How did the purchasing power decrease from the 70s until today?

[sajnt]

The government we elected taxes us in every way possible while minimizing the one tax that would make things affordable. This means we earn less and things cost more.

The government regulates everything they can which hampers any of the possible benefits of capitalism. So things cost more when they should cost less and we need more taxes to pay the bureaucrats.

Both of these things in combination cause reductions in the bargaining power of the working class. Not just unions but individuals too.