I've lived through several major recessions and have looked both up at and down on the various recoveries. I've been poor and broke and grew up as a child of the working poor. Folks are debating here in the States as to whether or not we're in a "recession". They key this to consecutive quarters of negative economic growth.

My measurents don't involve numbers but what I see. I currently work in utility regulation. I recently had to requisition flash resistant clothing and gear because THE THEFT OF COPPER GROUNDING WIRE HAS RENDERED MANY SUBSTATIONS AND UTILITY POLES UNSAFE!!!!!

There's enough induced voltage to fry my guys should they lean against a chain link fence (assuming that the fence hasn't been stolen). If that weren't bad enough, people have begun breaking into substations and yards and stealing every bit of metal not bolted down. Wire trucks have stolen, some hijacked at gun point and all manner of mayhem is taking place.

My son, who turned 15 in June has enough on his mind and plate without having to now worry about getting the chit shocked out of him because some bozo stole all the ground wires on the electric lines in the neighborhood.... sigh.

Da "worried and saddened" Worfster