78-02-B6
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Pity the Middle Class[edit]
Transcript[edit]The greatest fear in a man's life is to be poor. It is about the worst thing that could happen. But gradually that's changing. Nowadays, you can get subsidized housing, health and dental care, university scholarships and other welfare benefits, provided you're poor enough. All you need to enjoy many of the advantages of life is proof that you are disadvantaged. Nobody can complain about that. It's human and kind. However, society has now created another problem group. That's the middle class. Nobody wants to be middle class anymore because the middle class has an awkward amount of money--too much to be eligible to live as well as the poor, too little to live as well as rich. Instead of living downtown (like the rich and the poor) the middle class guy has to buy a lot 35 miles from town because that's all he can afford. Then he spends the rest of his life trying to pay his bills, educate the kids and meet the mortgage because nobody will help him out. If poverty gets any more attractive, the following conversation may soon be commonplace at the office: "Mr. Goodie, I wonder if I could speak to you a minute?" "What is it, Smedley, I'm busy." "It's about my salary, Mr. Goodie. I wonder if you could give me a decrease?" "You had a decrease less than a year ago, Smedley." "I know, sir, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important, but I sure could use less money." "What size decrease did you have in mind?" "I was hoping for a $25 cut in salary." "Twenty-five dollars! That's a big slide, Smedley. What have you done to merit it?" "I've worked for the company 23 years, Mr. Goodie. And I've never let you down. My work has always been up to standard." "I realize that, Smedley. But $25. Wouldn't you be satisfied with a $15 cut? We have a budget right now. We're already below last year's salary figures." "Mr. Goodie, a $15 cutback is better than none, but my wife and I had our hearts set on a $25 decrease." "How about $20?" "If I made $25 less, we'd be eligible for an apartment in the city's new development, the one downtown with a pool, sauna and tennis court. Besides, my son would qualify for a government scholarship and we would get his teeth fixed at government expense." "You drive a hard bargain, Smedley. OK, you get a $25 decrease on this condition. If your work slips, you'll get a $10 raise, no questions asked." "Bless you, Mr. Goodie." "And Smedley, will you invite me over for tennis and a swim some night when you get into your new place?" "Certainly, sir. I believe the poor should share with the less fortunate." This is Ronald Reagan. Thanks for listening. |
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