Frances, 1) the current round of turning the country into an oligarchy started in real earnestness with Reagan and his rich buddies. The Republican party has been dedicated since that time to dismantling the New Deal and the Great Society. They are doing it. Just wait to see what Trump and his paid whores do over the next four years. 2) Gambling isn't necessarily a bad idea. Think about it. If there is no way that saving your disposable income over a lifetime would actually result in sufficient savings to keep you in your old age, you're actually better off spending it on lottery tickets. You actually have a better chance of obtaining financial security than saving. 3) Fast food is now very expensive. I've taken to being careful at McDonald's checking on their deals and meal deals and going for a cheaper McDouble at $2.69 for example rather than a Quarter Pounder at $6.39.

4) You forgot to mention that truly pernicious aspect of American culture and its twisted interpretation of Christianity whereby many people assume that to be poor means that you are disfavored by God and He is punishing you for various reasons and the to be rich is a sign of God's favor. If you haven't read it, you should read 'White Trash: The 400 Year Untold History of Class in America' by Nancy Isenberg.

5) Finally, what do you expect from a political system where the majority of the politicians are actually Middle Class and are essentially there to be bought by the highest bidder?

Oh, and don't forget that the law protects everyone and is equal in its application. As Voltaire said, "The law in its magnanimity forbids the rich as well as the poor to steal bread and to sleep under bridges."