The Good Old Days
Rarely do I eat out, only on occasions-mainly with my sons. It would be fair to say that ninety percent of the time, my appetite gets satisfied by preparing and cooking meals at home.
I live alone and mostly have to prepare the necessary ingredients, and cook for one person, me. This would seem simple and require very little effort. But not really! A good estimate of daily commitment to this chore is approximately 2 to 3 hours. Yes, I do take longer to do things these days but less time would be sacrificing quality and sanitation.
While preparing breakfast this morning of cereal, berries and a slice of wheat toast my thoughts drifted to housekeeping responsibilities thrust upon parents. The thoughts included a comparison of house chores performed by the parents of today with those of long ago.
The only personal reference I had was of course my experiences as a child in a large family that took place in the 1930’s during “The Great Depression”. My Mother was a pure homemaker. Her day was totally dedicated to; feeding us, making sure there was an adequate supply of food for all of us, house cleaning, washing clothes, etc. One would think this would not be so difficult because she had the whole day. On the contrary!
Think of it, as stated earlier, feeding myself is a 2 to 3 hour necessity. Mom had to feed nine daily! This all took place early in the twentieth century prior to the appliances available today. To detail the comparison of today’s home conveniences to those of that era could be the basis of another discussion. Just as an example though; Mom cooked on a “coal burning stove”. Merely to access the coal, ignite, regulate, sustain, and maintain it is thought provoking if not mind boggling!
For the first nine years of my life we did not have running hot water. To this day the absence of a hot water heater in that house remains a mystery. This house and its' environs will be referred to in future discussions as "The Villa". We did have a wonderful furnace that provided good heat in the winter months. All needs for hot water, bathing, cooking, dish washing was achieved via, you guessed it, that coal burning range. Come to think of it even the iron used for pressing clothes required heating on that stove!
Mom baked bread. Store bought bread was a luxury we did not have. In hindsight this was probably a blessing because no other bread could replace Mom’s home baked for taste and nutrition. So perhaps my folks knew this important fact and intentionally shied away from the store bought doughy stuff. Does “Wonder Bread” ring a bell?
During our residence at the “Villa”, we were very fortunate to have a “kiln” in the back of our house. Still fresh in my mind remain vivid impressions of Mom placing the dough on a long handled paddle, placing the dough in the kiln. and retrieving a loaf of freshly baked bread. The breathtaking aroma that accompanied this activity has never been replicated in all my subsequent visits to bakeries.
Of course, washing clothes by hand, except for some delicate fabrics is unheard of today. Monday was designated clothes washing day come rain, snow, or shine. Why that day of the week was preferred I do not know - it just was.
Imagine having to wash clothes with no hot running water. Again, all the water was heated on that reliable coal stove - big pots of it! The water from these huge pots would then be poured into a large galvanized metal tub placed on a not so sturdy bench or stool.
A very indispensable tool required for hand clothes washing was a “scrubbing board”. If you are not familiar with this not so modern convenience of the day, it is merely a panel of corrugated metal that came in varying sizes.Ours was the size of a large cutting board. The trick was to rub the fabric over the rough surface at the risk of bruising one’s knuckles. Not only was this a hazard to hands but shortened the life of each piece of clothing after repeated washes.
At that time, clothes dryers were a figment of some ones imagination, so in the winter the clothes were hung to dry in the house. Figure that one out. Of course in spring and summer, outside drying was welcomed regardless of wind or rain.
Are you tired yet? Man-Oh-Gee we have not even come to cooking, housecleaning, planting tomatoes, or picking berries! That and more will be forthcoming in: "Good Old Days".Soon!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
A VISIT WITH RE-CAPPY I
Re-Cappy was a very delightful weekly experiment. Regretfully it had to end as a weekly offering. This will be a version of RC and from time to time it will appear on this site.
Because news items vanish as quickly as they pop up some of the content may seem stale or possibly of no interest. We are victims of instant information that may or may not be news items. After all it is entertainment and media outlets are only interested in ratings not enlightenment.
