It's pretty much agreed that personal debt per capita is the highest it has been since just before the "Great Depression".
Last I looked, the IRS has stated that reported personal income has dropped the last 3 or 4 years.
In terms of real dollars, taxes, etc. the middle class salary peaked around 1972.
If you want more you have to pay me because I need to eat.
Can't speak for the IRS, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows person income did decline during the recession from 2001-2004, but leveled in 2005 and increased in 2006.
In terms of real dollars, taxes, etc. the middle class salary peaked around 1972."
Uh, no. See:
The Average American: 1967 And Today
Some details:
Median Income (Men)*
1975 $33,148
2005 $41,386
Median Income (Women)*
1975 $12,697 (38% of men)
2005 $31.858 (77% of men)
* All figures in 2005 inflation-adjusted dollars. Source: Census Bureau