Happy New Year! I don’t know how happy it was for many people, but I’m sure that many of us are relieved 2009 is over. I hope and pray that 2010 will be a better year, and that our country will start to emerge from our economic downturn.
Many companies closed, many people were laid off from their jobs, and many others lost their homes to foreclosures. Schools were forced to shorten their school week, and lost teachers as well but, people in this country are resourceful. Many people who are out of work have headed back to college to increase their knowledge which will help them in learning skills for better jobs.
Automakers which suffered a lot of setbacks in sales are now showing improvements and are trying to be optimistic. because of the severe cold weather and snow this year in many places in the country, farmers have been racing to salvage valuable crops which, in turn hurts any income they would make. However, we shouldn’t suffer severe droughts like we did last year that also hurt crops.
Although construction has taken a down turn, where there has been the building of homes and businesses, many have been able to work to sustain their families and themselves. Discount stores, repair men, and auto shops have made it available for people to be able to purchase things they need at lower prices. Rather than buy new, just have appliances and other things that have problems repaired, and get their automobiles fixed rather then buy new. So, these people still have jobs that are needed.
President Obama states that this new Health Care Bill will make insurance companies provide free preventive care to their customers and will be prohibited from dropping coverage when someone becomes ill. So, at least low income families will get help when they get sick, and won’t lose any jobs they do have because of illness.
It has been fortunate that the unemployment payments have been extended, as we would be worse off than we are. Yes, people have had to cut back this year, but we are not going to let this down-turn effect us for long. We will turn it around again. The Dow is moving up again, and banks are starting to lend again. So, we just have to be optimistic, shop wisely, cut down on credit cards and think before we spend. We can do it. Remember, think positive!
Helen L. Price
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