Stuff: Let’s play some football. One week away from Super Bowl XVLI and the books in Vegas are playing their ‘money game”. New England favored over the NY Giants anywhere from two and one half to three and one half points This is called the “line” All this means is, if you like the Giants you get those points added to your final score. The books do not care who wins they just care how much money is wagered because they get what is called the juice and for most books it is ten percent of each wager. Oh, I have forgotten! Hope you enjoy the game:-)
My team, yes they still are my team; the Pittsburgh Steelers are going through some major changes. Bruce Arians the offensive coordinator that helped lead them to two Super Bowls was let go. Big Ben is a little peeved about it. Art Rooney II, the owner is getting quite a bit more involved than the Rooney family has in the past. Do not know where all this will lead.
Baseball season almost here. Just seems like yesterday that the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series. Do not know how the loss of Albert Pujols to the Angels will affect them. Being a Card fan of course am optimistic of a repeat.
Odds and Ends: One of my favorite subjects; Starbucks will introduce alcohol (beer and wine) in selected locations in So. California. Beer Latte anyone? Terrible item; leprosy linked to Armadillos. All of a sudden, “going to the dogs” seems very attractive. and please don’t buy your jewelry at a pet shop. The Costa Concordia tragedy continues.What the heck was that Captain and his crew thinking (or....it rhymes)? To date all but thirty three of 3229 passengers and 1023 crew members have been accounted for.The problem now is how to salvage the 500,000 gallons of fuel.In order to fend off lawsuits the firm is offering each passenger $ 14,460 each! What?
Stuff plus: Blue Note. Actor Robert Hegyes (60) who played Juan Epstein, one of the “sweathogs” on that very entertaining sitcom of the 70’s. That is the show that introduced John Travolta to the adoring young ladies of the day. Etta James (73) one of the most prominent singers during the rise of the Rhythm and Blues era. She was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and was the recipient of four Grammy Awards. When she sang you understood the lyrics, something I cannot say for some contemporary vocalists. Once heard that the mark of a good singer was excellent diction. What happened to that criteria? Her rendition of “At Last “is a classic that will be a favorite of any generation.
One of the major news items of the past week was the passing of Penn State legendary football coach, Joe Paterno (85), endearingly called JoePa by all who followed his career. Most of you who are familiar with Re-Cappy are aware of my respect for the man.
The cause of his passing was listed as lung cancer diagnosed as recently as last October. Many, including me, feel he died of a “broken heart”
His passing was the subject of many articles in various publications and on-line. Although I respected the offerings of the authors which were of the highest order commemorating Mr. Paterno’s committed and generous life, there was one thread in most of them that annoyed me. In attempting to make it all complete, in essence they wrote, and I quote; “He was a great man, BUT….” “He was a good man, BUT…..” Why did they ruin their excellent complimentary remarks about him with a suggestion of wrongdoing with the jury still out?
We do not know all the facts and probably never will. Even the man that reported the incident to Joe has revised his recollection of what occurred. Place your self in Mr. Paterno’s shoes. He had worked in the same capacity for 46 years. Can you imagine what was reported to him all those years and how he handled each situation? He was not in a vacuum all that while, then something dire was relayed to him. He did what he normally would do, regardless of the subject; he reported it to his superiors. This all worked in the past and he had faith that his superiors would take care of the matter as they had for 46 years!
It is important to keep in mind some of the information given to Joe in certain circumstances would be merely judgmental or plain hearsay, as was the report concerning Jerry Sandusky. There really was no hard evidence of any kind offered to him, and the accuracy of that is now in question. Mr. Paterno followed procedure, something he may have done many times over the years. He reported it to the next level. It would then be up to those with investigative responsibilities to proceed with any action. That is where the system failed the university, and essentially Joe Paterno.
Thank goodness Phil Knight, co-founder, Chairman of Nike, and close friend of JoePa set it straight in his eulogy at the memorial services. His heartfelt eulogy, one of personal respect and love for Mr. Paterno ended with an indirect assertion and one with which I concur, that the Penn State Board of Trustees acted hastily in JoePa’s discharge. Mr. Knight’s quote; “what ever the details of the investigation are, this much is clear to me: there is a villain in this tragedy that lies in that investigation, not in Joe Paterno’s response to it”. Phil Knight received a very impressive standing ovation from the more than twelve thousand in attendance at the memorial. A very impressive showing of love for a great human being with NO BUTS about it!
Of course as you may have surmised I am somewhat biased in this whole terrible event. I do respect Joe for his lifetime body of work. We have ample evidence of that. Perhaps it is the preponderance of that work that leaves me with a sense of unfairness about it all. With out hearings or the revelation of more facts we are unfortunately left with a judgement situation. The old saying "life isn't fair" seems to fit, doesn't it?
