Consumerism sustains life

I suppose third time is a charm. I have read the past two columns that Duncan Teater has submitted for publishing in your newspaper. I managed to scribble down a few things in response to each of his columns, but didn't get around to submitting them. This past column broke me. \nFrom his columns, I've gathered that Mr. Teater has a knack for griping and groaning. Seems as though he's all talk and no action. Most columns in newspapers are designed to stimulate thought and provide some form of intelligence. The only intelligence I gather from Mr. Teater's column is that he can throw out some big words, and write a few inane thoughts between. \nAs for thought provoking? Hardly. Mr. Teater seems to think that when the government asks us to spend, it means to go out and buy a brand new Mercedes Benz. There's a class that he might have taken in high school called "Economics." Deductive reasoning leads me to believe that he either slept through the class, or decided to take "Home Ec" instead. If you don't spend, then the world does come to a halt. Not just the USA, but also the whole global economy. He's totally missed the point. It's not about spending money until your credit card is on fire. It's about not being afraid and going out to spend that money. \nThe Sept. 11 attacks crippled and maimed many of the systems that allow the United States to function. That is precisely what the terrorists wanted. They wanted people to say, "Well, I'm not going to buy that new house and ruin my chances of fulfilling a life long dream because I'm afraid that another attack may occur, and things might get even worse." "I'm not going to go on that vacation because I'm afraid to fly now." Knock, knock? The reason you hear spend, spend, spend is called "assuring consumer confidence." You don't spend the money? Then we have no money to deploy troops to keep your person safe at night. You don't buy that shirt from the Gap? Then people will lose even more jobs because you're afraid to buy things. \nSeems as though he thinks that the Bush administration is "out to get him," or to force him to do things a certain way. In response to his comment "Don't go to church or the synagogue," has he not heard that religious facilities have seen a sizeable increase in attendance since the attacks? He also uses a quote from President Bush, which stated the "ties of culture and commerce will grow stronger," and in the next breath states that we should read the Quran. In order to read the Quran, I do believe you have to buy it. Then he blathers on about not spending time with family. What kind of bubble does he live in? It looks as if Mr. Teater is ticked off at something, though I can't quite place my finger on it. Perhaps he should take a refresher course in "Economics and Cultural Diversity" along with that Individualized program he's involved in. Think before you write, Mr. Teater. There's a reason for everything.