While most Americans are suffering from a declining economy exacerbated by rising fuel costs, they are finding relief in an unexpected place: consignment stores.

More and more Americans are digging through their closest, attics, and even their china cabinets, to exchange their heirlooms for cash. Meanwhile, more and more American are shopping at consignment stories, hoping to reduce their expenditures.

People are downsizing as they are making less money or, worse, losing their jobs. But in listening to a story by Tovia Smith on NPR’s Morning Edition, its clear that they’re concerned about the rising price of fuel, and of food, as well.

One woman said simply: “I could have groceries or a tank of gas.”

Americans shouldn’t have to choose between feeding their family, and passing on a family tradition. They shouldn’t have to choose between their property and their pride.

Not while we have the technology to begin implementing energy efficiency, and renewable fuel programs that could reduce the cost of fuel.

Nor should it happen while oil companies like Exxon are reporting the largest profits in American history.

The choice between property and pride is a false choice, in the sense that it could have been avoided through a progressive national energy policy, and early intervention in the housing bubble through a moderation of federal interest rates. (For the best explanation of the latter, see the This American Life episode “The Giant Pool of Money.”)

And yet, here were are: the choice has become a reality. And so what do we do?

We need a new federal energy policy as soon as possible that emphasizes efficiency, available renewable energy technology like wind, solar and hybrid cars, and we need a strong investment in technology R&D.

We also need a federal government that will do more to protect the economic interests of the American family. Tax breaks aren't enough. The American people need, and deserve, more.

(Photo courtesy of Anoxlou @ flickr, under Creative Commons license.)