So, it's 2006. The Republican party has had control of the White House for 17 of the last 25 years, and control of Congress for the last 12.
What has that gotten us?
The slow death of the middle class.
Morning in America, indeed.
Details in the extended body...
In 1980, the average cost of a new home was
$76,000.
In 2005, it was $228,300
An increase of 200%
In 1980, Americans spent $321 per capita on health insurance premiums
In 2005, they spent over $1400 per capita (this number is from 1998, it has risen even further since then)
An increase of at least 335%
In 1980, the average cost of college tuition at a private university was $3617
In 2005, it was $23275
An increase of 540%
Meanwhile......
In 1980, the median household income was $17710
In 2005, it was about $44389 (2004 Figure)
an increase of 150%
So, what does all of this add up to?
In 1980, the average american household could afford to pay $7896 for a years worth of mortgage payments (at a 12.7% interest rate) on a new home, pay $321 in health insurance premiums, and pay $3617 to send one child to college, and still have $5876 left over, or 33% of their household income.
In 2005, the average american family paid $13956 for a years worth of mortgage payments (at a 6.5% interest rate) on a new home, paid at least $1400 on health insurance premiums, and paid $23275 to send one child to college, and had a measly $5758 left over, or just 13% of their household income.
It seems pretty clear to me: Republican governance makes it more difficult for American families to afford shelter, health care, and schooling.
There needs to be a better way, or our country is in serious trouble.