There is so much to consider, the dot com boom going bust is probably one thing as is 9-11 and billions and billions spent on the two wars. The tax cuts , the real estate bubble brought on by deregulation and poor management and oversight by the fed.

I grew up in a manufacturing based economy. How long can a consumer based economy last when consumer confidence goes South ? Note the reports that China and India recovered from the recession early and strong. When you make the stuff the consumers have to buy it.

Gas prices are going up again and one big reason is more demand for fuel in China to for their manufacturing. We're winners though because we can buy cheap goods at wallmart and target. Whoop de do.

Now 'we' are trying to get a trade agreement with South Korea just in case there were any manufacturing jobs left that our government forgot to give tax incentives to move off shore. Pleasant dreams.