Where the Recession Isn't

I'm allergic to shopping malls in general. Artificial, overpriced, all look the same, modern pagan temples to conspicuous consumption; and 'scuse me please, but the Victoria's Secret window displays are embarrassing.

But yesterday, I was in one, getting one of my kids fitted for a new pair of glasses via Lenscrafters--it was a good sale, and I took them up on it.

This mall was not dead, only a couple of empty spaces, but it wasn't hopping as in previous years.

However, the kid wanted to check in at the Apple Store to price an upgrade to his computer.

Holy Cow! This place had thirty customers in their modest space, at 8:00 pm. I saw little kids in strollers playing with iPhones. Pretty amazing...

The nice sales lady said they were gearing up for Tax Amnesty Weekend, when the State of Tennessee lifts its 10% sales tax finger off the retail sector for three days. She said the line outside the door would stretch to a three-hour wait.

To quote Jerry Springer: 'What have we learned here?'

Well, Apple makes products that really work, are great fun to use, and dramatically improve people's lives.

And, when the State ceases to punish people who engage in economic transactions--you know, making stuff, selling stuff, buying stuff--business blooms.

Hmmm...

Maybe, if the State were smaller, and taxed its citizens less, the citizenry would thrive better.

Maybe, if business could concentrate on making and selling stuff people really want, (unlike GM and Chrysler) people would buy their stuff without Mr. Obama paying them cash to shop.


Hmmm...