From 1996 to 2004, the average family income in a certain country decreased by 10 percent, after adjustments for inflation. Opponents of the political party that ruled during this time claim that this was due to mismanagement of the economy by that party. Each of the following rejoinders, if true, directly counters the opponents' explanation of the decrease in average family income EXCEPT: ['There had been a rise in family income in 1996, after adjustments for inflation.', 'Younger wage earners usually earn less than older ones, and the average age of household wage earners fell during most years in the past several decades.', "During the period, international events beyond the control of the country's government had a negative effect on family incomes in the country.", 'The biggest decreases in family income resulted from policies enacted before the ruling party came to power in 1996.']