">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Obama urges spending jolt to avert 'severe' recession
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Search
Search:
Obama urges spending jolt to avert 'severe' recession
AFP - Friday, January 9
FAIRFAX, United States (AFP) - - US president-elect Barack Obama on Thursday warned that only immediate and massive spending to jolt the world's largest economy could avert a deep recession and double-digit unemployment.
The economic costs of not launching a huge stimulus even in the face of a budget deficit forecast to top one trillion dollars this year could be far worse, he said.
"I don't believe it's too late to change course, but it will be if we don't take dramatic action as soon as possible. If nothing is done, this recession could linger for years," Obama said, as he prepares to take office on January 20.
He warned that if nothing were done "the unemployment rate could reach double digits ... Our nation could lose the competitive edge that has served as a foundation for our strength and standing in the world. In short, a bad situation could become dramatically worse."
Despite a Democratic majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives, Obama will need to sell the stimulus package to a Congress where Republicans have expressed strong opposition, complaining of opacity and open-ended promises in the stimulus while questioning how much of the huge sums would actually trigger growth.
The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has forecast the US government deficit will reach a record 1.2 trillion dollars in the current fiscal year ending in September.
That is more than double the 438 billion dollars (321 billion euros) in the last fiscal year and amounts to a whopping 8.3 percent of gross domestic product -- its highest level since World War II.
And that sea of red ink does not take into account Obama's stimulus plans, which Democrats in Congress hope to adopt by mid-February.
In his speech at George Mason University in Washington's Virginia suburbs, Obama said the stimulus spending "will certainly add to the budget deficit in the short-term.
"But equally certain are the consequences of doing too little or nothing at all, for that will lead to an even greater deficit of jobs, incomes, and confidence in our economy," he said.
"We cannot depend on government alone to create jobs or long-term growth, but at this particular moment, only government can provide the short-term boost necessary to lift us from a recession this deep and severe," Obama said.
"Only government can break the vicious cycles that are crippling our economy -- where a lack of spending leads to lost jobs which leads to even less spending; where an inability to lend and borrow stops growth and leads to even less credit.
In a bid "to get people spending again," Obama promised that 95 percent of working families would get a 1,000 dollar tax cut under his plan, which he said would also save of create three million jobs.
"This recovery and reinvestment plan will provide immediate relief to states, workers and families who are bearing the brunt of this recession," the president-elect said.
He also pledged to double US production of alternative energy in three years, as part of a raft of proposals to drag the economy out of recession.
"To finally spark the creation of a clean energy economy, we will double the production of alternative energy in the next three years," he said.
"A world that depends on the strength of our economy is now watching and waiting for America to lead once more. And that is what we will do."
Obama earlier told CNBC, when asked about the price tag for the plan, that "we've seen ranges from 800 (billion dollars) to 1.3 trillion and our attitude was that given the legislative process, if we start towards the low end of that, we'll see how it develops."
The CBO said the budget was under worsening strain from slumping tax revenues allied to higher social spending and a 700-billion-dollar bailout for Wall Street initiated by the administration of President George W. Bush.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Most Popular – Top Stories
Viewed
Marks & Spencer to axe 1,230 jobs and close 27 stores
Israel approves tougher war on Hamas
Finance fights sex for Aussie dictionary honour
Pink iguanas discovered on Galapagos Islands
Shares skyrocket as Porsche takes over Volkswagen
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Other News on Friday, 9 January 2009
