"Would have us view" -- is it correct?

Solution 1:

Yes, the phrase "would have us view" is correct. It occurs frequently in the general form, where "view" is substituted by any appropriate verb. I have encountered the term most recently in the form of

The media would have us believe there was a mysterious launch.

In the context of the quoted article, what the author wants to convey is that many analysts want to make us see the dramatic increase in inequality in a similar light to Twain's quip. They want us to believe that the rise is comparable to the uncertainty of the weather - everyone complains about both, but no one does anything about either of them.