On this Cyber Monday, after the
largest sales retailers ever recorded for Black Friday, retailers are working hard
to establish another record. The advertising can almost make one feel un-American
for not shopping.
Sadly, consumer spending (and to
a substantially lesser degree, defense spending) now drive the US economy. Imagine
the good that people in the US might achieve if much of their consumer spending
and much of the nation’s defense spending were redirected to programs that support
human well-being (such as education, nutrition, healthcare, and housing) and programs
that benefit all, especially infrastructure improvements.
Musing about these issues reminded
me of an Ethical Musings Advent post from 2011, Internet
advertising, bibliolatry, and Advent. Advent is an annual reminder that relationships,
not spending, lays the foundation for an abundant, fulfilling life.
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