The inflation rate is calculated without the increase in food or energy prices. WTF? Sure, lets quick chalk the books so the average person can’t see the truth.
Like most numbers generated by these guys they are suspect at best. They use all kinds of manipulations to make themselves look better. This is but another example, reality, where we all live, leads us to other conclusions.
No. The government reports both numbers (doesn't mean that they're not fabricated, anyway, but you should know the facts).