So, profits are high in a recession? Isn't this kind of odd?

Businesses operate to MAKE A PROFIT, they aren't charities. Since the Democrats took over in 2007, businesses have had one hell of a time forecasting how the economy is going to be in the future years. They don't make forecasts for spending based upon personalities or what's going on at the moment. Budgets are yearly and if anyone can figure out what the hell is in all these bills with at the minimum of 2500 pages each leaving regulations up to czars we don't know and be able to confidently spend profits to expand business and hiring, then I'll kiss your azz on the capital steps. They can't and that's why we're in a recession. And a business with a product or service that people actually WANT AND NEED will prosper with budget cutbacks during a recession. It's too damned bad that the freaking Democrats can't figure out the same thing. There's an economic lesson I'm sure you weren't taught in college but it's worked for centuries.