Benchmark events in the fall of America since 1960... (WWII, Mexican, economic)

[MrMarbles]

Has anyone read "The Great Stagnation" by Tyler Cowen? His thesis is that before about 1970 we've consumed most of the "low hanging fruit" that has been driving force behind the rapid growth of our economy since the Civil War. The returns on innovation and investments in human capital have slowed. In short, the reasons for our stagnation are economic, not political.

A lot of the troubles come from us failing to grasp or acknowledge this reality. For example, we borrow money with the expectation that a high rate of growth will make up for the debts (both public and private). But the growth rate is just not there. Politicians, to keep their message optimistic, promise more and more stuff (in the form of both tax cuts and spending). But this optimism is overstated. It isn't anyone's fault, necessarily. It is just that our economic reality is different from that of the previous generation.

This stagnation is not just affecting us. It applies to all the developed countries. On the other hand, developing countries like China are, for the time being, unaffected. They still have quite a few long hanging fruit left to pick.

[JohnHAdams]

Originally Posted by MrMarbles

Has anyone read "The Great Stagnation" by Tyler Cowen? His thesis is that before about 1970 we've consumed most of the "low hanging fruit" that has been driving force behind the rapid growth of our economy since the Civil War. The returns on innovation and investments in human capital have slowed. In short, the reasons for our stagnation are economic, not political.

A lot of the troubles come from us failing to grasp or acknowledge this reality. For example, we borrow money with the expectation that a high rate of growth will make up for the debts (both public and private). But the growth rate is just not there. Politicians, to keep their message optimistic, promise more and more stuff (in the form of both tax cuts and spending). But this optimism is overstated. It isn't anyone's fault, necessarily. It is just that our economic reality is different from that of the previous generation.

This stagnation is not just affecting us. It applies to all the developed countries. On the other hand, developing countries like China are, for the time being, unaffected. They still have quite a few long hanging fruit left to pick.

Well put.

[JohnHAdams]

Originally Posted by raphael3

A good place to research more on this subject would be the Majestic 12 videos on you tube.

I have no idea about extra terrestrial life on other planets. I just can't get into ET's on earth.

[Manolón]

Here is another misconception.
America is not falling, it just happens that America is not the only superpower.

[JohnHAdams]

Originally Posted by Manolón

Here is another misconception.
America is not falling, it just happens that America is not the only superpower.

I don't know what you are on but I want some.

[Manolón]

America started to be a great superpower when Japan, Europe and China were utterly destroyed and USSR was a very inefficient empire.

Now all those countries are back in their feet, some, as China, acting as the workshop of all industrial countries.

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Originally Posted by JohnHAdams

I have been considering a book dealing with America's precipitous fall from #1 in almost everything to where we are now. 1960 seems to be a good starting point.

These are the benchmark events that I am considering:
1) Kennedy assassination
2) Vietnam
3) Complete removal from the gold standard under Nixon. Inflation has been horrendous since then.
4) Reaganomics
5) Clintonomics
6) Bushbarian Reign of Terror
7) Financial collapse of 2008
8) 9/11

I realize these ideas need to be fleshed out but few want to read a gargantuan post.

Each and every one of the subjects contains enough change to be a book in itself - how could you possibly write on all the subjects in one book.

[JohnHAdams]

Originally Posted by sunnyandcloudydays

Each and every one of the subjects contains enough change to be a book in itself - how could you possibly write on all the subjects in one book.

One can write as little or as much as they want. The intent behind the thread was to fish for more crucial events.

Such as the Patriot Act and the rise of the electronic police state.

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Originally Posted by JohnHAdams

One can write as little or as much as they want. The intent behind the thread was to fish for more crucial events.

Such as the Patriot Act and the rise of the electronic police state.

Okay let me see if I can add some ideas


erosion of the middle class
the rise and fall of unions
divided politics
red light camera districts
The community reinvestment act and how it relates to the housing collapse

Hopefully one will give you an idea

[ovcatto]

The opening of the first online discussion forum.

That's my vote.