[BfloGuy]

All I know is that during the 1950s we were massive net exporters of goods and our economy soared.

Since the 1970s we have had very large trade imbalances where we imported far more than we exported, and over that time our living standards have steadily eroded.

But you are treating the trade balance as the only thing that's changed. You also have to take into account that the federal deficit has exploded, regulations on business have multiplied, and the Fed's monetary policy has continued to make the dollar more and more worthless.

All of those contribute to our falling circumstances. The trade deficit is just a symptom -- not the cause.

[1rudeboy]

Anyone who discusses economics, and begins their datapoints in the 1970's, needs to consider the OPEC oil crisis of that era. If they do not, it's more probable than not that they are simply trying to score political points.

Seriously, check it out . . . the next time you see someone start during the 1970's, they are probably playing an entirely different angle.

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

No, I heartily agree. We didn’t wake up one morning with a severe trade deficit out of the blue. It was the result of a lot of failed policies and practices.

I just don’t like to see people sugar coat our failed trade policies that are among the contributing factors to our reduced standard of living, as if it is a good thing or is at least neutral.