http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/10/30/honoring-legacy-ryan-white
President Obama signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. It represents our ongoing commitment to ensuring access to needed HIV/AIDS care and treatment. The White House and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) worked very closely with Congress on this bipartisan legislation, and the consensus document developed by the HIV/AIDS advocacy community was an important part of the process. We were so pleased that Jeanne White-Ginder, Ryan White’s mother, was here at the bill signing.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/10/28/about-whether-we-value-one-another
Today President Obama signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, legislation that will extend new federal protections to people who are victims of violent crime because of their sex or sexual orientation. It is an update to the federal hate crimes statute that Congress first passed in 1968. For the first time, the law that previously protected people from attacks motivated by race, religion or ethnicity will also protect gay, lesbian, transgender and disabled people.
The President will host a reception commemorating the enactment of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act in the East Room of the White House this evening. This afternoon, before signing the bill, he said:
"...After more than a decade of opposition and delay, we've passed inclusive hate crimes legislation to help protect our citizens from violence based on what they look like, who they love, how they pray, or who they are. "I promised Judy Shepard, when she saw me in the Oval Office, that this day would come, and I'm glad that she and her husband Dennis could join us for this event. I'm also honored to have the family of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, who fought so hard for this legislation. And Vicki and Patrick, Kara, everybody who's here, I just want you all to know how proud we are of the work that Ted did to help this day -- make this day possible..."
"...After more than a decade of opposition and delay, we've passed inclusive hate crimes legislation to help protect our citizens from violence based on what they look like, who they love, how they pray, or who they are.
"I promised Judy Shepard, when she saw me in the Oval Office, that this day would come, and I'm glad that she and her husband Dennis could join us for this event. I'm also honored to have the family of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, who fought so hard for this legislation. And Vicki and Patrick, Kara, everybody who's here, I just want you all to know how proud we are of the work that Ted did to help this day -- make this day possible..."
Here’s an excerpt from an editorial in the Washington Post this morning:
PRESIDENT OBAMA is scheduled to sign Wednesday what is being described as the nation's first significant pro-gay rights legislation. Attached to the defense authorization act, the measure would add sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability to the list of protected classes under the 1969 federal hate-crimes law…The law doesn't outlaw bigotry or "thought crimes." It applies only to "violent acts motivated by" the characteristics of the victim -- acts, not thoughts or speech. But crimes that target someone because of race or sexual orientation are more than offenses against that individual. They can terrorize whole communities.http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/10/28/about-whether-we-value-one-another
PRESIDENT OBAMA is scheduled to sign Wednesday what is being described as the nation's first significant pro-gay rights legislation. Attached to the defense authorization act, the measure would add sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability to the list of protected classes under the 1969 federal hate-crimes law…
The law doesn't outlaw bigotry or "thought crimes." It applies only to "violent acts motivated by" the characteristics of the victim -- acts, not thoughts or speech. But crimes that target someone because of race or sexual orientation are more than offenses against that individual. They can terrorize whole communities.
October 16, 2009
Please strongly support the Public Option publicly now! We need to hear your voice. The People are counting on you to back up the promises you made.
Respectfully,
Roland Madore
1725 C Spring Meadows Ct.
Fort Collins, CO 80525-1164
By two authors, called collectively JJ Kennedy
Please check out our sites: groups.myspace.com/stophatej, jj.kennedy@live.com, and more to come with our main website, myspace, facebook, twitter, and youtube. Expect seriousness, commedy, and satire all rolled into one massive networked political site.
Join our effort and become a member and contribute within our network, send us an email.
Healthcare Reform Reality Check
Some people say that a public option is not the way to go because it will cost too much, its a ranting lie that will kill grandma, it is too socialist; the opposition to the public option needs a reality check.
1. One of the arguments against President Obama's plan is that it is simply too expensive and will drain our economy increasing the already massive deficit left behind by the Bush administration. Reality check? The health care reform plan will not add anything to the deficit, and in fact it is paid for upfront. Fiscal responsibility is written all over this reform, addressing the realistic need for money and still providing effective health care. The first step is to start off fixing what is broken within the system. Namely, returning to realistic health care costs, which have risen four times faster than inflation based on a big business principle of maximizing profit rather than health. President Obama's plan focuses on quality care rather than quantity, a system where successful treatment of patients is more important than wasteful big medical business fraud. The plan will implement various delivery system reforms, making the medical system both more affordable and effective. Most importantly, the plan will bring about more effective preventative care which will reduce over-all long-term medical expenses; preventing illness before they happen and masively reducing the excessive future medical bills.
