Excellent post Kevin but I believe those of a liberal slant on this board may counter your factual post with the argument; "it was the rich who got richer, but the poor got poorer. Not all Americans reaped the benefits of Reaganomics in the 80's."

But I am of the opposite opinion. Those who succeed and prospered did so because they worked hard and wanted to succeed. Those who got left behind in the 80's will always get left behind regardless of the year and regardless of who's in office. Too many people are looking for hand outs and a free ride. They do as little as possible and yet expect so much.

Have you been to San Francisco? That city is a textbook example of what's wrong with the liberal philosophy. What they attempt to do is honorable and noble. No question. But this compassion for the homeless has turned that city into a shit hole. They've been taken advantage by the same people they're trying to help.

"Give a man a fish; feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish; feed him for a lifetime." 

San Fran needs to start teaching these people to fish. I do a lot of traveling and have been to SF twice. But I will not spend any more time or money there until they really start helping the homeless rather than placating or enabling them.