I leave you with this quote: “It is not the number of friends you acquire through life; it is the quality of experiences you enjoy with your friends”. Soon
Re-Cappy was a very delightful weekly experiment. Regretfully it had to end as a weekly offering. This will be a version of RC and from time to time it will appear on this site.
Because news items vanish as quickly as they pop up some of the content may seem stale or possibly of no interest. We are victims of instant information that may or may not be news items. After all it is entertainment and media outlets are only interested in ratings not enlightenment.
Stuff: Let’s play some football. One week away from Super Bowl XVLI and the books in Vegas are playing their ‘money game”. New England favored over the NY Giants anywhere from two and one half to three and one half points This is called the “line” All this means is, if you like the Giants you get those points added to your final score. The books do not care who wins they just care how much money is wagered because they get what is called the juice and for most books it is ten percent of each wager. Oh, I have forgotten! Hope you enjoy the game:-)
My team, yes they still are my team; the Pittsburgh Steelers are going through some major changes. Bruce Arians the offensive coordinator that helped lead them to two Super Bowls was let go. Big Ben is a little peeved about it. Art Rooney II, the owner is getting quite a bit more involved than the Rooney family has in the past. Do not know where all this will lead.
Baseball season almost here. Just seems like yesterday that the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series. Do not know how the loss of Albert Pujols to the Angels will affect them. Being a Card fan of course am optimistic of a repeat.
Odds and Ends: One of my favorite subjects; Starbucks will introduce alcohol (beer and wine) in selected locations in So. California. Beer Latte anyone? Terrible item; leprosy linked to Armadillos. All of a sudden, “going to the dogs” seems very attractive. and please don’t buy your jewelry at a pet shop. The Costa Concordia tragedy continues.What the heck was that Captain and his crew thinking (or....it rhymes)? To date all but thirty three of 3229 passengers and 1023 crew members have been accounted for.The problem now is how to salvage the 500,000 gallons of fuel.In order to fend off lawsuits the firm is offering each passenger $ 14,460 each! What?
Stuff plus: Blue Note. Actor Robert Hegyes (60) who played Juan Epstein, one of the “sweathogs” on that very entertaining sitcom of the 70’s. That is the show that introduced John Travolta to the adoring young ladies of the day. Etta James (73) one of the most prominent singers during the rise of the Rhythm and Blues era. She was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and was the recipient of four Grammy Awards. When she sang you understood the lyrics, something I cannot say for some contemporary vocalists. Once heard that the mark of a good singer was excellent diction. What happened to that criteria? Her rendition of “At Last “is a classic that will be a favorite of any generation.
One of the major news items of the past week was the passing of Penn State legendary football coach, Joe Paterno (85), endearingly called JoePa by all who followed his career. Most of you who are familiar with Re-Cappy are aware of my respect for the man.
The cause of his passing was listed as lung cancer diagnosed as recently as last October. Many, including me, feel he died of a “broken heart”
His passing was the subject of many articles in various publications and on-line. Although I respected the offerings of the authors which were of the highest order commemorating Mr. Paterno’s committed and generous life, there was one thread in most of them that annoyed me. In attempting to make it all complete, in essence they wrote, and I quote; “He was a great man, BUT….” “He was a good man, BUT…..” Why did they ruin their excellent complimentary remarks about him with a suggestion of wrongdoing with the jury still out?
We do not know all the facts and probably never will. Even the man that reported the incident to Joe has revised his recollection of what occurred. Place your self in Mr. Paterno’s shoes. He had worked in the same capacity for 46 years. Can you imagine what was reported to him all those years and how he handled each situation? He was not in a vacuum all that while, then something dire was relayed to him. He did what he normally would do, regardless of the subject; he reported it to his superiors. This all worked in the past and he had faith that his superiors would take care of the matter as they had for 46 years!
It is important to keep in mind some of the information given to Joe in certain circumstances would be merely judgmental or plain hearsay, as was the report concerning Jerry Sandusky. There really was no hard evidence of any kind offered to him, and the accuracy of that is now in question. Mr. Paterno followed procedure, something he may have done many times over the years. He reported it to the next level. It would then be up to those with investigative responsibilities to proceed with any action. That is where the system failed the university, and essentially Joe Paterno.
