There is no way your pay raise kept up with inflation last year. You would have needed a 200% pay increase. However, my company does treat me fair so I don't complain. I always look at my pay compared to my level of education and my skill level and ask myself if I am being fairly treated. If I feel I am not being treated fairly I look for a job, that is what is so great about living in a democratic nation, you have free will.

I will say this: If you want to see where our hard earned dollars are going just google: uae ski resort. This will bring up articles, photos and videos of the completely enclosed ski resort that was constructed in the United Arab Emirates where it is over 100 degrees most of the year. It is a replica of a ski resort that is completely enclosed. What a complete joke, we pay $3.50 for gas and they ski in the desert.