The System Is Rigged: Why the Middle Class Is Losing the Economic War

For decades, American workers have been promised that a free-market economy would reward hard work, however reality has been quite different. While the ultra-wealthy and large corporations have seen record-breaking gains, wages for the average American have stagnated. The widening gap between the rich and the working class is not an accident—it’s the result of deliberate policy choices, including the weakening of antitrust enforcement. This shift has allowed monopolies to dominate markets, crush competition, and funnel wealth to the top, leaving low- and middle-class Americans struggling. This is a competition between the wealthy and the working class, and the wealthy are winning.

Historically, the U.S. government took an aggressive stance against monopolies, recognizing that unchecked corporate power leads to economic inequality and political corruption. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 and the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 were designed to prevent monopolies from controlling entire industries, ensuring fair competition and a thriving middle class. However, starting in the late 20th century, a radical shift in economic philosophy, driven by figures like Robert Bork, argued that mergers should be allowed as long as they resulted in "lower consumer prices." This narrow interpretation of antitrust law ignored the broader consequences, such as wage suppression, reduced consumer choice, and a massive consolidation of economic and political power. As antitrust enforcement waned, corporations began merging at an unprecedented rate, leading to industry-wide consolidation. In addition, the consolidation rarely results in lower prices as these crony economists predict. They are either corrupt and part of the wealth stealing apparatus, or at the very least, incredibly incompetent.

As monopolies and oligopolies took control of key industries, wages stagnated despite rising worker productivity. A study from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) found that from 1979 to 2021, worker productivity increased by 61.8%, yet wages for the typical worker rose by just 17.5%. This means that while American workers were producing more, the financial rewards were not being distributed fairly—instead, they were concentrated at the top. Large corporations, shielded from real competition, have had little incentive to raise wages. Instead, they have used their monopoly power to suppress labor costs, engage in stock buybacks, and increase executive compensation. While workers struggle, the wealthiest Americans have amassed unprecedented fortunes. According to Forbes, the number of U.S. billionaires grew from just 13 in 1982 to over 700 today. Meanwhile, the bottom 50% of Americans collectively own less than 2% of the nation's wealth (Federal Reserve data). Between 1989 and 2021, the share of wealth held by the top 1% increased from 23% to over 32%, while the share held by the bottom 90% declined from 40% to just 25%.

Corporate America is also enjoying record profits while wages remain stagnant. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, corporate profits as a share of GDP are at an all-time high. Meanwhile, the minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation, and the real purchasing power of American workers has declined. Amazon and Walmart, two of the largest retailers, have driven small businesses out of the market while keeping wages low for workers. Their profit margins have soared, yet many of their employees rely on government assistance to survive. The healthcare industry has seen massive consolidation, leading to skyrocketing medical costs while hospital CEOs take home multi-million-dollar salaries. The tech sector, dominated by a handful of giants like Google, Facebook, and Apple, has eliminated competition and used its power to dictate wages and market terms.

The consequences of these economic shifts have been devastating for ordinary Americans. With monopolies controlling key sectors like housing, healthcare, and food production, prices have risen dramatically. Wages have not kept up, making homeownership and financial stability unattainable for many. Corporate mergers also frequently result in mass layoffs and offshoring, leaving American workers with fewer job opportunities. Meanwhile, the ultra-rich use their financial power to shape policies in their favor, ensuring that tax breaks, deregulation, and corporate welfare continue.

To address these challenges, we must take significant steps to reform the system. Strengthening and enforcing antitrust regulations is essential to breaking up monopolies and fostering genuine market competition. Progressive tax policies should be implemented to reduce wealth inequality and ensure that the ultra-wealthy contribute their fair share to society. Campaign finance reforms are critical in reducing the influence of money in politics and restoring democratic processes that prioritize public interest over corporate gains. Additionally, stronger labor protections are necessary to ensure that working Americans receive fair wages, access to healthcare, and affordable education. Only through addressing these underlying structural issues can the United States hope to create a more equitable, just, and sustainable economy that works for all citizens, not just the privileged few.

We are at a tipping point. If we do not act now, wealth and power will continue to concentrate at the top, leaving most Americans struggling. By demanding stronger antitrust enforcement, fair wages, and accountability from those in power, we can create an economy that works for everyone—not just the billionaire class. The time for complacency is over. It’s time to rise.