I have been in a bit of a hole--the perpetual abuse of the middle class (or what is left of it) has really gotten me down. Taxes, increases in everything that one needs to live even a moderately comfortable life, and stagnant wages have led to a deepening frustration that our lives are not getting better (as many ads on TV suggest)--they are in fact getting worse.
I don't want to resent those who have more than I do. But it's hard not to when we work so hard and have relatively little to show for it. Our home needs many improvements; our cars are 10 and 17 years old; we are trying to pay off personal debt and college loans. At $40,000/year, I'm not sure we're even a part of the middle class whose assault I am so lamenting.
What about you? Are you frustrated? Envious? Hopeful? Do you think I am a spoiled American who should be happy for every little thing I have? Mind you, I am starting to understand why some say that religion is the opiate of the masses--if a wealthy religious person can convince me that I should be grateful for God's blessings--however meager they might be--then I won't be in a position to be pissed off at their immense riches. And believe me, it has worked--I feel guilty even complaining. But if we don't get mad, who really stands to benefit from our complacency?
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