The day after writing my article on How to Save Money This Holiday Season, in which I basically suggested spending as little as possible, a Pulitzer prize-winning writer for the New York Times, Thomas L. Friedman, told us that the best thing we can do for our economy is: “Go Shopping.”

Hmm, I guess this means no Pulitzer for me. Oh well. I understand Mr. Friedman’s opinion in general, but personally, I don’t have the money to go shopping, even if I wanted to – and I’m sure I’m not alone in that, for several reasons. Who can just go shopping when they’ve been laid off, as thousands have recently, as reported in the Times and elsewhere, or are fairly certain a lay off is coming? What about those who finally woke up, or were forced to wake up from their credit binge of the past several years and had just come to terms with not spending more than they earn? What about those facing foreclosure? What message does this give them? Of course, retailers rejoiced at Mr. Friedman’s words, as they should. Maybe the malls won’t be as deserted as has been predicted.

I’m sure plenty of other people do have the money or plastic to burn, though, so I will say a big thank you to all those who do help our economy through shopping, and just needed permission such as this to go out and spend away again. Each person can wrestle with what is best for them to do, for self, country or both. It’s a classic paradox, and an honestly tough choice, for some.

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