The fairtax may not work for everyone, but the fast majority would benefit and especially those who spend wisely.
Also it seems that the interest rates were the highest at the end of the carter years. 1978-1980 Started rising when he was in office. After Reagan took office they remained high for a couple years (1981-1982) then started dropping after his recovery strategies took effect.
http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/data/PRIME.txt
The trucking industry along with some others don't tend be affected as much with recessions. Oil prices do hurt truckers, but also every one as we can't operate without oil.
Media sensation has everyone uptight. I am not disagreeing to an economic slowdown, but this is not the great depression. I also don't follow Fox News. They still sensationalized too.
The proven way to bring back the economy is with tax cuts to the people and the business.
This has worked in Ireland and Great Britain. The proved the Socialized everything does not work. Eventually the money runs out.
Allen