm stands on? I mean, from Farm Aid to Wendell Berry, the sympathetic leftish criticism of THAT goes on forever.
But apparently, even Bruce Springsteen doesn't exist insofar as Reno is concerned.
In fact, one suspects that underneath the piety, what we have here is a George Gilder oldie, "Sexual Suicide," endlessly spun on the same old turntable.
Are there haughty types on the Left? oh my, yes--Dyson springs immediately to mind--but for every one of those, there're five or six Cornel Wests.
And the analysis doesn't say that whitey needa to get out of the way, and working men don't matter. It says that beyond asking about how their successes came at the expenses of others, there's this little thing called capitalism.
It says that it's capitalism that's carrying forward its own internal logic, and as Marx said long ago, melting everything solid into air. You know: Schumpeter's creative destruction, which the Right always hauls out as an excuse every time Beatrice Foods needs the ground a family farm stands on? I mean, from Farm Aid to Wendell Berry, the sympathetic leftish criticism of THAT goes on forever.
But apparently, even Bruce Springsteen doesn't exist insofar as Reno is concerned.
In fact, one suspects that underneath the piety, what we have here is a George Gilder oldie, "Sexual Suicide," endlessly spun on the same old turntable.
7
The article is a little off center. The middle class revolt, mainly white men, is due to their decline in status and wealth. Both are connected. According to many studies family income has not increased since 1980 in real terms. Since all other races and women's income have increase, that means the average white man's income had declined. Since the East and West Coast have economically fared much better than the center, white men in the center off the country (the "Red States") are even worse off. And certain professions and businesses; e.g. high-tech, financial services, and healthcare, those white men outside of these sectors are even worse off (again the good sectors are mainly in the coastal states).
As far as status, the media in general ignores and denigrates white men. Women, blacks, gays and everyone else is more important and gets primetime. Certainly, we want a country in which there is equality of all, but it should not be at the expense of anyone group.
White men have lost their pride due to this steep decline, which also includes an increase in the mortality rate for those below 55. To address this we need address the economic issue first and then the social issues. This is not simple, because those who have do not want to give up privilege. The question is whether they want to live an Unites States of America or a third world country.
As far as status, the media in general ignores and denigrates white men. Women, blacks, gays and everyone else is more important and gets primetime. Certainly, we want a country in which there is equality of all, but it should not be at the expense of anyone group.
White men have lost their pride due to this steep decline, which also includes an increase in the mortality rate for those below 55. To address this we need address the economic issue first and then the social issues. This is not simple, because those who have do not want to give up privilege. The question is whether they want to live an Unites States of America or a third world country.
12
I must be reading and listening to other sources than the author or he is willing to swallow Republican memes whole. That is the only place I hear his claim of "The intelligentsia on the left rarely lets a moment pass without reminding us of the demographic eclipse of white middle-class voters. Sometimes, those voters are described as racists, or derided as dull suburbanites who lack the élan of the new urban 'creative class.' The message: White middle-class Americans aren’t just irrelevant to America’s future, they’re in the way."
Republican's have been masters of sewing suspicion as Democrats have attempted to help keep the safety net for the middle class whole. They have not been perfect at and neither have Republicans at destroying it. But, the omnipresent meme that both sides do it is a bogus explanation of how we got where we are. We got here because one side decided to use demagoguery, demonization and denunciation to enrich the 1% and the other side was not strong enough to stop the corruption and were strong armed into helping the destruction at times.
Faux Conservatives are the source of the wrong headed notion that government helping the middle class is hurting it. They threw the middle class to the market wolves long ago and got voters to force Democratic opponents to knuckle under and accept it. The author and intelligentsia must top equating the two with a fake reading of history. Just stop it.
Republican's have been masters of sewing suspicion as Democrats have attempted to help keep the safety net for the middle class whole. They have not been perfect at and neither have Republicans at destroying it. But, the omnipresent meme that both sides do it is a bogus explanation of how we got where we are. We got here because one side decided to use demagoguery, demonization and denunciation to enrich the 1% and the other side was not strong enough to stop the corruption and were strong armed into helping the destruction at times.
Faux Conservatives are the source of the wrong headed notion that government helping the middle class is hurting it. They threw the middle class to the market wolves long ago and got voters to force Democratic opponents to knuckle under and accept it. The author and intelligentsia must top equating the two with a fake reading of history. Just stop it.
20
There is a lot to agree with in this piece, particularly the observation concerning the cultural disdain many of the highly educated and oh so chic urban set have for the suburban white middle class. It was also a pleasant surprise to see a conservative writer take on fellow conservatives for their own bias against anyone not an entrepreneur or financier. Where I disagree is the suggestion that either Sanders or the demagogue of Fifth Ave. are the answer, or that they appeal to the same anxieties.
Sen. Sanders following thus far is heavily college-educated, upper-middle, and young. That hardly describes the demagogue Donald's voters, who skew non-college, older, and angry, mostly about immigrants and anyone not looking like them. That both groups fell anxious is beyond cavil, but the two groups are very different in outlook, and in proposed solutions. In fact other than bumper sticker slogans does the Donald have any detailed solutions not involving the phrase "I'm a winner" or "make it great".
Sen. Sanders following thus far is heavily college-educated, upper-middle, and young. That hardly describes the demagogue Donald's voters, who skew non-college, older, and angry, mostly about immigrants and anyone not looking like them. That both groups fell anxious is beyond cavil, but the two groups are very different in outlook, and in proposed solutions. In fact other than bumper sticker slogans does the Donald have any detailed solutions not involving the phrase "I'm a winner" or "make it great".
11
They both have allowed the rich to get richer and for the rich to suck us dry!
27
It's time to stop referring to the U.S. as a democracy. That's more of a marketing idea/branding concept than a reality these days. This nation has become a full-on plutocracy.
43
You missed the answer in your own article of why the middle class has fears, anxieties and feeling uncared for and abused by power and money, also government.,
When you write that Bernie's Democratic Socialism, which has a greatly more refined definition vs the general lumping of all kinds of socialism under one word, socialism.
You state without a reason it simply can't be done. And the banks are too large to fail as were the auto companies.
You, see, their fears are generated because they fear the god awful measures already in place can not and will change to the middles class advantage. Their fear is that those that put them in place have all the power and control to continue the status quo. And with your answer that Bernie's ideas can not be put in place, then, you must agree with what I'm writing.
When you write that Bernie's Democratic Socialism, which has a greatly more refined definition vs the general lumping of all kinds of socialism under one word, socialism.
You state without a reason it simply can't be done. And the banks are too large to fail as were the auto companies.
You, see, their fears are generated because they fear the god awful measures already in place can not and will change to the middles class advantage. Their fear is that those that put them in place have all the power and control to continue the status quo. And with your answer that Bernie's ideas can not be put in place, then, you must agree with what I'm writing.
4
Bernie Sanders is the Robin Hood of our century long to be remembered for his socialistic views about economy. If you tax innovators at 90%, people will lose interest in innovation. This will be the end of invention leading to industry and jobs. Why do you think we have any economy? Work produces industry and industry produces innovation and a better economy.
9
The "White Middle Class" sold out with Reagan. They were predominantly racist but had enough code language to hide it. The Union members sold out; it was I got mine, so to those coming up to bad (can you get any lower?). Now, whatever the Middle Class is, it is waking up and realizing that they are closer to the bottom than the top, that we are in this together and the game is rigged. Obama has accomplished what can be expected of a moderate republican, but the gift of Obama is that he has brought out the ignorant racist bigots in full force and we know who they will pledging their allegiance to. As for this article, it is Corporate speak.
31
i agree both parties were complicit. Reagan slashed the revenue base and forced higher taxes on the unrich, he bashed government and unions and allowed corporations to ship whole industries overseas. Clinton worked with business too, and was not a defender of labor.
Reagan's were sons of commission. Clinton's, of omission. Both venal, but the clear loser in economic philosophy is the GOP.
Telling voters the parties are the same lowers turnout and that benefits the right.
Reagan's were sons of commission. Clinton's, of omission. Both venal, but the clear loser in economic philosophy is the GOP.
Telling voters the parties are the same lowers turnout and that benefits the right.
9
Yes, both parties are beholden to big money but. more fundamentally, the trickle down ideology peddled since Reagan, preached by the right, tacitly accepted by the center left - in short, a lower tax burden on corporations, investments, and entrepreneurs supposedly lifts all boats - has proven to be the proverbial emperor without clothes for anyone but a relative few made up of the rich and the upper middle classes who swim in their immediate orbit, typically in a few cities on the west and east coasts. And, no, sparkly new gadgets and cheaper TVs don't compensate fro being outside the circle.
How could it be otherwise when Facebook, for instance, employs less than 13000, Google less than 65000, and Apple less than double that, many of them from foreign lands versed in the STEMs like India or China? How could it be otherwise when automation is predicted to further encroach on white collar professions from banking to medicine not forgetting law?
Technological revolutions are always disrupting in the medium term. This latest one, made worse by globalization, is no different. It is unlikely that those who benefit most from it will be apt, caught as they are in competitive spirals, to share down. This is the role of government. As it is to restructure the middle classes for the new environment.
How could it be otherwise when Facebook, for instance, employs less than 13000, Google less than 65000, and Apple less than double that, many of them from foreign lands versed in the STEMs like India or China? How could it be otherwise when automation is predicted to further encroach on white collar professions from banking to medicine not forgetting law?
Technological revolutions are always disrupting in the medium term. This latest one, made worse by globalization, is no different. It is unlikely that those who benefit most from it will be apt, caught as they are in competitive spirals, to share down. This is the role of government. As it is to restructure the middle classes for the new environment.
12
I truly have never understood the remark that "people want to be reassured that they can play an active role in politics", nor the cry "take back the government". If people want to be active in politics, they can. Nobody stops them. I receive frequent notifications from my party to join organizational meetings, for example. You can attend local meetings, participate in campaigns, etc. You can be active in politics by going to city council meetings, or appropriate venues, or join in protests. Finally, there is voting or actually running for office. All of this are opened to people. I don't see how else one can be active in politics in a representative democracy. Now, if tell me that in spite of this, the various levels of government do not respond to public demands, that's a different story. The best way to affect politics is by judicious voting, and this does not mean voting for panderers, fear-mongers and people that promise salvation.
6
This is the smartest editorial I've read in a long time. Bravo. I have wondered if the Trump and Sanders voters would at some point recognize that more unites them than divides them. People want meaningful work to be a path to a meaningful life. We simply don't have enough meaningful work to go around and we don't adequately prepare our kids in too many public schools for the good jobs that are available. White working class people have been ignored and they are showing their teeth this year. I think it is only the end of the beginning as Churchill once said, but change is coming to our politics. We all can't work just to make the rich richer. If we the people finally get that, and not a moment to soon. Hallelujah!
64
"Today, white middle-class voters want to be reassured that they can play an active role in politics. They want someone to appeal to their sense of political self-worth, not just their interests."
When have they not played in active role in politics? They simply bought into the beliefs (1) that the takers were Blacks who are never considered by them to be middle or working class; (2) and that with gumption they can be millionaires. The same people they have been eschewing as inferiors for decades has constantly explained that the game is rigged.
"Mr. Sanders also appeals to the strong desire that the white middle class has to recover its central role in the national project. "
Again, when has it NOT been about them?
When have they not played in active role in politics? They simply bought into the beliefs (1) that the takers were Blacks who are never considered by them to be middle or working class; (2) and that with gumption they can be millionaires. The same people they have been eschewing as inferiors for decades has constantly explained that the game is rigged.
"Mr. Sanders also appeals to the strong desire that the white middle class has to recover its central role in the national project. "
Again, when has it NOT been about them?
6
Thank you for this article. It might be helpful to have a series of articles from different perspectives on this. Regardless of all the hoopla over the two parties candidates, this election will likely be decided by the great "middle", white or otherwise, who feel they have no party.
I've been reading / listening to Christopher Lasch recently - although his views are from the 1960's-early 1990's, the provide some interesting points for reflection.
I've been reading / listening to Christopher Lasch recently - although his views are from the 1960's-early 1990's, the provide some interesting points for reflection.
3
The white middle class I knew growing up consisted of people who worked for a living with regular hours or people who had small businesses. Now the white middle class seems to be the idiots who refuse to work full time for a living and who resent the government and the poor and just hate everyone. They are also not well educated while the old middle class went thru high school and even some college. I know so many dumb, stupid, high school dropouts who will not work a full time job and now vote Trump or Cruz or whatever. Haters all.
2
I don't know this author or First Things, but his essay does not impress.
The Republicans, with occasional help for a Democrat or two, have fed their mania of Cut Taxes on The Rich until they have launched a Predatory Capitalism that is destroying our country. Still, they want more tax cuts (lfor the rich).
Bank of America can soak its customers illegally, then agree to a negotiated settlement of TEN BILLION DOLLARS, then continue business as before. THAT is predatory capitalism. A single trader in London, known as The Whale, can run up debt for his company of Six Billion Dollars. That is predatory capitalism!
A company about to go under in the disaster of 2008, saved by taxpayers, now buys into a tax "inversion" and moves its theoretical base out of the country--to save on Taxes! That is predatory capitalism!
And the Republican response is: More Tax Cuts For The Rich!
We get what we deserve, and re-electing more Republicans is our punishment!
The Republicans, with occasional help for a Democrat or two, have fed their mania of Cut Taxes on The Rich until they have launched a Predatory Capitalism that is destroying our country. Still, they want more tax cuts (lfor the rich).
Bank of America can soak its customers illegally, then agree to a negotiated settlement of TEN BILLION DOLLARS, then continue business as before. THAT is predatory capitalism. A single trader in London, known as The Whale, can run up debt for his company of Six Billion Dollars. That is predatory capitalism!
A company about to go under in the disaster of 2008, saved by taxpayers, now buys into a tax "inversion" and moves its theoretical base out of the country--to save on Taxes! That is predatory capitalism!
And the Republican response is: More Tax Cuts For The Rich!
We get what we deserve, and re-electing more Republicans is our punishment!
20
This OK column was a lightening rod for some of the greatest comments I have ever read. They reveal a sense of sorrow for what we have lost, as well as a genuine concern for our fellow Americans. I for one live a pretty nice middle class life, but I am looking at a potentially hamstrung retirement, but I will be alright with that a my needs happen to be pretty simple. What most concerns me is knowing that people with good and essential jobs: janitors, municipal park workers, social workers, etc.-- cannot really live a decent life anymore. What further concerns me is young college graduates-- who have done all the "right stuff," -- and yet cannot gain traction and independence the way it was possible to do 30 years ago.
30
Well as a white middle class person whose relative prosperity has shrunk steadily over the past 40 years, I can say that Sanders definitely has appeal. His promise to restore a sense of balance so that the rigged economy actually works for those of us who are doing most of the work makes sense. I find it unconscionable to compare Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders in the same sentence. Trump is a mean-spirited demagogue. Sanders speaks truth to power. Couldn't be further from each other - and this revolution - which will take off, by the way, either peacefully or violently, will wrest power from the 1% and deliver it back to the people. Don't believe me? What do you suppose the French Revolution was about? Don't think we can't do that again? Ha!
22
The middle class, and others who care about the middle class are totally fed up with cronyism, and white collar crimes that go unpunished. We no longer trust our politicians and we don't believe what our government tells us. So why now? Now because we finally have a legitimate candidate that we believe in. Can Bernie make a difference. I, for one, am more than ready to find out!
13
To say I was offended by much of this article would be an understatement.. To say that the "white middle class" is pining for its central place and as a result they support Trump or Sanders is as racist as it comes. Both the working class and the middle class of all races see that the economic system is rigged in favor of the .0001%. They see the kids they struggled to educate unable to get jobs, real jobs not just gigs that rely even more heavily on pleasing the big boss and tugging the forelock to keep or even get hours. They see their savings eroded by big banks and others as the leaders of those organizations are fettered, rewarded and canonized by politicians who are chasing big checks and or big jobs after they retire. They watch as they are told their concerns are irrelevant. As usual the media wants to divide us by race. Follow the money and you'll know why. Keeping the rest of us fighting over the scraps allows the really really wealthy free to cart of what is left!
14
The focus on the "global economy" is misplaced. First, the global economy is not yet that linked. Second, technology is having a far greater impact on jobs that globalism. Perhaps the real error is made by voters. Short of a great infra-structure building out what can the parties do in a transition from an industrial to an information economy?
1
The white middle class despite their protestations don't really seem angry enough. They say if you really want something, you've got to be willing to sacrifice, make the effort it takes to attain any goal. But what are the goals of the middle class?
Sure, they're mad. They can't stop telling us so. They're sore about this and that: taxes, that's always a surefire starter. They're too darned high! All those taxes going for what? We've got to cut back, tighten our belts, waste less. Curiously when it comes around to making a choice of what to cut, then it's: Washington, we have a problem.
We come to that pesky fork in the road and all heck breaks loose. Some want to cut things they don't see any use for while those who do need them want to cut the things the first party of the first part think are desperately needed. This bickering goes on in regions, states, counties, cities, towns, villages, hamlets, farms, caves around the country, three hundred plus million arguing about the direction the government should take.
We term this gridlock. This miasma makes it way to Washington under the noses of our elected representatives who are under strict instructions to get the job done, quickly. Time is of the essence we chant. If you don't get what we want fixed soon after you unpack then forget it, you're useless, just wasting more of our hard-earned money, doing nothing. What we need to do is fire everyone, start anew. Yeah, maybe that's the answer.
DD
Manhattan
Sure, they're mad. They can't stop telling us so. They're sore about this and that: taxes, that's always a surefire starter. They're too darned high! All those taxes going for what? We've got to cut back, tighten our belts, waste less. Curiously when it comes around to making a choice of what to cut, then it's: Washington, we have a problem.
We come to that pesky fork in the road and all heck breaks loose. Some want to cut things they don't see any use for while those who do need them want to cut the things the first party of the first part think are desperately needed. This bickering goes on in regions, states, counties, cities, towns, villages, hamlets, farms, caves around the country, three hundred plus million arguing about the direction the government should take.
We term this gridlock. This miasma makes it way to Washington under the noses of our elected representatives who are under strict instructions to get the job done, quickly. Time is of the essence we chant. If you don't get what we want fixed soon after you unpack then forget it, you're useless, just wasting more of our hard-earned money, doing nothing. What we need to do is fire everyone, start anew. Yeah, maybe that's the answer.
DD
Manhattan
1
It is peculiar that the Times is so top heavy with neoliberal corporatist who are in denial regarding their world view. You pat yourselves on the back for championing civil rights for all while you are blind to the fact that half the country is struggling economically. Wake up, people who should be able to participate in this economy cannot. Hard working capable educated and trained individuals with great track records are being shut out. How long is it going to take for you to get it?
And enough with the Trump Sanders comparisons, the two camps are not similar in any way. The Times narrative repeated in nearly every article and opinion column characterizes both as angry inarticulate reactionary impulses when nothing could be further from the truth. While Trump supporters many of whom do not vote express their inchoate rage in nonsensical prescriptions utterly divorced from reality. The Sanders camp are very cognizant of hard data and intelligently parse it for real answers that the Times and the Clinton camp try to tamp down with disparaging inaccurate commentary attempting to cast us as people with a frail grasp of reality.
And enough with the Trump Sanders comparisons, the two camps are not similar in any way. The Times narrative repeated in nearly every article and opinion column characterizes both as angry inarticulate reactionary impulses when nothing could be further from the truth. While Trump supporters many of whom do not vote express their inchoate rage in nonsensical prescriptions utterly divorced from reality. The Sanders camp are very cognizant of hard data and intelligently parse it for real answers that the Times and the Clinton camp try to tamp down with disparaging inaccurate commentary attempting to cast us as people with a frail grasp of reality.
6
The commentator who wrote that in politics "the rules of the game have changed" is spot on. The citizenry has been apathetic in exercising the only thing that can make a difference, VOTING. State and local elections are where it all begins not in the national. The fact that dark money is calling shots is the result of this apathy. That is how "trickle up" works and how policies are made that eventually affect us all. Bernie Sanders wants a revolution and that can only happen if people get involved at the community level rise up and exercise their power and VOTE.
8
The Democratic Party has abandoned the white middle class in favor of a kaleidoscope of unrepresentative special interest groups. These groups are united in nothing so much as an open contempt for the culture and traditions of the white middle class. The Bill Clinton who empathized with 'hard working people who play by the rules' couldn't get nominated dog catcher in a party now dominated by one percenter globalists with no meaningful attachment to America, racial extremists mono-maniacally ranting on and on about "white privilege", and open borders fanatics who deliberately undermine the economic and cultural interests of the white middle class in favor of foreigners who most decidedly have not 'played by the rules'. If the Republicans can nominate a moderately sane candidate for President, they will win the white middle class.
17
This piece actually hits the nail on the head. My dad who passed a couple of years ago at 91 said shortly before his death that America no longer was doing anything "big", i.e. the New Deal, sending a man to the moon, etc.. It goes deeper than this though. Many young people, particularly those who are not college bound, see nothing in civic life that is attractive. It is the old story; we have to invest in livable communities, education, after school programs, health care and mass transportation. We need trade deals that support our economy and bring high tech and manufacturing jobs here rather than sending them overseas. We need an American vision that unites cultural and religious traditions and the public and private sectors. It's hard to see how the billionaire class and the far right conservatives aren't the architects of what is ailing this country.
67
A more accurate title for this piece would be: "How Both Parties Lost the White, Formerly Middle Class. Here's a hint--the middle class is shrinking.
11
Walls Street continues to think American workers need MORE immigrant competition for jobs. The grassroots wants LESS immigrant labor competition.
In 1924, Congress restricted immigration and our law produced a 40-year moratorium on most immigration into the United States. Under Coolidge, Hoover, FDR, Truman, Eisenhower and JFK, this was the law of the land. A large and prosperous middle class was built during this era of closed borders. This pause also allowed our country time to assimilate the immigrants who arrived through Ellis Island.
Think what you want of Trump, but at least he's thrown some overdue and much needed grenades at the establishment.
In 1924, Congress restricted immigration and our law produced a 40-year moratorium on most immigration into the United States. Under Coolidge, Hoover, FDR, Truman, Eisenhower and JFK, this was the law of the land. A large and prosperous middle class was built during this era of closed borders. This pause also allowed our country time to assimilate the immigrants who arrived through Ellis Island.
Think what you want of Trump, but at least he's thrown some overdue and much needed grenades at the establishment.
12
Both political parties have lied not only to the white middle class, but the middle class as a whole. LBJ lied about Vietnam, and middle and working class Americans died needlessly in that war. LBJ and Ted Kennedy lied about the demographic effects of the 1965 Immigrant Act, that has undermined the wages for white and black workers with an influx of migrants. Reagan and the Republicans since him have lied about the effects of supply-side economics that have created this vast disparity in income and wealth. Clinton, and now Obama, promoted "free trade" agreements that hurt American workers. Clinton and Republicans in Congress deregulated the financial sector, which has devastated the middle and working classes. Neither party establishment is to be trusted! That's why so many Americans are angry and willing to look elsewhere. They have nothing to lose.
12
Suggestion for Bernie to reclaim white middle class: Reframe the revolution: What he is proposing is not just a political revolution, but also an industrial revolution going from the fossil fuel age to the renewable energy age. This changes everything, and if done correctly, will equal WWII for economic stimulus. And the danger we face is as great, so redeployment of our energies and our wealth is equally justified. Stopping the wealth transfer to the middle east to buy oil, and a healthier populace from universal healthcare and clearer air and water, will pay for itself in the long run.... particularly in light of the avoided costs of runaway climate change. Not the least of these will be endless war, as breadbaskets suffer draughts, and populations boil over in search of food. Europe's present refugee problems are just the beginning. Parts of the middle east are inching toward a climate too hot to work outdoors without dying. Domestically, we'll be dealing with finding homes for the residents of Florida, Norfolk, New Orleans, Long Island... and eventually Manhattan. Failing to aggressively act now, moves us ever closer to the time when the escalating cost of propping up a dying, obsolete, and unwise infrastructure closes out the option of building for a livable world. Hillary might be an aspirin to allay some of the pain for four more years. But only the strong medicine of Bernie has a chance of curing the wasting disease that grips us.
1
Ever since the Reagan years when the right combined "working-class" values and social conservatism ("the author's culture"), with economic conservatism ("globalism, and deregulation") they have been virtually inseparable. This election to me is a sign that, maybe just maybe, people are waking up to the fact that this free market economic scheme is NOT supporting their families. Especially rural white America has to be feeling to the fact that Republican politicians haven't done anything for them in the way of economic improvement except slash taxes. The author writes "Cultural instability compounds economic instability" and yes that is true but until someone can craft a clear message that the anxiety and instability that the middle class is feeling is systematic economic problems and is not because people aren't working hard enough (Bernie), the white middle class will continue to slide down into disillusionment. How can there be any culture when a corrupt economy drains all money and energy?
3
Is the white middle class some place to dwell, escape to, visit, or just move through, going up or down?
Reno mentions "cultural instability" that "compounds economic instability," but his examples of 1970s drug use, then marriage and illegitimacy rates now of only high school graduates, are rather poor examples that miss the mark.
No mention of women heading households? Households of married same-sex couples with children? A volunteer military now comprised of everyone who wants to serve, or to escape chronic unemployment?
Both political parties embraced Iowa corn 'farmers,' subsidized to produce ethanol (fuel no one may actually need). Neither party mentioned Western cattle ranchers, subsidized to produce beef (human fuel of waning prominence).
Yes R.R., strange world in politics, culture and class.
Reno mentions "cultural instability" that "compounds economic instability," but his examples of 1970s drug use, then marriage and illegitimacy rates now of only high school graduates, are rather poor examples that miss the mark.
No mention of women heading households? Households of married same-sex couples with children? A volunteer military now comprised of everyone who wants to serve, or to escape chronic unemployment?
Both political parties embraced Iowa corn 'farmers,' subsidized to produce ethanol (fuel no one may actually need). Neither party mentioned Western cattle ranchers, subsidized to produce beef (human fuel of waning prominence).
Yes R.R., strange world in politics, culture and class.
4
What defines "the middle class"? Is it education? Is it job? Is it assets? Is it income? Is it all of the above?
Whichever it is, it is destined to decline. Gone are the days when a high school drop out could get a job with an auto company paying $30 an hour, $70,000 plus with overtime, plus benefits. Also gone are the days when you didn't want a car produced on a Monday and Friday. Gone are the days when a person sweeping the floor in a Union shop could earn $30 an hour. Gone are the days when an exmplyee could not switch a light bulb without calling an electrican.
No matter what any of these candidates say, This middle class will never recover. The real question is: Should they?
Whichever it is, it is destined to decline. Gone are the days when a high school drop out could get a job with an auto company paying $30 an hour, $70,000 plus with overtime, plus benefits. Also gone are the days when you didn't want a car produced on a Monday and Friday. Gone are the days when a person sweeping the floor in a Union shop could earn $30 an hour. Gone are the days when an exmplyee could not switch a light bulb without calling an electrican.
No matter what any of these candidates say, This middle class will never recover. The real question is: Should they?
5
How many of the "facts" you relate above are actually true and not urban legends?
8
To say that both political parties are to blame for the demise of the white middle class just ignores history. I am old enough to remember what indeed happenned and it wasn't about the Democratic party abandoning the White middle class. On the contrary, the White middle class abandoned the Democratic party in multiple waves with the first one happening in the South with the introduction of civil rights legislation in the 1960's. Then the South turned solid Republican over the next ten years. The second wave arrived when Reagan was elected because the Republicans preached a new orthodoxy that promised great dividends to them while they were suffering from the effects of the oil crisis disruption and the onslaught of globalization taking away their jobs. So what happened, Reagan cut taxes and exploded the budget deficit. Bush 1 knew better, but was castigated by fellow conservatives when he raised taxes. Clinton raised taxes further which lowered the deficit and that reduced interest rates which spurred economic growth. Bush 2 repeated the failed economic policies of Reagan and unfunded war mongering. Obama inherited this entire mess along with unified opposition. So why would someone write that both parties abandoned Whites? After all, it was the 95% White, Republican CEO's who off-shored millions of workers jobs to increase profits that could be used to buy back their company stock that made them much, much richer. White workers need to recognize this and so does the writer.
45
Obama did not have "unified opposition" as a roadblock when he won in 2008. With Dem control of the House and Senate, he could have seized the moment to achieve populist goals like marching the bankers through Times Square and into jail; he could have satisfied democratic voter frustration with two monstrous wars by implementing open investigations that well could have led to trials for war crimes. That he did not do any of this was a turning point for many of us: we believe that the "powers above" told him what to do, and these two items were not on that list.
8
Bush 1 didn't raise anybody's taxes. When the Democratic Congress sent him legislation to raise taxes, he foolishly agreed to sign it instead of vetoing it. Then, in the next election, the Democrats created the lie that Bush raised taxes, which become widely believed by ignorant voters.
3
Thank you for this important perspective.
However, if you watched the coverage by CNN or whomever, you would have seen nothing but white people--middle or lower-middle class, I'd guess, though I hate to stereotype.
Not one Latino or black face. Not one.
So it seems that rank-and-file whites chose the winners and that must mean something about "our" future.
However, if you watched the coverage by CNN or whomever, you would have seen nothing but white people--middle or lower-middle class, I'd guess, though I hate to stereotype.
Not one Latino or black face. Not one.
So it seems that rank-and-file whites chose the winners and that must mean something about "our" future.
6
This the success of Newt Gingrich's long-ago plan to create such disgust with the political system that ordinary people would turn away, refuse to participate and pay attention, and on the rubble the Republicans could buy their way into office using the money of their plutocrat patrons. Republicans have kept the loyalty of their voters by fueling their anger about social issues, while they steal the money while no one is paying attention.
28
Tell me whether this phrase, "using the money of their plutocrat patrons" better describes Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, or Hillary Clinton?
4
Good article, as most have said, but...
Upper-middle-class Americans like myself (living in beautiful Bethesda, MD) benefit both as consumers of low-cost imported goods, and as occasional employers of low-cost undocumented -- and humble! -- service providers. Working class Americans (not mentioned in the article), black and white, are forced instead to COMPETE with low-wage undocumented and overseas labor. Being American is no advantage. One result - white former workers now join blacks in an underclass that global employers have no use for. Now, if the white, black and immigrant workers and ex-workers would start blaming those above them, instead of those below, watch out!
Upper-middle-class Americans like myself (living in beautiful Bethesda, MD) benefit both as consumers of low-cost imported goods, and as occasional employers of low-cost undocumented -- and humble! -- service providers. Working class Americans (not mentioned in the article), black and white, are forced instead to COMPETE with low-wage undocumented and overseas labor. Being American is no advantage. One result - white former workers now join blacks in an underclass that global employers have no use for. Now, if the white, black and immigrant workers and ex-workers would start blaming those above them, instead of those below, watch out!
27
There is no "middle class" to abandon the two parties. Clinton's embrace of NAFTA and Greenspan monetary policy was the fatal prognosis for the middle class and it has now come to pass.
Households with incomes ranging from 25,000 to 250,000 typically consider themselves "middle class," which is truly delusional as such households will have little in common to consider them as belonging to the same "class."
If not for the Democratic Party's abandonment of work interests for investment interests, the Reagan Democrats would have awoken from their Patriotic inebriation and realized the Republican Party's economic policies were snake oil. Without an advocate in government for the economic needs of people who work for a living, socially conservative working-class folks focused on abortion and gay marriage and creationism as their paychecks and bank accounts withered.
"What's wrong with Kansas" is the definitive work on this reality.
Households with incomes ranging from 25,000 to 250,000 typically consider themselves "middle class," which is truly delusional as such households will have little in common to consider them as belonging to the same "class."
If not for the Democratic Party's abandonment of work interests for investment interests, the Reagan Democrats would have awoken from their Patriotic inebriation and realized the Republican Party's economic policies were snake oil. Without an advocate in government for the economic needs of people who work for a living, socially conservative working-class folks focused on abortion and gay marriage and creationism as their paychecks and bank accounts withered.
"What's wrong with Kansas" is the definitive work on this reality.
16
I grew up in a split house in through the 70's and 80's. Dad was a police offer and a Republican and Mom was a school admin and a Democrat. It was a bedroom community about 10 miles outside the city.
We were taught that you kept up on issues, and candidates and as a citizen you had to vote in every election. So when I turned 18 that became a standard practice. Also, taxes were discussed but they were not vilified, they were necessary to maintain the attributes we enjoyed, schools, parks, roads, public services, etc.
Well now I don't really know what to make of the current situation. Since neither side can find or agree on common ground everything grinds to a halt. If Republicans want to prove government doesn't work, their apathy and abstinence has done that. I can't stomach that.
As someone who works a job where compromise is needed to move projects ahead to completion, the thought of not participating in that would basically get me fired and cause projects to fail. So our government, as it currently exists, is failing and there seems to be no urgency to remedy that.
Both sides of the political aisle are pulling on the rope trying to grab more and more and eventually, as we're seeing now, the middle frays and will just give way. Then both sides can have their rope and stay in their own, little corners, greedily grasping their little strands, doing nothing, while the country continues to erode under their directionless leadership.
We were taught that you kept up on issues, and candidates and as a citizen you had to vote in every election. So when I turned 18 that became a standard practice. Also, taxes were discussed but they were not vilified, they were necessary to maintain the attributes we enjoyed, schools, parks, roads, public services, etc.
Well now I don't really know what to make of the current situation. Since neither side can find or agree on common ground everything grinds to a halt. If Republicans want to prove government doesn't work, their apathy and abstinence has done that. I can't stomach that.
As someone who works a job where compromise is needed to move projects ahead to completion, the thought of not participating in that would basically get me fired and cause projects to fail. So our government, as it currently exists, is failing and there seems to be no urgency to remedy that.
Both sides of the political aisle are pulling on the rope trying to grab more and more and eventually, as we're seeing now, the middle frays and will just give way. Then both sides can have their rope and stay in their own, little corners, greedily grasping their little strands, doing nothing, while the country continues to erode under their directionless leadership.
1
I am at a total loss in understanding why the word "white" was in the title. Not once did the author tell us how the interests of the white middle class differ from the interests of the middle class in any other race or ethnic group. Looks like nothing more than click bait. Oh the poor misunderstood and under appreciated white guys!
16
Thanks for saying this. I despise this faux war between whites and other races.
7
It might be related to the fact that the white middle class once had secure jobs and their kids went to good schools. The great integration project, which whites supported, has instead led to severely dysfunctional public schools around the country. Affirmative action has led to explicit anti-white quotas in hiring in major companies and for government jobs. The insistence by the Democrats that the economic pie stop growing (to save the environment) has made all but those at the very top financially insecure. Why Republicans have failed to capitalize on the Democrat fumbles is an enduring mystery--I suspect Republicans don't really want to govern.
4
"[T]he resulting culture of ambition paradoxically erodes middle-class confidence. Today, the vast middle of the middle fears that unless you’re on the way up, you’re on the way down."
The upper middle class would be nowhere without the elite universities that confer high status on 17-year-olds by admitting them into the charmed circle of endless opportunities and useful contacts. The upper middle class has a stranglehold on the best colleges.
One way to temper the ferocious culture of ambition would be establish new elite universities. The Stanfords did this with astonishing success when they created an instant university far from the elite centers on the East Coast. It is a pity that none of today's billionaires have similar ambitions.
The upper middle class would be nowhere without the elite universities that confer high status on 17-year-olds by admitting them into the charmed circle of endless opportunities and useful contacts. The upper middle class has a stranglehold on the best colleges.
One way to temper the ferocious culture of ambition would be establish new elite universities. The Stanfords did this with astonishing success when they created an instant university far from the elite centers on the East Coast. It is a pity that none of today's billionaires have similar ambitions.
6
The author regards the "white middle class" as one thing, not many. We should know that the white males who did not go to college (and may not have graduated from high school) do represent anything but themselves. Those in the middle class who join them in fears about their economic and social/cultural status are justified by their shaky educational backgrounds. Meritocracy works against not only the guy who thought broads, booze, and truck beds were the life, but even the good, if not outstanding, student. The real cause of anxiety is the unspoken fear that technology is relentlessly meritocratic, and training will not overcome its advance. So we have a problem of human existentialism and socio-economic order as serious as climate change, but no one is paying any attention to it.
11
Is crony capitalism no less a throwback than socialism?
3
Interesting how many people say he misses the point and then repeat exactly his same argument.
2
Not one mention of 'oligarchy'.
Democrat and Republican voters are railing against seeping or worse, oligarchy.
Everything has been monopolized.
Politicians spend the lion's share of their time in office courting oligarchs and their lobbyists, because they need the money for the next election, even if they just won the last election.
The Democratic base, generally better educated than the republican base, know it by name: oligarchy.
Republicans use the term less often but are reacting in a visceral way to the same phenomena.
Democrat and Republican voters are railing against seeping or worse, oligarchy.
Everything has been monopolized.
Politicians spend the lion's share of their time in office courting oligarchs and their lobbyists, because they need the money for the next election, even if they just won the last election.
The Democratic base, generally better educated than the republican base, know it by name: oligarchy.
Republicans use the term less often but are reacting in a visceral way to the same phenomena.
10
There's an old truism that in a conflict, the guy who manages to be out of town gets the promotion.
Too much blame being thrown at Democrats because they were unable to overcome Republican obstruction and hatred. Too many Democrats who find it easier to shoot at each other than face the real problem.
Too many people indulging in magic thinking, who want a hero (or a pied piper) rather than someone to help them work with each other to change things. Too many of them willing to take their toys and go home if this magical solution doesn't appear (it won't).
Yes, jobs are a real problem, but our very real life-threatening problems, particularly climate change, are only going to get worse if we hunker down with our two-dimensional infotainment and regard somebody who makes us want to scream as the ultimate savior.
We cannot continue exploiting and dumping on a finite planet and expect things to get better. Rather, we have to push against the dream of having it all and the people taking advantage of our blind faith that somebody else can fix it. Addressing our energy and infrastructure problems would be the best imaginable jobs program, and it would have the added benefit of making our future possible on a livable planet.
Hating and quitting are not solutions. No "hero" can go it alone.
Too much blame being thrown at Democrats because they were unable to overcome Republican obstruction and hatred. Too many Democrats who find it easier to shoot at each other than face the real problem.
Too many people indulging in magic thinking, who want a hero (or a pied piper) rather than someone to help them work with each other to change things. Too many of them willing to take their toys and go home if this magical solution doesn't appear (it won't).
Yes, jobs are a real problem, but our very real life-threatening problems, particularly climate change, are only going to get worse if we hunker down with our two-dimensional infotainment and regard somebody who makes us want to scream as the ultimate savior.
We cannot continue exploiting and dumping on a finite planet and expect things to get better. Rather, we have to push against the dream of having it all and the people taking advantage of our blind faith that somebody else can fix it. Addressing our energy and infrastructure problems would be the best imaginable jobs program, and it would have the added benefit of making our future possible on a livable planet.
Hating and quitting are not solutions. No "hero" can go it alone.
4
The middle class is just that, in the middle. We are required to support the nation through our taxes, but in many cases we don't see any direct benefit from them. Many are concerned about growing numbers of people not working, or not working enough to get by and rely on government handouts, some for generations. We see illegal immigration taking jobs that some could use, employers who look for the illegal worker to bypass the taxes and SS paid to regular workers. Most of us in the middle don't care about immigration, as that is how most of our families got here, but the illegal manner in which has been happening for the past 20 years or so. The lack of the good middle class jobs that our parents had, gone to outsourced companies in foreign lands, have hurt the middle class the most.
During a parent day at my daughter's college, one college financial person called many of us "tweeners," meaning that we made too much money to get the free or reduced tuition, but too little to just pay it annually. I'll be paying for my two daughters' education until I die. Stuck in the middle again.
During a parent day at my daughter's college, one college financial person called many of us "tweeners," meaning that we made too much money to get the free or reduced tuition, but too little to just pay it annually. I'll be paying for my two daughters' education until I die. Stuck in the middle again.
14
A middle class that decade after decade who have voted against their own financial interests by being baited by the Republicans on social/cultural issues deserves to be lost.
This who Trump/Cruz "populism" of angry white middle class voters is called payment come due for falling for the "lower taxes on the wealthy and corporations raises all boats."
It's proved to be a sad joke that it doesn't happen.
I find it interesting that the Repubs get the dander up on the middle class over the victimization of minorities, women and immigrants, the white middle class is wallowing in self-pity and victimization.
The chickens have come home to roost, Middle Class. Start voting for your own interests not those of the wealthiest 20%.
This who Trump/Cruz "populism" of angry white middle class voters is called payment come due for falling for the "lower taxes on the wealthy and corporations raises all boats."
It's proved to be a sad joke that it doesn't happen.
I find it interesting that the Repubs get the dander up on the middle class over the victimization of minorities, women and immigrants, the white middle class is wallowing in self-pity and victimization.
The chickens have come home to roost, Middle Class. Start voting for your own interests not those of the wealthiest 20%.
12
Actually the white and the non-white middle class are at risk. As more and more of our nation's wealth goes to fewer and fewer, the rest of us have less. The Republicans propose to fix this by giving tax cuts to the wealthy, unleashing the banks and polluters and growing the military. The Democrats propose to fix this by offering training for jobs which corporate America has sent overseas and fixing our infrastructure so that we won't be late for our underpaying job.
Neither approach will work, but at least the Democratic proposals will be easier on my car's suspension.
Neither approach will work, but at least the Democratic proposals will be easier on my car's suspension.
10
The immorality and devotion to greed of our business elites has been devastating to our country. For example, taking a Maytag factory and moving it from Iowa to Mexico without any thought of the effect on the community, families, etc. Bernie Sanders gets up and notes how wrong this is while Republicans shrug. Hey, that's ruthless capitalism for you. Well, no thanks. I'll take democratic socialism anytime.
159
But the bigger issue is why is it more advantageous for Maytag to move to Mexico? Labor costs, taxes, regulations? I'm not sure what the answer is, but maybe we need to make it more costly for business to do this than to stay. We all like those cheap appliances, but at what cost? Where is your cell phone manufactured? Not here, but we all want them and cheaply. How can it be cheaper to be manufactured in China and shipped here than to be manufactured here to begin with?
8
I despise the elites but I don't like do nothing takers who blame everyone but themselves either. Nowhere for me to turn I guess.
5
I certainly don't like "cheap appliances." I liked buying a large appliance and knowing it would work for a long time and the Maytag repairman was "the loneliest man in town." Cheap appliances cost us more in the long run and they take up space in the land fills.
4
This column comes close to the true angst of middle America. Many have missed it. Middle America (not "class") has been left out, cut out of the loop that makes a free enterprise representative democracy. Three factors in that description of what we were "Constituted" to be: 1) capable of making our own way, following our dreams and talents to whatever logical conclusion hard work, risk and determination could achieve. 2) Represented, not ruled, by those we sent into government. And, 3) a government where the people were the bedrock, not the political class sent there by, for and of, the people. This is what has been consciously eroded by what has become a governing elite. It is this, more than anything, that Sanders and Trump speak to; Middle Americans do not want to be taken care of. They want the rights and the freedoms to do so for themselves. They understand that the alternative now available from both parties is a third world governance: those who govern and those who are governed. Those who are served by those who serve. Public service (the servant) is now the purview of the taxpayer, not the elected representative. Middle America wants its country back. The appointed, anointed power rich and the targeted, regulated powerless dependent is not the country America should be - that is a third world existence. It is being rejected.
7
AMERICA, this election cycle you face making a choice you almost did not have the possibility to make.
You can choose a REP or DEM candidate and get EXCACTLY what the last 35 tears have brought and wrought OR you can vote for BERNIE SANDERS.
For Change.
You will NOT get or have this opportunity ever again.
I suggest you take it.
You can choose a REP or DEM candidate and get EXCACTLY what the last 35 tears have brought and wrought OR you can vote for BERNIE SANDERS.
For Change.
You will NOT get or have this opportunity ever again.
I suggest you take it.
11
This column reminds me of of the kind of fluff you see on the internet. The truth is that there is no longer a guaranteed middle class in the US. There's an idea of the middle class left over from the time when there was one. Some people still believe in it; some realize it's gone. When you live in a country whose state governments poison their people with lead to help with the corporate privatization of H2O; whose federal government lets cities die; whose congress denies healthcare to first responders and FEMA to areas hit with disasters, you're not living in a democracy with a prosperous middle class. You're living in a country on its way to being a collection of banana republics.
124
In some areas of the U.S. we are already a 3rd class country.
4
Writers on this topic prefer to ignore the immigration issue. Just as the political parties prefer to ignore the immigration issue. Therefore, Donald Trump has made a lot of hay with the immigration issue. Voters have come realize that the political parties don't give a tinker's dam about them.
34
"Cultural instability compounds economic instability."
That gets it precisely backwards, but I suppose we can't expect much other than moralizing analysis from the editor of a religious magazine.
That gets it precisely backwards, but I suppose we can't expect much other than moralizing analysis from the editor of a religious magazine.
6
How can the term "middle class" have any meaning when there is no "low class"?
As well, "working class", the substitute for the missing "low class" seems to include many folks who have never worked, and never will.
There are many productive, well educated blue-collar workers who are dumped into the "working class" along with many who are "no class."
This entire "class" notion needs a rework.
As well, "working class", the substitute for the missing "low class" seems to include many folks who have never worked, and never will.
There are many productive, well educated blue-collar workers who are dumped into the "working class" along with many who are "no class."
This entire "class" notion needs a rework.
10
Mr. Reno,
You speak of how Trump and Sanders talk of restoring American greatness and putting the middle class back in charge. Which candidates don't talk of this?
You speak of how Trump and Sanders talk of restoring American greatness and putting the middle class back in charge. Which candidates don't talk of this?
2
I'd like to know what era of American greatness these folks are referencing. The Robber Baron era of the late 1800's or the postwar boom years when the tax rate was 90% on the 1%.
While many on this board have figured out the false premises in this Article, only 50% of the voters in Iowa cast for Bernie - the rest of the Democrats gave allegiance to their Killer
George Carlin said at the Beacon Theater a long time ago: They want it all, they want everything and then they are coming for your Social Security.
Murder by Neglect is National Policy - either fight with Bernie or go silently away under the waves.
George Carlin said at the Beacon Theater a long time ago: They want it all, they want everything and then they are coming for your Social Security.
Murder by Neglect is National Policy - either fight with Bernie or go silently away under the waves.
9
Liberal democracy that came out of the Western experiment after WW II is now at a critical point - political power and economic power is totally decoupled. Society is the creation of synergistic play of political power and economic power. The role of democracy to the society is now in question. What is happening - the societal force trying to correct this anomaly - Trump movement is giving the political power to economic leaders, Sanders movement is to give economic power to political leaders. Let us see how this manifest. The force that is driving this change is the White Middle class - dominant people force of American society. I do not agree that White middle class is revolting for self preservation, the major people force is trying to correct the experiment of American liberal democracy. This is a positive outcome and society will change - the direction depends on the outcome of this election.
4
Despite its flaws, Bernie's version of socialism is certainly not an unworkable throwback. That characterization has become a mantra for the NY Times. But when one looks closer his appeal to the white middle class is not in vague cultural symbolism, but a direct recognition that their stagnant wages will remain until and unless there are serious changes in our political economy.
It's great to expand health insurance, but the premiums are too high and the actual coverage leaves families with huge deductibles. Bernie simply says why can every other industrial country figure out a single payer plan, but we can't?
The white middle class knows from their day to day experience that there is a finance capital economy and a Main Street economy. They live on Main Street, but all the money is flowing in the opposite direction. Their salaries are too low, their kids can't get through college without suffocating debt and when they graduate they live at home because they can't find an affordable apartment. They know they're getting screwed by the banks, the credit card companies and their political representatives.
Bernie's social democracy is a call to re-calibrate political power to at least give them a chance to compete with the army of lobbyists that rule Washington. At the end of the day Trump is no class traitor. If nothing else Bernie has changed the political debate. I hope the media gets the memo and stops bashing socialism without looking closer at its compelling rationale.
It's great to expand health insurance, but the premiums are too high and the actual coverage leaves families with huge deductibles. Bernie simply says why can every other industrial country figure out a single payer plan, but we can't?
The white middle class knows from their day to day experience that there is a finance capital economy and a Main Street economy. They live on Main Street, but all the money is flowing in the opposite direction. Their salaries are too low, their kids can't get through college without suffocating debt and when they graduate they live at home because they can't find an affordable apartment. They know they're getting screwed by the banks, the credit card companies and their political representatives.
Bernie's social democracy is a call to re-calibrate political power to at least give them a chance to compete with the army of lobbyists that rule Washington. At the end of the day Trump is no class traitor. If nothing else Bernie has changed the political debate. I hope the media gets the memo and stops bashing socialism without looking closer at its compelling rationale.
7
To the author: Good name; good piece.
2
What middle class?
4
As an elderly white middle class woman who came of age in the early 60's I have mixed views on your article and comments.
One thing we have lost in many cases is our work ethic and perhaps our sense of right and wrong. We have been taught by the tv and movies a fantasy view of life, that alll of this is our due. One thing I was told over and over again was life is real, life is earnest, not simple and that only the strong survive.
Do I blame the government? Somewhat but remember we put them in there wheat her we voted or not(remember not voting counts too).Did you really check out your candidate or did you support them because they told you what you wanted to hear not what you needed to hear. And after did you support them or did you expect them to wave a magic wand.
Do you love buying cheap and not so cheap junk from China and then complain about jobs being outsourced. When cheap is all that matters, we pay the price. In many cases jobs were lost due to poor management as in the auto industries
One thing we have lost in many cases is our work ethic and perhaps our sense of right and wrong. We have been taught by the tv and movies a fantasy view of life, that alll of this is our due. One thing I was told over and over again was life is real, life is earnest, not simple and that only the strong survive.
Do I blame the government? Somewhat but remember we put them in there wheat her we voted or not(remember not voting counts too).Did you really check out your candidate or did you support them because they told you what you wanted to hear not what you needed to hear. And after did you support them or did you expect them to wave a magic wand.
Do you love buying cheap and not so cheap junk from China and then complain about jobs being outsourced. When cheap is all that matters, we pay the price. In many cases jobs were lost due to poor management as in the auto industries
3
What's going on has to do with technology not politics. Just as the per cent of the population that were farmers went from 90% to 2%, the number of factory workers will continue to go down and the jobs will be gone. No public policy will change that fact. But maybe public policy can do things to empower those displaced middle class. Improved infrastructure spending, better access to colleges and technical training, industries opening apprenticeship programs, more research by government and business creating new industries and new jobs.
Free birth control and abortion on demand. Very high limits on immigration. That is a starting point.
2
As Bill Clinton said, It's about jobs, jobs, jobs. I would add that we all need to feel our jobs count, whether we are care-givers, cleaners, doctors, lawyers, or part of the "creative class." The kids in the advanced classes knew they were better than everyone else, but what should count in the US is that we are all created equal. It's funny - the angry left-behind electorate seems to want the opposite of a candidate who understands humility. Is there a way to accommodate the working class, because won't we always need a working class, and isn't it right and necessary for all of us to simply be housed and fed?
1
Republicans and Democrats oversaw the off-shoring of middle class jobs, the vast wealth transfer to the bankers, and the importation of illegal aliens to depress wages.
Democrats blame whites and their supposed "privilege" for every ill in society.
I am shocked that the shrinking and former middle class is not more upset than they are.
Democrats blame whites and their supposed "privilege" for every ill in society.
I am shocked that the shrinking and former middle class is not more upset than they are.
16
'and the importation of illegal aliens to depress wages.'
Not just wages. When so-called conservatives claim illegals take jobs 'Americans won't do', they leave out that Americans would do these jobs - but they would be aware of, and insist on, safe working conditions and protection of their rights. They will want respirators and safety gear to work with toxic chemicals; bathroom and meal breaks; being paid on schedule and in full; and not being sexually harassed, among other rights. Illegals aren't aware of these rights, or won't complain because they don't want to attract INS attention, or don't see these conditions as unacceptable because they're not much different from the ones in the countries they left.
