All Gone

The Dow Jones closed down at its lowest level in six years. The gains in the market during the Bush years are all gone. The gains made after the crash which came in the wake of 9-11 are all gone. The Dow is at about half of its all-time high of 14,164, which was reached in October 2007. The total value of all shares of companies on the Dow has now dwindled to $2.45 trillion, down from $4.51 trillion. Bank stocks have been especially hit as investors grow increasingly nervous about the fragile economy.

This economic crisis is going to be one for the history books. The trouble is our government has become so split and dysfunctional, I'm not sure it can meet the needs of the crisis. Look at what has been happening in California. California is the world's 8th largest economy, but has a 42 billion dollar deficit. They needed a draconian budget of tax increases and cost cutting to keep going yet Republicans were not willing to work with Democrats and compromise. Luckily at the last minute the disaster was averted in California.