Why the cost increase?

Well, if everyone knows that without Covid, things will return to a somewhat normal way of living, then we should be asking why all the hesitancy from those that are refusing to get it, and how they parallel the ones complaining the most about the economy.

Just read this morning (and you'll all be hearing it today) that the Delta variant is almost as contagious as chickenpox (R0 of 10-12). It has an R0 of 8-9 compared to an R0<2 for the initial strain. That makes it much more contagious than Smallpox (R0-3) and Polio (R0 of 4-6) folks.

Even those who are vaccinated get it and spread it as easily but don't suffer the consequences like the unvaccinated do.

The CDC was preparing a statement but some newspaper got ahold of and printed it. Makes a lot of sense to go out and get the vaccine but then, what would some have to complain about if they did? Lots of things would improve overnight but then someone you don't like would get the credit for it and that pisses you off? Now, that's a real death panel and not some made up stuff.

Right now New York has 970 people hospitalized from Delta and Florida has 7,763 and it's all policy driven for, reasons (can't say that word or people will flip out).

All the best,
Nonoise

A meager government pension from a defunct government?

The Zimbabwean government is not defunct. Google Zimbabwe and educate yourself.

Yes, it was meager and the lady wasn’t wealthy, but there is no need to be disparaging about it.

An amount set 41 years ago? Really?

1995 was only 15 years after 1980, and the concept of inflation is as relevant today ad it was than.

(Apologies, I didn’t mean to bombard you with geography and math at the same time. I suspect that’s what’s putting you off your game)

And what retiree should have a car payment?

Taking a wild guess; how about one that has purchased a car?

It takes about $3 today to buy what $1 would buy in 1980. You talk about the price of bread then versus now, its probably more like $5 today would buy what $1 then would have

Well, this will come as a huge shock to you, but Zimbabwe has their own currency.

Let me alleviate some of that there ignorance.

Different currencies have different inflation rates. Currencies with high inflation rates tend to drop in value v.s. currencies with lower inflation rates.

Zimbabwe has had double digit inflation rates for decades, often as high as 50% and even 24,411% in 2007 (no jokes - look it up). Inflation was so bad, that they issued a 100 trillion Zimbabwean dollar note.

Zimbabwe $100 trillion 2009 Obverse - Zimbabwean dollar - Wikipedia

The CA dollar has been at around 4% - 5% level.

Do the math. (yeah I know, that’s pushing things)

Additionally, your Covid example is complete rubbish

Indeed? Is that because the new variant COVID is not infectious?

Or the fact that people who have received so-called vaccines are now being asked to wear masks but only as a fashion accessory as they cannot possibly get ill or spread COVID?

Inflation is out of control. I personally feel ,this is only the start.....