NC for Obama

Keeping the promise of CHANGE !!!

National Strategist with Ariel hands — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:48:42 EST

Dear BLOG friends :

There is not a day when I don't think of change .

My little village could use more change . My neighbours should change .

Professors I have dealt with need to change . Sometimes

I am the one who should have done something differently and should have

stood for a better example of change .

But President Barack Obama has been about change consistently .

Ever since the campaign for change became a success he has accomplished as

much positive change for our nation as he possibly can !

There are more people doubting the accomplishments of change or even the

principle of change . Someone whose duty it was to help me once told me :

People don't change ! But change also starts with me and I

want change !! President Obama's approval rating has dropped

and some people abandoned the principles of change and focused on taking

care of one person again : themselves ! But let ME tell YOU :

President Barack Obama has worked hard for change without abandoning .

He will continue to work for change . This change is about fairness ,

it is about the people , it is for you and me and actually for everyone !!

Further : President Obama has done a great job in keeping his campaign

promises !!! Examples of this are :

Being an effective commander-in-chief .

Bringing us universal health care .

Making the economy a # 1 priority and

avoiding a depression .

Improving social services and benefits and

paying unemployment benefits when they are

needed the most .

Regulating the credit card industry with a new law .

Giving the Supreme Court a Justice that is

considered a minority .

Doing something helpful about education without

leaving the money behind .

ET CETERA .

Please continue to stand for CHANGE with me and

our special President !!!

K a i

OFA ===> Attend an OFA National Training Event

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:57:28 EST

Attend an OFA National Training Eventby Christopher HassMonday November 30 2009 05:07:44 PM

From Nicole Derse, the OFA National Training Director:

I wanted to invite you to a special OFA National Training we're holding for some of our top volunteers in early December.

The training is a great chance to learn how to make the biggest impact in your community, ask questions, and learn specific skills such as how to talk with your neighbors about health reform and use OFA's technology to organize most effectively.

RSVP now to reserve your spot in an OFA National Training event near you:
During the election last year, we learned that when we build a dedicated community of volunteer leaders, we can bring about powerful change.

This training is part of building our momentum on the ground -- strengthening our community in every part of the country by bringing volunteers together, learning and sharing best practices, and refining our plan to move forward with our vision for the future.

I hope you can make it,

Nicole

Nicole Derse
National Training Director
Organizing for America

Obamerica

National Strategist with Ariel hands — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:25:53 EST

Dear Americans :

Life in America is obamerican !!!

For the first time in the history of the United States of America there is a health care

initiative that will make the realization of universal health care coverage a possibility for

all Americans !!! This is the best achievement for American citizens since Social Security

and Medicare became a standard !!! We are going to be insured !!!

All of us !! Our neighbours !! The PEOPLE !!

So let's find that extra time to make calls to the Senate !!!

Let's work overtime in sending emails to our U.S. Senators to make this happen !!!

I am sure most of Obama Democrats would travel to Washington , D. C. just

to march infront of the doors of the Senate to make the health

care bill that our country needs become a reality !!! !!! !!!

So let's help President Obama make U . S . History !!!

Let's ROCK 'N' ROLL !!! !!!

Yours ,

Kai B .

Small Businesses and Health Insurance Reform

David Crawford -Manager — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:28:26 EDT

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_______________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 29, 2009

Remarks of President Barack Obama – As Prepared for Delivery

Small Businesses and Health Insurance Reform

October 29, 2009

Washington, DC

I asked you here today to talk about health insurance reform, and why it is so critical to the success of small businesses across our country. But before I do, let me take a minute to talk about the new economic numbers that were released this morning.

I am gratified that our economy grew in the third quarter of this year. We’ve come a long way since the first three months of 2009, when our economy shrunk by an alarming 6.4 percent. In fact, the 3.5 percent growth in the third quarter is the largest three-month gain we have seen in two years. This is obviously welcome news and an affirmation that this recession is abating and the steps we’ve taken have made a difference.

But I also know that we have a long way to go to fully restore our economy, and recover from what has been the longest and deepest downturn since the Great Depression. And while this report today represents real progress, the benchmark I use to measure the strength of our economy is not just whether our GDP is growing, but whether we are creating jobs, whether families are having an easier time paying their bills, whether our businesses are hiring and doing well. And that’s what I’m here to talk with you about today.

