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Laelth

(32,017 posts)
387. I am certainly no fan of "free" trade.
Fri Dec 6, 2013, 09:44 PM
Dec 2013

And I concede that "free" trade has done a lot to make the United States poorer, but I don't think it's either the only or the primary cause of our current economic woes. Consider this: If Elizabeth Warren is right, and if 1962 wages had kept up with inflation and increases in productivity, then a burger-flipping job in 2013 would pay $22.00/hr. ($44K/year). Someone with a High School diploma would start at a wage scale above minimum wage (more than $44K/year), and people with college degrees would start at about $30.00/hr. ($60K/year). Of course, people with experience would get paid more.

I could live quite nicely with those kinds of wages ... just like the Boomers did when they were younger. We just don't live in that world any more, and I'm not sure "free trade" is the cause of that loss of income. On the other hand, as we see the wealth of the 1% grow astronomically, it becomes clear what happened to the fruits of our increased labor. The rich just took it, and they did so by suppressing wages and crippling organized labor. To me, it's that simple.

Thanks for the thoughtful response.

-Laelth

As a boomer, I can appreciate what you're writing. Too many of us don't get it .... Scuba Dec 2013 #1
Thanks, Scuba. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #5
used to be, you could have a single breadwinner in a family with just a high school eucation, and be dionysus Dec 2013 #6
I remember a US Savings Bond commercial from the early '70s Art_from_Ark Dec 2013 #10
What happened to the American dream? WHEN CRABS ROAR Dec 2013 #234
There ya go. truebluegreen Dec 2013 #250
It started with deregulation under Nixon. merrily Dec 2013 #260
I don't recall much deregulation under Nixon truebluegreen Dec 2013 #303
+1...nt Jesus Malverde Dec 2013 #307
it was a rhetorical question... dionysus Dec 2013 #252
Reagan! Need I say more? n/t aggiesal Dec 2013 #253
What happened to the American Dream? They destroyed the union movement! B Calm Dec 2013 #289
some define me as a Boomer too hfojvt Dec 2013 #151
There are plenty of we boomers who DO get it 2naSalit Dec 2013 #220
I'm in this category, too. Silver Gaia Dec 2013 #258
Yup. 2naSalit Dec 2013 #277
You have to remember Boomers are a generation split down the middle brush Dec 2013 #238
Not to worry. I'm clearly not uncaring nor a fat cat. Scuba Dec 2013 #246
That's how I remember it, too Lydia Leftcoast Dec 2013 #278
Not just the Boomer generation ... JustABozoOnThisBus Dec 2013 #311
Good point about the anti-draft motivation brush Dec 2013 #364
You're preaching to the wrong folk, cuz most of us here despised Reagan struggle4progress Dec 2013 #2
I appreciate that you read the post. Laelth Dec 2013 #4
you said what I THINK you said, young lady :wags finger: Schema Thing Dec 2013 #34
Thank you. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #49
OK. Where I come from, "I don't blame you for ..." means "I know you did that but I understand why" struggle4progress Dec 2013 #36
I certainly appreciate the fact that you fought against Reagan and supply-side economics. Laelth Dec 2013 #63
My experience of politics is that often one must choose between doing the work and struggle4progress Dec 2013 #75
That's really interesting. Laelth Dec 2013 #92
See, RobinA Dec 2013 #133
Better? Laelth Dec 2013 #137
You have a lot of 2naSalit Dec 2013 #254
Ah, I see. Laelth Dec 2013 #292
Really? 2naSalit Dec 2013 #333
Sorry you feel that way. Laelth Dec 2013 #336
It's just advice about a certain style of political work, that "choose between doing the work struggle4progress Dec 2013 #194
I think I see what you mean. Laelth Dec 2013 #294
Are you sure you're a boomer? beerandjesus Dec 2013 #105
