In the storied history of the United States, the1880's was a period of remarkable economic expansion; but the boom would come to an abrupt, unexpected end.

After the astounding jolt the transcontinental railroad had given the economy in the 1870's, entrepreneurs from around the world rushed headlong to the United States, knowing their capital investment in new railways would remain free of government regulation or taxation.

The collapse of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad was the first sign of the impending downturn-- it would then unfold into the Panic of 1893. 

Major firms-- such as the Union-Pacific, Northern-Pacific and Santa Fe railroads-- were forced to declare bankruptcy. Unemployment rose from 1 million in August 1893, to 3 million by July 1894.

As the news quickly worsened, people (in panic) began redeeming currency notes for specie (precious metal). Government reserves became depleted, and U.S. silver notes were disallowed for gold.

Predictably. the gold vs. silver monetary standard would become hot political fodder in the next three ensuing presidential elections.

By late 1893, a growing credit shortage was the final coup d' etat, resulting in the Depression of 1894-95. Over its course, fully 15,000 businesses, 600 banks, and 74 railroads ultimately failed-- all aggravated by severe unemployment.

A clueless Grover Cleveland sat idly in the Whitehouse, offering no set plan to end the debacle. But after three lean years, the U.S. economy quickly recovered.

In 1897, following the election of William McKinley-- coupled with onset of the Klondike gold rush- the American economy began yet another generation of rapid expansion, lasting up to the end of the First World War.

But given the propensity of dollar-obsessed Americans-- always thinking of novel ways to get rich -- our modern history has been a never-ending cycle of booms, followed by the inevitable busts, and then recoveries. 

In October of 1929, after 8 blistering years, the stock market crashed.

Twelve long years of depression would then transpire, until the Second World War got Americans back to work. By 1944, less than 2% of the population were unemployed. 

In 1976-- after another vicious 3-year downturn --it was the opening of the new trans-Alaskan pipeline that quickly returned prosperity to America once again. 

In spring of 2000--after a breathtaking 18-year ascendency-- the Nasdaq market spiraled down from the 5000 level to less than half its value a year later. Yet another speculaltive bubble had been burst. 

Between  2003 and 2007, another economic roar reverberated around the country, created by relaxed credit policies, sparking a housing frenzy.

Then, in September of 2008 came a precipitous, unexpected decline; all the major nations' economies seemed to plunge in unison, roiled by defaults in the world's financial derivatives markets.  

Global stock markets-- rocked by the  crash --threatened to plunge the entire earth into a second Great Depresssion.

In America, forclosure rates rocketed upward; banks were literally going begging for capital; loans were being denied. Several Wall Street firms went belly-up. Unemployment rose at an alarming pace.

But despite it all, the U.S. economy did NOT collapse!

Since October '08, and May of 2009, over six million people have been put out of work.

But not to worry; the Dept. of Commerce is predicting  3.5% GDP growth by year's end.

However, most Americans-- being impatient by nature-- would prefer to see the recovery begin NOW. And according to some pundits, there ARE some brights lights beginning to flash on our economic horizon.

Anecdaotal reports are starting to filter in: Indeed, we may be on the threshhold of another turnaround! 

In some retail sectors, given the  statistics--plus reports from "mystery shoppers" around the county-- analysts predict that sales of the following selected items-- ideas patented by the Obama administration-- are about to boom:

 Maxine Waters Designer Eyeframes: (for that "Rocky the Flying Squirrel" look)

-available in all colors

-shatterproof; and of course, "waterproof"

Robert Gibbs Custom Dartboard:

-personally autographed 

-complete with center-mounted,  "bulls-eye" portrait of the smirking press secretary

-perfect for any rec room

Nancy Pelosi's Model Airplane Kit: (be first on your block to land one)

-exciting fun

-rebuild an authentic scale model of Nancy 's own personal jet in your basement or  garage      

-safe for all ages

Barack Obama Steak Knives: (for those who only eat the finest Kobe-Wagyu beef )

-ergonomically designed

-specify right (r) or lefthanded (l)

-not recommended for daily use

Michelle Obama Tank Tops: (for showing off those ripped, svelte arms & shoulders)

-comes emblazoned with, YES! I'm now proud of my country!

Rahm Emanuel Get Well Cards:

-suitable for most occasions

-all with that special Chicago-style touch

Barbara Boxer X-tra High Heels: (you no longer need look up to anyone)

--designed for standing up to your political enemies

--product of years of testing on the Senate floor

The Barney Frank Facial Exerciser: (makes a great gift)

--wonderful for firming and toning those problem areas around the mouth

--a great aid for improving pronunciation of those tricky dipthongs and consonants

The Sonya Sotomayor Talking Doll: (comes complete with ankle cast)

-bi lingual

-can be programmed to say anything in liberal-ese (or Spanish)

The Chris Dodd / John Edwards Home Barbershop Kit

- professional  haircuts at home!

-safe & convenient for pet grooming

Charles Rangel's Diversity Training Manual: (a must for ALL college  freshmen)

-  avoid offending people who "don't look like you"

- no need to worry about new roommates

Joe Biden's Indispensible Travel Guide:

-- how to be successful riding Amtrak for free

-- how to capitalize on the lowest fare rates

 --money back guarantee