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True or False ??

I am starting a new series called True or False that will show how politicians and their political commentators may state their position in a way that sounds great on the surface but is problematic or deceptive in practice.

The idea came to me as I was sitting on our family room sofa today while working on my computer. CNN was on the television when I sat down, and Kasie Hunt and panelist Scott Jennings (former member of the George W. Bush administration) started to debate whether inflation was a problem for our country. Jennings passionately argued that inflation is only an issue “on the margins”. Hmmm . . .

Is Jennings claim true or false?

Let’s look at the FACTS to decide. There are tens of millions of Americans that live paycheck to paycheck including 36 million people in the U.S. who lived in poverty in 2023 according to the U.S. Census Bureau (representing 11% of the population including millions of the elderly and children). They serve vital roles in our society and various levels of education, training and income . . . and deserve better.

A strong argument could be made that they are more important to our society than the top earning professions of attorneys, engineers, management consultants and high finance professionals since they are the people who do many of the less desirable (but just as important) jobs in our economy (such as bus drivers, garbage collectors, maids, fast food workers, and senior caregivers). And because they are typically hourly workers with many making minimum wage ($7.25 to $17.50 per hour depending on the state), many live “paycheck to paycheck” since they do not earn enough to buy health insurance or save money for unexpected expenses. The same applies to many senior citizens who rely on Social Security to pay their bills. This means that tens of millions of people may have to do without medicine or food due to higher inflation.

So . . . the answer is obviously FALSE. Scott Jennings is WRONG and gives the phrase “tone deaf” a new meaning, Republican-style. And the Republicans will make the situation MUCH WORSE for these families based on the large cuts to vital programs they are currently pushing through Congress to give the wealthy a $2 trillion tax break that they do not need and certainly do not deserve.

This post reveals how tone deaf the Republican Party is toward the less fortunate in our country including senior citizens and those struggling economically. The Constitution says that they are supposed to act rightfully and impartially for the sake of the citizens and society. The fact that the Republicans interpret this as helping the rich is shameful and a dereliction of their oath . . . plain and simple.