I earned my PhD in math years ago, then taught for years, so I guess I've met lots of 13ers. struggle4progress Dec 2013 #132
Did you also spend the Carter years and the Clinton years fighting supply side economics? merrily Dec 2013 #255
IIRC I spent some of the Carter years blaming everybody older than me for fucking everything up struggle4progress Dec 2013 #256
This has been going on since Nixon. Some dismantling of the New Deal merrily Dec 2013 #261
I agree. Reagan was just a harder turn right. I remember during the 80's discussing how long it adirondacker Dec 2013 #312
Thinking back, I remember giving Reagan the benefit of the doubt Ace Acme Dec 2013 #418
Correct. I would never vote for Reagan, and btw, my greatest generation parents HATED him! whathehell Dec 2013 #83
Boomers were about 30% "Hippie", 40% "Nixon Youth", 30% "Centrist" in the late 60s. jeff47 Dec 2013 #174
Yep, but even then, what was considered "centrist" was a lot more liberal than what it is now.. whathehell Dec 2013 #200
In 1984, I was teaching at a college that had an ROTC program, Lydia Leftcoast Dec 2013 #279
Yep, I believe it...As I recall, a number of universities would not whathehell Dec 2013 #295
ROTC saw a resurgence after most other sources of Federal financial aid Lydia Leftcoast Dec 2013 #327
Oh wow.. whathehell Dec 2013 #329
He threw so many Viet Nam vets out on the street! NCarolinawoman Dec 2013 #257
so true nt Tumbulu Dec 2013 #269
PhD in engineering and no job? GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #3
you should be ashamed of yourself. moxybug Dec 2013 #7
Because I spoke truth from experience GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #9
Anecdotally RobinA Dec 2013 #21
Telling a story about your husband isn't "first hand experience". It's second hand. JBoy Dec 2013 #67
Doubtful GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #71
LOL. Oh, OK. JBoy Dec 2013 #77
Your whole story is what is doubtful. There is a SURPLUS of computer scientists pnwmom Dec 2013 #267
Sorry But I Can't Agree ProfessorGAC Dec 2013 #97
I think the real question is, what kind of salary is he offering? beerandjesus Dec 2013 #117
I'll give you some first hand experience philosslayer Dec 2013 #209
Why don't you come back and brag when he actually has a job? pnwmom Dec 2013 #270
I'm a civil engineer... Blanks Dec 2013 #233
I have six engineers in my extended family in different sub-areas pnwmom Dec 2013 #265
depends on the area. a college friend of mine had a degree in mechanical engineering but ended up dionysus Dec 2013 #8
where are you and how is he recruiting elehhhhna Dec 2013 #16
Your compassion and sensitivity are a beacon to those of us lost in the wilderness. Orrex Dec 2013 #18
LOL, quite literally. Well said. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #24
You read that poster's sig, didn't you? cyberswede Dec 2013 #219
I think you're honing in on a detail and missing the point Ian_rd Dec 2013 #23
Gee, I wonder why that is. Aerows Dec 2013 #28
That's not true GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #30
"Entry level" Aerows Dec 2013 #33
What do you want with a bachelor's degree? GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #40
I have a job Aerows Dec 2013 #46
Just out of curiousity, what do you do for a living? Marr Dec 2013 #127
Maybe for clarity you could post the specifics of the job your husband is offering? Maedhros Dec 2013 #237
Entry level is fine. Laelth Dec 2013 #299
I think you may have hit on a leftynyc Dec 2013 #42
Not really Aerows Dec 2013 #53
Disagree leftynyc Dec 2013 #61
Ask anyone in the IT field Aerows Dec 2013 #121
He's in the business school at UT leftynyc Dec 2013 #125
Those ridiculous expectations usually come from their parents Mariana Dec 2013 #147
