Why i plan to go shopping tomorrow

[democrattotheend]

Because i know that the media will be watching to see if people come out in force the way they usually do on Black Friday, and i feel that going out and braving the lines and helping to make the stores as crowded as usual will be a display of confidence in the economy and in our new president. i may not spend a lot but i want to go out there. i want to keep saving for grad school but i feel guilty hoarding money while people lose their jobs and companies go bankrupt because sales are slow. So i want to do what i can to help the economy and i encourage those who can to do the same.

[crispini]

1. Brave the rain and the crowds to spend money I don't have

on things I don't need... no thanks. Those who are still employed, feel free to stimulate the economy all you want. We, the unemployed, salute you! :patriot:

[Patchuli]

9. We the still employed hope

with all our hearts that a job finds you soon. Don't forget, we're all in this mess together. That said, I will brave the crowds to get some early discounted gifts for the loved ones.

[Trajan]

2. This seems like the wrong reason to go shopping ....

And the wrong logic to provide justification ...

You go shopping if it will help you and your family improve your life in a meaningful way ... Who the FUCK cares what the media says of thinks ?

[Atman]

3. You're nuts.

I don't need to put on a fake display of confidence in a system that fucked us all over. I'd rather the TV cameras show empty stores tomorrow, with an actual real journalist explaining why no one is shopping.

Yeah...like that will happen.

.

[silverojo]

24. And meanwhile, those empty stores will go under

Great way to help the economy. :sarcasm:

[mrs_p]

we need toilet paper and toothpaste

so, yes, i'll be shopping

[Dis Pater]

4. Just go shopping?

Didn't we just have 8 yrs of that?

[democrattotheend]

7. Yeah, i was afraid it would be taken that way

but i read that some retailers may file for bankruptcy if holiday sales are slow and that would make the economy that much worse. i am not saying anyone should spend money they don't have and maybe i am luckier than most because i recently found out that my job has been extended. i have been trying hard to save for the past year but now i have cash in the bank and part of me feels like i should not hoard it while people are losing their jobs because sales are slow. i am torn between that attitude and the feeling that i should save because i don't know what the future holds. Does that make sense?

[NYC_SKP]

10. I'd argue that people shouldn't spend money they DO have.

If they are just buying the typical crap just to have it or to give as gifts, with greeting cards included.

Our planet just can't take our overconsumptive ways, it just can not take it.

Our activities and economy have been on an unsustainable binge, with other countries trying to be more like us, (sigh).

Believe me, the sooner we cut it out and think differently, the better chance our grandchildren will have of having something left, and I don't mean money and "things".

If you have a minute, check out this little video: http:www.storyofstuff.com

Cheers!

[Lorien]

12. I'll second that with this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x245076

[NYC_SKP]

17. K and R on that post and the PBS documentary "Affluenza"!

Thanks! :toast:

[Blue_Tires]

25. hmmm...thanks for that

never heard of it before...

[Zombie2]

15. I agree with you....

I watched your story of stuff video the other day. Then I made my ghoulfiend watch the story of stuff, too. Then I emailed it to other people as well.

I plan to make/recycle/re-gift gifts this year. Mainly looking at hand-made one of a kind original gifts from the heart. Not yet sure what I'll make, but I'll figure something out.

[NYC_SKP]

16. Thank you, thank you, thank you......my great great grandkids thank you!

I'm going to select causes that my recipients will approve of, animal shelters, for example, are apolitical options.

And yes, handmade cards.

Some may laugh or not like it, but we have to begin somewhere and if we do it will be more likely that others will.

Best Holiday wishes!

:toast:

[Honeycombe8]

34. It's a timing thing for me. I'm going to buy things I was going to buy, anyway, but put off to wait

for a good sale.

I've needed a new wool coat for many years. Today's the day. I'm shopping online, and I know the coat I want. Hopefully it'll be on sale.

I want a t-shirt for my dog that I got last year. She's very short haired and very cold averse. I have a couple of sweaters for her, but I want something more lightweight for when it's not cold enuf for a sweater.