Thank goodness Phil Knight, co-founder, Chairman of Nike, and close friend of JoePa set it straight in his eulogy at the memorial services. His heartfelt eulogy, one of personal respect and love for Mr. Paterno ended with an indirect assertion and one with which I concur, that the Penn State Board of Trustees acted hastily in JoePa’s discharge. Mr. Knight’s quote; “what ever the details of the investigation are, this much is clear to me: there is a villain in this tragedy that lies in that investigation, not in Joe Paterno’s response to it”. Phil Knight received a very impressive standing ovation from the more than twelve thousand in attendance at the memorial. A very impressive showing of love for a great human being with NO BUTS about it!
Of course as you may have surmised I am somewhat biased in this whole terrible event. I do respect Joe for his lifetime body of work. We have ample evidence of that. Perhaps it is the preponderance of that work that leaves me with a sense of unfairness about it all. With out hearings or the revelation of more facts we are unfortunately left with a judgement situation. The old saying "life isn't fair" seems to fit, doesn't it?
I leave you with this quote: “It is not the number of friends you acquire through life; it is the quality of experiences you enjoy with your friends”. Soon
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
HUMMING A TUNE
I woke up this morning singing the song; “Laura”. You know, “the face in the misty light”. I wasn’t singing it out loud but sort of humming it. Why Laura? I do not know. Love the tune though.
This brought to mind, as you will notice in my scribblings there will be consistent reminders of the phrase; “brought to mind”. Anyway, many years ago someone told me that he never had a song on his mind. He knew no lyrics let alone a melody! How sad. I found this strange, but perhaps I am strange!
I’m a lover of the Great American Song Book. These were tunes penned in the early to mid twentieth century. Most were written for Broadway musicals, and movies. Certainly you are familiar with many of the composers and the songs they wrote.
Among my favorites are Jimmy Van Heusen’s work in collaboration with lyricists Johnny Burke and Sammy Cahn. Together they produced great songs such as; All the Way, Swinging on a Star and Come Fly with Me. Cole Porter definitely is my all time favorite. Why not, he is responsible for; Anything Goes, Just One of Those Things, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Night and Day. I could go on and on. He penned almost one thousand songs. What a prolific talent!
These songs in the pop and jazz worlds normally referred to as “standards” made up the musical repertoire of the big bands of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. They were recorded by the leading singers of the day, such as; Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, etc.
The beboppers (jazz musicians of a wonderful different kind) of that era quickly recognized the intrinsic musical possibilities of the chord changes of these compositions. They would improvise on the chords, and produce a dramatic, profound individual melody unlike the original sound. For example; Charlie Parker's “Ornithology” is based on How High the Moon chords, and Dizzy Gillespie’s Groovin High on “Whispering”
The freedom to explore and improvise was seized upon by all jazz musicians of the day. Many of these tunes became known as jazz standards, Played over and over by jazz influenced artists were tunes such as: Body and Soul, Round Midnight, After You’ve Gone, and Indiana.
Being the romantic led me to the fascination of love lyrics. Are there any other kind? Of course contemporary composers do appeal to the appropriate generation but I am attached to those that wrote the "Great American Songbook. Not only the lyrics but the accompanying musical scores. How can any tender heart not be aroused by Jerome Kern's; "All the Things You Are"? Just a few notes from Charlie Parker's improvisation of Kern's "Things" called; "Bird Of Paradise" should delight many music lovers from any generation.
Many people over the years have told me they like all kind of music.I guess they were informing me that their appreciation of music was more involved and broad in scope in contrast with my concentration on a specific genre. That's fine and understandable. Each decade has produced an identifiable popular musical style. My ears are in tune with those sounds experienced during my most impressionable years, those of my youth. I am certain that is the case with most followers of popular music.
There exists ample evidence; The Great American Songbook has endured the test of time!
By the way, I am not a musician, nor a music critic, just an aficionado. My appreciation and respect for those talents that create wonderful music regardless of genre is boundless!
This started with having a song on my mind. I could never imagine going through life void of the company of a song, as my friend of long ago sadly confessed he was. Here is hoping you are always; “humming a tune”. I know I am, like right now: "All or nothing at all, half a love never appealed to me." Soon!
I woke up this morning singing the song; “Laura”. You know, “the face in the misty light”. I wasn’t singing it out loud but sort of humming it. Why Laura? I do not know. Love the tune though.
