[upcountryhorseman]

According to the Economic Report of the President, 1991; a chart showing Trade/GNP Ratio and National Productivity Growth indicates that, starting in 1973, productivity growth
declined as the trade/GNP ratio increased.

Real wages have declined because since 1973 we have converted to a service economy and lost manufacturing jobs:
manufacturing jobs paid more than service jobs, consequently, two-job households became necessary.

[Luis Gonzalez]

1974 per capita income US $ 5,676.00
2002 per capita income US $30,941.00

American Institute for Economic Research Cost of Living Calculator results:

$5,676.00 in 1974 equals to $20,712.22 in 2002.

$5,676.00 equaled a $109.15 a week salary.
$30,941.00 equals a $595.02 a week salary.

Ten gallons of gasoline in 1974= $5.28, or 4.8% of weekly salary.

Ten gallons of gasoline in 2002= $15.10, or 2.5% of weekly salary.

Things ain't as you say they are.