When I read something like this one thing comes to mind

[usa1]

The list conveniently leaves out national income averages for 1978 versus today.  Quite a big difference.

 
I can compare "my" 1991 pay check to my 2013 stub. It's the same, less a 12% company contribution to my retirement account. At the same time prices have gone up 200 percent ... and my union rep's annual pay check now tops 100,000.00 a year?