Getting 'free' money is popular with the recipients? I am quite surprised by that
I'm not going down the politics route (I am not American so have no dog in this fight) but when there is a big negative factor that impacts the economy, there are no winners; print/give away money, devalue the currency and get into huge debt, or tighten the reigns and watch unemployment skyrocket and the economy tank. Which should I choose?
The current price rises are a 'simple' supply and demand issue. I have had to travel during the pandemic and flight tickets have been pretty cheap - they aren't any more. Try getting a reasonably priced rental car at the moment.
Hobbies that are suitable for passing the time at home have been hit hard. People are unable to get out and about, bored out of their mind, ordering things on the internet to pass the time. Shipping companies can't cope, which means manufacturers can't get raw materials, assembly plants therefore can't get components, there isn't enough container space, couriers are overwhelmed, and people continue to buy more and more goods via mail order.
To be honest, I quite surprised that prices aren't even higher.