You've stated it very well Orrex Dec 2013 #120
Bingo GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #73
That doesn't apply to GenXers as they aren't "right out of school" gollygee Dec 2013 #84
But they once were GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #89
20 years later? gollygee Dec 2013 #91
bored now GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #104
The problem is that you're thinking you're talking about basement dwellers gollygee Dec 2013 #106
My advise to you is to stop trying to reason with under the bridge dwellers. It'll Guy Whitey Corngood Dec 2013 #114
Ah yes....get called on bull, it's time to run away. jeff47 Dec 2013 #182
Maybe you should go give your husband some libertarian boot-strappy advice about AtheistCrusader Dec 2013 #286
early 90s GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #76
You must be speaking of MBAs/Wall Streeters. tosh Dec 2013 #119
I do live in NY leftynyc Dec 2013 #123
My ex-wife and I both graduated with IT degrees in 1984. ieoeja Dec 2013 #144
They were indeed getting leftynyc Dec 2013 #178
Are you speaking from personal experience? lumberjack_jeff Dec 2013 #215
Yes - very personal experience leftynyc Dec 2013 #217
Then he should put the job description here. pnwmom Dec 2013 #271
Why hasn't he spoken with a college campus? xmas74 Dec 2013 #420
So work as a nanny instead? lumberjack_jeff Dec 2013 #139
IT job availability is pretty localized. jeff47 Dec 2013 #183
Really? gollygee Dec 2013 #39
Then you guess wrong GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #45
So it's the first part gollygee Dec 2013 #48
HAHA I noticed that dodge too. laundry_queen Dec 2013 #80
So many personal anecdotes, so little analysis erronis Dec 2013 #158
So your world is a reflection of the entire nation? Rex Dec 2013 #47
The cartoon is no more a reflection of the entire nation GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #62
you gave YOUR anecdote… now others are giving theirs. and they do not jibe. nashville_brook Dec 2013 #81
Wow, now my strawman quota for the day is met <EOM> Colorado Liberal Dec 2013 #118
I don't know what fantasy world you are describing in your reply Rex Dec 2013 #201
Look to the signature line. Hissyspit Dec 2013 #284
Seriously, pokemon trading cards? Blanks Dec 2013 #235
Pokemon? kcr Dec 2013 #248
I 'm thinking your husband's experience is very much the exception fishwax Dec 2013 #79
Cool story bro! nt Guy Whitey Corngood Dec 2013 #85
There was a time... freebrew Dec 2013 #100
Buy that, it common uponit7771 Dec 2013 #109
Where are you located? DFW Dec 2013 #129
Zero applications - Something is seriously wrong with hedgehog Dec 2013 #161
Then he's doing it utterly wrong. jeff47 Dec 2013 #180
I would LOVE to see the job ad for that. I really would. Brickbat Dec 2013 #210
You want to know why? Post the details, we have a cadre of engineers that Egalitarian Thug Dec 2013 #214
Best answer yet! pnwmom Dec 2013 #263
I think it's quite telling a2liberal Dec 2013 #264
They never do. I went around with this nonsense in the late '90s Egalitarian Thug Dec 2013 #334
My husband works for a large engineering firm that is about to pnwmom Dec 2013 #262
I live in a college town. xmas74 Dec 2013 #421
Maybe he's not paying enough and is looking for an excuse to Lydia Leftcoast Dec 2013 #280
What salary is he offering? JoeyT Dec 2013 #287
Maybe if the pay was above minimum wage Blecht Dec 2013 #371
Engineering jobs tend to be centered in specific city areas. And engineering degrees are expensive. haele Dec 2013 #422
Yes, relocation may be necessary GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #11
Why should relocation be necessary? Laelth Dec 2013 #29
Yes -- harder, especially in some areas -- but GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #32
