The stock market has improved but I disagree that the economy has improved. Banks are still reluctant to lend money, unemployment REAL UNEMPLOYMENT is over 10%, millions more are getting government subsidies, our free enterprise is being stifled by onerous regulations from the EPA and Obamacare, our citizens are under suspicion by the IRS and the NSA, and people just don't trust the word of Obama.
Remember what they said about Mussolini and Hitler: "they made the trains run on time". So if you want to judge an economy by a government inflated stock market then know what you're getting.
Historically, did you know that the stock market hit 41 in 1933? That was from a high of 381 in 1929. In late 1937 the market had rallied to 194 or a 400% increase from the worst time. Obama can't touch that and you would call that a great economy but unemployment was nearly 20% and in the next year (1938) the market fell to 98. The market did not significantly grow until Roosevelt died and the war ended.
http://stockcharts.com/freecharts/hi.../djia1900.html
Yes, the hatred for Bush was much worse. Hitler pictures, comments about stupidity but what was missing was rooted in facts comments about Bush's usurptions of our rights. A lot of "what ifs" about the Patriot Act that didn't come to fruition until Obama. The TSA did not yet have a reputation of criminality and incompetence. We were winning the war in Iraq, Russia was a second rate country, and no one was claiming that Al Quaeda was on the run for political gain. Yes, our military got support when they needed it along with our ambassadors.
Originally Posted by JD Barleycorn
As I said, I am egocentric at this point in time in my life, as most are, when it comes to the economy. I have had no trouble refinancing loans (mortgage at 2.65% for 10 years, auto loan at 1.99%) although I hear you when you say money is still tight. I really don't care if the stock market is inflated. Until it busts, life is good. Actually I've taken my money out of my risky 401k and put it into an equity fund.
Appreciate your input on Bush and ASPD.