Novak on Americans Moving Up

Novak claims that we are all getting richer and says that some of the people he knows “who speak bitterly about ‘the rich’ are themselves . . . up in the stratosphere at $100,000 or more.” He also says that “Most of those who regularly bash the rich--including politicians and TV journalists--are in at least the top 20%. . . .”

Apparently Novak moves in rather privileged circles or he would realize that most of us who worry about the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer are not in the top 20% of income levels, nor do we have a powerful voice that reaches those who are.

It may be so that there are more people earning upwards of $50,000 than there were 10 years ago, but there are also more people living on the streets. What has happened to the cost of living in those 10 years? Why are so few Americans able to purchase a home, and why are so many unable to even find an affordable home to rent? Why are there so many Americans, including those earning “decent” wages, who have no access to basic health care?

Having richer rich people may produce greater tax revenues, but it also creates a society geared toward those who can pay. Real estate, housing, health care, all kinds of goods and services are becoming luxury items. And you can bet that most Americans, not just the politicians and TV journalists, are frustrated.

ANNE SCHWARZ

San Diego