I know the stock market is only one measure of the economy but since the 1st of September my 401’s and IRA’s are up 11% even after yesterdays hit. True, that number includes contributions, but I haven’t had to cut my contributions because of a “bad” economy either. I’m just a plain ol’ Joe Blow working toward retirement. I don’t have a huge inheritance to count on or expect a handout from Uncle Sam but sometimes I think the perceptions are driven by idealogy rather than financial markers. Many libs and dems just “feel” that the economy is bad because the paid a little more for gas this week as compared to last week. They need to get a grip and look at their lives overall.