way. The exception is very rare. A well-known Chinese saying aptly describes this behavior: "you don't start to cry until you see your coffin." Or another one: "one has to be put in a situation of sure death before he can be saved." The US economy is not that close to death as of yet and, therefore, more time is needed (or will be wasted) for people to start changing their behavior. As Alan Greespan said earlier, things will get significantly worse before they get better. Let's wait and see how significantly worse things can get. Just keep in mind another Chinese proverb: "As long as there are mountains covered with green forests, there will always be firewood." No matter how bad things become, don't lose hope.