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)

MossRoad · Aug 25, 2003

Pretty good, Bird! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

RanchMan · Aug 25, 2003

Mountain Man -

Unfortunately as Mike alluded too, my prediction is that this thread will only go downhill. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Seen it (and been involved in it) plenty of times on TBN - folks get all wound up in the emotional aspect of a "discussion" then all heck brakes loose.

Facts will take a second seat to people's "right" to an "opinion." Heaven forbid if you point out their "opinion" is based on faulty information - or flaws in logic - you'll be labeled and then a bunch of slanderous garbage that has nothing to do with the subject matter at hand will be thrown your way (plenty of posts in the archive for your perusal if you’re so inclined.... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif)

I'm generally a verbose poster, but quite frankly, I've pretty much given up on any type of "debatable" subject matter on TBN. Boiled down - it just isn't worth it because it’s a “no win” situation. You’ll never convince those who disagree with you - especially if you are a fact-based individual.

So, although I wish you good luck with this thread - just be prepared. (Unfortunately, from some of the replies, I sense the seeds have already been planted.)

Take care...

frank_f15 · Aug 26, 2003

nothing to be sorry about HAMBONE. but i will agree with u that the prices of everything is going up way to fast. gaoline here is up 20 cents in the last 2 weeks, natural gas is at all time high, and now they are setting us up for a major increase in electric rates, due to the power outage last week. think the american consumer is going to get it in the shorts again. hope this falls in the moderators guidlines?

Bird · Aug 26, 2003

( increase in electric rates, due to the power outage )

We weren't even a part of the northeastern power outage and our electric company is going up on the rates. I believe the news article in the paper attributed it to higher natural gas prices. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

mountain_man · Aug 26, 2003

I appreciate your warning. My intent was to explore whether others (across the country) thought that the recession(?) was not as bad as the media reports. Frankly I thought this was an economic issue (not religion or politics).

To me, TBN'rs represent a cross-section of America, willing to invest their hard work and hard-earned money into tools (tractors/etc.) to improve/maintain their home, land and life-style. Not just a "fortunate" few.

BTW-Things are not all rosy here in Colorado. After the high-tech bubble burst, I have a couple of friends who were laid-off from their high-tech jobs. After months of trying to find work in their chosen field, they have re-invented themselves in other lines of work. However, they managed to secure gainful employment (and self-employment) and some now enjoy the change.

I appreciate the willingness of others to share their knowledge, experience and opinions in an open forum, and trust this will continue in a positive manner. Thanks,

fivestring · Aug 26, 2003

News media is always doom and gloom. They tell us what the unemployment rate is, but did you know that employment is at all-time highs? Ask the illegals coming into to our country if the job market is tough. They find jobs that most Americans wouldn't want because of manual labor. There are plenty of jobs out there but most Americans want to start at the middle or top of the ladder.

bigpete · Aug 26, 2003

There are plenty of jobs out there but most Americans want to start at the middle or top of the ladder. 

...and job turnover is the bain of retail today. I stood in Lowes for 30 minutes yesterday with dozens of people with money to spend and Lowes was understaffed at the check-out line--help wanted poster in the window.

It's virtually impossible to look at our own lives and the economic activities around us to come up with an accurate description of the big picture. Lot's of good points made here about the property we have earned from our hard work (i.e. computers through which we discuss our $15,000 tractors, $30,000 trucks, and $250,000 homes). Most of us in here are (I am) just plain lucky to be born in the right country to the right family at the right time. I try not to forget that.

Don't get me wrong, here. I believe wholeheartedly in self-motivation, personal initiative, constrcutive behavior, and or course the rewards that brings. If I lost my job today you'd see me at Lowe's shunting lumber with a forklift or explaining which direction a light bulb screws in.

All of the debate about current economic issues aside, we should all remember that priveledge can be revoked by fate in a hurry.

Now if you want to engage me in a debate about the banking industry... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

fivestring · Aug 26, 2003

It's not just Lowe's, it's grocery stores, clothing stores, all of them. It's a shame. Even our teenagers think they should start at the middle or top. But, we won't go there about public schools....

"Now if you want to engage me in a debate about the banking industry..." 

I'll bite.....

mountain_man · Aug 26, 2003

Well, my 15yr old started mucking out some neighbors' horse stalls when he was 12. He's got a nice little business, saved most of his money, has savings bonds & stocks (etrade account), bought his own horse and an 8" Meade telescope. Currently he's saving for a car, however he tells his friends his first car is a horse, 2nd car a tractor... So please don't lump all teenagers together, as I see a few willing to work (even at menial jobs).

fivestring · Aug 26, 2003

Yeah, I've got one of each. One changes bedpans at the assisted living center and one wouldn't be caught dead doing that...beneath her. They learn a lot of ways (good and bad) from their peers and the peers they hang around with.