The Patriot Spender?

Given that the American economic system is founded on capitalism, one may be so inclined as to ask the great question of, is it patriotic to shop? With the ever increasing economic turmoil, this is a question that appears to be gaining some well deserved attention. As the general thought of capitalism is that through buying commodities money is circulated and then distributed on down to the common laborer making everyone happy and stimulating the economy, the answer to the question would appear to be obvious, yes. However one would then have to look at a functioning, or at least some what functioning, capitalistic economic system and determine whether this is truly how the economy functions.

In the ideal situation of how capitalism works, it seems to be the responsibility of the American people to up hold the economy and ensure its stability. After all, the goods are produced, the consumer buys the product, and money is then circulated back through, or is it? Here lies the Achilles heal of capitalism; everyone’s out to make a buck. Watch closely in a time of economic downfall. You’re bound to find major news conglomerates, owned by major companies like Time Warner, claiming that true Americans should be out shopping and buying American made products to prevent American companies from shutting down and forcing millions of Americans out of their jobs. While I’m in full agreement that supporting American businesses is vital for the American economy, I don’t think we should be so quick as to forget our lessons from business management 101.

Let us supersede the Idea that it is the American peoples duty to uphold American businesses for a moment, and focus on a radical way of thinking. Could it perhaps be the business owners who are to blame for the possible mismanagement of their company. Shouldn’t these CEOs who make millions or even billions a year maybe reinvest some of that money into their companies, instead of relying on Americans to bailout them out? After all, if the money isn’t in the hands of the American people how can they be responsible for upholding the American economy.

Large businesses are not the only ones holding back the American economic system. With the majority of American money held up in U.S. banks and their continued refusal to grant loans, it is becoming harder and harder for Americans to purchase such commodities as, homes, land, cars, etc. It would then appear that the true responsibility lies in the American government.

The American people can not be held responsible for an economy that operates on a level completely out of their control. Thus with the proposed question, is it patriotic to shop? We conclude that with more strict regulation on power and control of income, it may be possible for a capitalist economy to function on a level controlled by consumer spending.