• GrymEdm@lemmy.world
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    27 days ago

    I wasn’t able to read the article because of paywall, but it would probably be more noticeable if the top 10% didn’t control 67% of US wealth. It would at least make it easier for the bottom 50% (about 170 million people) to appreciate how well the US is doing, because right now they only get access to about 2.5% of “America’s glorious economy”.

  • zephorah@lemm.ee
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    27 days ago

    No, it won’t. The average voter believes the economy is in the toilet when they can’t afford groceries. When enjoying takeout isn’t even a remote possibility any more due to cost. When filling the gas tank means you’re eating rice and beans this week, for every meal. When you can’t afford rent or a house that means the economy is in the toilet.

    I get it, academia says otherwise. But when your average voter can’t afford things and is stressed about money all the time, to them, the economy is in the toilet.

    • dylanmorgan@slrpnk.net
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      27 days ago

      This is the problem when measuring the economy looks only at the big picture. Things might be fine if you’re a landlord or own a bunch of stocks but it sucks shit if you’re working any kind of hourly job.

      • bizarroland@fedia.io
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        27 days ago

        We are living in the most prosperous time in human history. Trillions of dollars move every day, elevating the lives of millions beyond anything previously dreamed possible.

        Despite that, life sucks if you’re not in the top 10% of wealth holders on the planet. Healthy, capable people live in tents on the side of the street because the wealthy have decided they aren’t worth basic housing.

        It’s not fair to call the economy good by first amputating the bottom and top 1% and blending the middle 98% into a homogeneous lump.