UN, Red Cross curtail Gaza aid, criticize Israel
Gaza war toll rises
Cold snap in Europe takes its toll
North Korea may see no U.S. nuclear threat: adviser
| International
|
New blow for Ireland as Dell moves regional centre
Iran bans volunteers from fighting Israel
Audiovox, MediaFLO to bring mobile TV to the automobile
Germany partially nationalises Commerzbank with 25 pct stake
Russia, Ukraine gas talks collapse amid dispute over monitors
Obama urges spending jolt to avert 'severe' recession
US families to get 1,000 dollar tax cut: Obama
Eastern Europe battles the cold as gas dispute bites
Afghans say U.S.-led raid kills 17 civilians
| International
|
Russia to restart Europe gas after transit deal: Medvedev
Darfur rebels accuse Sudan of fresh bombings
| International
|
Sri Lankan editor who challenged politicians killed
| International
|
Gunmen kill WFP aid worker in Somalia
| International
|
Porn Magnates Larry Flynt And Joe Francis Seek $5 Billion Bailout From Government
Popular Internet financial pundit arrested in S Korea
Gaza war sparks torrent of fiery comment on the Internet
Silicon Image announces at CES it aims to connect home media
Sony unveils flexi-video screen and movie glasses at CES
Chunk of NZ glacier crushes 2 Australian tourists
Australian brothers killed in NZ glacier ice slide
Thai police arrest Texas child sex abuse suspect
Sony unveils flexi-video screen, movie glasses at CES
| Technology
|
China's jobless migrants go home early for holiday
Classic board games go virtual
| Technology
|
Official: Attack on US patrol kills 5
Sri Lankan military captures rebel base in north
Palm debuts smartphone, operating system at CES
| Technology
|
Microsoft to let consumers test Windows 7 on Friday
| Technology
|
Police arrest 15 foreign women masseuses at Dunlop Street
Obama pushes stimulus and warns on recession
CES: New Dish Network DVR has Slingbox technology
| Technology
|
Silicon Image announces at CES it aims to connect home media
| Technology
|
CES: Verizon picks Microsoft search over Google, Yahoo
| Technology
|
Obama backs extending digital TV cutoff date
| Technology
|
Police Arrest Rochester, NY Teen In Killings Of Four People
U.S. Prosecutors Seek To Have Bail Revoked For Accused Swindler Bernie Madoff
IL House Committee Drafts Report Recommending Impeachment Of Blagojevich
U.S. Weekly Initial Jobless Claims Drop To 3-Month Low, Continuing Claims At Record Level
Obama Urges Quick Passage Of Economic Recovery Plan So Nation Can Start Over, Succeed In Turning Economy Around
Hustler Magazine Founder Asks Congress For $5 Billion Package To Help Porn Industry
Travolta thanks fans, Jett memorial held
| Entertainment
|
Judge to rule Friday on earlier Watchmen hearing
| Entertainment
|
Travolta plans private memorial for son in Florida
'Dark Knight' director in running for Oscars indicator
CeCe Winans, others honored for gospel music
Former movie studio head Ned Tanen dies at 77
DNA Link Not Sole Determinant In Considering Paternity For Divorce Settlement
Nolan nabs directing nomination for `Dark Knight'
Survey: Reporters dropped ball covering meltdown
Battle of the balls as inaugural galas woo US revelers
Asian demand grows for Australian wine
Vietnam plans one-bln-dlr hotel and golf resort in Laos: report
World religions can learn from Japan: PM
Tech giants unveil energy-saving TVs at CES
Canadian Trekkers Break World Record By Crossing Antarctica To South Pole Unaided In 33 Days, 23 Hours, 30 Minutes
Diplomats push for Gaza ceasefire as UN agency halts work
Consumer electronics show kicks off in Las Vegas
Collapse of Sudan peace pact could spell disaster: report
| International
|
British interest rate hits lowest point since late 17th century
Caracas protesters cheer Israeli envoy's expulsion
US-TECH Summary
Strong quake rocks Costa Rica, two dead
| International
|
250 foreigners evacuated from Gaza fighting
Obama backs extending digital TV cutoff date
Colombia encourages rebels to desert with hostages
| International
|
Palm debuts "Pre" smartphone, operating system at CES
Half the planet could be hit by food crisis by 2100: study
Sony unveils new gadgets in celebrity revue at CES
Classic board games go virtual
US-TECH Summary
Sony unveils new gadgets in celebrity revue at CES
Energy panel shake up signals action on climate
Obama urges spending jolt to avert long recession
Palm debuts smartphone, operating system at CES
Half the planet could be hit by food crisis by 2100: study
Obama urges spending jolt to avert long recession
Palm debuts Pre smartphone, operating system at CES
