In most middle class families both parents are working, sometimes two jobs. However, middle class families are finding it more and more difficult to make ends meet. Health care costs are sky rocketing. Even for people with medical insurance, premiums and co-payments for hospital visits and medications are increasing. Last year, the number one reason for bankruptcy was inability to pay medical bills. Energy prices are also rising as exemplified by the gas prices. College tuition is escalating at a more rapid rate than inflation.

I am an undergraduate student at the University. Both my parents are employed full time and therefore I do not qualify for any financial aid. However, my parents cannot afford to pay for my college expenses. I have just completed one year at the University and already have debt over $30,000.

There is an undeclared war on the middle class. It is not surprising the CNN Money anchor, Lou Dobbs has come out with a book titled “War on the Middle Class: How the Government, Big Business, and Special Interest Groups Are Waging War on the American Dream and How to Fight Back.” Thom Hartmann has also come out with a book called “Screwed: The Undeclared War Against the Middle Class”. What has happened to the American Dream?

Lindsey Crose

Sophomore in LAS