Understanding Inflation's Role in Government Metrics

In this week’s episode of 'Impromptu with Washington Post Opinions,' host David Shipley interviews acclaimed author John Lanchester about the significance of inflation in government metrics, specifically the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI serves as a crucial number that informs various federal calculations, touching every citizen's life from social security benefits to divorce settlements. Lanchester, who was drawn into this subject due to the challenges of storytelling related to governmental structures, emphasizes that the 2020 pandemic highlighted the importance of counting and understanding governmental statistics. The concept of counting is foundational to the U.S. government, enshrined in the Enumeration Clause of the Constitution. Their conversation explores the intricacies of this pivotal number and its far-reaching implications on public life and state effectiveness. They discuss the crucial role of accurate public data in ensuring better quality of life for citizens, especially during crises, and the frightening emergence of a 'post-truth' era where facts can be conveniently disregarded. The dialogue wraps up with Lanchester's reflections on the concept of the 'darkening,' a metaphorical shift away from seeking objective truths, contrasting the Enlightenment's ideals. This engaging conversation not only diversifies perspectives on inflation but reiterates the need for the government to base its actions and policies on well-founded data.