Just a few moments ago, the Senate voted 60-39 to move forward with debate on health reform legislation. OFA Director Mitch Stewart explained:
For the first time ever, the Senate just voted to begin debate on a comprehensive health insurance reform bill. This was the first big hurdle we had to overcome to pass reform through the full Senate. The decision was close -- and insurance company lobbyists were working overtime to defeat us -- but your calls this week made a huge difference. There are more fights ahead, but this is a big victory and I wanted to take a minute to thank you for making it possible.
President Shimon Peres also paid tribute Friday to Obama, saying that his leadership had meant "peace became a real and original agenda."
******************The President******************* Jerusalem, 9th October, 2009 "Very few leaders if at all were able to change the mood of the entire world in such a short while with such profound impact. You provided the entire humanity with fresh hope, with intellectual determination, and a feeling that there is a lord in heaven and believers on earth. "Under your leadership, peace became a real and original agenda. And from Jerusalem, I am sure all the bells of engagement and understanding will ring again. You gave us a license to dream and act in a noble direction." Nobel Peace Prize laureate and President of Israel, Shimon Peres.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasite/images/iht_daily/D091009/peresobamaletter.pdf
What I like about President Obama and His Presidential team is that they stay abreast of all that is going on in America,they have their fingers on the pulse of all cultures and mentalities of the The American People they are not intimidated nor or they shy about dealing with militias, cooks, wingnuts and etc. This kind of mess, being spewed by wolf's in sheep clothing like Anderson and a few others will not be kicked under the carpet, nor ignored and it is unacceptable and unjust to think or do so... Personally to me : S. Anderson is a thug and he needs to be treated as so, and as demented and dangerous as he is, his followers are even more so...for example, the guy with the militia gun had just heard Jim Jones lite(Steve Anderson ) called for the Destruction of Our President the previous day. I really like this Administration because they don't run from problems, they run to them and handle/solve them. GoD Bless President Obama His Entire Presidential Team and may God Continue to Give Him Wisdom and Knowledge/Favor and Solutions to Riddles/Hard Problems and Enigma's that Confounds/Stumps and Stun his enemies and Amazes his Supporters. Definition of Confound:
-verb (used with object)
1.to perplex or amaze, esp. by a sudden disturbance or surprise; bewilder; confuse: The complicated directions confounded him. 2.to throw into confusion or disorder: The revolution confounded the people. 3.to throw into increased confusion or disorder. 4.to treat or regard erroneously as identical; mix or associate by mistake: truth confounded with error. 5.to mingle so that the elements cannot be distinguished or separated. 6.to damn (used in mild imprecations): Confound it! 7.to contradict or refute: to confound their arguments. 8.to put to shame; abash. 9.Archaic. a.to defeat or overthrow. b.to bring to ruin or naught. 10.Obsolete. to spend uselessly; waste.
Definition of confound is Courtesy of Definition.com
It is time for us to renew and change our own personal way of thinking!!!!!!!!!
We Need to Find Different and Multiple Ways to increase our personal finances.
President Obama used today, tax day, to speak about the work his administration has done so far to restore fairness to the tax code and provide tax relief to working families. "We start from the simple premise that we should reduce the tax burden on working people," the President explained, "while helping Americans go to college, own a home, raise a family, start a business and save for retirement. Those goals are the foundation of the American Dream, and they are the focus of my tax policy."
President Obama promised to begin work to simply what he described as "a monstrous tax code" that is "far too complicated for most Americans to understand, but just complicated enough for the insiders who know how to game the system." The President also outlined five specific steps that have been taking so far:
In the budget outline that he delivered to Congress last month, President Obama identified three key areas that are critical to our long-term economic health: Health Care, Energy, and Education. This morning, President Obama delivered remarks on education reform at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 19th Annual Legislative Conference at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center. He stressed the importance of education and stressed the connection between education and economic success, saying "let there be no doubt: the future belongs to the nation that best educates its citizens."
The President outlined five key areas for reform:
President-elect Barack Obama made a now-famous Election Night promise to his daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7: "You've earned that new puppy that is coming with us to the White House."
There's no taking it back now - he said it front of a hundred thousand people in Grant Park, Chicago and hundreds of millions of television viewers worldwide.
Obama's was the first acceptance speech in U.S. history to include the mention of a family pet, though presidential pets certainly have received their share of the limelight. The White House website has an entire section devoted to the pets that have occupied their masters' chambers, and there is even a Presidential Pets Museum in Williamsburg, Va.
