To the editor:

Spend, spend, spend.

The answer to our current economic problems may simply be "spend."

Over the years when hard times hit our economy I always felt the news, the headlines helped make matters worse by instilling fear — recession, that nasty word — could be headed our way. The country doesn't stop, economic systems are still working, but faced with that "fear factor" instilled in our minds, we all buckle up to face the inevitable hard times that will descend upon us.

Currently, 93 percent of Americans are working and just maybe we are all having a hard time meeting the costs and demands of life, but these working Americans have needs. We need new coats for winter, tires for the car, boots for the kids, mittens, hats and scarves for winter breezes.

The holiday season is upon us so we need treasured gifts for loved ones, that turkey dinner, the smoked ham, holiday greeting cards and a basket full of needs as this season and winter brings to our daily life.

Spend, spend, spend.

The basic instinct for all of us working Americans is to tighten up our belts and spend less, like be prepared for that rainy day — that rainy day comes quicker, runs deeper, into our economic woes when we do that — we only increase the recession, foster layoffs, stop business growth, out of the fear of what may lie ahead for us.

That is the prudent and normal mentality average Americans take, but what if this time we cast aside our fears, throw caution to the wind and we went out and — spent, spent, spent.

I suggest that all of us working Americans do just that, all of us who have a job, all who are reasonably secure, that we all go out and spend. Get out there and spend on those items you want, on the things you need — don't put it off — get it now, today, while prices on everything and everywhere have been lowered in hopes of creating sales.

If we all did this, this holiday and winter season we could jump-start our economy, bring back jobs and give our new president a fighting chance to get America on track again.

I for one do not want my president to fail — it only hurts me.

In this North Shore area where we have hundreds of small business owners, the economy is critical, and so I ask of each and everyone of us who are working to do the right thing for yourself, your neighbors and the country — spend some or all of your affordable dollars and help our economy.

Failure to do this will only deepen our economic problems and give rise to deeper and more troubling times.

Spend, spend, spend — but only what you can afford — not more but not less. It's what you can do for the country. And please let's not forget the needy at the food banks and the Salvation Army; everybody needs help this year.

Richard Astukewicz

Salisbury