That slogan worked to defeat President George Bush Sr. in his re-election bid. And it worked, although never spoken of with those terms, to defeat the Republicans this year.
Here's a little story to illustrate my point.
A fellow goes into a small store to buy some shirts. While he's browsing he hears the owner talking to someone at the cash register, telling him how terrible business has been and that he may have to close his store. The man looks at the shirt in his hand and decides maybe he better put it back. He might need that money for something else, if things are getting this bad. He leaves the store without making a purchase.
I honestly believe that a lot of the trouble we are in financially right now is directly caused by all the negative campaign talk the Democrats used to get Obama into office. We, as the American people, have talked ourselves into much of this slowdown and possibly recession. Yes, the credit card and mortgage businesses were ripe for a downfall, taking along the banks and institutions that invested heavily in their junk bonds. But the fall was as hard and as all inclusive as it was, because everyday people got scared and put the shirt back.
So, now that the election is over hopefully President Elect Obama can instill enough confidence in the American public to make them feel comfortable buying again. The Christmas buying season will be the test of any optimism or pessimism that permeates our country right now.
My advice? Don't charge presents that you can't afford, but be level headed and spend the money you would have normally if you can afford it. Stop talking negatively about the economy! Find something positive to say if at all possible. Encourage positive thinking and talking. We talked ourselves into this hole and we can go a long way toward getting out of the hole by talking ourselves out of it.
Don't stand at the counter bad mouthing the economy, and DON'T put the shirt back!!
