[K0SM0S]

The facts are piling up to support this view. However I don't see it as mere regression, insofar as time doesn't flow backwards, and it is still quite unfair to developing countries to say their condition is 'as good' as that of even lower-class US citizens.

It looks more to me, as I had somewhat theorized a decade ago, as the emergence of a 'new medieval age' politically and economically. The US being one of the most advanced countries on earth, it seems quite logical that they would pave the way forward towards new social orders in this century. Sadly not a desirable change, but history is made of ups and downs in quality of life.

[meric]

Middle class people in developing countries, e.g. Small business owners, have much better quality of life than the lower class US. Much more likely to have emotional healthy families, low cost of living allow high rate of savings, can afford electronics and broadband internet, support family of 3-5 kids with good enough tertiary education, and maybe even a car. Compare that to some of the places in the US riddled with drug addictions...