The Unraveling Economy Puts New Yorkers Under Pressure

7 Oct 2008 14:00 Africa/Lagos

The Unraveling Economy Puts New Yorkers Under Pressure

Money, Work, Economy and Housing Top Stressors for New York City Residents, APA Survey Finds

NEW YORK, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- By simply turning on the news or opening a newspaper, it is easy to see that money, work, and the economy are worrying many Americans. And while the fast pace of New York City may appear to cause more stress for its residents, a survey released today by the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that New Yorkers actually mirror adults nationally as to what causes them stress and how they manage that stress. The survey, conducted in June, highlights the already stressed state of Americans before the recent financial crisis took hold.


Although fewer New Yorkers report managing their stress well than the rest of the country -- 74 percent versus 81 percent of Americans nationwide -- what they are stressed about is on par with the Nation as whole. Housing costs marked the starkest difference between New Yorkers and Americans, with 67 percent of New York survey responders citing it as a significant source of stress versus 47 percent nationally. In addition, New Yorkers are more stressed about workplace issues, with 56 percent reporting job stability (42 percent nationally) and 59 percent of employed New Yorkers reporting low salaries (49 percent nationally) as significant sources of stress.


The APA survey also found that slightly more New York City residents are using exercise or walking as a way to handle their stress than the rest of the country -- 51 percent of them say they turn to exercise or walking to relieve their stress, whereas 47 percent do so nationally. Furthermore, 8 percent of New Yorkers and 9 percent of Americans nationwide play sports to manage their stress.


"Exercise, walking and other forms of physical activity, are healthy and proactive ways to handle your stress," says psychologist Dr. Katherine Nordal, Executive Director for Professional Practice of the American Psychological Association. "People often turn to overeating, drinking or other destructive behaviors in times of stress; however, such activities are harmful to their physical and emotional well-being. Remember, the healthy choice is always the best choice."


How New York City fares with the rest of America:
-- 79 percent cited money as a significant source of stress (72 percent
nationally)
-- 79 percent cited work (68 percent nationally)
-- 74 percent cited the economy (69 percent nationally)


APA's annual survey reveals that money (72 percent), the economy (69 percent) and work (68 percent) are the most frequently cited causes of stress by Americans. Housing costs are a source of stress for almost half (47 percent) of Americans and job insecurity causes stress for more than one-third of employees (34 percent).


In fact, a later nationwide poll conducted in September found that stress about the economy has increased further with 80 percent of Americans citing it as a significant cause of stress, a jump from the 66 percent in April[1].


Nationally, stress is having an increased physical impact on Americans, with 53 percent reporting fatigue (51 percent in 2007) and 61 percent reporting irritability or anger (50 percent in 2007). Other symptoms include lack of interest or motivation, feeling depressed or sad, headaches and muscular tension. More than half of those surveyed (52 percent) said that stress had caused them to lose sleep in the past month.


APA offers these tips in dealing with your stress:


Understand how you experience stress and identify your sources of stress. Everyone experiences stress differently. How do you know when you are stressed? How are your thoughts or behaviors different from times when you do not feel stressed? What events or situations trigger stressful feelings? Are they related to your children, family, health, financial decisions, work, relationships or something else?


Learn your own stress signals. People experience stress in different ways. You may have a hard time concentrating or making decisions; feel angry, irritable or out of control; or experience headaches, muscle tension or a lack of energy. Gauge your stress signals.


Recognize how you deal with stress. Determine if you are using unhealthy behaviors (such as smoking, drinking alcohol and over-/under-eating) to cope. Is this a routine behavior, or is it specific to certain events or situations? Do you make unhealthy choices as a result of feeling rushed and overwhelmed?


Find healthy ways to manage stress. Consider healthy, stress-reducing activities such as meditation, exercising or talking things out with friends or family. Keep in mind that unhealthy behaviors develop over time and can be difficult to change. Don't take on too much at once. Focus on changing only one behavior at a time.


Take care of yourself. Eat right, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and engage in regular physical activity. Ensure you have a healthy mind and body through activities like yoga, taking a short walk, going to the gym or playing sports that will enhance both your physical and mental health. Take regular vacations or other breaks from work. No matter how hectic life gets, make time for yourself -- even if it's just simple things like reading a good book or listening to your favorite music.


Reach out for support. Accepting help from supportive friends and family can improve your ability to manage stress. If you continue to feel overwhelmed by stress, you may want to talk to a psychologist, who can help you better manage stress and change unhealthy behaviors.


Survey Methodology


The 2008 Stress in America research was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Psychological Association between June 23, 2008, and August 13, 2008, among 1,791 adults aged 18+ who reside in the U.S. and an oversample of 228 adults aged 18+ who reside in New York. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.


The American Psychological Association (APA), in Washington, DC, is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world's largest association of psychologists. APA's membership includes more than 148,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare.


[1]The September data was collected online within the United States between September 19 and September 23, 2008, among 2,507 U.S. residents 18 or older. The April data was collected online within the United States between April 7 and April 15, 2008, among 2,529 U.S. residents aged 18 or older. Data for the April and September polls were collected using an omnibus survey; the causes of stress question included a "not applicable" response. Data presented here were calculated excluding those who responded "not applicable."


