Certainly middle-class can be described statistically, and that has a lot of validity. However, when I think of "middle class" I think of realistic opportunity.

The middle class is that group for whom the interest and opportunity to get an education exists. There is the financial and emotional support available.

They have a reasonable expectation of owning a home, a car and having a stable career. Who will be able to provide for their children's education.

It is that group whose peers have those same attributes.

It is that group who can fund their own needs, including food, shelter and medical care.

For those who claim that the American Dream provides those opportunities for everyone are those who suggest the way out of ghetto poverty is to play professional sports. It's just not possible for many, many people.

The middle class does not include those people whose highest realistic expectation would be flipping burgers. There is nothing wrong with flipping burgers, but it doesn't provide the opportunities necessary to move to the middle class.

Arf