Today’s piece is inspired by the helplessness one experiences in a recession — faced with overwhelming odds of high gas prices, job prospects that are continually elusive, and the ominous sense that you are somehow being sniffed out by a ferocious predator who smells your fear, knows your weaknesses, and sees that your resources are either running low or are altogether depleted.

Notice, though, that the sun still shines and the skies are blue. And though our subject is in the valley, there is an implication he might be able to climb his way out — after all, he is still standing.

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