>>>>>Srdjan, I agree that the perceived rising wealth in recent years was an illusion for most. However, another analysis is that the rich are greedier than ever, more even than during the notoriously greedy '20s. In the prosperous 1970s the top 10% of society took about 33% of the national US income. By 2009 that had risen to 47% and is now well over 50%. Also, in the Reagan era the top 0.01 percent took about 1% of income; by 2007 they were taking 6% and rising fast. The amazing thing is that even with copious history to guide them on the likely consequences, these people seem determined to keep taking.
>>>>
>>>>Who exactly are the rich taking income from? I must have missed someone (other than taxes) taking income from me....
>>>
>>>
>>>they're taking it from you Tracey.Thats what capitalism is. Your efforts create wealth . Some people get a much bigger proportion of that wealth than others.
>>
>>What "income" of mine did they take exactly and how did they "take" it from me? You make it sound like they are stealing. No one has "taken" from me anything that I have earned (other than the government in taxes). Stating that my efforts create wealth for others is too obvious. Are you implying that the wealth generated by my efforts should go to the government to be distributed? Are you advocating all be businesses be state-run? I'm sure my "income" would increase were that to happen :o) Because a group of people came up with an idea that was able to generate income and they benefit from it with income after paying for all their expenses to put that idea out there is not "stealing" or taking from their employees who are paid for their services. The only way they could take from me is if they forced me to work for free.
>
>You're taking a narrow literal view of wealth creation (thats fine) But Johns point is valid. The national wealth of the US is being concentrated in a small number of people and the distance between rich and poor is growing. Ultimately that will lead to instablility.
>
>We've had a good example here recently BT (making very good profits) offered staff 2% as a pay rise. At the same time the board allocated themselves £1000000 plus bonuses. result. a ballot for strike action.

I blame our government more for that than the businesses. Our government has made it more lucrative for large businesses to move their operations and jobs out of this country and decreased incentives for small businesses at the same time. The jobs are decreasing because it is financially more lucrative for large businesses to move those jobs elsewhere. The businesses are just making good business decisions. If the government is concerned about the spread of the division between the upper and lower classes, then they can stop making it more desirable for businesses to move those jobs and goods overseas and also make it more possible for small businesses to succeed. They can make better trade agreements too. The majority of jobs in this country are in small businesses now and those are being taxed right out of business.