Even in this divided nation there are some goals and values on which there is general agreement, but only if these are very general - reduced crime, safe streets, good schools, wholesome children with strong work ethics. Motherhood and apple pie are good; tooth decay and soil erosion are bad - all but the truly recalcitrant and maladjusted will agree. So it is with belief that a prosperous middle class is the bedrock of America.
John Waelti: The shrinking middle class and income inequality