There hasn't been a president in residence in the White House in a long, long time who did not own a dog. Not since Woodrow Wilson, in fact.
Most presidential dogs were purebreds - a notable exception was Lyndon Johnson's mixed breed, which he named J. Edgar - but Obama hopes to adopt a "mutt" for his daughters - from a shelter where there are "mutts like me," our 44th president said in his first news conference as president-elect.
Obama disclosed that the family will need to find a "hypoallergenic" dog because his daughter Malia has allergies.
Dr. Jack Boden, veterinarian at Imperial Animal Hospital on St. Thomas, said that dogs that don't shed are the best option for people who suffer from allergies. When a dog sheds, the skin attached to the root of the hair follicle - skin that contains the protein to which some people are allergic - breaks up into small particles that can be breathed in, Boden said.
Frequently brushing the dog is good for both the dog and owner who suffers from allergies because it stimulates oils in the skin to keep the coat shiny and gets rid of fur that would otherwise be spread throughout the house.
"By and large, short-haired dogs with single coats - no undercoat - seem to be the best recommendation for allergy sufferers," said Boden.
Some of the breeds and mixes that are considered hypoallergenic are Chihuahuas - both long-hair and short-hair - Bichon Frisé, Greyhound, Schnauzer, Poodle, Goldendoodle or any Poodle hybrid, Yorkshire, Silky Terrier and any from a long list of non-shedding terriers.
Many websites have emerged to help the Obama family find a dog, including www. obamafamilydog.com, and thousands of people have given opinions on personal blogs and on news websites.
But since the Obamas have stated they would like to get a dog from a shelter, what better place than from one here in the Virgin Islands?
If the Obamas are interested in Chihuahuas, The Humane Society on St. Thomas has three cute little Chihuahua-mix puppies up for adoption. The three are 2-month-old sisters found in the Crown Bay area and brought into the shelter on Oct. 19. All are in good health and have up-to-date shots. Dolly is a short hair mix and has a cream coat with a little touch of white, and Loretta and Reba are both tan with short hair. All three have sweet dispositions, the Humane Society staff say.
On St. Croix, the Animal Welfare Center has more than 100 dogs waiting for adoption, and most are mixed breeds.
Shortly before Election Day, the AWC put two of the mixed breed puppies up for adoption: "Obama," a black and white Crucian mix, and "McCain," a lab-bulldog mix. McCain was adopted the day before the election, but "Obama" is still waiting for a home.
A White House would be nice - big lawn, lots of room to run, two adoring little girls to play fetch with.
"Obama" has qualities of "leadership and and can-do attitude" said Animal Welfare Center's communications director, Gretchen Sherrill.
Other St. Croix shelter puppies that might work for the Obamas are "Sticky," a black terrier mix with longish fur and brown eyes, and "Chrissy," also a terrier mix. "Chrissy" has short tan fur with a white chest and belly and a dark brown face.
"I think it'd be great to have a Crucian in the White House; we'd love for the Virgin Islands to be represented through man's best friend," said Sherrill.
To find out about animals for adoption on St. Croix, call 778-1650, on St. John, call 774-1625 and on St. Thomas, call 775-0599.
First dogs
The dogs that belonged to the presidents of the United States. As Harry Truman said, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."
- George Washington: Mopsey, Taster, Cloe, Tipler, Forester, Captain, Lady Rover, Vulcan, Sweetlips and Searcher, all foxhounds.
- Thomas Jefferson: Briards and foxhounds.
- James Monroe: Spaniel.
- John Tyler: Le Beau, a greyhound.
- Abraham Lincoln: Jip and Fido, unknown breeds.
- Ulysses S. Grant: Faithful, a Newfoundland.
- Rutherford B. Hayes: Grim, a greyhound; Duke, an English mastiff; Hector, a Newfoundland; Dot, a terrier.
- Grover Cleveland: Unnamed Japanese poodle.
- Benjamin Harrison: Dash and various dogs of unknown breeds.
- Theodore Roosevelt: Pete, a bull terrier; Sailor Boy, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever; Skip, a mixed breed; Manchu, a Pekingese; Jack and Peter, both terriers.
- Woodrow Wilson: Davie, an Airedale.
- Warden Harding: Laddie Boy, an Airedale; Old Boy, a bulldog.
