Letter: Responding to inflation

Although it's hitting all our pocketbooks, remember that inflation and gas prices are global issues, not just national.

The U.K.'s and Europe's inflation rates are 20% higher than the U.S. And their gas prices are over $9 a gallon. Forty years ago, gas prices were comparatively higher than they are today. And mortgage rates were running about 12%. We jumped out of our SUVs (OK, minivans and station wagons) and into fuel efficient sedans. We held off buying houses until the mortgage rates came down.

Consumer demand drives much of the financial markets. Think about what you may be able to do to help the economy.

Karen Vidoni

Schaumburg