<a href=http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0908/p03s01-usec.html">"Economists don't have a standard definition for the "middle class." But the percentage of households having a pretax income of between $25,000 and $75,000 - a group occupying roughly the middle half of Census income tables - has declined by 1.2 percentage points since President Bush took office, after adjusting for inflation."

Seems to me that the best thing for this country is a strong middle class. The wealthy would get wealthier, as there would be more purchasing power to feed capitalist enterprises supplying goods and services, and there would be a realistic American dream for more people.

The Bush tax cut is in effect waging war on the middle class, but it's been declining through many Democratic and Republican administrations.

The fall of unions is certainly one factor. The abuses of the pension funds is nothing next to the Enrons and WorldComs, but management controls the media.

The growth of Wal-Mart, Costco, etc., certainly is another, driving many small owner-operated businesses to the wall. Don't think anything can be done about that.

I would think that it would behoove the US to undertake as the highest national priority restoring the middle class, making the Dream come alive again, and broadening the financial base from which all strength is derived.

One hound's hope.

Arf