I'm middle aged and have never owned a good quality roaster. I've used the same cheap aluminum lightweight one I bought on sale at Wal-Mart about 15 years ago. I have my eye on one that I THINK I might buy this year. I really want a good quality roaster that will last the rest of my life. This is not a necessity, but I'm thinking of taking the plunge on this this year.

I don't have a good CD player to plug into my receiver. I'm one of those who still has the cassette player, refusing to move into CDs. I'm THINKING of checking out the prices on these online. I may not get this, but I'm going to look.

I work pretty darn hard for my pay. I have sacrificed much for my employer, being basically "on call" there for 25 years. This has prevented me from taking courses at night, signing up for hobby-type classes, or doing anything on a regular schedule. I also work sometimes six days a week or late into the night. I am also very frugal, living on about half of what I earn. I figure if I want a good quality roaster, I can get one. I just can't get EVERYTHING I want. Just some things. And I time it for the good sales.

I get very excited at sale time. It's like hunting, in a way. It's bargain hunting for things I was going to buy, anyway. The game is to get what you want, or close to it, for the least cost.

[143tbone]

21. What makes sense is that your heart is in the right place.

You care about others and the state of your country.

[Lisa0825]

5. If I had a job, I would.

:(

[Lorien]

14. Been going through a lot of that myself this year

:hug:

[Honeycombe8]

35. Why don't you have a job? nt

[Lisa0825]

36. Hurricane Ike --> 3800 layoffs at my employer.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/6109613.html

[Honeycombe8]

37. Oh, that's terrible. My heart goes out to you. Has the unemployment comp run out?

How are people getting by? (I ask because, if I lost my job, I would end up either being homeless or having to leave the state to move in with relatives, if they'd let me. It would ruin me...at least temporarily.)

Are many people able to move to Houston or somewhere, in order to find a job? It takes $$$ to move.

Well, geez, I feel just awful and guilty, having a job. But nothing is guaranteed for any of us, I suppose. I could lose my job next year. And at my age, I'd have a hard time finding another one.

My thoughts are with you and others in your situation this holiday season.

[Lisa0825]

38. Don't feel guilty!

I shouldn't make a habit out of pity posts. I just hate the thought of the holidays this year. I'd rather just skip it all.

I start on UI in January. As part of the deal, we get paid until mid-January. But knowing it could take several months to find a job in an economic downturn, I am saving every penny I can, so no Christmas shopping for me this year, unless I happen to land something soon. No extras like going out to dinner or going out for fun either (I made an exception for a birthday party last weekend). I am cutting off my cable this month, but I will keep the internet. At least I can download Rachel and Keith.

I don't know what other people are doing to get by. At least my house wasn't damaged. I know people who lost everything in their homes and both incomes who still haven't gotten approved by FEMA. They are having to pay for their own temporary housing IF they are lucky enough to find an apartment, and still pay the mortgage on the house they can't live in, while HOPING they will get approved to rebuild without raising the elevation (if they have to raise elevation, most won't be able to afford to rebuild at all. I think a lot of people who lost their jobs are just going to cash in their retirement accounts and take the penalty, and use it until it runs out, hoping they'll get help eventually.

[NaturalHigh]

6. I never go shopping the day after Thanksgiving.

I can't stand crowds. Regardless, my wife has already done all of our Christmas shopping.

[saracat]

8. Nope. The economy sucks and I have NO money and it isn't a

display of "confidence". We are going to be in deep ca ca for years , no matter who is Prez.

[Lorien]

11. Better idea; buy from individuals on eBay, or something at your local antique

stores or resale shops. Then your money has a better chance of going to people who need it instead of corporate HQ and China.

If I want to help the economy I usually go to a locally owned restaurant or hire someone to fix something around the house. I just can't buy "stuff" anymore. I have too much for my little house (where I also run a home based business) as it is. Plus, a constantly growing economy IS NOT sustainable-but there is such a thing as a sustainable economy. Learn more here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x245076

[Zombie2]

18. eBay is an EXCELLENT idea....

I sell handmade one of a kind items on eBay. :)

I lost my job that I enjoyed for over a decade, thanks to the Bush economy... now I'm trying to make a full time job of selling my handmade items on eBay.

