What the Hell Is Going on with the U.S. Credit Rating

On August 5, 2011, Standard and Poor's downgraded the United States' credit rating from AAA to AA+. The following week stocks went down and politicians raced for the news cameras so that they could blame one another for America's financial problems. But what the hell actually happened and how will it affect you? This essay cuts through the jargon and political posturing to answer those questions with clarity and humor. From mortgage rates to potential political changes, Stephen Dove explains why the downgrade happened and what, if anything, it will mean for you. Dove's step-by-step explanations, helpful metaphors, and clear prose give the reader an understanding of the big picture behind major current events. What the Hell Is Going on with the U.S. Credit Rating shows respect for readers' intelligence without resorting to convoluted academic writing. This essay does not dumb the news down; it makes it clear and relevant.