For years many Democrats have wondered why poor and middle class Americans vote against their economic interests, especially in the country’s poorest states like West Virginia. Race, guns and religion play their part, but the issue of jobs is the main factor. Or more specifically, the fear of losing those jobs.

Earlier in the year there was a massive toxic chemical spill into West Virginia Elk River that illustrates another benefit to the business class of high unemployment, economic insecurity, and a safety-net shot through with holes. Not only are employees docile, eager to accept whatever crumbs they can get; the public is also unwilling to cause trouble.

The spill was the region’s third major chemical accident in five years, coming after two investigations by the federal Chemical Safety Board in the Kanawha Valley, also known as “Chemical Valley,” and repeated recommendations from federal regulators and environmental advocates that the state embrace tougher rules to better safeguard chemicals. But state and local lawmakers turned a deaf ear.

As Maya Nye, president of People Concerned About Chemical Safety, a citizen’s group formed after a 2008 explosion and fire killed workers at West Virginia’s Bayer CropScience plant in the state, told reporters: “We are so desperate for jobs in West Virginia we don’t want to do anything that pushes industry out.” Exactly.

Bottom line: A strong and growing middle class is the best bulwark against corporate irresponsibility. Currently, it is cowed and fearful. Unfortunately, Epicureanism ( a secure, pleasant life with minimal stress and fear) is a an esoteric pipedream for the declining working class of America. Come back, Theodore Roosevelt!