Obama will increase taxes on the wealthiest Americans.
Obama has asked the wealthiest Americans to "deal" with an increase in taxes as a reserve fund is set aside for health care reformation. Those senior citizens earning $170,000 or more will see this affect their pockets. Those middle aged Americans earning $250,000 a year will see their taxes rise. Obama has inherited a 1.3 billion dollar deficit. This amount of money will take more than one generation to pay off. One way America could change its health care system would be to look at what countries in Europe and other parts of the world have done and take ideas from each. Japan and Switzerland are good examples of health care systems, however some of the ideal systems are facing bankrupcty, we are just the other way around.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A dream is a dream, not a reality
Obama's plans...
Many skeptics of Obama are now focusing their days on President Obama's speeches and are analyzing what he has "planned" the next four years, to what he may be able to actually occomplish in reality. Some of President Obama's reform will change the economy, education, energy, health care, and military. Last night, President Obama stated that our health care system needed reformation. President Bush has tried to change these big political issues but was unseccessful in doing so. I think that the government will sit back and give credit to President Obama if a major change does occur within either of these categories, even tho he may or may not deserve the credit. His speech was too informal, many people clapped when he stated some facts about problems and the problems are the result of those who clapped.
Many skeptics of Obama are now focusing their days on President Obama's speeches and are analyzing what he has "planned" the next four years, to what he may be able to actually occomplish in reality. Some of President Obama's reform will change the economy, education, energy, health care, and military. Last night, President Obama stated that our health care system needed reformation. President Bush has tried to change these big political issues but was unseccessful in doing so. I think that the government will sit back and give credit to President Obama if a major change does occur within either of these categories, even tho he may or may not deserve the credit. His speech was too informal, many people clapped when he stated some facts about problems and the problems are the result of those who clapped.
McCain was right from the beginning...
McCain.
McCain agreed with President Obama's decision to send 17,000 more troops to Afghanistan, as additional allied military and civilian surge would be necessary to prevent it from again becoming an al Qaeda safe haven territory."With our friends and allies, we will forge a new and comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat al Qaeda and combat extremism," Obama said. "Because I will not allow terrorists to plot against the American people from safe havens halfway around the world. We will not allow it." The number of insurgent attacks has increased since 2008 and violence has increased more than 500 percent within the past four years. McCain says that the "U.S. needs to boost the country's nonmilitary assistance to help strengthen its civilian institutions, the rule of law, and the economy in order to provide a sustainable alternative to the drug trade." Southern Afghanistan provides about two thirds of the world's opium and heroin. Over the years, those two drugs have served as a major source of revenue for the insurgency, including the Taliban. (CNN).
McCain agreed with President Obama's decision to send 17,000 more troops to Afghanistan, as additional allied military and civilian surge would be necessary to prevent it from again becoming an al Qaeda safe haven territory."With our friends and allies, we will forge a new and comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat al Qaeda and combat extremism," Obama said. "Because I will not allow terrorists to plot against the American people from safe havens halfway around the world. We will not allow it." The number of insurgent attacks has increased since 2008 and violence has increased more than 500 percent within the past four years. McCain says that the "U.S. needs to boost the country's nonmilitary assistance to help strengthen its civilian institutions, the rule of law, and the economy in order to provide a sustainable alternative to the drug trade." Southern Afghanistan provides about two thirds of the world's opium and heroin. Over the years, those two drugs have served as a major source of revenue for the insurgency, including the Taliban. (CNN).
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
N Korea and Clinton meet happily....?
Clinton. SOS.
Secretary of State, Clinton says that the US would offer aide to North Korea if it got rid of it's nuclear weapons plan. Long range tests are due to happen across the Pacific Ocean. "I have said on several occasions that if North Korea abides by the obligations it has already entered into and verifiably and completely eliminates its nuclear programme, then there will be a reciprocal response, certainly from the United States," she said. Mrs Clinton said she's "absolutely confident" the two countries could navigate through the economic difficulties over the following months. I believe that Cliton will prove to be a very influential Secretary of State during Obama's presidency. She has the charisma and characterists of an influential leader. She has already represented America's priorities well over seas and even in the US.
Secretary of State, Clinton says that the US would offer aide to North Korea if it got rid of it's nuclear weapons plan. Long range tests are due to happen across the Pacific Ocean. "I have said on several occasions that if North Korea abides by the obligations it has already entered into and verifiably and completely eliminates its nuclear programme, then there will be a reciprocal response, certainly from the United States," she said. Mrs Clinton said she's "absolutely confident" the two countries could navigate through the economic difficulties over the following months. I believe that Cliton will prove to be a very influential Secretary of State during Obama's presidency. She has the charisma and characterists of an influential leader. She has already represented America's priorities well over seas and even in the US.
