Economics and Investing:

From Joan M.: Sen. Gregg Criticizes ‘Banana Republic’ Budget Proposal A quote: “The ranking Republican on the Senate Budget Committee warned on Monday that President Obama’s budget proposal will lead to unsustainable debt levels and send the country on a fiscal path resembling that of a ‘banana republic….called the deficit estimates attached to the budget plan “staggering,” and he warned that such deficits would trigger a national debt that amounts to “running your country into the ground.'”

MVR sent this interesting perspective on the US Dollar and debt from Thailand: The real US financial crisis has yet to begin

G.G. sent this: U.K. Gilts Slump After First ‘Failed’ Bond Auction Since 1995

Steve W. liked this one: Daniel Hannan MEP: The devalued Prime Minister of a devalued Government

Items from The Economatrix:

Economy Brings Out Entrepreneurial Spirit

EU Presidency: US and UK Economic Recovery Plans are “A Way To Hell”

Obama Declares “Signs of Progress” for US Economy. (Shhhh! Don’t tell him about the Alt-A and Option-ARM rate resets peaking in 2010 and 2011. We mustn’t discourage him)

Goldman Sachs to Return $10 Billion Bailout

Vandals Target Sir Fred Goodwin’s (Former RBS Boss) House and Car

Japanese Exports Plunge 50%

Czech Government Collapses Over Economic Crisis. (I told you so: “If and when the global derivatives bubble ever pops, it may topple not just trading companies like Goldman Sachs, or corporations like GM, Daimler-Chrysler, or RCA, but entire nations. I’m not kidding.” (SurvivalBlog: September 25, 2006.)

Freeze the $1.5 Quadrillion Derivatives as First Step to Recovery

Peter Schiff: Stimulus Bill Will Lead to “Unmitigated Disaster”

Ron Paul on Obama’s Stimulus

Why the End of America is Closer than You Think

Obama to Meet With Top Bank CEOs on Friday

Airlines Group Predict Huge Industry Losses

BofA Shareholder Looks to Oust CEO from Board