I react to ‘Negative consumer outlook could hurt recovery’

Though I’m still reading newspapers dating back to June 8th, the day I left for Halifax on my motorcycle, the headline in the title above is from yesterday’s London Free Press.

After reading it several thoughts sprang to mind, all of them important or else I wouldn’t mention them here.

Deep thoughts, in no particular order:

Who writes the headlines? An economist?

Why is the first line in the article (“Canadians are increasingly concerned about the future and that’s keeping them from making big purchases...”) viewed as negative?

With Canadian pension plans in the toilet and national debt growing by leaps, bounds and dollar amounts in the billions, isn’t a wee bit of concern about the future a very positive thing?

With provincial and personal debt growing faster than the weeds on my lawn (plus the leaps and bounds thingy), isn’t getting a grip on big purchases a good thing?


An economic commentator said the following about the current caution displayed by Canadians:

“It’s like bilge water filling the recovery’s after-decks. The question has to be: Is it eventually going to sink the recovery?”

Question: How sustainable is our economy if it is dependent upon big purchases?

Can we grow a small economy, move toward small houses and cars and furniture, etc. (things that actually fit our needs instead of wants), and still enjoy a reasonable life vs an excessive one?

If we can’t, will our troubles only get worse?

Will we grow even more concerned about the future, prompting even greater use of the phrase ‘negative consumer outlook?’

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