Capitalism is alive and well here in the US, sorry to anyone who thinks otherwise. I had a good laugh today at the proposals outlined in the paper from various retailers who want a chunk of our tax rebates. I'm sure a lot of people will participate, and that's cool. Except, it doesn't get us anywhere. Retailers ask why their profits are dwindling? Well we aren't making any better money and we're paying more for basic necessities because of inflation and oil being at $110 per barrel. People don't want to spend a chunk of cash on something they don't need. I personally am going to be investing my rebate. I live ten miles away from where I work, and changing jobs isn't an option. Having this money in the bank is for me a better idea than having a new car or dining set.