DOW CLOSE - AT 6:32 P.M. ET:  The Dow closed up 216, to 7978, joining a worldwide stock-market rally.  Apparently, there are some analysts who feel the worst of the recession is over.  Others disagree. The Dow did go over 8000 for a time today, and I suspect it will repeat that performance.  But the real economy, in America's towns and cities, does not seem to be improving.  If it does, Obama will get the credit, even though the ultimate result of his policies may be catastrophic, especially for our children. 

April 2, 2009