Help The Middle ClassNews and Information For The Heart Of America
Analysis: Obama’s Afghan Strategy Relies On Factors Beyond His Control
The success of President Barack Obama’s new war strategy depends heavily on factors beyond his control: Afghan competence, Pakistani cooperation and a greater willingness by Europeans and other allies to adopt the American view that al-Qaida is at the core of the conflict.
Each of those has been missing or, at best, has fallen short despite [...]
Laid Off? No New Job? A Mini-Survival Guide
Yes, times are tough. The big banks are on life support. Home prices are in the pits. The stock market’s tanked. Unemployment’s way, way up.
And … uh-oh. How are you doing? What about your home? Your investments? Your job?
How safe is it? What’s the worst that can happen to you?
We put that question to the [...]
Elderly Emerge as a New Class of Workers — and the Jobless
Mary Appleby, 76 years old, lost her job in January as a cashier at a courthouse cafeteria here. She is now looking for minimum-wage work.
Mary Bennett, 80, began filling out applications for fast-food restaurants and convenience stores after she was laid off last March as a machinist. Fred Dase, 81, a bartender until last summer, [...]
Obama Says al Qaeda Planning Attacks On U.S. – Sending In More Troops To Afghanistan
Story Highlights • Intelligence shows al Qaeda planning attacks on U.S., President Obama says • Part of Afghan strategy is $1.5 billion annually for five years in aid for Pakistan • U.S. to send 4,000 more troops to Afghanistan as well as 17,000 announced earlier • Hundreds [...]
Upscale Restaurants Discounting Menu Prices To Lure Customers
Americans hungry for feel-good fine dining are reaping the benefits of the struggling economy.
Wine deals, bar menu specials and three-course, prix fixe meals for $25 to $40 are popping up in high-end eateries across the country to lure customers as business and leisure travel dips and diners stay closer to home and make more value-driven [...]
Eight Ways To Save A Quick $100.00
Let the economic pundits argue whether or not we’re in a recession.
Either way, consumers are cutting back on spending.
Along with this comes a desire to save money as well. But how? If you have a few hours to spare you can find ways to put $100 or more back into your pocket.
1. Wash With Cold [...]
Consumer spending up for 2nd straight month – Yahoo! Finance
Consumers increased spending for a second straight month in February even though their incomes slipped due to continuing massive layoffs.
The Commerce Department reported Friday that consumer spending edged up 0.2 percent in February, in line with expectations. That follows a huge 1 percent jump in January that was even better than the 0.6 percent rise [...]
As U.S. Gears Up In Afghanistan – Taliban Predicts a ‘Very Bloody Year’
After agreeing to bury their differences and unite forces, Taliban leaders based in Pakistan have closed ranks with their Afghan comrades to ready a new offensive in Afghanistan as the United States prepares to send 17,000 more troops there this year.
In interviews, several Taliban fighters based in the border region said preparations for the anticipated [...]
Opinion/Los Angeles Times: Order to the U.S.-Mexico border
The Obama administration outlined several Southwest border initiatives Tuesday with two clear goals: to prevent the violence of Mexico’s drug war from spilling over into the United States, and to help President Felipe Calderon crack down on the drug cartels threatening the stability of his country. The plan boosts the number of agents on the [...]
U.S. Destroyers On Move As N. Korea Prepares Rocket Launch
Story Highlights • Navy is moving ships capable of shooting down ballistic missiles to the Sea of Japan • North Korea is preparing for an expected rocket launch next month • Government of North Korea says the launch is of a commercial satellite • Japan says it is [...]
