1.   A pessimistic scenario begins with a plunge in the stock market, leading to a significant drop in consumer spending.

2.   DeVol said the consensus or pessimistic scenarios were most likely.

3.   If the commission does do some risk analysis, it would be wise to focus on the pessimistic scenarios.

4.   But such a pessimistic scenario was unlikely, the OECD said.

5.   The European Commission questions the pessimistic scenarios.

6.   The pessimistic scenario envisions increasing slums, environmental decay, clogged traffic and a weakening of family ties, she said.

7.   But Robert Cropp, a dairy expert at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, rejected this pessimistic scenario.

8.   Such a pessimistic scenario for the future would include reduced economic openness and decreased government saving.