Everyone is going to focus on different aspects of the Bush years, but I've got one question... Are you better off today, than you were in 2000? Personally, no. Those effected by 9/11? Probably not. Those that didn't get adequate aid after Katrina? Probably not. Those killed in the "pre-emptive" war seeking WMD? Probably not. Those that have lost so much of their savings in the market? Probably not. So, I'm curious, be honest. Are you better off today, than you were in 2000?
The correct question is, are we as a nation better off now than 2000. Asking it on an individual level is too open to the influence of individual life experience.
I was actually going for a more personal answer. I honestly think it would be a stretch to think that anyone could argue that our country, as a whole, is better off today than in 2000. But on a personal level, it's possible. Probably extremely rare, but possible. I've got a feeling that some of the right-winged posters will probably respond with "Yes, I'm better off", and be lying, but that's ok. Hopefully they'll really think about the question though. Personally, in the last two years or so, my mutual funds have taken a huge hit. My family members are struggling, and a close friend of mine finally found a new job, though with it comes a 40% pay cut from his previous one. Thinking about it now, I can't think of anyone that I know that is honestly better off now...
Definitely not ! So many problems World = Economic Crisis World = Gaza Crisis Pakistan = India / US meddling. Pakistan = Rep. Wrongly and badly damaged. Islam = Rep. Wrongly and badly damaged So, Personally for me its been a disaster.
I am actually. In 2000 I had just graduated college and didn't have a high paying job. Now I work for myself making a good income. But I do think that my situation is a rarity. I think it's people like me (entrepreneurs) who are doing OK right now - it's people who have a more "normal" source of income who are likely to be struggling more so. I'm definitely not a right winger (as you can see from any of my other posts) but the truth is that I am doing better now than then financially. My mother and step father are also doing very well (they are also entrepreneurs.) So there are some people who are succeeding in this economy.
Nice! Is your business local, or global? I've got a feeling most of the ones that are succeeding are the ones that are embracing the new global marketplace. Don't get me wrong, I definitely see a need for local shops and such, but with all the mega-super-stores, starting a local business seems like it would be a steep, uphill battle. Haha, amen.
My business is on the internet of course So yes, it is global. And I agree with you. I wouldn't want to be starting up a local business these days. No way. I am very thankful the internet is around right now. I don't know what I'd do without these opportunities.
IMO you're confusing arguments. We can argue about what is and isn't Bushy's fault till the cows come home. But it's pretty undeniable that we are not better off than we were 8 years ago. 8 Years ago we were not in a recession 8 Years ago we were not at war (now we're in 2) 8 Years ago we had a lot more international support 8 Years ago we our civil liberties weren't in jeopardy. 8 Years ago we didn't have a prison in Guantanamo full of people we have no idea what to do with. 8 Years ago our jobless numbers weren't as high as they are now with predictions of them getting a lot worse before they get better. Again the arguments can be made on all of the above about whether or not they were Bushy's fault. But the question of whether or not we are better off as a nation after his Presidency is a pretty simple one whether it was his fault or not..... Comparing that simplicity to over 300 MILLION individual points of view, there is an astronomical difference. How can you not see that?? ------------- But moving on, I just wish some of the folks on the conservative side would just accept reality, admit our 43rd President wasn't the greatest thing to happen to our nation, and accept defeat on that. Because the alternative is to sit there and say all the bad things and our current situation just aren't his fault. He was only the President.... I'd like to think those same people would be as understanding and forgiving on Obama's watch but let's face it, they're bashing him now and he hasn't even done anything yet. Everything he does will be done to FIX the problems left by the last administration. If after 8 years, Obama is boo'd on his way out, has a terrible approval rating, and you can make a list like I just did above about the problems we're left with after his Presidency I will openly and whole heartedly admit he was a bad President. As any sane person would.
I was really just going for a "litmus test" kind of question about the past 8 years... I agree, that it's ridiculous to try and argue that our country is better off than 8 years ago, but I was just interested to see how many people here would say they were better off, because honestly, I was having a hard time thinking of either a person, or group, that has fared well (other than the already rich)...
I'm better off as well. I'm now self employed (since 2001) and employee 47 people across 4 states. My income is much higher, my taxes are (for the time being at least) much lower and my house and cars are paid off.
I've gotten fatter and older in the past 8 years, so my answer is no. And I might as well blame Bush for those things too.
Yes much better off i have no mortgage as the house has been payed for,i started my own ltd company in 2008 which means i work for nobody else and for the 1st time in my life i am happy and i also have good health.
Wow. I'm thinking this is the one group of people (internet sales) that haven't been hit by the economy...