Daniel Gross is right on target. One can see from the expressions on shoppers' faces in TV segments that they don't know the meaning of the phrase "cutting back." But they tell pollsters they'll be buying less in order to appear sensible and virtuous. Despite the economic problems, we're not in the 1930s -- yet. If we were ever to experience such hard times again, I doubt we'd be able to cope. Another point, restaurant and take-out spending is also probably not discretionary.