A new car back then cost a greater portion of the income than today, and the product was much more inferior.

Before reagan, double digit inflation was the norm. We have enjoyed minimal inflation for 20 years. that is the gauge on what your income gets you.

School costs have dramatically outpaced inflation. Who’s fault is that? How can the government control private schools? Housing is affordable in most places. Where it is not, move. How can government keep housing prices down? Medical costs keep pace with Medicare increases. That’s government controlled. To say nothing of the ever-increasing liablity insurance doctors must pay. How would government help that? Certainly not by dis-allowing individuals to sue doctors.

The standard of living by all Americans is higher than any society, ever. What you take for granted now as a common necessity was purchased for a king’s ransom in passed generetaions.

History is a good gauge as to which is better. I do know that the US economy, and stock market, have never had such explosive growth in our country’s history as has occurred over the past 20+ years, when Reagan instituted supply side economics into the US economy.

All the explosive growth in the world doesn’t mean anything when it comes at the expense of the American people. The purchasing power of the average American worker hasn’t appreciably risen since the 70’s and has in many ways decreased so touting productivity as a measure of economic health is a fools game that only benefits corporations and the moneyed investor class.

We work harder for less purchasing power, have a harder time paying for the essentials, and in many instances end up unable to afford even the basics of school, medical or housing.

Yeah, I’d say Regan’s been a boom…

History is a good gauge as to which is better. I do know that the US economy, and stock market, have never had such explosive growth in our country’s history as has occured over the past 20+ years, when Reagan instituted supply side economics into the US economy.