Someone has defined the difference between prosperity, recession, and depression like this:

During prosperity you are annoyed because the dog and cat won't eat the expensive canned food you buy for them.

In a recession you are delighted that the dog and cat won't eat the expensive canned food. You hope they remain finicky until things get better.

In a depression you begin to look thoughtfully at the dog and cat.

The recession is officially over according to experts in Washington. A lot of Americans are surprised to learn this. Many of our fellow citizens still have their own private recession.

People have lost jobs and are unable to find new ones. Personal bankruptcies are at an all-time high. State governments are scrounging around trying to find funds to keep schools open. If you ar…