Republicans: Would you prefer a return to the type of society and economy we had between 1945 and 1980?
On average, the United States had little national debt and enjoyed a budget surplus which allowed us to be the World’s Lender.
Our industries were the envy of the World, our exports strong and our trade deficit non-existent.
During this time under the Republican President Dwight Eisenhower we started a World Class freeway system that was paid for with real, not borrowed, money.
Our middle class was strong and our schools some of the best in the World.
Most of our large industries, such as steel makers, auto manufactuers and airlines offered defined
benefit pension programs which allowed workers to retire with security and dignity.
We were energy independent for most of these years and enjoyed the benefits of low cost gasoline and electricity.
Most small business such as restaurants, retail outlets, hardware stores, office suppliers and such were locally owned and operated companies.
Our clothing, appliances and automobiles were produced in this country by American workers.
Of course, this all came at a price. Marginal tax rates on very high incomes exceeded 75% at times.
Corporate tax structure was different, discouraging the formation of mega-retailers such as Walmart and restaurant chains such as Taco Bell and Burger King.
Auto loans were restricted to no more than 36 months, causing people to live more within their means.
Or do you prefer the post 1980's with the Reagan tax cuts which lead to the first large budget deficits?
Do you prefer the post 1980's with a steady decline in middle class income with its attendent increase in consumer debt?
Are you more satisfied with more modern times, working for less real money than your father did?
Do you enjoy having to work for 5 or more years to pay for the same transportation that your father paid for in two or three years?
This is not a strictly political question but one of lifestyle preference.
Is the remote possibility that you may someday earn multi-million dollar incomes worth the reality of an almost certain decline in real income and securitythat your parent’s enjoyed?
Or would you prefer the almost certain prospect that if you get a good education and work hard that you can live a comfortable middle class lifestyle, free of debt and with the means to provide security to your family and afford a good education for your children?
No Kevin.
I have just been on the planet longer than you.
Answer by kevin k
do you have a time travel machine?