[jcommin]

Hoping this doesn't go to PARF

Businesses are generally feeling positive. My son is in the scrap business, primarily industrial: he doesn't do street trade or cash business - he has added another driver and truck. Machinery dealers are booked.

Automotive sales are in good shape ( I work in the automotive industry). The commercial side of automotive is positive too.

What is not: salaries are stagnant, health care cost are up. There is a huge gap between unskilled and skilled labor. And I don't see it ending anytime soon. Entry level manufacturing jobs pay no better than retail or fast food. I have seen failure of those who can't pass 8th grade reading, writing and math. Those who can, most can pass a pre-screening background or drug test. Those that do stay, 90% leave within a year.

What I also see is the Chinese Government now wants a piece (ownership- joint venture) of companies in their country. I'm also seeing those who my company has partnered with are now becoming our competitors.

To quote Dottore " I weep for America".

If you look at history, those who had the technological edge, stay in power - you lose it, you are just another me too.