THERE IS NO LACK OF BLEAK NEWS. Just take a minute to think of fast rising consumer loan delinquency rates, home prices that are still moving lower, tighter lending requirements, the lowest year-over-year growth for Retail Sales in 16 years, Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy, government bailouts that will probably add billions to the federal deficit and rising inflationary pressures. Then there are the troubles in the banking industry that continue to escalate. The government seizure of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae is a clear signal of a systemic problem in the financial system that isn't yet close to being solved. There appear to be few avenues of escape for consumers and businesses.
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