[Outdoorsman]

>What I find more sobering is that the real US median income decreased 6.6% from 2000-2012.<

I think your point is very important...

My take is that this can fundamentally be attributed to our (increasingly full) participation in the "global economy"...

For years jobs have been out-sourced "within" countries by a process of competitive bidding...we Americans have done this for years and consider it fair...we refer to it as a level playing field...

Surprise...the global economy dictates that whoever is willing to do a good job cheaply--provide the same benefit at a reduced cost--has a very realistic shot at eventually filling a position...one way or another...

That's what I find sobering...regardless of your country of origin, or your particular skill set there are now many more just like you--equally qualified--who are willing to provide what you provide at a lower salary...

We're part of a "great leveling"...

[throwaway2048]

tell that to the 0.01% making far more than ever before

[Outdoorsman]

That's one (of many) of the reasons they're making far more...out-sourced labor...