T'Is the Days After Christmas

Bob Franken, 12.28.2009

Appears on MSNBC and is a member of SPJ Washington Hall of Fame

T'is the days after Christmas and all through the nation, Too many still face unemployed desperation. The contrived cheer of yuletide, it could not ...

2009 Economic Year in Review: The Recovery Has Started

Hale "Bonddad" Stewart, 12.26.2009

Tax lawyer, former bond broker, financial blogger

At the end of 2008 the economy was facing a deflationary threat. In response, the government put a stimulus program into place and the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates to near zero. So, how has this paid off?

We Look Back with Sadness, But We Look Forward with Hope

Mahinda Rajapaksa, 12.24.2009

President of Sri Lanka

Five years on from the terrible tsunami of 2004 that ravished our island, now is truly an exciting time for Sri Lanka. We are creating a land of opportunity for all Sri Lankans and no one will be left behind.

Deck the Halls With Boughs of Economic Folly

Dan Dorfman, 12.23.2009

Financial Columnist, Market Commentator.

Anyone who thinks the U.S. is headed back to normality in terms of economic growth and employment is simply not looking at the facts.

Invest In Child Care, Invest In The Future

Daniel Heimpel, 12.24.2009

Freelance journalist

Shortsighted budgeting has befallen most public entitlements, including foster care. This despite years of research that has consistently shown that investing in children is met with positive returns.

"Start Over, Finish Rich", David Bach's 10 Steps For Getting Out Of Debt

David Bach, 12.23.2009

Author, "Start Over, Finish Rich: 10 Steps to Get You Back on Track in 2010"

If you are one of the estimated 50 million Americans who are drowning in credit card debt, know that while it may not be easy you can get out of debt.

The 2010 Elections: Bring 'em on!

Eric Lotke, 12.23.2009

Research Director at the Campaign for America's Future and author of 2044

Many dread how badly the election is shaping up. Commentators predict double digit Democratic losses in the House and further retreat from the sixty vote threshold in the Senate.

What Recession? Full Spend Ahead!

Lita Smith-Mines, 12.22.2009

Attorney and Editor in Chief, Boating Times Long Island

As the ability to charge-now, refinance-later vanished when most homeowners' equity evaporated, I hoped the chronic consumer had also become extinct.

Congress Is Committed to Creating Jobs on Main Street

Rep. Edolphus Towns, 12.22.2009

We still have a way to go until job opportunities are abundant, but my colleagues in Congress and I remain committed to creating jobs, especially in the communities hardest hit by the recession.

My Annual Holiday Letter

Lesley Stern, 12.25.2009

Writer, counselor to the nouveau poor

I've also made great strides on the financial front. I discovered how to get the laundry machines in the basement to work without quarters! That ought to save me several dollars a week.

George Carlin and the "Better than Nothing" Future

Bob Franken, 12.22.2009

Appears on MSNBC and is a member of SPJ Washington Hall of Fame

As fundamentally important as it is, the global warming drama is still not worth watching. Right now the best show in town features our esteemed leaders thrashing around on health care.

AIG: We Shall Know the Truth

Jim Wallis, 12.21.2009

Founder of Sojourners; speaker, author, activist

Before any deals are made to end government (read: taxpayer) control of AIG, we should demand answers to questions such as: Who knew what, and when? Who benefited, and by exactly how much?

Do American Taxpayers Receive Dividends on Repaid TARP Funds?

Ben Arnon, 12.21.2009

Social commentary about digital media, culture, and society

I diligently followed the TARP debate and happenings early on. However, at this point there have been so many versions, revisions, and debates about the TARP program that I have lost track.

Among Other Obstacles on the Road To Recovery: A New Consumer Behavior

Prune Perromat, 12.21.2009

Freelance multimedia journalist in New York. Formerly with the BBC and Agence France Presse

The future of the American economy will depend to a great extent on consumers' attitudes, which have changed deeply and perhaps permanently in this recession.

2009 Economic Year in Review: How Did We Get Here?

Hale "Bonddad" Stewart, 12.19.2009

Tax lawyer, former bond broker, financial blogger

Because we are approaching the end of the year, it is appropriate to take a look back at the economy for the last year to see how we're doing.

No Thrill Up Dylan Ratigan's Leg

Taylor Marsh, 12.21.2009

Political analyst, commentator, with foreign policy focus

How can any politician, let alone a Democrat, defend the practice of forcing the American people to buy a product from an industry that enjoys a monopoly.

An Effective Jobs Program Needs to Target Those Who Are Hurting Most

Deborah Weinstein, 12.18.2009

Executive Director, Coalition on Human Needs

The economic recovery has begun. Or so we're told. The Dow has risen well past 10,000 again and the big banks have started paying back those governm...

Four Letter Words That Could Change Your Life

Eli Davidson, 12.18.2009

Reinvention Expert, Executive Coach and Speaker

"Do I need this?" is a great question to ask yourself. Spending less money on your immediate gratification want can assist you in building up the cash to have more of what you really want.

The Parable of the Unmerciful Bankers

Jim Wallis, 12.17.2009

Founder of Sojourners; speaker, author, activist

It's estimated that the bonus pool of just one of these big banks would have been enough money to prevent or significantly delay foreclosure for all 2.3 million people who lost their homes last year.

Disillusionment And The 'Knowledge Economy'

Bob Wells, 12.17.2009

Editor, boulderreporter.com

S's death has become an example of (or at least a metaphor for) the pained existence of the growing number of people I know and hear about who could be classed professionally as Knowledge Workers.

Obama Administration Gives Bechtel Bettis a $128 Million Small Business Contract

Lloyd Chapman, 12.16.2009

Small business advocate

The American Small Business League (ASBL) has uncovered a $128 million small business contract awarded to Bechtel Bettis by Obama officials. Bechtel,...