Imagine what could be accomplished if people were as committed and devoted to other endeavors as they are to shopping for holiday bargains.

Thousands upon thousands of Mainers lined up late Thursday and early Friday for the chance to snatch up good deals. Just before Thanksgiving, thousands stood for hours waiting to see Big & Rich, a country duet who appeared at Wal-Mart. Others waited for an entire day for an XBox 360, the newest game console from Microsoft. And hundreds of others waited patiently to see musician Trey Anastasio when he appeared at Bates College earlier this month.

It’s all well and good, and for most people a combination of fun and excitement. The novelty of shopping just after midnight and the festive atmosphere among hard-core gamers and music fans as they wait in line is no sin.

But wouldn’t it be great if, as a society, we paid as much attention – put as much attention and time into – to other, more important things?

There are signs that it could happen. In Auburn, more than a 1,000 people turned out for a meeting about property taxes. And during the last presidential election, voters in Florida and Ohio endured monstrous lines and long waits for the opportunity to participate in democracy.

More often than not, though, the trivial pursuits bring us out in the greatest numbers. And, frankly, the country’s economy is driven by hyper-powered consumerism. For many retailers, the season from Thanksgiving through Christmas makes or breaks them. Who could blame them for trying to build excitement and enthusiasm by opening earlier or promising a “limited number” of hot or hard-to-get items? But none of it should stoke the passion we see – the fistfights, mad dashes and heightened anxiety.

In the end, it’s a shame that all the energy spent queueing at the Maine Mall for middle-of-the-night opening or in the parking lot of several retailers in frigid, pre-dawn temperatures isn’t focused on something more worthwhile than cheap computers and discounted sweaters.