It seems the topic of most conversations between worried Americans is either how the economy is slowing or how gas prices are escalating. I suggest looking at the possibility that the reason the former problem even exists can be found within the latter topic.
With ever increasing payments at the pump, consumers are leery of spending there money elsewhere in fear they won”t have enough left over to get where they need to go (i.e.: work, school). Considering the fact that consumer spending accounts for over half of our total economic activity, this poses a major problem.
The Federal Government thinks the solution to the problem is going to come out of a $168 billion “economic stimulus package.” Supposedly, consumers are going to turn around and spend their rebate checks upon receiving them and like magic the economy will be out of its slump. I dare you to ask yourself, if gas prices are still so high, where will you be spending your $600-1200? Will you be putting that money back into the economy or will you be saving it for a ?rainy day”, using it to pay off bills, or possibly using it to fill up your gas tank?
An honest solution to our economic crisis would come from something such as a decrease in gas prices. If consumers were not spending the majority of their paychecks building oil company revenue they may not be so leery to possibly buy that $4,000 plasma television or go on that long awaited luxurious vacation. Considering oil companies clear billions of dollars per year, a trivial chunk out of their revenue seems a small price to pay to save our country from a recession.
Jessica Harris
Kelseyville
