NAC... the myth of high gas prices (and high other prices)

[Scott]

Historically speaking we are not paying high gas prices. People just 
remember absolute numbers and don't have an easy way to adjust for 
inflation in their heads.
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Average March retail gas prices (across all grades, with tax) and what that 
equals in today's dollars after adjusting for inflation
(historical prices from the US Department of energy)
(adjusted price using calculator at http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi )

1960 $0.30 = 2000 $1.71
1965 $0.31 = 2000 $1.66
1970 $0.36 = 2000 $1.63
1975 $0.57 = 2000 $1.92
1979 $0.96 = 2000 $2.45
2001 May 21 $1.72

Now, without tax
1960 $0.21 = $1.20
1965 $0.21 = $1.13
1970 $0.25 = $1.13
1975 $0.44 = $1.48
1979 $0.75 = $1.91
2001 May 21 $1.27

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BTW:
Same is true of auto prices
1960 Dodge Dart 4 door slant 6 (your basic mass-production lowest-priced 
Dodge for that year) $2330 - 2000 price equiv = $13,295
2000 Neon base model ~= $12,500 and it has FAR more features standard than 
that 1960 vehicle

BTW:
Same is true of movie prices