The NYT makes a lot of pro-union noise, but you cannot be pro-union and pro-illegal.
Not just wages. When so-called conservatives claim illegals take jobs 'Americans won't do', they leave out that Americans would do these jobs - but they would be aware of, and insist on, safe working conditions and protection of their rights. They will want respirators and safety gear to work with toxic chemicals; bathroom and meal breaks; being paid on schedule and in full; and not being sexually harassed, among other rights. Illegals aren't aware of these rights, or won't complain because they don't want to attract INS attention, or don't see these conditions as unacceptable because they're not much different from the ones in the countries they left.
The NYT makes a lot of pro-union noise, but you cannot be pro-union and pro-illegal.
14
Is it a coincidence that I come across an article on the disappearing middle class in this country on the same day that China has it's largest container ship dock in the US of A? The largest, in fact, to ever make port in the US. Go figure.
http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/31/news/economy/china-container/index.html
http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/31/news/economy/china-container/index.html
8
Obviously, racial politics are not good for the white middle-class, especially after 55 years of federal affirmative action and a sclerotic society in which few people do better than their parents' generation. In order to win elections, the Democrats have taken on the mandate to appeal to black and other minority voters, often in conflict with individual white middle class members, who are trying to improve their economic situation and share in the American dream. On the other side of the political spectrum, in order to win elections, the other political party - the Republican - has thwarted that coalition by appealing to the interests of billionaires, predominantly right wing and hawkish billionaires, who demand protection of their financial empires and suppression of what they see as the threatening masses. The Republicans have never been interested in economic policies that help workers, and use social issues to drive a wedge between voters across the spectrum of income.
As a result of these political machinations, the white middle class has nowhere to go and no one to represent its interests. Individual white voters, who are struggling, do not see themselves as statistics representing a group doing better than another group. So, divisiveness rules for all because of this political dichotomy that makes the concerns of the white middle class voter peripheral to politics, and ultimately governance.
As a result of these political machinations, the white middle class has nowhere to go and no one to represent its interests. Individual white voters, who are struggling, do not see themselves as statistics representing a group doing better than another group. So, divisiveness rules for all because of this political dichotomy that makes the concerns of the white middle class voter peripheral to politics, and ultimately governance.
3
When someone as supposedly progressive as president Obama not only supports the TPP but tries to ram it down our throats, you know the middle class is in trouble. And the republicans? They don't just want to send our jobs overseas, they want to bring foreign workers here on H1B visas so they can take our jobs here at home. Oh, and let's get rid of those pesky pensions while we're at it. I'm only surprised this rebellion hasn't happened sooner. I only hope it's successful.
17
Just this morning I was asking, "What are the voters so angry about??!!"
It seems to me that the same people that are so angry on both sides are casting themselves as victims. Victims of Citizens United or victims of Obamacare. Victims of poor wages or victims of bankers.
So, what would make them all happy? Twenty five dollars an hour wages for everyone, the break up of too big to fail banks with small banks on every corner that help the little guy, tuition fees of less than $200 for all colleges, and for all the "other" guys, less of them and more of you?
Well, you know what? Life is hard. That's not the way it is, or maybe ever was.
I work six to seven days a week, every week of every month and have for years. I own my own small business and employ seven full time and dozens and dozens of subcontractors.
In the construction business, Hispanics are the vast majority of the work force now. It is called competition and an example of capitalism, not discrimination against whites who don't want to do the work or charge more than the market is willing to pay.
Every day is a gut check and every time I have to make payroll is a time to breath a sigh of relief or be tied in knots with stress. No bank will loan money if you need it but I have health insurance now. I vote Democratic every time in a Red state, but by God, I vote.
I don't expect or think I deserve a lot more unless I create it. I deal with it. Try it sometime.
It seems to me that the same people that are so angry on both sides are casting themselves as victims. Victims of Citizens United or victims of Obamacare. Victims of poor wages or victims of bankers.
So, what would make them all happy? Twenty five dollars an hour wages for everyone, the break up of too big to fail banks with small banks on every corner that help the little guy, tuition fees of less than $200 for all colleges, and for all the "other" guys, less of them and more of you?
Well, you know what? Life is hard. That's not the way it is, or maybe ever was.
I work six to seven days a week, every week of every month and have for years. I own my own small business and employ seven full time and dozens and dozens of subcontractors.
In the construction business, Hispanics are the vast majority of the work force now. It is called competition and an example of capitalism, not discrimination against whites who don't want to do the work or charge more than the market is willing to pay.
Every day is a gut check and every time I have to make payroll is a time to breath a sigh of relief or be tied in knots with stress. No bank will loan money if you need it but I have health insurance now. I vote Democratic every time in a Red state, but by God, I vote.
I don't expect or think I deserve a lot more unless I create it. I deal with it. Try it sometime.
3
I wish people who worked hard for their success were appreciative also of how fortunate they are as opposed to thinking less of others not so fortunate.
3
Blaming what can only be called a natural, predictable result of global corporate dominance, massive job outsourcing to countries with cheap labor under "trade" agreements supported by both parties, and the rise of technologies that facilitate the same while destroying both privacy and people's ability to think... on things like "cultural instability" and 1970s drug use sounds like the late Jerry Fallwell, and has about as much to do with reality as the purveyors of the worn-out culture wars.
I suppose its still acceptable to blame drug use in the 70s for destroying the middle class, as its one of the last contrived deflections from what Warren Buffet has called the class warfare being perpetrated by the rich in this country. It seems that homosexuality, interracial relationships and women's rights are no longer as easily served up as root causes by "theologians" like the author.
One needs only to read a book by authors such as Kevin Philips, Jaron Lanier or Naomi Klein for a well-researched analysis of this topic.
I suppose its still acceptable to blame drug use in the 70s for destroying the middle class, as its one of the last contrived deflections from what Warren Buffet has called the class warfare being perpetrated by the rich in this country. It seems that homosexuality, interracial relationships and women's rights are no longer as easily served up as root causes by "theologians" like the author.
One needs only to read a book by authors such as Kevin Philips, Jaron Lanier or Naomi Klein for a well-researched analysis of this topic.
4
This is a wise column but like all columns which are not determinedly left, it is going to be greeted with "it is all the fault of Republicans", which is only a half truth.
Many columns in the NYT provide food for thought, but far too many readers have closed minds and cannot see outside the box they live in.
Many columns in the NYT provide food for thought, but far too many readers have closed minds and cannot see outside the box they live in.
6
Sanders is a simply a democrat. That seems to get pundits into a hot bother. What's so surprising about wanting to raise the minimum wage, strengthen social security and (FINALLY) establish universal health care just like every other developed country on earth? There's nothing new or radical about any of these ideas. To most people it's just common sense.
4
The treatment of the Iowa caucuses by TV would turn most sentient beings away from the establishment. MSNBC. Smirking, snide, self-centered! Where did they get Chris Matthews? Chuck Todd? Luke Russert?
I imagine the task of a TV anchor such as those guys as being to fill their allotted time with what's at hand in a way that keeps eyes on screens. Given, as it were, a 100lb bag to fill, they have, at best, 5lb of good stuff. The rest they shovel up from whatever is close at hand. Rumor? Rubbish? They demean themselves and the subject matter. Even Rachel Maddow, excellent when she writes her script, is left in the windbag gossip-state when assigned an open-ended task like waiting for caucus results.
I imagine the task of a TV anchor such as those guys as being to fill their allotted time with what's at hand in a way that keeps eyes on screens. Given, as it were, a 100lb bag to fill, they have, at best, 5lb of good stuff. The rest they shovel up from whatever is close at hand. Rumor? Rubbish? They demean themselves and the subject matter. Even Rachel Maddow, excellent when she writes her script, is left in the windbag gossip-state when assigned an open-ended task like waiting for caucus results.
1
I hope Elizabeth Warren teams up with Bernie....and then perhaps good results
will follow for those earning less than six figure incomes....
If we can strive to be the land of opportunity ...again...for all people...not just
a rigged tax system for the few...which is decimating the entire republic...then
we will ...stop the stagnation...from the uncertainty we now have for all those
whose choice might just be ...not to immigrate to the USA...but to emigrate
to other nations which are fair when it comes to taxation and healthcare.
will follow for those earning less than six figure incomes....
If we can strive to be the land of opportunity ...again...for all people...not just
a rigged tax system for the few...which is decimating the entire republic...then
we will ...stop the stagnation...from the uncertainty we now have for all those
whose choice might just be ...not to immigrate to the USA...but to emigrate
to other nations which are fair when it comes to taxation and healthcare.
2
In my 60's/70's youth, I lived in a middle class neighborhood composed mostly of a mixture of civil service, defense industry, blue-collars workers. The commonality amongst them was service in WW II and a job that paid decent wages. Several years later I met these same people in the midwest working in steel mills. The reality in today's global environment is the disappearance of these jobs and the minimum requirements for getting these jobs ---H.S. diploma. As this article correctly points out, both parties have been unable to come with replacement jobs that specifically address the needs of this group. I should add, offering college to everyone is not the answer, because this demographic group does not like school ---they are hard workers, but can't sit in a classroom.
8
And considering all the infrastructure work needed in the country (including crumbling schools...Detroit comes to mind), you'd think some Washington politician could come up with plans that would keep the underemployed and the unemployed in jobs for their lifetimes. Of course, we have a corporate America that does not believe in investment...only quarterly numbers.
4
Light weight commentary, with no facts to support it. It sounds like you're on the right track, but you aren't. It is really the middle class of all races that has had their life undermined, not just whites. I'm very comfortable, financially, but have year to year contracts. I easily see why Bernie tied Hillary in New Hampshire--she just can't come across as anything but rich. 'Socialism' may kill him in the general election, but among Democrats it means he supports unions over shareholder value (firing people to increase profit margins). Trump is harder to explain, since Republicans don't think straight--but I imagine the fantasy is that he'll say "You're fired" to the middle-management that makes everyone's life miserable.
As others here have pointed out, there are a numbers of factors that have led to this phenomenon :
-excessive deregulation of important industries
-a tax code which, at its roots, is overly complex and just plain unfair to most people
- a SCOTUS and Federal Court system that seems to have forgotten that one of its main roles is to be the great "leveler" in our society.
Having said that, I continue to be amazed at the number of people who would rather rage at the Machine rather than prepare themselves to work within the constraints that this Machine has wrought. That means, most importantly, education, and not necessarily a college education. It means doing intensive personal research as to which industries/occupations are most likely to prosper. it also means managing one's expectations, i.e., don't expect your employer to care about you. They seldom have and never will. Don't expect Government to bail you out. It might, but, that's a thin reed upon which to build your lives. Simply put, don't rage, don't expect "back to the future". Rather, rely upon no one but yourselves.
-excessive deregulation of important industries
-a tax code which, at its roots, is overly complex and just plain unfair to most people
- a SCOTUS and Federal Court system that seems to have forgotten that one of its main roles is to be the great "leveler" in our society.
Having said that, I continue to be amazed at the number of people who would rather rage at the Machine rather than prepare themselves to work within the constraints that this Machine has wrought. That means, most importantly, education, and not necessarily a college education. It means doing intensive personal research as to which industries/occupations are most likely to prosper. it also means managing one's expectations, i.e., don't expect your employer to care about you. They seldom have and never will. Don't expect Government to bail you out. It might, but, that's a thin reed upon which to build your lives. Simply put, don't rage, don't expect "back to the future". Rather, rely upon no one but yourselves.
6
I found this opinion too US meta, and consequently, framed by incomplete information. The biggest economic/cultural issue of our age is globalization. Capitalism won in the worldwide struggle for ideas, and in the process billions of fresh workers came to the market place. To say this has resulted in downward pressure for wages and salaries is understatement. Yet our safety net, such as it is, is still calibrated to an era when the US hardly participated in extra-national trade. Okay, in this sense, we can say our political class has failed us. And it certainly doesn't help when a figure like Grover Norquist can project his mad obsession with taxes into the halls of power.
Going forward, there are two great issues for our time. Inequality in an era of unprecedented US and global wealth and climate change. To the former, we need to overhaul our safety net (this means tax increases), and to the latter, the technology exists for low carbon renewables, what's needed is political will. Neither of these big issues is without solutions.
3
Exactly so. And you can see that same point when you consider the positions of both Messrs Trump and Sanders on trade. Contrary to the bipartisan orthodoxy of free trade, both view foreign trade with a jaundiced eye. And, while such does not obviate the advantages of free trade, they are right to do so. The elites of both parties have been so focused on the very real benefits of trade in general that they have forgotten that the creative destruction raising economic activity also entails creating economic losers. And those folks have had enough and want Washington to start paying attention to their needs.
The author is also right to point out the cultural aspect of this, from both the effects of drug usage and the cultural opprobrium so often dumped on white males especially by SJWs. Which is also why so many of Trump's supporters glory in his repeated violations of PC propriety.
And neither party has a solid formula to address that. The left holds out a variety of social programs but while those have a palliative effect, they do not address the hole in the soul that can only be filled with productive employment and a sense of purpose. And the right talks in economic platitudes that regardless of their objective truth or falsehood do not engage those so affected. Essentially bipartisan elites, as is their wont, are talking only to themselves, leaving many of our people asking when their needs get discussed.
The author is also right to point out the cultural aspect of this, from both the effects of drug usage and the cultural opprobrium so often dumped on white males especially by SJWs. Which is also why so many of Trump's supporters glory in his repeated violations of PC propriety.
And neither party has a solid formula to address that. The left holds out a variety of social programs but while those have a palliative effect, they do not address the hole in the soul that can only be filled with productive employment and a sense of purpose. And the right talks in economic platitudes that regardless of their objective truth or falsehood do not engage those so affected. Essentially bipartisan elites, as is their wont, are talking only to themselves, leaving many of our people asking when their needs get discussed.
7
When the will of "We, the People," is supplanted by that of We, the Corporate Elite who pay for your political campaigns and give you lucrative jobs when you leave office, it doesn't matter what your class or race is unless you're a super-rich "Captain of Industry." As with ancient Rome, the wealthy patricians are in control and the poor plebeians are marginalized resulting in a dysfunctional republic. That is what has been and is playing out today with a would be modern Caesar in the form of Ted Cruz representing the autocratic wealthy and the aging Cicero in the form of Bernie Sanders arguing for the disenfranchised to bring back a functioning republic where the power of money from the wealthy is removed from the political process. So once again, a major society is facing the clash of two economic classes that is much larger than just the "white middle class." The very future of our republic is at stake, and I hope we can prove better than the Romans.
18
The trickle down economy continues to kill the middle class and now politicians are systematically working on killing our rights to healthcare, social security, women's health, privacy, reasonable pay and benefits, etc. Simultaneously they continue to reward the greed of corporate America, Wall Street, and the military. All else is forsaken. The only thing that is shocking is that there aren't waves of marches and violent protest. We're slowly being led to the ovens and we're not putting up much resistance.
12
Michael of Baltimore, with the most "recommends" and at the top of the NYT Picks, says it all. The Democrats have (most) of the answers. The biggest answer is quite certain: less income inequality, finding ways for the "middle class" and the working class to see increases in real income and a growing share of total national income vs. the top 1% or 10%. The Democrats want to find the way to do this. The Republicans apparently can't bring themselves to think this way. It's about incomes and a belief that the system is fair. It is not about "whites" vs. "others" not defined as white.
4
It turns out there was a lot to be said for the stratified class society of the old world. If you had true ability, you could rise above the status assigned you by your birth; but there was a niche, however humble, that was your birthright. Our supposedly 'classless' society by contrast is not only class-obsessed, it is a never-ending treadmill.
I'm a boomer. I don't think I was the only boomer who incorporated the 'American Dream as being fairly humble: a little place of one's own; steady, honest work, at something at least moderately interesting and useful. (I always said all I expected of a job was that if someone asked me what I did for a living, I could tell them truthfully without feeling I had to apologise.) Enough money for the necessities and a few luxuries. Weekends off. And a cat. Was that so much? Evidently so; the 'Dream' now has morphed into an either/or of Ayn Randian extremes, in which you are either a Trumpian billionaire or castoff in the gutter. Root, hog, or die.
You cannot have a stable society when you have forced its productive class to run like Eliza across the rapidly calving ice, hounds continuously at their heels.
I'm a boomer. I don't think I was the only boomer who incorporated the 'American Dream as being fairly humble: a little place of one's own; steady, honest work, at something at least moderately interesting and useful. (I always said all I expected of a job was that if someone asked me what I did for a living, I could tell them truthfully without feeling I had to apologise.) Enough money for the necessities and a few luxuries. Weekends off. And a cat. Was that so much? Evidently so; the 'Dream' now has morphed into an either/or of Ayn Randian extremes, in which you are either a Trumpian billionaire or castoff in the gutter. Root, hog, or die.
You cannot have a stable society when you have forced its productive class to run like Eliza across the rapidly calving ice, hounds continuously at their heels.
11
It is true that "Today, white middle-class voters want to be reassured that they can play an active role in politics'" as the author states. Unfortunately, supporting Trump, Sanders or any other candidate won't get this done. It is not the candidates, nor the party's that have caused this disconnection with government and society. Nor can they fix it. It is what we the people have allowed to happen to the rules of the game. Two main culprits are Citizens United and its unleashing of big money, and gerrymandered districts creating a situation where 90% of Congressional races are not competitive. The result: our elected officials only need to listen to their base and to those who fund their campaigns; causing rhetoric which becomes divisive, polarizing and destructive to our commonly held sense of decency, community and cooperative resolution to societal issues.
114
I find it somewhat depressing that a number of posters on this thread would advise their children to go and live in some foreign country. They ask why they should stay here. I would reply with the poet "this is my own, my native land."
There is more to the equation than money. In 1977, an unexpected opportunity presented itself to me - the chance to buy back an estate in Ireland that had been in my family since Strongbow's conquest but which had been lost for almost 150 years. I considered it but in the end, passed it by. I am not Irish. Ireland is a lovely country but I am American. I do not wish to live as a stranger in a strange land. This is our home. If it needs repair, then let us repair it - and we can. As a history professor, the first and last lesson I try to impress upon my students is that an individual or a small number of people can indeed make change - can affect history. It has been done many times. Having been part of the gay liberation movement since the Stonewall era, I can personally testify to that. We changed "the world" and there weren't many of us. I tell my students and those on this thread who seem to have lost hope they can do the same. It isn't easy and there are costs, but it can be done.
There is more to the equation than money. In 1977, an unexpected opportunity presented itself to me - the chance to buy back an estate in Ireland that had been in my family since Strongbow's conquest but which had been lost for almost 150 years. I considered it but in the end, passed it by. I am not Irish. Ireland is a lovely country but I am American. I do not wish to live as a stranger in a strange land. This is our home. If it needs repair, then let us repair it - and we can. As a history professor, the first and last lesson I try to impress upon my students is that an individual or a small number of people can indeed make change - can affect history. It has been done many times. Having been part of the gay liberation movement since the Stonewall era, I can personally testify to that. We changed "the world" and there weren't many of us. I tell my students and those on this thread who seem to have lost hope they can do the same. It isn't easy and there are costs, but it can be done.
3
I'm sorry I didn't emigrate to my mother's native land - Australia - when I was young enough to do so. Now it's too late.
5
The resentment has been growing of a long time. Then, we finally had a choice.
6
As I read this the reason we are in trouble as a society rings clearly. What has happened to the idea of people? This is all about get, get, get, acquire, more, greed, greed, greed.
It's ridiculous. We need to take a page from our European and Australian cousins, and remember people are what's important. Not everyone, in fact most people don't want to spend their lives in service to a job/lifestyle that does nothing but demand more, more, more to just stand still.
We have to stop. We have to remember what's important. We are killing ourselves with insatiable, destructive greed.
It's ridiculous. We need to take a page from our European and Australian cousins, and remember people are what's important. Not everyone, in fact most people don't want to spend their lives in service to a job/lifestyle that does nothing but demand more, more, more to just stand still.
We have to stop. We have to remember what's important. We are killing ourselves with insatiable, destructive greed.
2
Since 2001 five million manufacturing jobs have left the U.S. That's five million middle class jobs. The reasons are well known -- cheap labor, favorable taxes, lose environmental standards, greater automation. Name a program that has addressed this haemorrhaging? Can't? Ask your Congressperson -- chances are they can't either.
9
Globalization has not worked out as promised. Our manufacturing has been outsourced, and too much labor insourced. American workers have paid the price. The loss of jobs will continue to intensify with computerization...wait till trucks don't need drivers.
Our political elites are beholden to the global system of commerce and power---which America runs. They care about the global economy, of which the American economy is just one piece. They don't visit the flyover country. They can't relate to working class Americans. They like cheap labor and ethnic cuisine. They like docile compliant workers. It works for them. It has not worked for the 99%.
Trump and Sanders and even Cruz are payback.
Our political elites are beholden to the global system of commerce and power---which America runs. They care about the global economy, of which the American economy is just one piece. They don't visit the flyover country. They can't relate to working class Americans. They like cheap labor and ethnic cuisine. They like docile compliant workers. It works for them. It has not worked for the 99%.
Trump and Sanders and even Cruz are payback.
86
I like this column very much. American political dialogue tends to focus on bread and circuses, finding straw-man culprits that allows the status quo to remain the status quo. I think Mr. Reno is right, that there are fundamental issues not acknowledged by mainstream politicians (indeed, they are the source of much manipulation) that Sanders and Trump are tapping into. Sanders and Trump may eventually fade out, but sometime in the future perhaps a truly credible politician will tap into this source of this distress, and disrupt the accepted normal in America.
3
I think you miss the point on the cultural demise of the middle class. It is precisely the economic failures of our society that cause drug use, out of wedlock pregnancy, and marriage failure. These ills have always plagued the lower classes and as the middle falls economically they are just following the pattern of the economically oppressed.
Once you could send your child to the neighborhood school, they could get a good education and a good job in a factory or a merchandising business, or even a restaurant. All of these jobs could support a family. Today factory jobs are scarce, merchandising jobs pay next to nothing as do most restaurant jobs. Also having one of these jobs meant you were contributing to society. Today you are a lazy leech if you have one of these jobs.
The standards for being middle class today have gone up while the pay for the jobs that once supported that middle class lifestyle has gone down. People making the minimum wage cannot clothe, feed and house themselves. Schools where neighbors went together, walked there together, and gave a sense of community no longer exist as the best schools are magnet schools in other neighborhoods.
We have lost community with the advent of an economic policy that says America is not one community, we are rich vs poor, and our government institutions that served us are evil. The economic demise is what fuels the destructive behaviors and this experiment has proven that beyond a reasonable doubt.
Once you could send your child to the neighborhood school, they could get a good education and a good job in a factory or a merchandising business, or even a restaurant. All of these jobs could support a family. Today factory jobs are scarce, merchandising jobs pay next to nothing as do most restaurant jobs. Also having one of these jobs meant you were contributing to society. Today you are a lazy leech if you have one of these jobs.
The standards for being middle class today have gone up while the pay for the jobs that once supported that middle class lifestyle has gone down. People making the minimum wage cannot clothe, feed and house themselves. Schools where neighbors went together, walked there together, and gave a sense of community no longer exist as the best schools are magnet schools in other neighborhoods.
We have lost community with the advent of an economic policy that says America is not one community, we are rich vs poor, and our government institutions that served us are evil. The economic demise is what fuels the destructive behaviors and this experiment has proven that beyond a reasonable doubt.
13
It is clear you are longing for the good old days, when drug use, out of wedlock children and marriage failure, only plagued the lower classes. Tell me, was that when you were the dowager countess on Downton Abbey?
Contrarily, the White Middle Class bought all the phoniness that GOP candidates were willing to exploit, guns-god-grits, and demonized the liberal Democrat elites. Dick Armey perched on haystacks in hand-tooled boots paid for by Wall Street barons is a prime example. Ted Cruz in hand-tooled boots paid for by...well you know. Hate takes shape by stigma and the WMC grabbed the bait and is now paying the price. There are still suckers born every minute.
6
This (increasing stratification, declining "middle" incomes and prospects) has been going on since 1969 or so. The question is why is it registering in Presidential politics only now (if it is "only now") -- why did it take so long and what was the "last straw."
4
MR, you are so right. The decline started in the 1960s and by 1970 America's industrial power was on the wane--at that point it was going to Japan and Germany. It was then the white middle class started to vote against its own self-interest. They resented the college-educated Baby Boomers who opposed the Vietnam War and, of course, the newly empowered Blacks. Rather than protesting the growing power of multi-national corporations from and in America they started a cultural war against those who could be their allies--the same college-educated youth and African-Americans.
One other thing--It was workers in the Southeast who rejected unions and allowed textile companies to relocate their mills there thus cutting labor costs. Now the children of those same workers are complaining about off-shoring and immigrants causing loss of jobs.
I can't say I have a lot of sympathy for the working class people who didn't at least vote to control the power of the corporations and attempt to unionize. Even if they had tried to unionize and failed or their elected representatives couldn't get the votes necessary to put breaks on corporate off-shoring and all the tax advantages, their hearts and minds would have been in the right place. But they didn't and their children still don't get it, so in many ways they deserve what the got and get--alas, the rest of us have to live with that too.
One other thing--It was workers in the Southeast who rejected unions and allowed textile companies to relocate their mills there thus cutting labor costs. Now the children of those same workers are complaining about off-shoring and immigrants causing loss of jobs.
I can't say I have a lot of sympathy for the working class people who didn't at least vote to control the power of the corporations and attempt to unionize. Even if they had tried to unionize and failed or their elected representatives couldn't get the votes necessary to put breaks on corporate off-shoring and all the tax advantages, their hearts and minds would have been in the right place. But they didn't and their children still don't get it, so in many ways they deserve what the got and get--alas, the rest of us have to live with that too.
Middle-class Americans want their incomes and their voice in Washington back. That is going to take implementing a highly progressive tax rate and overturning Citizens United. At the moment, we have a nation by and for the ultra-wealthy. The longer it takes to correct this situation, the more cataclysmic the correction ultimately will be.
8
it took a long time to get here. Looking for the person of event that caused the current situation misses the point. For the last 40 years Political changes that have been made by both parties led to poor outcomes. The old saying, the road to Hell can be paved with good intentions, still is true.
1) the draft is gone, young people of different classes no longer mix. We could have kept 2 years of national service for those who objected to being in the military
2) Globalization, sending American jobs elsewhere without protecting American families from the possible consequences, by having a better safety net.
3)Not being ready for a plan to protect all Americans when a black swan event occurred such as the financial collapse of 2008
4) citizen united, a failure of the Supreme court to understand that the constitution was created to protect a fair Democratic vote, note to allow learned judges to use what they believed to be the letter of the law to change the democratic process.
I am sure people can add many more. Governments never seems to looks back at its rules and regulation to see if the outcome is what was advertised.
Last ; but not least the racial divide in the USA continues to blind large number of Government officials to understand that if you help people based on need rather than race, you will get a better outcome for all races. The Laws will have larger middle class support because they will better and less Gerry Mandered Laws.
1) the draft is gone, young people of different classes no longer mix. We could have kept 2 years of national service for those who objected to being in the military
2) Globalization, sending American jobs elsewhere without protecting American families from the possible consequences, by having a better safety net.
3)Not being ready for a plan to protect all Americans when a black swan event occurred such as the financial collapse of 2008
4) citizen united, a failure of the Supreme court to understand that the constitution was created to protect a fair Democratic vote, note to allow learned judges to use what they believed to be the letter of the law to change the democratic process.
I am sure people can add many more. Governments never seems to looks back at its rules and regulation to see if the outcome is what was advertised.
Last ; but not least the racial divide in the USA continues to blind large number of Government officials to understand that if you help people based on need rather than race, you will get a better outcome for all races. The Laws will have larger middle class support because they will better and less Gerry Mandered Laws.
4
The military still has a mix of people from across the nation and even the world. The draft is not needed, it is involuntary servitude. The military is better for being an all volunteer force. Nothing stops you from joining up. I know (Not Mark), one of my sons is in officer basic as I write this. Don't ruin the military to make yourself feel better. It's not the 1940's anymore.
3
The political and monied elites have now so ingratiated themselves with eachother that we can no longer tell humans from pigs (appologies to Orwell).
As a result their goals are completely aligned and we are stuck with a growing cancer that causes fewer of them have more and more of us to have less.
Such a thing cannot remain sustainable.
As a result their goals are completely aligned and we are stuck with a growing cancer that causes fewer of them have more and more of us to have less.
Such a thing cannot remain sustainable.
5
except that bernie is appealing directly to this group which isnt inline with your theory. further cultural decline follows declining economic position and outlook, not the other way around.
1
This is a thought-provoking piece, with several sharp insights.
But - at its core - it's rotten, i.e., misguided.
Consider - "[Middle class voters] want to be partners with the rich and powerful in defining our future as a country."
Maybe the author is middle class ... and feels that way, but it surely does not describe my values nor those of most people I know (almost all middle class), and I very much doubt that it's a generalization that applies to any but "plodders" (be they Democrats or Republicans) who are much less numerous by now. (Some have committed suicide or been "wasted" by substance abuse.)
Enough negativity - on my part. Middle class Americans HATE knowing that the next downsizing could leave them all but unemployable at age 45. They hate knowing that the bureaucracies that ration medical care - be they private sector or public - could say, "Your money or your life" at any moment. Even worse, they can say that to a man or woman about his/her partner or children!
It's crucial to "get it right," because just as Clinton and Bush and Obama governed - mostly - with a "rising tide lifts all boats" mentality - making things much worse now than they were in 1992 for any but the wealthy and the poor, the next President (Hillary or Bloomberg, one has to hope, because a Cruz or Rubio would only pave the way for a demagogue in 4-8 years) has to put back in place a social safety net, and rebuilding it in 2016 may be even more challenging than it was in the 1930's.
But - at its core - it's rotten, i.e., misguided.
Consider - "[Middle class voters] want to be partners with the rich and powerful in defining our future as a country."
Maybe the author is middle class ... and feels that way, but it surely does not describe my values nor those of most people I know (almost all middle class), and I very much doubt that it's a generalization that applies to any but "plodders" (be they Democrats or Republicans) who are much less numerous by now. (Some have committed suicide or been "wasted" by substance abuse.)
Enough negativity - on my part. Middle class Americans HATE knowing that the next downsizing could leave them all but unemployable at age 45. They hate knowing that the bureaucracies that ration medical care - be they private sector or public - could say, "Your money or your life" at any moment. Even worse, they can say that to a man or woman about his/her partner or children!
It's crucial to "get it right," because just as Clinton and Bush and Obama governed - mostly - with a "rising tide lifts all boats" mentality - making things much worse now than they were in 1992 for any but the wealthy and the poor, the next President (Hillary or Bloomberg, one has to hope, because a Cruz or Rubio would only pave the way for a demagogue in 4-8 years) has to put back in place a social safety net, and rebuilding it in 2016 may be even more challenging than it was in the 1930's.
3
Dating the decline of the middle class to 1992 is way off, in that the decline began in 1980, and 1992-2000 was the last time that middle class incomes actually rose.
1
Both parties didn't lose the white middle class, one party (the Republicans) spent nearly forty years implementing policies that dissolved the white middle class.
The white middle class was supported in large part by manufacturing industries (shipped overseas to where labor is cheaper), and corporate middle management jobs (which ceased to exist along with technological advances). Since many of those jobs have evaporated, having been replaced by things that pay less, tend not to unionized, don't provide pensions, and because of the (political) inability for the minimum wage to keep up with inflation, there are almost no middle class people left, of any race/color/creed.
The white middle class was supported in large part by manufacturing industries (shipped overseas to where labor is cheaper), and corporate middle management jobs (which ceased to exist along with technological advances). Since many of those jobs have evaporated, having been replaced by things that pay less, tend not to unionized, don't provide pensions, and because of the (political) inability for the minimum wage to keep up with inflation, there are almost no middle class people left, of any race/color/creed.
8
Don't underestimate "nothing works". The bridges, roads, wells, transit, the medical system, banking, and all the daily reminders that reflect the lack of federal monies invested in the country rather than foreign graft and corruption (think Iraq, south America, etc). The entire populace has been sold out by the GOP and the 1%ers. Not everyone has caught on yet but the tipping point looms. If the GOP and 1% win, the country is over. And tell the kids to move abroad. Bernie is addressing that directly.
7
I am a white male, concerned about the afflictions now bedeviling members of my class. I understand the frustrations of some for feeling forgotten by our political leaders. But how you deal with an affliction, more than the affliction itself, often determines your fate more than the decisions of others. And for years, many of us have noted the baffling fact that many of the angriest white people who have suffered the most from the loss of economic opportunity go to the polls and vote against their own best interests. Repeatedly, they vote for affluent Republicans who view those less fortunate whites as welfare queens devoted to finding ways to go on the public dole. Those Republicans vigorously oppose every government program designed to help less affluent Americans. This conundrum has now been well documented, but not only does the pattern continue, it has produced a Republican Party more dedicated than ever to fostering government of, by, and for the rich.
The current election has only intensified the riddle. Left-behind whites mad as hell over “the mess in Washington” rally behind Republicans who are largely responsible for creating the mess—the very Republicans those whites elected to Congress to begin with. Some, at least, have seen the light and are rallying behind the only real alternative to the status-quo—Bernie Sanders. But do they understand what Bernie is saying about needing a real revolution to set things right? I can only hope so.
The current election has only intensified the riddle. Left-behind whites mad as hell over “the mess in Washington” rally behind Republicans who are largely responsible for creating the mess—the very Republicans those whites elected to Congress to begin with. Some, at least, have seen the light and are rallying behind the only real alternative to the status-quo—Bernie Sanders. But do they understand what Bernie is saying about needing a real revolution to set things right? I can only hope so.
5
The issue is broader than the parties abandoning just the white middle class. The elected officials of both parties have abandoned the interests of voters in favor of the interests of their wealthy and corporate donors and sometimes the interests deeply entrenched special interests.
This issue, the influence of voters on the political process, is where the issue of climate change was 20 years ago. Bernie Sanders and the media use "inequality" to identify this issue.
Twenty years ago politicians (primarily Republicans) could be climate change deniers and find substantial support for their position among voters and in the media. Today the President calls out the climate change deniers in the State of the Union address, voters roll their eyes at climate change deniers and the media ridicules climate change deniers.
Inequality denial is today the position of the Republican party. The media supports their position by calling voters angry and ignoring the pervasive effects of inequality.
This issue, the influence of voters on the political process, is where the issue of climate change was 20 years ago. Bernie Sanders and the media use "inequality" to identify this issue.
Twenty years ago politicians (primarily Republicans) could be climate change deniers and find substantial support for their position among voters and in the media. Today the President calls out the climate change deniers in the State of the Union address, voters roll their eyes at climate change deniers and the media ridicules climate change deniers.
Inequality denial is today the position of the Republican party. The media supports their position by calling voters angry and ignoring the pervasive effects of inequality.
2
In a 15 year period, the average American family had its buying power (adjusted for inflation) drop by almost $3000. That fact explains alone explains much of what is happening today.,
8
Bottom line, only one thing is keeping the USA from mass degradation, ZERO percent interest rates!
Paradoxically, this policy makes some rich at the expense of others. It's welfare for Wall Street, the banking and real estate industries. It's a slow vacuous death for many retirees and savers in general.
Paradoxically, this policy makes some rich at the expense of others. It's welfare for Wall Street, the banking and real estate industries. It's a slow vacuous death for many retirees and savers in general.
4
The white elites don't have to wait for the future to run the world they have been and they keep taking and taking! Working people are tired of feeling ashamed. This editorial misses the point. People are rallying behind Sanders because we want to work our Democracy and wrest away the power from big money. The government belongs to US. We are demanding it start working for us again. And please don't saddle the "cultural decline" of the middle class on us...we are living and working in a rat race created by the elites so they get ever richer. They aren't better than us they just have better lawyers, doctors, and credentials.
7
The white middle class are their own worst enemy. They have outright refused to credit Obama for his real successes on the economy, jobs, diplomacy-over-war, hunting down and taking out terrorist and on climate and the environment. And most of these same whites, and blue collar ones as well, are now screaming wild cheers for Trump or Cruz.
Yet either one of them would render the white middle class' quality of life all that much worse. Trump or Cruz would downsize the government to nothing, allow our roads and bridges rust away, make college access harder and more expensive, send more of the white and all middle and working class Americans into war, throw the 17 million newly ensured back to the medical wolves. and turn more towns and cities into staging centers for cemeteries under the NRA banners of stand-your-ground and open carry nonsense.
Yet either one of them would render the white middle class' quality of life all that much worse. Trump or Cruz would downsize the government to nothing, allow our roads and bridges rust away, make college access harder and more expensive, send more of the white and all middle and working class Americans into war, throw the 17 million newly ensured back to the medical wolves. and turn more towns and cities into staging centers for cemeteries under the NRA banners of stand-your-ground and open carry nonsense.
7
It's so simple. The multinational corporations that Ike once termed "military-industrial complex" long ago hired Ivy League law school grads and discovered how to game the government to their advantage. They now own Congress and have every whim enacted into a line-item with each legislative session. Ask any one of your cohorts if they have been able to get line items passed for them and I'm certain they will look at you with astonishment, to say the least. The government exists to pander to the plutocrats, whose multinational corporate sponsors owe this government no real allegiance. My answer: get out now if you're smart. The world is still a place with almost 200 other countries to move to.
14
insightful?! this is a cunningly worded "plant" of the Hillary -class,cleverly clubbing Trump and Bernie together,implying that Bernie is as irrelevant as Trump as proven in Iowa.
That the middle class in america has been wiped out is a well known fact and has been the theme of all other media persons except those of the billionaire class.Even the blind could see it except the 1% who sits at an altitude far removed up there who cant see the foundations of the edifice crumbing beneath them and their own imminent consequent fall. The higher one sits the harder would be the fall.
Make no mistake Bernie,the true representative of the people,is the next POTUS. Business corporations in the USA are so entrenched in their privileges and sense of entitlements that they cant be reformed;they have to be wiped out in one fell sweep and Bernie is born to do it with the help of the 99% .
Others,like Hillary and other puppets on strings who are created to buy time for the billionaire class by advocating incremental tweaks on the system and, paid and funded to sing the song of evolutionary changes has been seen through by the public, by 'we the 99%" and it doesn't any more appeal or synch with the masses .
The people are getting a last chance to salvage their democracy from the Corporatocracy and to free themselves from the strangle hold of business corporations, pharmaceuticals,insurance corporations and the wall street,in Bernie and they aren't going to waste it. God save the 1%!
That the middle class in america has been wiped out is a well known fact and has been the theme of all other media persons except those of the billionaire class.Even the blind could see it except the 1% who sits at an altitude far removed up there who cant see the foundations of the edifice crumbing beneath them and their own imminent consequent fall. The higher one sits the harder would be the fall.
Make no mistake Bernie,the true representative of the people,is the next POTUS. Business corporations in the USA are so entrenched in their privileges and sense of entitlements that they cant be reformed;they have to be wiped out in one fell sweep and Bernie is born to do it with the help of the 99% .
Others,like Hillary and other puppets on strings who are created to buy time for the billionaire class by advocating incremental tweaks on the system and, paid and funded to sing the song of evolutionary changes has been seen through by the public, by 'we the 99%" and it doesn't any more appeal or synch with the masses .
The people are getting a last chance to salvage their democracy from the Corporatocracy and to free themselves from the strangle hold of business corporations, pharmaceuticals,insurance corporations and the wall street,in Bernie and they aren't going to waste it. God save the 1%!
7
Your readers are displaying two types of bias. The new discrimination is "intellect vs survival" and it is apparent in may of the comments. That the working class deserves their fate. There is also some outright racism displayed in some responses.
6
One thing that does unite the white middle class is its frustration, even anger about the costs of health care. The "establishments" of both political parties are ignoring this, or at best trying to placate these worries by applying the bandaid of Obama-care. Let's get real. Let's move to a single-payer universal health-care system, as the rest of the civilized world has done. The political parties and their stooges, the candidates, are beholden to the insurance and pharmaceutical companies that control our health-care system. That is, all but Bernie. He's not a stooge of anyone. Go Bernie!
12
White males are the most entitled subset of US society, in education, incomes, and politics, as they always have been. They are also the most irrationally angry. The white guys that follow the Democrats' Wizard of Id, are NOT higher income than Trumps', as that is old data. Sanders' supporters are now white, mostly male, mostly with incomes below $50,000, skew young. These are the frequently mentioned Americans who will not take lower rung jobs, don't want to be educated, but love railing against "the man". Statistically speaking, they don't show up at election times, especially mid-terms, but howl at the moon when politics is decided for them by the "elites", aka people who vote. But to choose a 74 year old revolutionary from the most establishment place in the US, who holds a job in the body that can do all of the things Bern is promising, yet he hasn't tried to get any of his priorities done, is irrational. Bern is just like his followers, mad that the world is changing where white men won't automatically control everything. The people following Bern like he is the Pied Piper are in for a shock when their very old revolutionary turns out to be just screaming in the wind. His only base of power is people who have no power and are mad about, but not enough to work hard enough to overcome it. They like the days when they got a trophy just for showing up, when everyone gets the same regardless of the effort they invest. They would rather play video games.
4
The political elite lost the middle class, but they gained money. Those from both parties who sell the Davos doctrine of globalism and immigration are handsomely rewarded, because the global corporations and their owners are far wealthier than in earlier times. The elite are still rallying voters with a vision of a great cause in league with the wealthy: eliminate poverty and racism, global growth forever... It's a self-interested fantasy by people with way too much money, which is destroying the West and empowering its enemies, like China.
The right gets cheap labor and endless population growth, the left gets voters and minorities. Africa will go from 1 billion people to 4 billion this century, but globalists think they can all emigrate to the West.
TPP and similar deals are the biggest power grab by the global corporations yet, with international tribunals of corporate lawyers having sway over all local laws.
The right gets cheap labor and endless population growth, the left gets voters and minorities. Africa will go from 1 billion people to 4 billion this century, but globalists think they can all emigrate to the West.
TPP and similar deals are the biggest power grab by the global corporations yet, with international tribunals of corporate lawyers having sway over all local laws.
8
"Africa will go from 1 billion people to 4 billion this century." That will not happen. The question is what will stop it, a huge issue in this century to be sure.
1
I think everyone should relax. it's going to trickle down any minute now. Just be patient. St. Ronald would never have lied to you.
12
I don't need assurances that i will be allowed a role in politics. I am with Bernie and we are going to create our own political
power
power
4
Don't invite me to the what-the-hell-happened party on Nov 9, when the GOP will be celebrating a massive win over Bernie.
4
Such a complicated premise; but one definitely worth discussing. There are so many factors leading to the situation today of, specifically, the white middle class, that it may be impossible to point to just a few determining factors over the past 50 years. Cultural changes include more than the effect of drugs on the population. Changing moral standards are there too, impacted by tremendous forces. Economic disenfranchisement plays such a large part, but globalization happened; as did the abandonment of America by its own corporations in search of greater profits. Throw in a coupe of ill-conceived wars without tightening the national belt (did we forget guns or butter ?) tragic abandonment of regulations on the financial industry and the rise of international terrorism.
"The culture of ambition"; such a great point! Anyone working in the corporate world has been subjected to demands to multi-task, work longer hours for less pay, and while you're at it, be happy and in a constant state of excitement about every little corporate initiative! (They send people to the hospital for this problem!)
I don't know. If I were to point to the most troubling indicator to explain the shifting ground under the (white) electorate's feet, I might choose the gang on K Street, who engineered the best government that money could buy. Without their influence, maybe the middle class would have received the proper attention from their representatives.
"The culture of ambition"; such a great point! Anyone working in the corporate world has been subjected to demands to multi-task, work longer hours for less pay, and while you're at it, be happy and in a constant state of excitement about every little corporate initiative! (They send people to the hospital for this problem!)
I don't know. If I were to point to the most troubling indicator to explain the shifting ground under the (white) electorate's feet, I might choose the gang on K Street, who engineered the best government that money could buy. Without their influence, maybe the middle class would have received the proper attention from their representatives.
7
The white middle class voted Republican. And in doing so, they voted against themselves. This is very clear to us on the outside. So I'm kind of surprised that now they are angry. They voted against unions, which more than anything propelled THEIR OWN parents into the middle class. They voted for polices under George Bush and Dick Cheney that sent their jobs overseas. Dick Cheney himself told Americans that this short-sighted policy benefited Americans when it only enriched his rich buddies. They voted for Republicans who decreased taxes on the rich and increased taxes on the middle class and the poor (See Kansas). Somehow, they talked themselves into thinking that they too would one day be rich - so they would be glad of this someday, only someday never came. They voted against policies that would have helped them if they fell into hard times, but rejected them because others (minorities) might be able to obtain them. We have Obamacare in spite of these people and millions of them obtained healthcare for the first time in time in years. (See Kentucky) And yet, they continue to vote against themselves and their children's future. Elections have consequences.
29
Well said, and more to the point than Mr. Reno's. Moreover, I don't understand why this esteemed newspaper doesn't explain these facts with greater regularity. Perhaps it is because they are not new. These circumstances started with (if not before) Nixon and his "southern strategy", which was followed by Reagan and his "trickle down economics." Both were prevarications. Now it appears that white working class Republicans may have finally figured out that they have been duped all these decades, witness Sarah Palin: "We have been had and we are mad." The reason why white working class Republicans are in revolt is because they have finally (hopefully) figured out that Republican policies have been enacted at enormous expense to them personally and to the middle class generally. Hopefully they have also figured out, that as you say, "Elections have consequences".
We used to think about risks of globalization beyond of United States but this cultural shift is a consequence of the same processes - standardization of operations on workplaces, reduction of distinctions, substitution of intellectual work for computers...
1
Politics and the white middle class today?
America today can be described as a business oligarchy which drives especially toward technological advancement to consolidate power. A strong and powerful spread of individuals in the literary and scientific spheres to balance this power does not exist leaving especially the spoken and written word increasingly in control of oligarchy. The internet rather than freeing voices seems to have done the opposite--it consolidates power in the oligarchy and the internet resembles more a surveillance device to point of being able to control and switch on and off the public mind. Presidential candidates run a horse race and all horses are owned by the wealthy. If a horse is not owned by the wealthy it runs on the left, but the left wing after years of beating up on living not to mention dead white males, and being so socialistic as to deny genius itself as hardly existing except as a group phenomenon, has destroyed a powerful spread of individual voices and found itself as largely labor underneath the business oligarchy along with the declining white middle class. Of course the problem is not entirely the left's fault: The right wing in America has always despised strong literary voices and it has promoted over and over religion and business and innovation in especially military technology. So we are left with essentially a hooked up and controlled under internet mass of people underneath a largely crass and vulgar and grasping oligarchy.
America today can be described as a business oligarchy which drives especially toward technological advancement to consolidate power. A strong and powerful spread of individuals in the literary and scientific spheres to balance this power does not exist leaving especially the spoken and written word increasingly in control of oligarchy. The internet rather than freeing voices seems to have done the opposite--it consolidates power in the oligarchy and the internet resembles more a surveillance device to point of being able to control and switch on and off the public mind. Presidential candidates run a horse race and all horses are owned by the wealthy. If a horse is not owned by the wealthy it runs on the left, but the left wing after years of beating up on living not to mention dead white males, and being so socialistic as to deny genius itself as hardly existing except as a group phenomenon, has destroyed a powerful spread of individual voices and found itself as largely labor underneath the business oligarchy along with the declining white middle class. Of course the problem is not entirely the left's fault: The right wing in America has always despised strong literary voices and it has promoted over and over religion and business and innovation in especially military technology. So we are left with essentially a hooked up and controlled under internet mass of people underneath a largely crass and vulgar and grasping oligarchy.
The white middle class has imploded as Baby Boomers age out of the workforce, and slip into a lower economic level, as they make do with Social Security, and savings shrunken by the recession and trends that have deprived many of pension funds. Some of the smaller generations that follow, including their grandchildren, have had a hard time rising into lucrative positions in the workplace, while others became the new bosses. Amid political upheaval, it is imperative that we protect Social Security and Medicare, and encourage states to use Medicaid—not deny it as many states currently do—to support the health of young families in need, as they struggle to enter the middle class. Impoverished young people will have a hard time learning, and thriving in the classroom, and later rising in the workplace, if they don't have basic health needs met. And lunch programs at school. And affordable college education. That’s what will help rebuild the middle class.
102
Obamacare is what is ruining the middle class. They pay more now for their medical insurance and co-pays and then pay increased taxes to pay for everyone else. Add free college to that and there will be no middle class. You will have created England. The rich and the poor. Once more there was no cola increase for the retired but medical bills were drastically increased. If we get the same politicians we have running the country the same thing will happen.
5
Wow, this is surprisingly fair. It's truly amazing that elite institutions, even upon acknowledging the unfavourable demographic changes affecting old-stock Americans, proceed to denigrate us as "racist" or "bigoted" for expressing fear over our dispossession. It would be abnormal to passively accept one's displacement, however this is precisely what's being encouraged. What's especially perverse is the prodding to celebrate the cleansing of whites. More disturbing yet, this trend is in operation across the globe. Are people of European stock not entitled to preserve ourselves within the countries we founded or, at a minimum, the homeland?
A large proportion of whites seem enthusiastic about our impending relegation to a minority, a hated one at that, to compete endlessly with other squabbling groups. Any parent or grandparent should be genuinely concerned about the fate of their posterity considering the festering grievances and grudges to which we're subjected and about which the press and entertainment industries constantly remind non-whites. Conditions are forming in which reprisals and penalties for perceived misdeeds will be put in place.
What's occurring to people of European stock is truly astonishing and the lack of proper resistance is disturbing. How is that a nominally and overtly supremacist group called "La Raza" is permitted to espouse hateful and genuinely racist objectives while white people are excoriated for expressing faint self-interest?
A large proportion of whites seem enthusiastic about our impending relegation to a minority, a hated one at that, to compete endlessly with other squabbling groups. Any parent or grandparent should be genuinely concerned about the fate of their posterity considering the festering grievances and grudges to which we're subjected and about which the press and entertainment industries constantly remind non-whites. Conditions are forming in which reprisals and penalties for perceived misdeeds will be put in place.
What's occurring to people of European stock is truly astonishing and the lack of proper resistance is disturbing. How is that a nominally and overtly supremacist group called "La Raza" is permitted to espouse hateful and genuinely racist objectives while white people are excoriated for expressing faint self-interest?
14
It's simple: A classic example of "Watch what they do, not what they say." The politicians always say they'll help the middle class, then what they do is exactly the opposite. (Except for Obama, who has managed to push some change.) Democrats and Republicans both, are putting millions into their pockets and into their campaigns, from corporations and billionaires who have only their own money interests at heart. To my deep disappointment, the media and the Democratic Party so far in this election, have also played into the hands of Big Money. None of them have been working for the overall good of the middle and lower class, of any age or color; or for the good of America overall. This has finally become obvious to voters.
This is why Sanders has struck a chord, and risen from 40 points down. Clinton could have spent the last years working on progressive causes: income inequality, women's and minority rights, LGBT issues, the environment, etc. She talks about them now. But what did she do? In 2014, put in her pocket $10 million from corporations including finance and healthcare.
For 40 years, Sanders has worked on these issues. He does exactly what he says, and brings both parties together. In a state that was strongly Republican when he started, Sanders has been popular and successful. His approval rating is the highest in the Senate.
Thanks NYT for raising this issue, and thanks commenters for your insights. (Shout out to Mark Thomason, for cutting through to the core.)
This is why Sanders has struck a chord, and risen from 40 points down. Clinton could have spent the last years working on progressive causes: income inequality, women's and minority rights, LGBT issues, the environment, etc. She talks about them now. But what did she do? In 2014, put in her pocket $10 million from corporations including finance and healthcare.
