I had a discussion with a conservative the other day in answer why the middle class is struggling he replied:

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"The middle class has changed because of cable tv, internet, airconditioned homes, more expensive cars, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, cell phones all have a bill tied to them. Those things were all in shorter supply 50 years ago. Give up those things and you'll be doing quite well."

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What bullshit!!! I cited the Rand Report and another graph illustrating income disparity, but that's what I got back. It's almost worse than the avocado toast argument.