News of the Week - Print - Feb. 26

This week in print, some of the top stories discuss the possibility of a new housing bailout plan, saving Social Security, bringing the troops in Iraq, cutting the deficit and the new public works projects.

• Housing Bailout

As the housing market continues to decline, Obama has stepped up his efforts to help struggling homeowners with a new bailout plan that could cost as much as $275 billion. The plan would help homeowners refinance their homes; modify existing mortgages and lower payments, among other things.

*Do you think this plan could actually help the market bounce back? Or is this just a short-term fix?

Housing Bailout at $275 Billion

• Comparing the New Deal to the Stimulus Plan

One of the major differences between the public works projects in the New Deal and our current stimulus plan is that our projects will be on a much smaller scale. Instead of building bridges and airports, we will be making buildings more efficient and repaving roads all over the country.

*Do you think that that this approach will provide enough jobs for Americans out of work?

Obama stimulus: More old school fix-ups, less New Deal grandeur

• Saving Social Security

Relying on Social Security for retirement has become outdated. People are setting money aside for their future and expecting less help from the government. Obama has previously said that he would like to address the issue with Social Security but is lacking support from both parties. The Democrats want him to spend the money elsewhere and Republicans do not want the funds to come from taxing the upper class.

Is saving Social Security important right now? Or, should Obama focus on other areas like health care and creating jobs?

Democrats Resisting Obama on Social Security

• Mid 2010 Pullout

Obama may decide to give the troops in Iraq three extra months to pull out of the country.

*Considering how adamant Obama was during his campaign to get the troops out as quickly as possible, are the extra three months necessary?

Obama Favoring Mid-2010 Pullout in Iraq, Aides Say

• Cutting the Deficit

Obama has said that his newest plan will cut the $1.3 trillion in half by the end of his term.

*Is such a task even feasible or is it too soon to tell?

President Obama's budget will seek to cut deficit in half