To my amusement, The New York Times has come up with an article about the shrinking middle class in America only today, more than five years after the onset of the so-called recession and widespread unemployment. But the newspaper treats the topic in business terms only. That is, many companies catering to the middle class are feeling the pinch as the bulk of it is sinking and as its top tier is pulling ever farther away. The real problem is elsewhere, though. The burgeoning lower middle class is sure to bring many changes to American politics, as well. Just like in Europe, where the political spectrum has been shifting fast, this translates into the threat of fascism. Or aggressive conservatism, to put it a bit more politely. One way or another, the return of the petty bourgeoisie may well bring America and Europe together again. And there are enemies to unite them aplenty.