"The Wage That Meant Middle Class"

We reported on this story earlier this week, but it's so important that we've chosen to give it extra emphasis here. Recently, we wrote about our economy (our very fragile economy) and how a few weeks ago, Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats responded by passing the Economic Stimulus Package which will result in a tax rebate for ailing middle class voters ($1200 per joint filing, $600 per single).

"The Wage That Meant Middle Class" was $20 an hour, introduced on a large scale in the middle of the last century. As reported by author Louis Uchitelle,

"The Trend in the Hourly work force is striking. Take only the peak years in each business cycle, starting in 1979. The proportion earning at last $20 an hour declined from 23 percent that year, to 20 percent in 1980, to 18 percent in 1989, and to 16 percent in 2000. Manufacturing was hit the hardest."

Quite simply, the votes of rural citizens will make the difference in the upcoming November 2008 elections. You can find more details of just how endangered our middle class has become by clicking here. Meanwhile, if you're worrying about whether your vote might actually make the difference, there's a great election map site at 270toWin.com/ Click on an individual state and you'll also find how only a percent or two can change results ... and that's why every vote really must be counted this year.