What I said was that economic growth was "not better than every year from 1896 to 1970". That's despite the fact that the deficit was bigger in every year.
I say we're far better off now, but it doesn't matter.
I agree that, by many measures, we are better off. However, it's far more plausible that we are better off because of advances in technology, not because of our record-setting trade deficit.
We can take the rest of the year off and have fun with our families --cheers!
I agree. We can take a well-deserved vacation and pick things back up in the new year. Have a happy holidays!
Strange, what I thought you said was "in terms of growth, every year from 1976 to now was obviously not better than every year from 1896 to 1970." This is why I just pointed out that not every year was not better, and that in fact some were not worse, but evidently what I thought you said was clearly not what you meant that I heard you tell me to listen to your informing me otherwise.
I think.
"...it's far more plausible that we are better off because of advances in technology, not because of our record-setting trade deficit."
Now that we can agree on. So the next time someone asks if trade deficits are good or bad, we can both say together "it depends..".
cheers!