I’ve often wondered how out of touch some of our country’s leaders are. About a week ago, a news feed I read told me that our President said the price we pay at the gas pumps is “a small price to pay” for the war in Iran.
To me, a statement like this being made by a man who very likely hasn’t had to pump his own gas in decades is almost an insult. Although the price at the pump has dropped some this past week, it’s still a strain on budgets (especially truck drivers). Saying something like this is a direct indicator of how out of touch our leader is, especially when it is directed at anyone on a fixed budget – like retired folks. It’s hard to put a lot of faith in hearing that the prices we are paying for our cost of living are a “small price to pay” when the person saying it doesn’t have a clue about a “normal” person’s struggles with paying bills, buying necessary prescriptions, and keeping food in our homes.
I know I’ve heard it said over and over that gas prices, grocery prices, insurance prices, and the general cost of living will be going down “soon,” but the recent drop in the price of gasoline has been the only indicator of truth in that statement.
I can’t count how many times I’ve heard there will be “rebate” checks sent to all American citizens. First hearing, we should be receiving $2,000; then hearing we could receive $5,000 if Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate; and, last I understand, seniors should be receiving a $90 check from the government. Although I wouldn’t complain about any kind of financial help, $90 doesn’t do a lot toward making things easier – and I know I’m not alone in saying that.
For those depending on Social Security as a primary income needed to pay bills and for things needed to live, our upcoming COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) also seems a bit out of touch, even though it will be one of the larger increases I’ve seen in my five years of retirement. The increase would never be turned away, but it never seems like an increase designed to cover the increase in the cost of living we experience.
What I’d love to see, in my lifetime, is a politician who knows what it’s like to struggle with a budget, and then does something to help the people needing help.
Have A Good Week!
