I truly don’t mean for IMMania.com to become a mirror of CNBC, but being an affiliate marketer, it’s in my best interests to follow consumer trends. And the latest reports from the retailing front lines are not at all encouraging. Unrelenting pressures from the cost of energy as well as a declining job market have left many American consumers in a foul mood. When this happens, government and business can no longer rely on the stalwart consumer to prop up a sick economy with his wallet.