Jeff, great post, appreciated seeing those 1984 tax rates compared to 2026.

American taxpayers have been bombarded with rhetoric across all spectrums about how overburdened they are in regard to tax rates. It is wildly false, at least as far as the Fed tax rates. But the propaganda has been embraced by the majority, so politicians of all stripes are terrified of the personal consequences of raising rates. ( I am ignoring the fact that tariffs are a tax we are all currently paying, we will surely continue to pay higher prices even if tariffs are eliminated, I have a near zero belief that businesses will cut prices if/when tariffs are removed )

Are Americans prepared for Governmental services being slashed?
Are we prepared for attacks/clawbacks on SS and Medicare?
The under 65 crowd that has to buy healthcare in the marketplace
is feeling those attacks/clawbacks in 2026.
The over 65 crowd better damn well expect the same is coming to them.

The last years/decade(s) of our lives are going to be quite interesting, lol.
American adults got some growing up to do.