1.  Describe the main idea of Zachary Karabell's commentary.

2.  How does the decline in today's stock market compare with the numbers during the Great Depression and also during the 1970's?

3.  Why should Americans be optimistic about the economy today, according to Mr. Karabell?

4.  Ask a grandparent if he/she thinks that the economy is worse today than it was in the 1970's.