- Calvin Coolidge: Peter Pan, a terrier; Paul Pry, an Airedale; Rob Roy, a white collie; Prudence Prim, a white collie; Calamity Jane, a Shetland sheepdog; Tiny Tim and Blackberry, both Chow Chows; Ruby Rough, a collie; Boston Beans, a bulldog; King Kole, a German shepherd; Bessie, a collie; and Palo Alto, a setter.
- Herbert Hoover: King Tut, a German shepherd; Big Ben and Sonnie, both fox terriers; Glen, a Scottish collie; Yukonan, an Eski.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt: Fala, a Scottish terrier; Majora, a German shepherd; Meggie, a Scottish terrier; Winks, a Llewellyn setter; Tiny, an English sheepdog; President, a Great Dane; and Blaze, a mastiff.
- Harry S. Truman: Feller, a cocker spaniel; and Mike, an Irish setter.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower: Heidi, a Weimaraner.
- John F. Kennedy: Charlie, a Welsh terrier; Shannan, an Irish cocker spaniel plus their puppies: Blackie, Butterfly, Streaker, and White Tips. Also, Pushinka, a gift from the premier of Russia, who was the daughter of Laika, the first dog in space.
- Lyndon B. Johnson: Him and Her, both beagles; Freckles, their puppy; Blanco, a white collie; Yuki, a mixed breed; J. Edgar, a mixed breed.
- Richard Nixon: Vicky, a poodle; Pasha, a Yorkshire terrier; and King Timahoe, an Irish setter. Checkers, a cocker spaniel, immortalized in a 1952 political speech by vice presidential candidate Nixon, died five years before Nixon was elected president.
- Gerald Ford: Liberty, a golden retriever.
- Jimmy Carter: Grits, a mixed breed.
- Ronald Reagan: Lucky, a Bouvier des Flandres; Rex, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
- George H. W.Bush: Millie*, a springer spaniel; Ranger and Spot, two of Millie's puppies.
- Bill Clinton: Buddy, a Chocolate Labrador.
- George W. Bush: Spot, Millie's daughter, an English springer spaniel; Barney and Mrs. Beasley, Scottish terriers.
* While in the White House, Millie was a busy dog. She "co-authored" a children's story, "Millie's Book," with the help of First Lady Barbara Bush and she gave birth to a litter of six puppies, one of which was Spot, who returned to the White House with President George W. Bush, making Spot the only dog with the distinction of being a second-generation presidential dog.
- Contact reporter Genevieve Ryan at 774-8772 ext. 340 or e-mail gryan@dailynews.vi.
Tips on Writing a Letter to the Editor
Courtesy of MoveOn.org
GRASSROOTS FOR OBAMA IN WASHINGTON DC
FREEDOM PLAZA, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE
SEPTEMBER 6, 2008
This will be a rare opportunity for grassroots groups from all over the country to unite in the nation's capital.
There will be fund raising and voter registration. This is a high visibility event in Freedom Plaza close to the White House. There will be extensive media coverage as we host Mayors, Climate Change, members of Congress, Sierra Club, Veterans. Bands, performers, grassroots special guests.
French TV has contacted me and they will be filming for a special program about the election and our grassroots movement.
Our stage is being built. I am hoping to find an Obama banner for the stage if you know of any group who has one and can loan it for the event. If you live in the region, come to Washington DC to Freedom Plaza to share our grassroots enthusiasm. If you live across the country, it's a great time to visit your nation's capital and be apart of history.
A word about the ticket. I am so proud to be supporting such talented and inspirational candidates as Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Together they complement the spirit of Hope, Change, and Determination that America represents to the world. I have been fortunate to work with so many people across this country organizing this event. Grassroots have always been the spirit and good intentions of America.
I didn't know anything about organizing an event like this. I just knew I wanted to become involved. I just got onto the site and I began. With a little hard work and love for my country, I found out something about myself, and the other people I encountered.
YES WE CAN! Jeanie Schneider
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=25596901414
jeanieschneider@gmail.com
As we approach the big Convention in Denver, I find myself, for the very first time, actually coming to terms with the fact that Senator Obama may, indeed, lose this election. I find that I am actually getting sick to my stomach with the idea that Barack may have "blown it". Just can't believe that he allowed himself to be drawn into that fiasco of a "debate" with John McCain hosted by Rick Warren. That has really gotten me wondering just what he will do when he and McCain actually do meet for their three debates that are scheduled.
