Is this rational?

I would start off by saying that the average American right now has a healthy and founded fear of where our economy is, where is it headed and where it isn't headed. All that being said I still can not discern whether or not my fear is rational or not. You see I like most Americans have an addiction to "news". I try to diversify what I listen to, read or watch in order to maintain a balance between what would be considered mainstream and what is a secondary source so that I may also diversify the level of "concentrated topic" I recieve. Regardless of the venue it seems that more so then ever there is a large focus on not just our economy but the world economy and it's state of disarray. The problem is that here recently I've been more heavily burdened by these reports and what it means for my family. You see I grew up listening to grandparents who were children themselves during the Great Depression but I don't think any of us can truely understand what that era of American history was like to live through. You obviously can tell why I bring it up because from my perspective I can only see us heading in that same direction.

I look to signs and signals in the economy to help me make sure I stay ahead of the fall but it just looks to be degrading too far too fast. Like the years prior to the Depression America's debts have far outreached their income on both private and federal fronts. The "true" unemployment rate hovers between 20 and 25 percent almost matching exactly Depression era levels. America like other countries are looking to jobs and "wasteful spending" for the cuts necessary but we spend so much that cuts, well just won't cut it. So what do we do?

I wish I could say that unlike most American's I'm eliminating my debts, owing nothing on my house or cars so in the event I'm not able to pay for things I'll still have what I own in my possession but the reality is we're not entirely there. We're maybe three years into home ownership and while we did put money down we also did a 30 year mortgage and are no where near the point of owning our home "free and clear" and while we may very where have our cars paid off here soon, who's to say that economy wouldn't force one of us out of the job first.

I usually write from a place of experience, of having some knowing of what I'm discussing or even a "how-to" for a situation or task but I really don't know what to do myself in this place America has found itself in. In truth I've purchased more ammo and tried to be more proficient with a shot for hunting reasons only, and we've really tried to adhere to specific budgets in preperation for a time when we will have to be familar with the habit but also to try to save as much as possible now. I really don't know how rational I'm being in feeling so hopeless about the state of things but the fact that I am so weighed down has to lend credence to this mindset. I can only place my faith in God and pray to have him see us through this dark period, no matter how long it last.