>>I personally think we're headed down the same road as the Roman Empire. The middle class was fleeced until it eventually fragmented. The financial divide between the Patricians and the Plebs became so great, that the >>Patricians could basically subsidize the existence of the Plebs, i.e. a welfare state.
>>Call me crazy, but though the players and technology has changed, I think we just repeat history.
I agree. Much could be said about why, but to confine it to the future of baby boomers -
if you have invested intelligently (whatever that means), the next 20 - 30 years can be very enjoyable. The downside is having a ringside seat to the demise of the US middle class - a generation removed, but which may include your children and grandchildren. I expect to financially help the subsequent Bee generations, even while we (the Baby Boomer generation) still enjoy the perks of retirement - travel, leisure, and freedom from financial worry. I don't think the implosion - the reckoning - will occur until long after I'm gone. We (the Bees) are putting into place now, safeguards that will protect the grandchildren as best we can. Not everyone has that luxury. And it may well not be enough.