Well, relatively speaking a middle class living is privileged, sure. I wouldn't describe $60k/yr in a country like this as "fabulously wealthy", though, and dou

Well, relatively speaking a middle class living is privileged, sure. I wouldn't describe $60k/yr in a country like this as "fabulously wealthy", though, and doubt even an inhabitant of the Sao Paulo Favelas (whom I had in mind writing the above) would consider it as such. However, we have at least the opportunity to reach for the stars - or to continue in relative middle class comfort. They don't have this and yes, it is unfair. But what can we do? Is not the solution to raise the tide for all, rather than scuttle our own ships? There is no reason our planet, properly ordered, cannot provide all its inhabitants a comfortable, dignified, even prosperous stay. Would that I live to see it happen. Everything good comes from the middle classes. Multiply them and you multiply everything - technology, culture, progress. Expanding the middle class should be the goal of any technocrat with an eye to the future. Helping the poor isn't just altruism, it's self-interest too because while they suffer we cannot conspicuously splash money around on more useful things.