[netmilsmom]

>>We can cite stats all we want, but I do not see evidence of zillions of out of work people when I go shop or eat.<<

Because they are putting them on credit cards that you will eventually pay for.

[LS]

With all due respect, I've heard this line now for about five years. In theory, the limits are reached, and the piper must be paid. But it doesn't seem to happen. Certainly people already tapped out their home equity accounts.

Personally---and I know this is because I'm a conservative writer who has a product now in demand---I have never had such a good year. But I can't explain all the shopping. Sooner or later you can't keep charging. So I don't think that explains it.

[humantech]

Income tax returns.
A lot of folks arent saving it or paying down debt. They are buying more disposable junk.
thats a major part of the issue and the short term spending you see-