and economists have all these predetermined definitions of what constitutes any given subject.
For example a recession has a specific definition based on how many quarters in a row the economy does not grow. So now we are dealing with the same definition tolling the end of the current recession......when unemployment is at it's highest and still climbing!!! Sounds like time for a new definition....eh?

Inflation? What inflation? Social Security gets no increase next year due to the math based definitions of what constitutes inflation....hence zero or negative inflation generates no increase in SS for 2010. Are we paying more for services of ANY kind today than last year? Of course. Paying more for travel of ANY KIND. Ditto. Paying more for medical premiums/health care? Ditto.

Definitions of convenience....totally disconnected from reality as proven by the FEW examples above.

Did you get your Medicare part D statements from your provider yet for part D pricing for 2010? Mine is Humana. From 2008 to 2009 the monthly premium doubled. Now 2010 shows a fifty cent reduction in the monthly premium. HOWEVER......the copays are up in every category. They have also changed the definitions of some meds as to what category they are in to reflect higher pricing........inflation? Probably not. Robbery and screwing the public....absolutely.

How about some reality for a change instead of the mental-verbal, smoke and mirrors political

btk