Not sure how to properly define this concept, but have you noticed everything costs more now and
the once almighty buck is continually worth less? I sure have. To keep perspectives in round figures
in 1986 the dollar was worth about 3 times what it is now or our purchasing power is roughly 1/3 of
40 years ago. I think back at all of the money paid into social security back then and since, purported
to be a 'savings' account for retirement has vastly evaporated. I don't know what formula the SSA
used to determine my benefits, but it certainly did not properly take into the effect of inflation.

With an annual average rate of inflation at 2.9%, it works out to be about 200% cumulative. So the
cost of goods and service is about twice as much and the value of the dollar is about 1/3rd. A losing
proposition all around. The reason I bring this up, the eagle flies today for my monthly pittance. It barely
covers the monthly bills. Forget about saving for the occasional spike in expenditures.

The banks disincentive savings by paying a fraction of a percent on accounts. Not even close to
inflation. So having a chunk of cash loses money every month. I realize there are all kinds of
investment schemes out there, but they seem to be slanted toward the money managers and the
already wealthy. Not much help for us working poor.

The whole idea of the US being the 'richest nation on the planet' falls apart when indicators like
homelessness and hunger continue to climb. And the cost of health care, medications, housing and
insurance is skyrocketing. Along with Musk and the other trillionaires. This is not a just financial
system by any stretch. Wealth inequality is approaching or surpassing the great depression levels.
I do not foresee another New Deal in the cards. Short of a revolution or massive uprising, we seem
to be screwed to the wall. End of rant.

Image - Gaia Sleeps Amid Sarah Eberle’s Garden, Chelsea UK.
The figure’s face and shoulders are made from a fallen mature tree carved by Tim Wood.
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2026/05/on-the-edge-sarah-eberle-gaia-scu...

Open Thread territory so throw-in whatever you have to the soup.