I try to think positively about life. It does no good to complain about most things or to dwell on things that cannot be changed. Yet, I admit to dwelling on the economy and I find myself wondering about things like retirement, social security, and access to health care when I will probably need it most. It’s a sign I’m getting older, but it’s also a sign of the times.
In many states, the median income has remained flat for several years now. In many more states, it has plummeted with little evidence of returning to prior levels. In rare cases of increased income, it hasn’t been much. Check out the US Census report here:
I am part of a generation that might not be better off than the generation before. My personal budget is skewed by underemployment and has been for some time. It’s hard to fathom, but I’m really not making much more than I did years ago, when I had less education and less work experience. Most recently, changes in my benefits will put me near my income level in 2008. I can’t keep up with the cost of living. Yet, I have to be happy to have a full time job.
I want to feel hopeful about the future, but it’s hard. At this point, I’m starting to wonder if things will get better. I wonder if I even know what that means. The craziest things start to look better, like gas at $3.40 a gallon. Well, it’s better than $4.00 a gallon. A part-time job with no benefits is better than no job at all. A 150% increase in health care deductions is better than going without insurance. This is reality today.
I don’t feel better knowing I’m not alone. I would feel better if I could see a light at the end of this economic black hole. I want to see people get back to work and get back on their feet. I want to see a reinvestment in education, among other things. I want to see people buying homes instead of losing them.
Unfortunately, I do not see these things happening any time soon. The political infighting at the state and national level is likely to continue. Who can say for how long? The politicians will be so busy battling one another to further some personal agenda that “the people” will continue to be overlooked. I think this is now true of Democrats and Republicans. The lines that have been drawn seem to be impassible.
The 99% are left to shoulder the burden.
