Despite some encouraging signs of recovery, many people are still struggling in the wake of the current economic crisis.  Unemployment numbers continue to rise, home foreclosures are at record highs, and investment portfolios remain ravaged by a volatile stock market.  Relief is needed, and action is required.  While economic relief and recovery continues to be the primary focus of our leaders in Washington, there is considerable disagreement over the best way for the government to address our economic woes.

It is apparent that the economic problems of the country—along with the resulting social problems—are being used as weapons of political warfare and packaged as evidence for or against various agendas, policies, and ideologies.  Thus, while everyday Americans struggle to keep food on their tables and roofs over their heads, politicians and pundits debate the merits of the free market and engage in the blame game.  Was the economic collapse the result of too much or too little regulation?  Is it Bush's fault, or Barney Franks's?  To nationalize or not to nationalize?  These are certainly questions worthy of answers, and as we move forward as a nation we would do well to analyze how different responses to the economic crisis today might affect America tomorrow.  Read On

DID YOU KNOW? Jim Daly joined Focus on the Family in March 1989 as an assistant to the president, where his primary duties were fostering relationships with Focus supporters. Following the formation of the International department in 1992, Daly was appointed as the international field director for Asia, Africa and Australia. In 1997, he was promoted to the role of vice president of the International division.

Daly shouldered more responsibilities in 2003 when he agreed to serve as group vice president, where he directed the strategic path of the organization. In 2004 Daly was appointed as the chief operating officer, and in February 2005 to the role of president and CEO. Read On

DRESSING FOR SUCCESS Many professional women are guilty of multiple fashion faux pas without realizing it, and their lack of judgment can sometimes lead to being passed over for a job or promotion. Experts agree that one of the biggest fashion mistakes women make, for example, is showing too much cleavage. "It's distracting and inappropriate in a business environment," says Ginger Burr, president of Total Image Consultants in Lynn, Mass., and author of Fashion Secrets Mother Never Taught You. In Pictures: Dressing For Business, Not Pleasure Dressing too sexy can also have psychological effects on your peers, according to Peter Glick, a professor of psychology at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. A study by Glick that was published in Psychology of Women Quarterly indicates that women in high-level positions who dress in what is seen as sexy attire are viewed as less competent--regardless of their skill sets. Read On

CONTRADICTIONS OF ABUSE Videos reportedly contradict workers who said they frequently checked on a disabled teenager in a hospital waiting room. The Daily News says the mentally retarded 18-year-old was sexually abused in November 2008 in an emergency room bathroom. In June 2008, another Kings County Hospital psychiatric patient, Esmin Green, languished for nearly 24 hours before dying. The case largely remained unnoticed until security footage became public. In the teen's case, logbook entries showed workers checked every 15 minutes. According to the paper, the videos showed he wasn't where they had claimed, and was not being checked on. The Health and Hospitals Corp. says it's made improvements, including revised policy that ensures developmentally challenged patients get one-on-one care. Reported by AP

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