The media keeps telling us that the economy is getting better, that the unemployment rate is decreasing and that there are brighter days ahead. In my parents' circle, this is not the case. Because from what I can see, 2011 has been the most difficult for small business owners, especially immigrant groups who rely on dry cleaners, nail salons, delis, and grocery stores — previously some of the most stable small businesses  — for their livelihood. My mother tells me that in the 20+ years she's been in the dry cleaning business, she has never seen it this bad. Two of her close friends are in default on their mortgages. My aunt's family recently had her home foreclosed. Everyone else is dipping into, and depleting...