I usually think more along the lines of "Is the country better off today" than me personally. I probably am better off today personally, to the extent it matters. Our economy has some positive aspects which often get ignored, for the moment anyway. It's what appears to be happening that is bad. I suppose the "good news" is reduced demand for oil will likely reduce prices.
We've had a recession after every oil price shock since 1973. It's arguably a primary cause of recessions.
