We hear limited stories of success because of the bailout money propping up some parts of the economy. But these green shoots take place in a field of killer weeds.

The REAL economy is basically falling apart. Banks are not lending because they have no capital. The bailout just stopped them from going under. They are still billions in the red.

Businesses have seen a drop in trade of around 20% to 50%. The smaller the business the bigger the problem and numerous small businesses in the UK and USA are literally going under every day.

In the housing market the lenders are sitting on thousands of empty houses or not repossessing despite growing arrears. One day these houses will have to come back on the market which will drive down prices by at least 20%.

Brown is looking at the election next year. That is his aim to survive until then. That is why he is looking for short term shots in the arm for the economy to keep it alive before the election.

The stupid thing about this approach is that no one actually believes his policy.

It would easier for him to start making cuts now to save money. For example. He should scrap ID Cards and save 10 billion. He should pull out the troops from Afganistan and save a further 10 billion. He should scrap the Quangos and PC jobs to save a further 5 billion.

Armed with a 25 billion saving he would be in a stronger position to call a wage freeze for two years.

These things would restore confidence in the UK economy and help growth to eventually occur.

The way he is going is like a drunk in denial - "just one more drink" is his motto. One last dip into spending to help. But the help never reaches the REAL economy. Hence scrappage has worked for 8 weeks but next month sales will flatline in the car industry and by Christmas more car plants will have to close.

We face 5 years of depression and empty shops and no jobs. Every day we hear of more companies laying off staff or closing. Every day we see more problems for the economy. Many companies are hanging on by a thread waiting for the promised upturn - which has not yet happened......many cant wait much longer.

At a time like this we need a MAGGIE or a WINSTON. A person who can inspire and grab the problem and wrestle it to the floor. It needs strong and decisive leadership. This is where BROWN is going to lead this country into a deep depression like the 1930s because he is clueless and only interested in saving his own skin rather than the country.

Fasten your seatbelts - this Autumn could be another total disaster.

while I agree with most of what you say I'm afraid I can't agree that Maggie or Winnie would save the day.

Whilst Churchill was a brilliant motivator during wartime and inspired great confidence, the people didn't trust him as soon as the war was over. Brutal politics but at least he was honored for the rest of his days.

And personally I believe Maggie set about destroying British manufacturing for all time and let the wide boys of the city take control.

Mind you-none of them compare to the greatest Labour traitor of all time-T.Blair (and a war criminal as well)