Staff Reports
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is about to drop another bombshell, and not the kind that makes people happy about their finances. With inflation figures for July on the way, it’s critical to recognize that no matter how neatly they try to package it, under the watchful eyes of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, prices have skyrocketed. It seems the Democrats have mastered the art of making economic reports sound as bland as white bread while the average American family is stuck wondering how to stretch a buck.
The inflation saga has a twist: even as the percentage seems to be “cooling,” that lucky break is just a mirage. Prices may be climbing at a slower pace, but they’re still climbing. Call it the “slow-motion train wreck” strategy; it’s not pretty or kind on the wallet. Families trying to balance budgets are faced not only with rising costs but also with the realization that there’s no such thing as a safe haven from inflation. Going to the grocery store is a constrained exercise in budgeting without any kind of parachute.
The Wall Street Journal painted a vivid picture of suffering families struggling to make ends meet. With rent, childcare, and insurance skyrocketing, the notion of an occasional dinner out sounds about as feasible as a vacation on Mars. One family begrudgingly cut back on their kids’ sports, while another gave up dining out altogether, sidelined by the crippling financial reality that a roof over their heads comes with a four-figure price tag, among other spiraling costs.
These struggles resonate across the nation as the price tags for essential services multiply. Water bills, sewer fees, and trash pickup have spiked an eye-popping 11% over the past two years, while electricity costs are following closely behind at 10%. The only thing left unscathed appears to be the government’s propensity for spending more than they can handle, which is doing quite generously if one may say so.
Now, imagine being a politician like Kamala Harris, who somehow thinks that a campaign themed around joy is going to win over those drowning under the weight of enormous bills. A swirling delusion of happiness while the country goes down the drain is a remarkable juxtaposition. When even 65% of Americans think the nation is on the wrong track, Harris and her running mate Gov. Tim Walz are celebrating “joy.” Joy indeed! As they giggle their way through campaign stops, one can only wonder how they plan to convince families that joy can come to their rescue when the electric meter is still running.
"So: When two-thirds of Americans feel the country is on the wrong track, what theme do Harris and running mate Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) adopt for their presidential campaign? Joy." https://t.co/hjFqNVAhhd
— Albert Zipp (@CAlbertZipp3) August 13, 2024
Harris and Walz might be basking in the glow of political triumph – after all, Harris ascended to her podium thanks to a less-than-enthusiastic Biden, and Walz sees a shot at a higher office himself – but American families aren’t living life on stages with colorful backgrounds and cheering supporters. They need practical solutions and action, not joyful platitudes. For millions struggling to pay their bills, that concept should be as far removed from joy as possible. Would a few slogans and smiles really do anything to alleviate their burden? The answer, unfortunately, is a resounding no.
