A Question That Every American Should Ask

In a 1980 debate, then candidate Ronald Reagan asked America a question: Are you better off than you were four years ago? He maintained that the answer was no and, soon after, was swept into office. Four years later in a 1984 debate, he reframed the question: Is America better off now than it was four years ago? The answer this time was presumably yes, and he was re-elected in a landslide.

For the past five years, the Republican Party has controlled the Presidency, the Senate and the House of Representatives. They are and have been the majority party. Since the Democrats can't override anything that the majority party really wants to do, it's fair to say that the record of the past five and half years belongs to the Republicans. If the United States is better off, the Republicans get to claim the credit. If not, they must bear the responsibility.

It's time for Democrats to frame this next election by taking a page from the Reagan playbook:

Is America Better Off Now, Than It Was Five Years Ago?

Let's see what the data suggests: (Hint: if it's in red, it's worse):

Energy

• On January 1, 2001 - The price of regular unleaded gasoline was $1.22/gallon.

• On July 23, 2006 - The price of regular unleaded gasoline had risen to $3.01/gallon.


Budget Management

• In 2000, the federal government had a budget surplus of $236,200,000,000.

• In 2005, the federal government had a budget deficit of $318,300,000,000.


War and Peace

• On January 1, 2001, the United States was engaged in no major conflicts. In the previous year, no US soldier had been killed by hostile action.

• On July 20, 2006, the United States was engaged in two conflicts (Afghanistan and Iraq). Since January 1, 2001,
2,882 US soldiers have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.


The Economy - Unemployment

• On January 1, 2001 - The US unemployment rate was 3.7%

• On July 1, 2006 - The US unemployment rate was 4.7%


The Economy - Trade

• On December 31, 2000, the annual trade deficit was $436,103,000

• On December 31, 2000, the annual trade deficit was $767,475,000

So what do you think? Is America better off now than it was 5 years ago?

The answer should be a resounding NO and it's our job to help make the case. To that end, I invite, encourage and implore you to e-mail this information to anyone who you feel either a) doesn't have the facts or b) agrees, but needs statistical data to help make the case to others.

A lot of people know that things don't feel right in the United States, but may need help bringing it all into focus. That's where you come in! OK, you've had your pep talk, you've got your ammo, now get out there and fight!

Sources:

Associated Press:
http://apnews1.iwon.com//article/20060724/D8J21NCO0.html?PG=home&SEC=news

CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/

United States Census Bureau:
http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c0004.html#2005
http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c0004.html#2005

United States Congressional Budget Office:
http://www.cbo.gov/budget/historical.pdf

United States Department of Defense:
http://siadapp.dior.whs.mil/personnel/CASUALTY/Death_Rates.pdf

United States Energy Information Administration:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/wrgp/mogas_history.htm