[Archangelsk]

I think that these times are a tremendous opportunity for people to learn those good old fashioned values. You learn them by going through hard times, by learning to do with less, by learning that prosperity is not a certainty. You learn resourcefulness, humility, kindness, frugality. All great, once common American virtues.

We are arguing on the same side of the fence, but unfortunately, I don't think we have the right dynamics in place to pull through a hardship like the Depression.

The difference is the sense of community that was so prevelant back then. Families lived within walking distance of each other, labor was concentrated in urban centers and we were a manufacturing country rather than a service country. I don't have any data to support my opinion, but can you imagine someone in the 1930's commuting from, say, Hagerstown, MD to Washington DC for their job? (I bring that particular example up because I know quite a few folks who do).

Although it might be a powerful wake up for the country, a new "depression" may start an unrecoverable spiral.

[Ciexyz]

Unemployment is up to 6 percent and it's the highest it's been for a number of years. Therefore, I believe it's compassionate of Mr. Bush to request an extension of unemployment benefits.

That said, I also agree with the many comments about people must become more self-reliant and make do with less. That's a lesson we'll all have to learn someday, when we retire.