And the targeted destruction of the middle class is not just continuing, it's accelerating with purpose and malice. My wife gets market updates on the wedding industry. The observation shared this morning:
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Insight of The Week
Consumer behavior heading into 2026 shows a clear pattern across retail and dining. The market is splitting into two groups, and weddings are moving in the same direction. Here is what the latest retail data signals and how it translates for wedding pros.
The Big Shift: Two Types of Consumers
Retail performance shows strong growth at both ends of the market:
Value end
Off-price stores growing
Thrift stores up significantly
Fast casual dining rising
Experience end
Luxury apparel visits climbing
Fine dining outperforming casual dining
High-income spenders remain resilient
Who is struggling
Mid-tier apparel
Mid-tier department stores
Casual dining
This split is the core story: the middle is losing relevance.
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If you want an America that is a country of (1) oligarchs and their support/functionaries, and (2) peasants . . . then we are right on track for that. Every single economic trend and function of any substance these days is getting us closer to that goal. Massive, indiscriminate tariffs are a perfect example of such a policy. Removal/destruction of all regulations that provide protections for working people (the middle class, and those who could rise to the middle class) is a good example of such a policy. The complete destruction of government services to the people -- SNAP, public education, viable medical care without bankrupting you, etc. -- is a good example of such a policy.