[FITZ]

basket of goods & services used in 1980

Then I guess instead of looking at the level of government spending on all the handout programs, we could look at the national debt --- if people are going into debt, then they are worse off --- if they are coming out of debt, then they are better off.

[LowCountryJoe]

Then I guess instead of looking at the level of government spending on all the handout programs, we could look at the national debt --- if people are going into debt, then they are worse off --- if they are coming out of debt, then they are better off. Better yet. Let's hypothetically liquidate everyone's and I mean everyone's (business ownership too) assets. Then we'll check the net value and see where we're at. I have no idea what that would yield - whether favorably or unfavorably to my position. By the way, I do not have that answer. My point is, would that really be a meaningful exercise to engage in? Would this really matter and does it really matter to our prosperity? Tough question, huh? Please give it some serious thought...but not for too long, OK!