2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Fifties were a better time. We need to return to a better Democratic Party. [View all]KT2000
(20,567 posts)and Cold War. The federal government was pouring money into the economy, vets were graduating with college degrees and no need for loan repayment. Research and development was booming in preparation for the next war - being a war fought with air power. Universities were getting research grants to work in conjunction with manufacturers. Nuclear research was taking off with government dollars.
There were air raid drills for the kids and escape plans for the potential nuclear war. People were building shelters in their homes to survive the nuclear blast. Nuclear testing contaminated the earth with some communities suffering terrible consequences (ex. downwinders).
Also in the 50's - divorce was difficult, even when abuse was present. Wives could be sent to mental hospitals for standing up to their husbands - drugs and electroshock therapy would do the trick. Gaining employment for women was difficult and the wage gap was greater.
Back to the 50's? No thanks.