Civilians
Civilians hit hard...
The number of civilians killed in Afghanistan rose 39% last year, the United Nations says. Militants were to blame for 55% of the 2,118 civilian deaths, while US, Nato and Afghan forces were responsible for 39%, according to the UN report. Despite US pledges and promisis to decrease the number of civilians killed, the numbers are not matching up. This is a very sensative issue. Kabul and Washington relations have been negative more and more over the past few weeks since Obama took office in January. 2/3 of those killed died as the result of air ride strikes in cities. Also suicide bombers have caused the numbers to rise. Crossfire is also another issue.
The number of civilians killed in Afghanistan rose 39% last year, the United Nations says. Militants were to blame for 55% of the 2,118 civilian deaths, while US, Nato and Afghan forces were responsible for 39%, according to the UN report. Despite US pledges and promisis to decrease the number of civilians killed, the numbers are not matching up. This is a very sensative issue. Kabul and Washington relations have been negative more and more over the past few weeks since Obama took office in January. 2/3 of those killed died as the result of air ride strikes in cities. Also suicide bombers have caused the numbers to rise. Crossfire is also another issue.
Russia hit hard....
Russia has seen half of it's billionaire's vanish over the past few months.
From 101 to 49, Russia billionaires have started to dwindle as the result of the shrinking world economy and crisis. Mikhail Prokhorov is a mining and technology tycoon from Russia, Russia's richest mand and most eligible bachelor. He has an estimated net worth of 14.1 billion American dollars. It is not safe to say that Americ'as wealthy will also start to see the list shrink along with the economy. This is just seeing what is happening on top of the mountain, when we examine the middle of the mountain, if the top is crumbling, the entire thing must be too. These shrinking numbers are only the aftermath of what is really going on throughout world economies. A lot of America's rich won't want to say what their assests are over the next few months because of the poor economy.
From 101 to 49, Russia billionaires have started to dwindle as the result of the shrinking world economy and crisis. Mikhail Prokhorov is a mining and technology tycoon from Russia, Russia's richest mand and most eligible bachelor. He has an estimated net worth of 14.1 billion American dollars. It is not safe to say that Americ'as wealthy will also start to see the list shrink along with the economy. This is just seeing what is happening on top of the mountain, when we examine the middle of the mountain, if the top is crumbling, the entire thing must be too. These shrinking numbers are only the aftermath of what is really going on throughout world economies. A lot of America's rich won't want to say what their assests are over the next few months because of the poor economy.
Jobs vanshing
California may see the loss of 20,000 jobs this year.
State workers of California will see the loss of 20,000 jobs next year because of a $40 billion budget that did not pass. California holds the world's 8th largest economy and has been hit because of the housing crisis, unemployment, and falling consumer spending. The loss of jobs will began in July next year, but payroll cuts will begin this June. California is said to run out of money by the end of February if a budget isnt helped. This will be present throughout many other US states. California, whish has a large population and economy, will not be the only state to see a rise of unemployment and debt over the next few months. For state to declare bankruptcy will be a very scary thing to see over the next few weeks.
State workers of California will see the loss of 20,000 jobs next year because of a $40 billion budget that did not pass. California holds the world's 8th largest economy and has been hit because of the housing crisis, unemployment, and falling consumer spending. The loss of jobs will began in July next year, but payroll cuts will begin this June. California is said to run out of money by the end of February if a budget isnt helped. This will be present throughout many other US states. California, whish has a large population and economy, will not be the only state to see a rise of unemployment and debt over the next few months. For state to declare bankruptcy will be a very scary thing to see over the next few weeks.
Fraud Tycoons
Tycoon arrest over fraud allegations.
Sir Allen Stanford, a billionaire from Texas, has been charged with fraud by the Security and Exchange commission; a total of $8 billion. A US judge has frozen his assets, as well as arresting top board members of the Stanford Financial Group. His fraud is said to reach out into worldwide funds. Standford supposidly falsified its historical data, historical returns, and data to investors. The company was first investigated last year, and only because of the Madoff scam, were the allegations thoroughly investigated. What this means is a large low confidence in consumers and investors across the globe will began to question where they put their wealth. This, and the Madoff scam will have a ripple effect on smaller financial firms across the world. Many people may take their money out of the market resulting in a downfall of markets around the globe. Many people may looose their a large amount of wealth because of this scam.
