Freedom Then and Now

     Back in 1776, when America won its freedom and independence from England, there were no taxes, little infrastructure, a fledgling federal government, and three socio-economic classes - rich, poor, and slave/indentured servant.   As we celebrate our independence 235 years later, we seem to be going back in time, economically speaking.  According to two years' worth of data from the Consumer Reports Index, only 18% of American households earn more than $100K per year, while 50% of American households earn less than $50K per year.  This leaves just 32% of American households somewhere in the ever-shrinking middle.
    
     In addition, surveys conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center reveal that "while things have been improving for the wealthiest Americans for some time, lower-income families still have very little to be positive about."  In fact, during the current recession, financial problems, such as the ability to afford health care and missed mortgage payments, are "three to five times the level of those earning $100K or more."

     With statistics such as these, and the very real, human stories behind these statistics, I feel compelled to ask again:  Why do  many of our elected lawmakers feel the need to protect tax cuts given to those households making $250K and over?  Why do they feel the need to protect subsidies given to big oil companies, defense contractors, and multi-national corporations who pay little or nothing in taxes, and outsource American jobs?  Why do they insist on targeting cuts to social programs, so-called "entitlements,"  such as Medicare, Social Security, and tuition assistance, that help lower income families? 
    
     If you agree with these lawmakers, keep voting for them, but be careful what you ask for.  If you don't agree, then express your independence, and vote them out.
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This week's recommended products:

      ·         Inko's 100% Natural White Iced Tea - Made in USA by Inko's White Iced Tea, New York, NY

      ·         Glad Press'n Seal - Made in USA by The Glad Products Co., Oakland, CA
Blog Source:

"Index shows recovery is for the affluent," Fort Myers Florida Weekly, 6/29-7/5/11