Consumer spending critical

If consumers continue their resolute reluctance to purchase goods and services, no corporate bailout can possibly ensure ultimate company survival, sustained employment or economic security for anyone, other than recipients of management salaries. Production and consequent employment cannot exist without consumer support/spending.

Rising unemployment, impacting housing, health care, indeed the GNP, will only result in the escalation of financial burden on the existing work force – already strained (and waning!) by current economic conditions.

The probability of varied industrial endurance is likely only if consumers have both disposable income and the confidence to expend those resources.

Producing goods that few will purchase validates the absurdity of corporate bailouts.

To ensure against complete financial collapse and the potential demise of capitalism in the U.S., the most feasible resolution is to use the billions/trillions of dollars slated for failing businesses to assist taxpayers. Through various tax assessments consumers have financially supported government entities and private industry, including many of their frivolous excesses (AIG comes to mind). Justifiably, the time has come for recompense for the citizenry so we may continue supporting these organizations and return the economy to its upright position.

Legislators and decision-makers should do the right thing: Bail out taxpayers.

Barbara Hanson

Deer Park