I do question whether Barack can go toe to toe with McCain. While it is OK with me that he takes forever to explain himself, because I like the way he examines an issue, it is obvious that the method used by McCain is what appeals to the average voter. The drop in the polls tells us that.
I am puzzled by the drop in the polls, and hope that the Convention will bring about a turn-around. Although, the thing that I am placing my hope on now is the VP choice. I have come to the conclusion that the only choice left to give Barack's campaign a lift is Joe Biden. As much as I hate to admit it, Barack NEEDS Joe Biden. I truly never wanted it to come to that. While I have favored Biden, I never really thought he would become so important. But now I do!!!!
I have always thought that Barack Obama had what it took without that much help from anyone else. I suppose he did appear to be a sort of Superman in my eyes. Well, it's time to come back to earth and accept the fact that HELP is needed. Obama just simply has underperformed and we need to really push, but he needs to help himself as well, and get a running mate who can fill in where he is lacking. I think Joe Biden can do that.
I wouldn't mind if I had to eat my words. I would love it if I was totally wrong. We'll see....
Joanne/Go Barack Go/Obama in the Heart
You're all invited to the Director's Lawn at the Illinois State Fair tomorrow. US Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) will be introducing New Mexico's Governor Bill Richardson as the guest speaker. The rally begins at 1:30 pm, Wednesday, August 13th. Be sure to wear your Obama gear and help us make it a 'fired up!' day.
Thank you to Governor Richardson for gracing our fair. Maybe we'll see him on the Sky Ride!
Truly, the substance of the race for President DOESN'T MATTER IN THE LEAST if the GOP continues to trivialize and marginalize serious debate. This election is a referendum on leadership of the Republican Party -- George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Senators and House Reps -- and their collective utter failure on the economy, on jobs, on energy, on the War in Iraq, on the War in Afghanistan, on the War on Terror, on upholding the Constitution, on basically every single issue. While energy is a top issue, let's not forget the connection of oil and gas to: The economy, jobs, the War in Iraq, the War in Afghanistan, the War on Terror, pollution, health, climate change, and much more. If we are going to talk about energy, we should discuss all of these issues or we are doing our country a great disservice. 75% of Americans think the country is on the wrong track. Let's get down to issues that matter. If the GOP wants to frame the discussion about energy, let's see them talk about energy as it relates to these issues: The economy, jobs, the War in Iraq, OPEC, the War in Afghanistan, the War on Terror, pollution, health, climate change. They are ALL connected to energy. Discuss.
Snoppes has the story on why Barack's plane does not have the American flag on the tail--some Republican friends hopped all over this change without knowing the whole story, so here it is:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/airplane.asp
How great this is from Ohio: http://silencedmajority.blogs.com/silenced_majority_portal/2008/08/barack-barns-of.html
the storysee also Barack Like Me
Everyone should check this out if they haven't yet:
The Greenhorns
The Greenhorns is a documentary film that explores the lives of America’s young farming community—its spirit, practices, and needs. As the nation experiences a groundswell of interest in sustainable lifestyles, we see the promising beginnings of an agricultural revival. Young farmers’ efforts feed us safe food, conserve valuable land, and reconstitute communities split apart by strip malls. It is the filmmakers's hope that by broadcasting the stories and voices of these young farmers, we can inspire another generation of optimistic agrarians.
Good people, good food. Sustainable people power. That's what it's all about imho.
Anybody know of any other good things like this?
Please check the Link below to get insight on John McCain's true record regarding his support for the Military.
Joanne/Go Barck Go/Obama in the Heart
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/07/things-that-make-you-go-hmmmmm.
Guess what? I have had another "change of heart". Just can't believe how easily I can be persuaded to another viewpoint when confronted with some "common sense" talk. Thank you. It just goes to show that I do not feel strongly about the Vice President position. I am only interested in getting the person who will do the most good for Barack.
Also, I truly had forgotten just how negative Hillary had been when comparing Barack to McCain. (just watched some YouTube videos and was reminded) I'm sure that she didn't mean all that she said, but the problem is, because of those statements, there are voters out there who will have a hard time believing tht she NOW thinks Barack is a qualified candidate. That is what happens when a candidate attacks another candidate at the personal level. There was far too much of that during the Primary.
Consider the personal attacks McCain is leveling at Obama. They are nasty and untrue and create hard feelings that will be hard to discard when this is all over. Shame on McCain.
So, I'm back with my original pick, Joe Biden.
