Despite the incessant drumbeat of poor economic data — consumer confidence fell to a record low in December and the price of single-family homes plunged in October — the majority of Americans are optimistic about what is in store in 2009.
The Marist College canvassed 1,003 Americans about their expectations for 2009 on December 9 and 10 — days after the National Bureau of Economic Research confirmed the United States had been mired in a recession since December 2007.
Expectations for a brighter future were higher among younger generations with 64 percent of those under 45 having an optimistic view compared with 52 percent for those 45 or older.
Based on last year’s results, those who aim to improve their lives in 2009 will have at least partial success. In 2008, 60 percent kept their self-made promises for at least part of the year.
Are you optimistic about 2009? What resolutions will you make to improve your life in 2009?
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I am quite optimistic that a 2009 Washington will honor a long tradition of Washington policy.
- Posted by jasonAs a native American & an Indian I don’t expect things to get any better or worse God still grows my food and there are still plenty of junk cars around to drive. Why just recently I got a 1984 and I think it might go all year so we’ll be alright for this year
- Posted by simonIt is a pity what American politicians, bankers and corporates have made of this Land of Opportunity. An economy already deep in debt is being rescued by taking even more debt, that is hardly something to cheer about and makes one wonder have policy makers have run out of options for the economic revival and is there a way to break this vicious cycle of debt.
It is equally true that the American government works not for public interests but for corporate interests and that they have no interest to stem the outflow of manufacturing and services industries from America to other countries. As corporates now rush to cut costs by outsourcing to other countries they are in the process making America loose its industrial and service base leaving the country even more bankrupt. Americans are simply letting go of it all what Europeans are trying to hold onto.
American society for long has nurtured a culture where wealth has been more important than any other virtue. Politicians have for long justified their pro rich on the name of opportunity, efficiency and enterpreneurship and selling dreams to the common public.
A nation that sweared by efficiency and merit is suddenly bailing out worthless giants and America has lost it’s prosperity to the greed of few bankers and hedge fund managers. But yet there has been no justice those who should have been hanged or atleast imprisoned are living comfortable lives while the ‘lesser’ mortals in America are bearing the brunt of unemployment and insecurity.
America is all set for a painful catharsis and any reprieve that comes in the short term will be short lived. There’s a lot that Americans will have to change about themselves and it will be interesting to see how public opinion tries to shape the future of the oldest democracy in the world.
- Posted by asterix117In my area, the factories sit silent, the truck company trailers next door to where I work sit collecting dust. I have been watching the slow down in activity for the last 18 months, and don’t expect it to improve for at least another 18.
They used to call the 401 the busiest highway in North America. Now, there are actually long stretches of roadway with one, or none, tractor trailers. There’s a railway crossing I have to pass every day. Only once in 12 months have I had to wait at it, while previously, it was almost every day.
I could tell when the orders started drying up, the drive to work gradually became less congested, and the weeks of temporary layoff began to add up that overall business has been slowing down for a long time. I was laid off for 16 weeks in 2008, and unless something happens (magic?) expect a permanent layoff in a month or so. It’s not if, just when.
And small things I’ve noticed too. The produce at the grocery store started looking old about 6 months ago. I don’t shop at a cheap grocery store. People just aren’t buying like they used to. Instead of 6 tomatoes, only 4, or even 2, sliced a little thinner each time.
I have no doubt that this economic downturn will end. I just don’t know what we are going to do with all the empty factories.
On a lighter note, I made the same New Year Resolution I do every year: Be more honest with my feelings.
How am I doing so far? It’s the only one I’ve ever been able to keep.
- Posted by Robert PrattI am fairly optomistic. Maybe not about 2009 but about 2010. My husband and I decided when we married 18 years ago that we would live within our means. In December we made our last mortgage payment. I am working down my credit card which is at $3,000. I will not use it again until it is payed off. My husband is retired with a somewhat modest income and I became disabled two years ago. I made a decision for the new year to buy only made in USA products. This is going to be tough though. For Christmas I received several articles of clothing and a religious book. The only article made in America was the book.
