News flash: Americans will spend $5.8 billion to celebrate Halloween this year.
Geez, to hear the politicians talk, I thought we were broke.
Never mind those 20% increases in health insurance premiums we are receiving in the mail. We more willingly pay $20.29 on candy for the trick or treat crowd.
We need those Bush tax cut extensions to pay for the $23.37 on costumes.
And, by all means, extend unemployment benefits so the poor can join the club spending $18.66 on Halloween decorations.
It just proves that the people, not the politicians, have their priorities in order. Who needs a federal stimulus and bank bailout program when Halloween is just around the corner?
I mean the Democrats really blew it. All they had to do was declare Halloween once a month and the people would spend, spend spend.
And, oh, the dollar signs dancing in your eyes when you consider Christmas, the big daddy of all holiday seasons, is fast approaching.
Don’t you just love the free enterprise spirit at work? The greatest music to American ears is the sound of cash registers chi chinging.
This cheery news is brought to you by the National Retail Federation.
“This year, people are expected to embrace Halloween with even more enthusiasm,” Matt Shay, the federation’s chief executive, said in a statement, noting that the holiday has given Americans a welcome mental break from the stress of the economic doldrums.
This euphoria is based on a survey of 9,291 people that the retailers figure will splurge a 17.7% spending increase more than 2008 levels.
From Reuters:
The survey showed that many people are still spooked by the state of the economy. About 30% said economic concerns are affecting their spending plans, with cuts most likely in candy but not costumes.
“Americans are excited about Halloween but are still being frugal,” said BIGresearch executive vice president Phil Rist.
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, said the Obama administration’s $48 billion stimulus for transportation and infrastructure failed to produce jobs.
Just think. The people who are spending $5.8 billion this October could have paid for a lot of transit trains and falling down bridges if they only had more Halloweens on the calendar.
Folks, I’m just pointing out the foibles of the American mindset. A time out, of sorts, to poke fun at ourselves and our government rulers. On how the two collide in a Wayne’s World of make believe.
(Image courtesy of everbest-qd.en.made-in-china.com)
Cross posted on The Remmers Report
Comments are welcome. Link to my blogsite or go to my email address at [email protected] . Remmers’ varied career spans 26 years in the newspaper business. Read a more thorough resume on The Remmers Report.
Jerry Remmers worked 26 years in the newspaper business. His last 23 years was with the Evening Tribune in San Diego where assignments included reporter, assistant city editor, county and politics editor.