My uncle was one of the top surgeons in the country. He was upper middle class definitely. When he got cancer, his insurance didn’t cover all the treatments he would need and after 5 years he drained his savings on cancer treatments (while still working most of that time) and eventually died because he couldn’t afford the expensive treatments that might have saved him.

If you are upper middle class and you get sick, it will likely bankrupt your family. It’s fucked.

For all of the idiots in the notes ^

Honest to god - even if you make 6 figures a year? you're closer to poverty than true wealth. Check your shit and remember who your real allies and enemies are guys.

A 6 figure income is a lot right?
That’s say: 223,000 dollars a year
Which is 112 dollars an hour.
Most people would consider that upper middle class. That’s enough money to have a nice house, go on fun vacations. That’s slight more than the average doctor makes.

223,000 dollars is what Jeff Bezo makes in a minute

the well-off and the rich are not the same. 

There was a wonderful study done about 15 years ago I think, that shows that people cannot accurately identify their income bracket. Most people who own a home think they are upper middle class when in fact they are closer to the poverty line. Even people living well below poverty often identify as middle class. The wealth gap is even worse now. I wonder if anyone actually knows their financial standing.

This post is from 2020. Things did not improve.

It's funny this crossed my dash again today, because I just saw someone do the math, and it ain't pretty.

The poverty line is being miscalculated based on what things cost in 1963. Cost burdens have shifted so much since then, that the US poverty line isn't really $31k.

It's closer to $140k.

Because of how subsidies fall off (medicare eligibility, childcare subsidies, etc.) being between those numbers can be just as hard as or harder than being on the lower end of it.

I'm saying this as someone from Canada who has had no income for ten years, but nevertheless: you should do the math for wherever you're from, if you can look up things like the local cost of childcare and whatever other metrics are relevant like government programs. You should do that, and you should think about the numbers you come up with, and where you sit in relation to them, and who you're picking on in the upper range. Or, frankly, the middle range where they really are in the same boat as you after all the costs of participation in society.

The point isn't "but they can still afford this thing I can't". The point is ALL OF US SHOULD BE POINTING OUR KNIVES AND FORKS AT THE BILLIONAIRES AND NOT EACH OTHER!

Power is a funny thing.

I want a dachshund or other small dog because it seems like a good middle ground

Sorry for the unsolicited advice, but please do think it over. Dachshunds (and many other small breeds) actually require quite a lot of activity and exercise (mental and physical)*. If those needs aren't met, that can cause so many difficult behavioral problems. They're working dogs, after all: if they aren't given a job, they'll find one themselves (and it'll be likely something very annoying or unpleasant to you)

*yes, it does depend on the individual dog, but the general tendency points to those breeds being high energy

#tons of small breeds were made specifically to hunt small fast animals so like. don't get a small dog thinking it'll be easier#dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers. do you want a dog with the need to hunt badgers or do you want a little dude to hang out with#if it's the latter just get a cat

Also, a lot of people who do like cats want a Maine Coon because they've seen pictures of mine or others', and they're majestic! Huge!! Fluffy!!! Such a good kitty!!!!

Maine Coons are dog-smart, and basically tiny thumbless toddlers who will never grow up. They have long memories, they hold grudges, and they want things the way they want them. What you want is probably not a Maine Coon. I love them, but jumping from "cat" to "Maine Coon" is like jumping from "dog" to "border collie". Don't do that unless you know what you're getting into.

I’ve also seen a TikTok a while back where someone explained the concept of “unicorn dogs”. Some people want a specific breed dog, but then with completely different character than typical for that breed. Like wanting a calm and quiet husky. If you get a dog, look into the personality traits and behaviours that are typical for the breeds you think you’re interested in. Yeah of course every individual animal is different but in some cases you might wanna change your mind.

Ebeneezer in 1742 wakes with a start as for some reason he has put out his guttering candle by slapping atop it ith the palm of his hand. His hand is burned and his nightgown and cap are spattered with hot wax.

Fascinated by the perceived necessity of an Equivalent Exchange

not my best work