Politics?

Am I allowed to do this? It isn't really politics... It's economics. And I'm pretty sure we can have good conversations about this.

We watched this today in my TCom 204 class. I didn't even know the President was even speaking last night, and if I had known, I can't say I would have watched it... but I sure am glad I did. I think you all should watch it. Unfortunately I can't get the video to go here, so here's the link.

from CNN.com: Bush Economic Address

Because of the awesome trip to Europe this summer I'm planning, I've been keeping close watch on the value of the dollar. And it's been falling fast. Hopefully that's nothing new to you.
Did you watch the video? It's only 12 minutes. And I'm not really a fan of Bush, but I enjoyed this.

So if you didn't watch it you should. Right now.
Basically It was easy for banks to give loans, so they did. People who couldn't afford houses bought them anyways because, hey, they can get a loan for it! because people paying interest on loans is how banks make money. But in the long run they got screwed because those people couldn't pay back the loans blahblahblah. Those people tried to sell their houses, but no one could buy them, the price of houses went down drastically. Now all the banks are about to die, as well as businesses. Everything's just pretty awful. So Bush wants to take $700 billion of our taxes ($700,000,000,000!) and buy the bonds that no one else can buy. This will help the banks and businesses get back on their feet. However they'll also basically be pumping more money into the economy. Can we say inflation?

Yes, but if taxes are raised, then it will be okay... Okay in that the value of the dollar won't go down. But you know, taxes will be higher, and nobody wants to do that. But it looks like its necessary. I dunno, maybe there's another way?

You know things are bad when Bush, a republican, wants to step in and fix things with the economy. If people started getting scared, and took their money out of banks, and the stock market, there's a very good chance we could go into another depression.

Anyways, this next video isn't as long, and sorry its such awful quality, but here's a lesson America needs to learn.
Don't buy stuff you can't afford:

SNL-Debt Consolidation (w/Steve Martin)


So in other words, it looks like Mary and I picked an awful time to go to Europe... and Alisha, you picked a bad time to go to London.
But who cares! It'll be awesome.

You know what... while I'm at it:
Don't shop at Wal-Mart (http://walmartwatch.com/) It's DESTROYING THE WORLD. FOR REAL. heh
Um a fence on the Mexican border is an awful idea.
and we need to get rid of NAFTA.

...just some ideas.