Sad thing about all of this is that may be true, but us American's need the money to spend. Between price hikes, and lay offs, it's hard to do anything. Then there is the huge increase in medical benefits.
My gas and Eletric bill for last month was for $357 bucks. We don't use the stove and we keep the house at 68. Why so high? Gas price increase as well as we are now paying for the storm repair for when Ike came through. WTF!!