I know many of you have come from different corners of our country to be here and looking out at all of you, I’m reminded of the extraordinary diversity of America’s small businesses. You’re owners of coffee shops, diners, and hotels. You’re florists, exterminators, and builders. Each of your shops and firms reflects different passions, different ideas, and different skills.

But what you share is a willingness to pursue those passions, take a chance on those ideas, and make the most of those skills. What you share is an entrepreneurial spirit, a tireless work ethic, and a simple hope for something better that lies at the heart of the American ideal. Businesses like yours are the engine of job-growth in America. Over the past decade and a half, America’s small businesses have created 65 percent of all new jobs in this country. And more than half of all Americans working in the private sector are either employed by a small business or own one.

Now, even in good economic times, starting a business isn’t easy. It takes moxie, gumption, and ingenuity, and failure is often more likely than success. But I don’t have to tell all of you that it’s been particularly difficult over the past few years. From the middle of 2007 through the end of 2008, small businesses lost 2.4 million jobs. Thousands have shut their doors altogether. And because of the credit crunch, banks have shrunk back from lending, making it harder to get loans to branch out, finance your inventories, or even make payroll. Maybe you’ve had to forego raises. Maybe you’ve had to do the unthinkable and lay off friends or family.

So, I know how tough these times have been for small businesses. That’s why we made sure the Recovery Act included a number of measures to help small businesses weather this economic storm. We’ve put a tax cut into the pockets of the vast majority of small businesses owners and employees. We’ve supported nearly 35,000 loans to small businesses – more than $13 billion in new lending. More than 1,200 banks and credit unions that had stopped issuing SBA loans when the financial crisis hit are lending again today. And just last week, we proposed increasing the cap on what are called 7(a) and 504 loans – some of the loans most frequently handed out by the SBA.

But given the enormous problems small businesses and all Americans are facing today, these steps are by no means enough. If we’re serious about strengthening small businesses; if we’re serious about creating a climate where our entrepreneurs can succeed; if we’re serious about giving you the chance to prosper and grow, then we need to pass health insurance reform in the United States of America.

Few have a bigger stake in what happens than all of you. Few have a bigger stake than the men and women who own a small business, work at a small business, or rely on someone who does. Few have a bigger stake in what happens because few are struggling more under the status quo.

We all know that family premiums have skyrocketed more than 130 percent over the past decade. But small businesses have been hit harder than most. A story in the paper just the other day said that many small businesses may see their premiums rise about 15 percent over the coming year – twice the rate they rose last year. And in part because small businesses pay higher administrative costs than large ones, your employees pay up to 18 percent more in premiums for the very same health insurance policies.

In one national survey, nearly three quarters of small business that don’t offer benefits cited high premiums as the reason. Is anyone surprised by that?

The bottom line is that too many Americans like you can’t afford to build the kinds of businesses you’d been hoping to build. And too many budding entrepreneurs can’t afford to take a gamble on a smart idea because they can’t give up the health insurance they get in their current job. That’s bad for our economy, it’s bad for our country, and it’s what we’ll change when health insurance reform becomes law.

Just this morning, the House of Representatives released its version of health reform legislation, and I want to commend Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Caucus for their leadership in achieving this critical milestone. There is no doubt that this legislation – and the legislation that’s now being drafted in the Senate – would benefit millions of small businesses. It is being written with the interests of Americans like you and your employees in mind.

And yet, there are those with a vested interest in the status quo who are claiming otherwise, using misleading figures and disingenuous arguments. So, let me try and explain as clearly as I can exactly what health insurance reform would mean for small business owners like you and the workers you employ.

The first thing I want to make clear is that if you’re happy with the insurance plan you have right now; if the costs you’re paying and the benefits you’re getting are what you want them to be – then you can keep offering that same plan. Nobody will make you change it.

What we will do is make your coverage more affordable by offering a tax credit to small businesses that are trying to do the right thing and provide coverage for their employees. And we will also make your coverage more stable and more secure. Right now, if just one of your workers falls seriously ill, it could spell disaster for your entire business. You could see your premiums shoot up and you could be faced with a painful choice: Do you eat the costs and ask your workers to contribute more? Do you seek another insurance plan, without any guarantee that you’ll be able to find one that’s affordable? Or do you scale back benefits or drop coverage altogether?

