Whocouldaknowed

(click on images to enlarge)

In the above table from the Census Bureau is clear evidence that the cream has been rising to the top. Like they say about the present financial crisis - whocouldaknowed?

You can see too, more money went to the top corresponding with the ending of milk price parity - whocouldaknowed?

Here is a link to Reagan's signing statement: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=43375

I am pleased to sign today a bipartisan farm bill that recognizes both our reliance on the American farmer and the limits of government.

This legislation is the result of many months of hard work, both in the Congress and in the administration. There are many in the House and Senate who deserve credit for their efforts, but in particular I would like to thank Senators Jesse Helms, Bob Dole, and Dee Huddleston, and Representatives Kika de la Garza, Bill Wampler, and Tom Foley for their leadership. This bill provides needed assistance to our farmers and ranchers, benefits consumers, and is responsible from a budget perspective.

The strength of our economy is our reliance on the marketplace. All Americans are gripped today by a painful recession. Our agricultural producers—the farmers and ranchers who are our mainstay feel the sting of high interest rates and inflation the same as any other business man or woman. Returning to the principles of free enterprise will return us all to prosperity.

The Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 recognizes the importance of the marketplace and emphasizes the great export potential of American agriculture. This bill will help farmers expand foreign markets and enhance our already positive agricultural balance of trade. I would like to challenge America's agricultural community to take full advantage of these export incentive provisions. I believe we can increase our agricultural exports 42 percent by 1984. That would mean $64 billion in agricultural trade—an increase of $19 billion pouring directly into our agricultural economy.

To this day there are those who think elimination of parity was wonderful. Although, I suspect there are fewer today than in recent years. And, how about exporting our way to prosperity - sounds like an echo.