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To the editor:
If one carefully reads the Associated Press article reprinted in the Nov. 24th Chief, it is easy to see why "Americans remain gloomy about the economy despite encouraging signs."
Overall prices rising 19 percent since just before the pandemic is bad enough. But when the price of milk (23 percent), of a pound of beef (33 percent) and of gas (53 percent) climb higher, this hits harder.
It's no surprise price rises affect low-income people more. They normally go without the luxury items whose prices rise at a lower rate. They need to eat. They need gas for heat and to fuel their cars. They can do without the latest smartphone.
The economy is often judged by how higher-income people are doing. That's why the economy was considered good under Presidents Clinton and Reagan even though workers lost ground.
In an Election Day 2000 interview, Clinton claimed workers wound up 15 percent ahead in wages after inflation under him. Amy Goodman neglected to ask the obvious follow-up question: In what alternate universe?
Richard Warren
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