Income Inequality in a Single Graph

The Washington Post has a column called Wonkblog, which solicited suggestions for the "Graph of the Year" from a number of policy and academic experts. Here is the contribution from Senator Chuck Schumer.

The single greatest problem facing America today is not the deficit, but rather the decline in middle-class incomes. For the first time in our history, middle-class incomes are on a steady and troubling path downward. That trend has turned American politics upside down as middle-class families struggle to pay the bills, their mortgage, and put enough away for a decent retirement.
The income gap this chart represents is not sustainable. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy, but if we don’t pursue policies that advance economic opportunity for the middle-class, this country will change for the worse. We need to focus like a laser on the light blue line in this chart, and get it heading upwards again.