Reflecting on the ongoing US recession, and the general economic malaise during my meditation retreat, I felt moved to do something concrete about it. As I was meditatively evaluating the various options available to me, it suddenly struck me that the best course of action would be to increase my personal consumption and thereby contribute the funds to help improve the economy. I am rather frugal, but in the light of the situation all around us, I decided to be less so in the national interest.
The action began early at WalMart. I filled my cart with stuff far beyond my needs – an electric shaver, a pack of deodorant, soaps and shampoos, protein shakes, and even a bag of garden fertilizer. With genuine patriotism in my heart, I did not spare a single aisle or product category. Unfortunately, being vegetarian, I did not touch the meats. However, I picked up an assortment of cheeses and an entire gallon of Eggnog (egg is vegetarian, btw).
Still the urge to stimulate the economy was not satisfied. I impulsively grabbed ANOTHER bag of Lays Chips, despite the health risks involved, and made my way to Groceries and grabbed a head (of lettuce). Satisfied, I made my way to Checkout.
There was a cute redhead doing the billing and for several minutes I considered contributing to *her *economic welfare too – 500 bucks a night is not bad, yes? However, reason prevailed – access to cheap cash makes you want to splurge on useless things, contributing to inflationary pressure on the economy. So I merely ogled at her and left.
Total stimulation package: $771.93. Not bad at all.
Imagine: if all the impulsive, uncontrollable teenagers and trigger-happy cops could be marshalled into WalMart, how much might our economy gain? Together we can beat the Chinese – they are not nearly as impulsive as we are.
Even if you are as unemployed and unemployable as I am, and cannot pay your taxes like the rich guys, you CAN contribute through WalMart and McDonalds. It is your duty in these difficult times. In fact, this evening, I am taking small-time loans from a bunch of friends, just to keep the cash circulating. Cash changing hands = healthy economic activity.
Back home, I find most of these things I bought (except the chips) are pretty much useless, so I discarded them one by one. But that’s OK. Objective accomplished. Economy stimulated.
