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Reader Feedback: Defining Middle Class, Severe Weather

We asked readers to weigh in on hot topics. See what they said.

What Defines Middle Class?

Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney sparked a media firestorm last week during an interview on ABC's "Good Morning America" when he said families who earn $250,000 are considered middle class.

Several West Islip Patch readers weighed in with their own opinions, some of which were at odds.

"Tired of This" agreed that six-figure slaries are middle class, particularly on Long Island, where property taxes are so high.

"Mitt Romney is correct in stating that middle class income is between $200-250,000 or LESS for total household income, especially on Long Island." they wrote.

A user by the name of "frustrated" agreed, saying: "You are so right. I do not make that $ but some average people with teaching jobs, police - if they are married to a teacher that is their salary. With the taxes on LI and other utility prices from gas to electric... you are lucky to have left over $. Forget it if you have student loans for kids in college."

However, not everyone was on Romney's side.

"MITT ROMNEY is done," wrote user Donna.

What do you think? Tell us in the comments below.

Is Severe Weather The New Norm?

Following a tumultuous month weather-wise, which included several sever storms and two tornado warnings on Long Island, we asked our readers if they think the weather is getting worse.

Poll results showed voters were split right down the middle.

Fifty percent of voters said they don't think the harsh weather is anything new—bad weather has always been a part of life.

The remaining fifty percent think there has been a shift in weather patterns over the last few years.

Do you agree? Tell us below.

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
West Islip Resident May 18, 2013 at 07:23 pm
You can thank all these POS politicians for the new gun legislation designed to make law abidingRead More citizens give up their second amendment rights out of sheer frustration and incontinence of owning a gun legally for increases in savage on citizen violence. This is only the beginning and in short time many New Yorker's will be forced to remain in their homes fearing one of these animals will make them their pray. I for one believe in the old adage, it's better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
ARNOLD MERKITCH May 17, 2013 at 07:34 pm
WREATH LAYING FOR 9/11 BEAM WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 11AM ON 5/2713
West Islip Resident May 17, 2013 at 09:06 am
Has anyone been able to find out if we are losing money renting this building to this for profitRead More preschool? If I under stood correctly from previous post's, there may be some friendship with one or more BOE members which paved the way for their lease.
Craig Miller May 18, 2013 at 10:10 am
I think Proposition 2 is a great idea, in the current structure you have to "call out" anRead More individual basically saying "I think you are doing a particularly bad job". Politics get dirty enough as is and I think this will increase participation and ultimately give us a better Board of Education.
Nomo Bigelow May 15, 2013 at 11:16 pm
Why didn't the author run for the open seat this year? Bark of a wolf and courage of a lamb.