Shrinking middle class changing America

It's a known fact that the middle class is shrinking. Many who were once a part of this important group now find they don't measure up to that status anymore.

Unemployment, underemployment, jobs going overseas and employers unwilling to pay a living wage and offer benefits anymore are major causes, but not the only ones.

At the same time, many middle-class citizens are moving up and becoming a part of the wealthy class.

Each year there are thousands of aspiring young athletes being drafted by major league sports teams and becoming instant millionaires. High draft picks commonly get multimillion dollar contracts before ever stepping onto the field. Many of these very wealthy team owners reap tax benefits and handouts from local governments at the expense of taxpayers, some of whom will never afford to see the inside of the stadium. This situation further aggravates the plight of the middle-class and the poor. These young folks suddenly have plenty of money and are willing to spend it. They can do what they want and buy what they want. Price is not much of a consideration.

Businesses are huge benefactors of these new crops of millionaires and they price their goods and services accordingly, making it difficult to impossible for many others to enjoy these same services. The working family, who once could enjoy an upscale dinner on special occasions, simply can't do it anymore.

They have been priced out of the market. This is not the America I grew up in. I wonder if I'll ever see it again.

Ron Flowers

Elk Grove Village