Getting the current recession into perspective

[srebbe64]

I'm currently reading a Bill Bryson book where he talks of Britain in 1973. I was young at the time, but I do remember some of the hardships of that year. He quotes just one week and it does seem MUCH worse that what we're currently facing. I give you:

Average pay: £30
Crisps: 5p
Soft drink: 8p
Pint of beer: 13p
lipstick: 45p
An iron: £4.50
Electric Kettle: £7
Colour TV: £60
A Radio: £16
Economy flight to New York: £124

Compare the above pay/costs to today and we're definitely better off.

Also on this particular week:

French air traffic controllers strike (well what's new)
Ulster power sharing to be discussed
Storms disrupt rail service
England cricket team collapse
Strike at British Gas
Civil Servants strike
10,000 laid off after Chrysler strike
Unions plan crippling action for May Day
Teachers go on strike
Petrol rationing
Inflation hits 28%
Three Day Week imposed
Sikhs and motorcycle helmets (them were the days!)
The Cod War with Iceland

So many things are the same and many things are better, but not much is worse. So politicians saying the current recession is the worst since the great crash seem to have short memories!

[jeff m]

I remember the 70s as being a great time, I thought a pint was a bit more than 13p though.

The pound was strong around 2.35 to the dollar, we could travel anywhere in the world without getting shot at, kidnapped or killed. Everywhere was cheap it was a great time to travel.

I remember having to get permission to take "extra" money on vacation.
Currency controls were still in place. Or have I got my decades mixed up