Increasing Inequality of Income in the US

I wonder who among us will argue that recent (1966-2006) growing inequality in household income in the US is a positive indicator. Here’s the raw data from the Bureau of the Census. In constant dollars, the income of the bottom fifth went from 13% of the top fifth, 9% of the top 5%, to 8% of the top fifth, 5% of the top 5%. In what kind of society do we want to live? How shall we balance reward for excellence and caring for all?

Historical Income Tables – Families