Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 105 Part 3.djvu/847

 PROCLAMATION 6360—OCT. 18, 1991 105 STAT. 2731 Month. I call on all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of October, in the year of om* Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixteenth. i GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 6360 of October 18, 1991 National Consumers Week, 1991 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For generations, our Nation's free enterprise system has provided consumers an unparalleled selection of high quality goods and services, as well as ample opportunities for earning, spending, and investing personal income. Now, as more and more countries around the world adopt market-oriented economies, thereby expanding global trade and commerce, consumers stand to benefit from an ever wider array of options. Increasing competition in the marketplace spurs business and industry to improve both the quality and price of their products and services. This in turn enables consimiers to get more out of their buying dollar. At the same time, the demand for greater innovation and productivity helps to create jobs. The theme for this year's observance of National Consumers Week, "Today's Choices—Tomorrow's Opportunities," underscores the importance of decisions made by individual consumers. What people buy, where, and how often helps to determine the shape of the marketplace, be it at the local or the international level. Here in the United States, we have traditionally relied on the ability of consiuners and private industry to balance each other's needs and interests in the marketplace, with government intervening only to ensure fairness and the safety of goods and services. This system provides the flexibility that is essential to economic growth and technological progress. However, while om- options as consumers are virtually unlimited, our resources are not. Every American needs to recognize the importance of savings and investment, and all of us must decide carefully when spending our resources. To be responsible and discerning consumers, we must be knowledgeable about available goods and services. Every American must also be able to apply fundamental literacy skills to the day-to-day challenges of participating in our economy. The skills that one uses to compare products or to balance a checkbook are vital to success, not only in the marketplace, but also in the workplace. Our Nation's parents, educators, business leaders, and public officials share the responsibility for teaching these essential skills. This year, as we mark the 10th anniversary of National Consmners Week, let us renew our determination to ensure that every American

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