Someone needs to reclaim the middle

The middle in United States politics and the economy is shrinking.

In politics, the two parties are gradually abandoning the center as they get more extreme in policies and ideology. But the center is the location for compromise, for practical and common-sense solutions to important issues and problems. 'My way or the highway” does not work in a democracy.

In the economy, many families are experiencing downward mobility due to job loss, part time work, contract work, soaring medical costs, automation, and the decline of unions. These factors shrink middle class purchasing power, a great consumption engine for the economy historically.

So, on two vital fronts - politics and the economy - there is major dysfunction. Are political and economic leaders willing and able to reclaim and champion the middle?

Robert Anthony

Cedar Rapids