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"Hedonic" Adjustments to the CPI [semi-satire]
Semi-News/Semi-Satire ^ | 26 May 2024 | John Semmens

Posted on 05/26/2024 10:57:22 AM PDT by John Semmens

A spot check of fast food prices over the past five years shows prices rising much faster than the official Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index's 21% rise. Big Macs are 88% more costly. Taco Bell burritos are up 118%, and Chick-Fil A nuggets are up 96%.

Erika McEntarfer, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, explained that "we use a 'hedonic' adjustment factor to account for the technological improvements that make products more enjoyable. A simplistic comparison of a 2024 Bic Mac with a 2019 Big Mac fails to account for the value of the increased consumer enjoyment and, therefore, exaggerates the impact of the price change."

Donald Trump, a regular consumer of the Big Mac over this time period disputed the relevance of "this so-called 'hedonic' adjustment being applied to my favorite burger. It's the same two beef patties, cheese, lettuce, onion, and special sauce on a sesame seed bun."

McEntarfer said "we understand that inexpert consumers may not comprehend our methods, but the alternative of naively comparing past prices with current prices without making adjustments for technology would yield misleading results. At the Bureau we employ the best educated experts from the finest universities. Our science shows that inflation is not as bad as people think. The American people need to trust the science."

If you missed any of the other Semi-News/Semi-Satire posts you can find them at...

https://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,532666.0.html


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Government; Humor; Politics
KEYWORDS: bidenomics; satire; thescience; trump

1 posted on 05/26/2024 10:57:22 AM PDT by John Semmens
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To: John Semmens
Is the current Big Mac the same or different, such as smaller, lesser quality ingredients, or not prepared, assembled, and service with the same quality, care, and level of customer service?

Service-wise, McDonalds has fallen over the past several years with failed implementation of their website, app, and kyosks, plus employing people that don't speak American English.

2 posted on 05/26/2024 11:01:39 AM PDT by Reno89519 (Build the Wall, Deport Them All. No amnesty for anyone.)
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To: John Semmens

Well, Whataburger hasn’t changed much. Still expensive. They got the onion rings though.


3 posted on 05/26/2024 11:12:59 AM PDT by waterhill (I Believe! Eph. 5:11)
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To: John Semmens

John, do you have a link where she actually said that? Wouldn’t doubt it for a second that she did!


4 posted on 05/26/2024 11:21:20 AM PDT by aquila48 (Do not let them make you "care" ! Guilting you is how they control you. )
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The marquee at the WB in Gun Barrel used to display “You could buy a cheaper burger but then you’d have to eat it”.

Down the road Jalepeno Tree had “Kids, you just can’t beat them”.

They are not allowed to put anything other than sales now. Gun Barrel is turning into Dallas.


5 posted on 05/26/2024 11:31:20 AM PDT by waterhill (I Believe! Eph. 5:11)
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To: John Semmens

We now spend more on national debt interest, than on national defense.
We’ve seen many times in many former countries, what happens when that line
is crossed.

Expect something like 500% next year, 5000% the year after that,
barring Divine Intervention.


6 posted on 05/26/2024 12:02:08 PM PDT by EasySt (Say not this is the truth, but so it seems to me to be, as I see this thing I think I see. #MAGA-A)
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To: Reno89519

A hedonic adjustment is like the prostitute who puts her price up so she can afford a McClaren but she is so grateful that her clients get a much better experience which offset the 100% price increase.


7 posted on 05/26/2024 2:28:46 PM PDT by AndyJackson
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