RJ and Makay

After a severe recession, an increase in consumer spending would normally be cause for celebration because it suggests the economy's improving. But the 0.7% spike just reported for February by the Commerce Department isn't impressing many people, even though it's the largest consumer spending gain in four months.

Why? People spent more in February mainly because gas got a lot more expensive. In fact, half of February's 0.4% inflation uptick was due to energy costs, and economists worry that if those costs keep going up, they'll cut into household budgets enough that consumers won't be able to spend on items associated with economic growth.

According to a USA TODAY analysis of government data, private business paychecks shrank to their smallest share of personal income in U.S. history during Q1 this year. Meanwhile, during the same quarter, benefits provided by the government such as Social Security, unemployment insurance, food stamps and other programs reached a historic high.

This brings focus to a long-term trend which has been recently accelerated by the economy and the government's efforts to help dull pain inflicted by such a long and deep recession.