I think the systematic deindustrialization of America for the past 30-40 years, along with massive upward wealth accumalation (understatement) and corporate infiltration of government, and worldwide governments for that matter (globalosscilation I believe it's called), is what "shackled" the middle class. And by shackled, I mean face fucked.

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with the OP, and suggest that, no, I don't think getting in on a few tech IPOs would have solved much.