This is CBS I In The World.

I'm John Bachelors.

The American economy, recession, question mark.

Jim McTague, former Washington editor for Bairn's magazine, Now a Novelist, is in Lancaster,

Pennsylvania, observing the economy in rural America.

At the same time, we're watching Washington and its reaction to America waiting for the

recession.

The question is, is it here?

Jim, a very good evening to you.

The anecdotes do not add up to a convincing argument that the recession has arrived.

For example, the Atlanta Fed, the Traxie economy, insists that the first quarter estimate for

2023 is now again at 2.5%.

That's not a recession.

For example, in the neighboring town where I spend part of my Sundays, there are no help

wanted signs in the windows, which were commonplace a year ago in the spring of 22.

In a recent adventure in Manhattan, I saw no evidence of help wanted signs in the stores

or the windows where people are doing business, buying fast food or in restaurants.

Now that is a positive accept.

What do you see in Lancaster that suggests either that the recession is here or that the

recession has not arrived yet.

Good evening to you.

Good evening, John.

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