What the heck? They did not know?

Huh! Why is it that we have to be RETOLD what we already know? Do they live in the same USA I do? I think they don't.

Growth weaker than hoped; economy shrinks in Q4

From the article linked above:

The country didn't get the energetic rebound in economic growth hoped for from the government's tax rebates in the second quarter, and the economy jolted into reverse at the end of 2007, raising new recession fears.

In my opinion, they are just coming to the realization that they cannot possibly hide the sun with one finger anymore. We are all very intelligent and smart.