Wealth Distribution and Life Expectancy in America
Over the past several decades, the distribution of wealth in the United States has shifted significantly, with a growing concentration among the wealthiest individuals. At the same time, life expectancy has evolved, often reflecting these economic changes. we examine the relationship between wealth distribution and life expectancy trends, economic inequality has contributed to disparities in health and longevity of Americans.
The Wealth Disparity Between Congress and Everyday Americans (1984–2024)
Overview of rising wealth disparity between U.S. Congress members and average American households.
How stock ownership, real estate, and policy influence contribute to the growing gap.
Key takeaway: Congress has become significantly wealthier compared to the general population.
Congressional Wealth Growth vs. Household Wealth Growth
1984: The median net worth of a Congress member was $300,000, while the median U.S. household was $80,000.
2024: Congress members now have a median net worth of $1.5 million, while households have only reached $121,000.
12x Disparity: Congress members were 3.75x wealthier in 1984, but now they are over 12x wealthier.
Factors Contributing to Congressional Wealth Growth
The Economic and Social Consequences of Cutting Social Security and Medicaid
Social Security and Medicaid are two of the most significant social safety net programs in the United States. Social Security provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to millions, while Medicaid ensures healthcare access for low-income individuals, seniors, and disabled persons. The recent cuts to Medicaid and the looming threat to Social Security raise serious concerns about their impact on individuals, families, and the broader economy.
The State of Retirement Security in the U.S.
Retirement in America is already highly income-dependent, with access to savings and pension plans largely determined by job type and salary. 401(k) Access by Education and Income Level Overall, about 57% of Americans have a 401(k) or similar retirement plan through their employer. Only 30-40% of workers without a college degree have a 401(k), compared to 65-75% of college graduates. Many low-income and hourly workers do not have access to retirement savings plans, making them more reliant on Social Security.
The Silent Sale of American Citizenship
A Two-Tiered System
Right now, the U.S. still technically recognizes birthright citizenship, guaranteed under the 14th Amendment, but at the same time, it has created a backdoor system where wealth determines access. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is the clearest example: A foreign investor can get a green card—and eventually citizenship—by investing $800,000 to $1.05 million in a U.S. business that creates jobs. With legal fees, administrative costs, and other expenses, the actual cost is often several million dollars.
These visas are disproportionately granted to the ultra-wealthy, while working-class immigrants face years (or decades) of bureaucratic hurdles. This isn't just about investor visas. More and more, the U.S. is shifting toward a model where legal status is tied to financial privilege. Wealthy individuals from abroad can buy their way in, while millions of immigrants who have lived, worked, and paid taxes in the U.S. for years remain stuck in legal limbo.
Wealth Inequality, Illicit Drug Use, and the Potential Impact of Federal Budget Cuts on Drug Enforcement
This report examines the intersection of wealth inequality and illicit drug use in the United States, the potential consequences of massive federal budget cuts to drug enforcement agencies, and the hypothetical scenario of a cryptocurrency-based online drug marketplace disrupting traditional law enforcement and drug distribution.
The Interplay of Labor Productivity, Wealth Disparity, and Immigration in the United States
The economic landscape of the United States has been shaped by complex dynamics involving labor productivity, wealth disparity, immigration, and executive compensation. Understanding the interplay between these elements is essential for crafting policies that foster equitable economic growth. This paper explores the historical trends and relationships among labor productivity, income inequality, immigration, and CEO pay, analyzing their combined impact on the U.S. economy.
Labor Productivity and Wealth Disparity:
From the post-World War II era through the early 1970s, labor productivity and worker compensation in the United States grew in tandem. This period saw substantial economic growth, with the benefits widely shared among workers. However, starting around 1973, a notable divergence emerged: while productivity continued to rise, median worker compensation stagnated. Between 1973 and 2016, productivity increased by approximately 75%, whereas median hourly compensation rose by only 11%.
Report on Rural Land Ownership, Economic Disparities, and Foreign Influence
The issue of rural land ownership in the United States is becoming increasingly complex, shaped by a combination of foreign investment restrictions, economic pressures on small farmers, and growing wealth disparities. Recent legislative efforts have sought to curb foreign ownership of U.S. land, but loopholes such as citizenship-by-investment programs and corporate acquisitions continue to allow external influence. At the same time, economic hardship and rural income disparities are forcing small farmers to sell their land, often to large agribusinesses, investors, and foreign-controlled entities operating through domestic fronts. This report explores the intersection of these issues and their broader implications for economic stability, food security, and national policy.
Foreign Land Ownership Restrictions and Their Limitations
Between January 2023 and July 2024, at least 22 U.S. states enacted laws restricting foreign ownership of land, particularly targeting buyers from adversarial nations such as China. These states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, tend to lean Republican, suggesting that national security and economic protectionism are key motivations behind these policies. However, the effectiveness of these restrictions is questionable due to several loopholes:
A Socioeconomic Evolution (1980–2023), The American Family
Since 1980, the American family has undergone significant transformations influenced by shifting social norms, economic pressures, and evolving cultural values. This report examines the trends in family size, household income, wealth disparity, and divorce rates over the past four decades, highlighting how these elements interconnect and shape the American family structure.
Family Size and Household Composition In 1980, the average American family consisted of approximately 3.29 persons. Over the decades, this number gradually declined, reaching 3.15 people in 2023. Factors contributing to this trend include:
Lower birth rates: Fewer children per family have led to smaller households.
Rise in single-person households: More individuals are choosing to live alone.
Increase in multigenerational households: By 2016, 20% of Americans lived in multigenerational homes, up from 12% in 1980, slightly reversing the decline in average household size.
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