of consumer confidence is sagging under Bush. Kerry said he would introduce a new plan this week to boost it.

Based on a National Education Association (NEA) concept, that encourages failing students by letting them know "they are really doing well despite not learning anything" (ed. note; this NEA concept is not a parody), the plan calls for encouraging consumers by "letting them know they're really doing well even if they're not buying anything."

As part of Kerry's proposed program, Americans who cut back on spending because of vague fears about the future would receive a "Kerry smiley face" on their checking account statements.

Federal employees will stand at the entrances to stores and shopping malls shouting encouraging words to people who leave without making a purchase.

"The important thing is not that people go on with their lives and refuse to let baseless fears paralyze them," said Kerry, "What really matters is that people feel good about whatever they do and that we Democrats are doing something during this election year."

As an example of what he means, and to promote his program, Kerry spent two hours near the door of a suburban mall today "giving out positive thoughts" to empty-handed people who were headed for the parking lot.


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