It is really very easy to explain the dissonance between the economic realities people face and the seeming optimistic inflation numbers of recent months. Our last serious inflation occurred way back in the 1970s. During the extended period of mild inflation that persisted up until the last couple of years, the government tweaked how inflation was calculated. The cost of fuel and food was removed from the calculation. Literally, the things that people actually buy all the time to survive are not being counted. This was done to limit cost of living increases for entitlement programs (and corporations routinely limit pay raises based on inflation numbers as well). Also, the artificially low numbers make politicians look good.
The Biden administration risks the outright hostility of the American public if they don't realize this. They look out of touch and unfeeling. Inflation is also being disguised by keeping price constant but reducing the amount of product you get for the same price. Add insult to injury: if the price and amount of product are held constant, often the quality of the ingredients is reduced to save money. People do notice.
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Politicians beware! People are not stupid. They know what they are spending each week on necessities. They see their empty wallet after paying bills. Many are using credit cards to pay for the basics. Telling them they should be happy and grateful is not a winning strategy for you.
Dan Phister
Town of Tonawanda