Tuesday Article: The real problem with the economy.

I really enjoy reading the Christian Science Monitor online, although it's typically depressing as hell.

I found this article (written by Robert Reich) on one of the biggest problems in our economy echoed what I've been thinking for years but could never verbalize so well. If you don't have time to read the whole article, here's one of my favorite paragraphs out of it:

"The crisis of American capitalism marks the triumph of consumers and investors over workers and citizens. And since most of us occupy all four roles – even though the lion’s share of consuming and investing is done by the wealthy – the real crisis centers on the increasing efficiency by which all of us as consumers and investors can get great deals, and our declining capacity to be heard as workers and citizens."

Incidentally, speaking of deals (or things that are not deals), someone posted yesterday on my post from a million years ago about Melissa & Doug products being crap. I share the comment here in its entirety because I will not rest, people, until all of you stop buying Melissa & Doug products. Thank you.

"Heh! I submitted a one-star review of a dreadful M&D product we were given -- a $35 set of dollar-store craft supplies with 'washable' paint that permanently trashed an easel, table, a bit of the floor, and so much clothing I have difficulty thinking about it, before I realised 'washable' was not 'washable.' The review was never posted. I got an e-mail from "Lisa" thanking me for my "e-mail" with an invitation to call her during [rather restricted times]. I wrote back to say I appreciated the response, but was extremely pressed for time and was not going to have time to make a phone call anytime soon; could she please address this in e-mail? Of course I didn't hear back, and of course my review simply didn't make it on the site. melissaanddoug.com is littered with enthusiastic four and five star reviews; I haven't been able to find any poor ratings or reviews. Apparently they are all simply trashed as mine was, perhaps with a half-hearted attempt at contact from "Lisa." At least the paint disaster was bad enough for me to be rude enough to finally ask the person who had been buying us all the M&D stuff to please stop..."

Thanks for the comment, K.

Comments

[Sarah]

That's why Walmart and Target LOVE those embarrassing spectacles of consumers stampeding into their stores for - whatever.

[Savvy Working Gal]

I am reading Annie Leonard's book The Story of Stuff. Reich's article sums up Leonard's book in one concise piece. Great reading. I also read Six Ways the Rich Do Get Richer highlighted throughout the article. It is also worth a read. Looks like I will be adding Christian Science Monitor to my reading list.

By the way I came close to reading Caitlin Kelly’s Malled ‘til I checked your blog at the last minute. I had a real chuckle over that one. BTW - cynical is one of your best qualities...and you're opinions are right on.

[Citizen Reader]

Sarah,
Ugh, stampeding stores. I always feel bad for the workers opening the doors.

SWG,
I enjoyed "The Story of Stuff" but at some point I had to stop reading books like that--they were just preaching to the choir, after all. It's getting someone who believes that little plastic toys coated with lead paint from China are a good idea to read such books that is the challenge.

I'd still encourage you to check out "Malled." When I read your blog I find you often get good things out of books I didn't particularly enjoy--which might be the case with "Malled." In any case I'd be interested to hear what YOU think about it!

[brandon]

Like the blog, appreciate the share!