NO!- As long as we have 'The Great Vampire Squid (Wall Street), wrapped around the face of humanity,' the economy is doomed.
73%
YES! - Things seem to be getting better for myself and those around me.
27%
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Thom's Blog Is On the Move
By webmaster
Hello All
Thom's blog in this space and moving to a new home.
Please follow us across to hartmannreport.com - this will be the only place going forward to read Thom's blog posts and articles.
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From The Thom Hartmann Reader:
"With the ever-growing influence of corporate CEOs and their right-wing allies in all aspects of American life, Hartmann’s work is more relevant than ever. Throughout his career, Hartmann has spoken compellingly about the value of people-centered democracy and the challenges that millions of ordinary Americans face today as a result of a dogma dedicated to putting profit above all else. This collection is a rousing call for Americans to work together and put people first again."
From The Thom Hartmann Reader:
"In an age rife with media-inspired confusion and political cowardice, we yearn for a decent, caring, deeply human soul whose grasp of the problems confronting us provides a light by which we can make our way through the quagmire of lies, distortions, pandering, and hollow self-puffery that strips the American Dream of its promise. How lucky we are, then, to have access to the wit, wisdom, and willingness of Thom Hartmann, who shares with us here that very light, grown out of his own life experience."
From Cracking the Code:
"No one communicates more thoughtfully or effectively on the radio airwaves than Thom Hartmann. He gets inside the arguments and helps people to think them through—to understand how to respond when they’re talking about public issues with coworkers, neighbors, and friends. This book explores some of the key perspectives behind his approach, teaching us not just how to find the facts, but to talk about what they mean in a way that people will hear."
I have been unemployed for 3.5 yrs-this is 7X longer than any previous spell in my 29 yrs of adult life.I gave up looking for work 2 yrs ago.Started college this year.I despair that summer employment won't happen for me.No one beleives these useless unemployment stats like 8.2%-I think it's 3X that figure.No job no problem, except for the money thing.
It only appears to be, on a small scale. Mostly because so many have dropped off the unemployment roles or people have given up. Even most of the ones who've found jobs, they are earning less money or are working one or more part time jobs. The economy is rallying only slightly and is still very weak, thanks in large part to the rich and our corrupt congress.
We are seeing a hill and valley skewness which could be indicative of approaching a limit and another downturn. It's hard to conclude that we have turned a corner just because the Market has a good week or an uptick in emplyment.
1. There are grave problems in Europe which could impact our economy.I
2. We are exhausting our natural resources at alarming rates (oil, gas, minerals, water, topsoiletc). The economy will reflect this with rising prices for necessities like food, fuel and shelter.
3. Corporations and government have no adequate plans to cope with looming economic problems
No! We need to quit getting excited and writing headlines over each little temporary upturn. We have proven that Trickle Down, Reagonomics, Bailouts, and Keynesian Economics don’t solve the problem. The criminal banksters and the housing bubble contributed to, and triggered, the breakdown, but the real problem was living beyond our means on borrowed money. We still are.
It is time to take off the rose colored glasses, and quit pretending that the 1990’s and early 2000’s were normal and sustainable, and that we can bring them back. Like it or not, we now live in a global economy. International businesses are loyal to the bottom line, not to our country no matter how American their name or history. The people of the emerging nations are neither lazy nor stupid. America’s future in the world depends on how deep a hole we dig before we face the unpleasant facts
The economy is getting better because fewer individuals are wasting their income and people are shopping locally whenever possible. They're becoming more independent with gardens and bikes/scooters.
We are in a bad recession.Unemployment is 8% of what? People are in trouble-losing jobs, mounting debt, no spending money, high gas prices. People have given up. It looks hopeless for most people. The Republican primaries are a farce-no substance, no concern for ordinary people. Voterrs are cynical. We used to have survival of the fittest, now we have survival of the richest.
There are a number of "experts" saying there may be another big crash yet, since the Wall St. games are still in play and the same people who brought you the last crash are still making the rules. Banks have not changed their preditory ways with housing. Etc, etc.
I sincerely hope we're turning it around. There are certainly signs that some of the powers that be are beginning to listen. I watched a very interesting meeting on C-Span, discussing issues with commodities speculation schemes by big corporations that are helping to keep oil prices and food prices high. The meeting was called by democrats in congress Let's hope they do some good, and it wasn't all for show.
Remember when Bush said, "that the economy was fundamentally strong"? That was nonsense then and it is still untrue. With our unsound tax and trade policies there will not be a real recovery for the middle class. 25% of the economy is the financial services sector. What do they create other than debt? We haven't replaced the good jobs from the 50,000 closed U.S. factories. The standard of living has been decimated for millions and only the wealthiest are prospering. This process has been coming for 30 years and is only getting worse. The tax code allows the wealthiest corporations to not only pay no tax but loot the treasury with their corporate welfare. Until our government is taken back by the people from the corporations, America's future is not bright.
These are difficult times.........this goes without saying; however we have the right man in the President's office. He needs more support from Congress and the best way to accomplish this is at the polls in November!!!!!!! If there are folks who think the Republican party is the answer, one better think again!!!!! The later wants to mess up social security, medi-care, oil subsidies, issues with woman, degrading the middle class, tax breaks for the wealthy, large corporations!!!!!! The list seems to have no end!!!!! People, please educate yourself as to what are the best alterantives for our nation. I would also strongly suggest we "pray for the President!" Allow me to share something I carry with me in my car: "God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference!!"