Romney's biggest mistake might have been equating the 47% that don't pay taxes as moochers that don't contribute to the system.
Probably half of those people have full time jobs, multiple part time jobs, or a combination of a part time job and school. An individual with 2 dependents can work full time at $15/hour and earn $30,000. With the additional child tax credit and EIC, they not only will not pay income tax, but will receive a refund via refundable tax credits. That person is doing the best they can. And they are barely getting by. Romney's statement links them with the dregs of society.
The fact is, 30 years ago, a blue collar worker with two dependents doing similar work could support the family without government aid in many cases. Because of globalization, illegal immigration, and rising health and energy costs, people that work in professions such as landscaping, painters, and auto workers don't do nearly as well. It's not that suddenly half of the country got stupid and lazy. The system has begun to fail under a tsunami of debt.
Financialization of the economy has contributed to greatly to both the inequity of wealth and the enormous debt load that constrains the ability for the economy to grow. Wall Street and companies like Bain have been at the heart of the economic paradigm shift that is sucking the life out of the middle class.
The other problem is the fissures in the rule of law that continue to eat at the Constitution. Obama has not only failed to address this problem, but has expanded the problem. Romney has not made any hint that he will address this either. We're screwed no matter who wins in November.
