In this economy

Goodness me. Has it really been nearly a month? Well I'll just get to it.

This is another 'rant' post so if you have tender souls or of a weak constitution, be forewarned. I'll try to keep it tame though.

I'm getting tired of the phrase "in this economy". It gets used in advertising for anything a la, "In this economy it's important to pay close attention to your finances. That's why we want you to buy this frivolous crap that we're hawking." I've heard it for cars mostly, but also for health care/insurance, various food items, phone service, television service, Internet service ... just about anything that you can pay money for, the term is being used.

My two big beefs are these. That you have to advertise that you have them for sale indicates already that it's a non-essential item. Essential items don't advertise. You never see an advertisement for tap-water, that usually just ends up on the news if it's contaminated. And while you see foods advertised, it's always the sugar-cereal, prepackaged, ready to eat or severely overpriced stuff. When was the last time you saw lettuce take center stage in an ad. Heck it's been awhile since I saw a Got Milk ad now that I think of it. The point is these are the things we need.

The other beef is this. If we didn't need them the DJIA was up over 13,000 and money flowed like potatoes over a conveyor belt, why when the line is heading toward the bottom of the chart, and money is tight do we suddenly decide that it's fiscally irresponsible not to buy a new car. Makes perfect sense right. You have no money, buy a car. In this economy you need a car payment.