Why would you compare the S&P to the Wilshire? The S&P is included in the Wilshire. And yes we are below November a little. But all the panic and media coverage from the past month would lead you to believe shit was way worse.

Give every American a $10,000 investment account to buy stocks with. We can buy, sell, short, etc... but can not cash out for at least 10-15 years. That would make things interesting... :)

Use any index, combined or not, it doesnt matter across the board they are the same basic trend.
This isnt media hype this is REAL wealth destruction. People across America(not just Wall street) have lost so much money most will never trust that system again, or at least for a long time. Most of the companies you invest in now for the long term will not even be around in their current form in 10 years and if you are selling short you better be on your toes.

now is the time to buy real estate, stocks, etc. long term ... why would you think it wouldn't be?

Welll I agree with you there is was a poorly thought out blanket statment especially to those who don't invest or even have the money to invest.
We had a bozo minister in Ontario a few years back say on the news that poor people on welfare should buy canned tuna fish cuz it's always on special VS offereing job or education strategies.

Right and people won't ever run huge debt on their credit cards or buy more house then they can afford. Everyone learned their lessons. :upsidedow

I only wish this were true, unfortunately what will happen is people will turn towards more socialism. You have several generations of fat lazy selfish ignorant Americans playing victim and wanting everything handed to them now. Obama will give it to them, or what he can.