I have no idea what it is like to live in the world of savings, retirement funds, 401ks, pensions, etc. Like alot of folks, I'll work until I am dead.

age discrimination is real...

"recovery".

little hope for the future. Reagan did a masterful job of starting the fall of America. Around here the cost of living soars each day. We just can't believe the spiraling cost for just food. I've driven through some areas that are just absolutely all about poverty. I don't see much of a future for most Americans in the 21st century. The undertow is just way too great.

First you legislate away the means to recovery. Examples:

make student loan debt undischargable in bankruptcy
send the means of manufacturing abroad
increase work visas to foreign workers
lower taxes
implement austerity measures

Then you squeeze people:

eliminate jobs
eliminate jobs programs
reduce access to education
reduce access to choice, in general
raise prices
don't build or update physical infrastructure
etc.

In the absence of proactive recovery measures, America's future is in the crapper. Democratic majority this election, I feel, is necessary (and hopefully sufficient) to have even a chance to turn things around.

a shit hole of a country. Herds of uneducated, unskilled masses. I often wonder if America has gone so far downhill much of a turn around is doubtful. If, the republicans seize control in 2012, I think one can pretty much write off the future of America for some decades.

Yup. Game over if the GOP/RW get a trifecta in 2012. If legislative control stays pretty much the same, I wouldn't be surprised if the right upheld their foot dragging. Some Democratic cans of whoop-ass would be nice.