Showing posts with label President Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label President Obama. Show all posts
Jul 17, 2010
Lockhart Line 7.17 - News: Presidential Weekly Address - Pres O goes hard on the GOP!!!
Feb 4, 2010
Jan 21, 2010
Lockhart Line 1.21 - WSJ Money News: Obama Moves to Restrict Big Banks
Does this move by the president move us in the right direction?
Dec 10, 2009
Sep 15, 2009
Obama banking on the middle class
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Sep 10, 2009
May 2, 2009
President Obama's Weekly Address: SWINE FLU
BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT: WASH YOUR HANDS AND COVER YOUR MOUTH WHEN YOU COUGH TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF INFECTION AND SEE A DOCTOR IF YOU ARE SHOWING ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS!!
Apr 21, 2009
Economic challenges
In these tough economic times, to pay or not to pay student loans, is one of the tougher calls that 2009 college students have to make.
President Obama suggested during his campaign, that the United States needed to make college more affordable and help students who are taking on high levels of debt. Graduating from college with large amounts of loans, he said, deters students from pursuing some careers. He pitched his plan to provide students a tax credit of up to $4,000 for tuition in exchange for performing community service.
The volatile stock market continues fluctuating upward and downward daily like a pinball on steroids. Rainy day funds and 401K's are in the toilet. Your parents have probably decided that making the first or second mortgage payments on time this month is a better idea than buying a new iPod or cell phone. Now, more than ever, college students are faced with very tough financial decisions which is having an affect on enrollment and delaying completion of degree plans.
Few students can afford to pay for college without some form of educational financing. Two-thirds of 4-year undergraduate students graduate with some debt, and the average student loan debt among graduating seniors is $19,237 (excluding PLUS Loans but including Stafford, Perkins, state, college and private loans), according to the 2003-2004 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS). The median is $17,120.
One quarter of undergraduate students borrow $24,936 or more, and one tenth borrow $35,213 or more. For federal student loan debt (excluding PLUS Loans), the figures are 62.2% and $17,036. Average cumulative debt increases by about 3percent, or approximately $550 a year. When one includes PLUS loans in the total, the average cumulative debt incurred is $21,899. Approximately one in 10 parents borrow PLUS loans for their children's college education, with a cumulative PLUS loan debt of $16,317.
So far, the only positive for Main Street to come out of the recent economic slowdown had been the drop in the price of oil. At first glance, the drop has equated to a slight decrease in price at the pump but, if the economy continues in this downward spiral the low price of oil could mean delays in moving to alternative energy sources. Besides, those meager savings alone won't be enough to change the pessimistic minds of Wall Street investors and many others.
Economists say that the credit markets are thawing but they are still frozen overall. The financial department of Richland College, where I am currently taking classes, reports only a 1% increase (14%) in the amount of financial aid loans that have defaulted this year. In an recent interview, (former) Richland Financial Aid Director Bill McMullen commented on the economy, education and some of the programs that are available on campus to assist students with financial needs.
Q. What are some of the financial aid challenges that you see for students who will be attending classes next semester?
McMullen: If the student wishes to participate in the Federal Student Loan program, finding a lender that still participates in the program can be challenging.
Q. President Obama has proposed legislation to increase the amount of Pell Grants that are available to college students. Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?
McMullen: If we can give students more money in grant programs, this reduces the amount they need to borrow. I support reducing students debt.
Q. What are some of the financial aid support sources offered by the Financial Aid department? What criteria if any do students have to meet to qualify for these programs?
McMullen: We offer several federal and state programs. The student will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (FAFSA)
Traditionally, college students have always had to do more with less but students attending courses now or making plans to attend a secondary school in the future have enormous financial decisions that may hinder or halt their educational dreams.
Third-year Business Marketing major, Grant Nash said he was hopeful that the economy would correct itself over time and continue to grow.
"Thankfully, I'm not using any student loans right now to pay for school but I will be using them when I transfer to the University of Texas at Dallas in the spring."
The recent steps taken by the White House and Congress to bail out banks was supposed to improve the economic outlook and keep the markets moving. So far their moves have had little affect on the troublesome financial challenges that we all are facing.
Feb 11, 2009
Stimulus passes Senate sealed with a Presidential kiss!!!
