I think a lot of the similarities of the current times to the "Great Depression" are hidden, or better said sheltered, by various social safety-net programs that we have today that were not available in the 1930s ... Unemployment Compensation Insurance, Public Assistance Programs (Welfare), Food Stamps, Medicare and Medicaid. If these programs did not exist we might very likely have soup lines and the widespread suffering like seen during the Great Depression.

That being said, the current economic situation is a bit above the Great Depression's economic demise but said worse that the Regan Recession in 1981-1983.

Most authoritative sources agree that governmental intervention and spending, however sloppy or corrupt, have kept this "Great Recession" from becoming, so far, another "Great Depression."

Our firm and myself are doing well and prospering in spite of the current economic situation. I am thankful that our efforts are fruitful but am fully aware and emphasize with the plight and distress of others not so fortunate.

In light of this situation, I would support reasonable governmental efforts to temper the malaise that many suffer from today.