February 2009 Archives

After weeks of speculation, anxiety and a whole lot of rhetoric, it seemed that the huge stimulus package was the jump start needed to get the country's financial health back on track. As President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, some wondered how quickly that relief might be seen. On the Conservative Parents message board, President Obama's speech was met with a bit of skepticism.  

"My thought, when he laid out plan after plan of massive spending projects and then followed up with how he was going to cut the deficit, was 'HOW???' I just don't see how he can say he's going to spend all this money on top of the stimulus plan and still be able to cut the deficit. It just doesn't seem possible." -- gal_lila

Ok, so you might expect a certain amount of resistance from those on the other side of the aisle, but confusion about the stimulus plan and wariness about Obama's address also permeated the comments of those who were still hopeful. Moms from our September 2005 and March 2008 playgroups weighed in with their thoughts -- and concerns -- about the stimulus plan: 

It's often said that education is a good investment, but with budget cuts happening at steady pace in light of the economic turmoil, many are wondering when our schools, teachers and students will find relief. Recently the Frugal Families community discussed a proposal in Florida that would allow districts to shorten the school week to four days in an effort to save operating costs. Saving money is one thing, but how does this impact the children and their families? These moms offer their reactions:

"As it is, there are all sorts of other budget cuts, but this possible new schedule is beginning to flash in neon lights. The kids are in school about 6 hours a day ,if the 4 day schedule goes through they would be in school an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes."  -- jennebryan

"I could see how this could cause huge problems for families that don't have the flexibility that we have. It could be a drain on finances and add stress to those that need to arrange child care. I don't have a problem with it, but I also think if changes like that are to be implemented, more after-school care needs to be provided or employers need to pick up the slack. We need to improve that sector of American society." -- kw135705

"Parents are going to need to find child care. The kids who are older have more time to get into trouble. There are kids hanging [out] with nothing to do. My kids would probably just veg but some kids would be home alone. It can only be a bad thing. -- lisa19712003

"As a teacher, I am not in favor of it. My day is already long enough, and I don't know how I would get through the additional hour or two everyday. I give my students my all for 5 hours a day (plus I have 2 hours of planning/duty), and it would be very difficult to provide meaningful instruction for an additional 1-2 hours a day. I also believe my students (low level) would have trouble focusing and learning.  I believe it's the students who will suffer in the end.  Anyone who lives in this state knows that we need to ADD money, resources, and programs - not take away." -- lovingmytwoboys

"Moving to a 4 day week bothers me a lot. The day would be way too long for elementary kids. Plus, that is a huge burden on parents who work. Where are they supposed to find all day care for their kids just on Fridays? How is a working class parent supposed to pay for that?" -- addieandclairesmom

 

While some iVillagers are mystified about how the stimulus package recently signed by President Obama will work, the US auto industry is looking for more assistance as the economic outlook continues to be bleak. But GM and Chrysler will have a little competition in the bailout department because there's someone else who's also seeking a little help to get by: none other than Nadya "Octomom" Suleman. The now-infamous mom of 14 (including the octuplets born January 26) is ready to accept donations from the public on her website. It's no surprise that the story of the octuplets, the circumstances of their conception, Suleman's existing number of children, her uncanny resemblance to Angelina Jolie and a multitude of other angles to this story have caused an uproar across our community, but the question of who is paying for all of this has tipped some over the edge into disbelief and outrage. iVillagers from the Debt Support Group (where we may see Suleman posting someday soon...) weigh in on whether or not they would donate to the Octomom fund:

"Never in a million years! I feel awful for those children of hers because there is no way that a single parent can provide the love, support, psychological/physiological needs that those children need. I'm sorry to say, the taxpayers of California where she lives will have to pick up the bill like they probably have started to already, seeing the cost of having those kids is in the millions."  -- lulu1231

(Note: Today's buzz is brought to you by CMAngela, who offers an alternative look at gratitude as we lead up to Valentine's Day. Sometimes, you've just gotta be grateful for *not* being in a relationship. Read on...)

One of the best things about getting together with your girlfriends is that they can almost always help you find the bright spot, the silver lining, and the humor of any situation. The iVillage community works the same way, as is evident by the conversations on the Surviving Divorce & Separation message board week in and week out. I loved the discussion they had recently about the three best things about being divorced or separated. Topping almost everyone's list is -- divorcing the in-laws along with the ex-husband! Here are some of my other favorites:

butterfli_beauty is glad to be rid of her ex-and his fantasy football craziness!

musiclover12 Is happy to scratch his errands off her to-do list!

tbzmom2008 has reconnected with the people who really care for her, and love her

camult has one of my favorites -- she's regained the ability to laugh out loud -- and who doesn't need more of that in our lives?

hopeful_mom_of_4 loves not having to pick up his empty beer bottles -- yes, empty beer bottles -- from the counter in the morning.