For 40 years, Sanders has worked on these issues. He does exactly what he says, and brings both parties together. In a state that was strongly Republican when he started, Sanders has been popular and successful. His approval rating is the highest in the Senate.
Thanks NYT for raising this issue, and thanks commenters for your insights. (Shout out to Mark Thomason, for cutting through to the core.)
5
Hello, White Middle Class! Welcome to Black America, where social pathology and hopelessness have become part of the scenery. So, you think guns and violent takeover are necessary? May I introduce you to the Black Panthers, whom you vilified 50 years ago? And now that your kids are drug addicts too, maybe we can talk about methodone clinics and halfway houses again? Oh, and culturally, we're going to be looking and sounding a lot more similar from now on, so get ready for more country/hip hop crossovers. This is going to be fun! Welcome aboard the sinking ship!
14
I want to vote for Donald Trump and I am not lower middle class and I don't live in a lower middle class neighborhood. I live in a suburban NJ neighborhood that has an annual household income of over $150k per year. The problem is when we leave our cloistered neighborhood we see blight everywhere and it is heartbreaking to see what is happening to the middle class in this country. It makes me sad to read how people are losing their jobs to illegal immigrants with fake or borrowed social security cards and IT and other workers have to train their replacements with H1b Visas. Mr. Trump is definitely resonating with a lot of people. I also have relatives who have lost their formerly good paying jobs to H1b Visa workers.
9
I feel your pain, but i must ask: What has Donald Trump ever done or said that convinces you that he gives a rat's derriere about the situation with which you are so rightly upset? Can you not see that while he spouts slogans and invective, he has not put forth one single concrete description of HOW he intends to address the real problems we all face? It is one thing to be frustrated and angry, it is another to have a plan that will deal realistically with the causes of that feeling.
I see no sign hat Trump is anything but a highly insecure egotist who needs attention the way a heroin addict needs a fix. He was born with millions and has all his life been surrounded by sycophants who tell him what he wants to hear --- clearly anyone who does not hears "You're fired!" very soon. How will he deal with a fractious Congress, or leaders of other nations that have their own viewpoints and concerns? Do you want such an unstable and thin-skinned narcissist in control of the nuclear codes?
I see no sign hat Trump is anything but a highly insecure egotist who needs attention the way a heroin addict needs a fix. He was born with millions and has all his life been surrounded by sycophants who tell him what he wants to hear --- clearly anyone who does not hears "You're fired!" very soon. How will he deal with a fractious Congress, or leaders of other nations that have their own viewpoints and concerns? Do you want such an unstable and thin-skinned narcissist in control of the nuclear codes?
111
Now that Trump is likely out, you must apply this "reasoning" to Cruz. He cares even less.
3
What and who are the "middle class?" This question is important because many disaffected "white middle class" voters believe hay are part of the middle class, but in reality their net worth is minimal.
As the author correctly points out, the decline of the middle class began during the 70's, and escalated during the 80's. Up until 1975, median household income, and GDP per capita ran virtually in lockstep.
However, one could look at the period beginning in 1975 and aptly describe it as the dawn of the great divergence. Whereas once GDP per capita and median household income measured the shared gains of societal wealth to vast segments of our population, the subsequent divergence wiped out all middle class gains for Post WW II Americans.
Had the two statistics remained at the 1970's levels, the median household income today would be close to 90K, as opposed to the current 55-60K median household income.
Many of the conditions cited by the author describing the reasons for the shrinking middle class are correct; drugs, the family breakdown, and the democrats "identity politics" strategy have certainly played well for the GOP, who have perfected their message that Democratic "Liberal Values" come at the expense of the white "middle class," who are, in reality the "white working class," and in many instances have more in common with the "others" they fear and deplore.
MLK understood this, who before his assassination sought to expand his message to working class whites.
As the author correctly points out, the decline of the middle class began during the 70's, and escalated during the 80's. Up until 1975, median household income, and GDP per capita ran virtually in lockstep.
However, one could look at the period beginning in 1975 and aptly describe it as the dawn of the great divergence. Whereas once GDP per capita and median household income measured the shared gains of societal wealth to vast segments of our population, the subsequent divergence wiped out all middle class gains for Post WW II Americans.
Had the two statistics remained at the 1970's levels, the median household income today would be close to 90K, as opposed to the current 55-60K median household income.
Many of the conditions cited by the author describing the reasons for the shrinking middle class are correct; drugs, the family breakdown, and the democrats "identity politics" strategy have certainly played well for the GOP, who have perfected their message that Democratic "Liberal Values" come at the expense of the white "middle class," who are, in reality the "white working class," and in many instances have more in common with the "others" they fear and deplore.
MLK understood this, who before his assassination sought to expand his message to working class whites.
4
My diagnoses. What actually has destroyed us is the erosion of teaching the three R's. I suggest the following experiment, and, at the deli counter, ask for point-four pounds of the cold cut of your choice. Despite the fact that the scale the provider would use displays weight to three decimal digits (i.e., thousandths of a pound = 0.400) you will probably get a blank stare. If you say 2/5 lb, the same result would typically ensue. I had to say "go to 1/4 lb and add slices until I tell you to stop". This is why the US should go metric.
PS I had a very precise recipe. I am a white-african-american who came to this country on a college scholarship, and stayed because the civil rights act passed during my college tenure, and I didn't like apartheid in my native South Africa, even though, I had been privilged by it throughout my early years.
PS I had a very precise recipe. I am a white-african-american who came to this country on a college scholarship, and stayed because the civil rights act passed during my college tenure, and I didn't like apartheid in my native South Africa, even though, I had been privilged by it throughout my early years.
2
Do you make it a practice to bully people (likely) making minimum wage?
3
Compare the change in cost of (1) housing, (2) healthcare, (3) education to the change in median US work income, family income, GDP over the past 40 years. Then consider the experience of each fifth of the population from poorest 20% to wealthiest 20%. Although racial differentials are remain important, the economic decline is found across all ethnic groups. Unfortunately large numbers of so-called white Americans fall into the trap of demonizing other groups, much to their own disadvantage but to the benefit of those who comfortably inhabit the top 10% (yours truly among them).
1
Meanwhile, the rest of us order a half pound and put an extra slice of ham on a couple of the sandwiches.
1
Here's a question for the author of this piece: Just who makes up what he calls "the intelligentsia on the left" that is, according to him, constantly denigrating what's left of the white middle class? I don't think this intelligentsia on the left really exists.
The white middle class used to largely consist of blue collar workers without college degrees who worked in factories or had other trades. Those blue collar jobs have largely been shipped overseas - mostly under Republican administrations, but also under Democratic ones.
However, the Obama administration has worked mightily to put at least some of these people back to work through infrastructure renewal projects, almost all of which have been blocked by - you guessed it - the Republicans in Congress.
So I disagree with the author on that aspect of his piece, and believe he is engaging in false equivalency. The Democratic Party is only a shadow of itself, but if either party can claim to be for the working man, the Dems are it.
The white middle class used to largely consist of blue collar workers without college degrees who worked in factories or had other trades. Those blue collar jobs have largely been shipped overseas - mostly under Republican administrations, but also under Democratic ones.
However, the Obama administration has worked mightily to put at least some of these people back to work through infrastructure renewal projects, almost all of which have been blocked by - you guessed it - the Republicans in Congress.
So I disagree with the author on that aspect of his piece, and believe he is engaging in false equivalency. The Democratic Party is only a shadow of itself, but if either party can claim to be for the working man, the Dems are it.
3
Actually, I just want single payer healthcare and the reform of Wall Street. This would be good for most people. It is not a white thing.
12
I'm watching the War and Peace miniseries as I write this. Talk about "nothing new under the sun." For those unfamiliar with the story, it's about the conservative, religion-based regime in which everybody knows his place (which includes having one) versus the enlightenment regime headed by Napoleon with his universalistic values "liberty, fraternity, equality" championed by enlightened aristocrat Pierre whose inner struggles straddling both outlooks is the driving force of the story. The Pierre - Natasha - Prince Andrew triangle represents these same forces battling for the Russian soul. Which side has the hand of history on its side?
Sanders and Cruz are the same as these Tolstiyan -and for that matter - historical antecedents. Who does the hand of history favor? There is an awful lot at stake, as this is just the next chapter in the saga started centuries ago- indeed we're at about the 200 anniversary of Napoleon's final demise. Will forward or retro prevail?
Sanders and Cruz are the same as these Tolstiyan -and for that matter - historical antecedents. Who does the hand of history favor? There is an awful lot at stake, as this is just the next chapter in the saga started centuries ago- indeed we're at about the 200 anniversary of Napoleon's final demise. Will forward or retro prevail?
2
Bill Moyers said it even better some years ago. The average guy never expected help from the Republican Party. In the late 60's and early 70's
The Democratic Party sold itself out to corporate interests. What institutional structure was left to stand up for the working family? Witness the North American Free Trade Act---How did that particular piece of work help the family making less than $30,000 a year? The failing middle class was an act of social
Engineering. Does anyone really think Antonin Scalia and John Roberts had the interests of middle class folks of all ethnicities at heart when they put the Citizens United in place. Be careful not to blame the victims, political leadership cannot promise to help working class families then do things which place corporations in optimal positions to cheat the rest of us out of any sense that the system is fair. More specifically, how many kids could be sent sent to college for the cost of the coal subsidy or major tax benefits to hedge fund managers? Mitch McConnell go suck and egg.
The Democratic Party sold itself out to corporate interests. What institutional structure was left to stand up for the working family? Witness the North American Free Trade Act---How did that particular piece of work help the family making less than $30,000 a year? The failing middle class was an act of social
Engineering. Does anyone really think Antonin Scalia and John Roberts had the interests of middle class folks of all ethnicities at heart when they put the Citizens United in place. Be careful not to blame the victims, political leadership cannot promise to help working class families then do things which place corporations in optimal positions to cheat the rest of us out of any sense that the system is fair. More specifically, how many kids could be sent sent to college for the cost of the coal subsidy or major tax benefits to hedge fund managers? Mitch McConnell go suck and egg.
5
This is arrant nonsense:
"Mr. Sanders also appeals to the strong desire that the white middle class has to recover its central role in the national project. While he attracts support from a wealthier stratum of the middle class than Mr. Trump, the appeal is the same. He asks them to join him in fundamentally remaking our political economy. We can dismiss his socialism as an unworkable throwback, but he’s doing something our political establishment can’t or won’t: asking middle-class voters to undertake a nation-defining transformation."
Hoo-ha. Let's apply Occam's razor and a little common sense – its about the money. It's not about some vaporous gesture of respect to the middle class, its about the MONEY! And no, we can't dismiss his socialism as a unworkable throwback. Sorry Reno, you don't get a mulligan there. This is not complicated. We, the 99%, are seeing our standard of living fast eroding and are seeing our kids with less opportunity than ever, while the .01 percenters take it all. This isn't some kind of psychological syndrome – the .01 percenters and the corporations are reducing us to serfdom. If we don't fight back now, their victory may become permanent.
"Mr. Sanders also appeals to the strong desire that the white middle class has to recover its central role in the national project. While he attracts support from a wealthier stratum of the middle class than Mr. Trump, the appeal is the same. He asks them to join him in fundamentally remaking our political economy. We can dismiss his socialism as an unworkable throwback, but he’s doing something our political establishment can’t or won’t: asking middle-class voters to undertake a nation-defining transformation."
Hoo-ha. Let's apply Occam's razor and a little common sense – its about the money. It's not about some vaporous gesture of respect to the middle class, its about the MONEY! And no, we can't dismiss his socialism as a unworkable throwback. Sorry Reno, you don't get a mulligan there. This is not complicated. We, the 99%, are seeing our standard of living fast eroding and are seeing our kids with less opportunity than ever, while the .01 percenters take it all. This isn't some kind of psychological syndrome – the .01 percenters and the corporations are reducing us to serfdom. If we don't fight back now, their victory may become permanent.
15
I doubt many begrudge those who started Google or Apple their rewards. The same does not hold for those on Wall Street who profit more from operating a casino than productive investments. His anti-Wall Street stance is a major source of Sanders' strength on the left. Many on the right share this view but cannot support the social values of the left. Their antipathy to gay, women and minority rights, is channeled into 'government is the problem'. This in turn leaves the populist right disarmed, disenfranchised and disillusioned.
4
Hundreds of years ago, Niccolo Machiavelli said that a prince needs to be feared more than loved.
In a modern democracy the Sovereign People are supposed to be "the prince." The politicians need to fear the people or they will do whatever lines their pockets. When do politicians fear the people? In the voting booth? No they are convinced that enough cash from billionaires will let them manipulate public opinion and elections.
What they fear is people in the streets. Join the movement of movements that aims to to give power back to the people. You only have to give up a few hours a week to fulfill your responsibility to govern. And saving the world is really a lot of fun.
In a modern democracy the Sovereign People are supposed to be "the prince." The politicians need to fear the people or they will do whatever lines their pockets. When do politicians fear the people? In the voting booth? No they are convinced that enough cash from billionaires will let them manipulate public opinion and elections.
What they fear is people in the streets. Join the movement of movements that aims to to give power back to the people. You only have to give up a few hours a week to fulfill your responsibility to govern. And saving the world is really a lot of fun.
1
Absolutely ridiculous and completely misses the point of what Sanders, at least, stands for. His supporters are adamantly not trying "to recover the central role [of the white middle class] in the national project." They are utterly disgusted with the corruption in the process, the influence of money and the whole "rigged game" that America has become.
3
Can the white middle class share the blame for having been asleep at the wheel? For not paying attention? For not demanding accountability? For accepting shallow TV reporting? For voting-in again and again the very people ripping them off?
I'm just asking.
I can't imagine the 70's generation accepting congress' failure to renew education lending at three point whatever! Millions of families now paying seven, when money is costing zero! Bend over!
We've gotten the government we deserve: a reality show.
I'm just asking.
I can't imagine the 70's generation accepting congress' failure to renew education lending at three point whatever! Millions of families now paying seven, when money is costing zero! Bend over!
We've gotten the government we deserve: a reality show.
2
Be sure to thank the Democrats who set the interest rate at 6.8%. Thank them also for transferring the college loan plan into the Obamacare law and making it impossible to use a bankruptcy to clear the debt.
2
If anyone wonders why so many are angry, and supporting anti-establishment candidates in this election, read on!
The comments on this column are the best attempts I've yet seen to articulate the inchoate rage of those of us who have been "glued, screwed and tattooed" over the past several decades by The System!
Unfortunately, the Republican candidates, IMHO, have no intention to actually FIX these problems--they're just using that outrage to try to get elected. Sanders appears to be the only candidate whe genuinely wants to correct the wrongs, and get American Democracy back on the rails.
Let's give him the political revolution that will be needed to do so.
The comments on this column are the best attempts I've yet seen to articulate the inchoate rage of those of us who have been "glued, screwed and tattooed" over the past several decades by The System!
Unfortunately, the Republican candidates, IMHO, have no intention to actually FIX these problems--they're just using that outrage to try to get elected. Sanders appears to be the only candidate whe genuinely wants to correct the wrongs, and get American Democracy back on the rails.
Let's give him the political revolution that will be needed to do so.
I'd like to point out that it is better to have immigrants come work here and pay taxes and spend money, than it is to have a factory move to some other country where the workers work for less money and pay taxes and spend money there.
So if you are against the free movement of humans, as least also be against the free movement of capital. Personally I would give more freedom to humans and less to capital.
By the way the reason why illegal immigration is not stopped is because the employers like it, because undocumented workers are cheaper, easier to control, and can be used to drive down wages and benefits in general.. If you want it to stop you have to put the employers in jail. A wall will do very little. Supply solutions are useless in the face of strong demand, See the drug war.
So if you are against the free movement of humans, as least also be against the free movement of capital. Personally I would give more freedom to humans and less to capital.
By the way the reason why illegal immigration is not stopped is because the employers like it, because undocumented workers are cheaper, easier to control, and can be used to drive down wages and benefits in general.. If you want it to stop you have to put the employers in jail. A wall will do very little. Supply solutions are useless in the face of strong demand, See the drug war.
6
This op-ed doesn't begin to understand how people feel about our endless wars and poor economic choices. Like an oil tanker, changing our heading will be a monumental undertaking. But since so few of our leaders have any idea how to pursue a better set of priorities, or even realize the sad mess they've created, the chances of getting pointed in the right direction are near zero. Instead, most of us are sure only that the whole system needs an overhaul. Personally, I can't help thinking a happier nation is far easier to accomplish than we've been led to believe, and it's people hanging on to power that's keeping us from getting it.
The economy is rigged against us and in favor of the financial institutions that prey on us.
One of the biggest problems: Student loan debt
Enormous, nondischargable student loan debt - more than a trillion $, has 7 million borrowers currently in default - indicating a huge group unable to pay this debt and therefore locked out of participation in our economic life. Owing this debt for the rest of their lives, these educated people are unable to qualify for jobs, buy property or get credit, and live under a cloud of harassment and discrimination - basically debtor's prison - for the rest of their lives.
Nondischargeability of student loan debt originated in Bill Clinton's 1998 'bankruptcy reform,' a gift from Clinton and Congress to the financial institutions that were bailed out of consequences for their misdeeds in 2008 after nearly destroying the world economy. There's 'no 'bail out' or for student loan debt, the only consumer debt not dischargeable in bankruptcy. A person can wreck their business, wrack up gambling debts, max out credit cards and not pay taxes and eventually discharge any or all of that debt in bankruptcy. The only debt you're stuck with = student loans.
Why is all other consumer debt dischargeable in bankruptcy court - but not student loans. Both the Democratic and Republican parties colluded to enact extremely harsh conditions for student loan debt but for no other consumer debt. This is discriminatory. Why this special intransigence?
One of the biggest problems: Student loan debt
Enormous, nondischargable student loan debt - more than a trillion $, has 7 million borrowers currently in default - indicating a huge group unable to pay this debt and therefore locked out of participation in our economic life. Owing this debt for the rest of their lives, these educated people are unable to qualify for jobs, buy property or get credit, and live under a cloud of harassment and discrimination - basically debtor's prison - for the rest of their lives.
Nondischargeability of student loan debt originated in Bill Clinton's 1998 'bankruptcy reform,' a gift from Clinton and Congress to the financial institutions that were bailed out of consequences for their misdeeds in 2008 after nearly destroying the world economy. There's 'no 'bail out' or for student loan debt, the only consumer debt not dischargeable in bankruptcy. A person can wreck their business, wrack up gambling debts, max out credit cards and not pay taxes and eventually discharge any or all of that debt in bankruptcy. The only debt you're stuck with = student loans.
Why is all other consumer debt dischargeable in bankruptcy court - but not student loans. Both the Democratic and Republican parties colluded to enact extremely harsh conditions for student loan debt but for no other consumer debt. This is discriminatory. Why this special intransigence?
4
Why is the interest White Middle Class deemed so important?
And, of course, there is no *black* middle class with which the parties need concern themselves, given that both of them - and white people in general - regard Black America as being constituted entirely of the so-called _undeserving poor_.
3
How can the author possibly look at candidates Trump and Sanders and find such a level of similarity underlying the reasons for their support?
While there is some overlap in supportive demographic groups, the reasons for their relative success are profoundly different. Trump is truly an outsider and anti-intellectual. He offers bravado and nothing else. His supporters display blind anger against all authority of any kind and consider his lack of qualification an asset.
Support for Bernie Sanders has nothing to do with anger, and everything to do with policies that have been in the mainstream of liberal political thought for decades. He is also an effective insider. He is not afraid to say what is on his mind, but avoids the pettiness of Donald Trump.
With only two viable candidates on the Democratic side, Democratic voters have the luxury of choosing based upon policy. They can look at the positions of the two candidates and determine who they think will benefit them. The Republicans have quite a bit of wrangling ahead before voters can get past decisions based purely upon personality.
While there is some overlap in supportive demographic groups, the reasons for their relative success are profoundly different. Trump is truly an outsider and anti-intellectual. He offers bravado and nothing else. His supporters display blind anger against all authority of any kind and consider his lack of qualification an asset.
Support for Bernie Sanders has nothing to do with anger, and everything to do with policies that have been in the mainstream of liberal political thought for decades. He is also an effective insider. He is not afraid to say what is on his mind, but avoids the pettiness of Donald Trump.
With only two viable candidates on the Democratic side, Democratic voters have the luxury of choosing based upon policy. They can look at the positions of the two candidates and determine who they think will benefit them. The Republicans have quite a bit of wrangling ahead before voters can get past decisions based purely upon personality.
1
Both parties lost the white middle class because the white middle class itself is lost. The term 'white middle class' has become more aspirational than descriptive. White Americans with incomes between $50,000 - $250,000/year define themselves as middle class, so what does it mean as an economic measure? Culturally, being middle class implies enjoying a standard of living and level of economic security that has become increasingly out of reach for the majority of Americans regardless of race.
I believe the term 'middle class' is a 20th century designation that has minimal utility in the new economy. In 21st century America there are two primary economic classes - the class of people who work for money and the class of people whose money works for them........The vast majority of Americans belong to the class of people who have to work for money - if that source of income disappears - so does their security. If you have enough money that it works for you, everything in our economy is designed to facilitate you keeping and growing that money. In other words - we prefer investors over workers - regardless of income or productivity...........
Bernie Sanders is appealing to voters who aren't in denial about class divisions in American society, his appeals to restore the 'middle class' are about getting over our denial about the virtues of US capitalism and recognizing that only by collective action can workers get their rightful share of the fruits of their labor.
I believe the term 'middle class' is a 20th century designation that has minimal utility in the new economy. In 21st century America there are two primary economic classes - the class of people who work for money and the class of people whose money works for them........The vast majority of Americans belong to the class of people who have to work for money - if that source of income disappears - so does their security. If you have enough money that it works for you, everything in our economy is designed to facilitate you keeping and growing that money. In other words - we prefer investors over workers - regardless of income or productivity...........
Bernie Sanders is appealing to voters who aren't in denial about class divisions in American society, his appeals to restore the 'middle class' are about getting over our denial about the virtues of US capitalism and recognizing that only by collective action can workers get their rightful share of the fruits of their labor.
2
I now this hard to believe but the Nation is still a majority white nation that aspires to be middle class, whatever middle class is now a days.
That's how both parties lost white middle class voters. Instead both parties catered to extreme elements within their parties in a perverted primary system that makes places like Iowa and New Hampshire actually matter.
Republicans catered to fascist, racists yearning for the 1950's and democrats for every minority and special interest group out there to the point that I must ask myself if I am the only liberal middle age white man left in America?
Both parties would do themselves good by putting down the voter profile polls and start talking about specific intelligent solutions to our Country's problems on a college level.
Not everyone in America is dumb downed. And the natives are getting restless, well if you can call white middle class Americans natives without offending the Native Americans.
Bernie Sanders 2016
That's how both parties lost white middle class voters. Instead both parties catered to extreme elements within their parties in a perverted primary system that makes places like Iowa and New Hampshire actually matter.
Republicans catered to fascist, racists yearning for the 1950's and democrats for every minority and special interest group out there to the point that I must ask myself if I am the only liberal middle age white man left in America?
Both parties would do themselves good by putting down the voter profile polls and start talking about specific intelligent solutions to our Country's problems on a college level.
Not everyone in America is dumb downed. And the natives are getting restless, well if you can call white middle class Americans natives without offending the Native Americans.
Bernie Sanders 2016
2
Half right is not that great in this case - the guy is way off the mark by blaming both parties for the sins of one. When you have one party that is all about deceit and endless lies that are perpetuated in the name of re-election by uneducated misinformed biased persons it's tough to make progress. The Republicans are masters of deceit and have blocked almost every attempt at progress since Reagan's era, instead dedicated to doing the bidding of big business and the wealthy. Obama did pretty damned well all things considered, empty slogans and all. It would be a lot worse without him.
1
Not Mark...
Pass the hat and admit that US has an election much like a Third World country - where the middle class is so small it does not count, carry any political weight or is rarely cared about in electioneering. In a decade or so the American middle class will be migrating out with their degrees to better pastures, especially if they are not White, Black or Hispanic.
One person in another blog also noted, "It appears Republican party is the party of the White guys, rich guys, Christian guys, Rural guys, Gun guys and Extremist guys" and the Democratic party is the party of "Jews, Converts, Poor Blacks, Hispanics, Poor Whites, City youth, Gays and Reproductive rights supporting menopausal White women". If you vote in pieces it might make sense...but if you are looking for anything bigger, meatier or substantive, and for people who don't belong to any of these identity issues, though they care about the poor, growing class divide and don't like rich guys hogging the system, the system stopped working two decades ago. O'Malley sort of touched on this...look where his numbers are.
Conversion to the Right is going on even as we speak. Even Bernie has converted by calling himself "Socialist" with a small "s".
They are all converting on the election trail itself. They used to convert to the Right when they hit the White House. Now they are converting on the trail itself. We've been fooled by all.
America is moving where ME was before Jesus got crucified.
Pass the hat and admit that US has an election much like a Third World country - where the middle class is so small it does not count, carry any political weight or is rarely cared about in electioneering. In a decade or so the American middle class will be migrating out with their degrees to better pastures, especially if they are not White, Black or Hispanic.
One person in another blog also noted, "It appears Republican party is the party of the White guys, rich guys, Christian guys, Rural guys, Gun guys and Extremist guys" and the Democratic party is the party of "Jews, Converts, Poor Blacks, Hispanics, Poor Whites, City youth, Gays and Reproductive rights supporting menopausal White women". If you vote in pieces it might make sense...but if you are looking for anything bigger, meatier or substantive, and for people who don't belong to any of these identity issues, though they care about the poor, growing class divide and don't like rich guys hogging the system, the system stopped working two decades ago. O'Malley sort of touched on this...look where his numbers are.
Conversion to the Right is going on even as we speak. Even Bernie has converted by calling himself "Socialist" with a small "s".
They are all converting on the election trail itself. They used to convert to the Right when they hit the White House. Now they are converting on the trail itself. We've been fooled by all.
America is moving where ME was before Jesus got crucified.
I'm a middle-aged, white, urban, educated, relatively well paid knowledge worker, who is supposed to be creating and owning the future. But, while better off than less well paid working class whites and blacks, people like me are lucky to get a 2% raise at all, while the "big shots" get large raises and bonuses. We're being asked to do more than one person's work with ever lower quality in fear that our jobs will be outsourced or automated out of existence. That, combined with the even worse unfairness heaped upon the less well educated, is what makes me a Bernie Sanders supporter. We were raised to respect fair play and equal justice and opportunities for all, and we've been seeing for many years that the economic and political game is no longer fair. When a game isn't fair, people get tired of playing. Obama has done a lot of good with the ACA and other stuff, but he, Hillary, Bill and the other third wave Democrats are too happy with the rich and powerful to really shake up the system like Bernie (and Donald on the other side) have done. All I want is for a President to fight for what's ideal and then compromise to the middle, but people like Hillary start with what's realistic and then compromise to the right of the middle. Over the last 30 years, this had led to a much more conservative country that favors the wealthy and no one else. Given that, I'll vote for Hillary if I have to (she's better than the GOP wackos), but Bernie's my first choice.
3
I myself am somewhat ambivalent toward the writer's main points. I guess it is not clear to me that the lower middle white class understands how politics, and especially Republican policies, adversely affect their lives and livelihoods. I don't understand how poor rural whites continue to vote Republican when their elected officials don't have a glimmer of charity or kindness to those who have fared poorly in the current political atmosphere. When Republican politicians are always beating voters over their heads with battles over cultural issues such as abortion, rather than working on improving the economy for all. It is hypocrisy of the worst sort combined with a low level of information on the part of voters that has harmed the middle class the most.
3
I believe this commentary does not give adequate recognition of the fact that the American public is tired of the best government that money can buy. I still remember Joseph Lieberman, from the great private insurance state of Connecticut, putting the kibosh on the single payer option in the development of the Affordable Health Care Act.
While Sanders proposals may sound "radical" to some, they are only radical when compared to the status quo, which evolved in our "money talks" political environment. The Sanders agenda looks much more like what things are actually like in the rest of the civilized first world countries. It is likely what America would look like today had it not been shaped by big money interests.
While Sanders proposals may sound "radical" to some, they are only radical when compared to the status quo, which evolved in our "money talks" political environment. The Sanders agenda looks much more like what things are actually like in the rest of the civilized first world countries. It is likely what America would look like today had it not been shaped by big money interests.
26
@RM
Most of the "civilized first world countries" have less than one tenth of our population or our ethnic diversity. They're mainly small countries populated by overwhelming majorities of white people. Why do we think their approach would work for us?
Most of the "civilized first world countries" have less than one tenth of our population or our ethnic diversity. They're mainly small countries populated by overwhelming majorities of white people. Why do we think their approach would work for us?
1
For decades, no matter what has happened in the rest of the world, many Americans have continued to buy in to the outdated notion of American exceptionalism resulting in the usual myths of America is different from all other countries in the way things are done. I would recommend to many Americans who have never traveled outside of their country(80% have never owned a passport)to get one and visit other countries in the western industrialized world and even those countries in which English is not the first language you will quickly determine how similar people are to one another and the that we pretty much want the same things in our lives. It is just a matter of how to achieve them and it is pretty unanimous in that others have not chosen the "American Way".
I guess that should tell you something.
I guess that should tell you something.
4
My god, please stop with the "European nations are better because they're homogenous!" mindset. That myth needs to die already!
1
It's very simple. A significant number of mainly-white middle class voters have finally realized that "mainstream" politicians do not represent their interests. The "mainstream" represents only the wealthy donors who fund their campaigns, and offers everyone else only continuing decline and further inequality.
Trump and Cruz appeal to the ignorance, bigotry, and fear of mainly-white conservatives, clearly articulating messages that "mainstream" candidates can only hint at. Sanders appeals to mainly-white liberals who see a leftward redirection as the antidote to what's currently wrong.
If I were to make a prediction, it would be that the donor class will be able to use their overwhelming advantage in "free speech" (courtesy of Citizens United) to fend off the genuine threat the "outsiders" pose to the status quo. But I can't predict whether this result will teach supporters of the defeated "outsiders" that "resistance is futile," and end the threat. Or whether it will alternatively lead to even greater dissatisfaction with the political system that encourages even more extreme "outsiders" in the next election cycle. Either way, the donor class have been warned.
Trump and Cruz appeal to the ignorance, bigotry, and fear of mainly-white conservatives, clearly articulating messages that "mainstream" candidates can only hint at. Sanders appeals to mainly-white liberals who see a leftward redirection as the antidote to what's currently wrong.
If I were to make a prediction, it would be that the donor class will be able to use their overwhelming advantage in "free speech" (courtesy of Citizens United) to fend off the genuine threat the "outsiders" pose to the status quo. But I can't predict whether this result will teach supporters of the defeated "outsiders" that "resistance is futile," and end the threat. Or whether it will alternatively lead to even greater dissatisfaction with the political system that encourages even more extreme "outsiders" in the next election cycle. Either way, the donor class have been warned.
9
We can't wait until the next election cycle. No matter who is elected, we need to build a huge movement to take back democracy from the oligarchs. Congress will do nothing unless they fear the People.
1
For the last 40 years the white middle class has had to get to the back of the line for jobs and education by an affirmative action pecking order with blacks on top followed by the Hispanic surnamed and white women. This was accepted by most whites as there were still jobs and educational opportunities for the most talented middle class white men. The recent importation of 10's of millions of legal and illegal immigrants who are displacing talented whites and threatening to displace the black middle class; was the straw that broke the camel's back. Both political establishments were bought off by the corporations; who wanted cheap labor and had no loyalty to the US. Sander's is missing an opportunity by allowing his loyalty to the Communist International to blind him to the opportunity of dropping the other shoe. The other shoe is the destruction of middle class America and Western civilization by 3rd world immigrants. The immigrants for the most part are not bad people but they are willing to work cheap and want to keep their non Western religions, laws and culture.
15
Well said. The overt racism against white middle class and poor Americans must stop.
3
This is nonsense. White males still have an easier time getting jobs and still get paid more. The problem with many white males is that they think that being white means they are closer to the rich and are just one lottery ticket away from being in the club. Sorry, you will never be in the club. You have more in common with poor blacks than you have with white billionaires (who only judge people by their wealth and power).
Racist whites are suckers who have fallen for divide and conquer tactics that split the working class by sex, race, ethnicity, etc. while a handful of billionaires manipulate markets to steal our productivity.
Newsflash: The poor didn't steal all the money. If they did they wouldn't be poor.
Racist whites are suckers who have fallen for divide and conquer tactics that split the working class by sex, race, ethnicity, etc. while a handful of billionaires manipulate markets to steal our productivity.
Newsflash: The poor didn't steal all the money. If they did they wouldn't be poor.
13
"...loyalty to the Communist International"? Seriously, the good old Comintern? Did anyone else notice that the USSR fell over a quarter century ago, and Sanders is rarely seen singing along to the strains of the Internationale?
And all those Mexicans apparently want to keep their non-Western Roman Catholic religion, or sometimes their non-Western American Protestant fundamentalism or even their non-Western Mormonism? Really?
And all those Mexicans apparently want to keep their non-Western Roman Catholic religion, or sometimes their non-Western American Protestant fundamentalism or even their non-Western Mormonism? Really?
1
"We can dismiss his socialism as an unworkable throwback ...."
Yes, that would be about right.
Someone who thinks health care insurance is a right, and not a privilege,
Someone who thinks that we should invest more heavily in universal higher education than drones and aircraft carriers,
Someone who thinks that we should have a transaction tax on the Casino that the algorithmic traders are running on Wall Street,
Someone who thinks that Climate Change is the single greatest threat to the Republic, not to mention the planet,
Someone like that certainly is a throw-
Back to the future!
Yes, that would be about right.
Someone who thinks health care insurance is a right, and not a privilege,
Someone who thinks that we should invest more heavily in universal higher education than drones and aircraft carriers,
Someone who thinks that we should have a transaction tax on the Casino that the algorithmic traders are running on Wall Street,
Someone who thinks that Climate Change is the single greatest threat to the Republic, not to mention the planet,
Someone like that certainly is a throw-
Back to the future!
17
Rubio gave a contradictory appeal to the 'whiet middle class' as he turned his 3rd place showing in Iowa into a New Beginning. He denounces true populist economics, rattles the saber of his neocon backers then - with dry mouth - barks his immigrant history & the American Dream rally cry.
Huh?
He tries so hard to talk big & loud that he shows his anxiety at being an imposter.
Huh?
He tries so hard to talk big & loud that he shows his anxiety at being an imposter.
5
Thank you, Sara, for the most apt description of Rubio; 'imposter.'
1
Who lobbies for the middle class? How much do the pro-middle-class lobbyists spend?
Lobbyists from firms in other nations? Do you think other nations care about the US middle class?
Un-affordable healthcare with outcomes worse than other rich nations? States massively cutting their funding of higher-ed? Thus, driving up college costs massively?
High-tech firms spending more on evading taxes (that the middle class gets stuck with) than innovating? Even with obvious massive surpluses of STEM workers, pressing congress for constrained STEM labor?
Who would of thought the middle class is angry?
Lobbyists from firms in other nations? Do you think other nations care about the US middle class?
Un-affordable healthcare with outcomes worse than other rich nations? States massively cutting their funding of higher-ed? Thus, driving up college costs massively?
High-tech firms spending more on evading taxes (that the middle class gets stuck with) than innovating? Even with obvious massive surpluses of STEM workers, pressing congress for constrained STEM labor?
Who would of thought the middle class is angry?
12
Wedge issues are thrown to us like bones from the dining tables of the 1%.
Divide and conquer. Keep us all looking down at those who have less than us. Don't ever look up at those who are stealing well, EVERYTHING.
The feudal system façade eventually wears thin and breaks down.
And oh boy when it does, watch out!
Meanwhile, those helicopters in the backyards of mansions or on penthouse rooftops, along with Gulfstream jets are kept fueled up and idling just in case when and if that time ever does arrive.
Divide and conquer. Keep us all looking down at those who have less than us. Don't ever look up at those who are stealing well, EVERYTHING.
The feudal system façade eventually wears thin and breaks down.
And oh boy when it does, watch out!
Meanwhile, those helicopters in the backyards of mansions or on penthouse rooftops, along with Gulfstream jets are kept fueled up and idling just in case when and if that time ever does arrive.
6
What helicopters, my brother in law lives in a $10 million dollar home in Florida and he doesn't have a helicopter in his yard. None of his neighbors have one either, most of them are hardly home to begin with. They are ex-pats. Their homes are expensive investments. Figure of speech?
$10 million is a summer squat on Nantucket or the Hamptons to the .01%.
They don't necessarily KEEP their air transport in their yards or rooftops but they are kept at the ready nearby, believe it.
Has your brother in law bought a large farm with a landing strip in New Zealand yet? Didn't think so.
They don't necessarily KEEP their air transport in their yards or rooftops but they are kept at the ready nearby, believe it.
Has your brother in law bought a large farm with a landing strip in New Zealand yet? Didn't think so.
The middle class has always been the backbone of democracy in the U.S. This broad and at one time prosperous group gave the country its stability. After decades of neglect by both parties the chickens are coming home to roost. Republicans who catered to wealthy people and major corporations viewed these individuals as pawns to be manipulated and moved around as they saw fit. While rich peoples' equity soared and corporations' bottom lines exploded these individuals saw ever reduced pieces of the bottom line pie until their earnings growth stagnated and flattened. On the Democratic side unions were abandoned and Democrats became partners with Republicans on international trade deals which moved jobs abroad. And now this middle class group which was slammed by the 2008 stock market crash and the bursting bubble of their home equity values are also witnessing the huge burdens of health care increases and skyrocketing tuition costs for their children, while they are labelled as racists for not supporting illegal immigrants already in this country or people migrating to this country. Not to mention the blame they receive for not doing more for the inner cities. When you have been battered on all sides for so long what alternative do you have but to revolt.
9
Persona!!y, people see government bureaucrats, lifetime elected politicians, lobbyists, for what they are, people adept at running the economy into the ground, taking their big salaries and benefits, and basically stealing the taxpayers money with lawyer and lobbyist driven legislation inspired by too many overly educated people that no one any longer believes their rhetoric and is calling their bluff!
5
The writer has rightfully tapped the pulse of a majority of white middle class voters whose fortune has risen in the post-WWII era, but has since declined in both their financial fortunes and in economic opportunity, that mirrored the decline of the manufacturing and blue collar jobs, starting in mid 1990s. Adding insult to injury, their political clout has seen similar decline, with both parties trying to court new voter class like the latino votes.
Their angst from the right has seen to it that Tea Party would speak for them, but most Tea Partiers change tact once they shift base to Washington, aligning themselves with establishment. Similar angst on the left, though not as monolithic in size and organizing power, gave us the Occupy Movement. Either way, their flame peter out.
Trump and Sanders are their latest hope to renew their "Contract with America" (if anyone can hold America's feet to the fire), particularly due to the fact that establishments from both sides of the aisles do not endorse Trump and Sanders. What better way to thumb your nose to authority by doing exactly the opposite of what you're told (which is to just shut up and do as I say).
The analysis in the article goes deeper than just white middle class angst. With everything in flux, there is no longer any safe harbor for jobs, or retirement fund, or even kiddo's college chance. As the saying goes, you can't swim in station upstream, you have to either swim harder to move forward, or lose falling back.
Their angst from the right has seen to it that Tea Party would speak for them, but most Tea Partiers change tact once they shift base to Washington, aligning themselves with establishment. Similar angst on the left, though not as monolithic in size and organizing power, gave us the Occupy Movement. Either way, their flame peter out.
Trump and Sanders are their latest hope to renew their "Contract with America" (if anyone can hold America's feet to the fire), particularly due to the fact that establishments from both sides of the aisles do not endorse Trump and Sanders. What better way to thumb your nose to authority by doing exactly the opposite of what you're told (which is to just shut up and do as I say).
The analysis in the article goes deeper than just white middle class angst. With everything in flux, there is no longer any safe harbor for jobs, or retirement fund, or even kiddo's college chance. As the saying goes, you can't swim in station upstream, you have to either swim harder to move forward, or lose falling back.
4
In my view, the Occupy Movement didn't "peter out", it was systematically destroyed by the militarized police at the behest of the Oligarchs. Peaceful groups of people were routed out of public spaces by police in full military gear arriving in tanks, wielding pepper spray & LRADs (sound cannons). We saw none of that used against the Tea Partiers who sported long guns during their demonstrations.
Those in power were afraid of the Occupy Movement and used the full weight of the state to destroy them. The Tea Partiers were funded by the Koch's so were part of the conservative system all along.
Those in power were afraid of the Occupy Movement and used the full weight of the state to destroy them. The Tea Partiers were funded by the Koch's so were part of the conservative system all along.
1
@rp, There was no months-long civil disobedience from the Tea Party side as Occupy did. The TP folks organized, and used the existing political structure to push their own folks through. What did the Occupiers do? They just loitered in public space, with no one - and I mean absolutely no one - coming up the political infrastructure to represent their interest. The closest to that kind of call, is Elizabeth Warren whom I'm sure will be more polished and poised than Sanders to articulate this subject, rather than proudly (and naively declaring himself to be socialist).
So yes, Occupy did peter out, however way you want to spin it.
So yes, Occupy did peter out, however way you want to spin it.
3
Sanders' most energized support is from young people, a fact doesn't fit this strained narrative. They aren't scared; they're optimistic. Young people are passionate that policies like a $5 rise in the minimum wage and single payer health care will be good for America.
The Democrats have lost many white men over 35. That group is about 19% of the population. The Democrats are very strong with women, Hispanics, blacks, GLBTs and young people. Thus they'll again trounce the Republican candidate in November.
The Democrats have lost many white men over 35. That group is about 19% of the population. The Democrats are very strong with women, Hispanics, blacks, GLBTs and young people. Thus they'll again trounce the Republican candidate in November.
8
Few blacks and Hispanics vote, gays and lesbians amount to 3% of the population, and neither women nor young people are a monolithic, single issue voting bloc. Democrats should be very worried about that 19%.
2
$15 an hour would not be a "$5 an hour rise in the minimum wage" except in a handful of very prosperous cities and they only passed increases in the last year.
In most of the US, the minimum wage is $7.25 -- so $15 an hour would be MORE than DOUBLE, or a 100% increase overnight.
In most of the US, the minimum wage is $7.25 -- so $15 an hour would be MORE than DOUBLE, or a 100% increase overnight.
1
I'll believe that the politicians have gotten the message of voters' disappointment and anger when the composition of the Congress is altered in a way that would require Republicans to start making real deals when they legislate instead of pontificating about their glorified philosophy.
Iowa represents perhaps 1% of the US and isn't even typical of the broad variety of citizens who make up the nation. It's all those voters in the middle who don't read or educate themselves about the parties or the issues, other than to know how disappointed and angry they are, who will determine the vote in November. So how good will be the negative ads that the Kochs pay for? How many voters will express that anger instead of cool rational thinking about what service they've gotten from their legislators? When their candidate says,"I'm so-and-so and I approved this message," will they know which corporation and plutocrat paid for the ad and the nominee? America the blind.
Iowa represents perhaps 1% of the US and isn't even typical of the broad variety of citizens who make up the nation. It's all those voters in the middle who don't read or educate themselves about the parties or the issues, other than to know how disappointed and angry they are, who will determine the vote in November. So how good will be the negative ads that the Kochs pay for? How many voters will express that anger instead of cool rational thinking about what service they've gotten from their legislators? When their candidate says,"I'm so-and-so and I approved this message," will they know which corporation and plutocrat paid for the ad and the nominee? America the blind.
2
R: Immigration. Open borders.
L: Globalization. Inequality.
Where's the common ground?
L: Globalization. Inequality.
Where's the common ground?
5
Actually, "R" (if you mean the "Right") are very big on globalization.
And "L" (if you mean "Left") are very big on immigration.
So plenty of common ground.
And that is the same ground where the true middle class (not the affluent upper middle class) and also the lower middle class have been betrayed by both parties.
Of course, on other issues, such as taxes and Social Security and health care,
there are differences between the parties, and mirrored by differences in support between the middle middle class ($50K to $100K), somewhat more likely to vote GOP (although plenty of Dems in that group), and the lower middle class ($30K to $50K), more likely to vote Dem.
As for the upper middle (over $100K), yes, there are many Dems, but there are many more GOP.
And "L" (if you mean "Left") are very big on immigration.
So plenty of common ground.
And that is the same ground where the true middle class (not the affluent upper middle class) and also the lower middle class have been betrayed by both parties.
Of course, on other issues, such as taxes and Social Security and health care,
there are differences between the parties, and mirrored by differences in support between the middle middle class ($50K to $100K), somewhat more likely to vote GOP (although plenty of Dems in that group), and the lower middle class ($30K to $50K), more likely to vote Dem.
As for the upper middle (over $100K), yes, there are many Dems, but there are many more GOP.
1
Somehow, it seems fitting that a conservative commentator should think non-whites are not important to write about.
6
The reason why the parties have lost the middle class is that there has been moral insecurity for over a dozen years: from Islamic terror and middle east turmoil; to the rise of China leading to the loss of well paying jobs; to loss of security in our streets and our homes; to the rise of political correctness robbing white persons of their history and their dignity. Is it any wonder that Trump is popular?
10
Trickle-down didn't work, free-trade made it easier to buy a big tv with unemployment benefits, half-baked healthcare reform primarily benefitted insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and the prisons are still full "while the rich still rob". Any wonder people are walking away from two elites that don't give a rip about them?
11
Here's a question. Regardless of race, ethnicity, etc., why the separation of "protection" and "renewal of economic opportunity," by political parties? It seems to me that those desires might be mutually inclusive to everyone: Democrat, Republican, Independent, voters and non-voters, all citizens.
2-1-16@11:17 pm et
2-1-16@11:17 pm et
2
Why does this group get so much press? Who cares? It's not 1980. This is a shrinking demographic that is becoming less and less important politically.
Money is the means of exchanging wealth and of exchanging goods and services for wealth and of obtaining the capital and labor needed to create new wealth. The wealth that most people obtain goes into living and into assets like homes and equipment needed to create wealth. They earn this wealth by the income from working not by the returns on investments in equities or bonds or promissory notes from liquid assets accumulated from their surplus income. When their income does not increase over time, the time value of money tends to diminish the actual value of the money that they earn so the surplus money that they might have accumulated is diminished or is gone. The global economy is not providing enough jobs with middle income salaries/wages that provides more wealth for most people in this country and they cannot invest enough in the securities markets to earn money from endeavors which are created wealth in foreign countries. Pretty simple, really, unless we make more wealth in this country most people in this country have no way of prospering from the global economy. Unfortunately, most policy makers do make money from investing in the world economy and are indifferent to the fact the disposable income of most Americans who have lost jobs in manufacturing moved to foreign lands is not made up by the lower prices of the goods made abroad.
4
I don't think Middle America is quite mad enough yet, but people are catching on that neither party in today's world is truly different. It is globalization that is the agenda and loyal Americans can't believe their beloved country is throwing them to the wolves bite by bite. In their hearts they realize that Hillary is competent, but she is the status quo who will only tinker at the edges of real reform. She runs with the pack.
I have 10 cousins. We were born from 1928 to 1955 in California. I would say we came from lower middle class homes and were very fortunate to attend excellent public schools. Most of us graduated from college (without debt), including two who graduated from Berkeley. The older cousins retired with pensions or a nest egg, including homes that were paid for. The cousins born in the early 1950s have lost jobs in the past 10 years and have had very difficult times getting re-hired. They are holding on for retirement Social Security and Medicare (people with good paying jobs are needed to pay taxes for these benefits.) Their children have fared even less well. In phone chats with my cousins, I hear the fear for their children's future. These children may inherit small amounts, but once they go through that by trying to keep their heads above water, there will be little left if anything....
To commenter Common Sense I say tell your son to leave as he has nothing to lose. To the rest of us, I say feel the Bern, as we have nothing to lose either.
I have 10 cousins. We were born from 1928 to 1955 in California. I would say we came from lower middle class homes and were very fortunate to attend excellent public schools. Most of us graduated from college (without debt), including two who graduated from Berkeley. The older cousins retired with pensions or a nest egg, including homes that were paid for. The cousins born in the early 1950s have lost jobs in the past 10 years and have had very difficult times getting re-hired. They are holding on for retirement Social Security and Medicare (people with good paying jobs are needed to pay taxes for these benefits.) Their children have fared even less well. In phone chats with my cousins, I hear the fear for their children's future. These children may inherit small amounts, but once they go through that by trying to keep their heads above water, there will be little left if anything....
To commenter Common Sense I say tell your son to leave as he has nothing to lose. To the rest of us, I say feel the Bern, as we have nothing to lose either.
27
The half-generation born between 1928 and 1942 were very, very lucky:
The males escaped any serious risk of death or injury in war:
too young for WWII and too old for the Vietnam War. (The Korean War was mostly fought by WWII vets in the Reserves who were called up to fight again.)
Economically, during the Depression, they were children who did not have to compete in the terrible job market. In fact, demographically, they were a small "cohort", so throughout their lives they never had to compete with large numbers of peers. They came of age as hgh-schoolers in the boom years of the wartime 1940s , but were safe in high school and did not graduate until the war had ended, by which time they enjoyed the good job market in the post-war boom that followed. And, as you point out, they had good jobs with pensions and reached retirement age before the 21st century arrived with massive "consolidation" and phasing out of pensions, compounded by fifteen generally weak years in the stock market -- first, the DotCom crash, and then the Housing Crisis and the Great Recession. Further, they were well on their way past mid-career before massive immigration put a lid on wage and salary growth.
The males escaped any serious risk of death or injury in war:
too young for WWII and too old for the Vietnam War. (The Korean War was mostly fought by WWII vets in the Reserves who were called up to fight again.)
Economically, during the Depression, they were children who did not have to compete in the terrible job market. In fact, demographically, they were a small "cohort", so throughout their lives they never had to compete with large numbers of peers. They came of age as hgh-schoolers in the boom years of the wartime 1940s , but were safe in high school and did not graduate until the war had ended, by which time they enjoyed the good job market in the post-war boom that followed. And, as you point out, they had good jobs with pensions and reached retirement age before the 21st century arrived with massive "consolidation" and phasing out of pensions, compounded by fifteen generally weak years in the stock market -- first, the DotCom crash, and then the Housing Crisis and the Great Recession. Further, they were well on their way past mid-career before massive immigration put a lid on wage and salary growth.
1
This is not about race as much as it is about class. The billionaire class has taken control of the government.
Only Bernie Sanders has a plan to overthrow the Oligarchy. Only Bernie Sanders understands that, no matter who is elected president, congress will not enact the will of the People unless the People form a movement to demand true democracy and put fear into the hearts of our supposed representatives.
Only Bernie Sanders has a plan to overthrow the Oligarchy. Only Bernie Sanders understands that, no matter who is elected president, congress will not enact the will of the People unless the People form a movement to demand true democracy and put fear into the hearts of our supposed representatives.
12
Answer this: if this is a battle between white elites (conservative Republicans and neoliberal Democrats who both benefit handsomely from globalized capital) and white working class people, why is are they constantly blaming the black president of the United States, black Americans, and Latino immigrants?
Black Americans are not shipping jobs overseas. Barack Obama is not shipping jobs overseas. Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush shipped jobs overseas, and invited or allowed millions of undocumented workers to come to this country. The conservative Republicans and neoliberal Democrats int he US Senate drew up an immigration bill that would provide massive numbers of visas for foreign workers to come to this country. So why are Barack Obama, the deporter in chief, who saved the imploding economy, and black Americans, being cast as the scapegoats? Will R. R. Reno or ANYONE at the NY Times, which keeps mentioning the "white working class," answer this basic question?
