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Originally posted by Johnmike
While I feel that unrestricted immigration is dangerous (though taking in a lot of immigrants may not be, it has to be regulated), I don't believe that restricting trade with other nations hurts us. It actually makes us richer as a nation.
Originally posted by forestladyI'm 52 y.o. and things are much different than they were 30 years ago. Anyone could find a job just about, as long as they wanted to work. There was no outsourcing, no immigration problems to speak of and people enjoyed a higher standard of living. Now, buying a home is beyond most people's ability, as well as college for their children.
Here's another thing: The govt has allowed corporations to buy off unpaid debts and tack on fees, huge interest rates, etc.
College loans which started out at $16,000, if unable to pay, now at $82,000 and growing. That right there is enough to financially ruin a person. Also, stagnant wages, much higher energy bills and well, lots of other things.
Originally posted by darkbluesky
Originally posted by forestladyI'm 52 y.o. and things are much different than they were 30 years ago. Anyone could find a job just about, as long as they wanted to work. There was no outsourcing, no immigration problems to speak of and people enjoyed a higher standard of living. Now, buying a home is beyond most people's ability, as well as college for their children.
FL - I always enjoy reading your posts but sometimes I wonder about where you get your facts.
1976 homeownership rates in the US: 64%
www.census.gov...
2006 rate = 68%
1976 Unemployment rate: 7.8%
research.stlouisfed.org...
2006 = 4.7%
Here's another thing: The govt has allowed corporations to buy off unpaid debts and tack on fees, huge interest rates, etc.
College loans which started out at $16,000, if unable to pay, now at $82,000 and growing. That right there is enough to financially ruin a person. Also, stagnant wages, much higher energy bills and well, lots of other things.
All consumers have the option of declining financial offers with high fees and confiscatory rates (all offers except the fed income tax, that is). They also have the option to close an acount and opt out of an existing contract when terms change.
I think you'll find that the vast majority of college loan applicants and beneficiaries succesfully pay off their loans. Also you'll find that never in US history has a higher percentage of the population attended and graduated from institutions of higher learning.
Now..even though I challenge your examples of US ruin, I tend to agree with the premise...this country is going down the crapper. Why? Maybe to change our perceptions and change the range of what is "acceptable", I dont know...
I do know I'm baffled by my governments stance on immigration, energy independence, foreign trade balance, etc.
[edit on 10/9/2007 by darkbluesky]