These storefronts, near my apartment, were not open
the day after Thanksgiving. They've been closed for months.
The New York Times writes that Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress "are considering major expansions of government-assisted health care insurance and unemployment compensation" as part of their economic recovery plan.
The Times' Jackie Calmes and Carl Hulse write that the proposals are an indication of the kinds of economic changes Obama plans as part of what he calls the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan."
The package is expected to cost nearly $800 billion.
Maybe the president-elect will give a boost to some retailers with his name recognition alone.
Reyhan Harmanci of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that the sale of "Obamabilia" — basically, any items with Obama's name and/or image on them — are selling at a brisk pace.
I'm sure you've seen the kinds of items we're talking about here — ceramic plates, commemorative coins, T-shirts, hats, etc.
Harmanci observes that the New England Mint's Genuine Presidential Dollar sells for $9.99. Reminds me of the "limited edition millennium dollars" that were being sold for something like $20 each prior to the start of Y2K.
"Feeling thrifty?" asks Harmanci. "Get the half-dollar version ($4.95)."
I guess, with the economy in such terrible condition, entrepreneurs can't be blamed for trying to make a few bucks.
But if Obama really wants to help our ailing economy, he won't endorse sales of the $29.95 "Beach Blanket Obama" action figure. That just isn't in good taste.
And good taste is still worth something.
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