Between fuel, utility and secondary costs due to both a great many of what used to be Middle Class America is finding themselves increasingly squeezed financially.

I've cut back, on both travel and disgressionary expenditures. Filling up my truck is painful now, nearly half a day's wages gurgling down the black hole inside the tank. And it only holds 19 gallons if bone dry. Which lasts me about a week, give or take a day. Those more distant fishing holes I usually visit this time of year, fuggedaboudit.

The much anticipated trips to the nearby big city to visit the several Museums, or Classical Orchestra Concerts?

No way.

It even cut my contribution to my local NPR station.

So, whining about fuel and utility costs is a Current Event by all means, it must be having some effect on the Economy.

It damn sure is having a deletorious effect on mine!