So 1920 to today. The period over which America transitioned from a regional power to the global hegemon and the richest country to ever exist.

Certainly since Reagan things have been slowly going downhill but up until then..

What does “good” look like? Perfection?

If only we had bad markets instead, like the good old days.

What metrics would you use to assess the quality of life you think best?

Maybe if we'd stuck it out with Hoover... "given a chance to go forward with the policies of the last eight years, and we shall soon with the help of God be in sight of the day when poverty will be banished from this Nation." (campaign trail, 1928) He only got four of those years.

Which span was that? Must all be prior to 1981.

Yeah, we’d be much much better off if the Great Depression was still happening, and Hitler got to slaughter our ancestors. I’m guessing the congress critters are pretty nostalgic for stuff like polio, tuberculosis, measles and the bubonic plague.

Also, screw breathable air and drinkable water, even more than the internet and microwave. Above all else, ballpoint pens and velcro need to just stop.

Excuse me. It’s rush hour. I need to go yell at a busy bridge until the thing just falls the fuck over.