Maduro to rule Venezuela by decree

[KRonn]

Maybe the OP is what America might look like in 50 years time, if the ever growing income/wealth inequality is allowed to spiral on?

Eventually the people will elect a genuine left wing populist, unlike Obama and the then right-wing republicans will have a real reason to squeal like fatted pigs ?

How is the income gap in the UK? I imagine the gap is happening in many Euro nations also, as a poor economy probably hurts middle income workers more but the wealthy have a financial cushion anyway, or have ways to invest and mitigate other losses.

[mongers]

Maybe the OP is what America might look like in 50 years time, if the ever growing income/wealth inequality is allowed to spiral on?

Eventually the people will elect a genuine left wing populist, unlike Obama and the then right-wing republicans will have a real reason to squeal like fatted pigs ?

How is the income gap in the UK? I imagine the gap is happening in many Euro nations also, as a poor economy probably hurts middle income workers more but the wealthy have a financial cushion anyway, or have ways to invest and mitigate other losses.

I don't know in absolute terms compared to the US, I guess not quite as great, but bigger than most European countries. What we do have in common is growing inequality rates.

[KRonn]

I don't know what to do about growing inequality rates. I think one big thing is for a strong economy generating lots of jobs so the middle class can prosper. The wealthy will get wealthier as money and investing creates more wealth. I don't favor the idea I see talked about of taxing more to give to others over having a strong economy that generates jobs and wealth for the average person, at least average and comfortable middle class wealth.

[Sheilbh]

How is the income gap in the UK? I imagine the gap is happening in many Euro nations also, as a poor economy probably hurts middle income workers more but the wealthy have a financial cushion anyway, or have ways to invest and mitigate other losses.

Income inequality's actually been more or less level since the late 80s and dipped recently:

Inequality is now at its lowest level since 1986:


There's a big dip during the Labour government, especially because they did lots that reduced pensioner poverty.

But I'm still not happy because I think a lot of this even for working age people is being done by the benefit system, even for the low-paid in work. Cash benefits represents almost 50% of income for the bottom quintile. To me that seems far too high and we should be looking to reduce it (and the welfare budget for the employed but low paid) and increase wages instead.