4 hours ago, Dan O said:

Now explain the rest of the story of his destruction of the separation of power,

You have not been paying attention.  This trend has been happening for decades or longer. 

 

Here is an article from 1986 on this topic. 

 

https://repository.law.umich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2969&context=mlr

 

Here is a 2015 paper on the rise and fall of the separation of powers. 

 

https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1115&context=nulr

Warren Buffy have something to say about it

 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1581258939545728/?fs=e&fs=e

 

 

3 hours ago, motdaeng said:

please correct me if i’m wrong, but it seems that a very large portion of americans struggle not only to get by financially ... many have no health insurance, no savings, limited general knowledge, and live unhealthy with high rates of obesity ...

 

what is the reason for this situation (so many us-people couldn't make it to have a decent life), which i have not seen to this extent in other developing countries?

 

 

 

Do you live there ?

 

You don't need health ins to get good healthcare, if you can't afford it.   You can even get free housing & food.

 

Live with your choices.  I don't know of anyone, that fits your description of that large portion of Americans struggling.  Only read about it here on AN.

 

My friends and family, travel the world, go to concerts, I wouldn't even pay those silly prices to attend.   Have season tickets to Flyers, Phillies & Eagles.  Pop down to the NJ shore when the mood hits her.

 

Another buddy got done rehabbing another house in Corpus Christi TX, though selling this one instead of renting, as they doubled his RE tax with new assessment.   He's retired, with company pension & Soc Sec, but still enjoys staying busy.   Doesn't need the money, and will probably liquidate soon and possibly come to TH or PI.

 

Alll my 'peers', family & friends kids are doing great, owning property, cars, and raising kids.

2 hours ago, KhunLA said:

 

Do you live there ?

 

You don't need health ins to get good healthcare, if you can't afford it.   You can even get free housing & food.

 

Live with your choices.  I don't know of anyone, that fits your description of that large portion of Americans struggling.  Only read about it here on AN.

 

My friends and family, travel the world, go to concerts, I wouldn't even pay those silly prices to attend.   Have season tickets to Flyers, Phillies & Eagles.  Pop down to the NJ shore when the mood hits her.

 

Another buddy got done rehabbing another house in Corpus Christi TX, though selling this one instead of renting, as they doubled his RE tax with new assessment.   He's retired, with company pension & Soc Sec, but still enjoys staying busy.   Doesn't need the money, and will probably liquidate soon and possibly come to TH or PI.

 

Alll my 'peers', family & friends kids are doing great, owning property, cars, and raising kids.

 

 

.

 

2 hours ago, KhunLA said:

 

Do you live there ?

 

You don't need health ins to get good healthcare, if you can't afford it.   You can even get free housing & food.

 

Live with your choices.  I don't know of anyone, that fits your description of that large portion of Americans struggling.  Only read about it here on AN.

 

My friends and family, travel the world, go to concerts, I wouldn't even pay those silly prices to attend.   Have season tickets to Flyers, Phillies & Eagles.  Pop down to the NJ shore when the mood hits her.

 

Another buddy got done rehabbing another house in Corpus Christi TX, though selling this one instead of renting, as they doubled his RE tax with new assessment.   He's retired, with company pension & Soc Sec, but still enjoys staying busy.   Doesn't need the money, and will probably liquidate soon and possibly come to TH or PI.

 

Alll my 'peers', family & friends kids are doing great, owning property, cars, and raising kids.

 

The major question is, is the middle class growing or shrinking ? That is the most important parameter to measure a country’s healt. In USA and Europe the last ? Let’s see

 

The 

Western middle class has been shrinking for about the last five decades, a gradual decline starting around the early 1970s, with significant drops in the U.S. and other Western nations as more people moved into higher or lower income brackets, rather than just stagnating, though income growth for many slowed, notes Pew Research Center. This trend involves a smaller percentage of the population holding middle-class incomes, even as absolute incomes rise, pointing to widening inequality and shifts in job markets. 

