Recession? Inflation?

mountain_man · Aug 25, 2003

I keep hearing the media talking about recession, however according to posters on TBN, many new (and used) tractors/attachments/accessories/generators/SUVS/trucks/trailers, etc. are being purchased at a good clip. So where's the recession? Are tractor owners just smarter with their money?

On the other hand - prices seem to be increasing - gasoline, natural gas, propane, electricity, water, real estate, food - Have you looked at the price of a new pickup truck lately?

What are your thoughts?

fivestring · Aug 25, 2003

Most media conglomerates are run by which side of the road?

That's why you hear recession.

Stock market has picked up 2000 points in the last several months. Recession? All in who you believe.

CNN - Communist News Network
ABC - Always Been Communist
NBC - Nothing But Communists
CBS - Communist BS

I saw those posted here on TBN a while back.

MikePA · Aug 25, 2003

Let's make sure this thread lives up to TBN standards for decency and respect. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif These topics can get 'ugly' fast. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Hambone · Aug 25, 2003

I think there is a small percentage of people here on TBN compared to the US as a whole.
Think how many are unemployed, homeless, or underemployed and can't have a computer to get online and complain about it.

Some of us are fortunate. Be thankful for what you have.
You never know when the boss might come around and say the company is downsizing......sorry.

MikePA · Aug 25, 2003

I agree with Steve...The population of TBN and CBN are probably not representative of the US population, i.e., enough land to need a tractor and enough money (or credit /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ) to be able to buy one. In other words, there can be a recession in the US and the TBN economy is booming.

mountain_man · Aug 25, 2003

Let me take your points one by one.

TBN small percentage not representative of country. Well it seems there is a good geographical distribution of 6931 registered TBN'rs around the country (albeit with common interests).

"Unemployed, homeless, or underemployed and can't have a computer to get online and complain about it." Perhaps TBN'rs have a stronger work ethic to stay employed (or self-employed) inorder to keep a home, earn some money and maintain good credit. I can't believe you think we're all just "fortunate"? BTW most public libraries offer free internet access.

I do think the major media outlets are "hype-ing" the recession somewhat. I agree jobs are not as plentiful or attractive as during the artificial tech bubble of the late 90's. However jobs are available for those who want to spend the time to find employment and do the work.

MikePA · Aug 25, 2003

Well it seems there is a good geographical distribution of 6931 registered TBN'rs around the country 
Help me understand what someone's geographic location have to do with whether or not they have the disposable income to be able to buy a tractor? While there's no way to confirm it, I imagine TBNers, on average, have more disposable income than the average US citizen. Your original post cited the purchases of TBNers as 'proof' that there wasn't a recession...

I keep hearing the media talking about recession, however according to posters on TBN, many new (and used) tractors/attachments/accessories/generators/SUVS/trucks/trailers, etc. are being purchased at a good clip. So where's the recession? 

This can only be 'proof' if TBNers are representative of the average US citizen in terms of disposable income.

 I do think the major media outlets are "hype-ing" the recession somewhat. 
A recession is defined as 3 quarters of falling GNP. That has either happened or it hasn't, i.e., it's a matter of fact not hype.

Bird · Aug 25, 2003

Mike, you do know the difference in a recession and a depression, don't you?

A recession is when you lose your job.
A depression is when I lose mine. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

MikePA · Aug 25, 2003

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

mountain_man · Aug 25, 2003

Real gross domestic product -- the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States -- increased at an annual rate of 2.4 percent in the second quarter of 2003, according to advance estimates released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the first quarter, real GDP increased 1.4 percent. (Source US Dept of Commerce)