The snake is swallowing its tail.

Economists tell us that about 60 percent of commerce in this country is generated by consumer spending. Lack of consumer confidence is often cited for the stagnant economy we have with us now. I think there’s a great irony here.

The successful tactics of big business, along with ample amounts of government assistance, have resulted in either busting the labor unions outright (see air traffic controllers), or relegating them to paper tiger status. Couple this with the ever-growing trend of corporations to “outsource” even their professional staff services to foreign countries and you have millions of Americans who simply do not have the purchasing power they once had.

We can no longer afford our own products or services. Therefore my opening line.

Frank J. Koris, Rumford