Is it weird that I'm excited about this?

[margotb822]

Well, I don't know if excited is the right word. Maybe mesmerized it better. As a younger American (24), this is the first time I've been able to watch and analyze the economy as we spiral towards recession. I'm fascinated by all the steps that were taken to get us here and in learning about what we can do to reverse it. I learned about supply-side economics in school, but seeing them in action is eye-opening. I think this is a great learning experience for the younger generation, but unfortunately, not enough people are paying attention. In another 20 years, we will probably see people claiming that supply-side policies are what we need to "really" grow the economy. This is really an historic time. They are not good times, but I believe that people learn more from failure than they do from success.

[bdamomma]

1. just remember that whatever happens in the US will have

a ripple effect throughout the world, and not too many people are going to happy about it either. Educate your friends and live within your means, tough times are coming.

[Dora]

2. Excitement is neither good nor bad. I have feelings similar to yours.

Excitement doesn't equate with pleasure - it's simply excitement. It is exciting to witness the collapse of the U.S. as we know it - we're living in a fascinating time.

I'm also excited to imagine what times may come as a result of this collapse - not simply the collapse itself, but the rebuilding of the marketplace and our communities after the dust settles.

[nels25]

3. Well I remember the stagflation of the 70's

and how high the interest rates were then, caused Carte to give way to Reagan.

I have a bad feeling this thing may be worse.

So far me and my family seem to be okay, for how long who knows??

Remember the Chinese proverb: May you be cursed to live in interesting times.:toast:

[margotb822]

13. I know that the economy is usually

the issue that gives rise to changing political parties, but I'll have a hard time ever believing that Republicans have a "solution" to any economic ills. We're on the precipice now, thanks to the Republicans...

[justinsb]

4. I think one of the reasons the U.S. is in it's current situation

is that it has failed to learn from the past - it is evident, after the last two Presidential elections, that people didn't learn enough from Veitnam or from the failed economic policies of Reagan/Bush Sr.

I have also always been an advocate of demand side economics. If you put more money in the hands of the wealthy and corporations they might reinvest it, create more jobs, buy more yachts etc., If you put more money in the hands of the poor they will surely spend most of it, creating increased demand for products which the rich will then rush to supply - creating jobs and investments. You also end up with less poverty/hunger/homelessness under a demand side system.

[margotb822]

12. no wonder the saying is

history is doomed to repeat itself...

[Hubert H. Hubert]

5. Ancient Chinese curse

"May you live in interesting times."

[Elidor]

6. It's sad that America has to learn this lesson again

And it's still not sinking in: without adequate regulatory oversight, financial institutions will do themselves in through greed and corruption.

[flor de jasmim]

7. As someone living overseas but partially dependent on the US dollar...

I am not excited. At the end of 2001, the exchange rate with Denmark was 8.35 DKK to the dollar. Today it is 4.8! You all have seen what has happened with the stock market--but those of us living abroad get hit twice--once with the lower value with the money still in the U.S., and the other in transferring it abroad. (And we won't even talk about the gas prices which are now over EIGHT DOLLARS a gallon!).

[Uncle Joe]

8. I suppose one could be excited at the prospect of great upheaval,

probably the same type of excitement many men and women experience when war first breaks out, they get an adrenalin rush, that usually goes away and is supplanted by depression and fear.

On an economic front I would suggest checking out "The Grapes of Wrath" to see how social upheaval can become old and depressing real quick.

I also believe supply side economics or trickle down economics is usually promoted by the powers that pee and is best described as most everyone else below them experiencing a continuous warm golden shower from those above and this is usually referred to as rain.

[better tomorrow]

9. and don't forget.....

upheaval brings unrest. unrest brings civil disobedience. civil disobedience brings militias. militias bring suspending the Constitution. That is their ultimate goal.....it is so weak now that they might just suceed this time. Remember, Bush said he has "many things to do before he leaves office...."

[Uncle Joe]

10. Yes and I believe

Blackwater is ideally suited to play the part of the militia as they received some practice after Katrina.

[margotb822]

11. I hope not

I would have said that I couldn't believe that people would want to destroy the one thing that makes America great, but after all that has happened, it might be part of their grand scheme. :scared:

[onethatcares]

14. interesting times for sure, and the amazement I feel

when talking to people that still think * is the best thing that happened to the U.S. since sliced white bread, all the while they are still supporting the war in Iraq and claiming that the capitalist economic theory is the best.

I agree, it's a form of excitement, I'm pushing 57 and wondering what happened to America.