Quote from kut2k2:
Evidence? Hard numbers? Yeah, I didn't think so.
Thos country started with HEAVY tariffs against goods made overseas. They sure as hell didn't help fucking corporate robber barons ship jobs overseas like they do today.
George Washington (1789-1797), $525 Million, His Virginia plantation, "Mount Vernon," consisted of five separate farms on 8,000 acres of prime farmland, run by over 300 slaves. His wife, Martha Washington, inherited significant property from her father. Washington made significantly more than subsequent presidents: his salary was two percent of the total U.S. budget in 1789.
Let me bold this for you so you dont have to read all of it
his salary was two percent of the total U.S. budget in 1789
Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), $212 Million, Jefferson was left 3,000 acres and several dozen slaves by his father. "Monticello," his home on a 5,000 acre plantation in Virginia, was one of the architectural wonders of its time. He made significant money in various political positions before becoming president, but was mired in debt towards the end of his life.
James Madison (1809-1817), $101 Million, Madison was the largest landowner in Orange County, Virginia, with land holding consisting of 5,000 acres and the "Montpelier" estate. He made significant money as secretary of state and president. Madison lost money at the end of his life due to the steady financial collapse of his plantation.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/21/the-net-worth-of-the-amer_n_825939.html
Shall I continue?