Oh so really this is about an emotional response. Rex Dec 2013 #51
+1. This is it. JBoy Dec 2013 #93
Pissed her hubby isn't allowed to have indentured servants instead of employees. Ikonoklast Dec 2013 #157
Boomer parent here who couldn't agree more! hedgehog Dec 2013 #164
Exactly. And I'll never understand why some people seem to think relocation is just no big deal kcr Dec 2013 #35
No, I won't concede that GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #50
Yeah, and it's not like anything has changed since the 60's kcr Dec 2013 #58
EVERYTHING has changed since the Sixties..Even the minimum wage was worth Three Dollars more in whathehell Dec 2013 #103
Three dollars more? Laelth Dec 2013 #128
Yes, three dollars more in SPENDING Power.. whathehell Dec 2013 #196
Admittedly, our VISA law is abused, and it hurts American labor. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #229
It certainly does, and this has been going on since the mid-nineties, at least. whathehell Dec 2013 #296
Another gift from Bill Clinton? Laelth Dec 2013 #297
You betcha...He didn't start it, but he continued it with no problems...As Michael Moore has said, whathehell Dec 2013 #330
What percentage of a person's income went to housing in the 60s? gollygee Dec 2013 #59
And then add to that you're likely moving to an area with a higher cost of living kcr Dec 2013 #65
And you are likely moving from an area where you had at least a bit of family Nay Dec 2013 #152
Additionally, assuming that you can sell your existing house in an economically depressed area... Blanks Dec 2013 #236
Wow. That's too bad. Laelth Dec 2013 #66
Twice? jeff47 Dec 2013 #184
My field assumes up front anyone entering it will move several times a year. It's a bit annoying. nt Posteritatis Dec 2013 #239
Relocation costs money gollygee Dec 2013 #41
Doesn't matter to someone that got pissed off over a cartoon. Rex Dec 2013 #54
They forget that GenXers gollygee Dec 2013 #57
I agree, we cannot just magically pick up and move for free! Rex Dec 2013 #116
It might not be such a good choice even for someone very young Art_from_Ark Dec 2013 #251
One need only look at her signature... Oilwellian Dec 2013 #155
Yep. Middle finger to everyone, right out front. Ikonoklast Dec 2013 #187
I'll bet GladRagDahl Dec 2013 #68
We're talking about GenXers, not 20-somethings gollygee Dec 2013 #74
Or they could just borrow $20,000 from mom and dad to start a business, right? last1standing Dec 2013 #99
We GenXers have elderly parents gollygee Dec 2013 #111
I'll go further to say that her language is right out of the "Entitled Republican" playbook. last1standing Dec 2013 #124
So, everything's just like the 60's kcr Dec 2013 #130
WOW tazkcmo Dec 2013 #363
It wasn't for my parents, thats HUGE for people. Family infrastructure makes SO Much of a difference uponit7771 Dec 2013 #112
I've been claiming that our kids won't be leaving our home... Pholus Dec 2013 #12
Been hearing alot about multi-generational housing this year ... SomeGuyInEagan Dec 2013 #177
I like the concept, but hate that it is implemented.... Pholus Dec 2013 #249
Definitely agree. SomeGuyInEagan Dec 2013 #331
I agree. The 1% is having a good laugh at our expense. Laelth Dec 2013 #300
While I acknowledge there are some Boomers chervilant Dec 2013 #13
I'd guess over half of the boomers have had their own careers decimated while elehhhhna Dec 2013 #26
I'll have to reserve judgment chervilant Dec 2013 #78
You are right Chervilant. dotymed Dec 2013 #82
I am with you 100%!!! blue14u Dec 2013 #272
Thanks blue14u. dotymed Dec 2013 #291
Thanks for reading the post. Laelth Dec 2013 #301
Actually, chervilant Dec 2013 #361
I Get Your Point RobinA Dec 2013 #14
amen. read my post just above yours? elehhhhna Dec 2013 #27
Talking in terms of generations is useful. Laelth Dec 2013 #304
