Letter: Strenghten the middle class

The middle class is a powerful buffer for our society. Over time, through the tax code and government regulations, the rich take from the poor. Later, again by way of the tax code and regulations, the poor take from the rich. It's the back and forth of government and economic power at work.

What prevents these two opposing classes from engaging in widespread civil unrest is a large middle class that acts as a buffer or shock absorber between rich and poor. The middle class moderates the taking.

However, today the middle class is shrinking because of declining incomes, inflation, the outsourcing of jobs, the decline of unions, excessive debt and political gridlock.

It is in the interests of the whole society for political and economic leaders to strengthen the middle class to prevent possible widespread civil unrest.

Robert Anthony

Cedar Rapids