I consider myself to be a working class person; not really middle class but have been working in non profits, arts and administrative jobs all my life. I have made a living but never a 'comfortable' livelihood. When I travel I am usually taking a weekend to the next state, I don't have cable tv, Ipods and Iphones, or even a home. I own three guitars, but certainly not 'room's of guitars as many of musical acquaintences do. (And in fact, I don't usually mention my personal finances to most people, as it is considered to be a 'personal failing' by many I meet.)

I just came from a book discussion group I've attended for several months and realized how much I am in the minority- these people, all in 50's and 60's have travelled round the world, own more than one home, have amassed jewelry, sports equipment and indulgences in amounts I could never afford.

So for all the talk about a dwindling middle class, I ask, aren't most people in the U.S., and perhaps a majority in countries like Canada, Australia and many in Europe- middle class? It seems that very few people I meet are really struggling these days, even though that's all you hear about on the news.