The more I read, the more I fear that 2009 is going to be the worst year for America in my lifetime.

Here’s one item from the New York Times that causes me concern — how Sam Zell’s former (emphasis on former) empire has become a major albatross around the necks of the people and companies who — willingly and perhaps even greedily — bought it.

It is perhaps poetic justice that Zell climbed aboard the Tributanic after it hit the iceberg but before the economic tsunami arrived. I jumped overboard a while ago, but many of my friends and professional buddies are still clinging to the rails, up to their ankles in water. Some are helping decide who will be thrown overboard next in the effort to save the ship. Desperate times define us in ways we would rather they not.  Zell is still aboard, but comfortable in his personal billion-dollar life vest.

So I find myself thinking some pretty strange thoughts.

First, I am beginning to comprehend the appeal that socialism has had in other parts of the world. I am beginning to understand how the sufferring of the “litttle people” and their collective anger at the wealthy and the powerful can lead to dramatic social and political change. The number of Pissed Off And Frightened Americans is growing daily, is it not?   To continuie my already overworked metaphor, they would probably enjoy seeing Zell and his ego go down with the ship.

Then I wonder what would become of the rest of us — even those of us already in the water.

Back on shore, all the people who sold goods and services to the Tributanic — and who loaned Zell and Co. a boatload of money to buy it — would be getting pennies on the dollar if there is anything left to salvage. Turns out the investors in the ship had borrowed the money to loan to Zell. Our retirement money was invested in their companies. They, too, are in danger of going broke.

Suddenly I’m hoping the bastard makes it.