[WalterBright]

> line go up

Pick any measure you like. Free markets are the most prosperous.

> India and Russia

Do you really think their standard of living is higher than the US? Why is Seattle full of Russian and Indian immigrants? Why do you think zillions of immigrants are coming to the US? Because the US is a hellhole?

> GDP != happiness or success.

If you're happier being poor, just give away all your stuff to your favorite charity. Nobody is forcing you to be prosperous.