Black Americans are not shipping jobs overseas. Barack Obama is not shipping jobs overseas. Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush shipped jobs overseas, and invited or allowed millions of undocumented workers to come to this country. The conservative Republicans and neoliberal Democrats int he US Senate drew up an immigration bill that would provide massive numbers of visas for foreign workers to come to this country. So why are Barack Obama, the deporter in chief, who saved the imploding economy, and black Americans, being cast as the scapegoats? Will R. R. Reno or ANYONE at the NY Times, which keeps mentioning the "white working class," answer this basic question?
6
Ever heard of the TPP? The President is shipping jobs overseas through corporate "free trade."
14
Oh, if Obama is the "deporter in chief" why are so many still here? They couldn't even deport 121 residents last month without an uproar. And every immigration bill he has supported has included a clause to greatly increase the number of so-called skilled worker visas - a program that is badly abused and lightly audited and has destroyed careers of many thousands Americans by allowing cheap foreign workers to flood the STEM field. Yes, he has supported discrimination against Americans.
Just to add one last point - both parties are stabbing the middle class in the back - don't let Obama be the only scapegoat.
Just to add one last point - both parties are stabbing the middle class in the back - don't let Obama be the only scapegoat.
4
Agreed that many whites display truly vicious racial hatred of Obama.
But many others do not.
And opposition to affirmative action is not a mark of racism.
And when it comes to immigration, I think Obama took the wrong tack:
He should have just let the various factions in Congress duke it out.
Instead, he came down heavily in favor of amnesty.
Most white oppose it.
And even blacks are about evenly divided about it.
As for globalization and TPP, he should have let the GOP water carriers for the AmCham/WSJ crowd try to sell that to the Congress and the country.
But many others do not.
And opposition to affirmative action is not a mark of racism.
And when it comes to immigration, I think Obama took the wrong tack:
He should have just let the various factions in Congress duke it out.
Instead, he came down heavily in favor of amnesty.
Most white oppose it.
And even blacks are about evenly divided about it.
As for globalization and TPP, he should have let the GOP water carriers for the AmCham/WSJ crowd try to sell that to the Congress and the country.
3
Both parties support unfettered global capitalism which, by its very nature, will erode the middle class. Voters can sense this, even if they can't or won't articulate it because of ideological predilections--which is mainly the worship of money, America's official religion. The reformation is, of course, on its way.
In the words of one of the signal texts of our era, the problem is capital in the 21st century. And all you pundits need to catch up quick.
In the words of one of the signal texts of our era, the problem is capital in the 21st century. And all you pundits need to catch up quick.
12
Capitalism built the middle class, and while you may think the middle is fading, it is absolutely booming worldwide.
Capitalism distributes capital efficiently, and the new middle, the billions of them, are grateful.
Capitalism distributes capital efficiently, and the new middle, the billions of them, are grateful.
1
So how come all of the wealth since the end of the recession has gone only to the 0.1%? While a few rich get richer, poverty is increasing in America -- haven't you noticed?
2
Sorry--wrong on all counts. Capitalism is an incredible engine of production--a dynamic force in history that vaulted many parts of the world into what can only be described as modernity. But its fruits were never, ever naturally distributed, as you imply. They had to be wrested from the maw of capitalists by strike, struggle, and opposition.
The middle is also not "booming" worldwide. It is true that we have seen a rise in a Chinese middle class, but their fortunes are tied to an increasingly adrenalized cycle of industry and finance that have swung wildly. I would also like to note the presence of full "ghost cities" in China--millions of buildings sitting vacant merely for the necessity of capitalist growth. There's your hilarious capitalist efficiency for you. Poverty in Africa is also growing rapidly--providing legitimacy for militant zealots such as Boko Haram--despite massive capitalist investment over the last decade.
Finally, historically many constituencies were not "grateful" to be vaulted into industry. They had to be coerced--or even violently threatened--to leave their self-sustainining enterprises.
But keep trying to erase history and fact. Capital does, of course, demand that we live in an eternal present, with nothing but glorious daily progress with which to look forward. Oh yes, maybe if we just believe in its glory a little more!
The middle is also not "booming" worldwide. It is true that we have seen a rise in a Chinese middle class, but their fortunes are tied to an increasingly adrenalized cycle of industry and finance that have swung wildly. I would also like to note the presence of full "ghost cities" in China--millions of buildings sitting vacant merely for the necessity of capitalist growth. There's your hilarious capitalist efficiency for you. Poverty in Africa is also growing rapidly--providing legitimacy for militant zealots such as Boko Haram--despite massive capitalist investment over the last decade.
Finally, historically many constituencies were not "grateful" to be vaulted into industry. They had to be coerced--or even violently threatened--to leave their self-sustainining enterprises.
But keep trying to erase history and fact. Capital does, of course, demand that we live in an eternal present, with nothing but glorious daily progress with which to look forward. Oh yes, maybe if we just believe in its glory a little more!
"Since World War II our political culture has been organized around the needs, fears and aspirations of white middle-class voters in ways that also satisfied the interests of the rich and powerful. That’s no longer true."
It's no longer true because the 1% stabbed the working and middle classes in the back, imposing a "trickle down economy" that rewards the wealthy by transferring the wealth of the lower classes upwards.
And it's not a "cultural divide", it's an economic one. When jobs, wages, and benefits have declined for almost four decades, "It's the economy stupid!"
As to why the Republicans and Dem leadership have allowed this abandonment, the reason differs by party. In the case of Republicans, they have never been for the middle and working classes, except when Teddy Roosevelt was in office, and they quickly drummed him out of the party. For the Dems, it might seem odd at first, but it's really simple: their politicians have gotten fat at the same trough as the Republicans, abandoning their former base like Judases.
Bernie Sanders is the ONLY candidate who ahs fought for the working and middle classes his whole career, and if the Dems don't want him I hope he runs on a third party ticket.
It's no longer true because the 1% stabbed the working and middle classes in the back, imposing a "trickle down economy" that rewards the wealthy by transferring the wealth of the lower classes upwards.
And it's not a "cultural divide", it's an economic one. When jobs, wages, and benefits have declined for almost four decades, "It's the economy stupid!"
As to why the Republicans and Dem leadership have allowed this abandonment, the reason differs by party. In the case of Republicans, they have never been for the middle and working classes, except when Teddy Roosevelt was in office, and they quickly drummed him out of the party. For the Dems, it might seem odd at first, but it's really simple: their politicians have gotten fat at the same trough as the Republicans, abandoning their former base like Judases.
Bernie Sanders is the ONLY candidate who ahs fought for the working and middle classes his whole career, and if the Dems don't want him I hope he runs on a third party ticket.
20
A big factor in the 'why' is the rise of retail politics - brought to us by Citizens United.
4
Meh. It comes down to the economy; has for decades. I think people are just beginning to understand that the factors that have caused standards of living to lessen and jobs to leave aren't going to be easy to reverse, if even possible at all. So all those campaign trail promises to change things that the politicians are clearly powerless to change are starting to wear thin, and people are looking for someone who will tell them the truth. Trump and Bernie are thriving off this. It's also what rocketed Obama past Hillary in 2008. Will it be enough to overcome the traditional powers and last through November? We'll see, but it's certainly a much stronger phenomenon than it was the last two elections.
11
Are you kidding me? White middle class is being displaced by a multicultural America? How about it's more like the white middle class is finally joining the reality of the rest of America--the minorities (some who have been here for decades and centuries) that have never gotten the advantage of the post-WWII GI bills, the home mortgages, the stay-at-home-moms (with the backup earning potential and childcare), or the company jobs with pensions or even unions offering protections. PLEASE, you think you "earned" everything while the rest of us people of color got free government handouts. No, no, no, you got the government handouts after WWII while the rest of us were relegated to poor neighborhoods with poor schools and no way to build wealth (e.g. no freebie college educations, no easy mortgages, poor mothers forced to work).
31
Strange article. I don't feel it applies to me at all. I want a more just society. The Republicans seem to stand for the opposite. I'm hurting some, but many, many more people are in worse condition. I am aware of the failure of Democratic leaders to really address the pressure of the Right to seriously reduce justice. And I'm disappointed. But I don't feel so disregarded by the Left as I feel oppressed by the Republican Right who appear to be only for the Big Guys. For me, Bernie Sanders seems like the only sane candidate for a more just society. He is the only one really willing to take a firm stand for Social Justice and encourage political revolution. I do not consider Sanders the Democratic equivalent of Donald Trump.
30
Plenty of other candidates have proposed and enacted the exact same policies to make a 'more just society', that Bernie proposes, and gone even further. 50 million dead Russians, Chinese, Koreans and others later, people weren't so big on it.
The lesson of history is people desperately leaving those places, and running to, above all, the evil capitalist US.
The lesson of history is people desperately leaving those places, and running to, above all, the evil capitalist US.
4
Every major nation on earth believes health care is a right -- not a privilege -- and every major nation on earth provides health care its citizens.
It is unfair that corporations and Wall Street buy elections. It is unfair that wealth in our nation has accumulated at the very top -- while Americans become poorer and poorer.
Capitalism has to work for ALL OF US -- not just a few.
Open your eyes. Look at what is happening in this country.
Too many Americans are losing out.
A lo
It is unfair that corporations and Wall Street buy elections. It is unfair that wealth in our nation has accumulated at the very top -- while Americans become poorer and poorer.
Capitalism has to work for ALL OF US -- not just a few.
Open your eyes. Look at what is happening in this country.
Too many Americans are losing out.
A lo
The white and probably the black middle class doesn't care about "social justice," they want their outsourced jobs back and they want legal and illegal immigrants to stop taking their jobs.
2
It's clear that Sanders and Trump appeal to angry people, but each set of supporters views the problems and solutions differently.
6
The difference is quite pronounced, however, to put them in similar categories as appealing to angry people is, to say the least, laughable. Bernie Sanders has a history, as a government representative, of fighting for his beliefs and desires and legislation and wants to see it through in to the highest office in the land. Donald Trump, on the other hand, appeals to the worst characteristics in people and just says what he thinks they want to hear. He really has no realistic solutions to anything.
We are not reading anymore for lack of time, and a lot of the material we are reading is junk. Our concentration for the most part is poor. While it is difficult to be a child, parents are often suffocating their offspring with attention. We are not grounded.
An abstract thought but where would we be 'At' if we had not suffered a Recession? I always knew we would be at our worse if our wallets got hit. We could weep genuinely over our dinner of oysters at the thought of a 1000 wars across the Globe, but take away the free bread-sticks at our favorite restaurant and this would be news at the office the next day.
When was this sentence written? 'Last year brought about a sharpening perception that the international economic problems the world faces could escalate into crisis at any time, and that the industrial nations have to work together to resolve these problems'. In February 1983, when I opened a book of financial essays at random.
The 'Real' America, the one we want to take back, is on Fox News and golf courses. What are all these signs of 'Jesus Loves You' seen from the train? We have a lust for guns? The more violence on the screen, the better, and I find America a bit scary because it is all Heart and little Brain.
When was the last time you had an interesting exchange with a friend or a stranger that had nothing to do about you? Come Home Little Sheba.
An abstract thought but where would we be 'At' if we had not suffered a Recession? I always knew we would be at our worse if our wallets got hit. We could weep genuinely over our dinner of oysters at the thought of a 1000 wars across the Globe, but take away the free bread-sticks at our favorite restaurant and this would be news at the office the next day.
When was this sentence written? 'Last year brought about a sharpening perception that the international economic problems the world faces could escalate into crisis at any time, and that the industrial nations have to work together to resolve these problems'. In February 1983, when I opened a book of financial essays at random.
The 'Real' America, the one we want to take back, is on Fox News and golf courses. What are all these signs of 'Jesus Loves You' seen from the train? We have a lust for guns? The more violence on the screen, the better, and I find America a bit scary because it is all Heart and little Brain.
When was the last time you had an interesting exchange with a friend or a stranger that had nothing to do about you? Come Home Little Sheba.
3
Yes, globalization.
And also massive immigration, legal and illegal.
Both have hurt the "middle class" -- the real middle.
Not the upper middle, sometimes called "affluent".
To put a number on it, not those with incomes over $100,000,
nor dual income households over $150,000.
Those people like to think of themselves as "middle class".
But they are not middle by any stretch.
If they are "middle class", they affluent upper middle class.
They are certainly not middle middle.
Race??
Both the middle middle and the upper middle are heavily white,
But there are also plenty of blacks and Latinos in the middle middle,
and yes, even some in the upper middle.
Meanwhile, there are also plenty of whites in the lower middle range
($35,000 to $50,000), along with many blacks and Latinos.
But what the whites in the middle middle, and lower middle, hear constantly,
from the cognoscenti and the poohbahs on the Left,
in the Fourth Estate, in the Academy and in the Pulpit,
is race-centric sympathy for the plight of blacks and Latinos.
They also hear mantras from supposed leaders on both the Left and the Right about supposed benefits of immigration, regardless of legality.
They hear it thinly disguised as a question of "documentation",
and they hear that obviously dishonest intellectual legerdemain from supposed poohbahs of high intellectualism in the Fourth Estate, the Academy and the Pulpit. Meanwhile, even blacks are about evenly divided about the supposed benefits of massive immigration.
And also massive immigration, legal and illegal.
Both have hurt the "middle class" -- the real middle.
Not the upper middle, sometimes called "affluent".
To put a number on it, not those with incomes over $100,000,
nor dual income households over $150,000.
Those people like to think of themselves as "middle class".
But they are not middle by any stretch.
If they are "middle class", they affluent upper middle class.
They are certainly not middle middle.
Race??
Both the middle middle and the upper middle are heavily white,
But there are also plenty of blacks and Latinos in the middle middle,
and yes, even some in the upper middle.
Meanwhile, there are also plenty of whites in the lower middle range
($35,000 to $50,000), along with many blacks and Latinos.
But what the whites in the middle middle, and lower middle, hear constantly,
from the cognoscenti and the poohbahs on the Left,
in the Fourth Estate, in the Academy and in the Pulpit,
is race-centric sympathy for the plight of blacks and Latinos.
They also hear mantras from supposed leaders on both the Left and the Right about supposed benefits of immigration, regardless of legality.
They hear it thinly disguised as a question of "documentation",
and they hear that obviously dishonest intellectual legerdemain from supposed poohbahs of high intellectualism in the Fourth Estate, the Academy and the Pulpit. Meanwhile, even blacks are about evenly divided about the supposed benefits of massive immigration.
5
$150,000 a year isn't as much as you think it is...also, just because you make it into the top 5% or 10% does not mean you will stay there forever. In many cases you make it into the upper middle class and then you, retire, become ill, lose your job due to the economy declining, etc. There is no "tenure" involved. If you're smart you save for the bad times which will eventually come. Also, there are few places to put the money you have saved. Money market accounts pay very little, real estate is labor intensive and you must pay property tax on second homes, the stock market can be volatile.
2
This was all put in the frame of the white middle class, when it might have been better to say just white people. Like it or not, most Americans are white people, and white people are going to remain the majority in this country for many decades to come - and whatever happens to white people happens to this country, period. In other words, if white people go "down", the United States goes "down." So, yes, when the fortunes of white people have fallen, or when white people have become "irrelevant" to the political class, that's the "state" of the country, because it means "the people" are falling and have become irrelevant.
Minority groups would be ill-advised to regard the fall of the white people in this country as good news for them, thinking they might rise instead, because, as we have already seen, as the fortunes of white people have been reduced, and as more wind up in poverty, it has been even worse for most minority groups - and there is no reason to suspect the future to be any different. The point being that we either rise together or fall together, because, like it or not, we're all in this together.
Minority groups would be ill-advised to regard the fall of the white people in this country as good news for them, thinking they might rise instead, because, as we have already seen, as the fortunes of white people have been reduced, and as more wind up in poverty, it has been even worse for most minority groups - and there is no reason to suspect the future to be any different. The point being that we either rise together or fall together, because, like it or not, we're all in this together.
15
"Like it or not, most Americans are white people, and white people are going to remain the majority in this country for many decades to come - and whatever happens to white people happens to this country, period."
Actually this is not true. For example, the mortality rate is ONLY increasing for white people, not other races.
Actually this is not true. For example, the mortality rate is ONLY increasing for white people, not other races.
Projections show white people becoming a minority by about 2050. However, a lot can happen between now and then. For instance, the trend you now see could reverse, and as the fortunes of white people diminish, that is very likely to happen, because the poorer people become, the more children they have. People are counting their chickens before they hatch with these population projections.
1
Good piece. Let's see more like it.
The author does not mention the issue at the heart of the matter, at least on the Republican side, immigration.
Both parties support the interests of the wealthy at the expense of the middle class. From failure to enforce existing immigration laws, to pushing immigration "reform," to bipartisan support for the nuclear-strength middle class destroying H1-B program, to encouraging large scale foreign competition for university admissions and jobs, both parties have abandoned the AMERICAN middle class.
That's why Trump has traction on the right.
Sanders has traction on the left because of globalization and the Wall Street bailouts.
Why didn't any of those bankers go to prison?
Their activities weren't illegal? Why not?
Why is the middle class still paying the bill?
Why are both parties still beholden to those responsible?
There are your answers.
The author does not mention the issue at the heart of the matter, at least on the Republican side, immigration.
Both parties support the interests of the wealthy at the expense of the middle class. From failure to enforce existing immigration laws, to pushing immigration "reform," to bipartisan support for the nuclear-strength middle class destroying H1-B program, to encouraging large scale foreign competition for university admissions and jobs, both parties have abandoned the AMERICAN middle class.
That's why Trump has traction on the right.
Sanders has traction on the left because of globalization and the Wall Street bailouts.
Why didn't any of those bankers go to prison?
Their activities weren't illegal? Why not?
Why is the middle class still paying the bill?
Why are both parties still beholden to those responsible?
There are your answers.
10
Goldman Sachs, who Hillary Clinton gives speeches to and Ted Cruz's wife works for got a $13 Billion dollar bail out. They should have to pay it back with interest and fines if they haven't done so.
2
What is amazing to me is that the members of the class that Reno describes don't realize that Trump is not going to do anything for them. The problem of economic globalization which has decimated the the middle class -- through the transfer of manufacturing jobs, the disruptive effect of technology, the inability of Americans to compete in a global economy in certain sectors because of much higher wages -- is too large, permanent, complex, and impervious to a government fix to be reversed. Trump glibly assurances his supporters that he'll force companies to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. That would be great, but it's very unlikely to happen with any scale in a Trump (or anyone's) administration. What Trump' supporters must respond to is his mere promise to turn back the tide, a promise that is brilliantly captured in his slogan of "Make America Great Again." I don't know what the solution is: is it massive retraining, an effort to ensure that middle class kids end up with the skills that the current economic market seeks? Those are big hills to climb, but Trump is not reversing globalization.
3
I hate to be the one to point this out, but Sarah Palin got it right. (Like some Mad Priestess, speaking in tongues.) While endorsing T. last week she said "we've been had!!!"
On the Right people were promised a comfortable stasis, cultural, economic, etc. if they just ignored the elephant in the room; Neo-Liberal Economics, with it's out-sourcing, trade deals and tax breaks for the wealthy.
And on the Left real progress has been impossible mostly because it would interfere with the Neo-Liberal Economics agenda. Instead we got identity politics. And trade deals.
We've been had!
And how weird is this whole thing about Iowa and caucuses?
On the Right people were promised a comfortable stasis, cultural, economic, etc. if they just ignored the elephant in the room; Neo-Liberal Economics, with it's out-sourcing, trade deals and tax breaks for the wealthy.
And on the Left real progress has been impossible mostly because it would interfere with the Neo-Liberal Economics agenda. Instead we got identity politics. And trade deals.
We've been had!
And how weird is this whole thing about Iowa and caucuses?
9
I thought more of a new age poet, but mad priestess is a kind of good description of Sarah Palin.
I saw Sarah Palin's speech for Trump and I agreed with her. I thought, "someone who gets it and articulates the truth!"
Why do they let these unapologetic partisans with their hands in people's pockets and their heads on "God's" lap write drivel for what used to be America's most progressive newspaper? It's the old "everybody has some good", lump them "all together" and they won't look so bad, we're "no worse than you are", cutely mangled perspective from the right, while inserting little unsubtle digs at people who devote their lives to the common good. "We can dismiss his socialism as an unworkable throwback." Huh? The right wingers are the ones who want to throwback to a time when children worked in factories 12 hours a day, women were wives or nothing, and health, safety and fraud regulations weren't invented yet. They keep pushing the "white vs black", "middle class is in decline" fear mongering lest the "middle class" of their nightmares discover that they've been had by the corporatists and their lackeys in government, the generously so-called conservatives who don't give a tinker's dam about anybody or anything except profit, and slam the doors on their greedy grasping rapacious fingers.
3
white people are going the way of the people that were here when the white people showed up hundreds of years ago.
Most of europe is even worse. Whites are history. And most are so stupid, they don't even realize it.
Look at flint michigan, mostly african. thus no tax base to improve even the water. what are you supposed to do, tax a welfare recipient? Gee, how does that work without inciting a riot?
Most of europe is even worse. Whites are history. And most are so stupid, they don't even realize it.
Look at flint michigan, mostly african. thus no tax base to improve even the water. what are you supposed to do, tax a welfare recipient? Gee, how does that work without inciting a riot?
7
White people are still the vast majority in Europe and in America. It is white culture that is being overwritten, particularly in Europe.
1
When (unlike every other group) you're not allowed, lest you be called "racist", to have a heredity-based advocacy group, it's easy to believe that no political organization represents your interest. When you see beloved institutions (e.g. Oscars, colleges, etc.), created by whites from nothing, attacked for lack of "diversity" and "inclusion", it's easy to be disillusioned. When you never did anything racist in your life, but you're still supposedly a bigot because of your "white privilege", "unconscious racism", etc., you tend to become disinterested in government. When you see, despite the enormous and pervasive welfare state, no end of pathology and dysfunction in minority communities, you just stop blaming yourself.
20
@wmfh33
And you should. We wish the best for all, but it they hate us despite all the honest efforts we have offered.
And you should. We wish the best for all, but it they hate us despite all the honest efforts we have offered.
7
"Cultural instability compounds economic instability." Really?
More like, the economic instability has compounded cultural instability, something African-Americans know a lot about. Or does (Mr. or Ms., I don't know) Reno think that good wage-earning African Americans leave their kids to be brought up by grandparents and single mothers?
Ah, this sense of entitlement. Until now the "forgotten Americans," could pull themselves up by their boot straps but something seems to have snapped in the last couple of decades. Even when they pull with all their might, they seem to be going nowhere. And they think that they are going to get a helping hand from Trump or Cruz or Rubio? Forget it.
So, the white middle class rallied with the white elites in great causes, like the moonshot while the lower class whites and African Americans presumably went for the ride? What happened in the decades of 1920's to 1960's was not capitalism, it was socialism. Now the plutocrats are out to correct this.
More like, the economic instability has compounded cultural instability, something African-Americans know a lot about. Or does (Mr. or Ms., I don't know) Reno think that good wage-earning African Americans leave their kids to be brought up by grandparents and single mothers?
Ah, this sense of entitlement. Until now the "forgotten Americans," could pull themselves up by their boot straps but something seems to have snapped in the last couple of decades. Even when they pull with all their might, they seem to be going nowhere. And they think that they are going to get a helping hand from Trump or Cruz or Rubio? Forget it.
So, the white middle class rallied with the white elites in great causes, like the moonshot while the lower class whites and African Americans presumably went for the ride? What happened in the decades of 1920's to 1960's was not capitalism, it was socialism. Now the plutocrats are out to correct this.
9
The answers are simple - the establishments of BOTH parties cater to their select chosen groups which do not include the middle class (economically $35000 -65000 a year in the 40th -60th percentile.)
The Republicans serve only the interests of the upper 1% - tax cuts, government contracts so their supporters can make money....
The middle class can sod off. They are to
* be treated as disposable widgets who must take what their employer offers and be tossed aside on a whim
* 'die fast' if they can't afford health insurance or copays & get ill
* live in a ditch & die soon when they are old.
* have women's bodies controlled
The Democrats are obsessed with their pet interest groups of illegal migrants, minorities with (75% of kids born out of wedlock), those with biologically aberrant sexual behavior (2 guys bred a kid or guys who wear dresses pretending they are women), & every other sob story out there.
The middle class can sod off. They are to
*accept not getting a job in the name of hiring a minority to promote "diversity"
* accept losing their well-paying job because of free trade & flip burgers instead.
* put up with their kid getting rejected by a college in favor of less-academically qualified minority to promote "diversity"
* shut up & pay for the 3rd generation of any race on food stamps & in subsidized housing.
Neither party gives a toss about the household living on $50000 whose job is heading to China & who can't pay the $6000 deductible.
The Republicans serve only the interests of the upper 1% - tax cuts, government contracts so their supporters can make money....
The middle class can sod off. They are to
* be treated as disposable widgets who must take what their employer offers and be tossed aside on a whim
* 'die fast' if they can't afford health insurance or copays & get ill
* live in a ditch & die soon when they are old.
* have women's bodies controlled
The Democrats are obsessed with their pet interest groups of illegal migrants, minorities with (75% of kids born out of wedlock), those with biologically aberrant sexual behavior (2 guys bred a kid or guys who wear dresses pretending they are women), & every other sob story out there.
The middle class can sod off. They are to
*accept not getting a job in the name of hiring a minority to promote "diversity"
* accept losing their well-paying job because of free trade & flip burgers instead.
* put up with their kid getting rejected by a college in favor of less-academically qualified minority to promote "diversity"
* shut up & pay for the 3rd generation of any race on food stamps & in subsidized housing.
Neither party gives a toss about the household living on $50000 whose job is heading to China & who can't pay the $6000 deductible.
17
Reading The Time I like to capture insightful sections and copy for a record of sorts. Mr. Reno gave my nothing save some rambling about ‘things have changed for white middle class.’ Yes they have been changing for many years now. He fails to see that President Obama’s victory in ’08 was not because of a vague slogan but because of a desperate desire for Change, a new direction, than where conventional politics had taken us under Pres. Bush, and years preceding, and his following victory in ’08 ‘the lesser evil’ or that same hope for change to occur at last.
Both Sanders, and Clinton picking up on Bernie’s’ appeal, as well as Trump are signaling that all is not well and Sanders offering the strongest litany of specifics issues of inequality, broader healthcare, the financial sectors usury, more reasoned use of our military might, an election process protected from financial purchase by corporate interests.
These things transcend Reno’s focus on the white middle classes’ sense of displacement. They want someone to pay attention to where America has wandered and are hoping for a focus on our collective problems by new leadership in the know. This year is revealing a general demise not a class specific complaint.
Both Sanders, and Clinton picking up on Bernie’s’ appeal, as well as Trump are signaling that all is not well and Sanders offering the strongest litany of specifics issues of inequality, broader healthcare, the financial sectors usury, more reasoned use of our military might, an election process protected from financial purchase by corporate interests.
These things transcend Reno’s focus on the white middle classes’ sense of displacement. They want someone to pay attention to where America has wandered and are hoping for a focus on our collective problems by new leadership in the know. This year is revealing a general demise not a class specific complaint.
4
The Democrats lost the white middle class in their reaction to the success of the Civil Rights movement. That's how we got the GOP Southern Strategy. Gov. Reagan then piled on by pointing to the Watts and other inner city riots. His code wording of 'Welfare Queens" and not giving tax money to our government because it would just go to "those" people resonates to this day. But the Reagan "revolution" has delivered nothing to the Reagan Democrats but sliding paychecks and a lower life expectancy. It has however delivered the biggest wealth disparity since before the Great Depression. All the "trickle down" nonsense never delivered any jobs, balanced our budget or gave us any more security. In fact, it has delivered the opposite to the working class. The enormous military budgets for him and the Bush's' only made things worse. Only Clinton gave working people a respite from this trend. And, when Bush 43 was installed by our partisan Supreme Court and election rigging in FL, the GOP takeover of our government was finally complete. That revealed the emptiness of radical "conservatism". At first we had the T-party that started to float the meme that extremely right wing Texas governor, Bush 43, just wasn't "conservative" enough. After another 6 years of the GOP control of Congress and the Supreme Court with even more "real" right wing conservatives the cupboard of lies is getting empty. Conservative now is simply code for bad government.
23
No. The one question that will remain is not, "Why, after decades of supporting the liberal and conservative establishments, did the white middle-class abandon them?" but rather why did the liberal and conservative establishments abandon the middle class?
The author meanders prettily around the issues, "As we know, the rich are now quite a bit richer." But that's never been a problem. The middle class is in decline because they take too many drugs, 'illegitimacy' is increasing, and they fear 'that unless you're on the way up, you're on the way down.'
The reality of middle America is not some theoretical fear that he no longer keeps up with Mr. Jones. He and his wife are barely holding on to their modest home, working two, sometimes three measly jobs. His kids have no hope of ever owning a home of their own. Their college education qualifies them for the same measly jobs their parents now have.
They don't give a rat's behind for "an appeal to their sense of political self-worth". They want want decent jobs that pay decent wages. They want their children to have a fighting chance to live a decent life. They want what every human being wants and should be entitled to in this the greatest and richest country in the world.
So far the establishment has sold them out in favor of their wealthy friends. They've been lied to and used. They are finally angry enough to fight back.
There are hard edges in this reality, none in this article.
The author meanders prettily around the issues, "As we know, the rich are now quite a bit richer." But that's never been a problem. The middle class is in decline because they take too many drugs, 'illegitimacy' is increasing, and they fear 'that unless you're on the way up, you're on the way down.'
The reality of middle America is not some theoretical fear that he no longer keeps up with Mr. Jones. He and his wife are barely holding on to their modest home, working two, sometimes three measly jobs. His kids have no hope of ever owning a home of their own. Their college education qualifies them for the same measly jobs their parents now have.
They don't give a rat's behind for "an appeal to their sense of political self-worth". They want want decent jobs that pay decent wages. They want their children to have a fighting chance to live a decent life. They want what every human being wants and should be entitled to in this the greatest and richest country in the world.
So far the establishment has sold them out in favor of their wealthy friends. They've been lied to and used. They are finally angry enough to fight back.
There are hard edges in this reality, none in this article.
18
It does seem that the richest Americans have done something evil in most of the comments. Maybe we should tell our students that Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Michael Dell, Mark Zuckerberg are evil and do not strive to do something different and create something that everyone wants for the rewards that come with it are wrong. On this page alone there is over $100 billion of wealth inequality - lets go hang them and take their money. The world will be better off.
2
Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Michael Dell and Mark Zuckerberg, not sure I'd want to see them hanged, but several years to serve in a United States Prison would be a good start.
2
Their is a difference between those you mention, who used their talents to actually add value to our lives, and those whose ill gotten wealth derives from manipulation, chiseling our outright theft!
Example: those "wizards" in the health insurance industry who engineered a hostile takeover of the healthcare professions, in the name of "Managed Care," in order to profit from human suffering! Buy rigging the system to deny coverage wherever possible, they've managed to divert a third of every "healthcare dollar" into their own pockets as Administrative Costs."
Fortunes have been made in this corrupt system, and untold human suffering is the result. And those responsible are living in "gated communities," rather than in prison, where they belong!
Example: those "wizards" in the health insurance industry who engineered a hostile takeover of the healthcare professions, in the name of "Managed Care," in order to profit from human suffering! Buy rigging the system to deny coverage wherever possible, they've managed to divert a third of every "healthcare dollar" into their own pockets as Administrative Costs."
Fortunes have been made in this corrupt system, and untold human suffering is the result. And those responsible are living in "gated communities," rather than in prison, where they belong!
This op ed plays to America's disgusting obsession with race. Imagine if the Times offered these same generalities about blacks and hispanics. Why describe the political landscape in racial terms at all?
ALL voters in America have been disenfranchised. As the saying goes "Money talks, ...." We non-billionaire voters know too well that foreign governments (Saudi Arabia and China) and Big Tech, Big Oil and Wall St shape domestic and foreign policy and that us little people have no say at all. It does not matter what the color of our skin is, we all don't count.
Immigration/border control is not a racial issue - it affects Americans of color just as deeply as "whites" (as though whites presented some united front - ha!) if not more so. Taking jobs, increasing health care costs and reducing medical and social benefits - doesn't matter whether you're white or black.
The difference the refreshing difference in this election is that Bernie and the Donald speak out against established special interests. We may even have a real election - a choice between mild socialism and laissez faire capitalism. Somehow, that simple fact has to be twisted into racism, with op ed reporting on Trump's support from "less educated whites".
So is it possible the racially divided electorate is a critical narrative for Hilary Clinton strategists? I think it is and this paper's backing of Mrs. Clinton is no secret. How destructive.
ALL voters in America have been disenfranchised. As the saying goes "Money talks, ...." We non-billionaire voters know too well that foreign governments (Saudi Arabia and China) and Big Tech, Big Oil and Wall St shape domestic and foreign policy and that us little people have no say at all. It does not matter what the color of our skin is, we all don't count.
Immigration/border control is not a racial issue - it affects Americans of color just as deeply as "whites" (as though whites presented some united front - ha!) if not more so. Taking jobs, increasing health care costs and reducing medical and social benefits - doesn't matter whether you're white or black.
The difference the refreshing difference in this election is that Bernie and the Donald speak out against established special interests. We may even have a real election - a choice between mild socialism and laissez faire capitalism. Somehow, that simple fact has to be twisted into racism, with op ed reporting on Trump's support from "less educated whites".
So is it possible the racially divided electorate is a critical narrative for Hilary Clinton strategists? I think it is and this paper's backing of Mrs. Clinton is no secret. How destructive.
9
@Sharkie,
I returned to the NYT's endorsement page to refresh my memory.
I understand and agree with most of your comment. If you could, please, clarify what you mean by "critical narrative" I'd be able to follow the rest.
2-1-16@11:42 pm et
I returned to the NYT's endorsement page to refresh my memory.
I understand and agree with most of your comment. If you could, please, clarify what you mean by "critical narrative" I'd be able to follow the rest.
2-1-16@11:42 pm et
Most of the "innovation" you speak of is not technological. It is "financial innovation" which is nothing more than the corrupt unleveling of the playing field in the favor of 1% hedge funders and against those small businesses that have been foolish enough to play by the rules and laws as they are written.
Example 1. Uber. unregulated, under taxed, under insured vs the massive taxation and over regulation on the taxi cab industry. Which is the Uber industry. But Uber doesn't have to play by the rules.
Example 2. Amazon. Destroying Main Street retailers for 20 years with an insurmountable advantage of not collecting 8+% state and local sales taxes as the brick and mortar store must.
Example 3. American technology workers and h1b visas and the sellout of "good" American STEM employment. You know, those tech jobs that the current generation are borrowing tuition to qualify for? They're toast. Sold out by corrupt politicians to "innovators" who have gamed the system.
Example 4. Health care premiums. "Innovators" don't pay them. That's the innovation. Small businesses are getting killed by them, because they pay them.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/26/us/lawsuit-claims-disney-colluded-to-r...
You name it, and the game is rigged. Read your own newspaper.
These are not "perceived" conditions of unfairness. They are sweeping and onerous inequalities of fairness and law. "Innovators" my foot.
Example 1. Uber. unregulated, under taxed, under insured vs the massive taxation and over regulation on the taxi cab industry. Which is the Uber industry. But Uber doesn't have to play by the rules.
Example 2. Amazon. Destroying Main Street retailers for 20 years with an insurmountable advantage of not collecting 8+% state and local sales taxes as the brick and mortar store must.
Example 3. American technology workers and h1b visas and the sellout of "good" American STEM employment. You know, those tech jobs that the current generation are borrowing tuition to qualify for? They're toast. Sold out by corrupt politicians to "innovators" who have gamed the system.
Example 4. Health care premiums. "Innovators" don't pay them. That's the innovation. Small businesses are getting killed by them, because they pay them.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/26/us/lawsuit-claims-disney-colluded-to-r...
You name it, and the game is rigged. Read your own newspaper.
These are not "perceived" conditions of unfairness. They are sweeping and onerous inequalities of fairness and law. "Innovators" my foot.
30
If for no other reason, the identification of the division in America as intra-racial, makes this a fascinating read. Regarding the “sense of political self-worth” that the author claims white middle-class voters crave, the doggone problem is that that political self-worth is based on white supremacy. Choking, today on the fallacy and immorality of white supremacy, many Americans are still loving the self-worth that white supremacy always afforded them, even in their saddest years. They use their right to worship white supremacy as the last vestige of what they insist is a great American spirit and absolutely cannot be convinced that that spirit is gone with the wind, and died with the Marlboro Man. How large is that group? We’re soon going to find out. Donald Trump seized upon the subset of the electorate who are proud of their refusal to reconstruct. Our election will measure the width and breadth of that subset.
Agitations by many white middle class Americans have been ignored by the elites but that is because those voices too often relay certain bigoted, racist ignorant claptrap that is uniquely and deplorably American. These voices are particularly challenging for the anti-Trump wing of Republicans because they’ve always been so soft on bigotry. Trump keeps appealing to the core bigotry of the unreconstructed, while we wait to see how many others will jump on the bandwagon. No wonder the world is waiting to see the results.
Agitations by many white middle class Americans have been ignored by the elites but that is because those voices too often relay certain bigoted, racist ignorant claptrap that is uniquely and deplorably American. These voices are particularly challenging for the anti-Trump wing of Republicans because they’ve always been so soft on bigotry. Trump keeps appealing to the core bigotry of the unreconstructed, while we wait to see how many others will jump on the bandwagon. No wonder the world is waiting to see the results.
4
The capitalist parties, one dominated by finance & tech, the other dominated by..again, finance, as well as traditional industry have lost the support working classes (what we euphemistically refer to as the "middle" class)? It's almost as if the upper class isn't really interested in catering to the people beneath them and that enough of these people have figured that out? That to the upper class, the lower classes are merely a source of labor and a market for the goods and services produced and offered by their corporations? It's almost as if they really only care about making more money, and nothing else. For decades these middle class whites have believed the fiction that there really was going to be a place for them at the table. That was always a lie, and now that they are no longer needed as badly as they used to be thanks to automation and the dismantling of barriers to trade and population transfer they will be tossed aside and discarded like everyone else who has ever stood in the way of profit. They had their chance right after world war II but these people chose Reagan and television instead. Too bad.
1
Did you forget the Carter administration? It was not good, from what I remember.
1
"Since World War II our political culture has been organized around the needs, fears and aspirations of white middle-class voters in ways that also satisfied the interests of the rich and powerful."
Please. To the extent that statement above is even arguably true, it was so for only half of the 70+ years that have elapsed since the end of WWII. From January 20, 1981 on, while political rhetoric has continued to be "organized around the needs, fears and aspirations of white middle-[ and working ]class voters," actual governing has served, almost exclusively, the interests of the rich and powerful. It's just taken 35 years for many middle- and working-class voters to wake up to the fact that they've been had.
Please. To the extent that statement above is even arguably true, it was so for only half of the 70+ years that have elapsed since the end of WWII. From January 20, 1981 on, while political rhetoric has continued to be "organized around the needs, fears and aspirations of white middle-[ and working ]class voters," actual governing has served, almost exclusively, the interests of the rich and powerful. It's just taken 35 years for many middle- and working-class voters to wake up to the fact that they've been had.
5
Democracy is dead in the USA. We are run by oligarchs that buy politicians, slick public relations firms and pressure the media to cover their narrative only. We are run by the top one percent who have taken over states and the Supreme Court. Billionaire Gates now dictates our public education policy, even though he has zero credentials in education.
Vote for Sanders and you run into the brick wall of the gerrymandered HR and the Senate is no better than that of the late years of the Romans Republic. Hillary is against single payer health care now that the health insurance industry is donating to her.
On the other side, the Republicans are now one step away from the Taliban, all blowing the dog whistles of rascism, homophobia, hatred of Latinos and Islam. They are the scariest bunch I have seen in my 49 years on this earth.
I fear for the world my son will find himself in. It will be a world of disposable workers with no security, benefits or future. His generation's safety net will be taken away, so that the Koch brothers can hoard even more cash, in thier Raynd based fantasy world.
This country is dying the death it deserves, I just wish my parents stayed overseas, so I could have been born away from this farce of the greatest country on earth.
Vote for Sanders and you run into the brick wall of the gerrymandered HR and the Senate is no better than that of the late years of the Romans Republic. Hillary is against single payer health care now that the health insurance industry is donating to her.
On the other side, the Republicans are now one step away from the Taliban, all blowing the dog whistles of rascism, homophobia, hatred of Latinos and Islam. They are the scariest bunch I have seen in my 49 years on this earth.
I fear for the world my son will find himself in. It will be a world of disposable workers with no security, benefits or future. His generation's safety net will be taken away, so that the Koch brothers can hoard even more cash, in thier Raynd based fantasy world.
This country is dying the death it deserves, I just wish my parents stayed overseas, so I could have been born away from this farce of the greatest country on earth.
7
I am a part of the "middle class." My issue is that both parties have swung so far in opposite directions that I have been totally lost in the shuffle. I am tired of voting for the lesser of evils. I would love to see a moderate third party evolve that could swing in whichever way would best benefit the majority of Americans instead of the "party". You want me to get excited about voting? Give me a reasonable candidate that is concerned about Americans and not just a specialized group.
3
They lost them because neither thinks they are worth a thought until election year. Which is interesting as the country is (gasp!) still 72% white. Yes: despite pundits intoning that Iowa doesn't "represent" the country, it mostly does. Subtle messages like these are persuading those voters to stick it to the political process and the media-especially the media, as it moralizes. hectors, pontificates, runs columns by academics and think tank wonks, all telling the white middle-class how stupid they are, how bigoted, how wrong, how selfish for being unwilling to surrender to cultural invasion, and how grateful they should be for any attention the media can spare them from its obsession with migrants and diversity.
On another front, a friend just filed for Social Security-he's 66, so pays no penalty for working and getting SS and he plans to keep working. Despite stating on the SS form that he enrolled in Medicare at 65 and is paying via EFT deduction from his bank account, he got a letter saying his check would have Medicare deducted along with a new Medicare card-so now he has 2, and has to go straighten it out at the SS office, AND that as he earns more than $25K p.a., his benefits will also be taxed, leaving him after 45+ years of paying in with a monthly check reduced from about $2000 to $1200.
Wall Street is still plundering but they can't exempt SS benefits from tax. My friend refuses to vote for Clinton or Cruz or Rubio or anyone else in government. I can't blame him.
On another front, a friend just filed for Social Security-he's 66, so pays no penalty for working and getting SS and he plans to keep working. Despite stating on the SS form that he enrolled in Medicare at 65 and is paying via EFT deduction from his bank account, he got a letter saying his check would have Medicare deducted along with a new Medicare card-so now he has 2, and has to go straighten it out at the SS office, AND that as he earns more than $25K p.a., his benefits will also be taxed, leaving him after 45+ years of paying in with a monthly check reduced from about $2000 to $1200.
Wall Street is still plundering but they can't exempt SS benefits from tax. My friend refuses to vote for Clinton or Cruz or Rubio or anyone else in government. I can't blame him.
8
What if the idea of an American middle class is a myth, an aberration, a bubble that surrounded only a national industrialized orgy of equipping cataclysmic global war that left everyone's infrastructure destroyed except ours?
How many of us really could compete in a capitalist 'meritocracy' where unless you're born rich you have to risk everything as an entrepreneur & either cash in or flame out, but either way work as hard as any 5 jobs & take the world of your business on your own shoulders?
Is it not possible that the 'white working class' were spoiled by postwar 'jobs' & that a reasonable, sane living doing an honest days work with paid vacations, benefits, pensions & overtime pay is not real?
What if being independently upwardly mobile really is the only bootstrap to pull when the mid-century middle class dream of a comfortable family life with the yard & the grill & all the excess food & hot & cold-running gadgets that defines the good life (or at least the not-so-hardscrabble life) finally wakes up to a reality that the natural resting-state of society really doesn't come with a 'middle class'??
Do we actually go back to subsistence-farming & making things with our hands & directly making a living by our efforts as humans ultimately always did, instead of being tethered to an 'economy' or 'class' or system that makes us pawns to whatever stratum we end up in?
Perhaps a real 'real life' never existed in cities or suburbs or working a 'career' in a corporation.
How many of us really could compete in a capitalist 'meritocracy' where unless you're born rich you have to risk everything as an entrepreneur & either cash in or flame out, but either way work as hard as any 5 jobs & take the world of your business on your own shoulders?
Is it not possible that the 'white working class' were spoiled by postwar 'jobs' & that a reasonable, sane living doing an honest days work with paid vacations, benefits, pensions & overtime pay is not real?
What if being independently upwardly mobile really is the only bootstrap to pull when the mid-century middle class dream of a comfortable family life with the yard & the grill & all the excess food & hot & cold-running gadgets that defines the good life (or at least the not-so-hardscrabble life) finally wakes up to a reality that the natural resting-state of society really doesn't come with a 'middle class'??
Do we actually go back to subsistence-farming & making things with our hands & directly making a living by our efforts as humans ultimately always did, instead of being tethered to an 'economy' or 'class' or system that makes us pawns to whatever stratum we end up in?
Perhaps a real 'real life' never existed in cities or suburbs or working a 'career' in a corporation.
4
Unspoken however is the ominous future awaiting a world without reform. Whatever the balance of long term economic and scientific power of the elite, at any given point in time real military power rests with the white middle class, who control the keys to the most powerful armed forces in history.
A political fracture between between these two groups can ultimately only end with one result , revolution, and it's one that has played out many times in history.
Best to just have some reform.
A political fracture between between these two groups can ultimately only end with one result , revolution, and it's one that has played out many times in history.
Best to just have some reform.
4
Someone please explain to me what "great cause" are white middle class republican's fighting for. I know what their against (Gov't healthcare unless it's their medicare, gov't handouts unless they lose their jobs, big gov't unless it's big gov't deciding women's reproduction rights, Gov't interfering in the market place unless they lose their 401ks, immigration reform unless they own a small business that relies on immigrant labor, separation of church and state if it impacts poorly on their religion, gov't spending unless it's for the military, minorities unless it's an immediate family member, deficits unless the pres. is Repub. and taxes even if it means a crumbly infrastructure and middle class). Now tell me what their anger, fear and hate coalesces around for the good of this commonwealth.
5
To restore the sovereignty of the Individual. Much of it has been usurped by the most remote level of govt, the one in DC.
4
That the disillusionment appears to be primarily among the "white middle class" is I think an artifact of historical disparities. For decades, to be middle class meant probably being white... So the disaffection now evident appears to have a racial component. I think it is very much more an economic disillusionment. For many years politicians were more adept, and more interested, in hiding how beholden to the extremely wealthy they were. In the last couple election cycles, with emergence from dark shadows of the big money involvement in both parties, it becomes too obvious to hide that, whatever they may say, the Congress and the raft of presidential candidates are not listening to the concerns of the middle class. Democrats have tried to expand the middle class from the bottom, and have been feckless in pursuing this in the face of truly mendacious Republican opposition. Republicans have become tiresomely predictable - what will they support? Nothing ever from the other side, regardless of the merits of the idea. Relentlessly voting against every idea is not an agenda for the future. Yet, study the policy proposals of the current Republican candidates, such as you can find amongst the fear-mongering and hate-speech, and you find the same 'trickle-down' economics and promises of supply-side miracles that the middle class very well remembers failed them before. Both parties have sold out to the wealthy, but they aren't fooling the people like they could before.
153
@Jim
If you give up the partisan blame, you might have a coalition.
But then again, maybe the British Imperialists were right: divide and conquer.
If you give up the partisan blame, you might have a coalition.
But then again, maybe the British Imperialists were right: divide and conquer.
1
No matter what, it is always important to remember that the Republicans mantra consists of primarily three ideas that, in their mind, are always the solution to everything.
1. Low taxes
2. Minimal or preferably, no regulation of anything AND
3. Government is evil(unless of course they win an election, attain office
with all the perks including a healthy salary and pension along with a
gold-plated multi-choice "government sponsored" health care plan).
1. Low taxes
2. Minimal or preferably, no regulation of anything AND
3. Government is evil(unless of course they win an election, attain office
with all the perks including a healthy salary and pension along with a
gold-plated multi-choice "government sponsored" health care plan).
2
I'm a bit embarrassed to point this out, but the morning after the November 1980 election (Reagan defeated Carter in a fair), I told a colleague that "The bottom is going to drop out from under the middle class." Wish I'd been wrong. The middle class was built on government programs including good public schools, good infrastructure (the building and running of which also provided good jobs), the GI bill, an annual "jobs bill" at the federal level (yes, that what those bills were called), and an increasing level of fairness in society along with a broadly-shared culture. Without those things, i.e., under the pre-FDR conditions, there were the wealthy, the poor, and a relatively small group of successful small businessmen, farmers, and professionals. What is amazing is that people have put up for decades with the purposeful dismantling of the middle class.
25
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." After a generation or two we've forgotten the hard work that got us to a strong middle class and took it for granted. Time for pendulum to swing back where we are no longer complacent and take an active role in our government and economy rather than expecting others to look out for us. It will be a hard road back now that we've elected those who've rigged the system for the rich.
149
There are many hardworking Americans out there, but it is an insecure world. The jobs that allowed many to move into the middle class have disappeared. It is not just the rich, but those engaged in technology research that imperil jobs. Robots, artificial intelligence will replace many workers and outsourcing will continue. It is not a bright future for many out there no matter how hard they work. I grew up in the 1950's when things were different, but that world is long gone.
2
I'm an older white middle class voter from an evangelical background and I'm voting for either Hillary or Bernie? Why? Five words: Republicans wanna take my stuff. What's my 'stuff' ? Medicare, Social Security, any public pension I may have, perhaps the V.A. later down the road.
22
To Evangelical Survivor:
I have no knowledge about your public pension or V.A. "stuff", but I do know that Trump would not make any changes to your Medicare or social security.
I have no knowledge about your public pension or V.A. "stuff", but I do know that Trump would not make any changes to your Medicare or social security.
1
Sorry to be so cynical but the list of anti-middle class actions coming from so many directions has grown exponentially for the past 30 years with no end in sight. Now the leading edge of the boomers are turning 70 and 10,000 are turning 65 EVERY DAY. At the same time, the country has basically done nothing to prepare for this except blame this demographic for every problem we face. Crumbling infrastructure, sending most of the wealth to the top 1%, needless wars costing trillions, non-existent health care to the benefit of gigantic insurance conglomerates, functional ignorance about the emerging 6th extinction, rampant growth in the species, news programs that aren't, misguided drug wars and endless politics dominated by money.
At least at this age, the end is in sight.
At least at this age, the end is in sight.
4
Ah, renewed middle class participation in American political life. "This is what both candidates [Sanders and Trump] offer." If so, expect a pot-holed road ahead.
Sanders offers what he cannot deliver and Trump offers what he has no intention of delivering. Clinton offers more of the same policy that so disgusts the middle class, which is what she'll deliver.
Words cannot adequately describe the bigoted, mendacious bile coming coming from all but the GOP fringes of yawn-inspiring disinterest.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Sanders offers what he cannot deliver and Trump offers what he has no intention of delivering. Clinton offers more of the same policy that so disgusts the middle class, which is what she'll deliver.
Words cannot adequately describe the bigoted, mendacious bile coming coming from all but the GOP fringes of yawn-inspiring disinterest.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
Pardon R. R. Reno, you are repeating the usual 'both sides do it' mantra of the beltway media. Yes, the middle class isn't what it used to be. The Democrats and Sanders have real programs to do something about it, the Republicans have racial, ethnic or ideological targets to blame it all on, planning only to exploit, or even increase, the fear, anger and distress.
3
Many in the white middle class played along with the rich republicans without getting any benefit from this union. Now some are jumping on the Trump band-wagon. In my mind this looks like jumping from frying pan into fire. Trumps tax plan he published includes big tax cuts for the richest and very little for the middle class resulting in large budget deficits and big cuts in middle class benefits. This is Bush on steroids. Lesson not learned is lesson repeated. Good Luck
2
In the last twenty or thirty years church attendance has declined in our country by a considerable amount which has resulted in much of the cultural instability that we are experiencing. Feeling a void in their lives, which used to be filled by a strong faith in God, people are turning to drugs and other activities in an attempt to cope with the realities of life. They end up with even more serious problems. Jesus tells us in ( Matthew 6) " not to worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or wear" He goes on to say "But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness , and all these things will be given to you as well."