Sir Allen Stanford, a billionaire from Texas, has been charged with fraud by the Security and Exchange commission; a total of $8 billion. A US judge has frozen his assets, as well as arresting top board members of the Stanford Financial Group. His fraud is said to reach out into worldwide funds. Standford supposidly falsified its historical data, historical returns, and data to investors. The company was first investigated last year, and only because of the Madoff scam, were the allegations thoroughly investigated. What this means is a large low confidence in consumers and investors across the globe will began to question where they put their wealth. This, and the Madoff scam will have a ripple effect on smaller financial firms across the world. Many people may take their money out of the market resulting in a downfall of markets around the globe. Many people may looose their a large amount of wealth because of this scam.
What's really going on here...?
President Obama signs the Stimulus Bill into law today.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law today by President Obama. What we now must do is wait to see what happens to our economy in the following months. This bill will not change everything over night, rather it be a slow process to recovery. Our economy will be put into a sustained growth era, and increase levels of employment. Job losses should be down from 500,000 to 200,000 by this fall if the bill proves effective. The plan will not work soley by itself. It will take financial stability and forecloser mitigation to be implemented along with this bill. Creating and sustaining jobs depends on the confidence of businesses. We also do not know how the economy will perform without this stimulus. A total of 90% of new or sustained jobs will be developed over the next two years if everything goes according to plan.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law today by President Obama. What we now must do is wait to see what happens to our economy in the following months. This bill will not change everything over night, rather it be a slow process to recovery. Our economy will be put into a sustained growth era, and increase levels of employment. Job losses should be down from 500,000 to 200,000 by this fall if the bill proves effective. The plan will not work soley by itself. It will take financial stability and forecloser mitigation to be implemented along with this bill. Creating and sustaining jobs depends on the confidence of businesses. We also do not know how the economy will perform without this stimulus. A total of 90% of new or sustained jobs will be developed over the next two years if everything goes according to plan.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
3 stars, right out of the UK.
Dutch PM gets the boot.
Dutch Prime Minister Geert Wilders of the Freedom Party has been sent back to the Netherlands after his controversial film. His film portrays the connected between terrorism and Islam within the Qur’an. Many Muslims were angered by his film when it appeared on the internet. He now sees democracy as not present in his world. He believes in freedom of speech, and that he has lost it based on everything that has happened to him. He says that the actions of the UK government are making it clear that the United Kingdom is cowardly towards Muslims. He believes that the only way the film is offensive is if you are “a violent Islam extremist.” The government backed their decision by stating that there is no freedom of speech when one yells fire in a movie theatre or to stir up religious hate towards other groups. This however, can be argued. One does have the freedom to do so, only with consequences. There are no laws which say one cannot scream fire in a movie theater; therefore there are no laws in which say one cannot create a movie which reflect their views. In reality, a director’s view is what makes the film. When a speech is used negatively towards a specific group, then the person should be taken looked at. But it is a film. A person should not be moved out of a country because of a film.
Dutch Prime Minister Geert Wilders of the Freedom Party has been sent back to the Netherlands after his controversial film. His film portrays the connected between terrorism and Islam within the Qur’an. Many Muslims were angered by his film when it appeared on the internet. He now sees democracy as not present in his world. He believes in freedom of speech, and that he has lost it based on everything that has happened to him. He says that the actions of the UK government are making it clear that the United Kingdom is cowardly towards Muslims. He believes that the only way the film is offensive is if you are “a violent Islam extremist.” The government backed their decision by stating that there is no freedom of speech when one yells fire in a movie theatre or to stir up religious hate towards other groups. This however, can be argued. One does have the freedom to do so, only with consequences. There are no laws which say one cannot scream fire in a movie theater; therefore there are no laws in which say one cannot create a movie which reflect their views. In reality, a director’s view is what makes the film. When a speech is used negatively towards a specific group, then the person should be taken looked at. But it is a film. A person should not be moved out of a country because of a film.
Global Terrorism
The slow global economy may be hiding alternative motives.
Global terrorism is the product of our new and faster world. America’s reputation, since the 2000’s began, has been on the verge of disarray across many parts of the world. We have such a huge influence on the way people act and perceive the economy. Some people believe that because we are in a state of vulnerability, our weakened economy as well as the worlds, may lead to another terrorist attack on a large scale. Many governments across the globe have seen a decline in political change because of the economic downturn and its negative effects of markets and governments. We, are far too use to having things change and adjust rapidly; the idea of a slowdown is terrifying for most who have not lived through the great depression. Intelligence chief, Mr. Blair, says that the attack in Kabul was a result of the American backed President Hamid Karzai. The government also believes that North Korea is ready to use its long range missiles to use as a threat against cities on the west coast. He also says that they believe that Iran is “closer to using advanced missile technology. The downturn in the economy may be playing a role is allowing parties undercover to use the economic focus to distract attention away from motives that may already be in play.
