[Opt_Out_Fed_IRS]

This comment is the best summary of the issue.

I'd also 2 other elements.

1) The avg. American is much less arrogant and confident in their capabilities compared to 20 or even 10 years ago . So it's natural that they are coming to terms with the fact that they might have to explore any avenue of possible social ladder climbing. Climbing the social ladder via group association was much more frowned upon 20 or even just 10 years ago. Now people happily strap and go for the ride

2) None of this BS would be happening if the economy was growing at 7% Real GDP on a constant basis. You mentioned Maslow, well America is pretty high on the Maslow pyramid, considering the hedonistic treadmill and the law of diminishing returns you need a 7% YoY just to mantain the level of happiness and satisfaction