Dear American Consumer

Here's what you're supposed to think about the economy.

When did Americans go from being citizens to becoming consumers? We had no idea our sole function in life was to consume goods and services produced by ourselves and others just to prop up an economy that gives working people little or nothing but provides a munificent bounty to executives of large corporations.

"Consumers, in general, are optimists," said Bullard, who believes that increased consumer spending after the tax rebate checks are delivered in the late spring will help boost the economy in the third and fourth quarters of 2008.

"Even when they're not optimists, they love shopping," he added.

But Americans are less optimistic about their long-term financial situation. Only 23% felt "very confident" about paying for their children to attend their choice of college.

Furthermore, only 29% said they were "very confident" about saving enough money to live comfortably when they retire, and just 44% believe they will be able to retire when they want to.

Mr. Bullard will soon realize, as many of us already have, that the credit card limits have been reached. You can't shop without money. The $600 rebate won't even cover food costs for the month for the average family of four. Mr. Bullard wouldn't notice, because he makes enough that he doesn't have to worry about the cost of food.

Those of us who were paying $1.x for a gallon of gas when the Bush Misadministration took power are now paying three times as much, plus the rising cost of gas is forcing up the cost of food and other necessities. So good luck with your little pipe-dream, Mr. Bullard. We here are hoping that American consumers decide not to spend the pittance they will receive on useless junk. There's too many real costs to take care of.

As corporate CEOs and financial organizations take foolish risks and show poor judgment, we, the taxpayers, are dragged out to rescue them with our deep pockets. Well, our pockets aren't as deep as the pigs in power would like to believe. On a personal level, we're overstretched, and suffering. And the only reason people believe the economy will improve in 2009 is because this gang of crooks, thugs, liars, and thieves who have been robbing us for seven years, will be out of power. We hope. That's the only reason left for optimism.

Stumble It!