But such is ignorance that even six months ago the idea of even a recession was being scorned by many. I'd have thought if people don't wake up now and take action they never will.

<<<Consumerism has emerged as the great threat to the American economy and its democracy. Nobody could escape from the all pervading influences of the aggressive marketing and the unholy alliances between the trading community and the banking sector for making people to buy anything on credit and making everybody debtors. Saving has become almost impossible for the middle class, the real backbone of the American economy, thanks to heavy taxation. Aggressive marketing brought out a highly materialistic consumer society with too much dependence on credit. Consumerism buried down the basic human values along with wisdom and knowledge projecting data and information on the excuse of fast life style.>>> From article.

Succinct and spot on.

Things must be really bad if two-bed roomed homes are being sold for less than two thousand dollars.

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Youngstown_OH?sby=1