[Para]

Originally posted by Sacamuelas
IMO, these people have the same access to empowerment that I actually used growing up... free public education and sports, government sponsored college loans(some can even get free grants-not me ), hard work, ambition, and goals.

Yes, they have access to empowerment. Although, empowerment becomes enabling when one can live off the system. By empowerment, I mean limited access to social programs. Sure, changes were made to the welfare system capping benefits to 5 years. But no system was placed in effect that prevents the recipient from changing states and starting all over again. I am all for helping someone down on their luck, but I am severly opposed to allowing them to live down there. get your life in order, your head straight, and get back in the game.

Do you think it is a true dwindling of the middle class? Or is it that Americans expectations of "minimum standards of living" are so obtuse and warped now?

I think it's a combination of both. I think it is fiscal irresponsibility of citizens who buy electronics instead of food, cars instead of education, etc..., but also economic disparity. With the growing rate of homeless within the US and an increase of 'food insecure' there is signs of the economic divide increasing. Do not get me wrong, I am a capitialist, these are just some of my observations. Not my fault too many people would rather watch TV then read to better educate themselves. You reap what you sow.