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Inflation is a complex issue resulting from economic growth. If you long for the "prices" of the fifties, then you'll need a time machine. The more important issue is the cost of things relative to wages. In 1956 a typical family would not have earned $30-40,000.
Inflation is regarded as BAD by people that don't earn money, typically wealthy people with significant fixed income assets. The value of those assets is eroded by inflation. Government policy to stimulate economic growth has also meant low interest rates, another bad thing for fixed-income asset holders.
Inflation can be a bad thing when it rises high enough to cause instability thanks to severe shifts in the price:wage relationship.
Low to moderate (2-5%) inflation is a natural outcome of our powerful economic engine.
Governments do sometimes "create" money by manipulating the money supply. This is fiscal policy designed to enhance stability, not "put one over" on anyone.
To see where MB has gone in terms of THEIR pricing, that $4000 SL in 1956 should be priced at $26,481 today accounting only for inflation.
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