There must be some kind of sympathy & awareness. Eleanors38 Dec 2013 #15
There are far too many of those, I agree. Laelth Dec 2013 #305
Have you read this article? Ian_rd Dec 2013 #17
No. I had not read that article. Laelth Dec 2013 #306
Not just us Boomers, but our parents too,,,, KarenS Dec 2013 #19
Many Boomers are parents and Aunts and Uncles so We know whats going on kmlisle Dec 2013 #171
Thank you. That was a lovely post. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #308
Thank You! Springslips Dec 2013 #20
Cheers, my friend. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #31
Hopefully this OP blue14u Dec 2013 #274
I hope so too, and thanks for the kind words. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #290
Not all of us Boomers are ignorant of the situation, we love our kids! Dustlawyer Dec 2013 #22
Thank you. Laelth Dec 2013 #298
"Many of us now need some real love" Hubert Flottz Dec 2013 #25
Thanks for callling attention to this quote from my OP. Laelth Dec 2013 #313
Most of we 98% are in that same boat! Hubert Flottz Dec 2013 #321
In my own time and on a few occasions, I have chosen love over money in my life. Laelth Dec 2013 #328
Well stated, Laelth. brer cat Dec 2013 #37
Thank you for the kind words. Laelth Dec 2013 #309
GenXer, born 1972, checking in ....... marmar Dec 2013 #38
Thanks. Laelth Dec 2013 #314
thank you G_j Dec 2013 #43
We are all, definitely, in the same boat. Laelth Dec 2013 #316
Part of the problem is how the educational system operates n2doc Dec 2013 #44
For many years, I was one of those graduate students. Laelth Dec 2013 #318
You should blame the Boomers ramapo Dec 2013 #52
Gen X wasn't old enough to vote for Reagan kcr Dec 2013 #60
Not true. Raine1967 Dec 2013 #160
No. kcr Dec 2013 #165
People born in '64 were able to vote for Reagan. Raine1967 Dec 2013 #176
For one thing, not that many of them did kcr Dec 2013 #192
Fine. I didn't state this: "Gen X wasn't old enough to vote for Reagan" Raine1967 Dec 2013 #205
You didn't state it. I did, because it's correct. kcr Dec 2013 #216
well those are the dates I like hfojvt Dec 2013 #168
Thanks for the info. Raine1967 Dec 2013 #181
but it was NOT Boomers hfojvt Dec 2013 #188
It was a combination of things that included Boomers. jeff47 Dec 2013 #191
but if only people under 30 got to vote hfojvt Dec 2013 #203
Because of that 44. jeff47 Dec 2013 #213
the end of the baby boom does not factor at all hfojvt Dec 2013 #273
Thank you for pointing this out kcr Dec 2013 #197
Understoood. eom. Raine1967 Dec 2013 #206
There were also Gen X'ers who may not have been old enough to RFKHumphreyObama Dec 2013 #242
Still a small portion of Gen X, and a very small portion of the voters over all kcr Dec 2013 #245
That is a pretty ridiculous claim eilen Dec 2013 #293
plenty of us did not fall for the Reagan con job Skittles Dec 2013 #223
Yup, and plenty of us are facing the same crap job-wise. GoCubsGo Dec 2013 #243
That makes a lot of sense. Laelth Dec 2013 #319
I am a Boomer who joined DU today (after lurking here daily for years) to reply to you.... zed nada Dec 2013 #55
Welcome to DU ~ zed nada In_The_Wind Dec 2013 #98
The good news jeff47 Dec 2013 #190
Welcome. Very thoughtful post. nt cry baby Dec 2013 #259
Welcome to DU zed nada blue14u Dec 2013 #275
I am honored. Thank you for the post. Laelth Dec 2013 #320
College mills and corporate America made a college degree worthless Rex Dec 2013 #56
My pleasure. Laelth Dec 2013 #322
Please stop with the boomer bashing Dyedinthewoolliberal Dec 2013 #64
No doubt, Wall Street is the real culprit, here. Laelth Dec 2013 #70
I understand the general point you're making thucythucy Dec 2013 #138
Excellent post. Thanks. I appreciate the thoughtful response. Laelth Dec 2013 #143
Interesting about George Will flamingdem Dec 2013 #347
