I was just looking at Brian Deese's report on Americanprogress.org about how consumer spending growth has slowed significantly and it got me wondering if other people are doing what I have found myself doing.Wow. This is kind of a far-reaching question that goes beyond whether to buy it at Sam's Club or Costco (Answer: COSTCO). You set the bar on principles higher than I would have ever thought to do. But this is a glaring testament to how much we're aware that almost everything we do is turned into partisan spin.
I need a new stove, refrigerator and washing machine. None of these purchases are urgent, but the stuff is breaking down and needs to be replaced. However, when my wife suggests that we actually go and shop for one or more of these items I reply, 'Not until after the election.' She agrees, in principle, but thinks I'm being stupid.
I wouldn't ask the question directly in a public forum because it would provide too much fodder for those that think that we "hate Amur'ca" and want to hurt it, but I wonder if any amount of the falloff in consumer spending is a result of other people putting off discretionary purchases until after Nov 2. I don't want to hurt the economy, but I just can't bring myself to allow the stuff I buy with my hard-earned money to become something that the current administration can crow about.
Let's make one thing clear: We love America. All of us. We just don't like what's being done to it and what it's doing to our reputation overseas. And we're so intent on making change that we can't bring ourselves to do ANYTHING that will look good to the White House propaganda machine...even if it means buying canned goods, using a hotplate and going to the laundromat.
That said, I'd like our readers to chime in here. Is Brad here overthinking this, or is he right in waiting?
