Dennis Warden’s column paints a rosy picture of today’s economy. But the facts tell a different story. Mr. Warden has insulted the intelligence of the residents of Gasconade County by thinking we do see what we are actually seeing in the grocery store and with our healthcare premiums.
On Inflation: Yes, prices aren’t rising as fast. But that slowdown started under Biden, not Trump. Inflation peaked at 9.1% in June 2022, and Biden brought it down to 2.7% by the time he left office. It sits at 2.4% today — a modest improvement of just 0.3 percentage points that Trump inherited, not created. And at the grocery store, prices are still painful — beef is up 16% and coffee is up nearly 20% in the past year. Why? Largely because of Trump’s tariffs, which economists say are being passed straight on to shoppers.
On Gas Prices: Presidents don’t control gas prices — global oil markets do. But now expect to pay more since we are in another war in the Middle East that no one knows what the end game is.
On Jobs: 2025 was one of the weakest years for job growth in recent memory. After the final numbers came in, only 181,000 jobs were added all year in 2025. In 2024 Biden added over a million jobs. And in January 2026 the number was NOT 400,000 like Warden quoted. Unemployment is actually higher now than it was a year ago.
On Healthcare: Health insurance costs have skyrocketed in 2026. Every person reading this knows your healthcare costs are much higher this year. Why do we let people tell us lies when the truth is right in front of us?
Trump Rx is not a gift: It is a website that links you to manufacturer websites where you can access their coupons. Just like Good Rx. But the catch is it is only for brand name drugs. Not generic. And the site will not alert you if there is a cheaper version available on Good Rx or another manufacturer site. Trump RX is good for drugs like Wegovy that does not have a generic. But for everything else, you will get it cheaper through Good Rx or the manufacturer site. Don’t be fooled.
Saying that eliminating the EPA 2009 Obama endangerment finding is a gift is embarrassing.
In plain English: Washington just decided the air our children breathe is no longer worth protecting.
The consequences are not abstract. EPA analysts project this single decision will result in at least 10 billion additional tons of climate pollution, 12,000 more premature deaths, and 8.5 million more asthma attacks over the next 30 years. Those are our kids. Our grandkids. Coughing in classrooms. Dying earlier than they should.
The administration calls this “the largest deregulatory action in U.S. history” and celebrates it as saving money. Saving money for whom?
Sick children is not something to celebrate.
The real question is: are working families better off than they were just one year ago? For most people buying groceries, paying for insurance, or looking for work, the honest answer is no. Are we healthier? The answer is no.
How are we winning?
Gasconade County Democrat Club
