I think the article should have compared the US with the Australian middle class, as it would be more relatable to Americans. Australia has the lowest tax burde

I think the article should have compared the US with the Australian middle class, as it would be more relatable to Americans. Australia has the lowest tax burden amongst developed countries, a fair, means-tested welfare system that targets those who actually need it, and a highly innovative, effective government that remains smaller than the US government. Australia strikes a good balance between capitalism and social welfare, IMO. Link to sources below[1]. And Americans, especially if they live in the northeast or California, pay very high income taxes, and get almost nothing in return compared to other developed nations. We have to pay high university tuition in cash, and don't get healthcare, either. So keep in mind while an American will use that after-tax income to pay back student loans and purchase expensive health insurance (self-employed, anyone?), the Australians and Europeans et al aren't. [1] How Australia's Low Tax Egalitarianism Confounds the World : http://www.cis.org.au/images/stories/policy-magazine/2010-summer/26-4-10-david-alexander.pdf http://www.cis.org.au/images/stories/policy-magazine/2010-su...