3rd Feb 2013, 11:54
Of course you don't feel sorry for the middle class when you have a good paying job that pays in the $100,000s every year. Class war is class war. By the way, our poor live so well because of our government programs that keep them afloat; something that most governments don't offer in other countries.
But the middle class is suffering and poor people are now actually starving to death in some areas; that's something you won't find out from NBC or CNN. One of my friends and his wife used to be chemists for Pfizer a couple years back until they lost their jobs due to the recession. Now they have nothing left and are stuck doing low-end odd jobs to survive. These people made about $500,000 a year combined and now they have nothing. Saying that things are better than ever is just wrong.
As for global warming, there's plenty of room for debate on both sides. Just remember though, that when an issue becomes so politicized as it has, truth will become the first casualty. Liberals or conservatives, doesn't matter, both sides have their own selfish interests vested in this matter.
2nd Feb 2013, 20:16
Your methods for showing old and present standards of living aren't the most accurate. However, it is true that technology has improved things a bit. On the other hand, people today are spending a larger percentage of their income on bare necessities like gas and food; both of which have seen price hikes in recent years.
Also remember that the average American family has to work more hours and usually employ both parents to achieve the same living quality as seen in the previous decades. Not to mention the usual lack of benefits, unionization, and job security in many cases.
Honestly, I think luxury cars in general are on their way out for most people. They're not practical and they are mechanical nightmares in most cases. Basic servicing can easily run you up $1,000 a pop, and most are so over-engineered that they have huge issues as the mileage racks up. Who would want to put up with that, when there are so many better choices available that don't even cost a fraction of what a new Mercedes, Jag, BMW would cost?
PS: Just a warning to all the people talking about looking at Hyundai vehicles; stay away from them. They are impressive vehicles at first, but they shouldn't be kept after the warranty runs out. My dad and many of my friends have newer Hyundai vehicles because of their impressive value, but they quickly become unreliable. Look into Toyota and Honda instead, or even try out the hybrid Ford or GM offerings too.