In 1789 when the Bastille, the castle-like prison in Paris, was about to be destroyed, a long-term inmate was brought out. He had lived in his gloomy cell for many, many years. Sadly, instead of welcoming his liberty, the man begged to be taken back to his cell. Unaccustomed to the sunlight, he had only one desire – to die in the murky dungeon that had held him captive for so long. 

The national jobs numbers came out last week. Experts were expecting 200,000 jobs to be added, but were severely disappointed to learn that only 74,000 jobs were added to the American workforce last month. How many people do you know who have lost their jobs? Are you fearful for yours? Have you had your hours reduced? A pay freeze? Benefits cut? Is there pressure for early retirement or have you experienced corporate layoffs?