- Posted by Stephany LaMontThe recovery will depend on faith and confidence. The American public has both in Barrack and things will turn in 2009.
- Posted by EdThe Feds must stop endless spending. I have heard they have hundreds of new spending programs ready to go. The Iraq war was only about 3.5% of the budget. Federal revenue will be consumed by the interest on the debt until we can get nothing done. The state and fed governments will bankrupt themselves just like the Big Three with exhorbitant costs for the union employees in the government. We all pay for health insurance and pensions that the average guy doesn’t get. Look for long term declines in real estate values and more baloney from our politicians.
- Posted by Robert BowersHISTORY will prove that the Iraq war will turn out to be the worst debacle that our country ever created. With the war, interest turned away from the other important problems that this country had: health services, lack of regulations in the finance industry, an oil crisis, infrastructure and environmental concerns. This administration has proven that if enough money and misguided information is given to the public, THAT ANYONE CAN BE ELECTED.
- Posted by mbrillsonWe are in for some very hard times, today’s article in the New York Times about Nassau County is an example of how bad things are. You and I, and all of our fellow citizens are faced with the coming catharsis, a new way of living, healthier, more frugal and more intelligent. We will overcome this crisis but it will take time, intelligent leadership, the willingness to invest the further oncoming debt in making sure that the taxpayers monies are spent wisely.
Let us all hope that the gain is worth the pain.
MBrillson
pessimistic. th bear market isn’t started.
- Posted by PonziJust think how much money was spent trying to get into the white house during the campaign election..$$$$ by every person election after election I wish for one time OUR senators OR who ever is in charge would raise the minimum wage so that when I go to buy a bill of groceries it would last me 2 weeks..I don’t go out to eat much at all.. And a do cut down and cut back as much as possible to get by… Not trying to sound like pour pitifull me but at the same time I for one wish the senatore would sit down to the average American dinner table 4 times out of a week..Then Maybe they would get back in touch to how it feels to be the “AVERAGE American” Yes I am very proud to be American was born and raised here would not think of living anywhere else there is a strong line of serving in the military in my family as I am sure alot of you have also… I am going to keep on doing the same as I did last year and the year before that watch where I am spending my money and pray for the people of the world and when I see someone that hurts try my best to help.. and above ALL keep my fath in GOD..Am I optimistic about the future? *YES* we must never stop caring for one another and when all else fails Lookup there is hope!
- Posted by LindaI see more of fall 2008 and worse unemployment as car related industries suffer a deep recession. Most will not suvive without changes in spending habits. Oil will rebound as 70% of people will continue to use it. The oil companies will block alternatives for another 10 years as they will accept 85% renewables in gas. Obama will borrow money at all time high and force rates up to inflation levels. Another war will happen with Iran and halburtin will be given another blank check to run it. Those retired will have to pay more for health care.
- Posted by don schmidtAs long as all this Bail out money goes to the top 1% and none reach main street we are doomed.
Main street should have got the money and let
main street boost the market.
This will go down as the Worlds biggest rip-off in mankind history.
- Posted by KimoJanuary 20th can’t come too soon.My hopes are on Obama.
The selection of his Administration appears to be top notch.There are significant problems facing us. I can’t imagine he will be able to solve all of them, but I do think he and his Administration will surely do one hell of a lot better than Bush and his excuse for his Administration.
Both Bush and Cheney have made a mockery of our Constitution.
If it were up to me, they would be in prison for crimes against humanitity.
Our worst Administration ever!!
jif13
- Posted by Jerome FirtelHow can anyone be optimistic about 2009, after seeing what is happening in Gaza. I am seeing on TV people celebrating and few minutes later, people being mass slaughtered by supposedly democratic countries. We pretend at our peril. Everyone is trying to look the other way. I am sure 2009 will come to haunt us for all this blatant injustice that is going on.
- Posted by DanInjustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
2008 has gone,I lost my grandpa.2009 I want to take more wealth to my familly, share more love with them.Whatever 2009 will be, I believe we can overcome any difficulty.There is nothing stands in my way.
- Posted by Wolf BiMay God bless everyone!