I saw you at Wal-Mart.
You were at the gas station, too, and in line at the grocery store, holding a fistful of coupons.
If I may say so, you were looking a little frazzled.
It seems, dear American Consumer, that the pressure is getting to you. First of all, you are being blamed for getting us into this financial mess by recklessly spending like there was no judgment day coming.
Now, you’ve got to get us out of this pickle.
We’ll go out the same way we came in. Dear American Consumer, you’re going to have to spend our way out of this debt hole.
Consumer spending makes up 70 percent of all economic activity. It may seem like a simple matter when you decide not to buy new jeans and instead try to tuck a little away. Or put off getting a new cell phone because the grocery budget has eaten up all the fun money.
But the ramifications of these dollar decisions spread far and wide and rattle no less than Wall Street executives and world leaders.
When you’re that powerful, it’s no wonder you are expected to be able to perform financial miracles.
Take a look at what the automotive industry is asking from taxpayers. On one front, The Big 3 want a bailout — but just a little bitty one, only $25 billion.
Then, make no mistake, they’ll launch advertisements expecting the very people maxed out to cover the tax bill to do the patriot thing and buy a new vehicle.
Then you’ll have to keep the car running — and the whole economy — by filling up at the pump, and contributing to profits of oil companies. Not to mention, of course, helping out the single mother working a swing shift at the gas station to try to put food on the table.
General Motors may be a huge global business, but they’re only as strong as you, dear American consumer, can make them.
It’s not about fairness; it’s about you fulfilling your 70 percent of the bargain.
Retailers are wondering why you’re not in a Christmas mood. Last week they sent out nervous reports that it’s going to be a tense holiday season for them.
No kidding. It seems to be going around as more and more workers open up pink slips instead of bonuses this year.
The shopping outlook included a sharp rebuke from stores reporting they are extremely disappointed in you, dear American Consumer. You’ve put them in the black every December with your gift giving and for you not to come through this year is simply unforgiveable.
Take heart, dear American Consumer.
Good job clipping those coupons. Keep it up, we’re all counting on you.