This brought to mind, as you will notice in my scribblings there will be consistent reminders of the phrase; “brought to mind”. Anyway, many years ago someone told me that he never had a song on his mind. He knew no lyrics let alone a melody! How sad. I found this strange, but perhaps I am strange!
I’m a lover of the Great American Song Book. These were tunes penned in the early to mid twentieth century. Most were written for Broadway musicals, and movies. Certainly you are familiar with many of the composers and the songs they wrote.
Among my favorites are Jimmy Van Heusen’s work in collaboration with lyricists Johnny Burke and Sammy Cahn. Together they produced great songs such as; All the Way, Swinging on a Star and Come Fly with Me. Cole Porter definitely is my all time favorite. Why not, he is responsible for; Anything Goes, Just One of Those Things, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Night and Day. I could go on and on. He penned almost one thousand songs. What a prolific talent!
These songs in the pop and jazz worlds normally referred to as “standards” made up the musical repertoire of the big bands of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. They were recorded by the leading singers of the day, such as; Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, etc.
The beboppers (jazz musicians of a wonderful different kind) of that era quickly recognized the intrinsic musical possibilities of the chord changes of these compositions. They would improvise on the chords, and produce a dramatic, profound individual melody unlike the original sound. For example; Charlie Parker's “Ornithology” is based on How High the Moon chords, and Dizzy Gillespie’s Groovin High on “Whispering”
The freedom to explore and improvise was seized upon by all jazz musicians of the day. Many of these tunes became known as jazz standards, Played over and over by jazz influenced artists were tunes such as: Body and Soul, Round Midnight, After You’ve Gone, and Indiana.
Being the romantic led me to the fascination of love lyrics. Are there any other kind? Of course contemporary composers do appeal to the appropriate generation but I am attached to those that wrote the "Great American Songbook. Not only the lyrics but the accompanying musical scores. How can any tender heart not be aroused by Jerome Kern's; "All the Things You Are"? Just a few notes from Charlie Parker's improvisation of Kern's "Things" called; "Bird Of Paradise" should delight many music lovers from any generation.
Many people over the years have told me they like all kind of music.I guess they were informing me that their appreciation of music was more involved and broad in scope in contrast with my concentration on a specific genre. That's fine and understandable. Each decade has produced an identifiable popular musical style. My ears are in tune with those sounds experienced during my most impressionable years, those of my youth. I am certain that is the case with most followers of popular music.
There exists ample evidence; The Great American Songbook has endured the test of time!
By the way, I am not a musician, nor a music critic, just an aficionado. My appreciation and respect for those talents that create wonderful music regardless of genre is boundless!
This started with having a song on my mind. I could never imagine going through life void of the company of a song, as my friend of long ago sadly confessed he was. Here is hoping you are always; “humming a tune”. I know I am, like right now: "All or nothing at all, half a love never appealed to me." Soon!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
An Interesting Look Back
The media announcement regarding the increasing growth rate of poverty in America, currently estimated at 45 to 49 million, prompted me to recall an article I scribbled during the disastrous "Hurricane Katrina" event in 2005. The article has been gathering dust in my files for the past six plus years.
I invite you to peruse the following piece titled "Some Thoughts On Katrina and New Orleans", which I wrote during those terrible days. Reading it once again with the knowledge of an increase in poverty of ten million in the last nine years confirmed my deepest concerns. I'm curious as to your thoughts on what was so obvious then and the subsequent perpetuation of; increased poverty, wage stagnation, and the shrinking middle class.
Your comments are appreciated.
September 3, 2005
I invite you to peruse the following piece titled "Some Thoughts On Katrina and New Orleans", which I wrote during those terrible days. Reading it once again with the knowledge of an increase in poverty of ten million in the last nine years confirmed my deepest concerns. I'm curious as to your thoughts on what was so obvious then and the subsequent perpetuation of; increased poverty, wage stagnation, and the shrinking middle class.
Your comments are appreciated.
SOME THOUGHTS ON KATRINA AND NEW ORLEANS
PROLOGUE:
Was the outpouring of support and emotional response for the unfortunate victims of Katrina one of guilt or genuine compassion?
The ugly face of poverty long glossed over by the controlling political, business, and media factions of America has been revealed in a startling manner! “God works in mysterious ways was spectacularly evident the hours and days after the storm. Katrina, most will say was an “act of God”. Accepting this as fact then in reality what manifested following “The Act” indeed displayed His purpose.
