Rich Or Poor?

       WOW! There's a really important Op-ed in the New York Times this morning by Mark Bittman titled 'What is the Purpose of Society'. the question is; does society need to work for business and industry or for people? Which is more important, a good business climate or things like universal rights to food, clothing, shelter and healthcare?
       Now some would say the first is what counts most and the second is an example of Socialism. But our country was at it's best in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s when the middle class was at it's strongest. That's when the rich were taxed as much as 90% compared to now when they're taxed much, much lower. We also saw Medicare come into being. Strong financial controls were put in place like the Glass Stiegel act which protected our economy for so many years.
       During that [socialistic time] our economy grew dramatically, and the rich became richer, but the middle class grew much larger and the poor got the help they needed. The GI bill educated millions, lifting them into that middle class.
       In current times where taxes are lower for all, by a wide margin, we constantly hear about paving the way for corporations to be enriched in order to create jobs. But the rich have grown unbelievably richer and the middle class is fast disappearing. And the protection of the financial industries are all but gone, which caused the Great Recession. And it could happen again because of the puny protections that exist at the behest of Corporate America.
       So what's the point of this rant? I think, as does Mr. Bittman, that we, society, need (s) to decide what the end goal should be for America. Should society serve Corporate interests or the interests of the people. If it's Corporate interests, then we're on the road now. If it's the people that society should serve, then we need to make changes. Sooner is better than later.