[1rudeboy]

In order for prices to double over the past ten or so years, I think you'd have to average 7-10% inflation per year.

[superloser]

Its my observation that from 1990 to date prices have about doubled on everything *except* manufactured goods, which have shown a slower inflation (and some deflation when you factor in China)

Gas is double what it was in 1990
Food is double (or more) what it was in 1990
Books are double (or more) what they were in 1990

That's just my personal observation. What say you? All the things I *need* are increasing in price, yet the trinkets stay around the same.

Net effect: My cost of living goes up. Period.

I thought free trade was supposed to save us money on everything?