This composite report provides a snapshot of current thinking about the needs and challenges of consumer education in the United States. The quotations were selected from responses of a small group of educators, legislators, and consumer leaders in business, government, labor, the media, and the community who were invited to write brief statements about consumer education as they saw it. With the exception of a 1975 quote from Ralph Nader, all quotations are current. They are divided into six categories. The name and position of the author are provided. The section on "Choice and Empowerment" addresses clarity of choice; minorities, language, and cultural differences; empowering consumers; marketplace power; accepting responsibility; and improving consumer literacy. "Information and Decisions" covers consumer self-education, finding and using information, government information, and informed decisions in a global marketplace. Quotations in "Consumer Protection" relate to prevention--the best remedy and antidote for fraud; those in "Business and Consumers" discuss when everyone profits and the existence of a false comfort level. "Teacher Education" quotations address the need for increased funding; U.S. teacher academies to include consumer education; experience as a negative teacher; the family; and teacher accreditation, guidelines, and training. Quotes in "Students as Consumers" cover math for everybody, what students say, and how neglect shortchanges students. (YLB)