Econo-talk in Central's Sacramento Room

The economy is the big creature with a bull’s head and bear’s body, sitting in the corner of the room. Last Wednesday evening, the 12th of November, the Central Library decided to talk about. With the assistance of CSUS Economics professor, Kristin Van Gaasbeck, and the passion and enthusiasm of a great group of participants, the current and future state of the financial markets, both home and abroad, were discussed in detail.

Plus, those buzz terms that have become near household were thrown about: sub-prime mortgages, credit default swaps, and the sham of the mortgage-backed security. What’s more, the fate of the dollar and the slow, but deliberate conversion of the U.S. economy from one of a manufacturing base to one that is service-centered were tackled.

And, how much is too much regulation, since we know that it’s inevitable with a new administration taking its place on Capital Hill in January?

The expertise and ideas of Van Gaasbeck were illuminating, but what the made the program truly meaningful was the participation of those citizens who joined us. It was a pleasure to watch this cross-section of Sacramento convene in the library to exchange ideas and experiences over an issue that affects every last one of us. My hat is off to Professor Van Gaasbeck and those of you who attended and contributed to this timely discussion.

Photos taken by Julie Garabedian.

New Administration, Same Wall Street Angst: Get the Prognosis for the U.S. and You this Wednesday Night

September 2008: Wall Street’s financial giants take a historic hit. Weeks later, the United States Congress responds with a 700 billion dollar rescue plan, coming in the form of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. To make the issue even more layered, the Obama Administration steps forward with its own intent to push a stimulus package through Congress.

The implications of the plan(s) are many. The credit market, business payrolls, national security, and just overall ebb in economic confidence are all issues that are swirling about, New York to Chicago to Wasilla to London to Sacramento.

On November 12, at 6:00 pm, in the Central Library’s Sacramento Room, find out more about the significance of a wounded Wall Street and staggered American economy, as Sacramento State University Economics Professor, Kristin Van Gaasbeck, joins us.

In addition to addressing the state of financial markets and the economy as a whole, she will take your questions on how these looming issues will affect you, the consumer, investor and business owner.

Registration is encouraged and can be done by calling 264.2920 or by going online to www.saclibrary.org.