This new America, with increasing unemployment, a shrinking consumer marketplace, and damaged personal savings and retirement investments is new for many.
For most of us, we have to learn new ways to adapt. Being ready and prepared for these changes is critical in order to comfortably survive in this changing world.
Postscript:
Here is the link to my February 2009 article posted on the Eye-On-Washington blogspot site, called The New American Paradigm.