Are we really in a recession?

Because I see wayyy too many people spending money like its no ones business. My family and I called to reserve a hotel room in vegas in a week and it was booked solid. We then called two others to find out that they are not only booked, but one of them was going to be booked for the rest of the summer!

Finally on our last try, the Venetian, we got a room and enjoyed ourselves. While we were there, I have never seen more families on vacation in my life! Every casino was packed and so was the entire strip for that matter. When my family was sleeping, I decided to go downstairs and do some gambling. Like I mentioned before, it was crowded with gamblers, and if your smart, you usually know that you aren't going to walk away ahead. (unless your EXTREMELY lucky or a poker whiz)

So I was wondering, with all the high gas prices and the theoretical idea of a horrible collapsing market, whats with all the middle class Americans splurging their cash?

Good point, ive always wondered the same. For all we know these people could be just gambling with the hopes of striking it big and not having to worry about gas prices and rising food prices anymore.

I think to a certain extent we are in a recession, but i would like to say alot of us Americans enjoy a good time and like to spend money. As long as people have money they will spend it.

Good thread.