With regard to the OP, unemployment is still at under 6%. I'm not going to worry too much until it hits double digits, and the crap won't really hit the fan until it gets up around 25-30% like it was in the great depression. Even then, we somehow made it through.
I believe we'll see some tough times, but I don't think all is lost. I don't think it's to the point that a year from now we'll all be living in caves caressing our assault rifles and coming out only at night to gather old Snickers bars off the corpses of the damned.
I guess that makes me some kind of optimist.
With regard to taxes, I'm of the opinion that everyone should bear some burden in contributing to government. I think the most equitable way to do this is through a flat tax with no deductions or exemptions at a low, constitutionally declared rate. I know it will not happen in my lifetime, but it would be great.