>What I find more sobering is that the real US median income decreased 6.6% from 2000-2012.< I think your point is very important... My take is that this can

>What I find more sobering is that the real US median income decreased 6.6% from 2000-2012.< I think your point is very important... My take is that this can fundamentally be attributed to our (increasingly full) participation in the "global economy"... For years jobs have been out-sourced "within" countries by a process of competitive bidding...we Americans have done this for years and consider it fair...we refer to it as a level playing field... Surprise...the global economy dictates that whoever is willing to do a good job cheaply--provide the same benefit at a reduced cost--has a very realistic shot at eventually filling a position...one way or another... That's what I find sobering...regardless of your country of origin, or your particular skill set there are now many more just like you--equally qualified--who are willing to provide what you provide at a lower salary... We're part of a "great leveling"...