US, EUROPE IMPOSE TOUGH NEW SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA

President Barack Obama has announced new economic sanctions against key sectors of the Russian economy in the latest move by the U.S. to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to end his support for Ukrainian rebels.

Obama says the sanctions target Russia's energy, weapons and finance industries, including big banks.

The U.S. penalties follow other new sanctions that European Union leaders agreed to earlier Tuesday.

The European penalties are similar to sanctions imposed by the U.S. just two weeks ago targeting other big Russian banks, and energy and defense companies.

The U.S. and its European allies blame Russian-supported separatists for destabilizing eastern Ukraine and for this month's downing of a commercial airplane carrying 298 people as it flew over rebel-controlled territory.

Obama's First 100 Days

Among the most significant steps in the first hundred days:
I believe in our president and trust his judgement. I'm also happy about the choices he made for his cabnet. When Michelle says that she's proud of our country, I agree. Passage of a $787 billion recovery plan; the release of the second tranche of TARP funding — an additional $350 billion — for troubled banks; a public-private partnership to rid banks of toxic assets on their balance sheets; so-called “stress tests” on major financial institutions; a $275 billion housing program estimated to rescue as many as 9 million homeowners from foreclosure;
a proposal for major overhaul of the financial regulatory system. The president also has called for limits on executive pay; ordered the firing of General Motors chief Rick Wagoner as part of the restructuring of the auto industry; and taken credit card executives to task for raising interest rates and fees in the midst of a recession. Aides say the president’s first hundred days have been as productive as any since Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Famous for his even temperament, the president's mood has darkened, aides say, in only a few instances since taking office: in his dealings with military families who've lost loved ones, and when reading some of the personal letters from Americans telling stories of their own economic turmoil.

"I like the fact that he didn't come in and give us a bunch of happy talk. I'm glad he shot straight with us," Clinton said. "I just would like him to end by saying that he is hopeful and completely convinced we're gonna come through this."

United States Economy

We are currently facing one of the most difficult economic periods. With more than two million jobs lost in 2008, decisive action is needed to return our economy to a path for growth and full employment, and to provide American workers and families with the opportunity to enhance their standards of living.
My prayer is that the highest priority in these troubling times remains simple: to drive sustained economic growth to achieve higher living standards for all Americans, and I believe that President Obama will make things right. It may take longer than 4 years, but I do believe that if we work with him, and give him a chance, things will get better.
My life has changed drastically, and now I only get the things that I need, instead of buying the things that I want. Self control is the key!