the other facts to keep in mind is that the majority of the USA citizenry is not affected by the recession, housing collapse, unemployment and what ever else is a negative on the economy.

90% are still employed and well over 90% still own their homes and all the other positive aspects of what is going on in the USA....but that is not the story is it?

Yes we might conserve what we spend in uncertain times but we surely have it to spend when the urge is triggered. And spending for the holidays by the 90% is no mystery at all....but that is not the story!

btk