(2003-02-25) — With the index of consumer confidence sagging to its lowest level in nine years, Congressional Democrats will introduce a new plan this week to boost it.
Based on a National Education Association (NEA) concept, the plan calls for encouraging consumers by “letting them know they’re really doing well even if they’re not buying anything.”
As part of the proposed program, Americans who cut back on spending because of vague fears about the future will receive a “smiley face” on their checking account statements. Federal employees will stand at the entrances to stores and shopping malls shouting encouraging words to people who leave without making a purchase.
“The important thing is not that people go on with their lives and refuse to let baseless fears paralyze them,” said Sen. Tom Daschle, D-ND, “What really matters is that people feel good about whatever they do.”
Doing his part to promote the program, Sen. Daschle spent two hours near the door of a suburban mall today “giving out positive thoughts” to empty-handed people who were headed for the parking lot.