Yesterday our dear president further showed his benevolence and sincerity in Fort Meyers, Florida. He spoke to a group of American people who know full well the seriousness of the nations weak economy. Unemployment in the area is up to 10 percent, from 2.3 percent this time in 2006, and the area's foreclosure rate of 12 percent is the highest in the nation. (Huffingtonpost.com)
The now 838 billion dollar stimulus plan narrowly passed in the Senate yesterday by a vote of 61-37. The folks in attendance at the town hall where the president spoke, know full well the benefits of a stimulus package approval. When President Obama received the news that a revised form of his bill had passed the Senate, he announced the good news to the crowd which was thirsty for any good economic news after so much doom and gloom. President Obama then took open questions from the diverse crowd of woeful Floridians and was moved to action by the story of Henrietta Hughes. Her story like many in that state has become exasperatingly dire and she spoke from her heart about her desperate need for a home. She and her son lost there home last year when her son lost his job. Without any residence Ms. Hughes was not allowed to vote in the historic election of 2008. Silenced by the irresponsible business actions of corporate CEOs which created the country's poor economic situation she remained hopeful and prayed that Barack Obama would win the 2008 election. She was renewed by his presence yesterday and humbly implored him for immediate assistance.
"I have an urgent need, unemployment and homelessness, a very small vehicle for my family and I to live in," she said. "The housing authority has two years' waiting lists, and we need something more than the vehicle and the parks to go to. We need our own kitchen and our own bathroom. Please help."
Seizing the moment the gracious and caring president calmly left the stage and walked directly to Ms. Hughes' position in the stands and offered his attention. "We're gonna do everything we can to help you ... I'll have my staff talk to you after the town hall." he said and sealed the deal with a "Presidential kiss"
Wow..change, it just feels good doesn't it!!!
Jan 31, 2009
President Obama presses Congress for stimulus...RNC goes black...Serena wins 10th Grand Slam...Tomlin leads Pittsburgh into Superbowl XLIII
Black is beautiful. On the eve of Black History month it appears that every facet of American life is finally embracing the notion of black beauty, seriously. Just look around and you will find black people in this country living life out loud for a change. "Say it loud! I'm black and I'm proud!" Not since the 1960s and 1970s has the spirit of black nationalism and pride been so high.
President Obama presses Congress for stimulus...
The nation is celebration of the historic election and inauguration of the first African-American as president is fading as the economic climate in the country continues to worsen. President Obama's role is so important not only in modern black history but American history as well. In the face of two wars abroad, a deepening recession at home and a country still yearning for governmental change, he is doing his best to carefully walk through the valley of the shadows and not fear the evil. His $819 billion stimulus package narrowly passed through the House of Representatives earlier this week and without a single Republican vote even after he made good on his campaign promise to reach across party lines. He visited with the House Republicans earlier this week in hopes of garnering their support for his plan but to no avail. Mr. President I commend you for your efforts but I wasn't surprised that they didn't vote to invest in America. The Republican creed for some time concerning spending has been unless it is for defense the answer is "No." The bill now rests in the hand of the Senate before he will have a chance to sign it into law and get the country moving again. Hopefully, the members of the Senate will support an investment in a domestic cause that is not partisan and help us in a more positive direction.
RNC goes black!!
Not to be out done by the Democrats who successfully broke the nations' color barrier with the historic nomination of the first black candidate last year, the Republican National Committee (RNC) announced former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele as the new chairman yesterday. No disrespect to Mr. Steele who is a charismatic moderate conservative, his surprising election as chairman is drawing some criticism. But, these are very different times in America and black folk are stepping up to the plate and etching some mighty bold strokes on the pages of the new American history books. Steele's first is a sign that change has come to the GOP and they want you to think that whatever the left can do the right will try to do a little better. We will see. We will see. Congratulations Mr. Steele like President Obama you've got a lot of work ahead of you too!!
Serena wins 10th Grand Slam
Tennis sensation Serena Williams became the only the fourth woman ever to win 10 grand slam titles in the 41-year Open era today. Reports say she completely dismantled her Russian opponent Dinara Safin in just 59 minutes for the straight sets (6-0, 6-3) Austrailian Open victory. Serena has been proving the naysayers wrong on the court since her father Richard started both Serena and her champion sister Venus on their road to tennis glory on the tough streets of Compton. A jubliant Williams reflected on the significance of her accomplishment after the match. "I wanted to get to 10," Serena said of her milestone. "You never know what happens in life. I feel like, you know, opportunities sometimes don't present themselves twice." She is another shining chocolate example of the change that is sweeping the country and the world.
