[BenLurkin]

The money quote: "The consequences of the government's massive stimulus programs and bailouts so far appear to be a weak dollar, rising interest rates and climbing commodity prices."

[NVDave]

All of which makes me say: “No, really?! Duuuuuuh.”

Consumer spending used to account for 70% of the GDP. Consumers are now seeing their wages, home equity and stock-based retirement plans fall at the same time that consumer credit reduced or withdrawn.

Hence my assertion that there is no sustainable turn-around in the economy until we see at least *some* of these factors turn around. None of them are as of yet.

[Nervous Tick]

I have an exciting NEW idea! What if we encourage Americans to borrow lots of money at attractive rates — maybe taking overpriced real estate as collateral — and allow them to lie about their ability to pay it back?

That should reinflate that ol’ bubble pretty well. Ya think?

[EGPWS]

"The consequences of the government's massive stimulus programs and bailouts so far appear to be a weak dollar, rising interest rates and climbing commodity prices."

No sh!t Sherlock!

Again I say, Jimma' Carter on steroids Obama is.

[ikka]

Americans may have poured money back into stocks,

IF so, they better be prepared to lose it.

[usconservative]

This “consumer” isn’t buying anything other than basic, bare necessities as long as the Obamanation occupies the White House.

[AdaGray]

The consumer is never going to borrow so much again, just to consume. Better get used to it.

[mysterio]

Sorry, we need jobs first. Outsourcing and “free” trade has consequences.

[JoeProBono]

[hinckley buzzard]

the Federal Reserve has accomplished what it set out to do last fall: That it's stabilized the financial system..."

The consequences of the government's massive stimulus programs and bailouts so far appear to be a weak dollar, rising interest rates and climbing commodity prices

That's what I call a "stable financial system." Right.