Last quarter, and today felt a lot like 2008-9 again. Day after day, the markets would take one step forward and two steps back. At least it seems that way. Many of my friends will ask how the Dow Jones is doing, but I usually reply I have no idea. I do follow the S&P 500 and it's almost it what many technicians would call a bear market. To call a market that is down over 19% from the highs, a bull market seems difficult at best. So I will do everyone a favor and call a bear a bear. Yes Virginia, we are in a bear market and don't count on any relief soon. For all anyone knows, 2009 may have just been the warm up. Nothing that I have seen lately coming from Washington demonstrates the slightest amount of what I know as leadership. Any plan that includes promoting workers avoid getting a job (extending unemployment benefits) and calling for those that are successful to pay higher taxes is not something that gives this capitalist any 'hope'. Global manufacturing is contracting according to JP Morgan, and this includes just about everyone. No big surprise with Europe and Japan, but go ahead and include Brazil,the economic darling of South America in the list as well. US sales of pickup trucks is higher last month. Maybe due to the amount of debt that the federal government needs to move to keep the boat from sinking (cue the Titanic orchestra). You can claim all you want that we are in a bull market, but you better say it quick as the water level rises.