It's that attitude that is the problem though. Poorer American's generally don't want change to help them because they believe it's only a matter of time until

It's that attitude that is the problem though. Poorer American's generally don't want change to help them because they believe it's only a matter of time until they are 'really winning'. Taking your two points: would a larger house and higher salary make significant improvements to your quality of life or will it provide short term satisfaction of having nicer/bigger/more expensive possessions?