Jim!
The reason things cost so much is inflation. Our esteemed President Lyndon Johnson, before your time, decided to print more money. But never mind. In the Free Enterprise System you can pass on buying something. If enough people don't buy something, the price usually comes down. Free Enterprise, you know.

Now Dave, I am going to elect you King just as soon as you appoint me the High Priest of, uh, aw, Ok, Lapland! Big Jim will be my Prime Minister. Do you think I will need a Prime Minister?

Probably just a Jailer. Maybe a Court Jester. It's sounding better all the time! So peasants, pay those Taxes!

Dave, I don't think they elect Kings. When my ancester came accross the Channel in 1066, there was a big roul. William made himself King by brute force. Let that be a lesson to you Dave. As Big Jim said, the strong prey on the weak. I think it's called a History Lesson. But I'm not sure. The cost of things are killing me.

Ray E. Strode