Feeling Poorer Indeed (editorial critique)

The Author of the editorial "Feeling Poorer? You have plenty of company", lists some pretty interesting facts about the decrease of income in higher and lower classes.  Infact, people all over the economic ladder have lost some percentage of their income and it is not going unnoticed. The author is not surprised that, as a result of this, political uprisings such as the Tea Party and the Occupy Wall Street protests have happened or happening. The Author seems to be trying to convince people that first of all, this economic problem is real. That is the purpose of all the depressing facts about our decreasing income and increasing poverty rate, which, to the people affected by the economy who are now part of the poverty statistic and even who just lost a little bit of money, makes perfect sense. The author, after bringing home the reality of our stuggling and depleating economy, then aims his or her focus on the governments actions.  The author says that these economic problems can't be fixed, however our government isn't helping their case or making it any better because of the bad public policy. The government in his or her opinion spends money in two different currencies; U.S. Dollars and open-ended promises. For example the governments spending on healthcare went up by 15% bringing the total of federal spending on healthcare and social security up to 45% . In regards to most of this i agree; to me the government doesn't seem to be doing much to solve our economic problems considering we are still in a recession and i myself realize my parents frustration with budget cuts and layoffs at their jobs. As far as what the government spends our taxes on i have no real idea but healthcare seems to be a distraction in the means of the government trying to help stimulate the economy.I also agree with her idea that our economy and culture worships consumerism which often leads to debt rather than saving or investing is a problem. Overall I think the author has a valid point on the economic struggles affect on most of the populations income and what factors it is a result of and has good credibility to his or her facts and opinions listed.