The perversity of the American economy - should I be happy or sad?

This morning on CNBC, it was reported that two indicators of economic growth and activity were both down. Commentators were quick to announce “doom and gloom”, and began playing the “Blame Obama” game (what else is new?).

So I suppose that to an economist, or to a Republican, these figures were in some way negatives.

However, it has been very obvious that when the economy is “good” (to these same economists), I end up paying more for gas, more for food, and so on and so forth. My salary hasn’t changed in five years, so a lousy economy is actually better for me personally, in terms of daily costs of living.

So which is it? A booming national economy damages by personal standard of living. A struggling national economy gives me more disposable income.

Should I be happy or sad?