>>>Thomas, I've lived in the US, just as I've lived lots of other places. I can see that many Americans feel a bit uncertain at the moment, but if there is a rallying point that matters it surely has to be "Consume less and Save more". That would make more of a lifestyle differnce in a decade than just about anything else- not just in the US, but in most english-speaking 1st-world countries. Can you see it happening?
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>>No. We are conditioned to be consumers. We use our credit cards to release frustration, stress and the pressures of daily life. Buy a 52” HDTV, and new car and a house – on credit. Now you will feel better - until you start getting those monthly statements.
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>>Our federal government is in deep dept and so is the average individual. Take away our means to purchase material goods and our economy will fall apart. We are based upon greed and that more is better. Super-size it please!
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>We aren't in deep debt, we still have plenty of paper and ink!<g>

Amen! :)