Capitol Hill Blue Forums Political Issues Finance, the economy & Economics USA 2008: The Great Depression

as my friend said, it won't just affect the US.

First, I want to thank everyone for welcoming me to the ReadersRant forum. Second, I’d like to comment on the status of this upcoming Great Depression. I work in NYC, but when I run errands at night there are food lines queuing for blocks and blocks. While there are many who may be able to optimize their circumstances with chicken coops and small gardens, there is a large majority out there who will be dependent in this perilous new era - they own no plots of land, and have no crafty agricultural skills. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is most Americans have no parachute and have been stripped of resources for some time now. You are lucky if you’ve been able to ride out the storm until now, and lucky to have a fall back in these times of distress. Sorry, but this really IS a case of the Chickens Coming Home to Roost.

it is true, what you say, but to a degree. im sure you're aware that nyc is leading the way in urban gardening techniques, providing inovative means for city dwellers to grow their own food, to a point, of course. and while my circumstances are somewhat differnt, i do live in a small urban area and live on what would be understand as a substandard lot, in terms of size. my point is, while it won't solve everything, there are ways for everyone to begin to prepare for what appears to be coming down the pike. good luck in nyc.

And yet here in Huntsville, AL, Another Broken Egg has just opened. For those not familiar with the chain, it serves breakfast, brunch and lunch. I've eaten there 3 times and love it, but also think it's the most over-priced restaurant I've seen in ages. Cost for 3 the first time I went, no bar included, was over $50. In the face of predicted economic disaster, you can't get into the place on Saturdays or Sundays. What gives?

you may have hit on the sadest aspect of this. people are largely unaffected because they want to believe otherwise. in addition, it would be interesting to know how many of those meals were paid for with credit cards.

Indeed 2wins. Credit until they can't get it. I'm afraid there will soon be a time that only the wealthiest of Americans and only governments, city and state, will be granted credit.

it's beginning now, mick. mortgage companies are already discontinuing loan services, opting out while servicing existing loans. those who will offer loans are now looking to the top tier, even sifting out those who are not necessarily risks, preferring sure bets. of course that is only the beginning, as you point out, more or less.

Well, assuming there is another Great Depression, I just hope we don't do something crazy in response like FDR did. Let's let nature takes its course this time. OK?

speaking of nature, i have to take a break now.