Bingo! nt Demo_Chris Dec 2013 #69
I don't know if this is what you are talking about, but... CoffeeCat Dec 2013 #72
Relocation is essential if the jobs are elsewhere. randome Dec 2013 #90
On the college front jeff47 Dec 2013 #195
I can see you have thought about this a great deal. Laelth Dec 2013 #372
You are so very sweet... CoffeeCat Dec 2013 #397
I took my son to the doctor last week... meaculpa2011 Dec 2013 #86
Probably PasadenaTrudy Dec 2013 #101
I'm sure you're right. meaculpa2011 Dec 2013 #166
My brother PasadenaTrudy Dec 2013 #212
+1 KurtNYC Dec 2013 #179
Very true. meaculpa2011 Dec 2013 #189
Good post. Sounds about right to me. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #332
As an early boomer randr Dec 2013 #87
Excellent post. Laelth Dec 2013 #335
Oh, believe me I understand randr Dec 2013 #382
I am happy for your kids and your grands. Laelth Dec 2013 #383
Back at ya randr Dec 2013 #384
In the 80's I worked with guys that are now retired or were and have since passed away that brewens Dec 2013 #88
Very insightful post. Thanks. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #337
This late Boomer gets it PasadenaTrudy Dec 2013 #94
You're definitely on the border, generation-wise. Laelth Dec 2013 #338
Sorry but as a boomer LittleGirl Dec 2013 #95
Sorry you took the post as a personal attack. Laelth Dec 2013 #339
The exact opposite of what you posted is true. former9thward Dec 2013 #96
Good points but I think it can get better if government played a better role than that of bystander. randome Dec 2013 #149
You and former9thward make good points. Raine1967 Dec 2013 #186
I hear you about the infrastructure. Ours used to be the best. Now, not so much. Laelth Dec 2013 #342
Well, Laelth, I did my part. malthaussen Dec 2013 #102
That means I have fewer people to compete against for reasonably well-paying jobs. Laelth Dec 2013 #145
It would be inconsistent for a person with my nick to add to population. malthaussen Dec 2013 #153
Well said Tumbulu Dec 2013 #310
I'm SORRY ! penndragon69 Dec 2013 #107
I really don't blame you (or any other Boomer) for Reagan. Laelth Dec 2013 #175
AMEN!!! My wife and I talked about this very thing this week. That OUR generation has to do things.. uponit7771 Dec 2013 #108
Quite true. Laelth Dec 2013 #134
+1 Raine1967 Dec 2013 #172
My pleasure. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #230
too true justabob Dec 2013 #110
It's a colossal waste of human capital. Laelth Dec 2013 #343
Boomer checking in to say "I get it" Lifelong Protester Dec 2013 #113
Thank you. Laelth Dec 2013 #131
I would like to ask something of you, too, Laelth..... llmart Dec 2013 #244
I need to take some time to consider this post before I respond. Laelth Dec 2013 #345
i've had about as much "tough love" as i can stand. Sheri Dec 2013 #115
My pleasure, and thanks for the kind words. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #370
you're welcome, sweetie. nt Sheri Dec 2013 #419
It is quite true . . . Brigid Dec 2013 #122
Thanks for the response. Laelth Dec 2013 #348
People with disabilities have always faced this problem. thucythucy Dec 2013 #126
I appreciate your adding this perspective. Laelth Dec 2013 #353
The problem is the idea that simply creating a whole bunch more exotic degrees lumberjack_jeff Dec 2013 #135
my brother and his wife are on food stamps southmost Dec 2013 #136
The OP illustrates one of the many reasons why it DOES NOT MAKE SENSE to ... Martin Eden Dec 2013 #140
Hear, hear! n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #365
having been in the academic job market 20 yrs ago... mike_c Dec 2013 #141
I really can't accept "same as it ever was." Laelth Dec 2013 #368
I hear you.... mike_c Dec 2013 #379
My expectations are quite low. Laelth Dec 2013 #381
Boomer tomato dude weighs in..... NRaleighLiberal Dec 2013 #142
