Affordability has become a big issue. Drivers see oil affordability increasing to the dismay of the drillers and electricity consumers see the opposite picture as prices rise. Politicians tell us not to worry because stock portfolios have risen in value and, therefore, people are richer and can afford more, but there is a good chance that the people with the affordability problem do not have a rising portfolio of stocks or gold to buffer the higher household bills. The following chart shows the percentage change in value of various measures of…