DRMI suggests spending less this season

In the midst of financial turmoil and an uncertain economic future, Frederickstopia's Downtown Retail Marketing Inc. suggests that holiday shoppers consider spending less this year. "With the commercialization of Christmas and the current financial situation, it just seemed like the right thing to do," said DRMI president, Benjamin Walker, "Honestly, it would feel immoral for us to push people to spend money that they don't have at a time like this."

DRMI's "Give the gift of love" campaign is a sharp contrast to Wal-Mart's 2008 Holiday Slogan; "Save the economy. Buy more sh*t." "Spending more this holiday season has a win-win effect," said a Wal-Mart spokesperson, "not only will it get the economy moving again, people will have new stuff to comfort them and make them feel good about themselves."

"Maybe the problem runs deeper than consumer spending. Maybe our capitalist system is unsustainable," one shopper, who wished to remain anonymous, said sarcastically, "Just kidding, I'll probably do my Christmas shopping at Wal-Mart."

"I just think that consumer's money could be put to better use," Walker explained, "Maybe paying down a credit card would have a more lasting benefit than a 'Virginia is for lover's' t-shirt. Besides, I think the ones we are close to will understand that our love for each other is more important than any gift."

"That last part was a joke," he added.