#659 – Dick Bernard: "Black Friday" and "the Fiscal Cliff"

A week ago today, Black Friday was raging. Actually, it began on Thanksgiving Day, and if one carries it even further, I first heard Christmas (shopping) music at my coffee stop right after November 1.
(click to enlarge)

Christmas in America is not so much a celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace; it is, rather, the major profit season for the entire commercial year. And it is likely primarily on credit card: “credit or cash?” is the mantra. Credit is preferred by merchants – more money to be made.
The main difference this year is the endless yammering over the supposed and dreaded “fiscal cliff” coming on December 31, when the 2002 tax cuts which have been a major part of the cause of our huge debt sunset.
So, while we members of the middle class are urged to spend money we don’t have on things we (or recipients) don’t need, of even want, we are to live in fear of the approaching fiscal cliff over which we apparently will tumble at midnight on December 31.
Happy New Year.
The best (and most entertaining) rendition of the fiscal cliff “conversation” came from Alan in Los Angeles early Friday morning. It is here, quite long as usual, but in my opinion, enlightening and very real.
Take some time to read it.