Global terrorism is the product of our new and faster world. America’s reputation, since the 2000’s began, has been on the verge of disarray across many parts of the world. We have such a huge influence on the way people act and perceive the economy. Some people believe that because we are in a state of vulnerability, our weakened economy as well as the worlds, may lead to another terrorist attack on a large scale. Many governments across the globe have seen a decline in political change because of the economic downturn and its negative effects of markets and governments. We, are far too use to having things change and adjust rapidly; the idea of a slowdown is terrifying for most who have not lived through the great depression. Intelligence chief, Mr. Blair, says that the attack in Kabul was a result of the American backed President Hamid Karzai. The government also believes that North Korea is ready to use its long range missiles to use as a threat against cities on the west coast. He also says that they believe that Iran is “closer to using advanced missile technology. The downturn in the economy may be playing a role is allowing parties undercover to use the economic focus to distract attention away from motives that may already be in play.
789
The 789.
The 789 dollar stimulus plan has been settled between the Republican and Democratic parties. Now the question is, will this plan suit the agenda of President Obama. The stimulus is supposed to help the United States crumbling economy, but what about the long run? Sure, the plan may help out in the short run, but at the cost of a added massive debt that will take generations to pay off. The issues on President Obama’s agenda will have to be put off as the public awaits to see what will happen to our economy. The health care reform, the environment, education; may all have to wait until after the media and public moves focus away from the economic situation. President Obama has played a major role in the reasons why the stock markets have fluctuated significantly day to day after his speeches. I think that before anyone glorifies President Obama about the “success” (potential) of the plan, we won’t see the effects of it until the 2010’s. Aside from twenty years down the line when we are paying it all off with fiat money, and not the money in our wallets as many people assume has any real significance at all.
The 789 dollar stimulus plan has been settled between the Republican and Democratic parties. Now the question is, will this plan suit the agenda of President Obama. The stimulus is supposed to help the United States crumbling economy, but what about the long run? Sure, the plan may help out in the short run, but at the cost of a added massive debt that will take generations to pay off. The issues on President Obama’s agenda will have to be put off as the public awaits to see what will happen to our economy. The health care reform, the environment, education; may all have to wait until after the media and public moves focus away from the economic situation. President Obama has played a major role in the reasons why the stock markets have fluctuated significantly day to day after his speeches. I think that before anyone glorifies President Obama about the “success” (potential) of the plan, we won’t see the effects of it until the 2010’s. Aside from twenty years down the line when we are paying it all off with fiat money, and not the money in our wallets as many people assume has any real significance at all.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Stock-lett takes a tumble
Stocks, the scary and most thrilling roller coaster.
Stocks have been a mess since late August. It is very disappointing to me, at this time in my life, to see how powerful the role of money is many people’s lives. Even though I have lost my fair share of stock investments over the past few months, I cannot even begin to imagine how much of an impact the decline of stock values and the general markets have had on some of the most powerful people on this planet. This article in particular shows how the markets fluctuate based on politics and business. The markets did not do so well on Tuesday, but after reading this article one may feel hopeful for the future. The article quotes “It's going to be a challenging period … the stock volatility and economic uncertainty are going to continue throughout the year.” Stocks have always been volatile. The article also discusses that unemployment has decreased from its previous high of 625,000 to 610,000. Maybe those 15,000 are part of the new stimulus plan. There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel, hopefully stocks will rise after this plan is approved.
Stocks have been a mess since late August. It is very disappointing to me, at this time in my life, to see how powerful the role of money is many people’s lives. Even though I have lost my fair share of stock investments over the past few months, I cannot even begin to imagine how much of an impact the decline of stock values and the general markets have had on some of the most powerful people on this planet. This article in particular shows how the markets fluctuate based on politics and business. The markets did not do so well on Tuesday, but after reading this article one may feel hopeful for the future. The article quotes “It's going to be a challenging period … the stock volatility and economic uncertainty are going to continue throughout the year.” Stocks have always been volatile. The article also discusses that unemployment has decreased from its previous high of 625,000 to 610,000. Maybe those 15,000 are part of the new stimulus plan. There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel, hopefully stocks will rise after this plan is approved.
