As an American who immigrated to Australia, but still travels back home a lot to visit friends and family, this is not my take at all. Moving overseas revealed to me how much lower income Americans are getting a raw deal. Yes, it could be a lot worse, but it could also be a lot better (especially considering that the US could handily afford it).

I don't think Australia is the nicest country to live in by any means, but it's far better to be middle class or lower class here than in the US.