[dhs12345]

There will be several years of doldrums as businesses (large and small) try to sort through the Obamacare bueacracy and try figure out how to absorb the extra costs. Maybe more outsourcing?

Obamacare isn’t even finalized yet. So it is a moving target.

Businesses will have to either charge more for what they make and do or close up shop. Will consumers be willing to pay more? I can certainly get by with a lot less.

All the while, the Chinese and others will be going like gangbusters.

[Mr. Jeeves]

Businesses will have to either charge more for what they make and do or close up shop. Will consumers be willing to pay more?

No - the American consumer is already refusing to buy quality. They want the cheapest stuff they can find, instead. We're already seeing a general refusal to buy quality at quality prices just compared to Spring, 2012 - when the quality product was a much easier sell. Mid-level retailers are going to get massacred in 2013. It's Louis Vuitton and Wal-Mart...and nothing in between.

My hiring plans? We'll probably hire 5 to 7 people next year - and fire 6 to 8. :)