Homeless, Focus
Homeless have always acquired the streets.
This particular article talks about a homeless woman, Henrietta Hughes and the how people are now donating money to her so she has a place to sleep at night. While this sounds like a wonderful plan, I believe that signaling out one person that represents an increasing number of people in the United States is dangerous for the long run. The article discusses Fort Myers area in Florida, which is deems a Republican area, and how the economy has affected the middle class in the area. The article says that houses that use to go for over $300,000 now go for less than $107,000. One Republican even offered the woman and her family to stay at one of his vacation homes rent free. I don’t think that this article is accurately addressing the issue of the poor economy and unemployment rates. This is one example on how people who are in distress rely too heavily on the government for complete support. Aside from my particular political stance, what the government needs to do is not focus on giving, but offering assistance. The article also questions how a homeless woman who lives in a car with her family just happened to get to the front of the pack to talk to Obama. I think that this is irrelevant.
This particular article talks about a homeless woman, Henrietta Hughes and the how people are now donating money to her so she has a place to sleep at night. While this sounds like a wonderful plan, I believe that signaling out one person that represents an increasing number of people in the United States is dangerous for the long run. The article discusses Fort Myers area in Florida, which is deems a Republican area, and how the economy has affected the middle class in the area. The article says that houses that use to go for over $300,000 now go for less than $107,000. One Republican even offered the woman and her family to stay at one of his vacation homes rent free. I don’t think that this article is accurately addressing the issue of the poor economy and unemployment rates. This is one example on how people who are in distress rely too heavily on the government for complete support. Aside from my particular political stance, what the government needs to do is not focus on giving, but offering assistance. The article also questions how a homeless woman who lives in a car with her family just happened to get to the front of the pack to talk to Obama. I think that this is irrelevant.
Stimulus Passilus
The stimulus plan has been approved.
The economic stimulus bill has finally been accepted by the democrats and republicans, says Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. A major problem that caused the bill to be postponed to approval was the education stimulus section of the bill. The final bill will consist of the following:
The homeowner tax credit has been kept but significantly reduced. The Senate version proposed a $15,000 credit; double that of the House bill.
A tax credit for people who buy a car in 2009 has been reduced significantly.
The Alternative Minimum Tax has been extended to include tax breaks for the wealthy as well as many middle class families.
$90 million to Medicaid
$150 billion for infrastructure $49.6 billion will be used for transportation infrastructure.
Tax breaks for workers that had been set at $1,000 per family/$500 per individual would be scaled back to $800 per family and $400 per individual.
Democrats have also said that 35% of the bill is for tax cuts while the other 65% is for spending.
President Obama seems very adamant that this bill will guarantee the creation of 3.5 million jobs. What I would like to see where exactly these jobs will be located. One major concern I have is who is qualified for these 3.5 million jobs? Are the already employed or the unemployed recently laid off lower middle class thirty-five year old guaranteed a part of these new jobs? The article also states that out of the 219 Republicans in Congress, only three backed the bill. I find that this article is very biased, probably written by a Democrat. In most news articles since the elections, Republicans have been seen as a negative group. This article is no exception, except that the bill is on its way to approval.
The economic stimulus bill has finally been accepted by the democrats and republicans, says Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. A major problem that caused the bill to be postponed to approval was the education stimulus section of the bill. The final bill will consist of the following:
The homeowner tax credit has been kept but significantly reduced. The Senate version proposed a $15,000 credit; double that of the House bill.
A tax credit for people who buy a car in 2009 has been reduced significantly.
The Alternative Minimum Tax has been extended to include tax breaks for the wealthy as well as many middle class families.
$90 million to Medicaid
$150 billion for infrastructure $49.6 billion will be used for transportation infrastructure.
Tax breaks for workers that had been set at $1,000 per family/$500 per individual would be scaled back to $800 per family and $400 per individual.
Democrats have also said that 35% of the bill is for tax cuts while the other 65% is for spending.
President Obama seems very adamant that this bill will guarantee the creation of 3.5 million jobs. What I would like to see where exactly these jobs will be located. One major concern I have is who is qualified for these 3.5 million jobs? Are the already employed or the unemployed recently laid off lower middle class thirty-five year old guaranteed a part of these new jobs? The article also states that out of the 219 Republicans in Congress, only three backed the bill. I find that this article is very biased, probably written by a Democrat. In most news articles since the elections, Republicans have been seen as a negative group. This article is no exception, except that the bill is on its way to approval.
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