I called Senators Murray and Cantwell and Congressman Baird but thought that I would be able to get the budget message across better via email than voice mail (Murray's box was full). I sent those emails on Wednesday and received the following response from Senator Murray today. I find it encouraging:
Dear Ms. Murphy:
Thank you for contacting me about President Obama's federal budget proposal for fiscal year 2010. It is good to hear from you.
As you know, President Obama submitted a fiscal year 2010 budget blueprint to Congress on February 26, 2009. We expect the President will submit his full budget with additional details later in April. The President's budget is both a statement of priorities and evidence of our commitment to making the country stronger for all Americans. This budget blueprint is a step in the right direction. It invests in health care, education, and energy independence. In addition, after eight years of hiding the true costs of war, it is a return to honest budgeting when it comes to funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
However, President Obama inherited huge problems not of his own making. We are facing tough economic and budget times, including the largest federal deficit in recent history. These realities will require that we make some tough choices.
This March, the Senate Budget Committee, of which I am a senior member, will be writing their own budget. I am dedicated to working with President Obama and my fellow Senators to move forward and invest in our nation. As we continue in the fiscal year 2010 budget process, I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind.
Again, thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding budget priorities. If you would like to know more about my work in the Senate, please feel free to sign up for my weekly updates at http://murray.senate.gov/updates. Please keep in touch.
I hope all is well in Vancouver.
There is now a picture online of a photograph taken of me when I was 17 years of age serving with the United States Army. The URL on Facebook is
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=237119&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=29570937696&aid=-1&id=1460623847&oid=29570937696
Webmaster Photographsource: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/president
Disclaimer: The term Webmaster is a carry over from campaign my.barackobama.com - The user name Webmaster I have kept before, during and after the transition.
Talent Lineup for Neighborhood Inaugural Ball and Kids' Inaugural Concert
Tuesday January 20Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, JAY-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira and Stevie Wonder to perform, Nick Cannon to DJ at Neighborhood Inaugural Ball Airing Exclusively on ABC
Monday, January 19Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Bow Wow to perform with Billy Ray Cyrus, Keke Palmer, Usher and Shaquille O'Neal scheduled to appear during Kids' Inaugural Concert Airing Exclusively on Disney Channe
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced today the producers and initial talent lineup for "The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration," which will air live on ABC (8:00 - 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, Tuesday, January 20), and the "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future," a concert honoring military families airing on Disney Channel (8:00 - 9:30 p.m. ET/PT, Monday, January 19).
Musical performers scheduled for the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, JAY-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira and Stevie Wonder. Nick Cannon will DJ the event. Additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed.
Musical performances for the Kids' Inaugural event include the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Bow Wow. Billy Ray Cyrus, Keke Palmer, and Usher Raymond IV are also scheduled to appear. 13-year-old Perry Rubin, daughter of entertainment reporter Sam Rubin, will be the special backstage correspondent. Additional performers and guests will be announced as they are confirmed.
Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss/White Cherry Entertainment are Executive Producers of the Neighborhood Inaugural ball, with Glenn Weiss directing. White Cherry Entertainment is also executive producing the 2009 Super Bowl Halftime Show and the 2009 Tony Awards, with Weiss also serving as Director.
The Kids' Inaugural concert special is executive produced by Greg Sills. Sills previously produced The Concert for New York (post-9/11), the Kids Choice Awards, and the VH1 Rock Honors. Louis J. Horvitz is the director.
"We are honored and excited to have such top level talent performing and producing these events," said Emmett S. Beliveau, Executive Director of the PIC. "Working with ABC and Disney, we are bringing these exciting performances into the homes of millions of Americans to make this the most open and accessible inauguration celebration ever."
The PIC today also announced Ricky Kirshner is the Executive Producer for all PIC TV events and Lisa Geers is the Excecutive in charge of production for all PIC TV events.
In an effort to make this inaugural celebration open and accessible to all Americans, President-elect Barack Obama will host the first-ever "Neighborhood Inaugural Ball," the premier event of inauguration evening, on January 20th. To help bring this unique event to neighborhoods across the nation, ABC will broadcast "The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration." The event will air live from the Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C.,TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET).
On MONDAY, JANUARY 19 (8:00 - 9:30 p.m. ET) Disney Channel will present "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future," a concert celebration from the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. honoring military families. This inaugural concert celebration will be hosted by Mrs. Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden and their families. The event will be simulcast on Radio Disney, and will be streamed on Disney.com immediately following the culmination of the telecast on Disney Channel.
