When General Eisenhower was president, he was concerned about the federal government balancing the budget and the nation meeting its balance of payments in foreign trade. By accomplishing those two things, he figured we could avoid inflation, which hurts the working class most.

Several years ago, I complained about the price of a cup of coffee at the Pyramid Mall in Ithaca. The young fellow behind the counter gave me one of those looks as if to say, “You old fogey, what are you complaining about?” So I asked him, “How old are you?” He said, “Seventeen.” So I told him, “I’m 51.” (Just three times his age.) If inflation is as bad the next 30 years as it was the last, by the time you get to be my age, it will cost $12 for a cup of coffee. “

Richmond Parker

Auburn