Well, I don’t think you should have to make a choice like that in the United States of America. Under health insurance reform, we will put an end to the days when an insurance company could use a worker’s illness to justify jacking up premiums. We’ll crack down on excessive overhead charges by setting strong standards on how much of your premiums can go toward administrative costs and requiring insurers to give you a refund if they violate those standards. It will be against the law for insurance companies to deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition. And it will be against the law for insurance companies to drop your coverage when you get sick or water it down when you need it most.

They will no longer be able to place some arbitrary cap on the amount of coverage you can receive in a given year or a lifetime. If you get your insurance through your employer, we’ll change the cutoff on how old your kids can be to remain on your plan – we’ll raise it to 26 years old. We’ll place a limit on how much you can be charged for out-of-pocket expenses. And insurance companies will be required to cover, with no extra charge, routine checkups and preventive care, like mammograms and colonoscopies – because there’s no reason we shouldn’t be catching diseases like breast cancer and colon cancer before they get worse. That makes sense, it saves money, and it saves lives.

That’s what we’ll do for all the small businesses that have insurance. And for all the small businesses that don’t, we’ll finally make quality coverage affordable. Here’s how we’ll do it. One of the biggest problems in our health care system right now is that if you’re a small business owner or if you’re self-employed, you often have such a small number of workers that insurance companies aren’t all that interested in your business. As a result, you end up paying higher costs than big businesses that can get better deals because they have more workers.

So, what we’ll do is set up what we’re calling an exchange that will pool small businesses together. That will mean it’s not just you bargaining with insurance companies, it’s you and many others. With all that additional leverage, you’ll be able to get better deals than you ever could have received on your own. In fact, small businesses that choose one of the plans in this exchange could save 25 percent on their premiums by 2016. And we’ll also offer tax credits to make insurance even more affordable for millions of small businesses. Meanwhile, by expanding coverage for more Americans, we’ll help eliminate the “hidden tax” of more than $1,000 that workers pay to cover the medical expenses of the uninsured.

Now, it is true that when reform becomes law, businesses of a certain size who do not offer their workers health coverage may be required to contribute to the costs. Opponents of reform have tried to use this to mislead small business owners by claiming that you would be subject to this penalty. But the fact is, about 90 percent of all small businesses would be exempt from this requirement – about 90 percent. So, if your business is anything like the vast majority of small businesses out there, this requirement simply won’t apply to you – because I don’t think it’s fair to impose a penalty on small businesses.

That’s what health insurance reform would mean for you and for all our small businesses. It will reduce your costs. It will prevent small business owners from facing exorbitant rates. And it will make coverage affordable for all the small businesses that can’t afford it right now.

But it will also do something more. It will help remove the worry that if you have the courage to strike out on your own and open a business, you’ll be doomed from the start. It will help give entrepreneurs and all Americans the assurance of knowing they won’t go broke when they get sick. It will help ensure that no small business owner in America has to choose between being a successful employer or a decent one. It will help us be the kind of country we know ourselves to be.

What’s at stake, then, isn’t just the success of our businesses or the strength of our economy or even the health of our people. What’s at stake is that most American of ideas – that this is a place where you can make it if you try; where you can be your own boss; where the only limits to what you can achieve are your smarts, your savvy, and your dreams; where you can pass on to your children a better life than you inherited.

That’s what’s at stake. That’s what we are fighting for. And I am absolutely confident that if we do what must be done; if we can build an economy that works for all Americans; if we can promote innovation, foster growth, and build a better health care system – then not only will we ease the burdens on entrepreneurs, not only will we give our small businesses a big boost, and not only will we produce the kind of growth we so desperately need in this country, but we will secure the blessings of America for our children and grandchildren. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

We will WIN the fight for REAL HEALTH CARE !!!

National Strategist with Ariel hands — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:49:21 EDT

Dear O F A health care heros :

300,000 calls and more have been made to Congess !!

Making health care reform work is not entirely in the hands of Congress and

the Senate , it is also in the hands of us - the people of

the United States of America !!! There were phone booth parties , there

were blogs , there were letters and there were hundreds of

thousands of unpaid , passionate calls !!!

The people want President Obama s health care reform !!!

Government by the people , for the people , of the people !!

