It’s July 1st, halfway through the year that was supposed to bring us back to prosperity. For the last five years, all we’ve been hearing from the media – and from our elected (and unelected) elite – is the word “recovery”.

But here’s a sampling of the headlines that we’ve seen in the international news media:

1. From Lloyd’s List:

(16 June 2011) – “Hopes of box recovery are fading fast”

(17 June 2011) – “Lines pull Asia-Europe loop as rates slide and losses mount”

(20 June 2011) – “US container imports hit by low consumer spending”

2. From SHIPPING NEWS:

(6/6/2011) – “Container Trade Statistics: Asia-Europe April rates decline 10pc”

(6/23/2011) – “Colombo’s port volumes shrink as developed world demand slows”

(6/23/2011) – “Carriers remove Asia-Europe capacity amid falling demand, spot rates”

3. From Exim India:

(6/20/2011) – “Subdued second half seen for Asian container shipping”

4. From OpEdNews:

(June 9, 2011) – “Global Economic Crisis Deepening”

5. From Bloomberg:

(6/29/2011) – “Technology Leaders Don’t See U.S. Recovery Until 2013, KPMG Says”

6. From GLOBAL MAIL:

(6/29/2011) – “Financial losses continue in second quarter, as uncertainty surrounds the peak season”

7. From the writer of these commentaries:

(July 1st, 2011) – “If we fail to revitalize our shipyards this year, the United States is toast!”