people simply do not remember the recession of the early 1990s (which formed the backdrop of films like FALLING DOWN). and the idea that the 80s were a decade of economic stagnation for most americans just isn't in the popular mind at all.

these are recession numbers without a recession

There are so many fucking people we need to see in jail.

How difficult is that these days, here's a lump of gold, you're fantastic, Mr. President, I've never seen you looking further away from imminent death.