Confessions of a News Junkie

Consumer behavior at the pump surprises general predictions that higher gas prices would limit consumption. But it seems that Americans live to consume. Wal-mart, for example, continues to grow faster and gain more profits than almost any other American company (Exxon is number one). Sure the prices are cheaper, but such megastores expose customers to a parade of useless items. One example of wasteful products include "Easter shoes" - which little boys and girls wear two, maybe three days each year. Americans resist their materialistic lifestyles in addition to the freedom of driving far as far as they feel necessary to achieve their daily goals. Gas consumption will most likely decrease if prices soar to $7 or more.

Also, proponents of discount stores argue that low prices enable low-income households more money for necessities like food and clothing. Although I agree that poor individuals and families need such products, excessive spending habits will only depleate their meager bank accounts more rapidly. The absence of such ludicrous shopping add-ons may impel all citizens to spend their time checking out books and movies from the local library, or visiting a local park. If American spend reallocate their time from shopping to new diversions, perhaps we won't all be blamed for Wal-mart's success. A lack of exposure to waste will drive down spending habits and help everyone save money.