The biggest problem in a "recession" is not so much the decreasing value as it is the "lack of doing." The decreasing value is just the end result.

Basically, when people use credit or debt for consumer purchases, they are getting rewards now for work that they have yet to do. Unfortunately, most of America has forgotten this point and is drowning in debt that's compounding faster than they can work it off.

And by "work," I don't mean jobs per se -- I mean productive labor. Labor that has value to others.

Many people seem as though they have no fear of debt -- and I worry that the current corporate scandals are teaching them that it doesn't matter how indebted you are, there's always bankruptcy.

The key has always been: you must produce more than you consume.

Then, the gov't steps in and actually makes it even harder to take action (before you start your productive endeavor, Mr. Entrepreneur, please get in line and fill out this form, then this one, then that one, and ...)

It's just astonishing how selfish our politicians are when considered as a group.

Ok, I'll stop rambling.

-Phil