By Samuel Strait – Reporter at Large – January 13, 2022 I know most that are paying attention don't believe it when the federal government claims that the inflation rate "only" rose to seven percent. For us here in California, where our our Governor Hair Gel Newsom is also on the elevator to add to the Biden induced upward climb of prices on most everything, we have noticed. Many things that formerly didn't break the bank to purchase are rapidly increasing in price to make the average Californian's budget fail to survive most trips to the store. I think it was back in August when we were assured that this state of affairs was only temporary. Now six months later, and six months of five plus percent of inflation each month, we have arrived at the lofty figure of seven percent in December. With fuel at five bucks a gallon, likely to go higher during the spring, nearly every product that is marketable has only one way to go, upward in cost to consumers. There is a silver lining, though, supply chain issues still plague retailers, and products are not getting to the shelves to be sold. That and many companies can no longer supply certain items because of lack of ingredients. If you can't buy it, the product that is, what a savings…. It doesn't take a "rocket scientist" to figure out who is to blame. Federal policies, originating from the pen of the stumbling, bumbling fool in the White House is a good place to start. An energy crisis and fuel shortages have Joe Biden's name written all over it. The Democrats all the way to his lordship have decided to put all sorts of fantasy spending in the place of economically sensible planning. Climate Change, social justice, defund the police, open borders, the January 6th "Open House" at the US Capitol, and a host of other ridiculous left wing garbage lead the way. A sky rocketing national debt, with no end in sight as "new" spending for the non existent "Omicron Emergency" is now front and center. The "puppy dog" Newsom in hot pursuit with his own version of federalism on its way to the California State Assembly. One only wonders just how high inflation will go, particularly here in California where we already have a head start. Proposals for a hike in California's income tax are already planned. You really didn't think the federal and state governments are inflation proof did you? At the local scene increases in sales tax and for some property owners have already made a bad situation worse, without any relief in sight. An effort to gain some help for inflation beleaguered locals will hopefully be on the June Ballot. Make sure you get out and sign the petitions to repeal the sales taxes to have a say in this important issue. Maybe even be able to keep a little money in your pocket and out of the hands of our local spend happy governments. With no apparent policy changes from our lord and master, "Ice Cream Cone" Biden, and Federal Legislators trying to make things worse by spending even more money, it is nice to see the "empty suit" in Sacramento is being consistent to the federal government to float a $288 billion dollar budget proposal for the coming year. What a bargain. Single payer health care, for illegals too, what a prince!