Beginning January 16, Disney.com guests are invited to join the celebration on the Kids Inaugural pagewww.Disney.com/USA which will feature polls, games and videos on the concert performers and a component which allows guests to chat with friends and send "shout outs" by texting USA, their first name and message to DISNEY (347639). Standard carrier fees apply and a parent's permission is required if users are under age 18.
source: http://kids.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFXf
AIR FORCE * ARMY * COAST GUARD * MARINES * NAVY
If you are going to be in Washington DC during the Inauguration you may want to attend the Blogfest event to Help Wounded Veterans. see http://www.usaservice.org/page/event/detail/4jqt3
Where were you when the world stopped turning?
“If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ebenezer Baptist Church, 4 February 1968.
HELP WOUNDED VETERANSSource: David Apperson, LIFE CLOUD
http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFK9
Public Tickets Available for Inaugural Parade5,000 Bleacher Seats Lining Parade Route to Go On Sale
Washington, D.C. -- The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced today that 5,000 tickets for the 56th Inaugural Parade will go on sale to the public at 1:00 PM EST today for $25 each. Tickets will allow spectators access to bleachers along the historic parade route from the Capitol to the White House. Tickets will be available for sale at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 202.397.7328, 410.547.7328 or 703.573.7328.
Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
"We are very pleased to make these tickets available to the public as part of our commitment to holding the most open and accessible Inauguration in history," said Presidential Inaugural Committee Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau. "The Inaugural Parade is a celebration of America, and we are working to make sure that as many citizens as possible can take part in this historic tradition."
Thousands of spectators will line the 1.7 mile parade route as the new President and Vice President are escorted from the Capitol to the White House by over 13,000 parade participants. Over 90 music, cultural and community groups will join representatives from our Armed Forces in the historic parade, which concludes at the presidential reviewing stand, where the President and Vice President will watch the processional with their families.
Tickets are limited to four per person for purchase. Tickets are not required to view the parade, but the purchase of tickets will guarantee spectators a seated spot along the parade route. Ticket holders must be in their seats no later than 1:00 PM EST on January 20th. Standing room will be available along Pennsylvania Avenue on a first come, first serve basis.
Earlier this month the PIC announced that hundreds of free parade tickets were being made available to Washington, DC students and their families.
DC residents can visit www.pic2009.org/page/s/dcstudentessay for more information on how to obtain those tickets. For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.
In honor of military pigeons throughout history, I post on this Christmas Eve, information produced by Otto Meyer, U.S. Army (Ret), and supplied by the ARPU, on the American Hero “G.I. JOE” -
“G.I. JOE”American Hero
“G.I. JOE” is the most outstanding military pigeon in history and is credited with saving the lives of at least 100 British troops during World War II. The British 56th Brigade was scheduled to attack the city of Colvi Vecchia, Italy, at 10 a.m., October 18, 1943.
The U.S. Air Support Command was scheduled to bomb the city to soften the entrance for the British Brigade. The Germans retreated leaving only a small rear guard and as a result the British troops entered the city with little resistance and occupied it ahead of schedule.
All attempts to cancel the bombings of the city, made by radio and other means of communication, had failed. Little “G.I. JOE” was released with the important message to cancel the bombing. He flew 20 miles back to the U.S. Air Support Command base in 20 minutes and arrived just as our planes were warming up to take off. If he had arrived a few minutes later, it might have been a different story.
Gen. Mark Clark, Commanding the U.S. Fifth Army, estimated that “G.I. JOE” saved the lives of at least 100 of our British allies. In November 1946, “G.I. JOE” was shipped from Fort Monmouth, N.J. to London, England, where he was cited and awarded the Dickin Medal for Gallantry by the Lord Mayor of London. “G.I. JOE” is the only bird or animal in the United States to receive this high award.
“G.I. JOE,” a dark checker pied white flight cock, was hatched March 24, 1943, at the Pigeon Section in Algiers, Algeria, North Africa. Later he was taken to the Tunisian front, then to Bizerte, and from there to the Italian front.
After World War II, “G.I. JOE” was housed in the Churchill Loft, U.S. Army’s “Hall of Fame” at Ft. Monmouth, N.J., along with 24 other pigeon heroes. In March of 1957, the remaining pigeon heroes were placed with different zoological gardens throughout the U.S.A.
“G.I. JOE” was placed with the Detroit Zoological Gardens where he died June 3, 1961, at the age of 18. “G.I. JOE” was returned, mounted, and placed in the Historical Center, Meyer Hall, at Fort Monmouth, N.J.
--- Otto Meyer, U.S. Army (Retired)--- Former Commander of the U.S. Army Pigeon Service
I dedicate this inspiring story of courage and determination of the pigeon named “G.I. JOE” to the generations of troops that will secure the success of the 44th President of the United States.
May the message of peace come to The White House and spread throughout the land.
