Big brother is a bit overrated IMO, the one's who really monitor card purchases and respond with ads is companies trying to sell you something! I do use a debit card because it's a heck of a lot easier than trying to know and have with me the cash I'll need. I doubt the "leftists" or the "government" is putting on any sort of push to do away with cash, but businesses sure as heck are, whenever you use any kind of card you information and shopping tendencies are sold to other retailers on a wholesale basis!