Happy New Year...Maybe?

It feels great to be back at work as we start a new year with hopes of an improving economy. I would love to start reporting this recession will be short-lived.
However, as I prepared for this evenings newscast, I read more dire news:
"Cigna to layoff more than eleven hundred workers."
"President-elect Barack Obama saying the national economy is "bad and getting worse."
"Automakers releasing December sales figures showing steep declines over last year...Chrysler says its U.S. sales were down by more
than half...and sales were down about a third for other U.S. carmakers."
"Gas Prices are creeping up."
Still, I'm an optimist! If some economists predictions are true, the housing market could hit bottom toward the end of the year and there's hope President-Elect Obama's stimulus package might give some taxpayers a boost, creating spending and encouraging banks to ease up on credit a little.
I know it will take a lot more, like creating jobs, getting people back to work...but I have faith in our country and its people...we'll work our way out of this mess...hopefully "sooner rather than later.!"