| "I
feel like the American economy and the American people are in a holding pattern,
hoping for the best but expecting the worst. We need to resolve the conflict with
Iraq swiftly and decisively and focus more attention on the American economy and
the American people. Only then can we feel confident in our saving, investing
and spending patterns."
- Karen Ripperger,
BN'91, senior marketing consultant, Principal Financial Group
"A very significant
impact in that businesses and families are acting very conservatively until the
dangers associated with Iraq are clear. People in this country have never liked
the discussion of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of a tyrant. The war
with Iraq may be over quickly. The basic solid footings of the economy will allow
it to dramatically accelerate shortly thereafter."
- Gary Rudin BN'70,
GR'71, retired; member, Drake University Board of Trustees
"It drains
billions of dollars from our economy."
- Reid Fell, BN'49,
retired
"Up to this
point it's had a negative effect. However, a swift and decisive military action
in Iraq would cause an immediate rebound."
- Doug Krieger,
GR'77, president, Krieger Motor Co.
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"We
can see the impact it is having in the volatility of the market indices. Lack
of consumer confidence. The uncertainty of when and how long military action will
take is the worst part, causing the lack of confidence. Not just consumers, but
businesses are holding off on investment spending as well. Once a decision is
made, and, God willing, the action is swift, we should then see the economy and
markets back in an upswing. Our next battle may be with inflation."
- Charlie Freund,
II, BN'90, Retirement Counseling Services
"The situation
in the Middle East is increasing oil/gas prices, reducing consumer confidence/
spending, depressing the stock market, etc. Need I say more?"
- Cary Viktor,
BN'68, GR'72, director, industrial participation, Lockheed Martin Missiles and
Fire Control
"Sight of
the gallows tends to focus the mind."
- Jason D. Mathes,
CFM, BN'98, wealth management advisor and senior financial advisor, Merrill Lynch
Read
more responses...
The opinions expressed
in "Talk of the Town" are those of the individual respondents and do
not necessarily reflect those of Drake University or its College of Business and
Public Administration.
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