Merry Christmas Everyone,
David Apperson, Life Cloud Discussions
American Legion - memberARPU - lifetime memberVFW - life member
Source: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxKt3
Inaugural Kick Off to be Held on the Steps of the Lincoln MemorialInaugural Eve to Feature Concert for America's Children
Washington, D.C. -- The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) will host a welcome event to kick off the 56th Presidential Inauguration at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday, January 18th.
The PIC also plans to hold a youth concert on the evening of Monday, January 19th, at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington.
Sunday's welcome event and Monday's concert will continue President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden's commitment to hold an Inauguration that is open, accessible and reflects a spirit of unity for Americans of all ages.
The afternoon welcome event, to be held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at the west end of the National Mall, will be free and open to the public.
Dedicated to the memory of America's 16th President, the Lincoln Memorial has been the site of many Presidential Inauguration activities in recent years.
President Clinton held a free concert on the grounds in 1993 that included performances by Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, and Bob Dylan. In 2001, President-elect Bush kicked off his inaugural festivities at the site with performances by Ricky Martin, Charlotte Church, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The PIC is also pleased to announce that a concert for America's children will be held the night before the Inauguration, Monday, January 19th.
The concert will be free, but tickets will be required. Further details of the welcome event, concert and other inaugural activities will be made available in the coming weeks.
For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.
Non-partisan Presidential Inaugural hoodies available through LIFE CLOUD.
This is a reminder that the application process for media credentials for the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, controlled by the Senate media galleries, will end on Monday, December 15, 2008. Credentialing information for official inaugural events such as the parade, the balls, and other events leading up to and following the swearing-in ceremony that are organized by our committee, the Presidential Inaugural Committee, will be announced later this month.
Below is the advisory released last month by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies that provides information about the process for requesting credentials for the swearing-in ceremony.
For Immediate ReleaseThursday, November 14, 2008Media Credentialing Information:2009 Presidential Inaugural CeremoniesWASHINGTON, DC - The application process for media credentials for the 2009 Inaugural Ceremonies has begun, and will run until December 15, 2008.All requests for media credentials for the inaugural ceremonies will be handled by the Senate media galleries. Media wishing to obtain credentials for the swearing-in ceremonies must apply for credentials through an on-line application process. The cut-off date to apply is December 15. Instructions and the online application are featured on each of the gallery websites.Senate Radio/TV Gallery
Senate Daily Press Gallery
Senate Periodical Press Gallery
Senate Press Photographers' Gallery
The number of media credentials issued for the swearing-in ceremonies will be limited by space constraints. Completion of an application does not guarantee that credentials will be issued.Media credentials for other inaugural events (parade, balls, and any other inaugural events) will be handled by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) once it is formed. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies expects that the PIC will be up and running by next week, and will post a link to its website as soon as it becomes available.
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Adams * Adel * Adrian * Agness * Albany * Allegany * Alsea * Alvadore * Amity * Antelope * Arch Cape * Arlington * Arock * Ashland * Ashwood * Astoria * Athena * Aumsville * Aurora * Azalea * Baker City * Bandon * Banks * Bates * Bay City * Beatty * Beaver * Beavercreek * Beaverton * Bend * Blachly * Blodgett * Blue River * Bly * Boardman * Bonanza * Boring * Bridal Veil * Bridgeport * Brightwood * Broadbent * Brogan * Brookings * Brothers * Brownsville * Burns * Butte Falls * Buxton * Camas Valley * Camp Sherman * Canby * Cannon Beach * Canyon City * Canyonville * Carlton * Cascade Locks * Cascadia * Cave Junction * Cayuse * Central Point * Chemult * Cheshire * Chiloquin * Christmas Valley * Clackamas * Clatskanie * Cloverdale * Colton * Columbia City * Condon * Coos Bay * Coquille * Corbett * Cornelius * Corvallis * Cottage Grove * Cove * Crabtree * Crane * Crater Lake * Crawfordsville * Crescent * Crescent Lake * Creswell * Culp Creek * Culver * Curtin * Dairy * Dallas * Days Creek * Dayton * Dayville * Deadwood * Deer Island * Depoe Bay * Detroit * Dexter * Diamond * Dillard * Donald * Dorena * Drain * Drewsey * Dufur * Dundee * Durkee * Eagle Creek * Eagle Point * Echo * Eddyville * Elgin * Elkton * Elmira * Enterprise * Estacada * Eugene * Fairview * Fall Creek * Falls City * Fields * Florence * Forest Grove * Fort Klamath * Fort Rock * Fossil * Foster * Fox * Frenchglen * Gales Creek * Gardiner * Garibaldi * Gaston * Gates * Gervais * Gilchrist * Gladstone * Glendale * Gleneden Beach * Glide * Gold Beach * Gold Hill * Government Camp * Grand Ronde * Grants Pass * Grass Valley * Gresham * Haines * Halfway * Halsey * Hammond * Harper * Harrisburg * Hebo * Helix * Heppner * Hereford * Hermiston * Hillsboro * Hines * Hood River * Hubbard
Dreams really do come true. What a fine day this turned out to be. Thank you all who have joined together to make this new day for us all happen. I know there is a lot more to go but heyb this is such a great start.