+1 CountAllVotes Dec 2013 #198
Lovely post, NRaleighLiberal. Laelth Dec 2013 #377
I can understand your feeling riverbendviewgal Dec 2013 #146
There's a reason GenX votes in record low numbers jeff47 Dec 2013 #211
I greatly admired OWS riverbendviewgal Dec 2013 #218
Excellent analysis, jeff47. Thanks. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #378
Real love CountAllVotes Dec 2013 #148
Lovely post and a great story. Thanks. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #352
You think all us hippies voted for Reagan? HomerRamone Dec 2013 #150
This message was self-deleted by its author CountAllVotes Dec 2013 #154
If the welcome was for me, thanks but HomerRamone Dec 2013 #159
This message was self-deleted by its author CountAllVotes Dec 2013 #162
Divide et impera: plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose struggle4progress Dec 2013 #156
I thought I said the exact opposite. Laelth Dec 2013 #356
I saw that cartoon this morning. leftyladyfrommo Dec 2013 #163
I appreciate what you wrote. Laelth Dec 2013 #358
I saw this Doonsbury this morning, so was drawn to this OP mountain grammy Dec 2013 #167
What a beautiful post! Laelth Dec 2013 #366
Hang in there, kids! Times like this have happened before, just not as bad. raging moderate Dec 2013 #169
This time, it's lasting a lot longer. Laelth Dec 2013 #367
Strange. Larabee9898 Dec 2013 #170
You have been very fortunate, perhaps? n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #373
A tale of two cities (and two countries and two cultures) DFW Dec 2013 #173
You have done well by your children. Kudos to you. Laelth Dec 2013 #374
I'd be very foolish if I didn't acknlowledge that n/t DFW Dec 2013 #399
I also want to say, I think you are better than we were. raging moderate Dec 2013 #185
Interesting analysis. Laelth Dec 2013 #375
I always think back to when I was in college. Springslips Dec 2013 #193
+1. Well said. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #376
The US was in an abnormal position 1945-1975 happyfunball Dec 2013 #199
America begin declining in the 1980's during Reagan's terms in office. Rex Dec 2013 #202
No, the 1970's weren't all that happyfunball Dec 2013 #204
The problem I'm having with this is that there is an assumption Skidmore Dec 2013 #207
Thank you..... llmart Dec 2013 #349
This post deserves a response. Laelth Dec 2013 #385
An Engineering PhD has to wait tables?? philosslayer Dec 2013 #208
Heard you the first time.. SomethingFishy Dec 2013 #221
stop demonizing boomers Skittles Dec 2013 #222
Don't worry, Skittles. Laelth Dec 2013 #344
I'm Gen X (also with PhD) and almost everyone I know with a PhD has a decent job aikoaiko Dec 2013 #224
Well that was my first thought too, somewhat extreme. Rex Dec 2013 #225
Agreed. aikoaiko Dec 2013 #226
Are there lots of opportunities for people like you to hang out with waiters? Laelth Dec 2013 #380
My Ph.D. program tracks every graduate. aikoaiko Dec 2013 #391
Cool. Thanks for the response. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #392
What changed after Reagan? JDPriestly Dec 2013 #227
I am certainly no fan of "free" trade. Laelth Dec 2013 #387
As a boomer I do get it. Pakid Dec 2013 #228
I voted against Reagan twice. I hate Reagan's guts. Enthusiast Dec 2013 #231
My stepdaughter is just finishing up her degree in microbiology and immediately after is 1monster Dec 2013 #232
20 years ago was better than this, 30 years ago was just as bad (early boomer) diane in sf Dec 2013 #240
Alas, it was the Boomer's PARENTS that gave us Reagan. Demeter Dec 2013 #241
How dare you say that! CountAllVotes Dec 2013 #362
My father sent him money Demeter Dec 2013 #369
For someone who didn't want generational warfare, Curmudgeoness Dec 2013 #247
I am sorry you dislike the thread. Laelth Dec 2013 #393
