Posted on 12/06/2010 8:16:08 AM PST by Bumpus2
So Michael Kinsley wants to know if we’re “poorer than we used to be.” He wonders why, since GP is currently about the same as it was in the third quarter of 2007, we’re so “glum” now and we weren’t then.
It’s a fair question. And, to anybody who’s not a liberal columnist, it has a simple answer: experience. As Kinsely helpfully points out, in Q3 2007, “the bank bailouts, the government takeover of General Motors, the stimulus package all lay ahead.”
That’s right. The American people hadn’t yet been told, repeatedly and – yes – triumphantly, that capitalism had failed, that the free market had imploded of its own inherent flaws.
(Excerpt) Read more at threefingersofpolitics.com ...
At least he's still smiling.
I definitely make more money now than I did four years ago but expenses have increased so IMHO it’s probably a complete wash out.
You betcha!!
Hmmm...my net worth 4 years ago was almost 3/4 of a million...today I’d be lucky to be above 0, if I count all my physical possessions generously.
Not much of a question.
No. 4 years ago I was near homeless. I was alone. I had far too much debt for my income.
Today I am married, our combined income has us comfortably middle class for our region and I have bought a home. Other than the home my personal debt has more than halved. I have a farm that will be populated very soon with chickens, pigs and a milk cow. I have four dogs. We attend church every week and worship our Lord together.
I wouldn’t go back to 4 years ago on a dare.
YES!!
20% Pay cut and doing the jobs by myself that three people once did without the compensation.
That’s capitalism and it always survives regardless of what Michael Kinsley believes.
Honestly ... no, I’m not. I think the country as a whole is worse off, though.
SnakeDoc
No, I am not worse off. But it has nothing to do with the economy or the government. It has to do with a new job, getting rid of debts and reconnecting with a run-away child.
but we're a team..we're essentially happy....we're down to earth and luckily enjoy down to earth things....
The only chunk of money I had - my husband’s life insurance :( - I dutifully invested it and lost 60% of it in 2008/2009.
So I lost money - but I have a home, a garden, a freezer and a shotgun so I lack for nothing!
Michael Kinsley STAYS stuck on stupid.
Much worse off. No job. Four years ago I was making good money, was comfortable in paying my debts and had a good outlook.
Now, just depressing is what it has become. Thank God my wife is still employed.
Four years ago we were taking vacations once a year,eating out once a week and all of our bills were paid on time,including the mortgage....
Today..our house has been sold in a short sale,we’re in default on a couple of bills and are looking for a place to live.
Yep...definitely worse off.
That being said, at least the hubster has found steady work and there’s light at the end of the tunnel.We have each other and our kittycats, so we feel blessed. We have more than a lot of other people.
Well if GDP hasn't grown since 2007, and there are more people in the country than by definition isn't everyone poorer on average? Or, is that a dumb question?
To answer the question, prior to 2007 construction was booming, I was working everyday often overtime and I had no time for a vacation. Now I'm lucky if I work 6 months out of the year, I have plenty of time for a vacation, but no $$$. The good news is I have my health my family and I'm willing and able to work.
Definitely worse off than four years ago. Same income but an increase in food bills, clothing bills, taxes, gas, heating/air conditioning etc... Use to have some extra for dinner out every few months with the family or a trip to the boardwalk. Not anymore. However, still have my health and my beautiful family so I can’t complain. Just a thought.
Do you trust the government more or less?
Do you trust your bank more or less?
Are you secure in your employment?
Do you feel content with your local schools?
Do you worry more about our foreign relations?
Has travelling become more onerous?
etc.
Even those who have moved up to better jobs should probably admit that the quality of life has diminished.
Better off, by far. Added a daughter and son to our small, happy family.
At least I still have a job.
Not in the least.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.