BTW, the Affluenza doc is great... I'm going to pass it along today... thanks!

[Lorien]

27. Oh, and don't forget Etsy!

it's nothing but handmade items. Are you selling there too?

[Zombie2]

39. I gave Etsy a look-see last night after reading your post....

(mom's dog died last night otherwise I would have replied sooner)

I do like the look of that auction site. I don't have a large amount of stuff that I up on eBay, but I'll look into putting a few things up here and there on Etsy to see how it goes. I really like the fact that everything offered there is handmade. Etsy is not full of mass produced crap, like eBay is these days. I just recently started selling again on eBay and I don't care for the direction they're heading.

[democrattotheend]

19. If you do that, make sure to buy from American ebayers

A lot of the stuff on ebay comes from China too...if you want to help American businesses and individuals make sure that you are buying from Americans selling their own stuff, not warehousing it from China.

[Lorien]

26. MOST of us who sell on eBay are just individuals, not even professional

sellers. I sell to pay for my medical bills. My hometown and state are clearly marked on each auction page. That's all you need to look for.

Most people going to sales tomorrow will head to Wal-Mart; a sure fire way to send your money to China.

[lligrd]

13. Confidence In What?? The Credit Economy?

No thanks!

[Mist]

23. LOL! Not to mention confidence in out-sourcing and cheap labor! nt

[amborin]

20. why follow Bush's advice? after 9/11 Bush said, "go out and shop" he was a complete evil idiot

[moriah]

22. You couldn't PAY me to go shopping on Black Friday.

Fortunately, I always work on Black Friday, for a major retailer.

We always collect the stories of people getting trampled at opening to see just how many idiots really couldn't wait for someone to move out of their way to get to the $10 DVD player or whatever.

[proud patriot]

28. I've worked retail on black friday

Crazy:crazy:

Now I work with 3 and 4 year olds :D

[Hippo_Tron]

29. I'm really really into clothes and I'm waiting until after Christmas

For one I can't deal with the crowds on black Friday and everything is cheaper after Christmas.

[theboss]

30. When did shopping become a political statement?

I need a new laptop.

There are sales today.

Erego, I shop.

[mtnsnake]

31. Why I don't plan on going shopping tomorrow

For one thing, I never go on Black Friday weekend. I've got better things to do than fight the crowds. Tomorrow will be a good day to get away from all the corporate madness and go for a showshoe with some members of my family who are visiting.

For the other thing, I don't buy this philosophy that going shopping during this time of year is "good for the economy". It might be good for the corporatists hwo always push this theory, but I don't see how it's good for anyone to blow more money that they might not have. I think it's amusing how the same old enablers are pushing everyone into spending spending spending for the sake of spending when we should be saving saving saving. Now don't get me wrong, if there's something you really need and can save a buck or two by shopping tomorrow, then I think that's great, but to go out and shop just for the sake of shopping to support our failing economy, then I think that's just supporting corporatist spin.

[Honeycombe8]

33. Sort of. But really, it directly affects the 401K accounts. Good sales = public confidence

Public confidence in economy = good stock market = better 401K performance.

It's tied together, in a way.

But not to worry. The sales this year won't be great. The most we can hope for is not as bad as we thought. Many people out of work = lower sales.

[Honeycombe8]

32. I have the $$$, and I'M SHOPPING TODAY online! I've put aside the money...

for certain things I need or want. So I've waited for a good sale day to buy these things.

But I don't want to brave the busy malls, so I'm shopping online. Good sales online, too!

I will not be paying for these on time. I'll use a credit card, but I have the $$$ for the purchases, so I'll pay the bill off when it comes in.

I thought about the wisdom of this, in case I lose my job next year. But we're not talking about huge bucks that would make or break me, so I'm going to go ahead and make the purchases. If I weren't so frugal, I actually would've bought most of these things in years past, anyway.

[Warren DeMontague]

40. Blasphemy! Sinner! Sinner!

[DailyGrind51]

41. I saw a lot of people leaving the mall with only one of two items,

not shopping carts full of impulse purchases. I only went to buy a set of tires, but walked around to see what others were buying. Not much, from what I could see. It looked like they went specifically for advertised specials.