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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Umbran" data-source="post: 7945446" data-attributes="member: 177">Rationing is what you do when everyone has a job, but you need to shunt resources away from the people.Depression is where people don't have jobs, and can't buy goods, even if they exist.We are not currently faced with a lack of goods for the people.  But, if isolation continues, small businesses (like bars not being allowed to open, small retail which doesn't get foot traffic, and so on) fold - they can't pay rent on their shops or their payroll if they have no income.  And small businesses comprise 40%+ of payroll dollars in the US. Then, the employees of those businesses can't pay their rents/mortgages or for other goods.  That impacts the large business, as we stop buying cars, and TVs, and taking vacations.  And all those folks depending on the stock market for their livelihoods and retirements have issues... and then you wind up in major recession or depression. A couple months of this we can withstand.  Maybe a shot in the arm to cover small business rent, and the like, and we quickly recover.  But over year is a different kind of beast.</blockquote>