Well, to answer Donuel's specific questions, and limiting the answers to the current Bush:

Home equity? up or down? Down in the last year, but I couldn't say by how much - probably doubled in the seven years we've owned this house, plus we've paid the mortgage down by well over half.

401K ? Up about 50% in the seven years since I retired and stopped putting money in it. Down 17% in the past year.

Loved ones ? All fine, no worries

Job? I'm retired, with two inflation-indexed pensions.

Respect? All fine, no worries

Trust? Who? The government? Not then and not now.

Fear? Of what, specifically?

Health? All fine, no worries

Hope? Of course