Re "Middle class seeing less of America's income" (Tribune, Aug. 23):

I was born in the rural Midwest during the Great Depression and had to earn every dime I ever had. After three years in the Army during the Korean conflict (war?), I graduated from college with the help of the GI Bill, went on to earn a Ph.D., and became a university professor. I have lived a life I didn't know existed when I was milking cows and cleaning cow barns.

I feel fortunate, and grateful, to have been born in the United States at a time when upward mobility was a reality. I am disturbed that the upward mobility I experienced has largely disappeared.

I fear I have lived through the halcyon days of this country, which are now gone — the result of our politicians being beholden to big-money interests, forgetting about working people, and what is good for the country.

John Walker

Salt Lake City