In Progress

Eight trillion US dollars

That was the initial estimate of economists who were asked how much would be needed to salvage the flailing United States economy prior to the inauguration of US president Barack Obama. But as in the package deal authorised by the Bush administration, this would only cover the lifeline of beleaguered large firms but not the American taxpayers who have lost their jobs and homes and are sinking deeper into debt, and certainly not the subsidiaries, factories, contract workers and their families overseas.

No amount can also compensate for the series of social costs of the crisis especially on women who have just lost their jobs; are becoming more vulnerable with landlessness and hunger; and are more exposed to violence.