I couldn't agree more. The only thing that will change this is when they can no longer afford even some of the basic staples. The pain will have to be that deep. I'd argue high gasoline prices did more to turn Americans against Bush recently than the Iraq War, and that is a profoundly sad commentary on the aptitude of most Americans. Sorry if I come across as arrogant in that statement, but I can't apologize for ir because the simple fact of the matter is that Americans are very terrible and mathematics, and inclined to look at short term comfort rather than long term consequences of policy.
If you guys are outraged by Bush spending all that money than why aren't you disgusted with Obama spending twice the amount of money?
They were outraged by the troop deaths under Bush but not under Clinton too.. and Clinton racked up a similar amount...
I would actually agree with your claim. The American people aren't able to see anything past their nose. Ever have a chat with a local "soccer-mom" from the suburbs about where the Economy is, or anything to do with national politics, legislation, etc? It's nearly impossible, due largely in part because their world is so "narrow" that it no longer requires them to use HALF of their brain cells. They believe that what they don't "know" can't hurt them. It's the "easier" way to live. On another note, I predict that the divorce rate will SOAR during this economic contraction. I would be the first to admit that it doesn't make any sense given the current financial constraints that can occur during a recession that results in job less, less income, etc., but many women that I have come across have never been rational about what they feel they deserve, and what they feel they are entitled to. Sad, but I believe true. The masses are still pacified. Women, even more so.
Yes landis, you should check my supersecret " bus stop mom indicator" thread The main concerns are still banal at best.
I had to swing by the local Texaco dealer. Most honest guys in town. They get a lot of Palm Beachers (at least they used to) for service. It was a Saturday, three guys, lifts empty. I was bsing with the owner, said I need service, bang.!!! On the rack. Total service, no wait. He said people are waiting for them to break. I saw this in 88/89. A guy had his car on the lift, the owner/mechanic told him he had no breaks. The guy said, bring it down, I'll pay for the service, and out he went. So, here you have the consumer, not maintaining the second biggest asset he owns. One in which he probably has some sort of testosterone attachment. He just waits for it to break. Transpose that to movies, ball games, dining, entertainment, etc. etc. etc. Maybe not soccer moms, but folks are getting the hint. The owner told me he has stocked up on ammo. Go figure.
Did you get those so-called "facts" from the same e-mail that also claimed that there were 2,392 U.S. military fatalities under Jimmy Carter too, the Noble Peace Prize Winner? LOL!
Yep. TONS of deferred maintenance going on. Thus, you can imagine how high-end "luxury" items are doing! But buying into an auto parts/distributor company is probably a GREAT play once we come out of this Recession.
Saw Wilbur Ross pumping his own gas on a Saturday night in a very dimmly lit convenience mart. Doesn't he own one already? With this mandated auto emissions act, I think the price of used muscle cars, Suvs, etc will soar.