The cost of gas has dislocated the economy and is sending it offshore. There is nothing more important in this country right now.

Tourism is a $6.35 billion industry and a huge part of the local economy along this coast. Katrina not only washed away the culturally historic communities here, it also washed away a big part of our livelihood, but it could not take away our spirit. I cannot believe the substantial progress Tourism - Caring for America volunteers made. With 20 percent of our economy laid off due to Katrina-related issues, we have been working day in and day out over the past six months to get our communities back on track. This kind of concentrated effort makes us feel like we moved mountains in just a few days.

This economy is still driven by domestic demand. And domestic demand remains very strong. The underpinnings are very favorable. And while the Asian crisis will slow growth a little bit, it will not derail the expansion.

Fuel cells and the hydrogen economy are absolutely the next great race for industry.

Consumers are very aware of the economy and they don't want to pay premium prices anymore. They're shopping for value.

In many ways what's been happening in the economy hits them (working poor families) the worst. Those with higher incomes are more likely to have employer-provided insurance. And many lower-income (people) have Medicaid to fall back. For that in-between group, there's nothing.