tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7260692.post113318100405675748..comments2023-05-13T02:24:42.139-07:00Comments on Stones In the Field: WalM*rt Christmas RiotsMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01846076773328384778noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7260692.post-1133573936543396832005-12-02T17:38:00.000-08:002005-12-02T17:38:00.000-08:00I don't think it's all about the Bush economy...in...I don't think it's all about the Bush economy...inasmuch as it is people's inability to delay gratification. And a fear of being a failure as a parent. Seriously. Some people feel so darned guilty for working like crazy that they get obsessed with having the latest gadget for the kids.<BR/><BR/>The people I can't understand are the adults who *don't* have kids, but are battling it out with the parents. What's their motive other than never having grown up?<BR/><BR/>Frankly, I'm glad I"m over that phase of life that made me a consumer with a capital C...it's just a waste of time,temper, and money.Tish Grierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15657229618222899908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7260692.post-1133293288295787692005-11-29T11:41:00.000-08:002005-11-29T11:41:00.000-08:00Out of all the millions of people who went to thou...Out of all the millions of people who went to thousands of stores and malls where things were busy but no harm done, the media focuses on the few bottom dwellers. It's not news if everybody's behaving... Nothing new there. <BR/><BR/>I heard on a public radio station that a woman had to be airlifted to a hospital to treat her for injuries to her back after being crushed by a stampeding crowd. And that was just one of the several instances mentioned. It was a commentary piece, not news, but still - Public Radio - I'm ashamed of you for stooping so low. Thank goodness it wasn't *my* KQED...<BR/><BR/>Robert Ruben - man, that quote sounds more like Robert Reich's (former Clinton Sec'y of Labor)rhetoric. He blames everything on the Bush administration. I'm not saying they're completely blameless, but somehow I don't think that warped human nature is their fault. <BR/><BR/>I gave my kids their Christmas early by paying for rental trucks and providing supplies and additional support (like the flea elimination service that my son's apt. needs now that he's got kittens. Why couldn't he have gone to the ASPCA for kittens?? Those wouldn't have been carrying fleas...). And as I did each thing I reminded them "Remember this when you get a package of socks and underwear for Christmas"<BR/><BR/>This year I don't expect to do much shopping at all - and mostly on line. That's my gift to myself - less stress!ohdawnohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01995493308490806364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7260692.post-1133244310092682572005-11-28T22:05:00.000-08:002005-11-28T22:05:00.000-08:00For just the third year, my mother and I ventured ...For just the third year, my mother and I ventured out into the pre-dawn morning on Black Friday. The first year we went out it was just for something to do -- it still is, actually -- with the understanding that if we observed any of the behavior you hear so much about in the news, we'd go find some 24-hour diner and have a cup of coffee or hot tea before returning home to our sweats and leftover turkey. <BR/><BR/>What amazed me that first year and every year since is the since of camaraderie and fun-spirit that I've encountered among the individuals who get up at that hour to shop. Never once have I seen unruly, aggressive, or uncivilized behavior. Most people are quite nice and are laughing and having fun and even help one another find items they are looking for.<BR/><BR/>Don't doubt the overall basic goodness of humanity, Mac, and don't start believing the media hype now.Lori A. Basiewiczhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00115503014838870398noreply@blogger.com