In the midst of the election frenzy, Blum calls for a more educated and informed populace, more intellectual debate and an understanding of each candidates' policies--all necessary and imperative components of a functioning republic.

Some argue that the current financial turmoil is being blown out of proportion. Psychology is certainly integral to the financial system, but Blum also argues that government intervention is necessary, that the benefits outweigh the cost of using taxpayer money to purchase mortage-related securities.

Lee Blum hones in on Obama's vision of America in the world--and how its contradiction with the majority of Americans' worldview has put the presidential candidate in a tough spot.

Both Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain have attacked everybody from hedge fund managers to oil companies for the doldrums that our economy is in. The root of all evil, as many would have us believe, is the subprime mortgage market and predatory lenders. Yet I believe subprime is an instrument of financial innovation that is useful.

Barack Obama’s whirlwind tour of the world gave me the same feelings I experienced after viewing The Dark Night. The movie left me entertained, intrigued and somewhat curious. But as I got in to my car I realized that nothing in the world or my life had changed other than the fact that I just spent $30 on a trip to the movies. Oddly enough these emotions were the same ones I had after listening to Sen. Obama speak in Berlin, Germany (except it did not cost me $30). It was enjoyable to listen to and provided some good Kodak moments, but nothing in the world changed as a result.