“It is as rocky as I’ve ever seen it. Businesses have seen such revenue shortfalls that

“It is as rocky as I’ve ever seen it. Businesses have seen such revenue shortfalls that they are really up against the wall and have no choice but to cut workers.”

Mark Vitner

An economist at Wachovia Corp. The unemployment rate is expected to jump in January, economists predict, marking the highest jobless rate in 17 years.

“They didn’t vote for the status quo; they sent us here to bring change. We owe it to them to deliver. ... This is not a game. This is not a contest for who’s in power and who’s up and who’s down.”

President Barack Obama

Imploring Congress to pass a massive financial recovery plan.