Quote:
Originally posted by wonderwench
Take a look at the two pie charts reflecting expenditures for the Median American Family for 1958 and 1998. With technological and process advancements, the ratios of income spent on food declined from 21.4% in 1958 to 8.9% in 1998.
http://www.taxfoundation.org/prmedianfamily.html
The total tax burden increased from 17.9% in 1958 to 39% in 1998. The only other categories which show an increase are recreation and medical expenses (and other).
I would hazard a guess that the increase in recreation expenses is due to the numerous options currently available and that those of medical care and taxes reflect the inefficiencies and interference of government regulation and scope.
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So we are in agreement that the tax burden has been shifted onto the backs of the middle class. I've been saying that since this thread started.
These stats are representative of the "median" household, and do not apply to impoverished households. You aren't suggesting that there are 4 million Americans who go hungry because they spend too much money on recreation are you?