I know the economy is considered to be bad in the US, how is it in other countries? Is it hurting you and changing how you live and altering the decisions you make? Personally, I haven't been affected too much. Food prices have gone up but we try to eat for as little money as possible. I shop mostly at the lower price grocery stores and it seems because of the bad economy, other merchandise has gone down in price in order for stores to try and lure customers into their stores. Gas prices had gotten to be outrageous but we don't drive too much so that wasn't too bad for us and now gas prices have gone down greatly over the last month or so.

On the job front, I got my new job earlier this year and feel I'm making reasonable money and if I do stay there, the money should get considerably better over the next year and a half. My girlfriend on the other hand does make good money but worries that her job could disappear at any time. She's been there almost two years and has had some success there but still worries that the economy could have a bad effect on her company and that could lead to cutbacks and job losses. So we just have to hope for the best and that we can continue to live as we are personally.

I know some people are having horrible problems in one way or another. How are you being affected by it?

PS. I mean for this to be a discussion on the economy and it's effect on you and your friends and family perosnally. I don't intend for this to be a political discussion in any way as far as this politician versus another or one political party versus the other.

I try and stop the economy slowing down by drinking more beer

me? no but i spend my money a bit more cautiously.

my dad? lost half-ish of his retirement savings and his job.

Finding a job has been a real bitch, that's for sure. Luckily I have enough freelance work to tide me over for awhile.

Bad economy helps me, lower gas prices.

Recessions actualy been better for me , got a part time job so I'm able to buy a cheap car and run it using cheap fuel.

My parents are in relativley recession proof jobs( I think) so the only thing that really affects us is inflated food prices.

 Same, although, I'm still looking for a part time job. My mum works for the council, and my dad owns a business (which has seen increased traffic - as a few of his competitors have gone down the pan).

I'm a student, so no. Fortunately I don't have to look for a full-time job for at least 2 years from now. By then things will have most likely settled down.

So far it hasn't affected me (except psychologically which I'd guess it affected most people).

My job is pretty safe for an year or two at least, since I'm working on a project which simply can't be stopped or postponed... Well, never say never, but if it is, things are probably really bad everywhere. The company where I work at has a huge cash reserve so it should be fine.

Do you work for SPECTRE?

Awesome.