The Port of New Orleans alone imports 250,000 tons of coffee every year.

Consumers are likely to pay more for lumber, coffee, chocolate, perhaps sugar _ anything that we import through the ports in the affected region will face higher prices.

Consumers will see higher prices on coffee beverages and even chocolate if the raw supplies get backed up at the ports. In agricultural products, prices of cereals and breads could decline. If we can't export the wheat and grain, then the excess supply will have to be consumed domestically, pushing down prices.

The biggest culprits in the housing fiasco came from the private sector, and more specifically from a mortgage industry that was out of control.

In a forbearance, the homeowner pays interest and principal on a smaller mortgage, at least for a time, but still owes the full amount. The lower monthly payment helps with affordability, giving stressed homeowners a break.

Our economy isn't going to recover until the housing market finds its footing.