Lou Dobbs's Disciples (Why America is Growing Richer, Not poorer from Free Trade)

Tech Central Station ^ | 04/17/2006 | Donald Boudreaux

[ziggygrey]

Median average income is, and has been declining for a few years. Average is going up... but for middle and working class, that isn't really significant.

[Mase]

Consumption financed by staggering levels of debt on declining incomes ?

This is an easy thing to say. However, I've never seen anyone prove it. Why? Because it just isn't true.

That's your idea of wealth ?

Since 1980, our household net worth (family assets minus debts) has increased by more than $30 trillion, which is more than the previous two hundred years combined. It's more than doubled since 1994. We own more in per-capita assets than any other country in the world. To believe that our wealth is not real, and rapidly growing, requires ignoring the incredible amount evidence that easily proves such a claim. For the democrats to behave this way is understandable. Why conservatives would choose to do so remains a mystery.

And just because you have a few bucks in a 401k doesn't make you 'investor class'

Well, yes it does. In doom-world I suppose, owning stock would make one a debtor. Thankfully, that's not where the majority of Americans live.

It is the paycheck that pays the utility bill and puts food on the table.

Finally something we agree on. It's a good thing that per-capita real incomes have increased at an average annual rate of 2% over the past century. Otherwise, how would we ever have earned the world's highest standard of living?

To be an 'investor' you have to have surplus income.

If Americans have money to put into an IRA, 401K, 529 etc. I would have to conclude that they have the surplus income to do so. Remember, Bush's 2003 tax cut has given the average American family of four more than $1,400 in additional take home pay, after taxes.

[oceanview]

the stats on wage growth from 2001-2005 are clear - below par. way below par if you happen to be a worker in the private sector middle class.

[Toddsterpatriot]

Talking about the South Carolina race?

I'm talking about all the Senate races where a clear free trader ran against a protectionist.

You people need to get beyond the world of talk radio.

Yeah, we need to listen to Pat Buchanan. LOL!!!

[Now_is_The_Time]

You mean the dumb chumps you expect to fight your wars for you ?

There's a reason we didn't put our nuclear physicists in the front lines....

[Moonman62]

It's nice that wages have grown, but it's pathetic compared to investments.