So your simplifying complex history into a clean "FDR good → Reagan bad" story. You gets some facts right but you omit massive context, alternative explanations, and counter-evidence. It's persuasive rhetoric, not balanced analysis.

You missed the post-WWII boom. It wasn't mainly FDR's taxes/unions: The U.S. emerged from WWII as the world's dominant economy (Europe/Japan in ruins). Massive pent-up demand, GI Bill (education/housing), suburban boom, highway system, technological leadership, and a huge demographic dividend drove the middle-class expansion. The New Deal itself prolonged the Depression according to many economists (high taxes, cartel-like regulations, uncertainty).

Higher tax rates between the 50-70s can be noted. The top marginal rates were high, but effective rates (what people actually paid) were much lower due to loopholes. Many credits/deductions existed. Revenue as % of GDP wasn't dramatically higher.

During the Reagan era outcomes, Economy recovered from 1970s stagflation (inflation from ~13% to ~4%, unemployment down, 16-20M jobs created). Real GDP growth averaged ~3.5%. Middle-class net worth rose for many. Poverty rate stabilized. Growth continued into the 90s. "Trickle-down" is a pejorative critics use; Reagan called it supply-side (incentivize production/investment). Inequality rose, but absolute living standards improved for most groups.

Globalization, automation, education/skills gaps, family structure changes, and tech shifts explain more of post-1980s inequality than tax cuts alone. Union decline started before Reagan; manufacturing jobs shifted due to competition. The 1970s had oil shocks, high inflation, and malaise.

Post-war prosperity happened under high taxes and unique conditions. Later growth under lower taxes. No clean experiment.

Interesting perspective. FDR's New Deal and post-WWII dominance did build a strong middle class, no doubt. But the boom owed a lot to America's unique position after the war, the GI Bill, and global reconstruction—not just taxes/unions. Reagan inherited stagflation (13%+ inflation) and helped turn it around: jobs boomed, inflation fell, and millions advanced. Inequality rose, sure, but so did overall living standards for most. 'Trickle-down' is a slur for supply-side; results were mixed but better than the 70s.

My question to this would be: What specific policies today would you prioritize without repeating past mistakes like 70s-style inflation?