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Consumer Confidence Rises; Democracy Declines

March 21, 2007: Benjamin Barber explains why consumer culture is bad for humanity copyright © 2009 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org Great News!  The good life will soon return to America.  Auspiciously, months before the holiday shopping season began, Americans were told that after more than a year of fiscal recession, or what some have characterized as akin to an economic depression, consumers were optimistic.  The confidence  index and other indicators were much improved.  Manufacturing executives assured the public, the engine that drives the free enterprise system was in a "sustainable recovery mode." In the very near future, products, and people's sense of need, would be fabricated again. Everything will be right with the world, economically.  Few feared the threat that, long ago, Americans had come to accept.   The foundation of a democratic system had eroded in favor of consumption.

Capitalism; Dead, Alive, and Broken

copyright © 2009 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org For but a moment, whilst the Group of 20 [G20] met in London's ancient financial capital, ,"The City," the roars of remorse, could be heard.  Words of woe had been whispered in hushed tones for quite some time.  Scholars spoke of various possibilities on occasion.  Whether Senior Economic Fellows from various think-tanks thought a system to be dead, alive, or near doomed, there was perhaps a bit of agreement.  "I see what you mean.  It is broken," Economist Mark Thoma mused more than a year ago.

Let the Bailouts Begin

Bush's Billion-Dollar Bail Out

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Tis true. For days, if not weeks, months, or years the country has been in a state of financial crisis. Americans experience what it means when the President of the United States says he will act boldly. Economically, he has been brazen. Our current Chief Executive unabashedly embraces businesses, just as he had in his private pursuits before he entered the Oval Office. Bush policies allow corporations to run free. If need be, he says, as he did early on in his Administration, Let the bailouts begin.

Bhutto Died; Cable News Network [CNN] Made Clinton President

Hillary calls for investigation into Bhutto's assassination

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Often a King, a Queen, a Prime Minister, or even a President is anointed for they have what it takes. A bloodline qualifies a person for a position of authority. An individual may have married well. A network of acquaintances often secures an honorable appointment. After all, people profess, "It is not what you know, but who you know." A court may declare an individual all-powerful, or a media mogul, with monetary ties to those who "count" may commit him or herself to a candidate, or to a campaign.

The reasons for a selection may not be obvious, or at least a naïve public would not fathom the possible influences. Yet, we observe the obscure rendezvous daily. The so-called objective press tells us what to think and whom we must consider a credible source. On Friday, December 28, 2007, America was reminded that Hillary Clinton was the chose one. She alone is more than qualified to be Commander-In-Chief.

Give Thanks for Genocide. Thanksgiving, National Day of Mourning ©

The day is done, bellies are bloated, and now, rather than pretend to give thanks, we can reflect. Might we mourn our motives, the message, and the myths of Thanksgiving Day?

We are not vanishing. We are not conquered. We are as strong as ever."
~ United American Indians of New England.

As a child, I felt as my Mom did in her earliest years, "What are we giving thanks for on this holiday, hurting a loving native nation?" In the first grade, she was sent to the principal's office for questioning the "accepted" truth of Thanksgiving. She understood the tales taught to schoolchildren; however, my Mom contrasted these with what she knew of the Indian people. In my youngest years, I could or would not tolerate "Cowboy and Indian" games or the genre in films. I saw the slaughter of a loving people and wondered, as I do now, "Why do we allow this to happen?" Why would we celebrate such carnage?

Income Inequity. The Real Reason the Rich Get Richer. ©

Income inequity has been in the news of late; disparity is increasing. Jared Bernstein, of the Economic Policy Institute, wrote of this in, “The Catch-Up Economy.” Paul Krugman, a writer-economist for the New York Times shared his views in “Left Behind Economics.” Economics Professor J. Bradford DeLong comments on the subject. However, it seems to me that the views of these learned economists are limited. While assessing the statistics, I think experts miss the substance, what lies behind simple “economic” causes and effects.

My Wailing Distress, Wal-Mart’s Success

My good friend, Mitchell J. Freedman authored an interesting opinion piece on Wal-Mart and Costco. He offered the perspectives of others, specifically, those that watch Wal-Mart. Mitchell provided the views of the Wal-Mart Chief, H. Lee, Scott, Junior. He linked to a Frontline documentary that is very well done. It is one that I have viewed often. In his editorial Mitchell presented the perspective of a former Wal-Mart manager. He also furnished a path to the Labor Research Association. This organization offers an article titled, “The Costco Challenge: An Alternative to Wal-Martization?” by Moira Herbst [July 5, 2005].

I found Mitchell's blogging inspiring and insightful. I wrote to Mitchell. Here, in my own missive, I share my letter with you dear reader.

I ask you to share yours. Please write your thoughts, tell others of your buying experiences, and discuss your own awareness of Wal-Mart. Then reflect upkn your shopping decisions, past, present, and future.

Would you prefer to do as you do? Would you prefer to support the [wicked] world of Wal-Mart or that of Costco [a company that cares for its employees and patrons]? When you make your purchases, what do you believe you are saying, doing, promoting, or allowing? Are these actions consistent with your personal philosophy? Are you consuming without thought and do your purchases support causes and considerations that you think vital?

Please, spend wisely. The price you pay is more than mere dollars. Take some time to review your purchases. Investigate the stores from which you buy. For when you, Mitchell, or I shop, we are investing in America; we decide to support a democracy or a monopoly.

I implore us all. Please, may we make an informed decision?

I believe that when we buy, the product and price must not be our only considerations. My hope is that you actively believe similar. If not, please share your beliefs. Tell me what is true for you; help me to understand why Wal-Mart continues to be the “success” [sic] it is.

For me, Wal-Mart is not a “success”; it is a source of stress. Therefore, I wrote . . .

Dear Mitchell . . .

Decades ago, as Sam Walton presented his business philosophy and received much praise, my Mom said, “This will be the end of the middle-class.” My family and I watched; we did not have to wait long. My Mom was absolutely correct!