8 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Trump is awesome. 3 more years.

So you approve of all his unlawful behavior and actions and think its appropriate? Got it

8 hours ago, TedG said:

You have not been paying attention.  This trend has been happening for decades or longer. 

 

Here is an article from 1986 on this topic. 

 

https://repository.law.umich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2969&context=mlr

 

Here is a 2015 paper on the rise and fall of the separation of powers. 

 

https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1115&context=nulr

I asked you about trump and his actions. Not a hard question but for you its just deflection since you cant answer the question

7 hours ago, Hummin said:

Warren Buffy have something to say about it

 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1581258939545728/?fs=e&fs=e

 

 

The Vampire Slayer?

7 hours ago, KhunLA said:

I don't know of anyone, that fits your description of that large portion of Americans struggling.  Only read about it here on AN.

 

the number of struggling americans looks even worse than i thought ... 

 

AI Overview

A significant portion of Americans struggle financially, with studies from late 2024/2025 showing over half (around 52%) can't cover monthly expenses, 67% live paycheck-to-paycheck, nearly 40% say expenses exceed income, and around 3 in 10 feel "just getting by" or "finding it difficult," while 77% don't feel financially stable, highlighting widespread challenges with affordability, savings, and debt. 

Key Statistics:
- Monthly Expenses: 52% of U.S. adults struggle to cover basic monthly costs like housing, healthcare, and food, notes the Urban Institute.
- Paycheck-to-Paycheck: A PNC Bank report found 67% of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck, an increase from the prior year.
- Income vs. Expenses: Nearly 40% of adults report monthly expenses exceeding their income, with 3 in 10 saying they're "just getting by" or "struggling," according    to Federal Reserve and USAFacts data.
- Financial Stability: A Bankrate survey revealed 77% of Americans don't feel financially stable, an increase from previous years.
- Specific Difficulties: Nearly half of renters (48%) and a third of homeowners (33%) had trouble paying housing costs, and 43% struggle with bills, reports Ramsey

52 minutes ago, motdaeng said:

 

the number of struggling americans looks even worse than i thought ... 

 

AI Overview

A significant portion of Americans struggle financially, with studies from late 2024/2025 showing over half (around 52%) can't cover monthly expenses, 67% live paycheck-to-paycheck, nearly 40% say expenses exceed income, and around 3 in 10 feel "just getting by" or "finding it difficult," while 77% don't feel financially stable, highlighting widespread challenges with affordability, savings, and debt. 

Key Statistics:
- Monthly Expenses: 52% of U.S. adults struggle to cover basic monthly costs like housing, healthcare, and food, notes the Urban Institute.
- Paycheck-to-Paycheck: A PNC Bank report found 67% of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck, an increase from the prior year.
- Income vs. Expenses: Nearly 40% of adults report monthly expenses exceeding their income, with 3 in 10 saying they're "just getting by" or "struggling," according    to Federal Reserve and USAFacts data.
- Financial Stability: A Bankrate survey revealed 77% of Americans don't feel financially stable, an increase from previous years.
- Specific Difficulties: Nearly half of renters (48%) and a third of homeowners (33%) had trouble paying housing costs, and 43% struggle with bills, reports Ramsey

And yet ... guess it depends who you ask and how you ask the question ...

 

4 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

And yet ... guess it depends who you ask and how you ask the question ...

 

 

Are you sure this doesn't belong in that other thread of you?

 

 

USA is in the age of GOLDEN SHOWERS

1 minute ago, KhunLA said:

And yet ... guess it depends who you ask and how you ask the question ...

 

 

confidence has never been america’s problem, but that confidence does not reflect the real number of people struggling fincially in the usa ...

 

please don’t try to “trump” me, because it won’t work on me ... 

Absolutely not. The quality of life there continues to decline, things are getting more expensive by the day, wages are not keeping up, kids graduating from college are having a hard time getting a good job, health care costs are out of control, tariffs are causing huge damage to the economy, labor costs are insane, yet the average worker is not being paid enough, job losses are mounting, people are staying at their jobs longer due to fear of never working again, people are bitter and miserable, and homelessness is exploding. 