Source: American Psychological Association

CONTACT: Kate Kelley of American Psychological Association,
+1-202-336-5898, kkelley@apa.org; or Juanita Panlener, Vanguard
Communications, +1-202-331-4323, jpanlener@vancomm.com, for American
Psychological Association


Web Site: http://www.apahelpcenter.org/


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DNC Files FOIA Request Over McCain's Latest Campaign Impropriety

20 Jun 2008 20:50 Africa/Lagos


DNC Files FOIA Request Over McCain's Latest Campaign Impropriety

McCain Campaign Event in Ottawa Runs Afoul of Hatch Act

WASHINGTON, June 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Democratic National Committee today filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the U.S. Department of State seeking information about possible violations of the Hatch Act in connection to John McCain's events in Ottawa today. The FOIA request follows reports that McCain campaign officials requested assistance in arranging a $100-a-plate luncheon speech from U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080519/DNCLOGO )


According to reports, Senator Lindsey Graham, a McCain campaign co-chair, asked Ambassador Wilkins "for advice about logistics, venues and cities" for the event. Ambassador Wilkins also reportedly contacted a Canadian business leader to help sell tickets to the event. McCain's appearance is a campaign event being paid for by his campaign. The Hatch Act forbids U.S. Ambassadors from engaging in any partisan activity whatsoever on foreign soil. The DNC today called on the State Department to turn over all records related to Senator McCain's visit.


Today's report follows news this week that Senator McCain has refused to reimburse a private company for the use of its corporate jet. Senator McCain is also skirting the law by unilaterally withdrawing from the primary funds program after using the promise of taxpayer money to secure a loan and gain free ballot access. Earlier this year, outside groups filed another FEC complaint related to Senator McCain's fundraiser in London's Spencer House in April.


"By apparently running afoul of the Hatch Act during his trip to Canada today, it appears that Senator McCain is once again putting his political aspirations ahead of following the law," said DNC spokeswoman Karen Finney. "Between his refusal to pay for his campaign's use of a corporate jet and his illegally attempting to withdraw from the primary funds program, this is becoming a disturbing pattern of impropriety on the part of Senator McCain and his campaign. How can the American people trust John McCain if he is unwilling to follow the law when it gets in the way of his political aspirations?"


For a copy of the FOIA Request, click here:
http://www.democrats.org/page/-/pdf/CanadaTripFOIA.pdf

MCCAIN AND THE LAW

SKIRTING THE HATCH ACT...


McCain Campaign Asked Ambassador to Skirt Hatch Act. "A Canadian newspaper reported Thursday that Friday's scheduled $100-a-plate luncheon speech by Sen. John McCain in Ottawa was organized in part by U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins, a former South Carolina lawmaker whom President Bush appointed in 2005... The article in the Edmonton Sun, and an earlier one in the Globe and Mail, says that Wilkins contacted Thomas d'Aquino, the president of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, to help set up what they described as a fundraiser before McCain's visit. McCain is scheduled to give a speech at the Chateau Laurier Hotel and to meet with several Canadian officials... The Hatch Act circumscribes political activity for government employees. According to the American Foreign Service Association Web site, the State Department's ethics office prohibits fundraising activities for its presidential appointees." [The Trail blog, Washington Post, 6/19/08: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/06/19/democrats_question_ambassa dors.html#more ]


McCain Campaign Approached Canadians Seeking Visit & CEO Reception Hosts. Two weeks ago, U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins telephoned big-business lobbyist Tom d'Aquino, head of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives. Wilkins had been contacted by the McCain campaign about a Canadian visit, and the ambassador wanted to know if some of d'Aquino's group of corporate chief executives might be interested in meeting the Republican presidential candidate. Almost instantly, d'Aquino jumped at the opportunity, and an additional $100-a-plate luncheon organized by the Economic Club of Canada sold out in 30 minutes with tickets now reselling at up to $1,000 a pop. [Edmonton Sun, 6/19/08: http://www.edmontonsun.com/Comment/2008/06/19/5921326-sun.html]


Coming to Canada McCain's Choice; Visit Arranged By Lindsey Graham Who Passed Word that McCain Was Interested in Coming to Canada. Mr. McCain's visit came together very quickly. About two weeks ago, his organization contacted the Economic Club of Canada, whose president, Mark Adler, has strong business connections. Coming to Ottawa was the McCain organization's choice, club spokeswoman Nicolee Tattersall says. As well, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins, who is from South Carolina, is a close friend of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who is very close with Mr. McCain. According to the U.S. source, Mr. Graham called the ambassador to tell him that Mr. McCain was interested in coming to Canada. He asked for advice about logistics, venues and cities that would be appropriate for the presidential nominee. [Globe & Mail, 6/13/08: http://ago.mobile.globeandmail.com/generated/archive/RTGAM/html/20080613/wmcca in13.html ]


MISUSE OF CORPORATE JETS...


