On this blog, I discuss important national issues, often concerning economic and fiscal matters.  Recently, I have been discussing why the U.S. is such a strong country.  Fundamentally, we are a constitutional republic with a dynamic free market economy.  We also have favorable circumstances, such as a bicoastal geography and a large population.  We also have a thriving democratic tradition.

But there is more as well.  Today, I discuss our long tradition of upward mobility.  Consider:

• Preparation for economic success. This is available to everyone.  Graduate from high school.  Acquire a useful skill either in a trade or else an academic skill by going to college.  Establish your career path before starting a family.  Be prepared when opportunity knocks!
• The expanding middle class. The middle class is growing steadily (see chart below).  More and more households are moving from the lower-middle class into the core-middle class and then into the upper-middle class.
• The world’s wealthiest people are largely American innovators. They have made the United States by far the wealthiest country in the world. All Americans benefit by living in such a prosperous country.
• The world’s wealthiest companies are mostly American. They are American technology companies. that, again, greatly benefit their home country, where they are located, and find most of their employees.
• The U.S. has dominated in Nobel Prize winners.  Roughly 40% of Nobel Prize winners over the years have been American.

Conclusion.  One reason we are such a strong country is that we have so many (economically and professionally) successful people as well as very large companies.  The great success they have generated benefits all Americans, rich, poor, and middle class, alike. But all Americans can take advantage of the golden opportunities for success this country offers.

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