The Dirty Low Dow

The Dow Jones average closed at its lowest level in nearly twelve years yesterday, and today it closed lower still. This should indicate just how shaky the whole financial system has become. President Obama sought to reassure investors by encouraging bargain stock shopping, and he bravely talked down daily fluctuations in the stock market and pay attention to the long term. This is exactly what has some investors worried - long term flatlining in the market is just as possible as an upward climb or, even worse, continued falling. Too much of people's savings and investments are in the stock market, as this country only tends to produce investments and not much else. Since the market is mostly speculative, it makes perfect sense for the government to assume more responsibility for the welfare of its citizenry.