In early 2007 the core mechanics of the U.S. economy were pretty sound. Pundits began a drum beat that a recession was on the horizon and, sure enough, by the end of 2007 our country was in recession. Now granted, we were in the midst of a real estate meltdown, but we were a year away from the financial collapse that has put some real teeth in the current recession. It would be interesting to know just how much sociology, group behavior, had to do with catapulting us into this recession. A recession was inevitable – the economy has its cycles, and we had a nice positive run. But group mentality can be a powerful influence. What is a current, growing group mindset? Answer: that the economy will turn positive by July of this year. Is there any good reason for this? Well, yes, there are some. Do detracting factors remain? You betcha. What will July 2009 look like? Perhaps a massage dose of sociological positivism, coupled with no other good reason will lift us out of this funk.