Tomlin leads Pittsburgh into Superbowl XLIII
The world will be watching tomorrow as second year head coaching phenom Mike Tomlin leads the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers into Superbowl XLIII against the Cinderella Arizona Cardinals. Understandably optimistic Tomilin and the Steelers boasts a top ranked tenacious defense that seeks to crush the glass slipper of the high flying Cardinals and win a record sixth Superbowl title. At only 35, Tomlin is making history as just the third black head coach to guide a team to the NFL championship game. They will face a formidable opponent in Capt'n Kurt Warner and the Cardinals high flying offense. Coach Tomlin and his staff must contain the passing game of the former Superbowl MVP because if he gets a rhythm the sky is the limit with those gazelle-like receivers Bouldin and Fitzgerald. The Steelers are hopeful they will be successful enough in their offensive and defensive efforts to hoist the Lombardi trophy helping Mike Tomlin ink another stroke on the new black American history page. To be black in America right now has to feel like the playing fields of life are finally leveling.
President Obama presses Congress for stimulus...
The nation is celebration of the historic election and inauguration of the first African-American as president is fading as the economic climate in the country continues to worsen. President Obama's role is so important not only in modern black history but American history as well. In the face of two wars abroad, a deepening recession at home and a country still yearning for governmental change, he is doing his best to carefully walk through the valley of the shadows and not fear the evil. His $819 billion stimulus package narrowly passed through the House of Representatives earlier this week and without a single Republican vote even after he made good on his campaign promise to reach across party lines. He visited with the House Republicans earlier this week in hopes of garnering their support for his plan but to no avail. Mr. President I commend you for your efforts but I wasn't surprised that they didn't vote to invest in America. The Republican creed for some time concerning spending has been unless it is for defense the answer is "No." The bill now rests in the hand of the Senate before he will have a chance to sign it into law and get the country moving again. Hopefully, the members of the Senate will support an investment in a domestic cause that is not partisan and help us in a more positive direction.
RNC goes black!!
Not to be out done by the Democrats who successfully broke the nations' color barrier with the historic nomination of the first black candidate last year, the Republican National Committee (RNC) announced former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele as the new chairman yesterday. No disrespect to Mr. Steele who is a charismatic moderate conservative, his surprising election as chairman is drawing some criticism. But, these are very different times in America and black folk are stepping up to the plate and etching some mighty bold strokes on the pages of the new American history books. Steele's first is a sign that change has come to the GOP and they want you to think that whatever the left can do the right will try to do a little better. We will see. We will see. Congratulations Mr. Steele like President Obama you've got a lot of work ahead of you too!! Serena wins 10th Grand Slam
Tennis sensation Serena Williams became the only the fourth woman ever to win 10 grand slam titles in the 41-year Open era today. Reports say she completely dismantled her Russian opponent Dinara Safin in just 59 minutes for the straight sets (6-0, 6-3) Austrailian Open victory. Serena has been proving the naysayers wrong on the court since her father Richard started both Serena and her champion sister Venus on their road to tennis glory on the tough streets of Compton. A jubliant Williams reflected on the significance of her accomplishment after the match. "I wanted to get to 10," Serena said of her milestone. "You never know what happens in life. I feel like, you know, opportunities sometimes don't present themselves twice." She is another shining chocolate example of the change that is sweeping the country and the world. Tomlin leads Pittsburgh into Superbowl XLIII
The world will be watching tomorrow as second year head coaching phenom Mike Tomlin leads the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers into Superbowl XLIII against the Cinderella Arizona Cardinals. Understandably optimistic Tomilin and the Steelers boasts a top ranked tenacious defense that seeks to crush the glass slipper of the high flying Cardinals and win a record sixth Superbowl title. At only 35, Tomlin is making history as just the third black head coach to guide a team to the NFL championship game. They will face a formidable opponent in Capt'n Kurt Warner and the Cardinals high flying offense. Coach Tomlin and his staff must contain the passing game of the former Superbowl MVP because if he gets a rhythm the sky is the limit with those gazelle-like receivers Bouldin and Fitzgerald. The Steelers are hopeful they will be successful enough in their offensive and defensive efforts to hoist the Lombardi trophy helping Mike Tomlin ink another stroke on the new black American history page. To be black in America right now has to feel like the playing fields of life are finally leveling.
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