[Jim Noble]

But if the jobs aren't there (due to automation), people must look elsewhere

There is no elsewhere. Five percent (or less) of US factory workers over 40 can do other work.

I would bet the great pct. of the "poor" are mostly minorities.

I wouldn't know. I live in a 99.8% white town in a 98% white county in a 94% white state. Things around here are pretty bad.

I have one son-in-law who came from a lower middle class family. He got into computers and has turned down numerous jobs in that field for better ones

Good for him. Congratulations. What percentage of the white population over age 40 is going to "get into computers"?

People can adapt. They have to

Yes, they can. That's why meth and heroin are surging. Perhaps that's not what you meant, though.

[driftless2]

The meth labs are surging around here, western Wisconsin, as well. And the area unemployment rate is about 4% or less.