how can you see in my head?! oh right, you can't. as numerous people have helpfully explained to me here, I was misunderstanding what gdp increase really means. thanks to their helpful replies, i now understand why gdp has obviously trended upwards, and that temporary setbacks, and economic ups and downs obviously wouldn't affect that.

I guess what was throwing me off is less economics and more the general "corporate" idea that companies should turn record profits year after year... which doesn't seem feasible to me.

thanks for your.... bad faith assumptions. maybe you are the one that doesn't belong on this sub?

I like a lot of the answers. enjoying the variety. thanks for adding to the conversation.

you must be fun at parties.

do you have something positive to add to the conversation or are you hear to bandy insults instead of answer questions?

this was one of my favorite responses