So the new iPad went on sale today. Some people have gone nuts over the news, leading to lines outside of Apple Stores across the country. I don’t get it, not just because I’m not an Apple worshiper, but because these same people could have ordered online or gone to the store another day.

You don’t have to have it today, people. Especially since you probably already have the original version. You can live without camping out in front of a store for a couple days so you can wait in line for a few hours so you can get the new gadget.

But even though I abhor this mindset, it is part of what makes me love America. We’re silly and stupid and obsessive. I love it even though I hate it. Besides, there’s always someone thinking one step ahead of the crowd. I give you Amanda Foote.

Amanda attends community college in New York. She made sure she was the first person in line to get an iPad2 at the flagship Apple Store in New York. She endured 41 hours in line, much of it in the rain. She got very little sleep. When the time came to buy the first iPad, however, she wasn’t at the store’s cash register.

Amanda sold her place in line to a guy who develops apps for the product. He Wanted to use the whole process to promote his app. If he has $900 to blow so he can buy a $500 item before anyone else and promote his free app, good for him.

And our heroine Amanda? You want to know what she did with her $900?

I think I’m gonna go see Lady Gaga in concert.

Yep, we’re silly and stupid and obsessive. America!