 

Only a multi billionaire who is completely out of touch and living in an alternate universe would even dream up such a blatant lie. It is an insult to the average American. 

 

Sure, if you are grifting, like Don, and making billions, and not being held accountable, things are golden. Otherwise? 

 

 

4 minutes ago, Celsius said:

USA is in the age of GOLDEN SHOWERS

And the nation is being urinated upon by MAGA. 

13 minutes ago, motdaeng said:

 

confidence has never been america’s problem, but that confidence does not reflect the real number of people struggling fincially in the usa ...

 

please don’t try to “trump” me, because it won’t work on me ... 

 

20 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

 

 

 

I don't think they'd feel confident if they couldn't meet the monthly expenses.

 

 

It is a rather joyless place. It is all about the money. It is a great spot if you want everyone 10 years younger than you, referring to you as sir. All my single friends here are struggling to find a date. It is a great place if you like women who are more masculine than you are, and find it very difficult to manifest the dignity within femininity. 

 

It is very expensive now. A friend who has a place in both Monaco and London said on his recent visit to LA, that it was more expensive than either of those spots now. Don't consider moving to America unless money and value are not an object. And don't even get me started about labor costs here.

 

The US is not a reliable ally, friend, or partner, and seems to take it's alliances for granted in it's Trump version of never ending arrogance and it's ridiculously silly version of American exceptionalism. 

The only exceptional aspect of America is the size of its economy and the size of its defense budget, other than that the quality of life in America has been declining for three decades, and it remains a ridiculously expensive place to live, with a fairly low quality of living and a huge percent of disenchanted and relatively joyless souls. No thanks.

8 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

 

Sure, if you are grifting, like Don, and making billions, and not being held accountable, things are golden. Otherwise? 

 

I wasn't grifting, not a billionaire or millionaire, and I could return and live there on my 'fixed income' with no problem.   Not as fun as living in TH, but I certainly wouldn't be struggling.

 

Do any of the people replying, actually live there ?

6 hours ago, Hummin said:

 

The major question is, is the middle class growing or shrinking ? That is the most important parameter to measure a country’s healt. In USA and Europe the last ? Let’s see

 

 

The 

Western middle class has been shrinking for about the last five decades, a gradual decline starting around the early 1970s, with significant drops in the U.S. and other Western nations as more people moved into higher or lower income brackets, rather than just stagnating, though income growth for many slowed, notes Pew Research Center. This trend involves a smaller percentage of the population holding middle-class incomes, even as absolute incomes rise, pointing to widening inequality and shifts in job markets. 

Correct. The wealth is held by the top 10%. The next 20% are living fairly well, as most own their homes and don't have that much debt. The bottom 70% are struggling mightily. Life in the US is declining by almost every metric. $2000 a month per couple for health insurance? $2200 for a one bedroom apartment in many big cities? $50-90 an hour for simple repairs, house painting, etc? Everything in the US is out of control and broken. A golden age? A golden shower for the masses is more like it. 

 

It is a golden age, or a gilded age for the grifters and the super rich. That is a certainty. 

5 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

I don't think they'd feel confident if they couldn't meet the monthly expenses.

 

… for many years i’ve been telling my thai wife that americans and thais have a lot in common. your post confirms this once again ... 

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

 

I wasn't grifting, not a billionaire or millionaire, and I could return and live there on my 'fixed income' with no problem.   Not as fun as living in TH, but I certainly wouldn't be struggling.

 

Do any of the people replying, actually live there ?

I spend time there. I go back two to three times a year. And I can say inflation is out of control and most of the people I know are complaining about skyrocketing prices, despite the government fiction about inflation. The US is a broken nation, and the land of broken dreams. 

8 hours ago, KhunLA said:

 

Do you live there ?

