Reply #15: Yes, I do...

[ljm2002]

...first, because it appeals to a broad segment of the population, since most of us consider ourselves to be part of it. Second, because only the Democrats are raising issues of interest to the middle class, therefore only the Democrats are trying to get these votes. Third, because a strong middle class is what gave us a stable society in which more and more children could be well fed and have access to good education.

The middle class is probably the one thing that really differentiated the US from other countries. It's what made us such a beacon of vitality, of that old "can-do" attitude. Because with a strong middle class, it really was possible for individuals to become whatever they wanted to become.

I am aware that the middle class may also be a source of smugness, of the mentality of the bourgeoisie -- and certainly, the Republics have been successful in appealing to the less attractive aspects of middle class mentality.

But let's face it. While you and I may notice that "class" is not an accepted distinction in our political discourse, and yet the term "middle class" is bandied about without any recognition that a "middle class" implies both higher and lower classes -- the population at large simply recognizes it as an accepted term for the great swath of society that gets along just fine, pays the bills, works the job and takes a summer vacation or two.

So yes, I am perfectly happy to have politicians who represent me use the term and stress it when they are appealing to the electorate.