National Consumer Protection Week, 2009

Proclamation 8347 of February 27, 2009

National Consumer Protection Week, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Consumer education helps every American who enters the
marketplace. When making a purchase, consumers should
know their rights and should learn about goods and
services before they buy. This knowledge allows
consumers to make sound decisions and protects families
and individuals from fraud and abuse. Consumer
vigilance also prevents problems before they arise.
During National Consumer Protection Week, we highlight
consumer education efforts to help Americans make wise
decisions. Federal, State, and local agencies; private
sector organizations; and consumer advocacy groups band
together to encourage Americans to learn about the
protections the law affords and to take full advantage
of the resources available for consumers of every age.

This year's theme for National Consumer Protection
Week, ``Nuts & Bolts: Tools for Today's Economy,''
focuses on the basic information consumers need as they
face the opportunities and pitfalls of the marketplace.
Every day, consumers make tough choices about saving,
investing, and spending their hard-earned money.
Whether selecting a mortgage payment plan, seeking a
credit report, or buying a car, staying well-informed
and vigilant can help citizens make prudent choices. A
few days, hours, or even minutes of preparatory
research can ultimately save time and money.

As part of National Consumer Protection Week, the
Federal Trade Commission has organized a coalition of
public- and private-sector organizations to provide
practical tips on a wide range of topics. These tips
are available at www.consumer.gov/ncpw. The website
also includes information on home foreclosure, identity
theft, and protecting businesses. Working together,
consumers, businesses, and Government can strengthen
our robust free market for the benefit of all
Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim March 1 through March 7,
2009, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon
Government officials, industry leaders, and advocates
across the Nation to provide our citizens with
information about consumer rights, and I encourage all
Americans to take a proactive role in strengthening our
economy.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord
two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.