If you've been distracted by the gulf oil spill and Afghanistan recently, I recommend redirecting your attention back to the economy and government financial decisions. State government finances are still worsening. The Senate (courtesy of the Republicans) rejected extending unemployment benefits, which will affect over 1M people. The stock market is trending down. Too many foreign nations are implementing austerity measures which will in effect slow down or even reverse the currently meager worldwide economic recovery. The unemployment rate is not declining (remember when 6-7% unemployment was considered serious?). The Republican party is trying to stop anything the Democrats try to implement that would help the economy so that they (the Repubs) can campaign in November on the failure of the Dems to improve the economy. Oh, and the housing market is poised to start sliding down again as Alt-A and Option ARMs adjustments kick in, forcing another massive wave of foreclosures mixed in with the growing shadow inventory.

Not looking too good right now. Obama needs to reconsider his policy of compromising with Republican obstructionists (i.e. pretty much every elected Republican these days). And California needs to pass the measure in November that will eliminate the required 2/3 vote to pass state budgets.