Abrupt drop in consumer and business spending

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The National Association of Realtors says business is not back to normal yet, but the organization still expects 2001 to be the seconq-best year yet for home sales.

For the auto industry, even a rough September won't sidetrack what it expects will be its third-best year ever. Atlanta dealer Eddie Bostwick said zero percent financing has customers back in force last weekend. ''The customers are feeling good about it," Bostwick said. ''They know it's a good deal."

Customer Verlin Sweat said the rates were right, but that wasn't his only reason for buying. "I can buy a new vehicle and serve my purpose as well, maybe help the economy a little," Sweat said.

Mall traffic this past weekend actually surpassed year-ago levels. Some consumers are shopping to prove they have moved beyond the shock of events three weeks ago.

Paul Charron, CEO of apparel maker Liz Claiborne, said the retail climate has improved since Sept. 11, but it still has a ways to go. "Retailers are very cautious," Charron said. ''They were cautious before Sept 11 and they've become more cautious now."

"Our government will do everything it can to get our economy growing, make it as strong as possible," Bush told a gathering of executives from American Express, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan Chase, AT&T and more than 20 other companies. "We need to provide more tax relief to individuals to boost consumer confidence."

Wall Street liked the news, sending the Down Jones industrial average up more than 173 points and the Nasdaq composite index up more than 88 points to almost the same level it closed at before the attacks.

This also bears burden upon up and coming college graduates. Students will have all it takes to make a good resume, but will be born into an economy that does not want them. With such a high numbers of lay-offs it is impossible to find a help wanted sign upon the widows of corporate America.

American flags fly off shelves It's oot toolate to do a Spring2002 Co--op!

by Maria R. Chambers staff writer

Patriotism is on a rise in the USA. From rooftops to windows; from traffic lights to car antenna; American flags are flying high and in abundance. The terrorist attacks on our country have brought us to stand united through this unspoken symbol of freedom, peace, and patriotism.

September 11th was a tragic day in America. Precious landmarks were destroyed and thousands of people were killed. So to show our sympathy and support we raise the star spangled banner from our houses, cars, schools, and traffic lights. Flags are everywhere.

Walking down the streets of Wayne, Pa, flags are hanging from every street light, and every store has one in their window. Local residents have even put this symbol of unity on display in their homes and on their lawns. In the Window of a Barber Shop on Wayne Avenue, sits a boy getting his hair cut while facing a flag. Outside of Weichart Realtors hangs a flag. In the display windows of Wayne Jewelers and Silver Smiths is a flag resting in a beautiful floral arrangement. All of these stores have two things in common: They have flags in their windows, but not on their shelves.

Michael Squyers, Owner of True Value Hardware in Wayne said his store sold out of American flags three times since September 11. "We get a shipment of flags in every week, but in a few days we're sold out again," Said Squyres. So, where CAN you buy a flag? ACME sells flags for $1.50 each as well as patriotic ribbons and bows. A flower shop on South Street in Philadelphia advertises "Patriotic flowers $3.50 a bunch." Before the attacks in September, ACME did not sell flags, Flower shops did not sell "patriotic flowers," and traffic lights did not have flags tied to their poles and waving in the wind. Patriotism has indubitably risen in our country and in our hearts.

Francis Scott Key poses the question: "O say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave / O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?" Clearly we can see that it does.