It's blamed for every evil in the world.

It's the ogre that has devoured cheerfulness and turned us into dour curmudgeons. Name any ill and somehow it can be traced back to one insidious source: The Economy.

Kansas City Power & Light wants to raise electric rates. Because the economy is so tight, the utility doesn't have access to capital. Residents say this economy makes it a terrible time to raise rates.

The economy is a rolling blackout sucking the power out of the country.

My friend's high blood pressure is acting up because she's worried that her husband, the sole provider of income for the family, will lose his job.

The economy is the Grim Reaper trolling for souls.

Everyone loves little children and wants them to receive a good education, but the ranks of voters lining up against the St. Joseph School District's proposed bond issue is swelling. The No. 1 reason they'll vote against it is that nasty old economy.

The economy is Sherman's March to the Sea, torching everything in its path.

I put in an 11-hour day one day last week. Since I was covering people blaming the economy for everything, it's undeniable that the economy is a cruel task master.

Might as well get used to working longer. The stock market, once a ticket to Easy Street, has nose-dived, turning retirement funds and 401(k)s into empty promises.

The economy makes it feel like we're living in the mythical land of Narnia where it's always winter but never Christmas.

East Hills Shopping Center boasts a lovely refurbished facade, half filled with shops. Who is going to open a new store in a recession?

This economy is the rain on everybody's parade.

Nebraska is facing a crisis as the market for great northern beans - the Cornhusker state produces 85 percent of the U.S. supply - has shriveled in the recession.

The economy is Chinese water torture.

In an attempt to revive the economy, interest rates have been slashed so if you're able to put anything into savings, it's not earning anything.

The economy is Snidely Whiplash tying Little Nell to the railroad tracks.

The other night I had a dream that one of the city's largest employers had filed for bankruptcy. It's disgusting that the economy has even invaded my sleep. Just to be sure, I checked with the company and everything is fine.

But this economy is a nightmare on Elm Street.

Layoffs continue to rack up and able-bodied workers are becoming desperate to find jobs.

I really hate this economy.

Business editor Susan Mires writes

a weekly column. She can be reached

at susanm@npgco.com.