Wyatt Ciesielka

Every day brought new rumors. Soldiers had become more active, and the night before bricks had mysteriously disappeared from many abandoned buildings. And now, people were saying a wall would soon be built. Fearing the worst, Hasso pleaded with his friend that they should escape the city. His friend, skeptical of the rumors, encouraged Hasso to "Relax. Enjoy yourself." Hasso had recently won a state swim tournament. Why should he not "enjoy himself?"

Now that gasoline prices have retreated from their July highs, many Americans are breathing a sigh of relief thinking that the economic storm clouds are clearing and the worst is over. Unfortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth!

Is it possible that the United States and Britain could become so economically weak that we would no longer be able to afford the military equipment needed for our very defense? Could a time come when our factories are controlled by hostile nations and are used to produce weaponry for our enemies? Would you believe that these prophecies are already starting to come true?

Have you been affected by escalating food prices? Are you worried how you will pay your bills and feed your family, if the price of basics like milk reach $10 a gallon, or if bread reaches $8 a loaf?

France and Germany continue to vie for European leadership.  Who will triumph?  What will become of the cherished French ideals of liberté, égalité, and fraternité?  Will liberté or austerity prevail in Europe?