Somewhat off topic, but the government needs to stop trying to manipulate the economy.

Inflation, deflation, blah blah blah.  The economy is what it is, let it grow and shrink naturally both domestically and internationally and we would all be in better shape.

I.E. Gas prices, I've heard from people that want a "cap" on the price.  Think back to the 70s when they did that and we had gas lines.

Kris, I agree it appears likely that we're headed for a recession. 

I doubt that a puritst's laissez-faire approach to the US economy will work anymore.  We have become way too dependent upon the world economy to sit on the sidelines and do nothing.  We have put ourselves in that position over recent decades, with huge budget deficits, huge trade deficits and an enormous influx of foreign investment in our economy. 

How are we supposed to mandate that the economy should grow or shrink "both domestically and internationally"?  We don't make economic policy for the world.

In the United States, we could deregulate everything, let the economy go where it will go and so forth.  But other countries will stop investing here if we do, among other things.  I know people like simple solutions, but laissez-faire is a pretty over-simplified approach.

The Fed seems to be in a reactive mode as opposed to proactive...but then I believe the Fed by its nature is reactive.

To many bailouts and not enough real strategy for improvement.  I believe yesterday's numbers including 49,000 less construction jobs which will trickle down to all of us in the real estate industry.  Hello, knock, knock, hello is anyone out there?????