Can laws make us moral? Is consumerism an essential element of Americas identity?

The general theory of consumerism is that the more we consume, the better off we will be economically, which is true. At least for a little while. More production of goods equals more jobs and more money to spend, which creates demand for more goods.

Or

Jobs were plentiful, wages were higher, and because of the lack of consumer goods during the war, Americans were eager to spend. During the same years, young couples were marrying and having children at unprecedented rates. New and expanded federal programs, including the G.I.