A far better chart would have shown continuous data (say a line chart, with annual data). The events mentioned in the article could have been marked by vertical lines, at the corresponding years. That would have put the data into context, and would prove that it wasn't simply cherry-picked. Also, continuous data would have provided some information regarding trends.
The thesis of the article may, or may not be right. The chart does nothing to advance it, and actually makes it less credible (because of the obvious cherry-picking).