Talking to students and watching c-span on the financial crisis

[ellen_datlow]

Last night I spoke to a group of about 30 students enrolled in Jim Blaylock's writing workshop at Chapman University. They asked and I answered questions for about 1 1/2 hours. They all seemed very interested in editing and writing and I also told them a little about marketing. I basically covered whatever they wanted to know.

Today I spoke to Jim's High class and two other classes at the charter HS he teaches at. We said hi to Tim Powers who also teaches there, before Jim and I went over to the largest teaching room on campus, which was filled to capacity --I think there were about 60 students 14-18. I've never spoken to a high school class before so was a bit more nervous than for the college kids, but they had great questions, were attentive, and very bright. It was a very positive experience for me (and I hope for them).

Then in early evening, Viki Blaylock and I watched a group of house reps --all Democrats and all but one who had voted against the 700 billion dollar bail out explain their ideas for alleviating the financial crisis without giving away money to Wall street, but by doing several things that COST NO MONEY first.

Watch the video here--If you'll notice Kaptur was the rep who spoke passionately and eloquently against rushing to pass the bill last week.

House Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Bobby Scott (D-VA) and others participated in a press conference to discuss an alternative plan for federal intervention in U.S. financial markets.

If you agree with what they say (I certainly do) --email or phone your senator first thing in the morning and tell them to vote NO on the bailout as currently proposed. The crucial points are:
75% of all lower than prime mortgages are NOT going down the tubes
There are inexpensive or free things that can and must be done to restore confidence NOW
Paulson is not to be given free rein
Current and future taxpayers must not be left holding the bag

but please watch the video....

Tomorrow, off to visit Harlan and then later in the day David Schow.

Comments

[asyouknow-bob.livejournal.com]

Wait.

James Blaylock and Tim Powers both teach high school??

And it's the SAME SCHOOL???

Really, now: what are the chances?

[rosefox]

While my reaction is "Dude, I wish I had gone to that high school".

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

It's a charter high school with very smart kids. And yes, they're very lucky students. I sure wish I'd had them for teachers.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Highly likely since Jim got Tim the job :-)

& they're STILL...

[themadblonde]

trying to pass the bugger today.

JUST.

STOP.

Put the bill down & walk away.

*sigh*

Re: & they're STILL...

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

I know. That's why I wrote to my Senator and asked him to vote NO until the bill is a good one.

[sarcobatus.livejournal.com]

We can pull our economy out of this nose dive without passing this absurd $700 billion bailout bill. The proposal is blatant extortion and racketeering. The shame here is that both presidential candidates support it unequivocally.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

I know. I can understand why they're doing so though. The other side would use any hesitation against them. Right now, only reps and senators who have nothing to lose can go against the tide.

[sarcobatus.livejournal.com]

Agreed. Going up against the bill would have been a bold gamble for either candidate; but to have done so would have been reflective of the American populace. Only the wealthy and current admin's cronies are pushing for this bill.

One would think the Republicans would pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, since this is their philosophy. Perhaps the banks and investors (including Dems and Reps alike masquerading as Bipartisan) who floated the foolish loans and investments that created this trouble in the first place should pull themselves up by their pilfered and golden bootstraps, thereby returning the money they stole, embezzled, laundered -- all of which is disguised as either salary, severance packages, and/or dividends.

I'm fed up with crooks and liars. They've destroyed our country.

Feel free to delete my comment if any of it offends. You won't hurt my feelings. I usually keep my opinions to myself; but this latest ploy by Bush and his cohorts has me fuming. Thank goodness for the House of Representatives, those who have nothing to lose, for they are the ones who possess clear vision.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

I agree with every word of your comment!

[madwriter.livejournal.com]

>>75% of all lower than prime mortgages are NOT going down the tubes<<

And only 15% of all mortgages were subprime. Which means all of this mess happened because the system was so bad that a 4% failure could crash it.