Are you better off now than 8 years ago?

[hodgey]

I unwillingly wade through a bunch of political garbage on this forum as I read my new daily posts. I am always amazed at how many people are unhappy no matter what happens in their lives. Im from N.H so I know these people well. My question is a simple one. Are you better off today than you were 5 or even 10 years ago? If not what is your specific b*tch?

[ELOrocks17]

Actually, I made more money last year than any other year before that!

[BelichickFan]

Of course I'm better off. It stands to reason that given more time, I have more money saved

Over and above the basic fact that I spend less than I make - not because I make millions, I don't, but because it makes no sense to spend more money than you make - it's been a good run. Huge (relatively) gains in the stock market from my 401K, a sickeningly low interest rate on my mortage.

Really, baring bad luck that happens to a few, it's tough to not be doing better now than 8 years ago. Unemployment is low, interest rates are low, stocks are way up.

[hodgey]

Originally Posted by BelichickFan

Of course I'm better off. It stands to reason that given more time, I have more money saved

Over and above the basic fact that I spend less than I make - not because I make millions, I don't, but because it makes no sense to spend more money than you make - it's been a good run. Huge (relatively) gains in the stock market from my 401K, a sickeningly low interest rate on my mortage.

Really, baring bad luck that happens to a few, it's tough to not be doing better now than 8 years ago. Unemployment is low, interest rates are low, stocks are way up.

I have a difficult time finding anyone who has not enjoyed the benefits our economy and its improved productivity. Yet we still have folks acting as though we are on the brink of a depression. These people will never find peace or happiness. I call them elitist liberals

[BelichickFan]

Originally Posted by hodgey

I have a difficult time finding anyone who has not enjoyed the benefits our economy and its improved productivity. Yet we still have folks acting as though we are on the brink of a depression. These people will never find peace or happiness. I call them elitist liberals

I think, in large part, the problem is that the definition of "poor" has changed so much. Most of today's poor aren't poor at all. I can see a small segment of the population - older people who still have to work but are too old to really learn a new skill who could be worse off if their union manufacturing job left because they were making way more money than the skill suggested they should. And others don't take advantage of what's out there for them (like the stock market . . . oooooh scary).

But, yeah, with all the positives that have already been outlined, I bet that the vast majority (>90%) of people are either better off or would be if they weren't too stupid to get themselves in some stupid situation.

[hodgey]

Originally Posted by BelichickFan

I think, in large part, the problem is that the definition of "poor" has changed so much. Most of today's poor aren't poor at all. I can see a small segment of the population - older people who still have to work but are too old to really learn a new skill who could be worse off if their union manufacturing job left because they were making way more money than the skill suggested they should. And others don't take advantage of what's out there for them (like the stock market . . . oooooh scary).

But, yeah, with all the positives that have already been outlined, I bet that the vast majority (>90%) of people are either better off or would be if they weren't too stupid to get themselves in some stupid situation.

I think the silence of the b*tch & moan party says it all on this topic!

[Patters]

Originally Posted by hodgey

I have a difficult time finding anyone who has not enjoyed the benefits our economy and its improved productivity. Yet we still have folks acting as though we are on the brink of a depression. These people will never find peace or happiness. I call them elitist liberals

Typical, selfish Republican drivel. Pose the question to those who lost a child in Iraq, who lost their homes as a result of Katrina, who lost loved ones on 9/11, to the millions on fixed incomes, to the millions with medical conditions but without adequate health insurance. (And you call them elitist liberals? My god, you're insensitive.) Sure, some people are better off, especially if your only measure is money, which apparently it is.

[DarrylS]

Looks like the atypical Republican Circle Jerk to me, the impact on this economy is a lot of people are doing well, but a whole bunch are not doing well at all, particularly in the housing market. Last year my daughter was buying and selling houses left and right, this year she has not made a sale since June. It is anecdotal, but in her real estate circles her story is not unique, lower prices and houses not moving, most agents are working second jobs waiting for the tide to turn. For us on fixed incomes, it has no real bearing on much of what we do, my sitz is just about the same as it was for the past 5 or 6 years... we also show up to vote.

[wistahpatsfan]

Originally Posted by GJAJ15

Looks like the atypical Republican Circle Jerk to me, the impact on this economy is a lot of people are doing well, but a whole bunch are not doing well at all, particularly in the housing market. Last year my daughter was buying and selling houses left and right, this year she has not made a sale since June. It is anecdotal, but in her real estate circles her story is not unique, lower prices and houses not moving, most agents are working second jobs waiting for the tide to turn. For us on fixed incomes, it has no real bearing on much of what we do, my sitz is just about the same as it was for the past 5 or 6 years... we also show up to vote.

The construction business is also going down. Developers have houses sitting in various stages of completion with no buyers. During the boom, tradesmen got accustomed to a life of high wages and unlimited work for everyone who wanted. This boom also took place while thousands of workers were on the Big Dig. The combination of the flood of former Big Dig workers and the new housing building coming to a screeching halt, is seeing many wages dropping and jobs few and far between. Don't even get me started on the flood of illegal labor.

Other people are doing very well, I know. I'm OK but many of my friends are not - working harder for less as they get older is no fun. This, by the way, is no one's fault. Things happen that no one can forsee and not everybody has a white-collar job. The influx of illegal foreign labor is the fault of the government. Under the past few administrations, illegals have enjoyed a free pass into the labor market, and Bush has been the absolute worst.

Nice try, Bush rumpswabs.

[Harry Boy]

Originally Posted by hodgey

I have a difficult time finding anyone who has not enjoyed the benefits our economy and its improved productivity. Yet we still have folks acting as though we are on the brink of a depression. These people will never find peace or happiness. I call them elitist liberals

I call them, "Sore Losing Bush Haters"