Can someone help explain the difference between our economy now and our economy post ww2. Someone tried to argue we will get out of this mess just as we did after ww2

Not an economist but very different economies in my opinion.
1. Breton-Woods agreement became operational in 1945 and there was an expected gold reserve backing the currency of US. After “Nixon shock” fiat currencies were now pegged to our fiat currency. So until 1971, monetary expansion (inflation) was limited because of a partial gold backing. We obviously have nothing of the sort with Bartender Ben.
2. WW2 diverted many resources of production (we were once a productive country) to the MIC for bombs, tanks, etc. and these productive capacities shifted back to consumer needs rather than destructive needs. Therefore, the returning men had ample supply of jobs waiting and an economy waiting with pent-up demand if I may use such a term. Keep in mind that the women who were working while their men were fighting now returned to household jobs. This is much more rare today as families are nominally making more but both parents work to provide the same adjusted level of wealth. The difference between WW2 and the multiple wars of today is that there is no stated goal of victory. Rather there is a war on unspecified and non-nation related enemies with the term War on Terrorism. This is essentially a never ending war as the target is arbitrarily decided by those who provide legitimacy and funding for the MIC.
3. Welfare state. In the mid 1940′s the welfare state was almost non-existent compared to today. There are various charts you can find on this but once Johnson began his “Great Society” (and Tom points this out in various lectures I believe) the poverty levels plateaued from a previously decreasing rate. Take a look at the food stamp recipient charts too. Now even if the person presenting the argument to you is correct in their assumption that these wars will end (as WW2 did), there is no productive capacity to fill for men and women trained to kill and do various murder related jobs. These individuals are on government pay and will most likely remain so (welfare) upon returning because of the regulatory and confiscatory (taxes) environment in this country will not facilitate a hiring market.
4. Unfunded liabilities. Compare these two eras and it should shock your opponent. They will most likely say that these are not payed now but later, but this is false as debt must mature and benefits must be paid. Inevitably, an over-expansion of the money supply and the cost of living impoverishes the middle class into non-existence.
Hope this helps and once again I am not an economist. I am sure others in the postings are more knowledgable and can help further strengthen your rebuttal.

No chance, they’re an anonymous collective and want to stay that way to protect their identities as they work in the finance industry.

I’d very much like to hear Scott Horton interviewed. He and Tom are both among my favorite interviewers. Heck, I’d just enjoy hearing Scott and Tom chit-chatting about anything for a couple of Schiff Radio segments. I have similar respect for both. Perhaps we could play devil’s advocates here and start a rivalry by asking readers here which one, Tom or Scott, presents the better Lew Rockwell interview.

In another comment here I suggested Will Grigg as Tom’s Schiff Radio guest. Scott has interviewed Will many times and has quite the head start on Tom. It’s time for Tom to do some catching up. Grigg is powerfully informed, thoughtful and well spoken, and I find this to be the best interview [of anyone, by anyone] I’ve heard so far this year…

http://scotthorton.org/2013/02/06/2513-will-grigg/
Hey Tom! Can you top that?

Ask how the transition to Heritage is treating JIM DEMINT.

Actor John Cusack – Discuss his Op Ed:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-cusack/why-im-donating-to-fund-t_b_2632389.html

I think it would be interesting to introduce some liberty-minded young people running for office. Leah Cole in Peabody MA is running for State Congress. She is being promoted by Campaign for Liberty, so I would be interested in hearing he take on a few things. Kind of like a coming-out party. I am not affiliated with her and can’t even vote in the election – but I would be interested in hearing what she is all about.

Have you heard of Orrin Woodward? He’s a very successful business man, best selling author, and ranked the #11 leadership expert in the world. He’s also a huge defender of freedom and of the Austrian school.