Americans - When it comes to the current economy...

I can definitely understand that. Do you believe we're headed for another recession, or that this is just a temporary situation that will resolve itself in a few months from now?

From what I've learned in college classes that I've taken your mother-in-law is absolutely right. This has happened before, and from the cycles that our economy seems to experience, will likely happen again, just as your mother-in-law said.

I agree with you that we, as a country, need to start being more careful with our resources, including our money. We need to learn how to conserve more energy, save more money and start a trend for the future in doing so. Perhaps 'we the people' need to start demanding more of our politicians instead of naively taking them at their word. If we were to take action when we see that they're not doing the work they promise to do then perhaps they would perform better. The typical worker is constantly evaluated based on their performance. If we don't perform we don't get raises or promotions, and sometimes even get fired. Perhaps we need to start evaluating our politicians the same way.

Your mother-in-law is right in that we've had economic downturns before and things have always picked back up but I can honestly tell you this is the worst I've seen in my lifetime and I'm 55. My mother grew up during the Great Depression and she says things are actually worse now than they were then in many ways. I'm hoping people are finally starting to look at the big picture in some ways. I heard today that the top selling vehicle is now the Honda Civic so people are finally getting away from their gas guzzling SUV's. I'm not criticizing anyone for wanting whatever type of vehicle they want but I just don't know how they can afford to put gas in them!
Annie

I don't believe that we're headed for another depression, but definitely see where recession could be in play. I think the answer is that more of us need to really take control of our spending, be more frugal with our resources and set a standard for future generations to follow. If we weren't so frivolous for so many years then we may not be in the situation we're in right now.

i rarely shop when the economy is good. i am too busy working on my novels that i rarely see stores until i run out of food and go to the grocery store...
last week, gas prices were $4.60 in california and i didnt even fill up...i am sure it is higher this week...havent gone yet..
i wonder how much will the gas prices be by january 2009? i am guessing $6 or $7 per gallon...

I seriously hope that something is done to bring the price of fuel down sooner rather than later so we don't have to see $6 or $7 gas/diesel. I imagine living in CA you see much the same we do here, with fuel prices fluxuating a lot during the summer with the heavy tourist travel. Our fuel prices rise starting with spring break travelers and stay high through Labor Day weekend.

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of novels do you write?

fiction but inspired by reality to make it appear nonfiction. mostly sociological based because my ba was in social science.

Reality-based fiction is a favorite of mine! Have any of your novels been published yet?

Writing is a hobby of mine, and at one point in time was a source of income for me. At the moment I'm too busy with my college classes and work to have the time to write for pleasure. I hope to be able to get back to writing for pleasure when I've finished my degree, or sooner if life will allow.

i self published my first novel on lulu.com, The Sand Dollar by Fifi Leigh.
now i am trying to draw a graphic novel, which will be a prequel but a different theme, more of a mystery/crime drama...but light and sarcastic. i finished all my schooling and i dont have any job connections to get in anywhere...so i am trying to do my own stuff and start my own thing...

You're the second person I know of who's used lulu.com to publish a book. The first is a friend-of-a-friend, Nicholas Temple-Smith. He published his book, Elijah's Story, through lulu.com and it did rather well for a fist book.

I'll be sure to check out your book. I'm always looking for something new to read for pleasure (it's a pleasant change from the required reading for my classes, lol).

i have been meeting many people, by accident, on the internet, who also published their book on lulu.com. it is interesting...it is like a lulu publishers club. we all share the same thing...i did it because i didnt want any editor messing with my work or words, and i wanted to design and draw my own cover because i am also a graphic designer. and i didnt have a book printer. so i felt it fit my needs. and it is free, real publisher r too expensive.

I can definitely understand why some people are seriously scared about the current situation in our country and the prospect that it may get worse. I don't share your bleak perspective, though. I admit the situation is not good, but don't believe we're headed for much worse times. I think it may get worse before it gets better, but not much worse. I think much of how people view the current economy depends on what part of the country you live in, too. I know where I'm at the price of gas has gone up quite dramatically, but not as dramatically as where my mother lives. Our groceries have gone up more than where my mother is at, so we're feeling the pinch a little more than she is, as her gas prices are higher than ours, but not by enough to make them feel the financial pinch as much as we have. Just a theory.

I understand how people can feel so pessimistic about our current economy. What is it that makes you feel we're headed for another depression like the Great Depression? I'm concerned about the economy but don't feel that we're headed for a depression. I'm just trying to take in everyone's opinions and thoughts.

You're very right. The effects of the economy in the U.S. has had a real affect on countries around the globe. The weak U.S. dollar has had a real impact worldwide and I can imagine it has made for tight finances everywhere. I can only hope that people will be proactive rather than just reactive and allow fear to rule them, which will only have a more negative impact on the economy. If you don't mind me asking, how do business people and/or government officials view the state of the U.S.'s and world's economy right now? Do they believe that the situation will get worse, much worse, or do they believe the economy will improve soon?

My Govt is a pro-US Govt. It believes the US is going to weather the storm and bail itself out in the forseeable future.
Along with this, it will bail out the global economy too, from the mire it has got sunk in today.

However, we are having elections next year. The next Govt may or may not belong to or be headed by the same Party (the Indian Congress party).
We have been having coalition Govts for the past 10 years, in which no single Party gets a majority.

So I cannot say the same viewpoint will remain after 9 months!
If the Communists form no part of the next coalition (as they do at present), maybe the next Govt will be even more por-US.

It's refreshing and encouraging to see that there are some other countries who believe that the U.S. economy will weather this situation well and recover soon. I find it discouraging to hear and read so much negative talk about the state of our economy. I am of the belief that negativtiy only breeds more negativity, and that is what I see going on right now. If more people were to be proactive and think and act more positively I think we would see an end to this much sooner.

I do hope that your government will continue to be pro-U.S.. I think our world would be a much better place if the countries could all see their way to working together for the greater good of the citizens of all the world.

Thanks for your response!

Being proactive is always a good thing. I agree that many people in the U.S. are used to all the creature comforts that have been taken for granted for so long that they feel a greater sting from the current state of the economy than others who have not become so accustomed to living a lifestyle that is so comfortable. In the U.S. many of us have become quite materialistic, seeking instant gratification in the form of material goods and convenience services. I grew up in a poor household where we had only the essentials. I learned early on that it's best to be frugal, put back money when possible and always be prepared so that if something bad happens or the economy takes a downturn then I will have what I need. This is not to say that I don't feel the impact of the current economic situation, but perhaps I don't feel it as dramatically as others do.

Thanks for your response!

Many of the older folks that I know have said that the state of the economy now is quite similar to what they've seen over the years and that it's nothing to worry too much about. I also know from what I've learned in college classes that I've taken that the economy goes through cycles, and it's to be expected.

I think the best thing for all of us to do is not worry too much, spend wisely, save wisely and be optimistic.

Thanks for your response!