America The Gutted: The Politics Of The Middle Class

globalpost.com — xperts peg “middle class” status at about $33,000 to $100,000 per year — although in populated areas, it's decidely challenging to subsist on less than $50,000. The middle class designation is largely “self-described” and the vast majority of Americans place themselves firmly within its ranks, regardless of income. Few would accept being called “lower class,” and only the very rich are willing to label themselves as such. This is what makes the mythical middle class so attractive a target for political candidates, especially in the 2012 presidential election campaign. As the long and bitter contest inches its way toward a culmination, there is perhaps no other term that has been so used or abused.

more »