How you figure?

It has been 55 years since I graduated from high school. I have seen a lot of changes in the education system, both good and bad. Upon graduation 2+2=4. I do not believe that still holds true. (In the Register, "U.S. inflation still stubbornly high," Sept. 28), and watching the evening news, they talk about inflation running between 8 and 9 percent. I am not sure where or who is giving them this figure, but something does not add up. Things that used to cost $1 now cost $1.25. The way I figure it that is a 25 percent increase in cost. The media say things are increasing by double figures inflation, but when averaged they come up with single figures. I have not experienced anything that has not gone upon by less than 10 percent. Another example if a half gallon of ice cream cost $4.99, you now get 1.5 quarts for $4.99. The price did not go up, but the quantity you receive has been reduced by 25 percent. I am not sure if that is considered inflation as the price did not change, but the way I figure it, it is. My natural gas budget has increased by 50 percent. What items are in the basket that is used to figure the inflation rate? Do these items stay the same or do they move items in and out to keep the inflation rate number to their liking? Do you think they keep this number low for election purposes? Will they go up after the midterm elections? There is an old saying "Liars figure and figures lie." Vince BennicePerkins