Jesus gave up a paying trade as a carpenter to become a couch-surfing preacher, living off the goodwill of his disciples. When he came to the house of Martha and Mary, he actually had the nerve to scold Martha for seeing to his comfort while Mary just sat adoringly at his feet listening to his pearls of wisdom. There is no evidence of his earning a living after he took up itinerant preaching; evidently he took no thought for the morrow because others took it for him. (Ironically, the 'holy man' such as Francis of Assisi depends on the guilt of the affluent sinner to fill his begging bowl; a world of all saints and no sinners would quickly end in starvation.)
Jesus was preaching on the assumption that the world was going to end *any second now* - that some who heard his voice would be present at the last judgement. He could take no thought for the morrow because by his calendar, there weren't too many morrows left. But 2K years on, the world is still here ... and God is still not handing out free stuff.
Jesus was preaching on the assumption that the world was going to end *any second now* - that some who heard his voice would be present at the last judgement. He could take no thought for the morrow because by his calendar, there weren't too many morrows left. But 2K years on, the world is still here ... and God is still not handing out free stuff.
1
My generation, the Boomers, were the first of the really awful generations. We were and still remain well-educated dummies. Smug and and self-rightous, we talked the talk, but were totally unable to make anything happen. We bought into the myth of the great god of Capitalism and Reagan's smiling face and expected the good times to keep rolling. In the process, we turned our backs on working people, denigrating those who have have historically been the foundation of the country. One has to feel sorry for the young folks, who have been totally disenfranchised. They are so sad and helpless. They don't even to know how to fake it. Brings to mind the middle ages debacle of the Children's Crusade: the kids would take back Palestine from the Seljuk Turks armed only with bibles and prayer books. No, not very likely.
2
The moral decadence of business and political elite in this country has spiraled out of control in the past generation. This can no longer be ignored – it has become a cancer on America.
After WWII, ruling political class and the business elite was guided by a collective sense of morality. Most of the folks in positions of responsibility understood the need to sustain the middle class – for we all knew the collapse of the middle class in Europe that created fascism.
In concrete terms, back in the 1950s, most Congressmen & women returned to their home districts, and did not become lobbyists. Businessmen knew they had a responsibility to the larger community. They did not make millions of dollars , while laying off thousands of their workers. . Back in the 1960s, capital gains rates were over 80%.
When did this change? I saw the floodgates open back in in 1989, when Ronald Reagan earned two million dollars during a two week trip to Japan. Now Hillary Clinton takes $250,000 for a one hour speech, and people do not bat an eye
Despite all the progress we have made in the last thirty years with granting full equality to LGBT citizens, a self-dealing ethic has taken hold in many of the highest reaches of society.. Thus the groundswell of disgust we see in 2016.
After WWII, ruling political class and the business elite was guided by a collective sense of morality. Most of the folks in positions of responsibility understood the need to sustain the middle class – for we all knew the collapse of the middle class in Europe that created fascism.
In concrete terms, back in the 1950s, most Congressmen & women returned to their home districts, and did not become lobbyists. Businessmen knew they had a responsibility to the larger community. They did not make millions of dollars , while laying off thousands of their workers. . Back in the 1960s, capital gains rates were over 80%.
When did this change? I saw the floodgates open back in in 1989, when Ronald Reagan earned two million dollars during a two week trip to Japan. Now Hillary Clinton takes $250,000 for a one hour speech, and people do not bat an eye
Despite all the progress we have made in the last thirty years with granting full equality to LGBT citizens, a self-dealing ethic has taken hold in many of the highest reaches of society.. Thus the groundswell of disgust we see in 2016.
4
Really tired of hearing Bernie lumped in with Trump. Bernie speaks for a tradition of progressive political ideas going back to La Follette, F.D.R., and M.L.K. He has a long record of public service, and, in most ways, espouses policies well within the mainstream of democratic politics. His appeal is based on his personal integrity and particularly American idealism. Trump is the inevitable consequence of a party that has pandered to the fears and worst instincts of Americans whose lives have been disrupted in ways they can't understand. As President Obama recently stated, the result is a republican party that is "unrecognizable" as the party of Eisenhower, Baker, Dole, or Bush 41. Any similarities between these two candidates are superficial, and theses based on them are weak, intellectually lazy, and self-serving.
5
“While he attracts support from a wealthier stratum of the middle class than Mr. Trump, the appeal is the same.” This false equivalence is getting as tiresome as it is nonsensical. Sanders and Trump are not two sides of the same coin – Trump revels in exploiting the dark forces of ignorance and fear whereas Sanders asks us to remember how good our people can be – especially when challenged. Editorials like this one demonstrate nothing so much as the lazy careerism that has defined the media since at least the Reagan administration. It is the same unquestioning laziness that allowed the Bush/Cheney regime to manipulate our nation into a disastrous war from which much of the instability in the Middle East can be traced. We have reporters who would rather do computer searches of blogs then confront the fuzzy generalizations, illogical assumptions, and empty rhetoric of candidates like Trump, Cruz, Rubio, and yes, Clinton. We have “in-the-bag” pundits who uncritically parrot talking points because they love to be close to the rich and powerful (yes, Maureen Dowd, George Will, Charles Krauthammer, and others, I’m pointing at you). And finally we have pompous anchors who can barely read a teleprompter instead of asking critical questions that make people very uncomfortable. With apologies to Simon and Garfunkel,” Where have you gone Walter Cronkite, Edward R. Murrow, Bob Woodward, and Ben Bradlee, our nation turns its lonely eyes to you?”
6
Well, maybe not Woodward.
1
Once again, folks. The middle class would have been the working class / poor long ago but for the threat of Communist Revolution and Soviet Russia. Fostering a secure middle class was a political and strategic necessity. I well remember the rhetoric of how a strong middle class was the foundation of democracy (and the power of the capitalist global alliance). Then we won the Cold War, they didn't need us any more, and the redistributionist policies that had bolstered the middle class against the underlying logic of proletarianization were abandoned. QED
7
I don't think white middle class Americans want to be "central" so much as they want to be assured of a decent life with decent prospects for their children. They want their hard work to be rewarded. Corporate "free trade," the offshoring of jobs, wage stagnation, the lack of decent jobs, the relish with which our so-called "elites" rake in the dough from pitting middle class Americans in competition with Third Worlders who are paid 50 cents an hour, all add to the sense of hopelessness and frustration. What's worse is that the leaders of both parties, including the President, either ignore these problems or try to tell people they're crazy, that the obvious is not really happening. People aren't buying this Globaloney any more and something's got to give.
6
"The intelligentsia on the left rarely lets a moment pass without reminding us of the demographic eclipse of white middle-class voters." Seems like *every* moment passes without such reminders. Look the Republicans actually use words like "takers." However this claim of what Democrats say is a negative characterization, not their actual words.
1
This time of year I tally the pounding my wallet takes in taxes. For others, its Refund Season ! Low wage employers are getting rich off my labor. Why should my tax dollars go to employees of the wealthy ?
The white middle class made their bed, now they can lie in it. They are responsible for the rightward shift resulting in the loss of power of the middle class -- electing Ronal Reagan and George W. Bush twice. Stop whining, you voted for this.
10
The notion that the white middle class is demoralized and seeks a central role in the "national project" is condescending. The middle class is not looking to candidates who create a purpose in their lives. Like everyone else, they are looking for government policies that serve their interests. The Democrats want them to subsidize the poor. Thanks but no thanks. The Republicans promise to reduce their taxes, and that is extremely appealing. A Pew Research Center poll revealed that the middle class voted Republican in 2012 by a margin of 54%-37%. This piece presumes that the Republicans have lost the middle class, which simply isn't true. Just because the Times publishes it doesn't mean this isn't nonsense.
2
The root of white middle class angst is economic insecurity. Globalization may be good for the investor class but it has been devastating for the working class. If more people had decent jobs that paid a living wage, a lot of their other problems would go away. All most people want is honest work that pays a decent wage, and they want to know that job is theirs to keep if they do it well. For some reason our mainstream politicians, especially the republicans, can't figure that out. I think Bernie understands, and Hillary probably understands, too.
1
Please. Stop the obsession with spinning everything into race.
This has to do with social class, social class, social class.
It's not just the white middle class. It's any middle class--Asian, Indian, white, brown, black.
I'm a middle class teacher. I've seen so many people in my class & age (middle aged) lose their jobs &/or see their salaries decrease. Jobs that used to be secure working class--security, custodial, construction, maintenance, support staff-- are now all being hollowed out, serviced by private companies that pay $10/hour & no benefits.
Only if you're in the upper classes do you not see.
Instead,both parties have pandered heavily to the top 0.1%, the manufactured computer bits converted into money, barely taxed, that is Wall Street. It's not just Republicans. Hillary's donors & her speeches, Mr Obama's lack of prosecution of any banker, the gleeful import of 10000s of H1B foreigners who rob middle class workers of their livelihoods, the outsourcing of 10000s of middle class jobs. The attacks on unions (right now it's the vicious attack on teacher unions, a strong public sector union, this from both parties). The millions of illegal immigrants who take working class jobs & undercut unions, so that working class people who used to be middle class are now dipping toward poor.
Both parties didn't "lose" the middle class. They disposed of them. They spat on them. In their race to court the top, they forgot our country is made up of We The People.
This has to do with social class, social class, social class.
It's not just the white middle class. It's any middle class--Asian, Indian, white, brown, black.
I'm a middle class teacher. I've seen so many people in my class & age (middle aged) lose their jobs &/or see their salaries decrease. Jobs that used to be secure working class--security, custodial, construction, maintenance, support staff-- are now all being hollowed out, serviced by private companies that pay $10/hour & no benefits.
Only if you're in the upper classes do you not see.
Instead,both parties have pandered heavily to the top 0.1%, the manufactured computer bits converted into money, barely taxed, that is Wall Street. It's not just Republicans. Hillary's donors & her speeches, Mr Obama's lack of prosecution of any banker, the gleeful import of 10000s of H1B foreigners who rob middle class workers of their livelihoods, the outsourcing of 10000s of middle class jobs. The attacks on unions (right now it's the vicious attack on teacher unions, a strong public sector union, this from both parties). The millions of illegal immigrants who take working class jobs & undercut unions, so that working class people who used to be middle class are now dipping toward poor.
Both parties didn't "lose" the middle class. They disposed of them. They spat on them. In their race to court the top, they forgot our country is made up of We The People.
7
This thesis is not convincing to me -- we shall see the real deal in the election results.
Whether it is military adventurism, or corporate subsidies on the right, or social programs on the left, the middle class exists solely to pick up the tab.
1
Thomas Frank has made much the same point, noting in particular that the professionals on the lavish cocktail circuit in Washington are similarly dismissive of the white middle class.
1
I wonder if part of the cultural decline mentioned here might stem from the empty pews on Sunday. We do know that church attendance has eroded most dramatically with this group. The 20th Century monk Thomas Merton said, “Your life is shaped by the end you live for. "
2
Count me as one of those middle-class voters who are fed up with politics as usual. But neither the Republican right nor the Democratic left has much to offer me.
The wealthy should pay more taxes -- when I was a child, they were up in the 80% bracket -- and the government was funding research in space exploration (that resulted in moon landings), computers (that resulted in the dot-com revolution), and medicine.
And those who are on welfare should work for it. I see no reason why the middle class should slog to their jobs, limit the number of children they have, and live in whatever apartments they can afford, in order to pay for teenagers to have babies that they cannot raise to any sort of responsible adulthood and who continue to have more babies in three- and four-bedroom subsidized apartments.
The religious right are fascists, as are their liberal counterparts, among them the spoiled college kids who think that firing an administrator over a statue or a title ("housemaster") is a good thing.
I just turned on the TV, CBS, for the first time in months. Every commercial was for some sort of medicine: "Ask your doctor." Mendacious, money-making hogwash aimed at the gullible.
Like Mr. Trump: a vulgar television personality, a blowhard with neon-lemon hair, a familiarly stupid face that a lot of Americans get a kick out of.
Is he who we are?
Then there's Bernie Sanders, whose plan to tax corporations will just drive them to move to Europe faster.
We are sunk.
The wealthy should pay more taxes -- when I was a child, they were up in the 80% bracket -- and the government was funding research in space exploration (that resulted in moon landings), computers (that resulted in the dot-com revolution), and medicine.
And those who are on welfare should work for it. I see no reason why the middle class should slog to their jobs, limit the number of children they have, and live in whatever apartments they can afford, in order to pay for teenagers to have babies that they cannot raise to any sort of responsible adulthood and who continue to have more babies in three- and four-bedroom subsidized apartments.
The religious right are fascists, as are their liberal counterparts, among them the spoiled college kids who think that firing an administrator over a statue or a title ("housemaster") is a good thing.
I just turned on the TV, CBS, for the first time in months. Every commercial was for some sort of medicine: "Ask your doctor." Mendacious, money-making hogwash aimed at the gullible.
Like Mr. Trump: a vulgar television personality, a blowhard with neon-lemon hair, a familiarly stupid face that a lot of Americans get a kick out of.
Is he who we are?
Then there's Bernie Sanders, whose plan to tax corporations will just drive them to move to Europe faster.
We are sunk.
7
The problem facing the country isn't the changes in traditions that the author finds so disturbing ( recreational drug use and the evolution in sexual roles and relationships). The problem is the economic policies that have destroyed the ground on which the population stands. When your pay never goes up but the cost of everything else does, when your home loses its value with little chance of a rebound and when your children face a life of uncertainty with careers devolving into "gigs", it is no wonder the electorate is in revolt. And sadly, when it does, fascism follows its wake. That is something to fear.
3
Look at the last Presidential election. If you cater only to the white middle class, you will lose. Romney easily won the white middle class that he was reaching out to. Obama beat him with the hispanic, black, latino and other voters. Both parties need to fine tune their message to reach all classes of people. The white middle class is shrinking and will continue in decline.
http://elections.nbcnews.com/ns/politics/2012/all/president/#.Vq_6crgrK70
http://elections.nbcnews.com/ns/politics/2012/all/president/#.Vq_6crgrK70
1
Nice piece! Valid points. We hearken back to a foundational era of town hall meetings at which everyone's voice mattered. Whether or not that is fiction, it is an ideal. Today many of us are ciphers lost somewhere in the city, seeking some purpose and meaning and not finding it. The reality is that life for most boils down to work for someone else who is far richer, and who is self-interested and often arbitrary. If people who work in good faith can't get ahead, or can be axed at any time, what's the point, really? There is such a thing as a guillotine.
1
I neglected to add to my list of the many who are destroying our middle class of all colors:
*The companies that send their jobs to countries paying pitiful wages and Americans then lose their jobs.
*Companies that abuse the H1 work visa and fire American workers after they force the American workers to train the foreigners (Disney, for one, but so many others).
*The companies that send their jobs to countries paying pitiful wages and Americans then lose their jobs.
*Companies that abuse the H1 work visa and fire American workers after they force the American workers to train the foreigners (Disney, for one, but so many others).
4
Yes, I get the anger, but again I ask, why Trump? The man has done nothing in his life that has not been for his own benefit and profit. He has heretofore shown no concern at all for the middle class; he builds luxury apartments and golf courses and markets his branded goods to the upper-middle and upper classes. He offshores the manufacturing of his product line overseas to China. Do people really think he is going to fight to provide jobs for the American middle class? Are the American people really that gullible? Even in anger, I would hope that we could show more discernment, more wisdom.
1
There is no lack of the use of the terms "populism" and "populist" in the NY Times. Are those who use it "populists"? Just curious - what is the opposite of "populist" (other than "anti-populist")? "Elitist"? The rich? "The Establishment"? Are the "populists" "the people"? Is it "We the populists of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union . . . ."?
It's the establishment that, in seeking to aggrandize and perpetuate itself rather than serve the people, broke faith with the middle class, not the other way around. You should rather ask how it was that the middle class, betrayed at every turn by venal and corrupt leaders, remained faithful to the establishment as long as it did.
2
Nah... Take eight years of rabid ideological opposition to Obama, stir in a double dose of partisan gridlock, add the previous eight years of executive branch incompetence and malfeasance, fold in an economic downturn topped only by the Great Depression and what do we get? Candidates on the left and right whose "surprising" popularity is based on pledges to repudiate the previous 16 years of governance and policy. The white middle class has not been lost. It has mutinied.
3
Well said.
There was a sharp increase in hate rhetoric in the media directed at whites in the days immediately following Obama's re-election. Of course, since so many people of influence and power are white themselves, there were comic refinements added to the condemnations of whites, as in Cisgender Straight White Males being the root of all evil.
It's hardly surprising that whites reacted to becoming society's all-purpose rhetorical punching bag to turning to Trump and Sanders.
There was a sharp increase in hate rhetoric in the media directed at whites in the days immediately following Obama's re-election. Of course, since so many people of influence and power are white themselves, there were comic refinements added to the condemnations of whites, as in Cisgender Straight White Males being the root of all evil.
It's hardly surprising that whites reacted to becoming society's all-purpose rhetorical punching bag to turning to Trump and Sanders.
3
During he 1970's I read an article which said the U.S. economy would shift from manufacturing-based to service-based. When the time came to choose between working at a lathe or taking a sales job, I took the sales position because of that article.
My many disgruntled friends are people who work with their hands: our new information-based economy has passed them by. To my regret.
My many disgruntled friends are people who work with their hands: our new information-based economy has passed them by. To my regret.
1
There is commercial airing, I imagine, in most of New York, touting the new technology hubs sprouting upstate. Although the message is supposed to be 'growth', the real subtext is the how few people are needed to run one of these facilities. They are enormous, gleaming, antiseptic structures, yet the footage only shows one or two souls tweaking some knob, which is (unintentionally) pretty realistic. Of these handful of highly educated people, how many are even locals?
1
Let's face it our techno society developing more things to buy to entertain and distract us coincides with political and economic interests that have benefitted from dumbing everyone down. There is no evidence that either corporate or political America wishes to have all Americans engaged, educated and contributing for the commonwealth of all. The goal seems clearly to be to maximize the opportunity, wealth, and power for a few. Where is our national interest aligned with the well being of all of our citizens.
One word: Globalization
On the production side: why pay an American worker $10/hour when you can get some third-world person to make the same widget for $10/day or $10/month? Republicans try to blame taxes and regulations, but we can never reduce taxes and regulations enough to compete with third-world wages, and we'll shoot ourselves in the foot if we try. Republicans also try to blame immigrants and "welfare culture", but that's another straw man to gin up white-middle-class rage.
On the consumption side, once upon a time American companies were constrained to pay their workers a living wage, for this simple reason: the workers needed enough money to buy those companies' goods and services, or they'd be out of business. Nowadays there's an ever-growing international middle class that makes the American consumer as irrelevant as the American worker.
Soon the only jobs left here will be the ones that can't be completely outsourced - service jobs, either high-level (doctors, lawyers, CEOs) or low-level (sales clerks, gardeners, roofers, plumbers).
The Democrats can't stop this trend, but at least they try to mitigate it by promoting food and education assistance.
The lies of the Republican party are epitomized by The Donald: he "Trumpets" "Make America Great Again"; meanwhile, his Trump neckties are made in China.
On the production side: why pay an American worker $10/hour when you can get some third-world person to make the same widget for $10/day or $10/month? Republicans try to blame taxes and regulations, but we can never reduce taxes and regulations enough to compete with third-world wages, and we'll shoot ourselves in the foot if we try. Republicans also try to blame immigrants and "welfare culture", but that's another straw man to gin up white-middle-class rage.
On the consumption side, once upon a time American companies were constrained to pay their workers a living wage, for this simple reason: the workers needed enough money to buy those companies' goods and services, or they'd be out of business. Nowadays there's an ever-growing international middle class that makes the American consumer as irrelevant as the American worker.
Soon the only jobs left here will be the ones that can't be completely outsourced - service jobs, either high-level (doctors, lawyers, CEOs) or low-level (sales clerks, gardeners, roofers, plumbers).
The Democrats can't stop this trend, but at least they try to mitigate it by promoting food and education assistance.
The lies of the Republican party are epitomized by The Donald: he "Trumpets" "Make America Great Again"; meanwhile, his Trump neckties are made in China.
2
In fairness, Mr. Trump can't personally revive the entire textile and clothing industries that left the US over 30 years ago.
I am as strongly in favor of "buy American" as anyone -- but every stitch of clothing on my back is made in China (or Vietnam, Philippines, etc.). What choice do I have? There is nothing made in the US anymore. Not even sheets, towels and that kind of thing. And you can really forget about shoes!
To blame one person for this is ridiculous. The problem started back in the 70s and early 80s, and Ross Perot's "giant sucking sound" of jobs going away. We didn't listen, and we pay for it today in every way.
I am as strongly in favor of "buy American" as anyone -- but every stitch of clothing on my back is made in China (or Vietnam, Philippines, etc.). What choice do I have? There is nothing made in the US anymore. Not even sheets, towels and that kind of thing. And you can really forget about shoes!
To blame one person for this is ridiculous. The problem started back in the 70s and early 80s, and Ross Perot's "giant sucking sound" of jobs going away. We didn't listen, and we pay for it today in every way.
2
Both the democrat and republican elite have taken the middle and working class for granted. They promise them change for the better but often when they get in power their main objective is to help themselves and their peers. The middle and working class are forced to bailout banks and fund politicians interests. Things that are promised to them often don't happen like paying less for healthcare. They struggle to fund their children's college hoping that at least they will be able to get a good job when they graduate. This frequently isn't the case. The elites need the white middle and working class because they bring stability to the country. They follow the rules and keep the economy growing by buying products. They are the teachers in schools, nurses in hospitals, and soldiers in the military. The elites tolerate them as long as they feel they can control them. When they show independence, when they don't go along with what they are supposed to do, that's when they become a problem. That's when the elites try to marginalize them. The ADA was pushed because when the government controls a persons health, then they have power. Thousands of immigrants both legal and illegal were brought to replace white middle and working classes and better control the populace. Unfortunately for the elites many are skeptical that their best interests are being looked after. They are rebelling and this is causing the elites great angst.
Both parties had a chance to capture the middle class, but had no inclination to do so. We don't vote as a block. so are unimportant in their scheme.
I see signs of something very different going on this cycle. I've always wondered when we might see the rise of a powerful coalition of moderates willing to break away from the major parties.
I see signs of something very different going on this cycle. I've always wondered when we might see the rise of a powerful coalition of moderates willing to break away from the major parties.
2
Good post, but one thing should be corrected: Mr. Sanders' socialism is not a throwback, and is certainly not unworkable. What looks radical in the US context looks boringly standard in the European, especially Scand. one. Denmark, Finland, Sweden and others have Social Democratic systems that work incredibly well; the "Scandinavian model" is one we should be emulating, not rejecting.
Not only should it be considered workable, but in light of the incredible changes to our economy, technology, etc. it should be considered required. Things like real universal health care, truly debt-free (living cost coverage is critical) education, and possibly a GBI need to be our future.
Not only should it be considered workable, but in light of the incredible changes to our economy, technology, etc. it should be considered required. Things like real universal health care, truly debt-free (living cost coverage is critical) education, and possibly a GBI need to be our future.
2
How is this a mystery?
The so called "job creators" shipped all the decent jobs overseas, and then created and now use huge tax loopholes to avoid paying US taxes. All of this engineered by the 1% who pull the puppet strings of congress. What we see are the fruits of the lies sown by the "conservative values" of the GOP.
Really people are still mystified at the anger that has been created by the Republicans??
The so called "job creators" shipped all the decent jobs overseas, and then created and now use huge tax loopholes to avoid paying US taxes. All of this engineered by the 1% who pull the puppet strings of congress. What we see are the fruits of the lies sown by the "conservative values" of the GOP.
Really people are still mystified at the anger that has been created by the Republicans??
5
You are so right! What is wrong is the working class white and white middle class consistently vote for on cultural and religious issues each election and fall for the GOP tricks, especially in the South where I live. The GOP policies are for the 1% and corporations. I have read some of these racist comments blaming President Obama and minorities for the decline in the middle class, but you same people continue to vote republican on cultural issues, not in your economic interest. The Republican talking point" take american back" is example of why the middle class is imploding, currently Congress is control by the republicans, if you want to take back your country and be able to provide for your family, stop voting against your own interest. I assure you unless you are in the 1% and you are voting on social issues, you are voting against the economic interest of your family. All the comments blaming race and immigration, you need to accept responsibility for being low information and social issues voters.
2
Please define "middle class".
3
Since the NYT didn't note it, I will. First Things is an evangelical Christian publication, a somewhat conservative answer to Sojourner's, which is also an evangelical Christian publication, but far more liberal. (No, that's not an oxymoron.) That said, the parties lost me when they abandoned mercy and compassion, Republican politicians especially. (NOT Republican voters, necessarily - there's a difference.) It's ironic that an agnostic Jew is the candidate who sounds most like the Jesus of the Gospels, but then, I've found that God always has had an odd sense of humor.
3
Globalization is the root cause. (And automation doesn't help either.)
Globalization in the form of immigration of low-cost labor and offshoring of manufacturing/services has enriched the 10% shareholder class, pressured the next 40%, and hurt the bottom 50% of society.
Changing this requires slowing and better controlling globalization (Trump) and/or increased re-distribution of wealth (Sanders). Hillary and all of the other Republicans are candidates of the shareholder class who will protect the status quo.
This change is not a moral or social imperative, it is an economic imperative. Wealth is pooling at the top end of society and demand is stagnant across the rest of society. The reason for change isn't that the shareholder class is bad or wrong, but simply that it is in their best interests to have higher levels of consumer demand.
Globalization in the form of immigration of low-cost labor and offshoring of manufacturing/services has enriched the 10% shareholder class, pressured the next 40%, and hurt the bottom 50% of society.
Changing this requires slowing and better controlling globalization (Trump) and/or increased re-distribution of wealth (Sanders). Hillary and all of the other Republicans are candidates of the shareholder class who will protect the status quo.
This change is not a moral or social imperative, it is an economic imperative. Wealth is pooling at the top end of society and demand is stagnant across the rest of society. The reason for change isn't that the shareholder class is bad or wrong, but simply that it is in their best interests to have higher levels of consumer demand.
Bravo Mr. Reno. You nailed it!!!!
Globalization is a disaster for those who must compete with 6 billion people who earn only a fraction of what most Americans formerly took for granted. This not only includes those who are viewed as undereducated or displaced, but millions of others who squander their lives trying to avoid the very same fate. Its no accident that outstanding student college loans have increased by a factor of 10 over the past 20 years as everybody and their mother goes to college to avoid being stuck in that dreaded working class cohort that earns between 15k and 35k a year. So what we do when a sizable fraction of student loans are never repaid? Garnish the wages of social security recipients earning on average $1400 month?
Compete or perish goes the refrain. Who says? Tell me what’s the moral imperative? Higher productivity? Higher global GDP growth? Better cars and less expensive stuff from China for the upper middle class? To allow the supper rich to capture an additional 17% of GDP over the past 30 years? Racial harmony? A meritocracy? Give me a break?
This isn’t about morality or the public good or making the planet a better place to live or world peace or anything of the sort. This is simply good old fashion self interest operating under the guise of upper middle class morality.
Way to go Mr. Trump. Way to go Mr. Sanders. Rattle the china and let the establishment know that people aren’t going take it anymore.
Globalization is a disaster for those who must compete with 6 billion people who earn only a fraction of what most Americans formerly took for granted. This not only includes those who are viewed as undereducated or displaced, but millions of others who squander their lives trying to avoid the very same fate. Its no accident that outstanding student college loans have increased by a factor of 10 over the past 20 years as everybody and their mother goes to college to avoid being stuck in that dreaded working class cohort that earns between 15k and 35k a year. So what we do when a sizable fraction of student loans are never repaid? Garnish the wages of social security recipients earning on average $1400 month?
Compete or perish goes the refrain. Who says? Tell me what’s the moral imperative? Higher productivity? Higher global GDP growth? Better cars and less expensive stuff from China for the upper middle class? To allow the supper rich to capture an additional 17% of GDP over the past 30 years? Racial harmony? A meritocracy? Give me a break?
This isn’t about morality or the public good or making the planet a better place to live or world peace or anything of the sort. This is simply good old fashion self interest operating under the guise of upper middle class morality.
Way to go Mr. Trump. Way to go Mr. Sanders. Rattle the china and let the establishment know that people aren’t going take it anymore.
1
Mr. Reno says we can dismiss Bernie Sanders socialism as an “unworkable throwback.”
Anyone who believes in our public grammar schools and high schools, Social Security, and Medicare is already a socialist.
All Bernie Sanders would do is add universal health care and universal university or trade school similar to countries like Denmark, Germany, etc.
Not sure why that is “an unworkable throwback.”
And Forbes, not exactly a liberal publication, ranked Denmark the number 1 country to do business for 2015and ranked the US as number 22.
We rank around 20 for education.
We rank around 27 for infant mortality and the state of Alabama has about the same infant mortality as Botswana.
Our Gini coefficient is up and our economic mobility is down.
I could go on.
So someone how our Reaganomics of the rising tide lifting all boats seems more of the “unworkable throwback.”
Anyone who believes in our public grammar schools and high schools, Social Security, and Medicare is already a socialist.
All Bernie Sanders would do is add universal health care and universal university or trade school similar to countries like Denmark, Germany, etc.
Not sure why that is “an unworkable throwback.”
And Forbes, not exactly a liberal publication, ranked Denmark the number 1 country to do business for 2015and ranked the US as number 22.
We rank around 20 for education.
We rank around 27 for infant mortality and the state of Alabama has about the same infant mortality as Botswana.
Our Gini coefficient is up and our economic mobility is down.
I could go on.
So someone how our Reaganomics of the rising tide lifting all boats seems more of the “unworkable throwback.”
2
Reno gets part of the explanation with his/her understanding of the relevance of narrative to the appeal of Trump and Sanders. For instance, when Trump took on Fox, he essentially was saying, "They are picking on me, it's not fair, and when someone picks on you, you have a right to fight back and, you should fight back."
However, a more important explanation of Trump's and Sanders' support boils down to credibility, something the Democratic and Republican Parties, as well as their establishments, have lost. Sanders' and Trump's supporters have in common a disdain for politicians they view as having no credibility. The other candidates are looked at as self-serving opportunists, unprincipled prevaricators who merely spout the latest focus group tested, ad agency massaged slogans, slogans which will change with the next set of poll data or rich donor's contribution.
Trump and Sanders have credibility with many precisely because they clearly do not fit that stereotype, that what they say would never pass traditional political tests.
However, a more important explanation of Trump's and Sanders' support boils down to credibility, something the Democratic and Republican Parties, as well as their establishments, have lost. Sanders' and Trump's supporters have in common a disdain for politicians they view as having no credibility. The other candidates are looked at as self-serving opportunists, unprincipled prevaricators who merely spout the latest focus group tested, ad agency massaged slogans, slogans which will change with the next set of poll data or rich donor's contribution.
Trump and Sanders have credibility with many precisely because they clearly do not fit that stereotype, that what they say would never pass traditional political tests.
1
You must be one of these people, "The intelligentsia on the left rarely lets a moment pass without reminding us of the demographic eclipse of white middle-class voters." That is the nomenclature that has grown up around the Clinton's bankster wing of the Demorat party. The suburbs, exurbs & small towns all compete for jobs in order to survive. they have no choice but to decry their lower and working class citizens as obstinate & no nothings in order to curry favor.
What you are seeing now and are clearly scared of is that our country is very close to a coalition that wants to rein in the corporate and bankster behavior. We see it when you say Sanders solutions are unworkable because it points directly at the banksters and their toadies in congress who pass legislation that disenfranchises the working and lower middle classes. You say Sanders can not move the Tea party followers who share the same economic philosophy. why can't he? You act as the Clinton's will be more successful passing some legislation but it will not rein in corporate or bankster power. One reason is given the objection to the Clinton's in the past and President Obama over the last eight years you think the other party is going to cooperate. you have no answer to this.
Stop shilling for more of the same
What you are seeing now and are clearly scared of is that our country is very close to a coalition that wants to rein in the corporate and bankster behavior. We see it when you say Sanders solutions are unworkable because it points directly at the banksters and their toadies in congress who pass legislation that disenfranchises the working and lower middle classes. You say Sanders can not move the Tea party followers who share the same economic philosophy. why can't he? You act as the Clinton's will be more successful passing some legislation but it will not rein in corporate or bankster power. One reason is given the objection to the Clinton's in the past and President Obama over the last eight years you think the other party is going to cooperate. you have no answer to this.
Stop shilling for more of the same
What most people miss is the whole Walmarting of America that happened on the lower income side. We have been a consumer society insistent on lowere and lower prices on many items. The manufacturers and retailers were happy to oblige but it meant moving millions of good paying jobs overseas. The catch 22 for all those goods at cheaper prices was the loss of good manufacturing positions. The slippery slope began and continues today as coupon wielding shoppers want everything for free. What one should ask ones self when purchasing a 50 inch TV for under 100 dollars is how many good jobs did that purchase create. We can blame wealthy people or politicians but some of the blame sits squarely on consumers who won't buy products at a price it takes to make them here. All this argument over Wall Street vs Mainstreet and income inequality of poor vs wealthy has not answered a thing on the good job front. Where are the high school education level jobs going to come from? Is adding two more free years of schooling going to assure the graduates of good paying jobs. I very much doubt it We will just be adding grades 13 and 14 without any idea on the job front. We are now paying under $2 a gallon for gas, which of course looks great until we see good paying jobs going the wAy of manufacturing ones. We can't low price are way out of this dilemma.
Is the problem really that both parties have ignored the white middle class, or that the parties in fact care a lot about this group, but the opposing solutions they offer haven't done anything to reverse their decline?
I don't think the appeal of Trump and Sanders is merely that they pay attention to the middle class , it's that because of their outsider status and the seeming radically of their proposals , they offer the allure of a cure for what ails the average worker.
What if it turns out that neither Trump's populism nor Bernie's class- based approach can do better than what the 'establishment' has tried?
Maybe the angry middle will be forced to accept that there are no easy villains to be unmasked in this age of global economic upheaval, and the plodding, messy half-solutions of the mainstream political process is the best they're going to get.
I don't think the appeal of Trump and Sanders is merely that they pay attention to the middle class , it's that because of their outsider status and the seeming radically of their proposals , they offer the allure of a cure for what ails the average worker.
What if it turns out that neither Trump's populism nor Bernie's class- based approach can do better than what the 'establishment' has tried?
Maybe the angry middle will be forced to accept that there are no easy villains to be unmasked in this age of global economic upheaval, and the plodding, messy half-solutions of the mainstream political process is the best they're going to get.
There's a middle class?
1
I would add only that the Democratic elites have all the compassion in the world for immigrants, including illegal immigrants, while having none for the white working class. It's as if the latter doesn't exist, or is something merely to be sneered at for their ignorance.
Mass immigration has created an oversupply of cheap labor, which is depressing wages and putting Americans out of work. If you're an out of work construction worker, for example, you're unlikely to be rehired because the crews are now run by Spanish speakers, and they hire their own (That's not to criticize them--studies have shown that a lot of American businesses do the same thing, to their detriment). Asked about the source of today's hatred in politics on the Boston NPR station, WGBH, early last year, MSNBC's Chris Matthews attributed it to the flood of immigrants.
This kind of thing could put Trump in the White House if the Democratic Party doesn't wise up.
Mass immigration has created an oversupply of cheap labor, which is depressing wages and putting Americans out of work. If you're an out of work construction worker, for example, you're unlikely to be rehired because the crews are now run by Spanish speakers, and they hire their own (That's not to criticize them--studies have shown that a lot of American businesses do the same thing, to their detriment). Asked about the source of today's hatred in politics on the Boston NPR station, WGBH, early last year, MSNBC's Chris Matthews attributed it to the flood of immigrants.
This kind of thing could put Trump in the White House if the Democratic Party doesn't wise up.
4
Well, no. Not at all.
The Democratic elite gave the white working class universal health care. Obama cleaned up two wars that were killing their children. He also saved the auto industry. His stimulus kept our economy from sinking to austerity Europe lows.
He would've done more (additional stimulus for starters), but, alas, the Republicans in congress that the white working class voted for make that an impossibility.
The Democratic elite gave the white working class universal health care. Obama cleaned up two wars that were killing their children. He also saved the auto industry. His stimulus kept our economy from sinking to austerity Europe lows.
He would've done more (additional stimulus for starters), but, alas, the Republicans in congress that the white working class voted for make that an impossibility.
2
Why does the NYTimes insist on putting everything in racial terms? There is not much difference between the white and black middle class -- what's left of it after both parties follow Wall Street directives. But NAFTA is good, right? And $15 an hour is too much for WallMart to pay, right? And we can't possibly have single payer health care! Or subsidized higher education! Or even low interest student loans. That's just unrealistic! So let's endorse Hillary Clinton for more of the same!
1
It was wonderful (but shocking) to see an op-ed piece in the New York Times by the editor of one of my favorite conservative magazines.
Nobody likes being put on the spot and Michael Moore paid a heavy price, being labeled a commie and worse. Back in 1989, he made Roger & Me, a surprisingly entertaining movie in which he asked GM CEO Roger Smith why GM's auto jobs had to go to Mexico. Moore (ever the typical liberal) had the nerve to predict his home town--a place you may have heard of--Flint, Michigan would go down the tubes.
GM managed to screw up the Mexican experiment but the real news was the jobs were gone, they weren't coming back and Flint was finished. Its now 27 years later and for many people, things are not one bit better. So yeah, they're angry.
GM managed to screw up the Mexican experiment but the real news was the jobs were gone, they weren't coming back and Flint was finished. Its now 27 years later and for many people, things are not one bit better. So yeah, they're angry.
6
America and its politicians should worry more about what may well be the next great movement in this nation. Emigration may be the next wave rather than immigration as our most educated and talented youths start to think like the "huddled masses" of Europe and Mexico in the 30's. As education, social networks, and health care availability become superior elsewhere in the world (and it certainly HAS) Europe may well have to open an Ellis Island of it's own for our migrant youth. With a government like ours who can blame them?
Those with all the gold make all the rules and the middle-class hasn't had a raise in 30 years!
I think it was Jesse Jackson who once said that "one party is shameful and the other is shameless". He was speaking about how the parties treated the African-American voters, but he could have been speaking about the white middle class as well. People are starting to wake up to the fact that the game is rigged. The Republicans hide their slavishness to the wealthy with rhetoric about guns and Jesus, and the "other". The Dems say that they are pro working class but pursue job killing policies such as free trade agreements a la NAFTA & TPP, high levels immigration both legal and illegal, outsourcing and caving into union busting. White middle class disaffection shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. But it has been a long time in coming.
1
As desirable as it might be, are we so sure that a large, prosperous middle class is normal? Or have we been misled by an anomalous half-century?
Some researchers suggest the middle class first emerged after the bubonic plague in 14th century, when catastrophic death rates reduced the population, and thus the labor pool. More recently, industrialization changed our worker distribution from mostly small farmer (not quite middle class as we know it) to factory worker (also not quite as prosperous). As others have pointed out, the decades after WWII brought a golden age in manufacturing, and in worker pay. But again, was this the norm, only to be disrupted by nefarious forces, or did some combination of unusual and fortunate factors give us a happy but unsustainable era?
Some researchers suggest the middle class first emerged after the bubonic plague in 14th century, when catastrophic death rates reduced the population, and thus the labor pool. More recently, industrialization changed our worker distribution from mostly small farmer (not quite middle class as we know it) to factory worker (also not quite as prosperous). As others have pointed out, the decades after WWII brought a golden age in manufacturing, and in worker pay. But again, was this the norm, only to be disrupted by nefarious forces, or did some combination of unusual and fortunate factors give us a happy but unsustainable era?
2
A few things you haven't mentioned. The glaring one is that we elected the first African American President, which was jarring for many, many white middle class, high school graduates. It's ridiculous to think that we're in a post-racial society, because we're not. Maybe it's not like the 1950's, but the Trump campaign, with its rhetoric against immigrants, religious and ethnic groups is showing us how ugly it still is.
1
The central issue for the white middle class is the loss of jobs. It appears that the economists were wrong when they said that there was nothing to fear about all of the low-skilled jobs going to China.
2
Put another way, the middle class was lost due, if Robert J. Gordon has got it right, to circumstances beyond the (admittedly small) competence of either party and that class's former members, unable to grasp that the existence of a mass middle class was an historic anomaly are, understandably, looking for someone to blame for the inevitable.
The Democrats abandoned labor in order to embrace identity politics. Ultimately, this was an us against them dynamic with no economic benefit. The Republicans just went where the big money is. In one way this column is correct: both Trump and Sanders call us to an earlier time. Sanders wants a new New Deal. Trump wants a new Jim Crow.
The middle class left the Democratic party because of crime and welfare. The Republicans didn't raise their taxes and turned them into share holders. So now everyone knows they are being robbed by the tax man and the finance industry.
Look at both parties position on Social Securty: Die before you can collect that way you won't bankrupt the system.
And then there's the press unwilling to to talk real issues. Reducing itself to a propaganda machine for alternate lifestyles, global warming and self righteousness. Henchmen for the occupation. You bored yet? The showdown in 2020 is just around the corner.
Look at both parties position on Social Securty: Die before you can collect that way you won't bankrupt the system.
And then there's the press unwilling to to talk real issues. Reducing itself to a propaganda machine for alternate lifestyles, global warming and self righteousness. Henchmen for the occupation. You bored yet? The showdown in 2020 is just around the corner.
1
First generation of Americans, white AND african-american , since the Civil War who will see their children have a lower standard of living they did and will have to work until they drop dead.
Globalization and the digitalization of the economy means the vast majority of the post WW2 middle class is essentially extinct.
Any good answers from our usual politicians, Republican or Democratic?
I didn't think so.
Globalization and the digitalization of the economy means the vast majority of the post WW2 middle class is essentially extinct.
Any good answers from our usual politicians, Republican or Democratic?
I didn't think so.
2
The rich sold out the middle class for globalist greed.
1
"or derided as dull suburbanites who lack the élan of the new urban “creative class.”
Who is saying that? Did you just make it up to show you are fair & balanced?
Who is saying that? Did you just make it up to show you are fair & balanced?
A lot missing from this column: for starters, Trump promises to stop illegal immigration, which has contributed to wage decline in unskilled and blue collar labor markets.
4
It's not just what leaders did do (Reagan busting up unions), it's also what they didn't do. What did Bill Clinton ever do for unions except take their money and their votes? Why didn't First-term Obama take a very small risk before his re-election and to to Madison, Wisconsin to support the teachers? I'm afraid the Democrat-light model that Bill Clinton invented has exploited liberal social causes and let the 1% take over. Second term Obama is a start in the right direction, Bernie Sanders would move even further.
2
Gus, absolutely spot on. It wasn't just President Obama that ignored Wisconsin, it was the entire national Democratic Party that failed to show solidarity with the Wisconsin Democrats when they were fighting the good fight. The party hierarchy is really out of touch with what should be its natural constituency around the nation and doesn't even try to win its support in red states and districts.
2
You dismiss Senator Sanders' intent as an "unworkable throwback", but in the same sentence state its potential as a "nation-defining transformation".
I'm betting everything on the latter.
I'm betting everything on the latter.
2
Obviously a much larger problem for the Democrats, abandoning White voters is causing problems now
1
" We can dismiss his socialism as an unworkable throwback." Maybe Mr. Reno can tell us what is unworkable and out of date about the policies of, say, Sweden and Norway? Bernie Sanders explained what he means by socialism, but evidently Mr. Reno didn't pay attention. Who does Mr. Reno think was occupying wall St., if not the new urban "creative class"? Instead of blaming the "left intelligentsia" equally with conservatives, he should read Dark Money, and think about how the Supreme Court got to be the way it is.
3
Is there still a white middle class? The term implies a comfortable, secure economic existence, and I don't think there are too many people left who have that. Almost the entire middle class is afraid of getting sick, losing their job, or not having enough money to retire. And until very recently neither party addressed those very rational fears. It has nothing whatsoever to do with culture.
4
This has been evident all along to anyone paying attention The media is culpatory in the reestablishment of a ruling class in America by it's misplaying of politics as entertainment. But the real blame lies with the uninformed and non participant citizens.
Rusty is right. In the new era of global capitalism, you are either moving up or down, never sideways. The sooner the Federal Government provides the American middle class with the tools to improve their ability to leverage the knowledge economy, the better.
2
I think it can be put more simply than that. There are continually fewer middle income jobs and those that are left pay less and work you harder. Partly this is because the government allowed the unions to be broken, but mostly it is because both parties collaborated to send jobs overseas and to import foreign contract workers. It finally is coming clear to the average American that his government is his enemy. It should be no surprise that he is angry.
11
"In fact, the real cleavage is not interracial, but intra-racial." Thank you for the astute observation. Blacks and whites lose their jobs to illegal immigrants - yet, mass immigration is favored by rich Republican business owners and Democrats too - even if for different reasons. Neither party does much more than window dressing to seriously fix the endless trade deficit and the yuge (Trump's word) job destruction it inflicts upon American workers. Who else but Trump has made this a campaign issue?
Then there are the new richest of the rich in Silicon Valley and their endless push to do away with H1B restrictions. These Democratic party supporters (by and large) can't seem to find enough workers in a nation with 330 million citizens; and a youth employment approaching 15%. No, no way can they hire or train an American kid when there is an endless stream of foreigners to exploit.
Then there are the new richest of the rich in Silicon Valley and their endless push to do away with H1B restrictions. These Democratic party supporters (by and large) can't seem to find enough workers in a nation with 330 million citizens; and a youth employment approaching 15%. No, no way can they hire or train an American kid when there is an endless stream of foreigners to exploit.
3
"We can dismiss Sanders' socialism as an unworkable throwback, ..."
A very strange and wrong-headed statement. I have my doubts that Sanders could achieve many of his proposals as President because of the real "throwbacks" in charge of Congress now. But what he is proposing is to bring the US up to speed by joining Canada and the European democracies in investing in its people for the benefit of all. Universal healthcare, good public education systems, 21st century infrastructure and transportation systems, higher education to anyone who qualifies, paid maternity and paternity leave, etc.
His proposals are the exact opposite of throwbacks. The only reason they sound unworkable is because Americans are so used to settling for less AND they have been hoodwinked by the right.
A very strange and wrong-headed statement. I have my doubts that Sanders could achieve many of his proposals as President because of the real "throwbacks" in charge of Congress now. But what he is proposing is to bring the US up to speed by joining Canada and the European democracies in investing in its people for the benefit of all. Universal healthcare, good public education systems, 21st century infrastructure and transportation systems, higher education to anyone who qualifies, paid maternity and paternity leave, etc.
His proposals are the exact opposite of throwbacks. The only reason they sound unworkable is because Americans are so used to settling for less AND they have been hoodwinked by the right.
3
This essay smacks of the Ralph Nader contention that there is really no difference between the Republican and Democratic Parties. I see it this way. The Republicans, beginning with Ronald Reagan's Presidency, have worked to dismantle the accomplishments of FDR. They have worked to destroy unions, and they have changed the tax laws to favor the wealthiest citizens. The net result has been a lowering of living standards for working people while those at the top have not had it so good since the 1920s or 1890s. The Republicans' only interest is their own incomes and wealth.
4
The left is in love with Latinos and Muslims while the right is in love with religion and the one-percenters. Meanwhile, the rest of us bear the burden of both parties and their pandering.
4
Intersting that this is pared in these terms: "...it’s because over the last two decades our political elites, themselves almost entirely white, have decided, for different reasons, that the white middle class has no role to play in the multicultural, globalized future they envision, a future that they believe they will run. This primary season will show us whether or not they’re right."
Oh, he means a oligarchy! Interesting that this word is avoided throughout an op ed piece on...oligarchy!
Oh, he means a oligarchy! Interesting that this word is avoided throughout an op ed piece on...oligarchy!
1
Oh please. Sanders is a long time member of the United States Congress, and he's left of center but not drastically so. President Obama thinks that single-payer health care would be the best, he just also thinks it's too hard to accomplish politically. Hillary Clinton feels the same way. Sanders agrees with them, except he also thinks it could be accomplished. That's the kind of difference we're talking about, not "center" versus "extreme left".
On the other side you have Donald Trump, a reality star with no government experience who has bought himself a candidacy because he's rich.
Equating Sanders and Trump as two equal extremes is pure nonsense. The NYT should know better.
On the other side you have Donald Trump, a reality star with no government experience who has bought himself a candidacy because he's rich.
Equating Sanders and Trump as two equal extremes is pure nonsense. The NYT should know better.
2
Describing anybody in America's working middle class America (black, white, hispanic, asian, male or female) as having abandoned the two party system is simply backwards. Both parties have been abandoning working Americans of all colors, creeds, and backgrounds for several decades.
This election merely demonstrates the inevitable outcome of such abandonment, but it will not be the final or most vivid example. Now that the voters have awakened, this process will continue until it reaches its logical conclusion----either a return to legitimate democracy, or a second American revolution. I hope and pray for my children and grandchildren's sake that we might return to democracy, as the alternative will be too ugly and bloody for words......
This election merely demonstrates the inevitable outcome of such abandonment, but it will not be the final or most vivid example. Now that the voters have awakened, this process will continue until it reaches its logical conclusion----either a return to legitimate democracy, or a second American revolution. I hope and pray for my children and grandchildren's sake that we might return to democracy, as the alternative will be too ugly and bloody for words......
3
Storm's a comin'.
3
I don't think it's about the white middle class as much as it is about the middle class in general. It's just the last of the "middle classes" to be preyed upon by our parasitic crony capitalistic system. They are running out of groups to steal from. This is just the final push to consolidate the nation's wealth and resources in the hands of a few.
7
It's not about messaging failure. It's about performance failure.
The problem isn't that the middle class is being told it's falling behind. It's that the middle class actually IS falling behind - significantly. The party that offers a real fix for this is the party that will win the hearts and minds of the middle class, whether white, black, brown or yellow. Probably for some time to come.
The problem isn't that the middle class is being told it's falling behind. It's that the middle class actually IS falling behind - significantly. The party that offers a real fix for this is the party that will win the hearts and minds of the middle class, whether white, black, brown or yellow. Probably for some time to come.
5
It's not the white middle class as much as the middle class. The middle is being squeezed out. Our constitution and our system of government cannot protect our society if we lose the mighty middle class. We'll become more an oligarchy or feudal society.
5
Not only is the white middle class in decline economically and culturally, but I believe we are in decline *intellectually*.... if this wasn't true, we never would have such narcissists and idiots like Trump and Cruz on our ballots.
5
"They want to be partners with the rich and powerful in defining our future as a country, not recipients of their benevolent ministrations"
This is to know something of being a Black American.
There are so many great conversations we could be having as a nation. It's a shame, really. Despite that, we are living in an amazing time and something is going to give.
This is to know something of being a Black American.
There are so many great conversations we could be having as a nation. It's a shame, really. Despite that, we are living in an amazing time and something is going to give.
1
Who is this author to cast off 1/2 of the children in this country as "illegitimate"? Who or what sir, legitimizes you, and your sanctimonious aspersions of children? Have you know clue that economic and other penalties preclude marriage for a wide swath (previously married) of the adult population in this country?
Wedlock is not a possibility and or the right choice rationally, for a great many individuals in the USA of today. Why? Do some research. This does not make ANY child "illegitimate" !
2
@Billy
OK. Then it makes the parents illegitimate.
Why do you expect their children to prosper?
Step one: strong families.
OK. Then it makes the parents illegitimate.
Why do you expect their children to prosper?
Step one: strong families.
