[jstalin]

Did I say they conspired to ruin the economy? No. Did I say I blame them for the state of the economy? No.

And I don't listen to talk radio.

I'm blaming the excessive amount of debt in the system, both personal and public. It's crushing. Each additional dollar of public debt is having a negative real effect on the economy. Of course, the crushing level of bureaucracy and costs of running a small business are a big part of the problem as well. The economy is paralyzed by debt and regulatory uncertainty.

If Japan can manage as a majority-services economy, we can too. Manufacturing doesn't make the world suddenly better.