A National Crisis

Late holiday sales rush not so merry for many stores (CNN Money).

Analysts said retailers cut prices more this year than they did last year in the hope of luring cost-conscious consumers, many of whom are grappling with steep gasoline prices and bracing for bigger winter heating bills.

Yet sales this year have been "solid but unspectacular". The message: we didn't do our American duty and buy enough shit. By the way: the oil company just gave a little Xmas stocking stuffer in the form of a $365 heating bill. Rock on, America, in your winter wonderland!