[investigateworld]

In 1979, when I built my first home, I paid the lead carpenter $20 per hour and helpers $10. That was about the industry (high end) average, 'cause I hate "re-work".
Now a top carpenter makes $15 to $16 per hour, but what he can buy with the wage is less that half, and the home sells for 3X's as much. I'm just a simple country boy, but what's wrong with this picture?

[Sam the Sham]

When I was young a new car loan was three years. Then it became four years. Now it is five or six years.

What's wrong with this picture ?

[ScottM1968]

Then I encourage you to spend the inflation-indexed wage rate to your current builders so they can buy more.

Why don't you stop complaining and vote your conscience with your own pocketbook? And allow the rest of us to vote how we want to as well.

I will choose what is best for me. This activity, by all of us (including your paying $50 an hour for help), helps everyone.

You can choose to give your charity through artificially high wages. I can choose give my charity in ways that further what I believe helps God.

[radicalamericannationalist]

You're obviously not in an area where illegals have driven the wages of such jobs down.

[radicalamericannationalist]

Brain fart. I misread your post and apologize for the confusion. Just shows, don't post while cooking dinner.

[Mad Dawgg]

"Now a top carpenter makes $15 to $16 per hour, but what he can buy with the wage is less that half..."

I can buy A TV a VCR or a computer for much less now.

Yes, Cars and Houses are more expensive but many other things are much cheaper.