Cut the crap. I used an official inflation calculator that is simply used to determine the value of present currency vs that of the past.
One cannot pick which factors they wish just because those picks support their agenda.
What the hell does 'shelter' and transportation mean?
And please, spare me the opinion pieces for those obscure websites. Anyone can form an idea and use it for propaganda which supports a certain political agenda.
Cost of living my ass. You are bucking for that living wage bullshit.
No crap dude. CPI does nothing but screw American workers and retirees.
How much was a t-bone steak at the grocery store in 1970? How much today?
A house vs today?
A car vs today?
First...define "workers"..
American workers, collectively, make all the money for companies that do commerce in the United States of America.
And how can an index 'screw' anyone?
I see you didn't bother to click the link and get educated, so let me help.
1. CPI doesn't factor that 80% of the population lives within 200 miles of water.
2. CPI doesn't factor in fluctuations of rent.
3. CPI doesn't factor in ounces for packaged food have decreased since 1970. For instance, a large box of corn flakes weighs less today than then, so a consumer has to buy more often.
4. CPI doesn't factor in the disproportionate costs of buying a home where the 80% live vs. the 20%.
Not everyone can afford a T-Bone steak.
Which is the problem, everyone should. 1970, 0.26/pound, 2013, $8.00/pound.
Not everyone can afford a car.
Which again is the problem. $4,000.00 in 1970. $25,000.00 in 2013.
The entire premise of your side's argument is that somehow you have this vivid memory of how things were so glorious 40 or 50 years ago. You have convinced yourselves that everyone was just swimming in luxury.
I NEVER wrote that things were 'glorious' in 1970. I have pointed out that buying power of the middle class is far less than in 1970.
And that now the eeeeeevil corporations are keeping everyone down. I believe "screwed" is the term you used.
Most of corporate America IS 'eeeeeevil', and the American worker IS being screwed.
Let me tell you something....Your memory is lying to you.
Most households had ONE car. One TV. One telephone. We saved our money for a "rainy day" in case the wash machine broke and we had enough in the bank to pay a guy to get it fixed. Most folks idea of a dryer was a clothes line in the back yard or in winter, the basement.
Most households could live on a one person income. Mom stayed home.
1970 was per-disposable electronics.
Most had money left over after the bills were paid. 1970 was pre-income/cost disproportionate days.