936

Do you feel richer today? At least a little better? The Dow Jones jumped 936 points...or 11%...or half of what he had forfeited during its recent plunge. In one day.

While traders on the floor of the NYSE celebrated with whoops and high fives, even a first year finance student knew that this had very little bearing on the surrounding economic climate. There was no change in the cost of health insurance or number of foreclosures, nor the debts piling up for General Motors and the U.S. Government.

One of the most intelligent and contemplative young men I know has had this conversation several times with his girlfriend: if we are forced to head for the hills (literally), to grow our own food, and create our own warmth and shelter, which of our friends do we want to come with us? And why?

This kind of thinking implies a meltdown not just of the markets, but of the entire economy. It conveys the concept of a society without jobs...or income...or protection. It would seem preposterous.

Just as preposterous as the Dow Jones jumping 936 points in a single day.