It was the latest in a long and hideous pattern of employment woes, much of it resulting from the G.O.P.'s obsession with destructive supply-side economic voodoo.
But this year, with the nation heading into the heart of a presidential race and voters consumed by the country's economic woes, much of the debate in statehouses has centered on social issues.
Although most of the west is still mired in economic woes, much of the developing world including rapidly emerging economies such as China and India are forging ahead financially, and as a consequence are consuming a far greater share of the world's resources.
That shouldn't be surprising, given how few incumbent Democrats were offering a clear explanation for the public's economic woes -- much less a clear solution for them.
In reality, consumer demand and Europe's woes are much more important sources of uncertainty.
In most ways, though, CajaSur's woes are much like those endemic in the cajas, which control about half the banking assets in Spain.
As I found out, connection woes are much more painful when they afflict your (robot) body, not just your Skype call.
The source of Dubai's woes – too much cheap money and grandiose ambition – can be identified and few other emerging markets display such a concentration on property.
