Untitled

Dan Metzger
West Ohio Interns
June 2010

I'm a white, middle-class, American male.
I have a high school diploma, a bachelor's degree, and a master's degree. People keep ask if I'll get my PhD, which is definitely an option, if I ever want it to be.

I have tons of college debt. Almost 6 figures between my wife and I. It sucks, but we'll pay it off. I have two cars.

I live in a wealthy suburb.
My kids will get a good education.
I've never been pulled over.
I've never been assaulted.
I've never even seen marijuana.

I have power and influence.
It's people like me who are told we have to be the ones to change things.

I can write letters. I can give money.
I can...do stuff.

That's what I'm told. That's not how I feel.
For the first time, I feel like I'm in a
powerless position.

Those below me are angry with me.
Those above me call me a radical activist. When I speak out that's not a...

So I try to please both sides. I work at a soup kitchen and tutor a poor kid.

I laugh with my rich friends as we blow more money on $5 machiattos and biscotti.

And I do this day in and day out.
And I hate it.
Can someone please close the gap in the standard of living so I don't have to feel bad anymore in the middle.