Income Inequality in America Deepening

Interview with Felice Yeskel, author of the book "Economic Apartheid in America," conducted by Scott Harris

The destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina last fall unmasked the desperate plight of large numbers of poor people living in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. Seeing the disaster first hand, the nation’s media briefly focused attention on this hidden aspect of American life, where poverty is endemic in every major city in the country.

Stagnating wages, higher housing, health care and education costs combined with a weakened labor movement and the export of manufacturing jobs overseas - has resulted in a growing gap between the rich and poor in America. While CEOs of big corporations increase their incomes exponentially, those in the middle and at the bottom are losing ground.

A book examining these disturbing trends titled, “Economic Apartheid In America: A Primer on Economic Inequality and Insecurity,” analyzes the policies that have contributed to this disparity and its impact. Between The Lines’ Scott Harris spoke with Felice Yeskel, co-author of the recently revised and updated book first published in 2000. She discusses the causes of inequality and offers some prescriptions for change.

Felice Yeskel is co-author with Chuck Collins of "Economic Apartheid in America," published by the New Press. Yeskel is the co-director of the group Class Action. Visit their website at www.classactionnet.org

Related links:

United for a Fair Economy at www.faireconomy.org

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"Between The Lines" is a half-hour syndicated radio news magazine that each week features a summary of under-reported news stories and interviews with activists and journalists who offer progressive perspectives on international, national and regional political, economic and social issues. Because "Between The Lines" is independent of all publications, media networks or political parties, we are able to bring a diversity of voices to the airwaves generally ignored or marginalized by the major media. For more information on this week's topics and to check out our text archive listing topics and guests presented in previous programs visit: www.btlonline.org
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