Despite signs of improvement...people are still losing hope.

Specifically in the west, unemployment has reached an all time high. 6.7 million people approximately are without a job. Furthermore, unemployment checks are being limited as well. This comes as terrible news for many. There are several people who have had to deal with losing their jobs and finding jobs that they would never even dream of finding. Even people who have notable degrees are being turned away from jobs. Economists feel that even when the economy recovers it won't mean an immediate relief for the unemployed. Several Economists feel that the when the market improves companies will still try to be conservative, they will hire less people and cut back on budgets mainly because they are used to being that way when the market was down. Moreover, there probably won't be any more creation of jobs right away because many businesses have closed down. Essentially, people who may be unemployed now...are having to deal with the possibility of remaining jobless for years.

Mr. Obama and his administration are trying desperately to try to alleviate this financial problem. One of Obama's ideas is to have the labor department extend unemployment benefits for a few more months. However, they are very much against the idea because there is only so much unemployment they can give out, and with the rate of unemployment increasing and extension of the unemployment checks could but the labor department in jeopardy. There are just so many places that have been affected in just a short period of time. A lot are hoping for the expansion phase because they fear that there will be another great depression, that we worked so hard to get out of and hopefully never have to face again.

This article really disturbed me. There had been several individuals who had been interviewed about their situation. Some are having to live off just little by little, knowing that there is a possibility of being homeless. Even jobs that were initially deemed attainable are now not so safe. A lot of people are trying so hard, but some are just losing hope. I on the other hand, am hopeful that Mr. Obama will be able to figure out a plan that will halt the problems that are being caused by the faltering economy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/business/economy/21unemployed.html?pagewanted=4&em

Wal-Mart's eco-friendly approach

Wal-Mart one of the largest corporations is strongly considering to cutback on using resources that is harmful to the environment, and instead using FDA approved products as well. Furthermore, Wal-Mart is instead investing in more organic food for consumers. This seems to be more so to save money for the corporation instead of taking the environment into consideration. Though, going green can be costly in the long run... hopefully Wal-Mart can convince consumers to invest in more organic products to help boost their profits.

However, several are extremely skeptical because they think that it is such a big step for the corporation to be doing this approach. Not only would it cost so much money, it would also be problematic for suppliers who will have to spend more money to get the products there.

I think that going green is a wonderful approach for Wal-Mart. I feel that it will definitely boost sales for the corporation. I am a bit skeptical too because not a large percent of consumers are for organic foods. This is mostly because it can be very expensive in the long run. Moreover, I am very curious to see how this works out for Wal-Mart. I think it will be successful.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/26/business/energy-environment/26walmart.html?em

Obama’s conflict with the senate over the Health Bill

The health bill has been the height of political frenzy for President Obama and the senate. Obama has been in conflict with the senate (specifically the Republicans) over the proposition of a new health bill. It would cost a lot of money but the senate is very complacent about this idea because they feel it will not work.

However, Mr. Obama and his administration is determined to make sure that it works. Unfortunately, the health bill has caused conflicts between Mr. Obama and the senate that could turn into a showdown rather than a proper deal. The Health Care bill will cost over 950 billion dollars over the span of a decade. This Health Care bill is specifically designated to help middle-class families afford proper healthcare.

The democrats and republicans in the senate have different ideas on how to combat the rising costs of healthcare. Obama still has a different idea. There are so many opposing ideas on such an important subject. I feel that healthcare is so important because the cost has been rising over the past few years. It has affected a lot of middle-class families who are afraid that they are just one-sickness away from losing everything (from what I learned in Economics). I think that Mr. Obama and the senate will hopefully find a good solution to alleviate the problem. I think that the senate should look at the Health Bill carefully and Obama should also hear what the senate thinks is best and then formulate a plan that is best. I'm very curious to see how this situation will turn out.

www.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/health/policy/23health.html?hp

Boston Library considering to cut several branches.

This comes as terrible news for bibliophiles living in the Boston area. The main library branch is considering to cut down at least 10 of the supplemental branches in an attempt to save money. Due to the stagnant economy, the library system has suffered a great deal. They have not been able to receive funding for staff development and other projects. Initially, they were cutting hours for the employees at the library, but when this proved unsuccesful the Boston Library was left with no other choice than to lay off almost a quarter of the employees.

Now, they are debating whether or not to shut down the branches and keep the ones remaining open for shorter working hours. This is crucial because it shows the ripple effect that the receding economy has impacted. Libraries are funded by the government, but the government has had to deal with defecits and other problems, it was inevitable to cut funding for the libraries.

In my opinion I think it is sad that libraries have been affected. Hopefully, this should be a red-flag to the senate to try to prevent the economy from declining any further. It is one thing to propose a better solution, but to enact upon it is entirely different. Meanwhile, the economy is slowly deteriorating and everything is falling apart. Even places that you would least expect...like libraries for instance. Hopefully, Barack Obama can work with the senate to formulate a plan to improve the situation, before it is too late.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/02/18/library_may_cut_10_of_its_branches/?page=2

Truth about Defecit

I think that the article in New York Times was very incisive about the deficit that the US economy is currently experiencing. However, I felt that the writer was constantly pointing out former President George Bush's mistakes, rather than offering a better solution to fix the problem.

The Obama Administration is trying desperately to alleviate the problem, by various methods including the funding of new projects and programs. Of course, this proposal will cost a great deal of money, but what if it doesn't work? Is it worth the risk?

The Article basically focuses on how the deficit is affecting our economy. Furthermore, the writer is hoping to help the reader understand what deficit and other economic terms mean, figuratively and literally.

I think that the article was well written, but it should have shown more solutions. Obama is taking the initiative to fix the economy and restore it back to the way it was, but it will take time. Unfortunately, some can't afford to wait.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/opinion/07sun1.html?em

Gays in the millitary

The prospect of being homosexual and serving in the armed forces has caused a plethora of political frenzy. President Obama certainly agrees that "you don't have to be straight to aim your weapon straight". In the article, "Gays in The Millitary" archived from the Economist, several issues have been confronted. The author basically focuses on what is being done to diminish that law that bars homosexuals from joining the millitary. According to the article, there won't be a decision until 2011 on weather or homosexuals will be allowed to join the millitary. Hopefully, Obama can get a ban on that sooner, or until the dispute is resolved can make it so that homosexuals don't have to be discharged from the millitary.

Personally, I don't think that homosexuals should be banned from serving in the military. It doesn't have anything to do with the military, which is specifically for individuals who want to serve our country. By banning homosexuals, it sort of says that they are not worthy enough to serve the country just based on who they are. Our country is about equality and acceptance. It shouldn't be that people who are gay can't be apart of the armed services, but in the end it is the armed services loss when they deny them a chance to serve the country.

http://www.economist.com/world/united-states/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15453150&source=hptextfeature