[ninenot]

What's really interesting about that graph is that 'median income' peaked BEFORE, and was actually in decline BEFORE the 'recession' shaded area.

Wonder howcumizzit THAT?

Got any ideas?

[grey_whiskers]

You wrote:
"What's really interesting about that graph is that 'median income' peaked BEFORE, and was actually in decline BEFORE the 'recession' shaded area. "

I had a post earlier--couldn't find it.
Went approximately as follows:

Clinton's term:
Global Crossing
Tyco
Dot-Coms

Then Gore rescinds his concession and tries to SUE
his way into the White House
(while interest rates yanked UP by Greenspan)
Dot-bomb collapse begins

Then
9-11
Malvo sniper case
Anthrax
Afghan war
Run-up to Iraq
Iraq war
Oil to $50 / barrel

(while Bush cuts taxes)

How many job losses before BUSH TAX CUTS
How many job losses after BUSH TAX CUTS

I know I sure felt squeezed by that $800 check
returning MY MONEY. :-)

[raybbr]

Ever notice how the free-traders are always throwing that "Look how cheap things really are when adjusted for inflation from 1980" and yet they never post increases in median income levels that might have occurred if wages had been slightly ahead of inflation for that whole time?

I don't know how to find that information. Maybe you do? I am sure the levels indicated in the graph would show a markedly different median income.