With the recent GM/Ford problems that you mentioned, it is just a matter of time until they start to layoff workers. So we could be looking at a summer with oil prices staying at their all-time highs...increased energy costs...passed onto consumers....with maybe an increase in the interest rates....and possibly another hit to the value of 401Ks. tmp02, I think that your thinking is right on target...unfortunately.
Don't forget GM outsources and Chrysler is adding themselves to the ranks