Comments on: It's the Economy, Stupid

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:40:04 +0000

The scary thing is that so many people that I know are already on shoe-string budgets. They don't buy anything that they can live without. A $4 latte? They'd have a heart attack! So this economy sinking into the big black hole is going to put them out of their homes. I don't think we have enough homeless shelters out there to accommodate all the homeless people that are going to be needing their services. A gloomy picture, yes, but I am concerned that it is accurate. I hope the economy rebounds quickly!

By: Aaron Brazell

Aaron Brazell — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:46:16 +0000

I don't make my comments about $4 lattes lightly. It speaks directly toconsumer confidence for the same reason that Apple stock took a 20% hit lastweek on expectations that consumers would buy cheaper computers as opposedto sexier Macs. Keep the big underlying problems in focus with thosecomments. People will start buying 99 cent 7-11 coffee over $4 lattes whenthings get really bad. It really is a bellweather.

By: Giancarlo

Giancarlo — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:21:32 +0000

Thanks for writing about the leadership topic this is something that is on my mind constantly as I am in IT (Business Systems Developer) and constantly see a lack of leadership around me. However, I have to say that I don't think people are freaking out about $4 lattes so I would appreciate it if the cynicism doesn't go that route so that your message doesn't gets lost. There are pensions and retirements at stake. The people who are going to be hit hard are elderly and others on fixed incomes, not to mention those who will lose their jobs of course. You're right though, during hard times people just need to suck it up and try to make moves towards progress; which is probably where we come full circle with your leadership topic. I think people need real models too and lending a helping hand to someone in need goes a long way in terms of leadership in my opinion, not to mention your psyche. Blogging and web reading is good, but get out there and get your hands dirty everyone!

By: Aaron Brazell

Aaron Brazell — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:00:18 +0000

Funny you should mention $4 Lattes… In NYC this weekend, it looked likethe Starbucks drinks were alive and kicking.

By: Erin, Queenofspain

Erin, Queenofspain — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:55:40 +0000

I swear I'm the only one NOT freaking out. Why? Well first and foremost as much as I love money, I know I can live without it. It's not fun, but it's been done and we can all do it again. Second, people survive. They are survivors by nature. We survived the Great Depression and once people can't get their $4 lattes, they will freak out enough to actually make changes. I also think you do need to rely (with a health dose of cynicism) on economists and people who actually do know their shit. But that means trusting them at some point, which I am not sure any of you are willing to do.