Thank God it’s Black Friday

Buy nothing, except this paper: Today being Black Friday, perhaps the busiest shopping day of the year, those fighting materialism are promoting it as Buy Nothing Day, complete with its own evangelist, the Rev. Billy, who asks the question: “What would Jesus buy?”

The Buzz can get behind that, so we went out and bought a Buy Nothing Day T-shirt and … oops.

Or just buy less: Most of us may not need much encouragement to curtail our shopping as gas prices and credit card debt continue to rise. Many Americans are looking for frugal gifts to give.

The Buzz was going to be practical this year and give everyone on his list a gallon of gas but decided that’s not the best thing to put under a tree. Sorry, but everybody’s getting socks again.

You better watch out, Version 2.0: Many people who use the Internet networking site Facebook aren’t crazy about its latest feature, which alerts their network friends to what they’ve purchased online.

Instead of Big Brother knowing which Web sites you visit, your real big brother now knows you bought him “Breaking 2: Electric Boogaloo” on DVD from Amazon.com.

—Jon Bauer, Herald Writer

Talk to us

More in Opinion

Randall Tharp’s month recovery coins after battling a fentanyl addiction.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Fentanyl crisis should force rethinking of approach

A continuum of care, that includes treatment in jails, is imperative, says a journalist and author.

RGB version
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Sept. 27

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett, left, and Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, right, embrace after a special session to figure out how much to punish drug possession on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Olympia, Wash. Without action, Washington's drug possession law will expire July 1, leaving no penalty in state law and leaving cities free to adopt a hodgepodge of local ordinances.  (Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times via AP)
Editorial: Robinson smart choice to head Senate budget panel

A 10-year legislative veteran, the Everett senator displays a mastery of legislation and negotiation.

Burke: Prevent a shutdown? GOP has squirrels it must chase

House Republicans simply don’t have the time to do their job. Pushing false narratives is tough work.

PUD’s smart meters should allow for lower rates

Finally! After more than 15 years of study and evaluation, the Snohomish… Continue reading

Everett Council, Dist. 6: Chatters won’t vote no to city’s needs

Regarding the recent story about donations to Everett City Council candidate Scott… Continue reading

Harrop: Romney’s third-party plan could backfire, aid Trumpists

If he wants a sane GOP in the future, those in charge now have to lose and lose big in 2024.

Comment: Even nearing ‘peak oil,’ its decline won’t be steep

The debate over when the peak will be hit is a distraction from the need to transition from fossil fuels.

Comment: Justices should let president keep his bully pulpit

How an administration alerts social media to problems needs a fuller consideration by the court.

Most Read