Note to students: if you view this in presentation mode, clicking on the article text will take you to the online article…and clicking on the light bulb will take you to the article reflection…

This recent news article published on Nytimes.com discusses possible actions the Obama Administration and Leaders in Congress to extend various safety net programs as a result our current economic situation. The article offers a mixed portrayal of President Obama. It discusses attempts by Obama’s economic team to explore ways to create jobs and get our economy moving again. Currently, the administration is facing criticism due to the worsening unemployment situation, with the percentage of people unemployed inching from 9.7% to 9.8% in September (a 26- year high). The article highlights several proposals by the Obama administration to help the American people through this tough time. Obama has suggested giving employers a $3,000 tax credit for each new hire but Congress rejected it fearing it would cause businesses to manipulate their payrolls to claim the credit. Democrats in Congress are suggesting that we extend extra unemployment assistance and health benefits to unemployed workers, in addition to the $8,000 new home tax credit for first time buyers. No official decisions have been made about the continuation of these benefits into the next fiscal year. According to the article, extending unemployment and health benefits would cost up to $100 billion next year, adding to our every growing deficit and national debt (13+ trillion dollars). This article provides evidence that Obama is facing challenges from both Democrats and Republicans on our current economic situation. This is a very unpredictable situation, and the article highlights the possible proposals aimed at providing people with a safety net. The article does not necessarily portray Obama in a negative light, but it gives the American public a lot to consider in terms of our economy and job creation. Obama is a member of the Democratic Party, and his administration and Democrats in Congress will likely face opposition by the Republican party moving forward. This situation affects all levels of society; locally and nationally it impacts the well-being of the American public, and globally it affects our relations with other countries and correlates to their economic situations. Times are tough…