President Barack Obama's Stimulus Package

http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/subjects/u/united_states_economy/economic_stimulus/
Economic Stimulus

The stimulus idea passed in the House of Representatives with a vote of 244 to 188 with not a single vote for it coming from a republican. The Democrats believe the economy is in dire need of a stimulus since the downfall of Wall Street this Fall. President Obama's stimulus plan is one of the largest in history, capping off at $819 billion. Many economists think this idea will lead to a even further downfall due to one problem. You cannot force people to spend the package and many will pocket it and save it. The economy will only be revived in one way; a widespread and long term jump in economic spending. We need to find ways to make people spend money without hurting themselves. In my opinion, which I know may be highly criticized, we need to take a page out of the Communist book. If we allow more government involvment in personal and economic decisions then we can be sure that things will change. Since one person cannot guarantee an income from one day to another they will become more stingy and hold on to their money. This will result in an even larger downward spiral. Now lets say we let the government have more control of the distribution of money. Workers don't get pay cuts or laid off. They are able to spend more money and bring an income to businesses. The businesses can buy more wholesale and produce more in the factories and the economy can return to normal. if not stronger.

Computers Use in the Classroom

http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech/tech211.shtml
Computers in the High School Classroom

Based on this article I've found that many teachers don't believe there is time for computers with the curriculum that they must teach because of the state requirements. I think there are some things that must be completed and we can't just go jump on the computer every day, however I've also found that there is plenty of time in the daily schedule set for me. Many times I find myself sitting there staring at the wall for lack of work. I can't really blame this on the teachers, though, because they have a standard set to them and aren't required to do anything else. However, we are coming into a new era. One where computer use will have to be like reading a book. If you can't do it there will be no way to survive. Isn't it about time for the state to recognize this and create a curriculum based around technological use? I realize this will be no cheap feat, and will most likely take years to achieve, but I know it is possible. I've seen it happen before. The issue of restrictions on computer use is also touchy. There will always be ways to get around any kind of internet blocker. We will never find a quick fix to this, but there are ways to more closely monitor what is going on in the classroom. Don't always make every assignment so straightforward and narrow. Kids love creativity. As long as you allow them that they will listen better.