Take a Deeper (and possibly Funnier) look at the Decline of the Middle Class

We feel like we just skimmed the surface of the 'whys and wherefores' of the Decline of the Middle Class at our August 26th meeting, and had an especially lively discussion, so by popular demand, we are giving ourselves another opportunity to delve deeper into this important topic. If you are wondering what book(s) to read, see the list of books described on the description of our August 26th meeting. Even if a particular book was discussed at our first meeting on the topic, and you read and discuss the same book at the second meeting, your perspective on the book is valued and wanted! In addition, we can suggest the following books that members brought with them to the August 26th meeting:

Death of the Liberal Class by Chris Hedges

Pity the Billionaire by Thomas Frank

Twilight of the Elites: America After Meritocracy by Christopher Hayes

The Price of Inequality by J. Stiglitz

The Party is Over by Mike Lofgren

Members are also suggested to mine other material, such as editorials in fine newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal for ideas to share. There are also tangential books, such as Before the Storm, by Rick Perlsteim, which is on the topic of the rise of Republicans in the 1960's. If you want further ideas, or wonder what is available for free at your local library, the librarian at said institution can provide you further ideas.

The meeting crosses the dinner hour, so please bring a main dish, side dish, dessert, flower arrangement (centerpiece adds to the ambiance!), or drink to share with the others. The meeting will occur at a private residence near the intersection of the 55, 73, and 405 freeways in Newport Beach. I'll send the address and a phone number twice in the week before the event to people who RSVP 'yes'.