NEW YORK (Reuters) – A paralegal, recently laid off, wanted to get back at the "establishment" that he felt was to blame for his lost job. So when he craved an expensive new tie, he went out and stole one.The story, relayed by psychiatrist Timothy Fong at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, is an example of the rash behaviors exhibited by more Americans as a recession undermines a lifestyle built on spending.In the coming months, mental health experts expect a rise in theft, depression, drug use, anxiety and even violence as consumers confront a harsh new reality and must live within diminished means."
Oh brother. Is there any empirical evidence for this alarmist assertion? No. Just one anecdote and the opinion of a couple of shrinks Reuters found willing to bolster an irresponsible conclusion in search of a story.
Of course, the underlying theme is that Americans are a bunch of children who can't be trusted to deal with life's setbacks on their own and must directed by the smart people in government.
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