He’s a pro at working the corner. David Nguyen doesn’t just stand with his Whiskey River sign and wave, he swings it with sass while he shakes his hips, all for a few honks and an occasional flashing.

The job cuts came heavily Monday – bad news from some of the big names of American commerce. Caterpillar. Pfizer. Home Depot. Sprint Nextel. General Motors. Texas Instruments. When it was done,...