Went to the polls and what a wonderous wonderful site, Lines!!! Long, Long, Long lines what a sweet site it was to see! Beautiful, America voting taking back its country. Thank You Mr President Barack Obama
Friends, Today is Election Day. The opportunity to set our country on a new path has never felt more real than it does right now. The polls are open in most places, and people are already making their voices heard for change. There's just one thing left to do -- vote and make sure everyone you know votes, too. You can find or verify your ballot drop location by looking up your most recent registration address at VoteForChange.com. Go vote today, and make sure you take your friends and family with you. This is the day when we have to commit to doing everything we can. We can't afford not to -- for our families, our communities, and our future. Once you vote, you can do more than just wait as the returns come in. You can help get every last vote for Barack by volunteering in your community or making calls from home. Help put us over the top today: http://my.barackobama.com/november It's not too late to knock on doors, make calls, and make sure that every one of our supporters gets to the polls today. Change is within our reach. We're counting on you to get us there today. Thank you for everything you're doing, Michelle P.S. -- If anyone you know hasn't yet made up their mind, please invite them to learn more about Barack's positions on important issues: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/
This is simply wonderful. A must-read for what is to come. :)
IMAGINE
The year is 2016. You glance at the television one morning and see President Obama having another of his many press conferences. He has now been in office for almost 8 years. It has not been perfect, but things are much better than when he took office in January of 2009. You notice that his hair has whitened and he still has that winning smile and that take charge/positive energy that he had when he was campaigning back in 2008. You remember how concerned you were about whether or not he would win in 2008 and you feel deeply contented that he has been safely in office for such a long time. He, his advisors with Middle eastern leaders have worked together to bring peace to the region. Troops have been successfully and safely withdrawn from Iraq. They have stabilized the region and restored respectful, working relationships in the Middle East. He and his advisors have restored a thriving American economy that benefits all its citizens and contributes stability to the world. He and Congress have done much to address global warming, healthcare, development of alternative energy sources and a variety of other important matters to the country and the planet. Our citizens are cared for and needs are met. You feel deep gratitude for the past eight years and how things have unfolded. See it...Feel it...breathe it...Pass it on. Let us... remember... all of the wonderful reasons we appreciate this reality. THE CHALLENGE: Take 30 seconds right now. Close your eyes and imagine exactly what our country will feel like. Imagine how good it will feel. Imagine whatever it is about that future that you desire. Imagine your and your family contented, healthy, and prosperous with needs met so much so it's easy to share with others creating a ripple effect. Imagine successful diplomacy. Imagine peace and restored prosperity. Imagine the citizen groups, progressive populism, social justice, and the grassroots finding their voice. Imagine people of all ages, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, social and economic classes, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, educational backgrounds, and of all abilities fully included, participating in society, supported, accepted and valued. Imagine windmills and clean cars. Imagine schools thriving and neighborhoods rebuilding. Imagine healthy food nourishing our bodies. Imagine the earth being healed and revitalized. Imagine no fear. Imagine beauty. Imagine being very proud of your country and its leader. Imagine whatever it is that draws you to support change. Imagine what your life will look like. Just 30 seconds. Do it several times a day. We can shift and change the vibration of this country with positive visions just like this. Originally from: Sheila King Quantum Shift & Reiki House
My prayers go out to the Obama family following the announcement of the death of Mrs. Madelyn Dunham, the grandmother of Barack Obama, after a long battle with cancer. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
SUNDAY, GOV. HOWARD DEAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE DNC, TO GET-OUT-THE-VOTE FOR OBAMA, MERKLEY, AND OREGON DEMOCRATS Dean, Wyden, Merkley and Oregon Democrats Headline GOTV Events in Portland and Eugene PORTLAND, OR - This Sunday, Gov. Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, will join Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate, and other statewide Democratic candidates in Oregon to get out the vote for Barack Obama, Jeff Merkley, and Democrats across Oregon. With only two days left to vote in this crucial election, Gov. Dean, Sen. Wyden, Jeff Merkley, Kate Brown, Ben Westlund, John Kroger, and Brad Avakian will kick-off get-out-the-vote mobilization events in Portland and Eugene. Sunday, November 2nd 4:30 PM - PORTLAND Campaign for Change Headquarters 3016 SE Division St. Portland, OR 97202 7:30 PM - EUGENE Campaign for Change Eugene Office 150 W Broadway Eugene, OR 97401 Contact your local Campaign for Change Office for more information.
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