^
Wow... this can really start an economics debate.... which in turn would lead into a government tax collecting and government spending (wasting) debate.
Over here in Oz we know all to well about Government mismanagement of funds, overtaxing, the selling off of our country's assets, and the endless list goes on.
This isn't just an Oz government issue as you all know.
If we work, we should be able to live comfortably, in some places it will be easier than others.
Starting off in life we don't expect to earn $100,000 a yr, but as we work smarter or harder (as per individual), we earn more, and live more comfortably.
When times are tough, you do what you can, and when times get better, you do what you can.
When I left school, and started my first apprenticeship for $150 wk for my first year, as much as it sucked, it made every year after that seem like I was rich.
The cost of living has also gone up not only due to essentials, but also to do with wants and needs.
Gone are the days of spending no money to entertain ourselves.... for instance, kids now with their PS3's, iPods, iPhones, big screen TVs, etc
Sheesh.... I could just keep going so I'll just stop my rant there