I was intrigued by this discussion, Curmudgeoness Dec 2013 #395
Fair enough. Laelth Dec 2013 #396
Well, it seems a Boomer like Garry Trudeau understands. But then, I'm not sure most understand.... Moonwalk Dec 2013 #266
Good points. llmart Dec 2013 #351
Many of us late boomers went through this exactly in the early 80's Tumbulu Dec 2013 #268
Thanks for the response. Laelth Dec 2013 #402
Well, you raise a great question Tumbulu Dec 2013 #406
Thanks for the response. Laelth Dec 2013 #407
Yes, very true Tumbulu Dec 2013 #411
I just thought it was an interesting observation. Laelth Dec 2013 #412
I totally understand it Lydia Leftcoast Dec 2013 #276
The Millennials may save us all. Laelth Dec 2013 #390
As a late boomer, and a long time activist, I've been exhorting Luminous Animal Dec 2013 #281
k&r avaistheone1 Dec 2013 #285
when they killed our heroes, JFK, MLK, RFK....what happened? Chrom Dec 2013 #315
You really think the money people who run things care about demonstrations? djean111 Dec 2013 #326
Really? You need older people to fight? Do honestly believe that the majority of boomers have Luminous Animal Dec 2013 #389
I know some of these grads. TxDemChem Dec 2013 #282
I'd rather be lucky than good. Laelth Dec 2013 #394
"Boomers lack a frame of reference to understand how much harder it is to live in this world now." Spitfire of ATJ Dec 2013 #283
Most? Kaleva Dec 2013 #288
Boomer here - that not having a frame of reference? Bullshit. Born in 46, got one pair of shoes djean111 Dec 2013 #302
Jobs were scarce when we got out of school, too. leftyladyfrommo Dec 2013 #317
Meanwhile we have overpaid assholes on TV telling us we don't deserve what we have. Spitfire of ATJ Dec 2013 #341
Broad brush? divisive? Look at the post which I had responded to. Kaleva Dec 2013 #324
I am so sorry - I didn't mean to reply to your post - my life as a Boomer likely was djean111 Dec 2013 #325
A LOT of us boomers were the product of the flood of divorces in the 60s and 70s... Spitfire of ATJ Dec 2013 #340
No need to apologize! Kaleva Dec 2013 #346
I am pretty resourceful, can stretch a dollar a loooong way, djean111 Dec 2013 #354
You ought to check out the Frugal Living group here at DU Kaleva Dec 2013 #357
Thanks! I will check that out right now. djean111 Dec 2013 #360
"Money isn't everything." Spitfire of ATJ Dec 2013 #323
Precisely. Laelth Dec 2013 #350
In California apartments that used to go for $350 a month shoot up to $1,100 in 15 years.... Spitfire of ATJ Dec 2013 #359
The joblessness of those who have very good educations is very rarely discussed truedelphi Dec 2013 #355
This boomer graduated at in 1982. Multiple degrees. Yo_Mama Dec 2013 #386
. Laelth Dec 2013 #388
I don't rmember life ever being very easy. leftyladyfrommo Dec 2013 #400
You are not a boomer to this boomer.... Bennyboy Dec 2013 #403
The reason that shift happened was because the economy sucked so bad Yo_Mama Dec 2013 #404
My trade, Tilesetter/mason pays less, much less today Bennyboy Dec 2013 #405
All corrections go too far Yo_Mama Dec 2013 #410
Very informative post. Thanks. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #408
Uh huh... a whole generation of doctorate holders... That must be it... Decaffeinated Dec 2013 #398
Your scorn and derision are noted. Laelth Dec 2013 #401
For many people I know relocation is... meaculpa2011 Dec 2013 #409
LOT OF TIME BEING WASTED ON THIS..... Blus4u Dec 2013 #413
Welcome to DU. n/t Laelth Dec 2013 #414
You might as well be yelling this into a wishing well. If the Boomers were capable of jtuck004 Dec 2013 #415
Sadly, it feels that way sometimes. Laelth Dec 2013 #416
Just look around. We can't get enough debt, yet it is the very thing that is killing us. jtuck004 Dec 2013 #417
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