RECONSTRUCTION AND EXPLOITATION
Yes, the sounds of Preservation Hall will be heard again, the street musicians and mimes will work the tourists, the trolley will clank its’ way along St. Charles Street, crawfish and Cajun delicacies will be devoured, and Mardi Gras may persist but will all of it be the same? Most likely not!
Engineering designers, architects, ambitious developers, and engaging entrepreneurs will rebuild the city and attempt to sell it as once again being a genuine part of American lore. Of course all the physical parts will be in place. Talented and ingenious workers will put in the replacement parts and restore the cherished landmarks. The “new” New Orleans will be designed and sold to give instant gratification but chances that it will provide lasting impressions are minimal!
How can you rebuild or re- capture the art and character of a city that took a significant period of time to evolve and grow from within? The “old” New Orleans was the result of a unique evolutionary process; a meld of Caribbean, French, Spanish, Anglo and African -American ethnicity. The process was allowed to flow freely and perpetuated by a fascination for life with very little restraint. Its’ woes and travails resulting from wars, corruption and exploitation were fully absorbed into the fabric of society to form a strength and vitality that sustained it for generations and respected throughout the world as a world class city with a flavorful taste of “la dolce vita”.
It would be an insult to the heritage of New Orleans to sell it as a commodity. The Crescent City was all about its’ people. The heart, soul and spirit of its’ inhabitants made New Orleans what it is. It should be revered and looked upon as a shining example of how diverse groups can contribute to a better society when free to do so. No Disneyland make-over can replace what evolved naturally for over two hundred fifty years. Re-build the city but please bar the hucksters and the carpetbaggers.
New Orleans earned its’ place among the world’s most venerable cities not only because it possesses unique cultural characteristics but essentially it maintained an identifiable attitude. However, the last part of the twentieth century was witness to an erosion of the “Big Easy” aura. The city, as the song about another renowned city goes,”was beginning to lose its’ charm” To use a parallel, just as Jazz in its’ evolutionary process had given way to the shallow and commercial forms of American music maybe New Orleans, long a vibrant city was following a similar path to a superficial form of what it once was, Perhaps this in itself was symptomatic of the fragility of its’ infrastructure, economic vulnerabilities and class disintegration.
Nevertheless, Katrina did expose for the world to see; the underbelly of our country on a grand scale, the existence of extreme poverty. The question posed to all, “could this probably be a microcosm of America”? You can be sure that these conditions came as a complete surprise to most Americans and shocked them beyond comprehension. They should not have been!
EPILOGUE
The American people must recognize that the problems we face, in addition to those caused by nature and foreign adversaries come from within. Greed, twisted ideologies, power struggles, arrogance and negligence are thriving in our little world and they affect each and every one of us.
Make no mistake the poverty exposed in Louisiana is not an aberration. These conditions exist in all of our cities large or small regardless of ethnicity.
Our country has remained steadfast for generations because we always had a large and confident middle class. The middle class shoulders the burden of securing the nation. It sustains the economy, ensures the order of society, protects the lower class, supports and empowers the government. This vital position in the hierarchy of societal structure, if maintained, prevents the emergence of a ruling and controlling class that has no constraints.
Amongst all of our checks and balances, the existence of a strong and viable middle class is imperative. To a free and independent people the middle class is of the utmost importance for national survival.
Alas, what has come to pass in recent years is the unfortunate deterioration of this all important segment of our economic existence. This condition is one of the main reasons for the rapidly increasing poverty levels. The process of a vanishing middle class is not a result of a certain set of occurrences that happened naturally. In fact it would be unnatural in a republic such as ours to not have a viable middle class. Perhaps it is one of design?
The gap is ever wider between the haves and have-not and threatens the quality of life for most Americans. The unfortunate victims of Katrina have been living with this fact for a long time and maybe, just maybe, their looks of anguish and voices of despair will awaken us all.
Note: There is no standard definition of “middle class”. According to the U.S. Census Bureau households of annual income between $25,000 and $75,000 occupy the middle half of income/population distribution levels. The year 2004 poverty level was 37million, up from 35.9 million in 2003. 2003 and 2004 experienced a combination of stagnant income and the fact that, while some middle class households moved to upper income groups, a much larger proportion moved down.
September 3, 2005
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