| Technology
|
Two Australians killed by falling glacier ice in New Zealand
Ecuador to delay projects, seeks cash for oil sector
Obama backs extending digital TV cutoff date
| Technology
|
At least 38 dead in Pakistan slum fire: officials
Pentagon denies missile defense sales talks with India
U.S. Navy Forms Counter-Piracy Force
U.S. Retailers Report Weak December Sales On Soft Holiday Season
Wall Street Pares Losses On Citigroup Mortgage News
South Korea won gains before c.bank rate decision
S.Korean bonds rise ahead of c.bank rate decision
Seoul shares gain; banks up before rate decision
CHRONOLOGY-South Korea acts to tackle crisis
FACTBOX-Recent comments by S.Korean officials on economy
GM posts record sales in Asia
Quantum tops domestic James Bond box office
| Entertainment
|
Spider-Man celebrates Obama as nerd-in-chief
| Entertainment
|
Heath Ledger 2008's biggest movie story: poll
Hollywood publicity agent earning "15 minutes"
Good movies, prices help Hollywood in recession
Netflix and Film Independent launch filmmaking contest
| Entertainment
|
Obama team seeks delay in US digital TV switch
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Spider-Man celebrates Obama as "nerd-in-chief"
2 arrested in burglary at Gregg Allman's Ga. home
Obama, Spider-Man team up for new Marvel comic
Gavin Creel set to play Claude in B'way's 'Hair'
Gionfriddo's 'Becky Shaw' is a sharp social comedy
Cruise calls death of Travolta's son 'horrific'
Phish announce summer tour dates
UN rights council to debate 'grave violations' in Gaza
U.N. calls for immediate Gaza truce
| International
|
Ukrainian first foreigner to die in Gaza fighting
U.S. Army recruiting at the mall with video games
China widens "vulgar" online crackdown
Qaeda Pakistan leader believed dead: U.S. official
| International
|
US, Iran have shared interest in Afghanistan: Petraeus
Citigroup: 2-billion-dollar exposure to LyondellBasell
Fidel Castro again a no-show at revolution event
| International
|
SanDisk unveils speedy solid-state drives at CES
Ford committed to new products and cost cuts: CEO
Bad economy takes pizzazz out of CES
China plans production controls for deadly melamine
| International
|
Hollywood Celebrities Flock To The 2009 CES Expo In Las Vegas
Ford says at CES to offer Sync platform globally in 2010
Fire in slum in Pakistan's Karachi kills 39
| International
|
U.N. calls for immediate Gaza truce
Strong quake rocks Costa Rica, 3 dead
| International
|
Two U.S. soldiers killed in Afghan suicide attack
| International
|
Collapse of Sudan peace pact could spell disaster
Mexico arrests a founder of Zetas drug hitmen
| International
|
Bad economy takes pizzazz out of CES
| Technology
|
Obama urges spending jolt to avert long recession
Touch-screen gadgets alienate blind
| Technology
|
SanDisk unveils speedy solid-state drives at CES
| Technology
|
Disney backs new Intel chip at CES
| Technology
|
U.S. Army recruiting at the mall with video games
| Technology
|
Ford committed to new products and cost cuts: CEO
| Technology
|
Mauresmo injury puts Bartoli into tennis final against Azarenka
Yahoo nearing end of search for new CEO: report
| Technology
|
China plans production controls for deadly melamine
"One—eyed dragon" hanged
Films Act to be amended to allow factual party political films
Whole genome study identifies new genes involved in Kawasaki disease
GLOBAL MARKETS-Asia stocks slip in long wait for U.S. jobs data
Rights group urges WBank, donors to press Vietnam on media
Strike sparks fuel crisis in India
Illinois lawmakers to vote to impeach tainted governor
Japanese shares down ahead of US jobs data
Disabled Japanese fisherman survives 15 hrs in sea
China revamping manufacturing base
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 561
Record of Japanese visit temples for New Years
Japan's jobless to work the land: government
S.Korea c.bank to lend $3 bln to banks next week
Indonesian women protest against Israeli strikes
Credit crunch may lead to another rice crisis
Small Quake Hits Southern California
Secret CIA Strike Kills Chief, Lieutenant Of Al Qaeda In Pakistan
CDC Seeking Source Of Salmonella Outbreak In 42 States
SKorean president promises aggressive fiscal expenditure
Heavy Flooding Shuts Freeways In Western Washington, Halts Interstate Commerce
Seoul shares end lower after rate cut; techs fall
World's Largest Consumer Electronics Show Kicks Off In Las Vegas
Sony making video bifocals and bendable televisions
Kawasaki pulls out of MotoGP
