Dark clouds, no silver lining

According to Daniel C. North, chief economist for Euler Hermes ACI: “Gasoline prices are high, housing prices are low, the dollar is crumbling, consumer confidence is plummeting, holiday sales have been mixed at best, credit is drying up, bankruptcies and foreclosures are on the rise, the employment situation is decaying and conditions in the housing industry are getting worse,” he said. “It is a potent combination [that] could lead the economy into a recession in the first half of next year.” Anybody have some good news? Your comment?