how would you respond to this discussion post: I would begin by looking at historical data, like the GDP from the last 10 years, the unemployment rates. While GDP per capita might be an effective way to calculate the economic status of a country I think I would like to see more incorporated in the data as well like income inequality, and other measures of standard of living. While the GDP has steadily increased over the last decade (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 1929), and the unemployment rate is at 4.2% (Trading Economics, 2025) both indicators would lead us to conclude that the state of the economy is strong (Greenlaw et al., 2022). However, recent changes to global trade policy with the US has put the possibility of a recession in 2025 at 40% which is down from 60% as the experts try to navigate the increasingly confusing and aggressive US stance on tariffs (Kasman, 2025). In my opinion, the uncertainty and confusion surrounding new economic policies have led to an increase in fear on behalf of American consumers. When the possibility of a recession looms every time the administration puts out a new statement regarding tariffs, who wouldn't feel concerned? Many working adults have lived through more than one true recession and are wary of spending on nonessential goods when the economic crisis of 2008 saw people losing jobs and homes. On top of that, we have been at a technological standstill for several years now. While many companies are lauding AI as a new