The middle class is the hallmark of the American dream and the backbone of a free and strong society. That dream has been shattered in recent decades for many Americans. Most of the media and politicians define the middle class by income, which has been stagnant at best or declining at worst for the average American. However, it is the cost of living as well as higher taxes that are larger factors adversely impacting the middle class. Moreover, government policies have exacerbated the mi...