The economic / business engine has decided that is doesn't need or want to pay wages that will keep the white (or any other) middle-of-the-middle class in the middle class. Thus great feelings of angst within the part of society that arguably benefited the most from the post World War II boom and has the most to lose from the twenty first century slow growth economy.
3
White middle class Americans spent so much time riding high on Bretton Woods, colonialism and a near monopoly on technological progress that they made the mistake of believing that they were superior people, just because they thought they were superior workers. I don't really have any sympathy for them. I know what you people say behind my back.
3
A near monopoly on technological progress . . . you mean because most of the entrepreneurs who came up with it were white? Wow - if there's one thing that's really offensive it's people who came up with something benefitting from it. However, how that translates into your basic white nurse or kindergarten teacher or bus driver somehow "riding high" is a mystery to me. Colonialism - are you confusing us with Great Britain before the end of WWII?
As for what "we" say behind your back: pot, meet kettle.
As for what "we" say behind your back: pot, meet kettle.
2
the dwindling middle class means dwindling welfare for you- you won't like that.
1
How about asking someone not in the top 0.1% for their opinion? They might be able to give you an answer. And umc are also struggling- you are SO out of touch. I think you mean "wealthy." The median income for a family of 4 is 57k! When educated professionals have to pay off two mortgages before they break even, when they have no idea how they will be able to afford their children's college, when living in a good school district seems less and less attainable, when all vacations are local, and these are umc issues- you have a problem.
5
Both parties take their marching orders from big money and don't represent anyone else. That is why both parties have lost the middle class. Skin color doesn't matter.
4
The conservative theory is that the economy hasn't recovered. Because, you know, Obama. The liberal theory is that inequality is a huge problem. Workers have less bargaining power and therefore participate less in American productivity. Well, let's check the data. Americans, collectively, are richer than ever and produce more than ever, even adjusted for inflation. Real per capita disposable income has never been greater.
So, why aren't Americans feeling great? The answer shows up in Credit Suisse's latest global wealth report. The U.S. is 4th in average wealth per adult but 25th in median wealth per adult.
It looks like the liberal theory is the correct one. Again.
So, why aren't Americans feeling great? The answer shows up in Credit Suisse's latest global wealth report. The U.S. is 4th in average wealth per adult but 25th in median wealth per adult.
It looks like the liberal theory is the correct one. Again.
2
60 Minutes on Sunday showed a segment on money laundering and how easy it is to do in the USA. Undercover film caught a multitude of sleazy lawyers eager to help. The investigator said that stopping laundering would be easy: just require corporations to state the actual human corporate principal. But this simple requirement is thwarted by the lawyers' lobby. As one of the lawyers says, lawyers run the country; they write the laws, and always to their own benefit.
2
Bravo, R.R. Reno. You have that rare quality in public intellectuals, namely, a pronounced and sincere empathy wielded to a rigorous analytical perspective on the historical narrative that has brought us to this watershed moment in out nation's history which hearkens back to the chaos of the Viertnam Era which was the time I came od age.
Sadly, both my Son's, recent Grads with the Masters Degrees, I always did well for them. As a Sr. Networking Technologist, and a Programmer Analyst with a computer science degree, BS, MS, I worked Wall Street and they paid me well. It is the elite paying me as I help them make $Billions.
Sadly, with abuse of the H1B Visa program, and we are not talking about 85000, there are hundreds of thousands working illegally in the US. It is not just limited to the un-educated immigration, it is White Middle Class Americans trying to compete for less jobs (Due to contraction and consolidation), and flooding of the market of immigrant Technology workers, many here illegally, that are willing to do my job for $35,000 a year. To the elite, they care not, they see me as a commodity to buy at the cheapest price.
So my son's ask me, Dad, I have $30,000 in debt from my Masters. I studied the Math and Science and I am a great Engineer, but I can raise a family and live on a "Third World Nation single persons" wages are and have the America you had? Where is the land of opportunity? My only response is that "America is still the land of opportunity, but not for the middle white class", which is now a minority, but won't be treated or protected as one. It is a double standard.
So clearly they have lost the "White middle class", and there are NO replacements coming.
Sadly, with abuse of the H1B Visa program, and we are not talking about 85000, there are hundreds of thousands working illegally in the US. It is not just limited to the un-educated immigration, it is White Middle Class Americans trying to compete for less jobs (Due to contraction and consolidation), and flooding of the market of immigrant Technology workers, many here illegally, that are willing to do my job for $35,000 a year. To the elite, they care not, they see me as a commodity to buy at the cheapest price.
So my son's ask me, Dad, I have $30,000 in debt from my Masters. I studied the Math and Science and I am a great Engineer, but I can raise a family and live on a "Third World Nation single persons" wages are and have the America you had? Where is the land of opportunity? My only response is that "America is still the land of opportunity, but not for the middle white class", which is now a minority, but won't be treated or protected as one. It is a double standard.
So clearly they have lost the "White middle class", and there are NO replacements coming.
12
These are hard-working people who have no safety net - many work multiple part-time jobs with no benefits whatsoever. And those of us with better educations have stood by and helplessly watched it happen. We let their jobs move overseas and we failed to educate their children as our culture was focused on the bottom line. Their plight is real. Now what?
7
So clear; so pointed; so true. Rather than expand the white middle class to include a broader range of skin and culture, we have decided to scrap it and start from scratch, letting each interest group define its own version of normal.
This is an adventurous choice, but my gut tells me it is also stupid. The white middle class was the product of hundreds of years of cultural evolution. The fact that some of that development was oppressive, benighted, or criminal doesn't make the result of that experience any less valuable.
This is an adventurous choice, but my gut tells me it is also stupid. The white middle class was the product of hundreds of years of cultural evolution. The fact that some of that development was oppressive, benighted, or criminal doesn't make the result of that experience any less valuable.
3
The article makes some fine observations but does not deal with the root causes: Unlimited spending and influence by corporate interests has turned the US into a Corporatist state that put the profits and the rights of multi-national corporations ahead of the well being and even the health an lives of the people. This is not sustainable.
5
It's not just the Middle Class that is being ignored. If you make enough money to considered "Upper Middle Class" you are also in real trouble. Your money will be confiscated in increasingly large amounts by our Government to pay for all the programs that everyone wants. You don't have enough money to be comfortable after you've paid "your fair share" as you aren't wealthy enough to survive the confiscation like the 1 percent. Luckily I am old enough and have saved enough to pull out once the taxes get so high to be a disincentive to work. All I can say is I am glad I am not young (for once) as I don't want to see what will truly become of our once great country in another 40-50 years.
4
There is a tendency in this discussion to scapegoat "illegals" and to claim they have stolen the middle class jobs. Undocumented people represent 3.5% of this country's population 5.1% of this nation's workforce and so cannot be responsible for "stealing all the jobs". The majority live in only six states, so what happened to jobs in the other 44? Even in California, where a large percentage of undocumented people live, they only represent 9% of workers . The rest of those hardworking, brown, Spanish speaking people are actual citizens.
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/19/5-facts-about-illegal-im...
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/19/5-facts-about-illegal-im...
1
Thank you for this well written-- articulate, article. There is a reason why 'white' people are becoming angry. It's not because we're racist, but, because we're labeled as such. We can't disagree with a policy put forth from Obama, without being labeled racist. The hate towards an African-American, whom happens to be conservative, is even worse. Both sides of the political spectrum are equally pulling us against each other. It needs to stop. It needs to end right now.
4
De facto open borders in conjunction with sanctioned Wall Street greed is killing this country.
7
De facto open borders in conjunction with birthright citizenship is not helping much either.
2
Quite right, twenty years of Globalism and the mobility of capital has led to the hollowing out of every major western economy, from US to Japan to Europe to Australia, the value adding jobs, the technical work, supervisors, process workers, managers, all honest jobs, have been offshored. And now the great lie that it was all for the greater good has been shown to be a mirage. The losers are outnumbering the winners. Its not just White Americans - its Middle Class under threat...
1
People often say that, poorer, middle class, whites vote against their own interests. Sometimes, perhaps, but they understand that they bear the brunt of immigration, which the Democratics have been pushing for years. They also understand the contempt urban Democrats direct at them. I was watching Bill Maher a few months ago and he kept saying , what are you complaining about, you are white? People do not like to be belittled, and poor whites are often derided as gun toting racists. Of course, if you stereotyped many other groups there would be howels of protest. So, they search for anyone who is not from the normal cast of characters.
4
Thank you for your insight. Let's not forget that, throughout the twentieth century, it was the ideals and evenly spread material well-being of this country's "white middle-class" (that the left so piously scorns in favor of multiculturalism) that so attracted so many from so far from so many multicultural backgrounds to immigrate.
Perhaps a number of the commenters here would do well to reflect on the instinctive egalitarianism, both political and economic, that the white middle class of this country traditionally embraced, rather than attempting to pounce on every single perceived historical and present injustice they can think of.
Perhaps a number of the commenters here would do well to reflect on the instinctive egalitarianism, both political and economic, that the white middle class of this country traditionally embraced, rather than attempting to pounce on every single perceived historical and present injustice they can think of.
2
I think Obama gets some of the credit. He started the revolution but then sold out making everyone even more upset than they were. Plus the 'recovery' has left out a lot of people and there really isn't much to hope for from the establishment as they seem content to continue to allow conditions to slowly get worse hoping no one will notice because they throw them a scrap every now and then.
2
RR Reno, the 'white middle class voter' is a vanishing breed. The few who remain are angry and will vote for Mr.Trump not Mrs. Clinton. They have not abandoned anybody, rather, have been abandoned by the pols.
3
On the right the Trump phenomenon is not all that different from Perot 25 years ago. The "great sucking sound" and "build a wall" are pretty much the same message. People have a penchant for charismatic billionaires long on dreams of making "America great again" but with no coherent plan for how to do it. If Trump had not entered the race, it would likely be a pretty normal primary and same for Perot. There was not a void needing to be filled but two entertaining guys who by chance stepped up. Only a Trump could pull off what he is doing. I think he's playing a useful role but can't explain what it is.
1
Point zero seven. That was the 4th quarter GNP growth after seven years of progressive economic policies. We now have 10 years of less than 3% annual growth which the liberals now claim is the new normal.
And that in nutshell is the entire story. Talking heads can spin it anyway they want, but that is the story. The anger is wide, and deep.
And that in nutshell is the entire story. Talking heads can spin it anyway they want, but that is the story. The anger is wide, and deep.
3
One you left out is the fact that hard working, middle class white Americans are tired of hearing how they and their "privilege" are the cause of any and all social ills in America. This narrative is making many of us tone deaf as we have always supported and participated in seeking equality for all. The messages Sanders and Trump (neither of whom I support) promote has been able to cut through that deafness and appeal to a large segment of our society tired of being called racists because we don't agree with someone else's opinion of who is at fault for what ails America
6
The years 1950 - 1970 were a unique time in the US. The industrial world was in ruins from the war and if you worked an honest 8 hours a day you became (white) middle class. Never again! If you have no skills and no education you become poor. The Asians and the robots make all the goods and the illegal immigrants harvest the crops.
Nobody can turn the clock back, no matter what they promise.
Note that the global economy is much stronger than any government.
Nobody can turn the clock back, no matter what they promise.
Note that the global economy is much stronger than any government.
3
The GOP has not been for the white middle class since the 60's.
Clearly, Obama also didn't give a hoot about working
white folks either. He was always interested in pardoning drug addicts
and those with minor repeat criminal offenses, but he didn't care
for law abiding white folks who worked hard for their measly pay.
Clearly, Obama also didn't give a hoot about working
white folks either. He was always interested in pardoning drug addicts
and those with minor repeat criminal offenses, but he didn't care
for law abiding white folks who worked hard for their measly pay.
3
"White America is being displaced by a multicultural America, and especially on the right, voters are retreating to racist posturing."
Wow! And from just where does R.R. Reno pull this blatantly prejudicial gem? Painting the white middle class with the broad brush of racism is a new low for the New York Times. I suggest the NYT Editorial Board read readers' comments after its endorsement of Hillary Clinton. You folks are another planet away from white middle class voters!
Wow! And from just where does R.R. Reno pull this blatantly prejudicial gem? Painting the white middle class with the broad brush of racism is a new low for the New York Times. I suggest the NYT Editorial Board read readers' comments after its endorsement of Hillary Clinton. You folks are another planet away from white middle class voters!
5
How does one abandon one's self? It was the majority racial group that set this whole scenario up. The anger that is discussed in this opinion is not about being abandoned in truth it is about losing your grip on dominance. When you have always got the first bite of the steak it is tough only being allowed to have the second or third bite. When you are a high school educated white person and you have always had the first crack at the best blue collar and union construction jobs you come to expect your place at the front of the line will last forever. Reagan democrats participated in the circular firing squad that killed good paying union and factory jobs. People raised by parents who were union members now vote to kill most of the advances fought for and won by unions. They never blame the masters of industry with failure of industry. They envy the millions made by the masters of industry but disparage the wages earned by the workers. Now that the horse is out of the barn they want to put him back in. Never blaming the head but always blaming the hands and feet have gotten us to where are. Now they clamor that they want their country back. My question is how are you going to get something back that you gave away so freely?
252
Yes, after all, it was the others that would be left behind.
1
Amen
2
I think that the real issue is that the middle class does not see their "tax dollars at work." Cutting taxes has become such a popular political platform that we end up with an infrastructure and education system purchased from the dollar store. I would gladly pay more in taxes if in return I saw reduced college tuition, less out-of-pocket healthcare costs and a functional public transit system.
2
Thank you for addressing the topic. You made it far too complicated, however.
It's really quite simple: The reason people are going for the extreme candidates is because they are unhappy.
They are earning less, they are paying more, and they see no hope for climbing out of the hole.
People who lose their decent-paying jobs can't find another to replace it. Young people don't have a chance, and older people are losing their pensions.
The deck has been stacked in favor of the rich.
The fact that working class whites are killing themselves in droves -- either through actual suicide or through drugs and alcohol -- says it all. You say it's a cultural deterioration... perhaps it's just a loss of hope.
Where is the hope? What happened to the "American Dream?"
It's really quite simple: The reason people are going for the extreme candidates is because they are unhappy.
They are earning less, they are paying more, and they see no hope for climbing out of the hole.
People who lose their decent-paying jobs can't find another to replace it. Young people don't have a chance, and older people are losing their pensions.
The deck has been stacked in favor of the rich.
The fact that working class whites are killing themselves in droves -- either through actual suicide or through drugs and alcohol -- says it all. You say it's a cultural deterioration... perhaps it's just a loss of hope.
Where is the hope? What happened to the "American Dream?"
1
The best analysis yet of the current political environment. Thank you!
.
Washington has been out of touch with average Americans for at least 40 years. Wall Street has always been out of touch with average Americans, but it's gotten worse since the 1980s. It's come to a head now. Americans, myself included, are sick and tired of it all. We want a corporate world that won't throw us under a bus in the name of profit, and a government that won't just shrug and say "gee sorry about those guys," while shaking their hands in the back room. We want a government that will give us confidence that it's doing what it takes to keep us safe, instead of minimizing the threat for fear of igniting bigotry at home. We want to build safe vibrant communities and money-making businesses without being blocked by people who say they want to save the environment but fly around in private jets.
.
I could go on but you get the picture. We middle class Americans are madder than h--- and we're not going to take it any more!!
.
Washington has been out of touch with average Americans for at least 40 years. Wall Street has always been out of touch with average Americans, but it's gotten worse since the 1980s. It's come to a head now. Americans, myself included, are sick and tired of it all. We want a corporate world that won't throw us under a bus in the name of profit, and a government that won't just shrug and say "gee sorry about those guys," while shaking their hands in the back room. We want a government that will give us confidence that it's doing what it takes to keep us safe, instead of minimizing the threat for fear of igniting bigotry at home. We want to build safe vibrant communities and money-making businesses without being blocked by people who say they want to save the environment but fly around in private jets.
.
I could go on but you get the picture. We middle class Americans are madder than h--- and we're not going to take it any more!!
3
I am middle class. When I read column after column like this (although this is one of the more insightful and poignant ones) the same thing happens within me. My soul starts begging, "someone PLEASE help us." The middle class, the poor -- we're all suffering financially and emotionally. And unnecessarily in the richest nation on earth.
3
IF another FDR came along, he/she could solidify a ruling majority for a decade or more. Obama and Clinton, as New Democrats clinging to the corporate money, abhor FDR. Sanders is a close to a New Dealer that exists, but he lacks the tough, forceful presence of an FDR.
The goal of the Democratic Party, in the age of corporate money and Citizens United, is to get rid of the FDR's in the party. Emmanuel, Shumer, and Wasserman Shultz have spent a decade getting rid of the New Dealers within the party.
It's stunning.
Because of this, Republican demagogues will always be a dice roll away from wining any election.
The goal of the Democratic Party, in the age of corporate money and Citizens United, is to get rid of the FDR's in the party. Emmanuel, Shumer, and Wasserman Shultz have spent a decade getting rid of the New Dealers within the party.
It's stunning.
Because of this, Republican demagogues will always be a dice roll away from wining any election.
2
It is true , the problem is between the have and have not whites which is being blamed on minorities which are already living on the margins. If this bigotry is unchecked and attention is not paid to economic imbalance , It is just a matter of time when another opportunist rises up and start blaming prosperous Jewish community for all the economic problems of the deprived white middle class. Mr. Dana Millbank writes following in Washington Post on Holocaust Remembrance day;
“It has echoes, and maybe more so to me than to native-born Americans,” she said after lighting a candle for Hitler’s victims. “I’m scared. I don’t like the trend. I don’t like how many people are applauding when they hear these demagogues. It can turn.”
“This year’s Holocaust remembrance comes at a time when Donald Trump, the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, retweets to his nearly 6 million followers a message from @WhiteGenocideTM based in “Jewmerica,” and a time when his nearest challenger, Ted Cruz, brandishes the endorsement of a minister who says Hitler was a “hunter” sent after the Jews by God. There has never been a more important time for Americans to heed the moral authority of the Holocaust survivors still among us.”
“It has echoes, and maybe more so to me than to native-born Americans,” she said after lighting a candle for Hitler’s victims. “I’m scared. I don’t like the trend. I don’t like how many people are applauding when they hear these demagogues. It can turn.”
“This year’s Holocaust remembrance comes at a time when Donald Trump, the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, retweets to his nearly 6 million followers a message from @WhiteGenocideTM based in “Jewmerica,” and a time when his nearest challenger, Ted Cruz, brandishes the endorsement of a minister who says Hitler was a “hunter” sent after the Jews by God. There has never been a more important time for Americans to heed the moral authority of the Holocaust survivors still among us.”
I have a hard time believing that allegation against Mr. Trump -- whose daughter Ivanka is an Orthodox Jew. Would she be on speaking terms with her father, if he was an anti-semite?
Yes, the biggest betrayal in America is how the white people at the top have pulled the rug out from under other white people.
2
I say it couldn't have happened to a more deserving bunch. However, I'm sure there will always be a few scraps from the table for those willing to assist in preying upon and denigrating the poor. And there will always be good paying, pensioned jobs in the security forces.
1
Any article that discusses middle class division without mentioning Ronald Reagan needs to be fleshed out a bit further.
2
What were once called "social studies" teachers can give themselves a big round of applause for at this time nothing, but nothing, in the United States is considered other than through the prisms of race, gender, and class. Narrow bands of of the spectrum these are, as well, whether taken singly or in combination.
1
Does anyone remember the failing automobile companies named GM and Chrysler? And do you remember the debate over Government bailout of these companies? Many on the right saw it as an easy way to get rid of many unionized workers and in turn weaken organized labor in general.
Then you have Scott Walker weakening the union workers in Michigan. Coming up we are going to have a Supreme Court decision on union dues and it sounds like it will be one more blow to organized labor.
I'm not an economist but I feel that the higher wages for the unions keep all wages up. Also I believe a raise in the minimum wage would bring wages up for all entry level workers.
I'm afraid we have become a country where stock prices trump the American Worker every time.
Then you have Scott Walker weakening the union workers in Michigan. Coming up we are going to have a Supreme Court decision on union dues and it sounds like it will be one more blow to organized labor.
I'm not an economist but I feel that the higher wages for the unions keep all wages up. Also I believe a raise in the minimum wage would bring wages up for all entry level workers.
I'm afraid we have become a country where stock prices trump the American Worker every time.
2
It is precisely our desire to ally ourselves with the wealthy elite that is destroying the middle class. We do not seem able to admit the obvious: the wealthy elite are not our friends, and we should not accept their utterly self-interested leadership. Inequality is a pallid term for the sustained and vicious class warfare that the wealthy elite have successfully waged against us for forty years. We need leadership from our own class to wake us up to this reality and lead us in a sustained counter-attack against them, by all nonviolent means. The working class and the poor folks are our real allies, and they can teach us a lot about this kind of warfare. I fear that we are almost too late. Our country and our way of life are at stake.
2
Someone like Joe Biden or William Weld would solve - but the Times seems to accept no culpability here. The Times ordained Hillary Clinton the Democratic candidate and has treated all of Sanders's successes as anomalies - interesting side shows that will go away. Similarly, the Times (and oh my gosh the posters on these comments pages) like to make fun of Trump - and he is an easy target - and treat all other GOP candidates as coming instead from the Tea Party - the extreme and mean-spirited far right. The rest of the media have responded to the two parties' assortment of candidates very similarly. That's a big part of the problem - along with gerrymandering the contemporary media serves to emphasize the poles and abandon the middle. Hillary is a terrible candidate (and, I fear, a terrible person). Her resume doesn't qualify her, her integrity embarrasses us all, and she will make a terrible president. The candidates from the GOP make reality TV look intelligent and well thought through - they are the Honey BooBoos of public discourse. I pray that, as McCarthy did for Kennedy, Clinton will do for Biden - and that he will both run to the center and then govern to the center.
1
If the premise is true it because whites no longer have a leg up on the rest of the field.
1
Socialism is "an unworkable throwback? Which variety do you have in mind? Any and all? If that's the case, the middle class, white or otherwise, has no future. Because the dominant system today, financial capitalism, is in full control of the allocation of resources, the dissemination of most information, the political process, and hence the distribution of income and wealth.
This toxic combination of control leaves no scope for democracy. Without a political revolution, we are destined to endure more of the same.
This toxic combination of control leaves no scope for democracy. Without a political revolution, we are destined to endure more of the same.
1
It used to be that the Middle class chose the next president and Congress. Poor people didn't vote and wealthy people are few in number. But it seems now that a vote means very little; the president and Congress work for whom ever finances their campaign. Those with large amounts of money are simply buying laws that make thievery, not paying taxes, and hiking drug prices, legal. In addition, professionals that once were held accountable for their actions, like heads of corporations, now pay a fine and continue about their business.
There seems to be no interest in maintaining a fair playing field for people that work hard and follow the rules. The Great Recession was set off by Financiers who paid to have financial rules changed, a executive branch that removed funding for oversight of financial groups, and millions of people lost their homes and assets as a result. Today, we see Congress slashing IRS funding so they cannot assign agents to wealthy tax reduction schemes, as they take too much time. . Companies that are leaving the US on paper, but allowed to sell products here are aided hand in hand by a US Congress that wants to keep the cash flowing and will give them any thing they request.
There seems to be no interest in maintaining a fair playing field for people that work hard and follow the rules. The Great Recession was set off by Financiers who paid to have financial rules changed, a executive branch that removed funding for oversight of financial groups, and millions of people lost their homes and assets as a result. Today, we see Congress slashing IRS funding so they cannot assign agents to wealthy tax reduction schemes, as they take too much time. . Companies that are leaving the US on paper, but allowed to sell products here are aided hand in hand by a US Congress that wants to keep the cash flowing and will give them any thing they request.
1
Maybe Trump and Sanders should join together as an unbeatable tag team. The Deal could be struck between them to rule over their minions. Sarcasm aside, we are not leaving our country a better place for our children and every single one of us has a small share of the blame. Buy American made whenever possible and try not to pollute as little as possible. And above all, do not have more than two children.
I stopped reading when I got to -
"What’s striking — and crucial for understanding our populist moment — is the fact that the leadership cadres of both parties aren’t just unresponsive to this anxiety. They add to it."
The "add to it" part, is the understatement of the century.
The fact is both political parties' leadership, including nearly each and every individual therein, are bought and paid for, lock, stock, and barrel, by the corporations that now own our government, and all its branches.
Our Congress is now a colossal international joke.
The people no longer have any meaningful representation, and occasionally some mediocre indulgence is passed out to keep the masses at bay.
Hillary and Bill, with their massive war chest, filled by Wall Street, and even millions purloined from their Foundation (very covertly), some of which originated in Saudi Arabia, are engaged in the greatest deception of the people in decades.
The only opportunity to stop this wholesale giving of our destiny to our corporate owned government, this Plutocratic Oligarchy, is to elect Mr. Sanders, which I believe will occur, given the very visible anger of millions upon millions of the citizenry.
Pointless to discuss the Republicans, and their brand of madness; the Presidency for them will always be a dream, never to be realized, unless they change dramatically.
"What’s striking — and crucial for understanding our populist moment — is the fact that the leadership cadres of both parties aren’t just unresponsive to this anxiety. They add to it."
The "add to it" part, is the understatement of the century.
The fact is both political parties' leadership, including nearly each and every individual therein, are bought and paid for, lock, stock, and barrel, by the corporations that now own our government, and all its branches.
Our Congress is now a colossal international joke.
The people no longer have any meaningful representation, and occasionally some mediocre indulgence is passed out to keep the masses at bay.
Hillary and Bill, with their massive war chest, filled by Wall Street, and even millions purloined from their Foundation (very covertly), some of which originated in Saudi Arabia, are engaged in the greatest deception of the people in decades.
The only opportunity to stop this wholesale giving of our destiny to our corporate owned government, this Plutocratic Oligarchy, is to elect Mr. Sanders, which I believe will occur, given the very visible anger of millions upon millions of the citizenry.
Pointless to discuss the Republicans, and their brand of madness; the Presidency for them will always be a dream, never to be realized, unless they change dramatically.
1
How?
Maybe constantly lying, say about Social Security and rising consumer prices and actually protecting the people and having a clue about economics and pretending to run the country when they can't, and raising taxes and destroying savings and pension funds, and ....
Maybe constantly lying, say about Social Security and rising consumer prices and actually protecting the people and having a clue about economics and pretending to run the country when they can't, and raising taxes and destroying savings and pension funds, and ....
When you have Senators and House members who have to "dial for dollars" so they can fund their campaigns , who do you think they represent? They represent the big donors and corporations who finance them. This is just one of the many problems that have plaqued the middle class. Republicans who believe tax cuts for the "job creators" aka rich people also continue to hurt states and communities where they govern. Young people have become disenchanted as they try to better themselves through college and only find themselves in deep debt. I think Obama tried as best he could to help the middle class, but with GOP opposition he could not get much done.
Politicians have stopped running for office to serve the public - now it is all a money grab. First come the campaign contributions, which are largely made by the wealthiest among us who can "max out" their contributions. And yes, they expect some benefits for their investment. Lost an election? Time to head to K Street to lobby and cash in once again. Interesting that Bernie Sanders has done so well with small contributions.
Dissatisfaction with Washington crosses all classes. If we had a collective group of statesmen who got things done, things might be very different for the established parties.
Reading all the people talk about American jobs being lost overseas. Here's a hint. If Americans bought American, those jobs wouldn't be overseas. One other thing - the vast majority of the US economy is fuelled by DOMESTIC activity and consumption, NOT by exports.
The white middle class doesn't count except at election time. The politicians know that money is power, and that the middle class has no money. Forget illegal immigrants. In 1978, General Motors employed 78,000 workers in Flint, Michigan. Today, that number is 7,500. This doesn't even count the thousands of ancillary jobs, like tool and die, that disappeared when GM decided to invest in Mexico rather than Michigan. The same thing happened all over this country. Despite being bailed out by the government during the recession, GM is still shipping their money overseas, just like a drug cartel. Nothing will change until these corporations are forced to stop this behavior. That will only happen when our politicians stop working exclusively for them.
1
Both political parties are completely out of touch with the average American.
One cares only about the rich, the other cares only about the poor.
Neither cares a whit about the middle class, who gets nothing but the bill.
One cares only about the rich, the other cares only about the poor.
Neither cares a whit about the middle class, who gets nothing but the bill.
1
Both parties lost the middle class because both parties cater primarily to the rich. The GOP moreso than the Dems but not by much.
- Both parties promote trade deals that are guaranteed to cost American jobs and push down US wages without any corresponding policy to offset that.
- Both parties allow companies to import cheap foreign labor via H1B and other programs, taking jobs from Americans and replacing them with lower wage jobs for foreigners.
- Both parties have allowed labor regulations that allow companies to classify their entire payroll as managers to make sure nobody can get overtime while still expecting them to work over 40 hours a week for free. I personally took almost a 50% pay cut when I was reclassified as a "manager".
- Both parties promote tax policy that makes American workers less competitive compared to foreign workers (I could offer to work for free and would still be more expensive than my foreign coworkers due to taxes and benefits).
- Both parties claim that a college degree is some sort of panacea that will guarantee you a ticket to the American Dream. Last I checked, India and China have schools too... Sure I can go get a CS degree but unless I'm willing to work for $10,000 a year, that doesn't allow me to compete on price with someone in a low wage country with the exact same qualifications as I have.
- Both parties allow a "financial aid" system for college that couldn't be better designed to exploit people if it was done on purpose.
- Both parties promote trade deals that are guaranteed to cost American jobs and push down US wages without any corresponding policy to offset that.
- Both parties allow companies to import cheap foreign labor via H1B and other programs, taking jobs from Americans and replacing them with lower wage jobs for foreigners.
- Both parties have allowed labor regulations that allow companies to classify their entire payroll as managers to make sure nobody can get overtime while still expecting them to work over 40 hours a week for free. I personally took almost a 50% pay cut when I was reclassified as a "manager".
- Both parties promote tax policy that makes American workers less competitive compared to foreign workers (I could offer to work for free and would still be more expensive than my foreign coworkers due to taxes and benefits).
- Both parties claim that a college degree is some sort of panacea that will guarantee you a ticket to the American Dream. Last I checked, India and China have schools too... Sure I can go get a CS degree but unless I'm willing to work for $10,000 a year, that doesn't allow me to compete on price with someone in a low wage country with the exact same qualifications as I have.
- Both parties allow a "financial aid" system for college that couldn't be better designed to exploit people if it was done on purpose.
1
Where I was lost? Obamacare. I pay $1100 per month for my wife's healthcare policy with about a $2500 deductible. How many other people am I covering? 5? 6? 10?
And Bernie sees what I make, and I'm the enemy. I'm sick of all of them.
And Bernie sees what I make, and I'm the enemy. I'm sick of all of them.
2
I was with you until you posited that people are primarily interested in joining with the wealthy to rally behind great causes. Excuse me??? More on point, they've started to understand that the economy and political gears have been reengineered since Reagan, to pander to a small class of plutocrats and crony capitalists. We no longer have a representative democracy, except in the fond memories of those who voted before 1980. A tsunami of corporate "speech" dollars drowns out the well documented support of the public for higher taxes on billionaires than Macdonald's workers, tighter control of the finance industry, better access to higher education, health care and drugs at the lower prices afforded Europeans, better federal laws promoting gun safety, and on and on. We can't truly hold anyone accountable at the voting booth, and we hunger for the mirage that we can empower ourselves through presidential candidates like Sanders. In reality, no president can overcome the entrenched and virulent opposition to reform by federal legislators beholden to Big Money and Dark Money. But isn't it pretty to think so?
Well, you have to start somewhere don't you and remember Sanders is one of those very, very few politicians that has never been beholden to the big money interests.
In many ways, Americans have been sold a bill of goods for the past 20 years. The America I grew up with, warts and all in Vietnam, (disclaimer: I am Canadian) is not the America I see today. The USA is less competitive in terms of social mobility (when social mobility in the UK is greater than the US, you have a problem). The social safety network is horrible. If you hold family values, why aren't you supporting a year's paid maternity leave, Republicans? (answer: they hold corporate values, not family values, except for abortion). America supports corporate greed over human health, with a result that medical costs are on average about 33% higher than anywhere else in the Western world, and outcomes much lower than paying 33% more would get you. YOU might say, "Wait a minute. I don't support that!" Well, if you aren't being involved in your primaries, Republican or Democrat, if you aren't voting for someone who is FOR those things, then you are voting for someone who is AGAINST them. It isn't rocket science. Big money has been allowed to dominate American politics in a way it hasn't been able to in over a century. If Americans don't want to change their involvement with the system, the system will certainly change how Americans' lives are run. And given the rampant corporate interests all over Washington, it won't be for the better.
2
I have little sympathy for most marginalized white middle class people. They have been warned for generations that these changes were coming. They have been warned for generations that education will matter more in the future. They have been warned for generations that they must be more competitive and must embrace new ways of doing things. They have been warned that the paradigm of a single income household where the primary earner has just a high school diploma is ending.
56
Do explain, please. Who was warning us?
Do you remember how, for a couple of decades, politicians told us that the way to get ahead was to get as much schooling as possible?
What about those of us who did that and found ourselves in debt and unemployed anyway?
Actually, we're not asking for your sympathy. We're asking you - and everyone else - for a new economy where those who are productive see some gain from it and perhaps get to retire comfortably before age 80.
Do you remember how, for a couple of decades, politicians told us that the way to get ahead was to get as much schooling as possible?
What about those of us who did that and found ourselves in debt and unemployed anyway?
Actually, we're not asking for your sympathy. We're asking you - and everyone else - for a new economy where those who are productive see some gain from it and perhaps get to retire comfortably before age 80.
5
That's true, except that these days even a college degree is no sure bet to getting a decent job these days. Times have much changed in this globalized marketplace where jobs can easily be shifted elsewhere and performed by anyone willing to work pittance (compared to US wage) and put in 2x the hours you work. Naturally if they live in low cost countries, even pittance in US wage would mean a lot to them.
5
These same fact apply to black households as well.
1
Close. Getting warmer. But still a little off the mark. It is encouraging to see the analytic class almost grasp the coming storm.
2
It's a 'perfect storm' of economic decline plus drug availability plus insuffient taxation to support good schools, good government, good family support.....we have hallowed ourselves out.
Both parties lost the middle class by voting the interests of contributors over constituents. Office holders believe that votes can be bought and thus campaign contributions trump (no pun intended) all else.
The interests of the most wealthy are protected while the middle class suffers. This has nothing to do with moral lapses or any other action by voters. When bargaining power is taken from workers and given to owners by Congress, wages drop. Exactly what else do you think is making people vote for Trump or Sanders?
The interests of the most wealthy are protected while the middle class suffers. This has nothing to do with moral lapses or any other action by voters. When bargaining power is taken from workers and given to owners by Congress, wages drop. Exactly what else do you think is making people vote for Trump or Sanders?
Back in the 1970s the health care costs exploded, becoming the largest item on automobile union contracts, for example. Meanwhile, people like Lawrence Summers (among other Harvard authors) wrote frequently about America's need to train and become a more competitive workforce.
Big business chose not to educate but to outsource, shutting down thousands of manufacturing plants, all to lower costs and keep their stock price up. American industry become unhinged from the American workforce.
In my lifetime I saw many high-school educated toolmakers make a good living, buying new cars and putting kids through college. For me, I was the only person in my neighborhood who worked in manufacturing. Everyone else worked in financials.
The ability for a low-educated person to work their way up into a good lifestyle is pretty much over with.
Big business chose not to educate but to outsource, shutting down thousands of manufacturing plants, all to lower costs and keep their stock price up. American industry become unhinged from the American workforce.
In my lifetime I saw many high-school educated toolmakers make a good living, buying new cars and putting kids through college. For me, I was the only person in my neighborhood who worked in manufacturing. Everyone else worked in financials.
The ability for a low-educated person to work their way up into a good lifestyle is pretty much over with.
2
I've got two grown kids. One who has a really good high stress job that I hope won't kill her with stress. The other is way underemployed but has just enough to make his rent, car payment, student loan and a few other bills. I worry that he'll die from boredom or frustration.
I'm angry for both of them and worry for my young grand children.
I'm angry for both of them and worry for my young grand children.
Individuals with painful and incurable decease are willing to try any medicine. With a hope for a quick cure, they are often desperate to try untested medicine from quacks. It helps when the medicine is sweet and requires no sacrifice or compromise on the patients’ part. The American middle-class is no exception and is now willing to buy from sweet talking salesmen snake-oil salesmen. None of them is asking middle-class for any sacrifices or changes and portraying them as hapless victims. And then there is Hillary Clinton, a person with impeccable experience and definite and detailed plans for the middle-class. She is being drowned out by self- serving allegations like Benghazi and server e-mails, not to mention being accused of hiding Bill’s infidelity. The only other person with somewhat similar experience to Hillary is Governor Kasich. He seems sincere. The rest are opportunists pushing snake-oil or sweet talks.A country gets the leader it deserves –and in a democracy it has no one to blame but its voting public. It seems like the patient is likely to suffer for a long time before a cure is found.
Most insightful op-ed I have read in the NYT in the last several years. It gets to the heart of the problems without demonizing one particular side.
3
Career politicians must chase the big, special interest money to remain career politicians, thus plutocracy. Sooner or later Trump will need big money. We'll see where he goes. Sanders has been adept so far at grass roots fundraising. If in the unlikely outcome that he is the Dem nominee, his base will not be able to sustain his financial needs. The middle class savior has not yet arrived (acknowledging that Mrs. Clinton is trying mightily to sell that tag). If the Republicans win in 2016, Warren and Cuomo will vie for that slot. The middle class will always need someone like TR (who would not stand a chance as a Republican today), FDR, Truman or Kennedy (male or female).
Comments are sometimes baffling. Where are the countries for grumbling would-be emigrants, left or right? Do a little research, folks. As for the middle class, there are too many middle classes to allow generalization. For instance, I am in the slice called retired with an income that I consider comfortable. Yes, I buy most of my clothes at Walmart but don't grumble about it. Sorry that I can't afford a paid digital subscription to the NYT. Can survive anyway. As for the elections, I lived through the Nixon years.
It’s not just a matter of inviting the middle class to support an idealistic endeavor such as sending a man to the moon or defeating Communism. Americans are struggling to find and keep decent paying jobs. President Obama and Hillary Clinton are more interested in helping foreigners than they are in paying attention to us, and what we have been trying to tell them.
1
Nonsense. It has little to do with race, it has everything to do with corporations controlling government and offshoring jobs. Nothing else.
2
When I was young and middle class, people could live on even the least social security check. I became disabled then retired. I get $735 a month in social security. Could you live on that?
2
This column seems to ignore Nate Cohn's Saturday piece titled "Bernie Sanders Is Making Surprising Gains With Less Affluent Whites":
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/31/upshot/bernie-sanders-is-making-surpri...
If this polling data is accurate it is a VERY BIG DEAL.
Sanders still has a way to go to build an even broader coalition. But still, I have to say that I am impressed and paying very close attention.
This could just be the end of asking "why do these folks vote against their own interests."
Stay tuned.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/31/upshot/bernie-sanders-is-making-surpri...
If this polling data is accurate it is a VERY BIG DEAL.
Sanders still has a way to go to build an even broader coalition. But still, I have to say that I am impressed and paying very close attention.
This could just be the end of asking "why do these folks vote against their own interests."
Stay tuned.
The economic problem that is such a concern for the average American can be described in a simple phrase: Our fearless 0.1% leaders have instituted a race to the bottom. Donald Trump commented that wages are too high to compete with the rest of the world.
Link: https://youtu.be/MbZ-o1T6F5Y?t=3
The way these 0.1%ers did it was by off-shoring work, of every type - manufacturing, sales, service, you name it.
The other option is for the US to take the position that we are not going to be the "dumping ground" for everyone else's products. If you do not allow us to sell our products in your country, don't expect to sell yours here. To do this, we need to insist that any trading partner institute a minimum wage, NOT because we are bleeding heart liberals, but so that the people of that country will have the earning power to buy our products. They can't buy anything when they make less than $1 per hour.
You can level the playing field by cutting our wages to the level of China, India, Indonesia, or other poor countries, or you can level the playing field by raising their costs and wages (and ability to buy stuff) to our level.
In the second case, the problem becomes "how do you make enough stuff to satisfy the demands oif many more consumers than there are out there today?" That is not a bad problem to have.
Our present fearless leaders are feckless leaders. They do not have the guts to do such a thing.
Bernie Sanders in 2016.
Link: https://youtu.be/MbZ-o1T6F5Y?t=3
The way these 0.1%ers did it was by off-shoring work, of every type - manufacturing, sales, service, you name it.
The other option is for the US to take the position that we are not going to be the "dumping ground" for everyone else's products. If you do not allow us to sell our products in your country, don't expect to sell yours here. To do this, we need to insist that any trading partner institute a minimum wage, NOT because we are bleeding heart liberals, but so that the people of that country will have the earning power to buy our products. They can't buy anything when they make less than $1 per hour.
You can level the playing field by cutting our wages to the level of China, India, Indonesia, or other poor countries, or you can level the playing field by raising their costs and wages (and ability to buy stuff) to our level.
In the second case, the problem becomes "how do you make enough stuff to satisfy the demands oif many more consumers than there are out there today?" That is not a bad problem to have.
Our present fearless leaders are feckless leaders. They do not have the guts to do such a thing.
Bernie Sanders in 2016.
3
I find this explanation - if it qualifies as such - amazingly unsatisfying.
The Middle Class is an economic definition. If anyone lost the white middle class voter it is because there is less white middle class members or perhaps more accurately the economic fortunes of the middle of the bell curve have advanced less or receded more than in the previous generations. In short, the answer is an economic one and requires an economic solution. By cutting government, undermining Labor Unions, and shipping jobs oversees we have lost the jobs that created "the Middle Class." If both parties lost the Middle Class it is because the Republicans have pushed the economic values of the upper class and the Democrats have not been able to stop them.
The Middle Class is an economic definition. If anyone lost the white middle class voter it is because there is less white middle class members or perhaps more accurately the economic fortunes of the middle of the bell curve have advanced less or receded more than in the previous generations. In short, the answer is an economic one and requires an economic solution. By cutting government, undermining Labor Unions, and shipping jobs oversees we have lost the jobs that created "the Middle Class." If both parties lost the Middle Class it is because the Republicans have pushed the economic values of the upper class and the Democrats have not been able to stop them.
1
Reno defines himself as a religious and political conservative, which explains this article. Neither the liberal nor conservative elites want to exclude the white middle class from politics. Both sides want to attract and include them. It seems Mr. Reno's concern is not that these folks aren't included, it's that they don't have the huge amount of control that they once did, particularly the religiously and politically conservative males of this group, who are nostalgic for 1950s America, when they held almost all the power.
There is no going back to the 1950s. We aren't the only industrial power left standing after WW II. Blacks, Hispanics, women, and gays have won both political and fundamental human rights. Political power will have to be shared with these groups. For those who weren't used to sharing power, this can be somewhat traumatic, but it doesn't mean they are being excluded, it means they now must participate as equals with these newly empowered groups.
When I was in public schools in the 1950s and 1960s, Jewish students were expected to listen attentively as protestant teachers read the Easter story about how the Jews murdered Jesus. Clearly this wasn't right. I'm glad it changed. The government-enforced, in-your-face approach to majority white, Christian, culture was not a good thing and it harmed many.
I look at my state legislature, city and county councils, and Congress and see a lot of white middle class whites. How are they being excluded?
There is no going back to the 1950s. We aren't the only industrial power left standing after WW II. Blacks, Hispanics, women, and gays have won both political and fundamental human rights. Political power will have to be shared with these groups. For those who weren't used to sharing power, this can be somewhat traumatic, but it doesn't mean they are being excluded, it means they now must participate as equals with these newly empowered groups.
When I was in public schools in the 1950s and 1960s, Jewish students were expected to listen attentively as protestant teachers read the Easter story about how the Jews murdered Jesus. Clearly this wasn't right. I'm glad it changed. The government-enforced, in-your-face approach to majority white, Christian, culture was not a good thing and it harmed many.
I look at my state legislature, city and county councils, and Congress and see a lot of white middle class whites. How are they being excluded?
Well, Mr. R. R. Reno, you used a lot of words to say what could be summed up in three small words: Money equals speech.
Yes, people are waking up to the fact that they've been had.
For over a generation now, both political parties have been serving their paying customers - international corporations.
One of the reasons Donald Trump is so dangerous is because The Democratic Party - the worker's party - no longer has any credibility with working people.
As Trump pivots to economic populism once he's got the Republican nomination sewn up, there is no center of gravity on the left to oppose him. Because Trump is not beholden to corporatist donors, he's free to cherry-pick the most popular issues from both right and left.
Republicans want to crack down on immigration? Say you'll build a wall.
Democrats want jobs? Promise to bring back the W.P.A.
What's Hillary going to do if Trump guarantees a job to every American who wants one?
She's going to be stuck holding the corporatists' bag of reasons why it can't be done.
Mr. R. R. Reno doesn't need to go so far into the weeds to figure out what's going on in the United States of America. It's simple. Our political parties, thinking they had an unbreakable monopoly, simply stopped serving the citizens of The Republic and began serving their paying customers.
And the Supreme Court codified it by saying money equals speech.
End of story.
Or maybe the beginning of a new one.
Yes, people are waking up to the fact that they've been had.
For over a generation now, both political parties have been serving their paying customers - international corporations.
One of the reasons Donald Trump is so dangerous is because The Democratic Party - the worker's party - no longer has any credibility with working people.
As Trump pivots to economic populism once he's got the Republican nomination sewn up, there is no center of gravity on the left to oppose him. Because Trump is not beholden to corporatist donors, he's free to cherry-pick the most popular issues from both right and left.
Republicans want to crack down on immigration? Say you'll build a wall.
Democrats want jobs? Promise to bring back the W.P.A.
What's Hillary going to do if Trump guarantees a job to every American who wants one?
She's going to be stuck holding the corporatists' bag of reasons why it can't be done.
Mr. R. R. Reno doesn't need to go so far into the weeds to figure out what's going on in the United States of America. It's simple. Our political parties, thinking they had an unbreakable monopoly, simply stopped serving the citizens of The Republic and began serving their paying customers.
And the Supreme Court codified it by saying money equals speech.
End of story.
Or maybe the beginning of a new one.
3
These comments are more disturbing than the article...look, my family are what you so lovingly call "minorities" (in the country for over a century), in the middle class since the 1960s. I do wonder about a society that has tolerated generations of slavery, Jim Crow, debt peonage, imperialism, abuse of the poor and disadvantaged of all colors and immigrants of every era, and then states that an inevitably globalist economy (it would have been long before, except for the finger on the scales by elites) is unfair, unpatriotic, indecent, etc. I have a professional degree and make very little, you can accuse me of lack of patriotism on the basis of my race and skin color, but I have to wonder whether the fact that we as Americans have to work harder is not just...And not the way that we will propel the well-being of all humanity in the future
1
"This is precisely what Mr. Trump and Mr. Sanders offer."
Mr. trump offers nihilism which will only cut his taxes.
Mr. Sanders offers vapid idealism in the face of a reactionary congress.
Both wouldn't move the country forward.
Mr. trump offers nihilism which will only cut his taxes.
Mr. Sanders offers vapid idealism in the face of a reactionary congress.
Both wouldn't move the country forward.
1
Here is middle class reality. Both parents need to work. Even with health insurance you are always just one medical emergency away from financial difficulty. If you are making enough money to save for your kids' college tuition you need to find a way to save $200,000 for each one, then fund your retirement. Meanwhile these middle class workers rightly resent the less fortunate who have access to financial aid and subsidized health care while they struggle.
The solution? Higher taxes (yes!) that pay for everyone's education and health care regardless of income. By extending these benefits to all you avoid the resentment of those who might be to rich to qualify. Does it work?Just ask Canada, or Sweden, or Japan or...
The solution? Higher taxes (yes!) that pay for everyone's education and health care regardless of income. By extending these benefits to all you avoid the resentment of those who might be to rich to qualify. Does it work?Just ask Canada, or Sweden, or Japan or...
1
Very simple.
Whites are becoming more the minority.
Low information white right wing voters are downright scared. The Infotainment media fans those fears. Further divisiveness or change to rebuild; Our choice.
Vote.
Whites are becoming more the minority.
Low information white right wing voters are downright scared. The Infotainment media fans those fears. Further divisiveness or change to rebuild; Our choice.
Vote.
2
Oh for god's sake the country is still 72% white, blacks are 15% of the population, the imminent minority status of whites in America is a loudly trumpeted song by the media which so clearly cannot contain its wish that it Should Be So that it completely ignores who the overwhelming majority in the country still is.
1
The destruction of unions means the last tool we had to effectively organize to exert any influence on national policy in favor of working people is gone. This was a carefully crafted and well executed plan by the moneyed right. The replacement of the union voice by the likes of Donald Trump is part of that plan.
3
Yep...it's ALL Trump's fault...and, people like him. Don't look too closely at today's Uber rich who are mainly young socialists (for others, not themselves) who think everything would be fine if we just have open borders and pay everyone at least $15 an hour...all the while most of them use 'slave labor' overseas and pretend surprise when they are outed for this practice. It is everyone for themselves today and the politicians encourage this ON BOTH SIDES by using race, gender, class as wedges to get us to fight amongst ourselves so we are too distracted to see what they are really doing to this country and our middle class
Interesting essay. One word is missing: debt. I suspect that the huge debt incurred by institutions, both government and private, to maintain this middle class structure is driving the anxiety. Any one with a brain knows that this debt structure is about to collapse, and guess what, the wealthy will pay the price as we all will.
2
Wanna bet? The rich NEVER pay their debts...NEVER...and, it won't be any different this time...did even ONE person lose their job, let along any money in 2008? That tells its own story...only the little people suffer
This is a very insightful, balanced column. Thank you.
As one of the "lucky" ones with private health insurance working in technology, I spent the better part of today seeking authorization, on hold, and otherwise going through hoops for basic medical care. "This call may be monitored for quality" stuff. Really? The highly paid insurance CEOs have set up a shambles system that pretty much takes care of their health with customers scrambling.
Imagine the US if all that wasted time was productive. And healthcare is just one thing on the list taking us down. At this point, Bernie or Trump - anything but business as usual.
As one of the "lucky" ones with private health insurance working in technology, I spent the better part of today seeking authorization, on hold, and otherwise going through hoops for basic medical care. "This call may be monitored for quality" stuff. Really? The highly paid insurance CEOs have set up a shambles system that pretty much takes care of their health with customers scrambling.
Imagine the US if all that wasted time was productive. And healthcare is just one thing on the list taking us down. At this point, Bernie or Trump - anything but business as usual.
3
This article is a good example of a problem Mr Krugman has long called attention to: the idea that there is a balance between problems of conservatism and problems of liberalism, with the suggestion -- which is really mind boggllng -- that there is a troubling symmetry between Trump followers and Sanders followers. This is a very common perspective. But it is rather stupid. Trump, a non-politician, a "know-nothing" runs a campaign of hysteria and hate. There is no hysteria or hate in any of Sanders' positions. His politics are not much different from the average Europeans'. He is not stoking resentment. He calls for hope. That this writer can't see the difference suggests that the writer himself doesn't know the difference between fear and hope ... and that's appalling.
1
If one looks at Communism, dictatorship, there is a pattern: Disruption due to inequality that eventually undermine the underpinnings, and they fail. I believe the undermining of the American Middle class will prove to be the unraveling of the underpinnings of Democracy. That is the case when there are only the "endowed" and the "impoverished". Clearly Trump and Sanders see this as do we.
Both parties are losing their loyal supporters and it has very little to do with values or race. It has to do with the fact that intelligent well-educated people are falling through the cracks.
It is also a fallacy to assume that only young people are voting for Bernie Sanders, the only politician with a sense of ethics and empathy for all people. A large number of middle-class and close to retirement adults are voting for him. When the dust settles both the Republicans and the Democrats would be stunned to find out that Sanders will probably be the nominee.
Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are awful, they are not fit to govern. They are catering to a tiny minority of extreme Republicans and left out the vast majority of Americans.
Whoever the nominees are, they have to govern from the center, otherwise our democracy will be the biggest loser. A divided America not an option in these turbulent times.
It is also a fallacy to assume that only young people are voting for Bernie Sanders, the only politician with a sense of ethics and empathy for all people. A large number of middle-class and close to retirement adults are voting for him. When the dust settles both the Republicans and the Democrats would be stunned to find out that Sanders will probably be the nominee.
Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are awful, they are not fit to govern. They are catering to a tiny minority of extreme Republicans and left out the vast majority of Americans.
Whoever the nominees are, they have to govern from the center, otherwise our democracy will be the biggest loser. A divided America not an option in these turbulent times.
1
The middle class -- white or otherwise -- are not a bunch of fools. They recognize that they have been abandoned by Democrats and Republicans alike.
Republicans have for years undermined working people with tax policies, trade deals and immigration agreements that make it harder for people to find solid jobs and gain upward mobility.
Democrats pay lips service to working people but often back the very policies that hurt them out of fear offending racial advocacy groups or being perceived as a Luddite. Hillary gets a much warmer reception in front of a La Raza group than she would in a Teamster's hall.
People who clock in, send their kids to public schools, and pray their industry is not the next to be 'disrupted' know they have few true advocates among leaders of either party.
Republicans have for years undermined working people with tax policies, trade deals and immigration agreements that make it harder for people to find solid jobs and gain upward mobility.
Democrats pay lips service to working people but often back the very policies that hurt them out of fear offending racial advocacy groups or being perceived as a Luddite. Hillary gets a much warmer reception in front of a La Raza group than she would in a Teamster's hall.
People who clock in, send their kids to public schools, and pray their industry is not the next to be 'disrupted' know they have few true advocates among leaders of either party.
2
You forgot the part about people being sick and tired of bring lied to and told how to run their private lives by a bunch of feckless statist political muppets.
1
I was attracted to this article because I do believe that our middle class has been eroding since Reagan was in office. However, as soon as I hit the words 'intact families' and 'illegitimacy' I realized I was reading the words of someone whose values are part of the problem. We are finally living in a society that understands there are all kinds of families and that includes single parent families whose children are as legitimate as this writers.
2
I would argue that the the single biggest cause of these trends in inequality and middle class stagnation that we keep talking about is globalization--of which free trade and open borders are two sides of the same coin.
Reagan's and Bush's tax cuts and military spending were just more zeroes added to the national debt bill and haven't been paid for yet--that bill will be a drag on America over the next 50 years and hasn't really affected us yet. Tax policy isn't the cause of the 40-year stagnation in wages or the rise in the global uber-rich (who can just as easily reside in "high tax" EU or China as "low tax" America).
In terms of free trade and open borders, it is apparent that high school educated Americans are competing with low cost labor either set up offshore (via free global trade) or imported here (via open borders), and they are losing ground.
Now I actually believe that the economic gains to the rest of us outweigh the economic losses borne by those who are being out-competed, as in the aggregate we are unambiguously richer because of cheap Asian manufacturing and low cost immigrant laborers.
However, you can't deny that there are vast sociological and psychological side effects to this economic deal with the devil.
But if you deny it, you won't understand the appeal of Trump. It's not an accident that the GOP frontrunner's biggest talking points are all about the wall--to keep out the immigrants and underpriced Chinese goods.
Reagan's and Bush's tax cuts and military spending were just more zeroes added to the national debt bill and haven't been paid for yet--that bill will be a drag on America over the next 50 years and hasn't really affected us yet. Tax policy isn't the cause of the 40-year stagnation in wages or the rise in the global uber-rich (who can just as easily reside in "high tax" EU or China as "low tax" America).
In terms of free trade and open borders, it is apparent that high school educated Americans are competing with low cost labor either set up offshore (via free global trade) or imported here (via open borders), and they are losing ground.
Now I actually believe that the economic gains to the rest of us outweigh the economic losses borne by those who are being out-competed, as in the aggregate we are unambiguously richer because of cheap Asian manufacturing and low cost immigrant laborers.
However, you can't deny that there are vast sociological and psychological side effects to this economic deal with the devil.
But if you deny it, you won't understand the appeal of Trump. It's not an accident that the GOP frontrunner's biggest talking points are all about the wall--to keep out the immigrants and underpriced Chinese goods.
2
Actually, the decline of the middle class may not have a political solution and certainly not caused by such. The middle class is disappearing because of technology, not politics. The internet, robotics, and globalization have eliminated the need for human labor or diminished its worth. The reality is a future where fewer humans will enjoy a concentration of resources while the rest will become, as the author calls, "irrelevant". The concept of a middle class is both recent and short-lived. Visionaries need to consider the relevance of human existence as other than a labor resource. With the collision of a growing oversupply and dwindling demand, a peaceful transition is sadly unlikely.
2
Being a little on the older side, I remember when globalization was knocking off one factory after another in the US - there was a parade of expert economists ( this is say the late 80's) - saying that all of these displaced people need to retrained for the "information age" ie I guess training 40 -50 year old machinists to be computer programmers.. and thinking how silly ... who is paying these know it all - economists to say this.. lets face it the whole thing is rigged.. which hearing the yelping crys of our more "knowledgable class" all the more entertaining ..
3
Seems to me white people just consider themselves entitled because of their color, think they shouldn't have to hustle like everyone else, that they can somehow rest on the hard work of their parents and grandparents...this from a white guy.
1
Interesting article, except the remark about Sanders socialism being a 'throwback'. Looking at Scandinavia, one of the richest and most democratic regions in the world with free healthcare and free tuition and little of the abject poverty and other social ills we have in the States This in spite of large amounts of kids born out of wedlock, little religion to speak of, and marriage rates much lower than in the US. So perhaps Sanders' 'socialism', (actually a misnomer, since his political orientation is close to European social democracy, not socialism) is not a throwback, but seems to be a rather desirable way forward.
2
You were right about Scandinavia until 2 years ago. Read the last parabraph again and see even Scandinavia's elites made that choice and now face backlash and the destruction of social demogracy by the demographics of open borders.
1
Actually, a better example would be Canada, whom in the election of three months ago chose to get rid of a 9 year old Conservative(Republican Light) government that a good portion of the electorate thought at this time and place, the country was headed in the wrong direction and moved to a more democratic/centrist/quasi-socialist government in the Liberals and their new young leader Justin Trudeau whose campaign platform was essentially not too different from Bernie Sanders which for Canada is relatively normal.
Ultimately, a country determines its identity by how it feels about itself and what the citizens really want from their government. It seems America, for some reason, despite all the issues about the middle class and its problems, still hasn't figured out the obvious yet.
Ultimately, a country determines its identity by how it feels about itself and what the citizens really want from their government. It seems America, for some reason, despite all the issues about the middle class and its problems, still hasn't figured out the obvious yet.
Well done for distinguishing between 'socialism" and "social democracy" and drawing attention to the benefits from the European examples.
It's the difference between "the economy" worshipped in America and "society" sought by the Europeans and Australians. Where we the people are not at the mercy of the whims of the 1% and jobs being sent off-shore, but have reasonable expectations of a fulfilling life.
Like being employed, housed and married (with children if preferred). Very traditional I know, but I seem to remember those were the hopes of many people. The alternative is producing the anti-government extremists now so apparent in the US (and in its politics, too).
It's the difference between "the economy" worshipped in America and "society" sought by the Europeans and Australians. Where we the people are not at the mercy of the whims of the 1% and jobs being sent off-shore, but have reasonable expectations of a fulfilling life.
Like being employed, housed and married (with children if preferred). Very traditional I know, but I seem to remember those were the hopes of many people. The alternative is producing the anti-government extremists now so apparent in the US (and in its politics, too).
Jobs flow to the cheapest labor and that isn't the U.S. Former decent paying factory jobs, along with lots of college educated are working minimum wage. But what's worse, employers(our esteemed small business whose alter we worship) won't pay for full time workers.
Congress, get this: the average worker can't afford health insurance, retirement, no benefits, no holidays paid vacation. Feeling comfy Congress?
Congress, get this: the average worker can't afford health insurance, retirement, no benefits, no holidays paid vacation. Feeling comfy Congress?
3
Frankly, I don't think they could care less.
It's much simpler than your analysis, Mr. Reno. It's about jobs and futures. And it's not just white jobs and futures, but pretty much every low and middle income person's jobs and futures.
What the voters understand all too well is that their politicians, "ruling" elites and main-stream media have supported sending their jobs overseas, or importing illegal immigrants to take them at home, or sometimes legal temporary visa workers to replace them at home. And without jobs there is no real future for them or their children.
Hence the support for Trump or Sanders, the outsiders. No one else even touches the issues that affect the jobs of the average citizen voter, as they are trying to sell identity politics and other shiny objects to deflect from the real issue: jobs.
What the voters understand all too well is that their politicians, "ruling" elites and main-stream media have supported sending their jobs overseas, or importing illegal immigrants to take them at home, or sometimes legal temporary visa workers to replace them at home. And without jobs there is no real future for them or their children.
Hence the support for Trump or Sanders, the outsiders. No one else even touches the issues that affect the jobs of the average citizen voter, as they are trying to sell identity politics and other shiny objects to deflect from the real issue: jobs.
3
Some years ago, Tom Friedman coined the expression "no representation without taxation," a twist on the American Revolution rallying cry. He was referring to petro-rich states, where governments supported by resources (like oil) scored low on various freedom metrics, because, he asserted, they do not need the support of the populace to flourish.
Perhaps a similar thing is happening now, but driven by inequality, rather than petro-dollars. A government that requires only the support of a few wealthy families to flourish, can hardly be expected to care about the support of the commoners.
Perhaps a similar thing is happening now, but driven by inequality, rather than petro-dollars. A government that requires only the support of a few wealthy families to flourish, can hardly be expected to care about the support of the commoners.
3
Brilliant!
Mr Reno,
The middle class historically has always been white, so really this title is just for clickbait. Moving on from that, the economy drive's people needs and it's been changing the fastest ever because of technology. Automation, required secondary education, globalization (imported labor, exported goods), etc. have all decimated the middle class. The political establishment has left us out to dry by not leveling the playing field. We all know it. Humans only succeed when we work together. We can do that now by electing Bernie Sanders.
The middle class historically has always been white, so really this title is just for clickbait. Moving on from that, the economy drive's people needs and it's been changing the fastest ever because of technology. Automation, required secondary education, globalization (imported labor, exported goods), etc. have all decimated the middle class. The political establishment has left us out to dry by not leveling the playing field. We all know it. Humans only succeed when we work together. We can do that now by electing Bernie Sanders.
2
In addition to president, it should be known that 435 House seats and 34 Senate seats are up for election. It's time to show Washington we mean business. The House and Senate have done nothing to represent citizens the past six years. They are anti-governing. This is part of the problem. What they vote on in Washington only affects the top 1% directly, positively. The 99% get the trickle-down, negative effects of those decisions. You can talk about culture all you want but the fact is, when people don't have meaningful work, they question their very purpose for living.
4
Well, it is now an old repetitive story, but it always comes back to the old saying, "follow the money". The politicians, themselves, have now created an entrenched system of campaign financing in which those with the most dollars get the "face time" with the politician, ultimately, dictating the legislative agenda. For some time now, Joe "middle class" has had little influence and is pretty much on the outside looking in. A democracy? NOT!
Right. Because money is "speech" (in some magical fairyland that isn't reflective of the constitution).
for somebody who goes back and fourth between Europe and the homeland the feeling of complete totall insecurity in the US is the saddest point - I could cry seeing, meeting and talking too so many of my fellow Americans 'who know they are going backwards rather than forwards, who try to live within their means but lose their jobs, who are unable to find a decent place to live that fits their budget,who are unable to pay for needed medical care and go without? And you ask yourself why this richest country on earth can't just provide what seems to be so easy to ptovide if people don't live on the backs of other people. There is no reason for Americans NOT to have a dependable safety net -
Dependable and Health Care for All -
Free education -
Secure Jobs and Vacations -
Lots of vacations for exhausted and worn out people.
There is no reason at all!
Dependable and Health Care for All -
Free education -
Secure Jobs and Vacations -
Lots of vacations for exhausted and worn out people.
There is no reason at all!
4
David Frum has an excellent analysis of the Republican betrayal of working class America in last month's Atlantic: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/01/the-great-republican....
3
Voters no longer have a say in our own Gov.
Color of skin or sex is a side issue.
The wealthy have taken control of our White House and Congress.
If you are not a Corporation with $$$ or a billionaire you are nothing to those that run the machine.
Only one candidate is running on the return of American Government to the people. Bernie Sanders.
Each and everyone else is Corporate owned and/or Billionaire backed.
Color, Race, Sex are all important, but they will mean nothing unless we regain our voice in the running of our Government.
Get Big Money out of Washington.
Get! Out! and Vote!
Go Bernie!
Color of skin or sex is a side issue.
The wealthy have taken control of our White House and Congress.
If you are not a Corporation with $$$ or a billionaire you are nothing to those that run the machine.
Only one candidate is running on the return of American Government to the people. Bernie Sanders.
Each and everyone else is Corporate owned and/or Billionaire backed.
Color, Race, Sex are all important, but they will mean nothing unless we regain our voice in the running of our Government.
Get Big Money out of Washington.
Get! Out! and Vote!
Go Bernie!
3
Your statement that "over the last two decades our political elites ... have decided, for different reasons, that the white middle class has no role to play in the multicultural, globalized future they envision" is misleading. The "political elites" have not made any such decision; it goes against their natural instinct to aggregate votes and voters. Instead, politicians simply do not know how to provide the results to middle class persons (white or black) while achieving their other desired goals of freer trade, lower rates of taxation and greater economic freedom. I believe that the change in ethos that Ronald Reagan brought about - greater individual freedom and less concern about collective rights - played a significant role in where we are today.
1
The white vote has went to the Presidential Republican candidate since LBJ passed the 1964 Civil Rights Acts. This article is not honest when claiming white's fought against racism. They fought for it. When unions let in blacks they were disbanded. Whites vote for the Republican party against their own interests in case it hurts Blacks too. It is a mental illness.
4
In discussing this with a class of engineering seniors recently, one student observed that the middle class may be a mid-twentieth century unicorn. The product of U.S. commercial hegemony after WWII, not a a fundamental consequence of American exceptionalism. If true, the decline of the middle class, both economically and culturally, is a reversion to the mean. The social and political consequences may be manifesting in the current political drama.
4
The white middle class didn't abandon the parties. The parties abandoned us, usually giving us the middle finger in the rear view window as they drove away with our tax revenues.
5
They didn't abandon you. They just don't have magic solutions that will satisfy you. Bernie and Trump don't have magic solutions either, but they're outsiders so their vieginity hasn't been spoiled yet by actually having to govern. It would be nice if there were an easy villain in this global economic upheaval but unfortunately life is more complicated than that.
1
It is a case of good cop/ bad cop. Especially for the 47% who listen to the liberals (good cop) "feeling sorry for them (us) and the conservatives (bad cop) blaming them (us) for their ( our) own failures in this macro economic game board.
America's historical racial troubles over time have blinded it to effective class consciousness, which is just as big of a deal, if not bigger. In fact, as a nation we subsume all of our class issues inside the racial box, and that is 180° wrong. People of the same class have more income with each other, regardless of race, than members of the same race in different classes. (See Chris Rock's distinction between "blacks and ni**ers," for example. Jesse Jackson has similar commentary.)
And since class is mostly an economic distinction, voting patterns and logic need to be measured against which party and policies advanced a particular class's economic interest vs those that lied to them and picked their collective pockets without any fair exchange.
And since class is mostly an economic distinction, voting patterns and logic need to be measured against which party and policies advanced a particular class's economic interest vs those that lied to them and picked their collective pockets without any fair exchange.
1
This hits it right on the head and, I think, indicates why maintaining the corporations = people = government = global finance wizards (of Oz) ideology will soon make our democratic experiment game over, dead, and meaningless. The Clintons and whatever establishment figure they may run against are the embodiment of conflict of interest. Globalizers may be whip smart, but they have only hastened environmental suicide, gross inequality and the failure of capitalism as a viable economic system for healthy human societies around the world. Godspeed Mr. Trump and Mr. Sanders.
2
Another parallel - Bernie and Trump both represent a backlash against identity politics. In Trump's case, it's pretty explicit that he's "anti-PC."
In Sanders' case, the focus on campaign finance, student debt, health care, etc. departs most dramatically from Obama's themes in the absence of a preoccupation with race.
I don't think this is a coincidence; it's too much to expect "white" people to unquestioningly accept that they have a "privileged" status, when there's so much evidence to the contrary. Especially when that supposed status is being used as a bludgeon, to shut down discussion and dismiss their viewpoints.
In Sanders' case, the focus on campaign finance, student debt, health care, etc. departs most dramatically from Obama's themes in the absence of a preoccupation with race.
I don't think this is a coincidence; it's too much to expect "white" people to unquestioningly accept that they have a "privileged" status, when there's so much evidence to the contrary. Especially when that supposed status is being used as a bludgeon, to shut down discussion and dismiss their viewpoints.
6
Good article. Can also add that it's mostly lower middle class and poor kids that have fought our wars since Vietnam. Military service is advertised as a way to pay for education and get ahead in life. Don't think many upper class kids have been volunteering to fight. On a personal basis, two daughters are college graduates with good jobs. My son, a high school dropout, struggles each week working as an auto mechanic. Different choices and results in the same family.
107
My husband and I have had the same experience. Two children who graduated from college doing pretty well, one who didn't who struggles.
I'll support that auto mechanic with continuing demand for such skills. In the long run, his job may be more useful and sustainable than many white-collar jobs
Rapacious greed and manipulation from the top. They seem to want everything and seem to produce or contribute very little, investing most of their time and resources in preserving their wealth and the inequality that facilitates it. The easily manipulated and somnambulant middle class voter realized too late that the rich are playing them in a rigged zero-sum game, and now their children are caught up in the generational economic cycle with fewer and fewer ways out. As for culture, it never has and never will determine economics; it's the other way around. By the way, the rich take just as many drugs as the beleaguered middle class. They just have many more ways of hiding it. This is not an insightful article.
3
Most everybody I know is now a political atheist.
Neither Democrats nor Republicans will fix anything. Some of us fell for the "Hope and Change" stuff last time.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
Neither Democrats nor Republicans will fix anything. Some of us fell for the "Hope and Change" stuff last time.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
5
The populist support we're seeing for Trump and Sanders is simply the result of the other candidates scoring remarkably high on the boredom factor, and that applies to Hillary Clinton as much as anyone. I'll vote for Clinton because I feel most comfortable with her promise to essentially move ahead with the Obama agenda. Yet despite her remarkable mastery of public policy, she's not a visionary on the campaign trail, and most people want a sense of vision - something new in an election cycle to get excite about. As well, in the case of Bernie Sanders, Obama has gotten so much accomplished that he opened the door for a leftie socialist. It's actually the perfect moment for someone like Sanders to emerge to essentially finish the job of moving us all the way left. But the country is not ready for Sanders, and he'd be beaten to a pulp with the first tv commercial branding him, legitimately for once, as socialist. He wears that badge with honor. It just not going to happen for him this time around.
1
Nonsense. Both parties have not lost the middle class. The middle class forgot what it takes to remain the middle class and voted in tax cuts & austerity on the state level (or they simply didn't vote to prevent it). Now they see the consequences and blame the Democrats as well mainly due to the fact the current occupant of the White House is a Democrat. Unfortunately things will likely need to get worse in order to repair the damage. I predict a very uneven future from state policies which continue to reject any "federal" or "government" assistance.
1
With Citizens United, they don't need any of us. Not a dime from us and they take in a 100 million. we are just users of failing infrastructure complaining about wanting to see something for slaving away to have half our income taken from the Government. Just be nice to drive on roads with no potholes and over bridges that aren't falling apart even ...
3
Reno captures the financial and political elites distain for 90% of Americans. These elites play the race card to keep minorities distracted causing white Americans to be willfully ignorant that their problems aren't minorities, but the corporate elite that feed off the American home market.
If the white middle class and minorities could ever join forces... watch-out...big changes would be coming.
If the white middle class and minorities could ever join forces... watch-out...big changes would be coming.
5
I have been cheered by the success of Bernie Sander's candidacy, especially because he was so roundly dismissed by our - I'll use the term - "elite" media outlets like the NY Times.
And, yes, I think this is in large part due to the fact that he has thrown off the "identity politics" cape that Hillary Clinton has wrapped herself in as she clutched President Obama -figuratively of course - during the recent debate and on the campaign trail, and swore to hold true to his "legacy" (including the dysfunctional ACA rather than the national healthcare plan Mr. Sanders is calling for and, presumably, to the Trans Pacific Trade Partnership as well, a blueprint for the outsourcing of American jobs, both professional and non-professional).
Whether on healthcare, income inequality, college education, or Social Security, Mr. Sanders' proposals are refreshingly broad and will enhance the lives of all.
His is a full blown, frontal attack on the status quo and the lip service both the Democrats and the Republicans pay to the middle-class, while targeting programs and benefits not to middle-income Americans but to their respective political bases.
And, yes, I think this is in large part due to the fact that he has thrown off the "identity politics" cape that Hillary Clinton has wrapped herself in as she clutched President Obama -figuratively of course - during the recent debate and on the campaign trail, and swore to hold true to his "legacy" (including the dysfunctional ACA rather than the national healthcare plan Mr. Sanders is calling for and, presumably, to the Trans Pacific Trade Partnership as well, a blueprint for the outsourcing of American jobs, both professional and non-professional).
Whether on healthcare, income inequality, college education, or Social Security, Mr. Sanders' proposals are refreshingly broad and will enhance the lives of all.
His is a full blown, frontal attack on the status quo and the lip service both the Democrats and the Republicans pay to the middle-class, while targeting programs and benefits not to middle-income Americans but to their respective political bases.
3
Basically President Obama has taxed the middle class with self proclaimed "Affordable" health care act- with high premiums, high deductibles and high co-pays. He rewarded the top .1% with interest free loans from the fed (quantitative easing)- and discretionary non prosecution of Wall Street. He has benefited the bottom 5% with a massive expansion of Medicaid. He took from the middle and gave to the rich and poor.
4
The Repubs never pretended to like the middle class and working people, but the Dens preached that they were on our side while they voted against our financal interests many times in lockstep with Reoubs, i.e. NAFTA, TPP, the war machine.
1
Interesting take on current populism, but ultimately shallow. Whites, blacks, Asians, Latinos--most everyone--is being hurt by economic trends AND by Republican opposition to any intelligent or meaningful social policy. Economic and financial elites are all internationalists, primarily for trade. But any attempts to help those harmed by these economic trends have been blocked, over and over, by Republicans. They oppose higher minimum wages, universal health care (and even Obamacare), restoring the balance for union organizing, funding for cities, higher education, job training, you name it. And Republicans do it by playing the race and ethnic cards, telling "whites" (as this author does) that everyone else is doing ok and has government support. You think blacks and Latinos are doing ok? They are in the same leaky lifeboat as whites, and Republicans refuse even to patch up the holes, preferring instead to get the lifeboat passengers to fight with each other based on race and ethnicity.
1
Both parties have run their course with the white middle class and I would say the Hispanic and Black middle and lower classes will join them in very short order.
It appears we are very close to a revolution where social issues are being pushed off the table and economic equity will be the only topic for discussion. In reality social issues don't matter if people cannot pay their bills and care for their children or older parents. People and families have been irreparably hurt by the economic dislocations tolerated by our feckless leaders. The concentration of wealth continues unabated and the vast majority of Americans are disenfranchised from the very country that their ancestors built.
Both parties have at best just thrown a few bones to voters to mollify them but neither party seriously addresses basic economic issues that need to be SOLVED not deflected to the other party. Trump hits on border control and corporate inversions as hurting average blue collar workers. He says that we are stupid and to a voter who is sees their jobs going to Asia and Mexico that is the truth. Bernie rails on Wall Street and for good reason.
If one believes that past is prologue then what is really stupid if anyone votes for the same party politicians (i.e. Clinton/Bush) presented by the Dems and Reps. I believe that is what someone said is the definition of insanity. Doing the same thing but expecting different results.
It appears we are very close to a revolution where social issues are being pushed off the table and economic equity will be the only topic for discussion. In reality social issues don't matter if people cannot pay their bills and care for their children or older parents. People and families have been irreparably hurt by the economic dislocations tolerated by our feckless leaders. The concentration of wealth continues unabated and the vast majority of Americans are disenfranchised from the very country that their ancestors built.
Both parties have at best just thrown a few bones to voters to mollify them but neither party seriously addresses basic economic issues that need to be SOLVED not deflected to the other party. Trump hits on border control and corporate inversions as hurting average blue collar workers. He says that we are stupid and to a voter who is sees their jobs going to Asia and Mexico that is the truth. Bernie rails on Wall Street and for good reason.
If one believes that past is prologue then what is really stupid if anyone votes for the same party politicians (i.e. Clinton/Bush) presented by the Dems and Reps. I believe that is what someone said is the definition of insanity. Doing the same thing but expecting different results.
4
The article is a fair introduction to a much bigger but related subject. That subject is the hollowing out of American life, beginning with those who work for a living as opposed to a rentier class, by the corporatism that has come to be accepted as normal and even in extremis, venerated. The ends of corporate thinking, it’s short-term bottom line viewpoint, makes for commodification of all activity besides the investor mode. Teachers, doctors, lawyers –professionals normally considered a solid part of the middle class- are increasingly experiencing the loss of autonomy and of meaning in their work due to metrics-based paradigms that rule their work with the emphasis on quantity over quality. Non-professionals are similarly treated.
Stagnant wages are influential in the general feeling of fear that the corporate thinkers promote. That plus their promotion for decades of distrust of the common weal we call government.
While there appear to be major distinctions between the two political parties both are in thrall to their corporate masters. The end result of the loss of autonomy, of status, of economic security, say, when pension promises are derided as “benefits” is a sense of fear and powerlessness that can quickly be converted to anger when what is necessary is a unity of objection to the implicit erosion of democracy and indeed, of national pride.
Stagnant wages are influential in the general feeling of fear that the corporate thinkers promote. That plus their promotion for decades of distrust of the common weal we call government.
While there appear to be major distinctions between the two political parties both are in thrall to their corporate masters. The end result of the loss of autonomy, of status, of economic security, say, when pension promises are derided as “benefits” is a sense of fear and powerlessness that can quickly be converted to anger when what is necessary is a unity of objection to the implicit erosion of democracy and indeed, of national pride.
3
RR Reno got it right. If my depression-era husband had not been so thrifty I would now be poor. I have friends on both sides of the shrinking white middle class and watch the difference as it unfolds. I worry about my grandchild.
3
The middle class is shrinking, so the relative importance of their opinions are becoming less and less relevant.... The author writes "Today, the vast middle of the middle fears that unless you’re on the way up, you’re on the way down." But people believe that because it's true. The middle of the middle is suffering stagnating wages and an increasing number are slipping into the lower class.
But that said, I have bigger problems with how the government has betrayed the nation. It's not just about the economy. It's also about a congress that we all know is for sale to the highest bigger, as long as their bribes come labeled as "campaign donations." And an executive branch which has gone crazy spying on their people (e.g. NSA) and lying about it (e.g. extensive cover-ups about Stingray use). Of course the middle class no longer trusts the government. What's crazy is that there is anyone left who does.
But that said, I have bigger problems with how the government has betrayed the nation. It's not just about the economy. It's also about a congress that we all know is for sale to the highest bigger, as long as their bribes come labeled as "campaign donations." And an executive branch which has gone crazy spying on their people (e.g. NSA) and lying about it (e.g. extensive cover-ups about Stingray use). Of course the middle class no longer trusts the government. What's crazy is that there is anyone left who does.
8
Wait, if I lived in Canada I calculated I would have saved $350K on medical insurance for the 10 years from 55 to 65 as a self insured person during those years. Wait, if I could make more than $15K on top of my Social Security I could make up for being an under paid woman from the 1970s on. Wait, if the government supported educational pay instead of per course teaching I would not have had to retool and restart my career with a cost. And I have been lucky missing a major medical disaster or two.
The middle class destruction has been structural, most evident when compared to other first world countries. The Democrats have been undercut by the GOP, big business, Scalia and his ilk, and the Wall Street criminals. Facts lacking in this opinion piece would not support your title, especially countering the GOP web of lies and spin. The GOP is destroying the country, know it and don't care. Much of the blame on the Democrats is manufactured spin, perception, not fact, more Orwell than some fictional contract between middle class and the rich and powerful. Post WWII was a market bubble of consumer growth that began to dissolve into democracy eroding inequities as soon as it emerged.
The middle class destruction has been structural, most evident when compared to other first world countries. The Democrats have been undercut by the GOP, big business, Scalia and his ilk, and the Wall Street criminals. Facts lacking in this opinion piece would not support your title, especially countering the GOP web of lies and spin. The GOP is destroying the country, know it and don't care. Much of the blame on the Democrats is manufactured spin, perception, not fact, more Orwell than some fictional contract between middle class and the rich and powerful. Post WWII was a market bubble of consumer growth that began to dissolve into democracy eroding inequities as soon as it emerged.
4
"white middle-class voters want to be reassured that they can play an active role in politics"
If they had the power to do so, they wouldn't need to be reassured of it.
Late capitalism has no use for these people. They can't do the work that gets compensated. They aren't needed for labor or for social control. It's a matter of indifference to the leaders of the economy whether they live or die. After centuries of white supremacy, lower-to-middle-class white folks can't get it into their heads that they have no special value to anyone anymore. It's a lot easier to blame dastardly immigrants or minorities than to accept that, by the standards of the markets they have so fervently embraced over the last few decades, they are just ambulatory garbage.
If they had the power to do so, they wouldn't need to be reassured of it.
Late capitalism has no use for these people. They can't do the work that gets compensated. They aren't needed for labor or for social control. It's a matter of indifference to the leaders of the economy whether they live or die. After centuries of white supremacy, lower-to-middle-class white folks can't get it into their heads that they have no special value to anyone anymore. It's a lot easier to blame dastardly immigrants or minorities than to accept that, by the standards of the markets they have so fervently embraced over the last few decades, they are just ambulatory garbage.
3
The international business class has run matters in the US since the 1800s and today's hedge fund managers and Internet app billionaires are just the latest recruits. Regimes come and go, e.g., Czarist Russia, the Kaiser's Germany, the British Empire, Spain, Portugal, the Soviet Union, Austria-Hungary, France. The US was the last creditor standing after WW2 and so all was well for decades for the middle-class; despite our helping the world to stand up again, we could afford it and there was no competition. We are now in much more of a global competition for jobs and capital and the good ol' days will never come back; they never came back for Great Britain, etc. Tech and finance are hooked into the global money flows and so they prosper, but the middle-class slots can be filled more cheaply with a bit of tech and a lot of call centers in India; that is also where your x-rays and MRIs are first read. Every 4 years we are treated to loads of China-bashing but eventually it is seen that China has today's high cards and so nothing really happens over here to "fix" anything. Wall Street is so protected by DC and other business that it can blow up the world economy with regularity every 6-8 years and still emerge victorious; keep in mind that years of Democratic administrations (Clinton and Obama) have made sure that middle-class bank accounts subsidize Wall Street with cheap money.
5
Wow, someone in the media finally figured it out! I was wondering when the class discussion would finally happen. So the only thing you missed is that growing inequality has split the middle class in two - upper and lower or, roughly, the salaried and wage classes. What's fueling the party shake-ups is, I believe, coming largely from the wage class. The salaried class can usually be spotted in the comments section by frequent references to the supposedly low intelligence levels of Trump supporters. Among the Sanders supporters are college grads who expected to join the salaried class but find themselves in the wage class. There's a lot more gold to be mined from this kind of analysis. Class is a big big deal in the USA right now but it still hasn't shown up on everyone's radar, especially for those who find themselves doing well financially.
3
You have it backwards. Limousine liberals and greed-head conservatives abandoned the middle class. The non-white middle-class just hasn't fully gotten the message yet.
5
Interesting analysis, and I suspect largely true. Speaking for myself (and I suspect lots of others) all I can tell you that I am sick to death of being called a xenophobic racist for not kowtowing to the politically correct ideals of open borders type philosophy, for actually having the gall to say that people who are here illegally need to be deported (and not lectured to about how it is impossible) and for agreeing with someone who says maybe we should halt immigration of Muslims temporarily until we figure out how the "lengthy and thorough" background process let thru a Pakistani woman who ranted about jihad (on the internet for heavens sake) and immediately carried out a mass shooting in Islams name when she got here. I will think about becoming mainstream as soon as I am not immediately attacked as a bigot for these practical views.
5
The middle class didn't want a safety net for the poor and now they are finding out that they are the new working poor. The middle class voted for the wrong people.
23
We need to help the "working class", white or not. By that I mean the second and third quintiles of the income distribution. Those are the people whose jobs were all shipped off to China or Mexico or wherever. Ross Perot pointed this out twenty five years ago, the giant sucking sound. We didn't listen. Steve Rattner wrote an op ed in this paper a week ago asking what we owe the people who have been left high and dry by these changes. My answer is simple: we owe them a job.
If there were jobs for working class people, then those in the bottom quintile would have reason to hope, and those in the top two quintiles would anticipate a soft landing if they encounter misfortune.
Forget all the usual 'job training' stuff. Job training for what? Where are the jobs? The present low unemployment number masks ugly facts: The labor participation rate is lower than it has been in 40 years; those lucky enough to be back at work found low paying service sector jobs to replace jobs lost in the recession; and lots of people are clinging by their fingernails working part time jobs.
We need a JOBS program. The government has to become the employer of last resort. A secure job puts food on the table, a roof over the head, and crucially gives you some self respect.
Elites have given us slack in the labor market. Elites on both left and right favor immigration and globalization, for different reasons. It's time to TIGHTEN the labor market. That's what is different now.
If there were jobs for working class people, then those in the bottom quintile would have reason to hope, and those in the top two quintiles would anticipate a soft landing if they encounter misfortune.
Forget all the usual 'job training' stuff. Job training for what? Where are the jobs? The present low unemployment number masks ugly facts: The labor participation rate is lower than it has been in 40 years; those lucky enough to be back at work found low paying service sector jobs to replace jobs lost in the recession; and lots of people are clinging by their fingernails working part time jobs.
We need a JOBS program. The government has to become the employer of last resort. A secure job puts food on the table, a roof over the head, and crucially gives you some self respect.
Elites have given us slack in the labor market. Elites on both left and right favor immigration and globalization, for different reasons. It's time to TIGHTEN the labor market. That's what is different now.
11
What the heck is the middle class defined as in this article? It is very general. Here in California a six figure income hardly qualifies you for upper income. Health care (Obamacare) is hugely expensive as is our housing. Many professionals now are simply Middle Class and are struggling. Obama has also done squat for small business. Our health insurance is high and has gone up 20% this year alone. The article appears to portray poor or lower middle class at least in California or New York, since many "Middle Class" people are part of the "Creative Class".
2
The problem with the White middle class, as well as the White poor for that matter, was brilliantly summed up in Thomas Frank’s “What’s the Matter with Kansas.”
They have always aligned with the capitalist class and vote against their own economic interests. Often clinging to “Whiteness” and the misguided notion that the “other” poor folk, meaning Black and Brown people, are going to take their jobs.
They have always aligned with the capitalist class and vote against their own economic interests. Often clinging to “Whiteness” and the misguided notion that the “other” poor folk, meaning Black and Brown people, are going to take their jobs.
4
Any establishment, over time, becomes a product of its own mission. It is true in the private sector as well in the public. Absent truly remarkable leadership, the kind you typically see in start ups and other transformative businesses, the bureaucracy becomes self sustaining and instead of advancing its constituents it seeks to sustain their need for the bureaucracy. The political establishment, which includes the main stream media, insists that this all about the "anger of those left behind" which of course means all of us who are dumb to understand why we need them. They are petrified and I love it.
1
Great analysis, but narrow analysis.
The wave of technological innovation in the past 25 years combined with machinations of the political class that is on the dole of the rich class has usurped the established order that we had all come to take for granted.
Many, many forces combined to bring us where we are today: We lost Russia as our enemy (a great uniter of all), then came NAFTA that opened our borders to cheap goods from Mexico - Why will I pay 10 bucks an hour in Brownsville Texas when I can pay a buck across the river. Remember Ross Perot and his "giant sucking sound" - well it turned out to be prophetic.
Then came Internet and WTO. Internet made it easy to outsource knowledge jobs to India, and manufacturing jobs to China. And then we imported cheap Mexican labor to work in our meatpacking plants.
Did we ALL benefit from it? Yes, of course, but only in the short run. We gave away our future to China, India and Mexico for cheap trinkets.
Who benefited the most? Walmart, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Google, Facebook, IBP, Caterpiller, GE and countless other fat cats.
Now, when we gaze into our dark miserable future, we see a sliver of white rich people and a vast majority of white poor/lower middle class people and a large number of brown and black poor/lower middle class people.
White "successful" people work in jobs and positions that have not been outsourced, yet. But wait, that is coming too. Once that happens, there will be no divide. Just a revolution.
The wave of technological innovation in the past 25 years combined with machinations of the political class that is on the dole of the rich class has usurped the established order that we had all come to take for granted.
Many, many forces combined to bring us where we are today: We lost Russia as our enemy (a great uniter of all), then came NAFTA that opened our borders to cheap goods from Mexico - Why will I pay 10 bucks an hour in Brownsville Texas when I can pay a buck across the river. Remember Ross Perot and his "giant sucking sound" - well it turned out to be prophetic.
Then came Internet and WTO. Internet made it easy to outsource knowledge jobs to India, and manufacturing jobs to China. And then we imported cheap Mexican labor to work in our meatpacking plants.
Did we ALL benefit from it? Yes, of course, but only in the short run. We gave away our future to China, India and Mexico for cheap trinkets.
Who benefited the most? Walmart, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Google, Facebook, IBP, Caterpiller, GE and countless other fat cats.
Now, when we gaze into our dark miserable future, we see a sliver of white rich people and a vast majority of white poor/lower middle class people and a large number of brown and black poor/lower middle class people.
White "successful" people work in jobs and positions that have not been outsourced, yet. But wait, that is coming too. Once that happens, there will be no divide. Just a revolution.
3
The "multicultural, globalized future" is here. The "white middle class" is not going to be able to keep it out by building a wall or keeping out H1-B workers. Instead, work out how you fit in the new world order. You can't rewind the clock to some other earlier time when things were better. And in fact the new "multicultural, globalized" world is actually a better world for a lot of people. Not you and your people, maybe, but people nonetheless. More people getting a piece of the pie might mean your piece will be smaller. It's not a tragedy, or the end of America, only a opportunity for reinvention. Clamoring for more political clout (and more extreme political candidates) is a short-sighted strategy.
Non-sense. You must be a tech executive. Wait and see how the world's changes affect you.
1
I agree with the author that it is no surprise these voters are in rebellion. What is surprising is that the media has taken so long to understand this. If you live in a wealthy or upper-middle class enclave (like I do), I suggest driving an hour or two to see how 'middle-class' towns are faring. As globalism continues to decimate the middle-class, calls for populist leaders will increase. And I fear these leaders will look a lot more like Trump than Sanders. The establishment may eek out a win this election. But we are seeing a new political insurgency that is just beginning.
1
I think many middle class white people will never forgive any politician for NAFTA. The resulting wholesale migration of jobs overseas started the decline of the white middle class. The fact that Al Gore himself states that he did not think big business would remove jobs thanks to NAFTA shows how the Democrats themselves have bungled with the middle class.
3
Reno's analysis of the weaknesses of the party establishments totally ignores their collusion in the futile, treasury draining, unjustifiable foreign wars initiated by Bush/Cheney and extended by Obama/Clinton.
A large part of the malaise of the white middle class must come from their realization, however vague, that throwing resources at losing wars rather than at education, health care, and infrastructure development is wrong and that both party establishments are guilty.
If we weren't wasting lives and money turning middle eastern countries into rubble, perhaps we could be turning our own country into something we could be proud of and something that would benefit everyone. Jeb! and Hilary want more war that benefits only their establishments.
A large part of the malaise of the white middle class must come from their realization, however vague, that throwing resources at losing wars rather than at education, health care, and infrastructure development is wrong and that both party establishments are guilty.
If we weren't wasting lives and money turning middle eastern countries into rubble, perhaps we could be turning our own country into something we could be proud of and something that would benefit everyone. Jeb! and Hilary want more war that benefits only their establishments.
9
I can't speak for the Republican side or the Democrats. I can only speak for myself. I have never found the Republican message to be appealing or anything more than hokum. But it finds resonance with a not-insignificant percentage of low information white voters who feel alienated, and these people vote. So the decline on the Republican side can summed up as low information whites voting against their economic interest.
On the Democrat side, the message itself is the problem: instead of educating white voters on the common economic challenges we all face, and that we should all fight together, the energy has been spent pushing the whites to the side and to the back. So the story on the Democrat side is about abandonment.
Despite changing demographics, whites are by far the dominant voting block and will be for the foreseeable future. Thus the future of engagement will continue to be with the party that most listens to both the fears and aspirations of white voters. Personally, my hope is that Democrats can win with a message of unity, but history has shown that fear is an exceptionally powerful motivator. The future remains to be seen.
On the Democrat side, the message itself is the problem: instead of educating white voters on the common economic challenges we all face, and that we should all fight together, the energy has been spent pushing the whites to the side and to the back. So the story on the Democrat side is about abandonment.
Despite changing demographics, whites are by far the dominant voting block and will be for the foreseeable future. Thus the future of engagement will continue to be with the party that most listens to both the fears and aspirations of white voters. Personally, my hope is that Democrats can win with a message of unity, but history has shown that fear is an exceptionally powerful motivator. The future remains to be seen.
1
The reason both parties have lost the white middle class, a premise that one almost has to concede given the astonishingly large amount of support for a racist lunatic and a pretty darn old socialist, is that both parties never really tried to help. Republicans were always in the pocket of the rich, and Democrats were not that far behind. Obama supported TPP for Pete's sake, and everybody was falling all over themselves to support NAFTA in the 90s. The manufacturing base was pretty much done for at that point. Maybe it couldn't be saved, but everybody, and I mean everybody, promised jobs to this demographic and they are not there. Now it's fifty year olds who don't know how to code being fired by twenty-somethings that do, and there is something ugly in that. It feels emotional, and I think the more mainstream folks (Clinton/Rubio, etc.) have a big authenticity deficit to overcome, rightly or wrongly, because the old ideas pretty much stink. People want something new. Sanders especially is on to something. He has eschewed a lot of the identity-politics talking points (which to struggling white folks appear deeply cynical), and has imagined a broader struggle against a rigged economy. If you look at the sheer amount of capital the 1% has accumulated, it is almost impossible to disagree. I think he is winning or stands to win a lot of votes from this demographic.
5
Buzz, oops, no sorry, please try again, the answer to this question is "Citizens United" Thank you
2
Regarding Sanders "fundamentally remaking our political economy" and the instruction to "dismiss his socialism as an unworkable throwback"... How is returning to financial regulations that were already on the books for most of the 20th century, or being the last developed nation in the world to adopt single payer health care either a "remaking" or an "unworkable throw back"?
These daily smears of Sanders positions, and the constant labeling of his supporters as "zany", "radical", "dreamers" and "millennials" have this 53 year old well to do white male fairy "angry", so at least that label is correct. This reporting on Sanders, similar to the NYTimes run up to the invasion of Iraq boggles my mind. It has made me decide not to vote Hillary (whom I actually hold in high regard) under any circumstances.
These daily smears of Sanders positions, and the constant labeling of his supporters as "zany", "radical", "dreamers" and "millennials" have this 53 year old well to do white male fairy "angry", so at least that label is correct. This reporting on Sanders, similar to the NYTimes run up to the invasion of Iraq boggles my mind. It has made me decide not to vote Hillary (whom I actually hold in high regard) under any circumstances.
2
We can blame most of our problems on demographics and automation but the expense of running for election in the US and the resulting power of our lobbies make us ill-equipped to solve these problems. Other western countries learned firsthand that a feudal system where the 1% owns the wealth, is not good for the middle class. I wonder if the middle class is not a very fragile and temporary invention. The Republican party seems intent on proving it.
2
This column is so wrong. Sanders appeals to the best in us while Trump and Cruz appeal to the worst in us. Trump and Cruz spew hate and fear. Sanders talks about promise. I've never seen anyone on the left saying the white middle class is in the way or are dull. The author of this piece just made that up--the typical tactic of a right winger who has no other sane argument to make. In face this point is so silly it is laughable. There is no equivalency between Sanders and Trump except in the minds of right wingers who have no fact based arguments to make.
2
Given how angry the white middle class has become, and how much they've now rejected the democratic-capitalist consensus of the past half century or so, can political extremism be far behind? Is it really far-fetched to consider that we may truly be moving towards autocratic rule in the near future? And if Trump wins, is some form of fascism really out of the question?
2
It is more than a curiosity that the economic class structure in America in 2016 is looking more and more like that in America of 1916. The exception is that now we have blacks, Asians, Latinos and others who have joined whites in the struggle for the fruits of their labor.
I think we middle class aspirants value merit, we value hard work and we value cooperation. But we also oppose a wealthy political elite who ship our jobs overseas and the lying politicians who act in their interest. We oppose Citizens United and all that this fetid, corrupt decision represents to us.
We wish for a leader from our own ranks who gives us hope. But there is no one here, now, for whom we can coalesce around. We are losing, and America is drifting backwards towards a time when only the landed aristocracy ruled and all others were but servants or slaves.
I think we middle class aspirants value merit, we value hard work and we value cooperation. But we also oppose a wealthy political elite who ship our jobs overseas and the lying politicians who act in their interest. We oppose Citizens United and all that this fetid, corrupt decision represents to us.
We wish for a leader from our own ranks who gives us hope. But there is no one here, now, for whom we can coalesce around. We are losing, and America is drifting backwards towards a time when only the landed aristocracy ruled and all others were but servants or slaves.
5
Yes, another article about "the white middle class." If there exists a middle class, there must be a lower class, but, ha-ha, we do not have to write about them, because they don't vote. Or are prevented from voting.
2
White lower middle class voters...both white collar and blue collar...have been abandoning the two major parties in droves. The analysis of why this is happening misses one central point. The white lower middle class feels abandoned by elected officials of both parties. Those who feel abandoned have been the backbone of this country and produced much of our wealth. This is the demographic experiencing more heart attacks, more suicide, and more drug use. These people see their children being worse off than they are. They are the people who pay taxes and cannot afford the tax shelters available to wealthier Americans. Really poor Americans do not pay much...if anything...in the way of income taxes, and may get even get tax credits.
It is no surprise that these working class voters have...in large measure... given up on establishment candidates. It remains a mystery where they will ultimately wind up. This is such a new phenomenon that it may be too early to judge any longer term impact. Will they wind up supporting bombastic, populist leaders with no well-defined program other than bringing back America's past glories? This is a vague promise to return to the early post World War II period when we were the unquestioned leader in so many ways. Will they turn to politicians who more overtly favor "Robin Hood" economic policies that would have the rich pick up much of the economic load now being carried by American workers to achieve more income equality? Wait and see.
It is no surprise that these working class voters have...in large measure... given up on establishment candidates. It remains a mystery where they will ultimately wind up. This is such a new phenomenon that it may be too early to judge any longer term impact. Will they wind up supporting bombastic, populist leaders with no well-defined program other than bringing back America's past glories? This is a vague promise to return to the early post World War II period when we were the unquestioned leader in so many ways. Will they turn to politicians who more overtly favor "Robin Hood" economic policies that would have the rich pick up much of the economic load now being carried by American workers to achieve more income equality? Wait and see.
3
Reno gets part of the explanation with his/her understanding of the relevance of narrative to the appeal of Trump and Sanders. However, a more important explanation boils down to credibility, something the Democratic and Republican Parties and their establishments have lost.
Sanders' and Trump's supporters have in common a disdain for politicians they view as having no credibility. The other candidates are looked at as self-serving opportunists, unprincipled prevaricators who merely spout the latest focus group tested, ad agency massaged slogans, slogans which will change with the next set of poll data or rich donor's contribution.
Trump and Sanders have credibility with many precisely because they clearly do not fit that stereotype, that what they say would never pass the traditional political tests.
Sanders' and Trump's supporters have in common a disdain for politicians they view as having no credibility. The other candidates are looked at as self-serving opportunists, unprincipled prevaricators who merely spout the latest focus group tested, ad agency massaged slogans, slogans which will change with the next set of poll data or rich donor's contribution.
Trump and Sanders have credibility with many precisely because they clearly do not fit that stereotype, that what they say would never pass the traditional political tests.
3
I would hope the the New York Times would realize that theological conservative like R.R. Reno is ill equipped to write about our middle class struggles with economics, politics and culture. My hope is but vanity. Our livelihoods and our finances have been shaken to their core by lies, institutional misdirection and massive deregulation. Our values and virtues were betrayed. Hope was subsumed by audacity. We need to return to the rule of law, where good governance matters and a handshake is an honest bond. But first we must stop believing that money equates to free speech or that corporations are people. R.R. Reno would rather take us to our knee than shed light on any self-evident truth.
3
The officials in both parties have more in common with each other than they do with us. They play their political games at our expense while the media is their game board.
6
What I wish were in decline is postmodern analysis like this, always starting with an idea and then rummaging through reality or history to concoct reasons why you are right instead of really looking at things and understanding them. It has become a habit, the habit of faulty logic and the habit of always seeing colors instead of people. It is only good for filling up empty space in scholarly journals and now the internet. In typical postmodernist fashion, this piece pulls off the neat trick of doing what it rails against doing.
If you look at reality, you will see that what has declined are well paying manufacturing jobs that, in the past, have given people secure middle class lives. Whites haven’t declined in some zero sum game with people of color. The politicians aren’t unconsciously aiding and abetting the decline of the white middle class; they are either ignoring the problem or stumbling around because they don’t know how to solve the problem. Everything they try or could try would only be temporary. You can only build so many infrastructure projects. Even China is finding that out.
The international corporations, that really run things, have used globalization and technology to reduce the living standards of the American Working class. If politicians have aided and abetted anything, it is that, and they did it consciously. And now, workers are grasping at straws in hopes of holding on to what is already gone.
If you look at reality, you will see that what has declined are well paying manufacturing jobs that, in the past, have given people secure middle class lives. Whites haven’t declined in some zero sum game with people of color. The politicians aren’t unconsciously aiding and abetting the decline of the white middle class; they are either ignoring the problem or stumbling around because they don’t know how to solve the problem. Everything they try or could try would only be temporary. You can only build so many infrastructure projects. Even China is finding that out.
The international corporations, that really run things, have used globalization and technology to reduce the living standards of the American Working class. If politicians have aided and abetted anything, it is that, and they did it consciously. And now, workers are grasping at straws in hopes of holding on to what is already gone.
2
"over the last two decades our political elites, themselves almost entirely white, have decided, for different reasons, that the white middle class has no role to play in the multicultural, globalized future they envision, a future that they believe they will run."
If I actually thought that the people running our country had ANY VISION then Bernie wouldn't hold an appeal. It's precisely the lack of vision that drives people away from the parties. Or any coherent, useful one at least....
If I actually thought that the people running our country had ANY VISION then Bernie wouldn't hold an appeal. It's precisely the lack of vision that drives people away from the parties. Or any coherent, useful one at least....
2
...because it shrank so much it disappeared??
I have a different view of the elites. I don't think that they are actively scheming against the white middle class. I think that the elites have neither the talent nor the desire to solve many of the problems of the middle class. Things are just dandy for them and they will not be truly concerned until real political opposition starts to affect them. They are not really afraid of Bernie and if Trump is the nominee they figure HRC will beat him and everything stays the same. And should Trump win, he is , after all, a billionaire so they are safe for another four years.
