Just curious, not really interested in long discussions. The theory behind the question is that every generation thinks that America is getting worse, but yet the standard of living in America keeps getting better.

I, for instance, think America is getting worse overall, but yet my life seems to get better and better the older I get.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

The problem with such a poll is the definition of "better" or "worse".

From a financial perspective, one might argue that things are getting better, as those with increasing years usually have increasing assets to some extent. Personally, I'm far better financially than I was 20 years ago.

But, if we leave money out of it for the discussion, I'm fully convinced that the intelligence, common sense, and capability of the aggregate population is far worse than it was 20 years ago. Naturally, there are the select few who can be used as a counterargument, and there are certainly the movers and shakers of society that continually propel it forward, but, overall, the population appears to be far more stupid than it ever was. This would be the definition of worse.

Furthermore, the general lack of common decency and respect and the desire to shove oneself forward at the expense of others is rampant. It's considerably worse than 20 years ago.

So, it's difficult for me to vote in your poll.

gd, i was short and sweet.

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72 W114/M130

RedMeat cartoon

Too much analysis. Gut decisions are best.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

I would say it is overall about the same.

Most folks are decent.

Some are thoughtless.

A few are evil.

financially we all seem to have a lot more stuff than when I was growing up in the sixties but most wormen work outside the home now and so it is questionable if we are really ahead.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I say it's gotten worse. Especially since 2000 when our president was "elected" into office.

The bigger the government has gotten, the worse its gotten.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

When I was born in 1957, racial discrimination was official government policy. For that and other reasons, America is better now than in 1957. If current trends hold, however, that answer might change down the road.

The economy has gone WAY downhill because of all the illegal immigration and jobs moving over seas.

It has been on a slow decline since WW2... The slide escalated after Vietnam and since 2000 it has not only escalated further, but accelerated as well.

Bush Sr. undid much of what Ronnie tried to do -- Clinton turned things around with the help of the Internet Economy -- and Y2000 Man has turned us back to the Carter years (economically) -- on a good day.

Seriously? Have you not watched the stock market break records in the last two weeks? How can anyone say the economy has gone downhill?

PS - Presidents don't control the economy, they just get the blame/credit for them.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

It's been on a slide since 1913, with not much hope for a turnaround.

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-Marty

1986 300E 220,000 miles+ transmission impossible
(Now waiting under a bridge in order to become one)

Reading your M103 duty cycle:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=831799&postcount=13
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=831807&postcount=14

Gore invented the Internet and that's why Clinton gets the credit, right?

What was the inflation rate in 1980? What was the employment rate in 1980?

B

I think its better, our lakes are cleaner, the air is cleaner our road sides are almost spotless. the roads are good just about everyone has cable tv and high speed internet. We have great parks, resorts and getaways. Our economy is growing.

The president isn't everything take some time and smell the roses, we were being attacked by terrorists in the 90's and nobody seemed to care why do they make such a big deal out of it now?

For those of you that think we are worse off, do you remember the 70's?

We defeated hippies, disco and leaded gas so I think that we can defeat the problems we have today.