Once the population hits a certain point, it makes it worthwhile to have more businesses that cater to that population.

The population has grown weary of a transitional government that is more concerned with personal enrichment than lifting them out of misery, and they are counting on the ballot box to improve their lot. If the elections go awry, they will turn once again to violence.

It's not disastrous, but it suggests pretty sluggish growth. The state unemployment rate has pretty much trended upward since May.

The story of New Jersey is one of stability and modest growth.

I'd characterize the local economy as relatively strong over all. Commercial real estate, the securities industry, and thus personal income and tax revenues, and, to a lesser extent, the labor market are all showing signs of strengthening. The housing market has shown some signs of cooling recently, but remains pretty strong in terms of levels.

There's a need for a neutral force to calm the population. The Congolese army is a nascent, fledgling force. MONUC fulfills the task.