 

You don't need health ins to get good healthcare, if you can't afford it.   You can even get free housing & food.

 

Live with your choices.  I don't know of anyone, that fits your description of that large portion of Americans struggling.  Only read about it here on AN.

 

My friends and family, travel the world, go to concerts, I wouldn't even pay those silly prices to attend.   Have season tickets to Flyers, Phillies & Eagles.  Pop down to the NJ shore when the mood hits her.

 

Another buddy got done rehabbing another house in Corpus Christi TX, though selling this one instead of renting, as they doubled his RE tax with new assessment.   He's retired, with company pension & Soc Sec, but still enjoys staying busy.   Doesn't need the money, and will probably liquidate soon and possibly come to TH or PI.

 

Alll my 'peers', family & friends kids are doing great, owning property, cars, and raising kids.

Your friends are all in the top 20%. They do not reflect the American reality. 

Just now, motdaeng said:

 

… for many years i’ve been telling my thai wife that americans and thais have a lot in common. your post confirms this once again ... 

 

Your survey doesn't state who, where, and how the questions were asked.  Maybe at a DNC event, or unemployment or welfare office.   Some anti Trump site.  So meaningless.

 

I'd like to hear from people I know, and live there.   As I stated, those folks are doing just fine.    That I could return and live on my pittance of a fixed income, is also a bit telling.   

14 hours ago, Hummin said:

Coca Cola was an image of the American dream people associated themselves with when using or consuming their products. 

And that is so typical of America and the illusion. Junk sugar water represents a dream. 

17 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

The quality of life there continues to decline

No, it’s not.  You whiny lefties see doom behind every corner. 

3 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Your friends are all in the top 20%. They do not reflect the American reality. 

Are your friends in the bottom 20%?

13 hours ago, candide said:

Lol! It's from Bessent! The voice of his master! 🤣

 

Come back when you have a reliable source to show! 🤣

Bessent sold his soul when he joined the band of clowns. He has not said one true thing since. He is an empty suit. 

15 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Correct. The wealth is held by the top 10%. The next 20% are living fairly well, as most own their homes and don't have that much debt. The bottom 70% are struggling mightily. Life in the US is declining by almost every metric. $2000 a month per couple for health insurance? $2200 for a one bedroom apartment in many big cities? $50-90 an hour for simple repairs, house painting, etc? Everything in the US is out of control and broken. A golden age? A golden shower for the masses is more like it. 

 

It is a golden age, or a gilded age for the grifters and the super rich. That is a certainty. 

Name a big Western city with cheap rent and low prices. 

3 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

 

Your survey doesn't state who, where, and how the questions were asked.  Maybe at a DNC event, or unemployment or welfare office.   Some anti Trump site.  So meaningless.

 

I'd like to hear from people I know, and live there.   As I stated, those folks are doing just fine.    That I could return and live on my pittance of a fixed income, is also a bit telling.   

Anytime the lefties are out of power, the world is ending. 

13 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Land of Opportunity.   

 

Was when I lived there, and still is.  Know many quite enjoying life there, folks of all ages.   Personal experience, and 1st hand experience from folks I personally know.

 

Lived there 45 yrs, so I know what I'm talking about, unlike many AN posters.  Had 4 successful 'businesses', money making endeavors.  Even played employee at one company for 13+ yrs, and tolerable.

 

Worked at 2 other, well paying companies, straight out of High School, which either, could have been careers if I stuck with them.

 

If you can't make it in the USA, you'd probably struggle in every other country.  Unless you are happy to live in a 'socialist' country, with huge safety nets, coming with huge income taxes.   Living at a level they allow, doesn't appear to take much effort, or the impression I get anyway.

 

USA, you can excel, and there is no limit to what you can achieve, only you  

That used to be the case. To state something like that you must be out of touch. Obviously you have alot of affluent friends that are doing well. Good on them. But, that is just not the reality for 70-80% of the population right now. You are describing the America that once was, no longer is, and never will be again.