Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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January 8, 2009

Obama: US Faces 'Day of Reckoning' on Economy
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=2174A26:A6F02AD83191E160209BC51526F0BDA698CBE7246176B735&
 
Remarks made in a speech intended to help president-elect win
congressional support for his massive economic stimulus proposal 
President-elect Barack Obama makes remarks on nation's economy at George
Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, 08 Jan 2009 U.S. President-elect
Barack Obama is urging Americans to tackle the economic crisis with the
same spirit that helped previous generations cope with "war, depression
and fear itself."His speech Thursday is intended to help Mr. Obama win
congressional support for his massive economic stimulus proposal - a
two-year plan costing as much as $800 billion. He said the plan includes
tax cuts for most Americans, along with spending on roads, schools,
health care and energy. Mr. Obama promises to improve regulation to keep
"reckless greed and risk-taking" from threatening the U.S. economy
again. The seriousness of the economic situation was underlined today by
a report showing the number of Americans collecting long-term
unemployment assistance hit a 26-year high of 4.6 million. The incoming
president had hoped to have the package ready for his signature when he
is sworn-in on January 20. But Congress likely will not approve the
proposal until at least mid-February.


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