Slumdog Millionaire in the money at L.A. awards
| Entertainment
|
Private memorial service held for Jett Travolta
| Entertainment
|
Directors Guild unveils feature film nominees
| Entertainment
|
Spider-Man celebrates Obama as nerd-in-chief
| Entertainment
|
The Globes are back in a partying mood
| Entertainment
|
Microsoft's Steve Ballmer Opens CES 2009 In Las Vegas
"Slumdog Millionaire" in the money at L.A. awards
Critics' final answer: `Slumdog' wins 5 awards
Directors Guild unveils feature film nominees
The Globes are back in a partying mood
Private memorial service held for Jett Travolta
EU seeks gas supply return after deal
| International
|
Afghan suicide bomb kills six: governor
Internet-age technology being tailored for children and seniors
EU demands immediate resumption of gas supplies
Obama battles to push stimulus package
Israel shelled Gaza house crowded with civilians: UN
North Iraq bomb kills five in Iraqi army convoy
Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai seeks crucial Mugabe meeting
| International
|
U.S. says Iraqis may still be held without charge
| International
|
Meryl Streep And Anne Hathaway Tie For Best Actress At The Critics' Choice Awards
Situation on Indian border fragile
| International
|
China officials apologize for attack on journalists
| International
|
North Iraq bomb kills five in Iraqi army convoy
| International
|
Keppel gets cancellation for $405 mln rig contract
Pakistan responds to Indian dossier
Pakistan PM asks for world help to calm India tensions
Pakistan PM says no rift with president
Al Qaeda Pakistan leader believed dead
3,000 Malaysians protest against Gaza attacks
China shuts 41 sites in porn crackdown: state media
MDA appoints seven new board members
Rights group decries Vietnam's press restrictions
Travel Picks: Top 9 travel experiences for 2009
US strike kills 2 key al-Qaida operatives
Obama In Favor Of Delaying Feb. 17 Digital Switch
Colin Powell, Inaugural Committee To Discuss Obama's Call To National Service Friday
Average Mortgage Rate Down To 5 Percent
Inaugural Rental Market Bottoms Out As Jan. 20 Approaches
BART Apologizes For New Year Shooting Of Unarmed Man As Victim's Family Appeals For Calm
Obama Names Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine As Head Of Democratic Party
HK stock index falls ahead of US job report
The Unborn an unintentionally funny horror
| Entertainment
|
Japan researchers unveil robot suit for farmers
Taiwan dollar weakens on foreign fund outflows
Golden Globes could yield some surprises
| Entertainment
|
China revamping its key southern factory region
China shares gain, led by power companies, banks
Taiwan to continue new accounting rule
Fox News follows actor Gary Sinise's Iraq trip
| Entertainment
|
WRAPUP 2-South Korea cuts rates, automaker seeks protection
ER final season extended by three episodes
| Entertainment
|
Reports: Toyota grandson to take top job
Mother cast makes more gravy
| Entertainment
|
Obama Writes Congress To Seek Delay In Digital TV Broadcast Switch
"ER" final season extended by three episodes
"The Unborn" an unintentionally funny horror
Fox News follows actor Gary Sinise's Iraq trip
"Mother" cast makes more gravy
Physicist applies for sweeper's job in S Korea amid economic slump
Golden Globes could yield some surprises
Egyptians spearhead Gaza protests
Panasonic and LG bet boldly on flatscreen TV growth
Three NATO soldiers, six Afghans killed: officials
Iraq police: 3 killed in bombing at Baghdad mosque
US troops in Iraq get to drink beer for Super Bowl
UN: Israel shelled house where civilians were held
"Biggest Loser" Contestant Charged With Domestic Violence
Somali pirates free Saudi supertanker
| International
|
Ex-Mafia boss's son sent back to Sicilian prison
| International
|
Adult Entertainment Expo Kicks Off In Las Vegas
US unemployment surges as 524,000 jobs lost
Dennis Quaid's Twin Overdose Case Settled
Sri Lankan troops seize key Elephant Pass-president
| International
|
Is Tintin gay? Cartoon birthday boy dogged by rumours
Panasonic and LG bet boldly on flatscreen TV growth
No breakthrough as Japan, China discuss gas field
Edgy China blog site shut amid Internet porn sweep
Bomb blast kills 2 in India's restive northeast
Sri Lankan troops capture key pass from Tiger rebels
Baby—boomer survey shows 3 in 10 expect to retire at age 65 or older
Panasonic and LG bet boldly on flatscreen TV growth
| Technology
|
Cambodian genocide judges reject corruption claims
Hamper makers use different packaging methods to cut costs