61.   The Asian slowdown also contributed to a worldwide oil glut that aided the continued American expansion and made American consumers feel more prosperous and secure.

62.   The distrust consumers are feeling is well founded in some instances.

63.   The Department of Insurance can now intervene when a consumer feels that an insurer has not fulfilled its contract by refusing to pay for ambulance rides or medications.

64.   The consumer feels that.

65.   The consumer will feel much better about that.

66.   The Federal Reserve chairman, Alan Greenspan, is well aware that high home values have made consumers feel wealthier.

67.   The main reason is that consumers feel more secure about their incomes than they have in years.

68.   The local economy is at full employment, and job security and a booming stock market are making consumers feel flush.

69.   The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries has been propping up the price by limiting production and consumers are feeling the pinch in their wallets.

70.   The seemingly imperturbable stock market, strong confidence in the economy and the ease of borrowing all help make consumers feel richer and less inclined to postpone gratification.