General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Over all - was life better 50 years go today - or was it worse? [View all]HooptieWagon
(17,064 posts)Of course, gay marriage was unthinkable 50 years ago. Racism was worse. Pollution standards were non'existant. Lead from gasoline was polluting the ground. Industrial waste and sewage was dumped into rivers and bays. There were still many homes with no telephone, some with no electricity. Autos were less safe, as were roads.
Economically, we have regressed. Most wages provided for a family of 4. Housing was affordable. A doctor visit was affordable. A young person could work their way through college, if necessary. GI Bill paid for college for many.
50 years ago, individual taxes were only one third of total tax revenue by federal govt despite top rate having just been lowered to 70% from 90%. Corporations paid two thirds of federal tax revenue. Now, individuals pay 2/3 of federal tax revenue, despite a top rate of 37%, and corporations only pay one third. State and local taxes have increased, which hit the poor harder since they're regressive, and utility rates have soared. The number of poor have increased, and the middle class has shrunk, and it's much more difficult now for the poor to reach middle class. Almost impossible, in fact.