Election campaigns always ask this question. Are times Better or Worse?  When flying was fun, you could pick up the phone and in a few minutes have a ticket and boarding pass mailed to you. Now we do all of their work on our computers and never talk to a live person until we meet the rude security people at the airport. Is that better or worse?

If inflation is really only 3% as advertised why are prices jumping so drastically? Why is a business loan so hard to get? Did you notice the jump in income tax brackets? Local property taxes are going berserk. Is that better or worse?

Try calling a government agency and you get a long-winded computer menu.  Streets and sewers can’t be repaired because cities don't have enough money. Crime is up because they can’t afford more police. The bureaucratic mantra is more tax money or services will be cut.  Is that better or worse?

Governments everywhere are building elaborate buildings, adding staff and buying the latest and best furnishings and equipment. Government employees attend seminars at posh watering holes at taxpayers expense on how to govern. "How to fleece the populace" would be a better name.  Is that better or worse?

They can put lipstick on it but if it looks like a pig, eats like a pig and sounds like a pig, it is a pig. We probably won't feel the repercussions of the 700 Billion Dollar time bomb our Washington representatives are tossing our way until inflation runs wild.

Are times better or worse? The answer is, YES! No matter the stripe of the politician, times are better for them, the ruling class, and worse for we serfs, better known as taxpayers.