Critics insist that government regulation of business has made it more

Critics insist that government regulation of business has made it more difficult for American businesses to operate profitably and has destroyed their ability to compete with foreign producers of consumer goods. This argument is not compelling. Government regulation of business was never as active in this nation as it was between the years 1975 and 1985, and in those years the average net worth of American families increased more than it had in any previous decade.

The author’s argument would be most seriously weakened if it were true that

A. Eighty percent of all businesses started during the decade 1975–1985 lost money in their first year of operation.

B. More businesses declared bankruptcy during the period 1975–1985 than in any previous decade.

C. During the decade 1975–1985, America imported more consumer goods than it exported.

D. The increase in net worth of average American families during the years 1975–1985 was largely due to an increase in the value of residential homes.

E. The average interest rate charged on business and home mortgage loans was higher during the decade 1975–1985 than it had been in any previous decade.