2. Clearly republicans are not in sync with the people. Some believe in the lies and propaganda from FOX NEWS and other right-wing whackjobs. This junk from the 'Death Panals' or 'Deathers', or that it will fund euthanasia and abortion, or the absurd notions that this plan will 'kill grandma' are the most ridiculous mythical arguments geared to convince the nearsighted right-wing zombies. Once again, right wing deception emerges. Why do people so easily fall for this junk? Can't people see how foolish and absurd these pack of lies are.
3. Is this socialism? Yes and no. It is socialistic in the nature that giving equal education to our children is socialism. It is socialistic in the manner which social security and care for the disabled is socialism. It is socialism as in creating an American nation with opportunity for the American dream. At the same time, it is not a complete socialistic system. It is socialsitic tools used properly within an over-all capitalistic framework. Not all forms of socialism are negative, and in fact many forms create positive results as any disabled person, senior citizen on social security, or a person who is a product of the an education system would necessarily attest to. It is creating opportunity and creating human dignity.
A civilization is measured by its characteristics, ethics, and culture. A mark of our civilization is how we as a society treat the least amongst us. The love we show within our treatment to our elderly, disabled, innocent children, and medically ill is a reflection of the value we place within human dignity.
"It will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance. It will provide insurance to those who don’t. And it will lower the cost of health care for our families, our businesses, and our government."– President Barack Obama
"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die"Ted Kennedy
For more details, see http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care/plan/
Joining the discussion at Whitehouse.gov/live
Posted by Nathan Sterken
The White House live stream broadcasts all kinds of White House events, from press conferences with the President to concerts in the East Room. As you may have seen, it’s also home to a new, interactive feature—Open for Questions. During what we call "Open for Questions" sessions, which are hosted about once a week, administration officials answer questions from the public in a live, online video chat. To participate in a future session, stay tuned to the White House blog, Facebook page or Twitter feed for announcements, and then head to the White House Live application on Facebook during the event to submit a question.
By looking at the percentage of people from each state who tuned in, we can see that the popularity of Open for Questions and other White House events varies from state to state with each event. The map below, for example, shows this Wednesday’s Open for Questions session with the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors was most popular in the Midwest and Virginia:
The President’s primetime press conference in the midst of the H1N1 outbreak, though, was popular in California—home to the first confirmed case of H1N1:
And when President Obama weclomed Alison Krauss and Union Station, Brad Paisley, and Charley Pride to the White House, the event was most popular in Tennessee, the nation’s country music capital:
Stay tuned to the White House blog to hear about future Open for Questions sessions and other White House events. To participate in future Open for Questions segments, visit the White House Live application on Facebook.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Joining-the-discussion-at-Whitehousegov-live/
THURSDAY, JULY 30TH,
2009 Medal of Freedom Recipients
Posted by Katherine Brandon
The President announced today the 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilan honor. The President praised the recipients for breaking down barriers and lifting up their fellow citizens: "These outstanding men and women represent an incredible diversity of backgrounds. Their tremendous accomplishments span fields from science to sports, from fine arts to foreign affairs. Yet they share one overarching trait: Each has been an agent of change. Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it, often overcoming great obstacles along the way."The awards will be presented on August 12. Here is a little bit about this year’s recipients:
See the official release for a little more detail.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009-Medal-of-Freedom-Recipients/
MUST WATCH:
Here's Howard Dean explaining why Co-Ops (baby Public Options per state) instead of a true, strong Public Option Plan are just another con tactic of the insurance/drug companies and well-bribed politicians. WATCH THEN SHARE EVERYWHERE:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2Sjxj7XosAIt is of vital importance that EVERYONE learns the truth about this 'Co-Op thing'
p.s. President Obama yelled out 'I Want Public Option' during today's N. Carolina health care town hall. It is up to We The People to SPEAK OUT in unison ! Contact The Blue Dog Dems...Shout "WE MUST HAVE PUBLIC OPTION" !!!
Dear Friend,
If you’re like most Americans, there’s nothing more important to you about health care than peace of mind.