1
IS THERE a middle class still? What sectors are supporting such a proposed classification?
1
This column misses the point. I've been wondering why Trump & Sanders get so much, what do they "offer" that Hilary, etc, don't?
A recent article in the times has, I think, brought it into perspective for me.
"Drug Shortages Forcing Hard Decisions on Rationing Treatments"
(http://nyti.ms/23xmqtg). It's about how there are something like 150
significant drugs which are in short supply in the US. There are a
number of reasons cited, maybe some are good, maybe some are not
good. But regardless, "Drug Shortages"? In the US? That's a problem
that the USSR faced under Brezhnev. That's medical care in East
Bamboozlestan ... But in the US? Once you get to that point, the details are, really, irrelevant. All the detailed position papers or nuanced political platforms are irrelevant .. The US has been reduced to the Brezhnevian USSR or Bamboozlestan.
Then, whether it's The Bern or The Donald just depends on how your politicanoia leans. If you lean left, it's evil drug companies are trying to maximise profits by creating shortages and driving up prices or concentrating on more profitable drugs or skimping on quality and being shut down by FDA
inspections or whatever. If it's to the right, it's because regulations make it harder, more-expensive, and less attractive to make some drugs or it's all the liberal press's biased reporting or whatever.
A recent article in the times has, I think, brought it into perspective for me.
"Drug Shortages Forcing Hard Decisions on Rationing Treatments"
(http://nyti.ms/23xmqtg). It's about how there are something like 150
significant drugs which are in short supply in the US. There are a
number of reasons cited, maybe some are good, maybe some are not
good. But regardless, "Drug Shortages"? In the US? That's a problem
that the USSR faced under Brezhnev. That's medical care in East
Bamboozlestan ... But in the US? Once you get to that point, the details are, really, irrelevant. All the detailed position papers or nuanced political platforms are irrelevant .. The US has been reduced to the Brezhnevian USSR or Bamboozlestan.
Then, whether it's The Bern or The Donald just depends on how your politicanoia leans. If you lean left, it's evil drug companies are trying to maximise profits by creating shortages and driving up prices or concentrating on more profitable drugs or skimping on quality and being shut down by FDA
inspections or whatever. If it's to the right, it's because regulations make it harder, more-expensive, and less attractive to make some drugs or it's all the liberal press's biased reporting or whatever.
2
Patently WRONG. Donald Trump says "wages are too high!" Google the number of times ANY Republican talks positively about raising minimum wage, building unions, or restoring manufacturing jobs. ZERO.
4
Forty years of class warfare and the rich are winning. Primarily because they purchased the politicians. Unfortunately for the rich there will be a "correction" and it won't be pretty.
6
Toss me a pitchfork brother.
1
Trump appeals to those who suffer from the "cultural decline of the white middle class." Those people who are tired of being told they should say or think those things that they used to say and still think that are inaccurate, irrational, or inappropriate. Those who are especially tired of being told not to say or think those inaccurate, irrational, or inappropriate things by people they used to be able to feel superior to - the better educated, women, blacks, Hispanics, gays. When Trump says the same inaccurate, irrational, and inappropriate things that they think and wish they could say, it thrills them. It makes Trump the hero of those who represent the cultural decline of the white middle class.
The term "middle class" in the current context is both vastly overused and misleading. It's really a euphemism for "lower-middle class," "working class" or just plain "poor." Rarely do candidates address the demographic of poor people explicitly. Maybe so as not to offend? For whatever reason, it feels inauthentic.
This op-ed suffers from a bad case of failure to define "middle class." "Grandparents parenting their grandchildren" in small rural Pennsylvania towns are at best working-class (if there's any work left to be had in small rural Pennsylvania towns, most of which was coal mining--hardly middle-class). Whoever these Pennsylvanians are, they have no connection with "dull suburbanites who lack the élan of the new urban “creative class"--and no Democratic candidate I have ever heard has ever described ANYONE this way. This is a manufactured version of the conflicts going on, which are with significantly different constituencies in the two parties, neither of which is really "middle class."
1
Reno has excellent observations about the state of America but fails to integrate these into a coherent picture. The source of failure is clear and simple – rigid ideological thinking. We need a fresh “problem solving” approach not buried in stereotyped clichés ; this can reignite popular enthusiasm. There’s nothing wrong with creation of wealth but it is built on a firm base - a healthy, educated, stable society. The successful owe a great debt to sustain the “base”. We’re not investing in the foundation that preserves American opportunity. Our economy will surely falter with a ghost middle class. We can only rebuild our base by having both - a vigorous business community and a strong public sector. The ideologues insist this means “re-distribution” but this is just intellectual fog. Affordable education, investing in science and technology and other infrastructure will restore the “opportunity” which is all that most of the struggling are asking for. Yes this requires “investment” but it is the only way that we can get back on a sustainable path. It will require a fresh attitude toward “government” – a public sector that responds to the scope and complexity of the modern world in the same way that the business community must. This is the kind of “partnership” between the middle class and the wealthy that Reno contends has disappeared. Let’s adopt a national goal of “Preserving America as the Land of Opportunity” while setting aside our labels and preconceptions.
From all objective measures, black and Latino individuals and families are suffering more, often far more, than the white middle class in America. Consequently, this article reads less as a statement of concern for the 99.5% of Americans largely abandoned by economics and politics (which is entirely justified and very important), and more as a defense of white privilege.
This is the first article I've seen that is finally beginning to figure it out. This is where the anger on the left and the anger on the right is going to eventually come together. I don't know how, but it's going to happen.
Trump and Sanders is America saying, "We're just gonna tear it up and see what happens."
Trump and Sanders is America saying, "We're just gonna tear it up and see what happens."
5
The real problem is that neither party has a true working class agenda. Both parties have played a roll in sending good paying blue collar jobs out of the country. There used to be an economic ladder that took people from the working class to the middle class. That ladder no longer exists. Until it is restored the middle class will continue to shrink, and the disconnect between those in the political class and the average work a day American citizen will continue to expand.
178
This is true, and it's because the people don't have representation. Only wealthy individuals and corporations have representation.
1
I keep reading columns like this. Trying to understand the attraction of Mr. Trump and Senator Sanders as though they are responses to some very specific current malaise. I see them quite differently. Senator Sanders looks like Senator McCarthy circa 1968 - right down to the youthfulness of his support. I recall handing out McCarthy buttons back them. I was so young I actually thought he had a chance of winning. End the war! Take the country back from those old fogies (those over 30)! Senator McCarthy had grey hair too. He lost, and my youthful hopes were slowly lost with him. Mr. Trump worries me more, but essentially he appeals to those who want the good old days to return. The good old days mean different things to different people. To some they mean before all those "others" moved into the neighborhood, to some it means before the middle class jobs moved overseas. Look around and you can see why so many are looking backwards - and there is Mr. Trump, larger than life even if short on specifics. Part carnival barker, part salesman. They are both classic figures of American politics, not the first, not the last.
The middle class did not leave the two parties; the parties left the middle class.
3
The people who are suffering are the same people who voted in the people who voted for NAFTA, CAFTA, etc, made labor unions the villains and brokebthem when they could (Reagan and the air traffic controllers), screamed for less government intervention, unless it suited them (Planned Parenthood, Terry Schivo, eliminate rid of regulations so jobs can be created etc.) They swallowed hook line and sinker the premise that if you are doing badly, it is just because you don't work hard enough. Now, after decades of these things not working, they still are following politicians like Cruz and Bush. Incidentally both of whom are rich. What is wrong with these people?
Thanks for saying it. loud and clear. Although I would hold that what you call the "intelligentsia on the left," 40 years ago, would have been called moderates or moderate conservatives. The real leftist intelligentsia doesn't get an invite to be on the Sunday political shows. (Sorry Dr. Krugman, you're a wonderful and thoughtful moderate.)
And the conservatives on the right would have been roundly dismissed as fringe in the national media, 40 years ago, when many GOP politicians believed that we were one country full of people who disagreed -- but could and would come to accord. You don't see many such people in the media, either; or in Congress.
So, yes, you're right -- the middle class has told to shut up, step to the rear and be happy for what crumbs come their way. And they are beginning to stir, as this election season shows. But what you leave out is how this happened.
Who moved the goalposts of liberalism and conservatism down to the neoliberal spectrum? Who built an entire complex of media and content generators and donors to make toothless the liberals and rabid the conservatives?
In short, who profits? Many know. I know. Why don't you know, or say?
And the conservatives on the right would have been roundly dismissed as fringe in the national media, 40 years ago, when many GOP politicians believed that we were one country full of people who disagreed -- but could and would come to accord. You don't see many such people in the media, either; or in Congress.
So, yes, you're right -- the middle class has told to shut up, step to the rear and be happy for what crumbs come their way. And they are beginning to stir, as this election season shows. But what you leave out is how this happened.
Who moved the goalposts of liberalism and conservatism down to the neoliberal spectrum? Who built an entire complex of media and content generators and donors to make toothless the liberals and rabid the conservatives?
In short, who profits? Many know. I know. Why don't you know, or say?
4
ohhhh, I get it. All of the dismissiveness and belittling of populism in this article and the pathologizing of the white middle class is supposed to be a parody of the way that the blue-blood, cynical, elites think and speak about them.
1
The conservative author of this essay can't help himself: he must bash liberals. He writes "The intelligentsia on the left rarely lets a moment pass without reminding us of the demographic eclipse of white middle-class voters. Sometimes, those voters are described as racists, or derided as dull suburbanites..." According to him, the left looks down on white middle-class voters, so shame on them.
But then he writes "Trump speaks about rhetorical gestures akin to Barack Obama’s vague 2008 slogan, 'Yes, we can.' We can mock both as empty. But voters who feel disempowered and marginalized latch on to this promise."
So those same white middle-class votors, in his view, are dumb enough to latch on to promises that the author mocks as empty.
Which is it? White middle-class voters are so dumb that they latch on to empty promises? Or are leftists simply depicting these voters as racist and dull suburbanites? This article tells us more about the author's prejudices than about the claims he hopes we'll swallow.
But then he writes "Trump speaks about rhetorical gestures akin to Barack Obama’s vague 2008 slogan, 'Yes, we can.' We can mock both as empty. But voters who feel disempowered and marginalized latch on to this promise."
So those same white middle-class votors, in his view, are dumb enough to latch on to promises that the author mocks as empty.
Which is it? White middle-class voters are so dumb that they latch on to empty promises? Or are leftists simply depicting these voters as racist and dull suburbanites? This article tells us more about the author's prejudices than about the claims he hopes we'll swallow.
1
First. You should be ashamed calling the children of unmarried parents "illegitimate". What right do you have to categorize 1/2 of the child citizens of this country in that manner? Who legitimizes you?
I could write a book about why it makes no economic sense for educated parents to get married under the present corrupt system. In short, there are severe penalties to getting married under many circumstances, today in this country.
Second. The white middle class has not abandoned the establishment. The system and the establishment have abandoned the middle class through a corrupt political system and a rigged corporate kleptocracy.
Third. The technology and IT field that you know-it-alls are preaching that young people must pursue if they want to see upward mobility, is being over-run by corruptly imported foreign labor and outsourcing. Any kid that takes on $100,000 in debt for education in pursuit of any vocation in technology can expect to get the shaft from the rigged system and the predatory employers that use it to their advantage.
The author of the piece is absolutely clueless!
I could write a book about why it makes no economic sense for educated parents to get married under the present corrupt system. In short, there are severe penalties to getting married under many circumstances, today in this country.
Second. The white middle class has not abandoned the establishment. The system and the establishment have abandoned the middle class through a corrupt political system and a rigged corporate kleptocracy.
Third. The technology and IT field that you know-it-alls are preaching that young people must pursue if they want to see upward mobility, is being over-run by corruptly imported foreign labor and outsourcing. Any kid that takes on $100,000 in debt for education in pursuit of any vocation in technology can expect to get the shaft from the rigged system and the predatory employers that use it to their advantage.
The author of the piece is absolutely clueless!
3
Both parties lost the white middle class because the bipartisan elite embraced policies that are destroying the middle class(of all ethnic/racial groups). Specifically, the "free trade'' treaties sent their jobs abroad, the flood of illegal and legal immigrants depress wages for the jobs that remain, and the refusal to enact medicare-for-all is bankrupting what remains of the middle class.
6
"As we know, the rich are now quite a bit richer. In itself, this need not disrupt the old political consensus."
You must be kidding. The rich are obscenely richer and getting more rich by the day and the Clinton Presidency helped that along just as the Obama Presidency has to say nothing of the Republicans. This is all about the few that have way too much and the many that have not enough.
You must be kidding. The rich are obscenely richer and getting more rich by the day and the Clinton Presidency helped that along just as the Obama Presidency has to say nothing of the Republicans. This is all about the few that have way too much and the many that have not enough.
7
Not just the white middle class, all of our middle class. It really has nothing to do with race, nor multi-culturalism, nor beliefs about out-of-wedlock births, or lack of church attendance. Those are red herrings, exploited by the media.
It's all about the benjamins, all about economic disparity. It is every individual and corporation who benefited by Reagan's "Morning in America" scheme versus everyone else. It is the plutocrats, who move freely between international tax havens in luxury and control our media and our political process, versus those who pay 15.3% of every earned penny to keep the lights on and the police force on the street, only to have their meager services cut and cut to serve claims that we must "balance" the budget, as if the national economy was nothing but a simple checking account.
It's all about the benjamins, all about economic disparity. It is every individual and corporation who benefited by Reagan's "Morning in America" scheme versus everyone else. It is the plutocrats, who move freely between international tax havens in luxury and control our media and our political process, versus those who pay 15.3% of every earned penny to keep the lights on and the police force on the street, only to have their meager services cut and cut to serve claims that we must "balance" the budget, as if the national economy was nothing but a simple checking account.
2
Nonsense. The appeal of Trump is his use of nationalism, xenophobia, anti-liberalism and bigotry. He said himself that if the crowd seems restless, he just say's he's going to build a wall and the crowd cheers wildly. Many of his supporters supposedly cared so deeply about large deficits and now they plan to support a candidate whose tax plan - which, big surprise, favors the wealthy - will add at least a trillion dollars to our annual deficit. These are people who are attracted to an authoritarian megalomaniac with fascist tendencies. What could possible go wrong?
5
Please, please, please Rev. Reno.
Your apologia to excuse the Trump popularity makes no sense. You say, "But voters who feel disempowered and marginalized latch on to this [make America "great" again] promise."
You forgot to insert the words "shockingly ill informed" in front of the words "voters" in you quote that is the lynchpin of your assertion as to Trump's appeal.
The Republican party is largely responsible for the disintegration of the middle class starting with Regan's trickle down a.k.a. voodoo economics. Also the richly funded alternative universe disinformation campaigns by the likes of the Swiftboaters and the Kochs and their ilk play have played an enormous role in persuading uneducated whites to naively vote against their own economic interests cycle after election cycle.
Trump is adored by a certain segment of the electorate that don't fathom that he is actually a fraud, essentially because of their ignorance as to the legitimate problems facing the country and rational solutions for them.
Bernie's supporters are of a different ilk. They know they've been ripped off by the 1% and the .01% paying needlessly low wages because of their monetary gluttony. They know the tax code is rigged in favor of the wealthy and that lower taxes for big business do nothing to enrich the lives of the worker bees behind the business, serving only to further enrich those at the top, etc
Unfortunately, they too are naïve because Bernie will never be elected.
Vote Hillary
Your apologia to excuse the Trump popularity makes no sense. You say, "But voters who feel disempowered and marginalized latch on to this [make America "great" again] promise."
You forgot to insert the words "shockingly ill informed" in front of the words "voters" in you quote that is the lynchpin of your assertion as to Trump's appeal.
The Republican party is largely responsible for the disintegration of the middle class starting with Regan's trickle down a.k.a. voodoo economics. Also the richly funded alternative universe disinformation campaigns by the likes of the Swiftboaters and the Kochs and their ilk play have played an enormous role in persuading uneducated whites to naively vote against their own economic interests cycle after election cycle.
Trump is adored by a certain segment of the electorate that don't fathom that he is actually a fraud, essentially because of their ignorance as to the legitimate problems facing the country and rational solutions for them.
Bernie's supporters are of a different ilk. They know they've been ripped off by the 1% and the .01% paying needlessly low wages because of their monetary gluttony. They know the tax code is rigged in favor of the wealthy and that lower taxes for big business do nothing to enrich the lives of the worker bees behind the business, serving only to further enrich those at the top, etc
Unfortunately, they too are naïve because Bernie will never be elected.
Vote Hillary
6
By all means vote Hillary! She truly is someone so consumed with helping white middle america. I just have to lover your sentence "Trump is adored by a certain segment of the electorate that don't fathom that he is actually a fraud, essentially because of their ignorance as to the legitimate problems facing the country and rational solutions for them." That coming from someone who tells us to vote Hillary. You can't make this stuff up.
2
We finally have an analysis in the NY Times that discusses (rather than mocks) the voters leaning towards Trump/Cruz/Sanders. The elite have contented themselves with dismissing these voters via moral and intellectual arrogance. These voters are stupid, un-informed, or worse, morally corrupt racists.
I would add that to the author's thesis a related point. The elite have lost the faith of the masses because they and their institutions have simply been wrong too often over the past two decades. If your claim to power depends on being more intelligent and more informed, you had better get the answer correct. But witness Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, financial crisis, immigration mess (both U.S. and Europe), etc. Simply put, the elite technocracy (both public and private) have been wrong too many times.
And further, the elite have taken advantage of a system where they get richer even when they fail. There seem to be no consequences for the elite as a class for their failures. The elite did not intentionally create a system whereby their incentives are not aligned with those of society. There is no grand conspiracy. However, there is no doubt that is where we have arrived, and the elite have stubbornly denied that a structural problem even exists.
I find the head-in-sand posture of elites troubling. The U.S. has avoided social breakdown since the Civil War because its elites have been willing to adapt to popular sentiments. But at present, they seem too removed to do so.
I would add that to the author's thesis a related point. The elite have lost the faith of the masses because they and their institutions have simply been wrong too often over the past two decades. If your claim to power depends on being more intelligent and more informed, you had better get the answer correct. But witness Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, financial crisis, immigration mess (both U.S. and Europe), etc. Simply put, the elite technocracy (both public and private) have been wrong too many times.
And further, the elite have taken advantage of a system where they get richer even when they fail. There seem to be no consequences for the elite as a class for their failures. The elite did not intentionally create a system whereby their incentives are not aligned with those of society. There is no grand conspiracy. However, there is no doubt that is where we have arrived, and the elite have stubbornly denied that a structural problem even exists.
I find the head-in-sand posture of elites troubling. The U.S. has avoided social breakdown since the Civil War because its elites have been willing to adapt to popular sentiments. But at present, they seem too removed to do so.
3
Meritocracy? A person born into the bottom quintile has a lower chance of rising from it than the poor of any other wealthy democracy. The U.S. has become the most class-stratified of these countries. More shamefully, the U.S. has by far the widest and deepest child poverty, and the most meagre child benefits, of all these countries.
The American Revolution was fought for democracy and against an inherited nobility. The income disparities between peers and commoners were far less in the 18th century than the differentials between the plutocracy and the people today.
Democracy, in the choice of political options and the legitimacy of the state, is far more vigorous in countries with Queen Elizabeth as their head of state than in the American republic.
Such egalitarian ideals as contained in the American Revolution are all betrayed, yeomen farmers replaced by wage serfs, the generally mildly wealthy of the colonial professional classes now replaced by an overclass so wealthy it really has no connection to real American life.
There's no surprise that the betrayed are mad, the surprise is that though "Aux armes, citoyens" is a national anthem, it isn't being worked out.
Bernie Sanders' ideas for economic and social reform are mild compared to those of Tom Paine.
Feel the Bern!
The American Revolution was fought for democracy and against an inherited nobility. The income disparities between peers and commoners were far less in the 18th century than the differentials between the plutocracy and the people today.
Democracy, in the choice of political options and the legitimacy of the state, is far more vigorous in countries with Queen Elizabeth as their head of state than in the American republic.
Such egalitarian ideals as contained in the American Revolution are all betrayed, yeomen farmers replaced by wage serfs, the generally mildly wealthy of the colonial professional classes now replaced by an overclass so wealthy it really has no connection to real American life.
There's no surprise that the betrayed are mad, the surprise is that though "Aux armes, citoyens" is a national anthem, it isn't being worked out.
Bernie Sanders' ideas for economic and social reform are mild compared to those of Tom Paine.
Feel the Bern!
2
Having seen the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration that led to jobs and the power and water resources that we still enjoy, winning World War II in < four years, the GI bill of rights, the success of FDR Democratic Socialism during my formative years, and Eisenhower's Interstate Infrastructure, I know what can be done by a nation that has a positive agenda where the poor and middle class work together to build and create a USA that is for the betterment of all. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Armed Forces in Europe, knew how to command, and led this country quickly to victory over high tech adversaries. As President, he had, as his top priority, policies that were in the best interest for the collective welfare of the citizens of this country. His farewell address predicted exactly what would lead to the loss of the Middle Class, "Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society. In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military–industrial complex." The policies of this country since 1980 have been directed at "drowning the baby (government) in a bathtub", creating as many military conflicts as possible to promote the welfare of the military-industrial complex, and deliberately creating class, economic and racial division among the citizens of this country.This is how this nation lost the White Middle Class.
2
Both parties have abandoned the blue collar middle class. The Republicans used them by playing to their fears, making empty promises and thinly disguised racism during each election cycle and then abandoning them until the next election. The Democrats lost touch with the predominantly white blue collar middle class starting with the civil rights movement and the anti war movement in the 60s and 70s. They gradually became too elitist to listen to and understand the true economic concerns caused by globalized trade deals which has cost blue collar workers their well paying manufacturing jobs. Yes there are winners in globalization but they were white collar workers not blue collar workers. Now the problem has been accelerated because the white collar whites are under the same economic pressure that blue collar whites have been decades. Bernie has attracted the white collar college educated whites while Trump has the blue collar whites. The reasons are the same but the political reactions are somewhat different. Blue collar Trump supporters want to circle the wagons and keep others out. White collar Sanders supporters want the rich to stop rigging the system against the middle class. The message for the establishment Republicans and Democrats is that a revolt has started and it will not stop until the middle class gets a better deal. Since most of the damage is irreversible there is no easy way to fix things. This will get very ugly as it plays out.
4
"...over the last two decades our political elites, themselves almost entirely white, have decided...that the white middle class has no role to play in the multicultural, globalized future they envision, a future that they believe they will run."
This statement distorts the truth -- that the financial elites have decided to play a winner-take-all game that shuts out the middle class as much as possible and considers the poor less than human, regardless of color. They use racial politics to distract middle-class Americans from their true goals.
In their projected future, the financial elite will be free to harvest the entire earth for maximum personal profit, leaving no corners for anyone else to glean and returning nothing of substance in exchange for its use. How they imagine they can sustain this indefinitely is beyond me. Even the ancient Romans grasped that no wealth was secure unless much of it was invested back into the community.
That is the real struggle. Republicans are openly on the side of those who want a weak, incompetent government they can manipulate. Democrats are a varied bunch who mostly want a competent government to do its best by every citizen and level the playing field.
There's a lot of insult-throwing on both sides, but there's only one side that's actually trying to help the middle class. The other side just wants to exploit it as a means to power. The entire middle class needs to start fighting the right battle.
This statement distorts the truth -- that the financial elites have decided to play a winner-take-all game that shuts out the middle class as much as possible and considers the poor less than human, regardless of color. They use racial politics to distract middle-class Americans from their true goals.
In their projected future, the financial elite will be free to harvest the entire earth for maximum personal profit, leaving no corners for anyone else to glean and returning nothing of substance in exchange for its use. How they imagine they can sustain this indefinitely is beyond me. Even the ancient Romans grasped that no wealth was secure unless much of it was invested back into the community.
That is the real struggle. Republicans are openly on the side of those who want a weak, incompetent government they can manipulate. Democrats are a varied bunch who mostly want a competent government to do its best by every citizen and level the playing field.
There's a lot of insult-throwing on both sides, but there's only one side that's actually trying to help the middle class. The other side just wants to exploit it as a means to power. The entire middle class needs to start fighting the right battle.
4
Could NOT disagree with you more...please show ANY kind of proof that the Democrats care one whit for the middle-class...what, by bringing in MORE uneducated ILLEGALS to this country? By demanding more and more benefits for those who are NOT citizens? By forcing ALL people to pay for NON-Americans to have health care, free education, etc? Where are the politicians for AMERICA and AMERICANS?
2
I don't think it's true that the Left derides the middle class. I think those on the Left have repeatedly expressed their dismay at the fact that so many white blue collar adults vote for candidates who act against their economic interests - by supporting trade deals with low wage countries, undermining the power of unions, weakening laws that protect consumers and in other ways.
Since the 1980's, Democrats have essentially given up the fight on economic issues and surrendered to the Reaganite "trickle down" narrative of how economic policy should be formulated. No one has challenged the Republican dogma that tax cuts and deregulation of big business will somehow benefit those who don't own a business and don't have a lot of taxable income. Clinton is the Democratic president who best exemplifies the surrender of the Democrats on economic issues. Obama, who became president when an economic crisis revealed the hollowness of Reaganomics, had an opportunity to change how Democrats talk about the economy, but he failed to grasp it. Sanders is the first major Democratic presidential candidate in many years who shows signs of wanting to change the narrative.
Since the 1980's, Democrats have essentially given up the fight on economic issues and surrendered to the Reaganite "trickle down" narrative of how economic policy should be formulated. No one has challenged the Republican dogma that tax cuts and deregulation of big business will somehow benefit those who don't own a business and don't have a lot of taxable income. Clinton is the Democratic president who best exemplifies the surrender of the Democrats on economic issues. Obama, who became president when an economic crisis revealed the hollowness of Reaganomics, had an opportunity to change how Democrats talk about the economy, but he failed to grasp it. Sanders is the first major Democratic presidential candidate in many years who shows signs of wanting to change the narrative.
2
White middle-class people for years voted against their own economic interests due to the success of the Republicans' Southern Strategy. It was divisive and designed to make white working people believe that they didn't have economic security because lazy people of color were taking it from them, and their hard-earned tax dollars were going to support welfare queens. Meanwhile, the elite were able to dupe the public and get policies passed that benefit the very richest Americans. Turns out cutting taxes for the rich doesn't trickle down, it only concentrates income at the top. Turns out decimating unions has meant stagnant income for the middle class--of all races. Turns our privatizing more government services has meant fewer good-paying government jobs. Republicans used their electoral victories at the local level to gerrymander districts and cement their power. How else to explain Democrats receiving more of the popular vote in 2012 but still netting fewer seats in the House? The country is rapidly changing demographically. Republicans cannot continue to win elections by using racist code words and rigging districts. Instead of working to appeal to the broader electorate, their answer is decimating the Voting Rights Act and making it more difficult for poor people of color to vote. White middle class voters need to band with people in which they have the similar economic interest and help start a revolution.
12
The title of the article drew me in, but as with other pieces on this particular subject, it failed to deliver meaningful insights, or proffer any meaningful solutions. To state a false equivalency between the Democratic and Republican parties regarding support for the middle class is ludicrous. The Republicans attack Social Security and Medicare, two programs essential to middle class retirements. "Trickle down" economics is a Republican fantasy not Democratic. "Supply side" economics and tax cuts upon tax cuts to "free" the economy and stimulate economic growth is a farce of Republican, not Democratic invention. I readily admit that the Democratic Party is now too closely connected to the wealthy, but give me George Soros over the Koch brothers any day. A Republican Supreme Court gave us Citizen United, not the justices appointed by Democratic presidents. A clear solution to our challenges has yet to be articulated, but spare me the fantasy that it will come from the Republican Party.
8
This article is a fine analysis from a purely political point of view, but the real world is not purely political. The middle class accepted the myths of the elites because there was, at the time, a place for the middle class in the economy that the elites were promoting.
Now, the technology that supported the middle classes is obsolete. E.g., while Toyota, Honda, Kia, etc. were developing efficient technologies to make smaller and more efficient cars, throughout the 50's-70's, GM and Ford mounted campaigns to make their cars "patriotic". When they finally decided to build more efficient cars, and do so more efficiently, they did so as much outside the US as inside.
No political promises to improve the lot of most Americans will have any meaning until we reverse changes in our economy:
1. We need to exercise the same power that most countries use to promote the production of goods sold here being produced here;
2. We need to promote research to make American-made products technologically advanced and competitive in the world market; and
3. We especially need to stop treating neo-puritans, like Ralph Nader, as demi-gods, in their attacks on corporate welfare, which realistically will be the only way that the other two steps will happen.
I agree that only Bernie Sanders is suggesting any measures that deal with these needs. It's too bad he's called socialist because most of his proposals will strengthen our capitalist economy.
Now, the technology that supported the middle classes is obsolete. E.g., while Toyota, Honda, Kia, etc. were developing efficient technologies to make smaller and more efficient cars, throughout the 50's-70's, GM and Ford mounted campaigns to make their cars "patriotic". When they finally decided to build more efficient cars, and do so more efficiently, they did so as much outside the US as inside.
No political promises to improve the lot of most Americans will have any meaning until we reverse changes in our economy:
1. We need to exercise the same power that most countries use to promote the production of goods sold here being produced here;
2. We need to promote research to make American-made products technologically advanced and competitive in the world market; and
3. We especially need to stop treating neo-puritans, like Ralph Nader, as demi-gods, in their attacks on corporate welfare, which realistically will be the only way that the other two steps will happen.
I agree that only Bernie Sanders is suggesting any measures that deal with these needs. It's too bad he's called socialist because most of his proposals will strengthen our capitalist economy.
2
The simple distinction between those who flourish in the global economy and those who do notify far too glib. The perception is that those who flourish here in the U.S. have broken faith with the promise that those on the downside can hope to move up. The fortunate have learned to entrench their positions and live by the motto "Pull up the ladder Jack, I'm on board." In fact, "globalization" as it now works, unhitches the well-being of the fortunate from the well-being of the country.
Where the wealthy can evade their share of taxes in a raft of ways; where (drug) companies can bring about legislation that forbids our government from bargaining for better prices even while picking up the tag; where patent laws are used to defeat innovation rather than stimulate it; and where it's hard to win an election without selling out to special interests, etc., etc., something is broken that threatens democracy itself.
The white-black racial issue; the costs of healthcare, crime, or lazy immigrants -- not to mention disabled soldiers and the victims of job cuts; or any other one issue discussion are all merely tempting distractions that divert attention from considering and solving the real issues in a way that must delight the elite.
There must be a way to select representatives who represent the American people as a nation. It used to be called democracy, but now it's called extremism. Either way, we need it.
Where the wealthy can evade their share of taxes in a raft of ways; where (drug) companies can bring about legislation that forbids our government from bargaining for better prices even while picking up the tag; where patent laws are used to defeat innovation rather than stimulate it; and where it's hard to win an election without selling out to special interests, etc., etc., something is broken that threatens democracy itself.
The white-black racial issue; the costs of healthcare, crime, or lazy immigrants -- not to mention disabled soldiers and the victims of job cuts; or any other one issue discussion are all merely tempting distractions that divert attention from considering and solving the real issues in a way that must delight the elite.
There must be a way to select representatives who represent the American people as a nation. It used to be called democracy, but now it's called extremism. Either way, we need it.
3
I think that there are a couple of elements missing from this argument, principally economic.
In the '50s '60s and up until around the mid-1970s, The US was an industrial powerhouse. Jobs were plentiful and the wage scale in all sectors was much more in line with the cost of living for most middle-class families.
For instance, in the mid-50s a one-income family of four could live fairly comfortably. That was largely true in the '60s as well. Nearly every family could afford to buy a decent house and a new car every few years. Food, fuel, clothing, utilities and so on were reasonably priced and affordable for most families.
But in the late '70s, as the industrial sector began to decline markedly, some readjustment took place wherein incomes could not keep pace with the general cost of living, adjusted for inflation years or not.
This is the real driving factor in the schism in the white middle class, though not many people talk about it much these days.
In the '50s '60s and up until around the mid-1970s, The US was an industrial powerhouse. Jobs were plentiful and the wage scale in all sectors was much more in line with the cost of living for most middle-class families.
For instance, in the mid-50s a one-income family of four could live fairly comfortably. That was largely true in the '60s as well. Nearly every family could afford to buy a decent house and a new car every few years. Food, fuel, clothing, utilities and so on were reasonably priced and affordable for most families.
But in the late '70s, as the industrial sector began to decline markedly, some readjustment took place wherein incomes could not keep pace with the general cost of living, adjusted for inflation years or not.
This is the real driving factor in the schism in the white middle class, though not many people talk about it much these days.
1
Many of the most fundamental and progressive changes in this country's history, which took place during FDR's presidency, didn't happen because the white working class made common cause with the captains of industry and big finance. The progress and fundamental reorganization of the economy, which held for the better part of 50 years, took place because the white working class voted en masse for a fundamental transformation of the economy. FDR wasn't exactly beloved by the captains of industry and finance for those actions either.
Also, while the upper-middle class may have made some gains over the past 30 years, unlike a large part of the population, if you talk to enough people you would likely find that they don't feel particularly secure in their homes with "manicured" lawns. Thanks to high health care costs, high education costs, and high housing costs -- all of which have outpaced wage gains -- even for a segment of the upper middle class -- it doesn't take much to slip from "upper middle class" out of the middle class altogether. All that it takes in this country is one medical emergency during a period without insurance, or employment.
A large part of the reason why the white working class has lost ground is precisely because they have voted for politicians who were willing to vote against their economic interests in exchange for social policy concessions. And yes, a large part of this tradeoff was motivated by racism and coded racist appeals.
Also, while the upper-middle class may have made some gains over the past 30 years, unlike a large part of the population, if you talk to enough people you would likely find that they don't feel particularly secure in their homes with "manicured" lawns. Thanks to high health care costs, high education costs, and high housing costs -- all of which have outpaced wage gains -- even for a segment of the upper middle class -- it doesn't take much to slip from "upper middle class" out of the middle class altogether. All that it takes in this country is one medical emergency during a period without insurance, or employment.
A large part of the reason why the white working class has lost ground is precisely because they have voted for politicians who were willing to vote against their economic interests in exchange for social policy concessions. And yes, a large part of this tradeoff was motivated by racism and coded racist appeals.
5
While the author strives to make this issue racial, cultural and political, he fails to mention technological and international. Technology and international offshoring have been the greatest errosive factors to the "American Dream".
We all embrace the technology in our daily lives and want more of it, but we often fail to see the flip side...as technology advances it replaces more and more of the jobs the American Dream was built on.
Labor unions, at one time, were necessary as a way to hold companies accountable for the welfare of their employees. Unfortunately, the unions ran amok and ended up pricing American made products out of the international market place
Countless professions and skill sets that defined the post WWII era and beyond are now gone and those who counted on them, like their parents had, feel disillusioned. The writing, however, has been on the wall for a long time and it has been our failure to adjust to these facts timley that is the true issue.
Washington will be Washington regardless of who sits in the Oval Office and Until America and Americans place more importance on education, especially science and math, the erosion of the middle class will continue whether you're black, white, yellow or green.
We all embrace the technology in our daily lives and want more of it, but we often fail to see the flip side...as technology advances it replaces more and more of the jobs the American Dream was built on.
Labor unions, at one time, were necessary as a way to hold companies accountable for the welfare of their employees. Unfortunately, the unions ran amok and ended up pricing American made products out of the international market place
Countless professions and skill sets that defined the post WWII era and beyond are now gone and those who counted on them, like their parents had, feel disillusioned. The writing, however, has been on the wall for a long time and it has been our failure to adjust to these facts timley that is the true issue.
Washington will be Washington regardless of who sits in the Oval Office and Until America and Americans place more importance on education, especially science and math, the erosion of the middle class will continue whether you're black, white, yellow or green.
1
Every single thing you said is TRUE...but, YOU failed to mention another extremely important component...our tax system of the wealthy was gutted starting with Reagan...while the upper-crust used to pay close to 90% during the Eisenhower/Kennedy years, they pay almost nothing today, yet get most of the benefits...you can't run a 1st world country without a tax base to sustain it
1
The insecurity faced by middle class whites comes from the fact that their grandparents and parents' generations moved from riding horses and bicycles to automobiles and airplanes. A big upgrade and innovation. This generation is also experiencing innovation, not of building things or upgrading things but of deconstructing things (sounds fancier) and downgrading things.
Basically the fire extinguishers, life vests, oxygen cylinders are being removed from the aircraft so they will be lighter to fly, and have not crashed for decades now. The benefits earned by hard work and negotiation using unions are being shredded bit by bit - no more guaranteed retirement, no more regular pay raises, no job security, no more fully paid health insurance, instead you have 401s which charge exorbitant fees, higher and higher deductibles, and a public conversation which belittles reasonable expectations of loyalty and recognition as an "entitlement mentality", etc...
All of this while the rich get richer, complaining about higher taxes and regulation, threatening to take their money and leave. The intelligentsia is in the 1%, has Union representation at personal level (Agents) and all the benefits they belittle as entitlements for others. Two Americas, and the whites built them both and cannot come to terms with their own handiwork.
We must stop pretending that the Presidential race is the only thing. We need to talk about congressional candidates who create the laws in the end.
Basically the fire extinguishers, life vests, oxygen cylinders are being removed from the aircraft so they will be lighter to fly, and have not crashed for decades now. The benefits earned by hard work and negotiation using unions are being shredded bit by bit - no more guaranteed retirement, no more regular pay raises, no job security, no more fully paid health insurance, instead you have 401s which charge exorbitant fees, higher and higher deductibles, and a public conversation which belittles reasonable expectations of loyalty and recognition as an "entitlement mentality", etc...
All of this while the rich get richer, complaining about higher taxes and regulation, threatening to take their money and leave. The intelligentsia is in the 1%, has Union representation at personal level (Agents) and all the benefits they belittle as entitlements for others. Two Americas, and the whites built them both and cannot come to terms with their own handiwork.
We must stop pretending that the Presidential race is the only thing. We need to talk about congressional candidates who create the laws in the end.
10
NOT just congressional seats, but state and local races. I am from PA and our lawmakers just voted themselves ANOTHER raise, while they are unable to come up with a budget...we need a revolution...and, I do mean a REAL revolution
1
The effects of the 2007 depression are much less severe than the 1929-41 depression because of safety-net benefits now provided. Consider the horrendous, though not uncommon situation of a household in 1932 comprised of elderly grandparents being supported by their working-age children with young children of their own, when the breadwinners became unemployed. The 1932 family would be destitute. Today the grandparents would have social security and Medicare benefits. Their working-age children could now collect unemployment benefits for up to 99 weeks. Additionally, the entire family could also be eligible for food stamps, Medicaid, rent subsidies, heating fuel subsidies, free school lunches and other benefits. The 1932 family might also have had a bank account in one of the many banks that failed and lost their savings. Today, Federal Deposit Insurance protects such bank accounts. You might say we are now in a depression with benefits.
Corporate income tax receipts, whose incidence falls entirely on the owners of corporations, were 4% of GDP then and are now less than 1%. During that same period, payroll tax rates as percent of GDP have increased dramatically. The overinvestment problem caused by the reduction in taxes on the wealthy is exacerbated by the increased tax burden on the middle class. While overinvestment creates more housing and shopping centers; higher payroll taxes reduces the purchasing power of middle-class consumers”
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1543642
Corporate income tax receipts, whose incidence falls entirely on the owners of corporations, were 4% of GDP then and are now less than 1%. During that same period, payroll tax rates as percent of GDP have increased dramatically. The overinvestment problem caused by the reduction in taxes on the wealthy is exacerbated by the increased tax burden on the middle class. While overinvestment creates more housing and shopping centers; higher payroll taxes reduces the purchasing power of middle-class consumers”
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1543642
3
The white middle class has been devastated by the internationalism created by a collusion of greedy, salivating, wall street bankers, corporations, and their political lackeys. The middle class works and works trying to reach a level of economic stability but is devastated at every turn by ever-increasing taxes and the denial of the benefits they rightfully earned.
This phenomena has occurred not only here but in Western Europe. The German middle class brought about the economic transformation from the devastation of WW2. They sacrificed and worked long and hard with some expectation of at least economic stability. Instead they are subjected to an erosion of benefits and forced to pay for rampant illegal migration by their liberal feel-good political overseers. The creation of the Euro cut the buying power of the German middle class in half overnight.
There is no end in sight to the evaporation of middle class businesses under international politicians loyal to the EU. Go down any main street in a German city and compare it's current chain store dullness to the vibrancy one saw 30-40 years ago.
This is precisely what is happening in the US as well. Middle class businesses are taxed and regulated into oblivion while the money changers in New York and their slithering allies in Washington sit back in their do-nothing jobs, collect fat paychecks, take long paid holidays on the middle class's tax burden, and laugh.
This phenomena has occurred not only here but in Western Europe. The German middle class brought about the economic transformation from the devastation of WW2. They sacrificed and worked long and hard with some expectation of at least economic stability. Instead they are subjected to an erosion of benefits and forced to pay for rampant illegal migration by their liberal feel-good political overseers. The creation of the Euro cut the buying power of the German middle class in half overnight.
There is no end in sight to the evaporation of middle class businesses under international politicians loyal to the EU. Go down any main street in a German city and compare it's current chain store dullness to the vibrancy one saw 30-40 years ago.
This is precisely what is happening in the US as well. Middle class businesses are taxed and regulated into oblivion while the money changers in New York and their slithering allies in Washington sit back in their do-nothing jobs, collect fat paychecks, take long paid holidays on the middle class's tax burden, and laugh.
3
Don't leave out college educated people versus those who have only high school and perhaps some technical training. This has turned out to be a great divide in America that almost no one contemplated. it has become de rigueur to urge everyone to get a college degree. Some people were not suited academically, financially or by personal characteristics to spend another four years wandering from class to class, turning in papers and taking tests. Well, too bad, you are now locked out, more or less permanently, from most of the better paying jobs. This represents a huge change in American life as it was since the industrial revolution.
There are still many avenues of employment, with good pay, to those without college, but people have to generally luck into them through family or personal contacts. Of course, a good many of those well paying jobs have gone up in smoke. Also, making it on a job alone is more difficult than ever.
The divide also exists within the cohort of those with higher education. College was supposed to be the great social and economic leveler. Instead, those who emerge from the brand name institutions are given an automatic jumpstart on careers, while those from schools with lesser reputations have to fend for themselves.
Why wouldn't those from the middle economic classes feel left out? The attention is on those who are "qualified" to advance. The "American dream", in part, is based on the idea that hard work and talent pay off. Now, the answer is maybe.
There are still many avenues of employment, with good pay, to those without college, but people have to generally luck into them through family or personal contacts. Of course, a good many of those well paying jobs have gone up in smoke. Also, making it on a job alone is more difficult than ever.
The divide also exists within the cohort of those with higher education. College was supposed to be the great social and economic leveler. Instead, those who emerge from the brand name institutions are given an automatic jumpstart on careers, while those from schools with lesser reputations have to fend for themselves.
Why wouldn't those from the middle economic classes feel left out? The attention is on those who are "qualified" to advance. The "American dream", in part, is based on the idea that hard work and talent pay off. Now, the answer is maybe.
3
Mr Reno is right about a lot of things in this article, but the big issue which tends to get lost in the culture weeds is the reason for the decline of good jobs.
The decline of good jobs is rooted in the computing and communications technology advances. Unlike previous technology advances of magnitude, the manufacturing of networked computing technologies do not require as many skilled laborers to build their products, or to support their products. Yes, the companies need a core of high skills, but beyond that core, the work can be sent to the lowest cost provider. Just look at Apple.
Politicians and corporate leaders have exacerbated that trend by adjusting tax and trade regulations to satisfy particular industries. Since Reagan, American politicians have spent more time catering to the whims of corporate America than to the working people of America. Unions which once made America great, are now virtually extinct due to corporate pleasing labor laws.
The issue comes down to trust. The white middle class no longer trusts its leaders to make choices that safeguard the interests of the working or middle classes. There is zero accountability in the political or corporate management classes for real performance; certainly nothing like the loss of a job to a working person. When a CEO is dismissed for performance, there is a platinum parachute to keep him or her happy. For politicians, there's a lobbying job in an industry he or she once oversaw via legislation.
The decline of good jobs is rooted in the computing and communications technology advances. Unlike previous technology advances of magnitude, the manufacturing of networked computing technologies do not require as many skilled laborers to build their products, or to support their products. Yes, the companies need a core of high skills, but beyond that core, the work can be sent to the lowest cost provider. Just look at Apple.
Politicians and corporate leaders have exacerbated that trend by adjusting tax and trade regulations to satisfy particular industries. Since Reagan, American politicians have spent more time catering to the whims of corporate America than to the working people of America. Unions which once made America great, are now virtually extinct due to corporate pleasing labor laws.
The issue comes down to trust. The white middle class no longer trusts its leaders to make choices that safeguard the interests of the working or middle classes. There is zero accountability in the political or corporate management classes for real performance; certainly nothing like the loss of a job to a working person. When a CEO is dismissed for performance, there is a platinum parachute to keep him or her happy. For politicians, there's a lobbying job in an industry he or she once oversaw via legislation.
295
Unions brought on their own demise. They were corrupt. Remember American made vehicles in the 70's and 80's? They were junk. Union members never performed work that was any good, but they got paid as though they did. Workers were lazy, stupid and many times drunk. They barely worked and the work they did was shoddy. No one wanted an American car. If not for foreign competition our cars today would be as worthless as those in the old soviet union. Unions, by the fallen nature of man, are always going to reward laziness and mediocracy. It's only when you have something to lose that you perform at your best.
As the poster said, Politicians have nothing to lose now either. When they don't win, they lobby. Either way they line their pockets and win.
As the poster said, Politicians have nothing to lose now either. When they don't win, they lobby. Either way they line their pockets and win.
Computing is not the only reason. There are European countries that are doing quite well despite the downturn. They use computers too. They aren't stupid. The difference is: American companies in general have a culture that doesn't pay much attention to the needs of its employees. Only enough to keep them working there. European countries (which are not perfect by any means) have a different culture. They truly try to take workers needs into account.
1
Fascinating effort to explain the complex, restless social and political environment we are experiencing.
Trump is a snake oil salesman running for President of the United States. Not too surprising. What is at first surprising is that the Republicans have no one better. The Donald is not that good. He has hyptnotized his followers into his alternate reality. This says a lot about them. He is a cult leader personality. Bernie Sanders is not trying to hypnotize his followers. Although it is really funny to imaging him doing that. He seems like a guy who would not make the best magician.
The situations are extremely different. The Republican machine is experiencing a crisis. It might be falling apart due to manufacturers defects.
The Democratic Machine, in my opinion, during President Obamas time in office has done a commendable job sensibly tackling the complexity involved in leading the world.
The Dems also have Hillary, the Republicans have also Ted Cruz. Thats why The Donald is here. The Dems also have Bernie. He actually has ideas and experience in Washington DC.
Uncomparable!
Trump is a snake oil salesman running for President of the United States. Not too surprising. What is at first surprising is that the Republicans have no one better. The Donald is not that good. He has hyptnotized his followers into his alternate reality. This says a lot about them. He is a cult leader personality. Bernie Sanders is not trying to hypnotize his followers. Although it is really funny to imaging him doing that. He seems like a guy who would not make the best magician.
The situations are extremely different. The Republican machine is experiencing a crisis. It might be falling apart due to manufacturers defects.
The Democratic Machine, in my opinion, during President Obamas time in office has done a commendable job sensibly tackling the complexity involved in leading the world.
The Dems also have Hillary, the Republicans have also Ted Cruz. Thats why The Donald is here. The Dems also have Bernie. He actually has ideas and experience in Washington DC.
Uncomparable!
Experience doing WHAT exactly? Just sitting in Congress for umpteen years is NOT a good criteria for being an effective president. Mr. Sanders was unable to get any legislation through Congress all these years, yet you see him suddenly changing this country? That's rich...he can NOT force the rich to give up their wealth...NO ONE CAN DO THAT...they simply leave the country and there is nothing we can do about it but whine.
1
We are witnessing the very being of an epic economic dislocation that is currently degrading the financial outlook for the middle class. It is an unfortunate truth that politicians and bureaucrats of both parties are woefully inadequate to answering the challenges posed. Government of either political party is primarily suited to the politics of success (redistribution, a rising tide, etc.) and not the politics of economic decline. The redistribution of work globally to the Emerging world has decimated US middle class employment. Relentless advances in technological innovation and artificial intelligence will eliminate or marginalize millions of college and graduate education jobs. Even if government could redistribute the vast majority of income from those few who have it to all the rest, one question will be whether mere wealth transfer to ensure subsistence living will satisfy the needs and desires of an ever enlarging irrelevant class or whether the US and the Developed World will experience societal unrest and even revolution
4
Toni: History teaches us that just like the poor will always be among us, so too will the rich and they have ways of hanging on to their wealth...the middle-class is doomed and the politicians don't seem to care OR not realize what that means for them too...a US without a middle-class doesn't need the kinds of politicians we have today...they will be looking for jobs too soon
Ronald Reagan was the beginning of the end of the middle class. With him came the collusion with marketing strategists to deceive the middle class out of values of education, professional competitiveness and social responsibility. What we have is vapid discussions of "cities on the hill", religion and patriotism, to distract the middle class while the services that sustain decent living are stripped away: no health care, no attainable professional education, no social services, no gun control, no protection for women and children, no social safety net as a right of the middle class. Instead we have a discourse convincing the middle class that these safety nets are a scourge demanded by an underclass of non-whites and illegal immigrants, fostering racist feelings at the same time. What for? To reduce taxes for the wealthy. The white middle class has been complicit in this for voting Republican even when the Republican party is not the shadow of what it was.
20
I praise the American elite for its inventiveness: the manner with which it pulled off a narrative to justify poverty and unemployment during the Cold War was so impressive that it still does its job today.
Until 2008, it was a white American belief that poverty had a color. That poverty was the result of social-darwinism, that only blacks and latinos could be poor because of their inner inferiority. Poverty was not the by-product of capitalism's ontological need to extracting endless rates of surplus labor, but of individual incompetence (since blacks and latinos were inherently incompetent, it only affected them). I've seen the elites manoeuvre the far-left, but I think it's the first time I saw the elite manoeuvre a nihilist, shoot-every-direction philosophy like post-modernism: divide and conquer reached it's highest form.
After 2008, this illusion ended: jobs and pension funds melted into thin air, prices continued to rise, mortgages collapsed, and, suddenly, white middle class people found themselves for what they really are: members of the working class.
Until 2008, it was a white American belief that poverty had a color. That poverty was the result of social-darwinism, that only blacks and latinos could be poor because of their inner inferiority. Poverty was not the by-product of capitalism's ontological need to extracting endless rates of surplus labor, but of individual incompetence (since blacks and latinos were inherently incompetent, it only affected them). I've seen the elites manoeuvre the far-left, but I think it's the first time I saw the elite manoeuvre a nihilist, shoot-every-direction philosophy like post-modernism: divide and conquer reached it's highest form.
After 2008, this illusion ended: jobs and pension funds melted into thin air, prices continued to rise, mortgages collapsed, and, suddenly, white middle class people found themselves for what they really are: members of the working class.
12
Brilliant
What they found was that the middle-class was doing ALL the heavy lifting for EVERYONE...rich and poor alike and since the 80s have been getting less and less for their efforts. The middle-class is what sets us apart from the rest of the world and if we lose that, we will revert to just another 3rd world country with just two classes...the UBER rich and everyone else. Sanders would be a disaster for this country as he really envisions an America where the rich willingly give up some of their wealth...since history tells us that that NEVER happens, it would be more of the middle-class's money that would be taken for more programs for the ALWAYS needy poor.
1
Feel the Bern!