Rage against Consumerism

I am angry that consumerism has gone so far that people need to work on holidays.  There were always some who gave up their holidays to help others - nurses and cops,  doctors and medical emergency people, snow plow drivers, soldiers, and others who (perhaps not voluntarily) sacrificed their time with family and friends in order to serve others.  This I appreciate and value - and am more than grateful to these individuals.  

Yet, when did times so change that Walmart now needs to be open on Thanksgiving for last minute shoppers?  Not even with a skeleton crew, but full blown "let's start Black Friday on Thursday to make money" work crews?

There are two different parts of this that I am angry with.  First, I am angry that we have become materially possessed as a nation. When did we as a nation, as consumers, decide that we are entitled to be served on holidays, that objects are too valuable not to buy the next day and are so important that we are willing to allow corporations to sacrifice their employees time with family to serve us? 

Second, I am angry with corporations that decide that money is more important than allowing individuals to spend time with family, that profit is so needed that not a single day can be given off.  No need for a corporation-wide rest day (which everyone knows is needed), but instead "this is simply another twenty-four hours where we can't afford to lose the profit."  I am also angry that employees cannot demand the time off; sure they can take vacation days (if allowed), but there is no room for striking or simply not coming in.  The economy is too poor to sacrifice a job for a holiday.

When did we become so entitled to consume, when did corporations become so concerned with profit, that six to eight days off a year is too many to go without?  That a single day off a year is too long a time to not have our needs served or profit gained?  I seriously doubt that the Lord had this in mind when abundant blessings were first poured upon this nation.  Possessions never satisfy, never create security or safety for tomorrow, never decrease anxiety.  Only the Lord can ever do that. We have an important lesson to learn. 

"Lord, help calm the bitter anger welling inside, and help me to keep my eyes simply and only on you."