[manaboutown]

The 1950s and early to mid 1960s were good times in many ways. Our standard of living was gradually improving. The country and indeed the world were recovering from WWII (Marshall Plan in Europe). The GI Bill provided college education opportunities for veterans. I recall reading somewhere that the marriage age in 1958 was the youngest it had been in 200 years, one working parent could support a family and that 12-1/2% of one worker's income provided housing. Young families were moving into newly built suburban housing. Children walked or rode their bikes to and from school where they were safe and well educated by qualified and devoted teachers who were backed up by caring parents. Highways were being built. Life got better and better.

However SAT scores peaked in 1965. Thereafter many aspects of life became increasingly troublesome and difficult. I no longer feel safe from violent personal or property crime; many school systems if they can still even be called that are just awful. I'll stop there as it would be too depressing to continue.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Bilyclub

We prefer original content here, not regurgitated FB crap.

Thank you for deciding for all of us. Happen to agree but think we all get a choice.

[GOLFER54]

It saddens me to say this, but the world we all grew up with is Long Gone.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Queenie504

I'm really glad I didnt have to live through the 1950's with sexism, racism and inequality. I'm quite okay with living in the here and now. The past is gone and it's not coming back, thankfully.

I hate to break bad news to people, but today, right now, in the US of A we have mass quantities of racism, sexism, and much MORE wealth inequity than in the 50s and 60s. I will give some examples although none are needed.
........Inequity......Mostly caused by the lowering of the TAX RATE for the high earners from 1950 to today (look it up) and with small doses of technology, outsourcing, and poor public education.
......Racism........if there were less racism - why are there MORE white supremacists today as opposed to the 1950s. Granted there was a lot of racism in many geographic parts of the US. It has gone underground for a few recent past years, but the LARGE number today of white supremacist organizations proves that it THRIVES today.
......sexism..........Granted sexism was large in the 50s, but it has not gone away despite many gains in that area. The US is one of the only democratic countries to NEVER have a female President or other-titled top leader. Very few US large corporations have female CEOs. Covid has set back many female executives more than males.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Captainpd

Why would you "challenge" people to repost your post?? 7 paragraphs long, isn't that enough. Pretty much all of us had a great time in the 50-60's. I'm not sure what you post is supposed to do. Those times are gone forever and it's fine to have those memories but DON'T challenge people with it..

Those that refuse to remember and learn from History are doomed to repeat it. We are seeing this today in the Ukraine conflict. And its potential worldwide disruptions. History is full of good and evil. It is on full display today!

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by HRDave

Exactly how we grew up in Southern Illinois. We were so lucky to grow up in the best period in American history!
The best times. The best music. The best TV. The best education. The best cars. The best movies. Et al.

True and just look to the tax brackets and the tax percentages to glean a major reason for that being such a strong era.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by rustyp

‘I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.’ It’s a quote from Andy Bernard, a character from The Office, that resonates with a lot of people. For one reason or another, we often perceive that our past is better, or was more enjoyable than our present is. But truthfully, more often than not, the past wasn’t actually better or more enjoyable; it’s just that we seem to remember it that way, and this occurs for a variety of reasons.

You look to the past with a sense of certainty that the present can’t provide

Good post.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

Not everyone, almost maybe.

I don't look back favorably, not such a good time. I look forward to my grandkids having a better life.

I hate to bear bad news, but with each generation after about 1970, the middle-class disappeared more and greater inequity developed in society. There are many reasons for this - too numerous to go into - I have in the past. Just as an example, we all have heard about the greater number of MILLIONAIRES that have been minted in the US in recent years. The money left the middle-class and flew upward!

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Bilyclub

We prefer original content here, not regurgitated FB crap.

"We"? Who is this "we" you speak of?

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

I hate to break bad news to people, but today, right now, in the US of A we have mass quantities of racism, sexism, and much MORE wealth inequity than in the 50s and 60s. I will give some examples although none are needed.
........Inequity......Mostly caused by the lowering of the TAX RATE for the high earners from 1950 to today (look it up) and with small doses of technology, outsourcing, and poor public education.
......Racism........if there were less racism - why are there MORE white supremacists today as opposed to the 1950s. Granted there was a lot of racism in many geographic parts of the US. It has gone underground for a few recent past years, but the LARGE number today of white supremacist organizations proves that it THRIVES today.
......sexism..........Granted sexism was large in the 50s, but it has not gone away despite many gains in that area. The US is one of the only democratic countries to NEVER have a female President or other-titled top leader. Very few US large corporations have female CEOs. Covid has set back many female executives more than males.

So much to unpack...

But I'll only comment on one thing... If you compare "actual" (marginal vs effective) taxes paid in the 50's, today's high earners pay MORE that they did in the 50's...

That 90% tax rate was NEVER paid, due to a myriad of deductions that no longer exist...

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

True and just look to the tax brackets and the tax percentages to glean a major reason for that being such a strong era.

I disagree with this post...

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

I hate to break bad news to people, but today, right now, in the US of A we have mass quantities of racism, sexism, and much MORE wealth inequity than in the 50s and 60s. I will give some examples although none are needed.
........Inequity......Mostly caused by the lowering of the TAX RATE for the high earners from 1950 to today (look it up) and with small doses of technology, outsourcing, and poor public education.
......Racism........if there were less racism - why are there MORE white supremacists today as opposed to the 1950s. Granted there was a lot of racism in many geographic parts of the US. It has gone underground for a few recent past years, but the LARGE number today of white supremacist organizations proves that it THRIVES today.
......sexism..........Granted sexism was large in the 50s, but it has not gone away despite many gains in that area. The US is one of the only democratic countries to NEVER have a female President or other-titled top leader. Very few US large corporations have female CEOs. Covid has set back many female executives more than males.

So, racists are only white, and sexists are only men?

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

I hate to bear bad news, but with each generation after about 1970, the middle-class disappeared more and greater inequity developed in society. There are many reasons for this - too numerous to go into - I have in the past. Just as an example, we all have heard about the greater number of MILLIONAIRES that have been minted in the US in recent years. The money left the middle-class and flew upward!

You are assuming that money is a finite thing. Just because someone gets rich doesn't mean someone else gets poor...

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

So, racists are only white, and sexists are only men?

Of course! Didn't you get the memo?

[manaboutown]

"Lost In The Fifties Tonight". Ronnie Milsap. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycRwYLcVAs8