Uh boy. Now you've gone and done it...

Speaking as someone who both owned his own small business and also helped run a good-sized public company, I have come to some similar conclusions. From a corporate standpoint, the US economic system is designed for senior managers and executives and CEOs. And again, speaking as one who did this for a living, public companies only care about one thing--quarterly numbers. Nothing else matters. It is entirely shareholder driven. That conference call is everything.

So, what is the solution? I believe the best solution for most people would be owning their own business. Then, you're the boss. You pay yourself whatever you want and can afford. You hire. You do it. Otherwise, you are bound to be stuck dealing with selfish people and selfish companies, who will never have your back. Ever.

Is America still the land of opportunity? It depends. Do you have access to capital? If yes, then, yes, it is. If no, then, heck no, it is not. The rich get richer and everybody else struggles to eat. Great system.

So in the end, my answer to this is--try to own your own company. At least then, you're the boss.