[RedMominBlueState]

When are the American people going to wake up and realize the middle class is systematically being destroyed right before their very eyes?

[gov_bean_ counter]

They won't. Most people won't notice, for example, when a block of Cracker Barrel Cheese goes from 12oz to 11.6oz but the price stays the same...

[Boogieman]

Who you gonna believe? Me or your shrinking purchasing power?

[JOAT]

In before HG blogger whine

[kabar]

NO SS COLA increase next year.

[arthurus]

Through the 90s there was actually mild deflation. The increase in the money supply did not keep up with the increase in productivity. The effect was a lack of major strikes and a general feeling that things were getting better and better. My income didn’t go up in dollars but the dollars I received bought just a little more as time passed. After scrabbling through the 70s and 80s the 90s were comfortable.

[smartymarty]

...yes, and have you noticed that a roll of toilet paper doesn’t last half as long as it used to?

[hadaclueonce]

If you buy washers or dryers there is no inflation.

The Fed does not count Food or Fuel or property values.

WTF?

I mean why even count anything if your not going to count food or fuel? OH, I know, you might vote against the incumbents, I get it.

Bass Turds, everyone of them.

[Vanders9]

True...the middle class IS being systematically destroyed, and not just in America. In most of the world. Its very useful for the progressives, because they can point out that the gap between rich and poor is increasing, and how awful that is, and something (more taxes) just HAS to be done about it.

I dont deny the gap is increasing, but I have always thought its a symptom of a problem, more than a problem in itself. If we had a rich vibrant culture of enterprise, rather than one of increasing entitlement, the gap would either shrink or it wouldnt matter, because everyone would be better off.

[Smittie]

the package that once held 16 ounces now only holds 13 ounces.

I call that Obamasizing...there's hardly anything that hasn't been touched by this phenomena...

[Neoliberalnot]

Cost of education is a monster in the closet. The number one reason, the continuing decline in tax-supported institutions of higher education. In my state, the funding for higher ed has been in decline since the mid-90s. I think this trend is probably across the entire country since the entitlement programs continue to expand at the expense of every other program. They never run out of money for the parasites.

[ArcadeQuarters]

Not only is there inflation but your labor is being stolen. How many hours per week does the average person work to buy vegetables? Maybe an hour to more than a day, depending on income. How many hours to grow your own vegetables? Maybe a half hour. Keep working, slave.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

BUMP for later.

[ExCTCitizen]

If you look at sizes of products.. a ‘half gallon’ of ice cream is 59 oz now...

[VideoDoctor]

When are the American people going to wake up

Had this discussion with a couple of friends nearly a year ago.

Most people pay little or NO attention until the fire burns THEIR a$$.. which is normally how it goes down.

Simply put: They're up in arms only AFTER the horse is out of the barn.

Stupid is as stupid does. Thanks you Mrs. Gump.

[DiogenesLamp]

Another perspective which you need to incorporate into your own.

[Nailbiter]

bflr