" My parents wouldn't make it today -- not without an education, not without family to help them. And that's the big difference between then and now. Then you could work hard and work your way up. Now, you can work hard your whole life and never get ahead."
I wonder if the author has thought about some other differences between her parent's and todays young couples trying to get ahead. I bet that her parents
a. Never bought anything on credit and if they did have an account with local merchants and the bill was paid weekly. And by local merchants I mean the grocer, butcher, hardware store and other necessary purchases not the big screen TV market.
b. Only went out to eat once every 6 months if that. If they did go it was to the local Italian or other mom and pop restaurant where a home style meal was enjoyed not a $50.00 a person nouvelle cusine travesty.
c. Went and bought new things without a second thought. They most likely darned socks, restiched hems, saved buttons, saved screws, nails, bolts, repaired, reused and refitted. Their favorite label for kid's clothing was
" HANDMEDOWN "
People can still work hard and get ahead, it happens every day in this Country. What is lacking is the self discipline that makes it possible. It is not the Government job to make sure you have the maturity and foresight to handle your finances. It sure as hell can not handle its own.
That being said, I despise conspicous consumption as much as I despise class envy politicians, such as two people living in a 5000 square house, etc. Also, rich building tastless houses that don't fit in the community, such as a "castle motif" mansion in a rustic neighborhood os modest country style homes, etc. Just goes to show that wealth cannot buy good taste.
Flame away if you like.
b. $50! Where do you live? Here in Cleveland to eat in a really upscale restaurant it would cost you way more than that for 2 people - about double, if you don't have alcohol.