I've been hearing this since the early 80's. I suspect because thats when I started listening. It may have been there before.
I think Regan took us off the gold standard and that was controversial. Many say it wasnt good.
But I get up and go to work everyday. All though I work some place that pays less money with less benefits than I had back in the 70's. So you probablly are correct, things are getting worse.
Now I've woken up. It's scarry so I'll have a couple of beers and go back to sleep.