Talk:Economic history of the United States
I've added an economic history of the US from 1929 until 1994. I'm sure some might quibble with a point or two, but I think most of it is accurate - 1929 to the early 1940's seems to be an economic period (Depression to WWII), the mid 1940's to late 1960's and early 1970's seems to be another period (Keynes/Bretton Woods) and the mid-1970's to mid 1990's seems to be another era (Friedman, monetarism). I think most would agree major shifts in the economy happened that can space out these periods - and I think conservatives and liberals would agree - a conservative like Daniel Yergin as well as a liberal like Paul Krugman both seem to share this concept of time periods. Even Marxists see the West's adoption of Keynesianism as an important development in capitalism. -- Lancemurdoch 05:15, 14 Jan 2004 (UTC)
Bias?
"One should take note that during this period, government statistical formulas were changed to produce happier results, and government statistics should be considered carefully before being accepted." - is this comment necesary? Also, it seems that Reagan period is a bit optimisitic (but of course, the matter is controversial)
- It's true, though I'd like for someone to put it in more encyclopedic terms without loss of concision. For instance, in 1995, the CPI formula was changed to measure the rental value of owner-occupied housing. This rises far slower than other housing understating the largest part of inflation, housing costs. Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich admits the formulas were changed, and claims that with the old measurements, our GDP growth rate, announced as 4%, is actually closer to...zero. It's sad, but it's true. I do not pretend my edits were entirely NPOV, and as I asked in edit summaries, please fix it.
- By the way, you might want to consider registering. It'd be great to know you by a name.
- And if the Reagan Era seems a bit optimistic, need I remind everyone that the previous article boiled down to that the economy prospered under Democrats and stagnated under Republicans? - Calmypal 04:10, Feb 15, 2005 (UTC)
removed opinion, uncited
"Carter is consistently ranked from all across the political spectrum as one of the worst presidents in history." Something substantive about Carter's policies and actions would be appropriate for an encyclopedia. This is nothing more than an opinion with no citing. Further, a citing would be inappropriate for an opinion. Also, putting this sentiment in as "many people's opinion is..." would not add any factual substance to the article.