Having lived thru a couple of recessions, I have to say this one is the most disturbing. Part of my job is reviewing home sales and it is tremendously disheartening to see how many people have lost their homes due to foreclosures. Does anyone believe that things are getting better?

Eddie, I remain cautiously optimistic on the economy. If anything it sounds like we are slowing down and have maybe hit bottom in so far as all the bubbles in the economy. But, its going to take some time for the unemployment rate to turn around. This was a recession unlike any other, and closer to a depression IMO. I was encouraged by Bernanke saying the other day that we are " on the cusp of recovery". It could take years though for things to come anywhere near what they were like before this mess began. I have hope.

Some aspects are actually improving. Some of the steel mills in Northwest Indiana are adding shifts again, the Ford plant on the south side of Chicago is adding a shift, and the hottie who remodeled my bathroom got called back to work (steel-related), with no more lay-offs throught the rest of the year. I know I've been doing my part! New dryer in April, paid off the car in May, new roof in June, and new bathroom in August. I've got the cash and bargains abound for anyone who does...cash really is king. As for the real estate market...I think there is always a lag, and considering the unusual conditions of too many people getting really bad loans, it is going to take a while for the foreclosure situation to improve. I do think the Obama administration is headed in the right direction...spend money in THIS country instead of some sand-trap a half world away. Once the bills get paid, I believe the "Cash for Clunkers" will prove enormously successful in jump-starting the economy.