I was watching a story on the news the other night about the economy and Christmas. The correspondent interviewed customers in a store, and one of the interviews struck me. The youngish, apparently working class mother told the reporter: “I spent a thousand dollars less on Christmas this year.” A THOUSAND LESS? I was shocked. Maybe she has thirteen brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, all with children–okay. But my sense of it was that was not the case.
I like buying, and I spend during the holidays– I don’t mean to be a Grinch. But Americans need to get a grip. I think all this started with Ronald Reagan (one of my favorite people to blame for a lot of things). The GOP would re-elect him if they could. I bet someone is looking into that as we speak.
When Do They Serve The Wine? 
Really nice one Liza! So true.
In lack of an appropriate emoticon… YES YES YES!!! I agree.
I want more. A whole lot more from my political and economic leaders! I’m afraid my only consolation may be to go spend a few more $$s I don’t have. That and doing my best to tend to my quieter corner of the universe where I’m hoping I and those I touch can refocus, just a little bit, on more love, more connection and more “giving,” and a touch less swag.
Spot-on cartoon! However, as tempting as it may be, I don’t think we can
blame Ronnie for this one. The mother you quoted is just one small example
of our consumerist culture ( the slimy underbelly part ), and we are all culpable.
It’s really a matter of priorities, not partisan politics.
Yes, the religious right, and the GOP in general love to rant and rave about their
“spiritual values”, whilst rolling about in piles of money — the nadir of hypocrisy.
Yet most of us do it, to one degree or another, regardless of what color state we
live in.
Once again, Liza, you manage to press those hot buttons. (But that’s a good thing!)
Thanks for a great year of keeping us well-stirred (while making us smile), and to a
very happy and exciting New Year ahead for you!
Thanks, Rob! I agree we live in a consumerist culture, but I remember the Reagans modeling an extravagance that had a new tone to it, and fostered an entitlement mood in this country. No matter…it’s simply we, as a country, need to get corrected. Obama is doing his best.
Hope you had a good New Year!