Given the status quo, that’s understandable. The current system often denies insurance due to pre-existing conditions, charges steep out-of-pocket fees – and sometimes isn’t there at all if you become seriously ill.
It’s time to fix our unsustainable insurance system and create a new foundation for health care security. That means guaranteeing your health care security and stability with eight basic consumer protections:
No discrimination for pre-existing conditions No exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays No cost-sharing for preventive care No dropping of coverage if you become seriously ill No gender discrimination No annual or lifetime caps on coverage Extended coverage for young adults Guaranteed insurance renewal so long as premiums are paid Learn more about these consumer protections at www.Whitehouse.gov
Over the next month there is going to be an avalanche of misinformation and scare tactics from those seeking to perpetuate the status quo. But we know the cost of doing nothing is too high. Health care costs will double over the next decade, millions more will become uninsured, and state and local governments will go bankrupt.
It’s time to act and reform health insurance, drive down costs and guarantee the health care security and stability of every American family. You can help by putting these core principles of reform in the hands of your friends, your family, and the rest of your social network.
Thank you, Barack Obama
If you haven't already done so, now is the time to declare your support for health insurance reform.
I’ve unsubscribed from barackobama.com not because I hate our president or because I feel betrayed, but because my participation in his campaign is dependent on his agenda. It is not unconditional. When the president’s attention once again includes GLBT equality, as I’m confident it will, I will once again become an avid participant.
I also made repeated donations and did everything I could to spread the President's message. During the campaign, I often found myself defending the President to friends who were suspicious of his level of support for gay rights. I find myself defending him still, but it's getting harder and harder to do.I'm no single-issue voter; I recognize how many pressing issues our country has on its plate. But the President promised to be a "fierce advocate" for gay Americans. Instead, we've had nothing but fierce silence--until last week, when we were fiercely attacked in Justice's DOMA brief. I'm still a strong supporter of the President, but the frequent emails from administration officials about other issues are just a constant reminder of what it hasn't addressed. I prefer not to receive them unless and until the President starts to make good on his promises to gay Americans.
Affordability is obviously STILL the missing LINK to stablize the real estate, mortage, lending... industries.Greenspan did his experimentations to prove his Economic Theory and Bernanke is working on fixing the ill effects of such "theory".In truth, there are ways to allow "affordability" to take place again, and the experts do know how. The question is are THEY willing to make affordability happen instead of keep on trying to bury this administration by attempting to link the BAILout$$$ and the fall of mortages to this administration.They can make the mortage notes longer ... irregardless of the life expectancy of the borrower by having "ballon" payments at reasonable time say every 7 years and have it amortized over the current "maximum". There's NO DOUBT that such SAFE and Responsible mortage options will again bring our economy back, as Housing is STILL the major purchase and American Dream.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ALL-BUSINESS-Bondmarket-rout-apf-15457158.html?.v=4
The chairman of the Republican Party, Michael Steele, yesterday made clear the Republican Party is going to go on the attack against the Gay community (B,L,G,T). Steele said that a winning talking point for conservatives is to claim that gay marriage costs straights money and jobs. Steele said that the proper response to any gay couple that gets married from a straight person should be, "Hey! You're costing me money!"
Healthcare and other benefits provided to gay spouses will come out of the pockets of straights. This is the hateful, and stupid, "Master strategy" to lead Republicans out of the wilderness. Incite hatred against gays, with the customary violence and murders which always accompany "gay bashing", and ride on a wave of intolerance and bloodshed all the way to victory at the polls.
It does not matter that Steele's "policy statement" is a complete lie. Anyone who works for a company deserves benefits for themselves and their spouse, regardless of their sexual orientation. The work done by gays is just as valuable as work done by straights. You should not be discriminated against, or receive lesser benefits, just because you are gay.
Steele is engaging in the same kind of despicable hate mongering we have witnessed before in history. Jews caused the Depression and must be exterminated. Blacks will take jobs away from whites if we dismantle Jim Crow. Now the Republicans are saying "the gays" will cost us money and take away our jobs. We have heard this filth before.
Even going beyond the obvious racism and greed of Rush and Hannity, this new emphasis on a pogrom against gays is so disgusting and cowardly that it merits prosecution. Hate speech is deadly, and if anyone gets hurt as a result of this sewage spewing out of Michael Steele's mouth he should be put in prison.