Wall Street Journal: McCain Campaign Fails to Reimburse For Up To Four Campaign Flights. "She used the jet on several trips last year that included campaign-related activity but never got campaign reimbursement, according to flight-tracking records and campaign-finance reports verified by the McCain campaign. At the New York fund-raiser, she spoke on stage, warming up the audience for her husband. If the campaign had paid for Mrs. McCain's trip to New York and three others that appear to have included some campaign work, it would likely have cost a total of about $15,000, the equivalent of first-class fare for the trips combined." [Wall Street Journal, 6/18/08: http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB121374837867082729-lMyQjAxMDI4MTEzNzcxND c4Wj.html ]


Republican Expert: McCain Should Have Paid for the Flights. "Jan Baran, a Republican campaign lawyer, said the campaign should have paid. 'I don't know why they want to fight it,' he said. 'The chutzpah is not that they're not paying for this trip, it's that they're using a corporate airplane at a highly discounted rate.'" [Wall Street Journal, 6/18/08: http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB121374837867082729-lMyQjAxMDI4MTEzNzcxND c4Wj.html ]


New York Times: McCain Used Unresolved Loophole in His Own Reform Law to Get Discounted Flights. "Mr. McCain's campaign paid a total of $241,149 for the use of that plane from last August through February, records show. That amount is approximately the cost of chartering a similar jet for a month or two, according to industry estimates. The senator was able to fly so inexpensively because the law specifically exempts aircraft owned by a candidate or his family or by a privately held company they control. The Federal Election Commission adopted rules in December to close the loophole -- rules that would have required substantial payments by candidates using family-owned planes -- but the agency soon lost the requisite number of commissioners needed to complete the rule making. Because that exemption remains, Mr. McCain's campaign was able to use his wife's corporate plane like a charter jet while paying first-class rates, several campaign finance experts said. Several of those experts, however, added that his campaign's actions, while keeping with the letter of law, did not reflect its spirit." [New York Times, 4/27/08: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/us/politics/27plane.html?_r=1&oref=slogin]


SKIRTING THE FEC...


FEC Did Not Grant McCain Permission To Withdraw From Public Financing System in the Primary. According to the Washington Post, "The nation's top federal election official told Sen. John McCain yesterday that he cannot immediately withdraw from the presidential public financing system as he had requested, a decision that threatens to dramatically restrict his spending until the general election campaign begins in the fall... Mason notified McCain that the commission had not granted his Feb. 6 request to withdraw from the presidential public financing system." [Washington Post, 2/22/08]


FEC Raised Questions About A Loan the McCain Received. According to the Associated Press, "The government's top campaign finance regulator says John McCain can't drop out of the primary election's public financing system until he answers questions about a loan he obtained to kickstart his once faltering presidential campaign... Federal Election Commission Chairman David Mason, in a letter to McCain this week, said the all-but-certain Republican nominee needs to assure the commission that he did not use the promise of public money to help secure a $4 million line of credit he obtained in November." [AP/MSNBC, 2/21/08]


THE SPENCER HOUSE FUNDRAISER...


Judicial Watch Files Complaint Over London Fundraiser. "Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that it filed a formal complaint, dated April 22, 2008, with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) related to a fundraising luncheon held at London's Spencer House to benefit Senator John McCain's presidential campaign. The venue for the event was apparently donated to the campaign by foreign nationals, in violation of federal campaign finance laws." [Judicial Watch release, 4/24/08:
Judicial Watch release on Reuters


Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee, www.democrats.org.


This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080519/DNCLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Democratic National Committee

CONTACT: Damien LaVera of the Democratic National Committee,
+1-202-863-8148


Web Site: Democratic National Committee

The First American Coup

The First American Coup

In 1933, there was a military coup plot to overthrow Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945).




The first truth is that the liberty of democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of power to a point where it becomes stronger than the democratic state itself. That, in its essence, is Fascism -- ownership of Government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. The second truth is that the liberty of a democracy is not safe if its business system does not provide employment and produce and distribute goods in such a way to sustain an acceptable standard of living.
~ Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 - April 12, 1945) , the 32nd President of the United States of America, on April 29, 1938, in a message to Congress titled "Recommendations to the Congress to Curb Monopolies and the Concentration of Economic Power."


Wall Street

FDR was the thirty-second President of the United States and the only U.S. President who served more than two terms, for he was elected to four terms in office, from 1933 to 1945. But he had many enemies who hated him so much that they attempted to topple him by undemocratic means.

The military coup was planned by power brokers of the richest corporations on Wall Street, amongst which were Goodyear, Bethlehem Steel, JP Morgan, and DuPont. One of the richest bankers and brokers on Wall Street, Robert Clark, was willing to contribute half of his $60 million fortune to finance the coup. His deputy, former Commander Gerald Macguire of the American Legion, said:"We need a fascist government in this country to save the nation from the Communists who want to tear it down and wreck everything we have built in America."

The 1933 coup would have succeeded, had it not been for the bravery of General Smedley Butler, the lionized World War I hero whom plotters wanted to lead the coup, but he instead blew their cover.

Reference: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., "Hillary Haters and The Roosevelts, The Huffington Post, December 12, 2007.

Posted by Orikinla Osinachi. at 9:52 AM