And not health insurance by the C E O s , for the

profit , and of a few insured !!!

We will win !!! Insurance for everyone will win !!!

A new America of better health will win !!!

May GOD bless real health care reform !!! !!!

Yours ,

Kai

WhiteHouse.Gov ===> "Out of the Mouth of Babes"

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:44:58 EDT

Posted by Jesse Lee

The President stopped by Viers Mill Elementary School in Silver Spring, MD.

(President Barack Obama talks to third and fourth grade students at Viers Mill Elementary School in Silver Spring, Md., Oct. 19, 2009.

He led the Silver Spring students in an impromptu rally for reading:

THE PRESIDENT: Here's the reason that I wanted to stop by for lunch today, and that is, I have heard great things about this school. I hear everybody here is reading all the time. Right? The motto here is?

PRINCIPAL DEVAN: Viers Mill, what's our goal?

STUDENTS: Read! Read! Read!

PRINCIPAL DEVAN: Viers Mill, what's our goal?

STUDENTS: Read! Read! Read!

PRINCIPAL DEVAN: Because great readers have?

STUDENTS: Great choices!

THE PRESIDENT: So you guys are readers. And so, being a reader myself, I wanted to come meet all these outstanding readers. Because you guys are reading so much and you're working so hard, you guys are doing great in terms of your test scores and how this school is doing. And so this was just a great example of how much improvement a school can make just in a really short time when you've got motivated kids.

So I wanted to come by and introduce myself, to say I'm very proud of you. I am hoping that you guys will continue to read, read, read, and that all of you are going to be really working hard not just this year but all the way through high school and then all the way through college, because how many people here plan to go to college? Everybody, right? I just wanted to make sure everybody's going to college. But that means everybody's going to have to work hard.

So here's what I'm going to do. I didn't want to give a long speech. What I'm going to do is I'm just going to come around, I'm going to shake people's hands, I'm going to say hi to folks, and I'm sure that somebody out there is going to be taking a bunch of pictures. (Laughter.) And you guys can tell me what you've been reading. All right? So get ready to tell me what you've been reading lately and what's going on. All right? Okay, guys.http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Out-of-250000-a-Few-Snapshots/

WhiteHouse.Gov ===> GreenGov (Part II)

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:32:11 EDT

To promote mass transit use and reduce carbon emissions, I think all agencies should include public transit information on their websites.
– Nancy Sutley, CEQ CHAIR

Please sign in to vote on suggestions and submit your own.

Or select from the following categories to see some ideas that have already been submitted:

For more information, visit WH.gov/CEQ

A CHEER for the Obama Nobel Peace Prize !!!

National Strategist with Ariel hands — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:52:09 EDT

Dear Obama fans & friends :

It is a great week for the Obamas !!! The Norwegen delegation of the world-famous

Nobel Prize has given the Nobel PEACE Prize to Barack Hussein Obama !!!

I am certain this means a lot to President Obama although he stated that it was a

surprize to him !!! Politically I am sure this is a Scandinavian effort to put more

emphasis on diplomacy as a form to resolve the conflicts of the world ( No boom bomb

Iran !! ) , but also an encouragement to follow through on removing American

troops from Iraq and turning over a souvereign Iraq to an elected Iraqi

government that will be responsible for all situations and dealings on its

territory !!! I remember the brutal years of the Bush SHOCK AND AWE

bombings of Baghdad and Iraq that killed thousands of Iraqi

women and children that were innocent of any wrongdoing !!!

SHAME on George W. Bush !!!

But we have to move on ! ! !

I think the Nobel Peace Prize is a good initiative to do

just that !!! We can invest in a greater number of

diplomatic strategies and perhaps develop a diplomatic

task force to influence the diverse culture of

Afghanistan !!!

Please dear reader :

Let ' s have a united CHEER for

President Obama ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Sincerely ,

Ariel

To be given the honor of a Nobel winner...

Otto Holland — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 07:57:16 EDT

Congrats Mr. President. You are called many names but today, being called Nobel is truly honorable. Before your presidency is over, you will be known for more and better deeds.You are now in a unique situation as the world looks to you for leadership. Your plate is full, your duties immense but at the end of the day; we know you are human. Keep up the good work because humanity depends on it!

DAILY GUIDANCE AND PRESS SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009

David Crawford -Manager — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:48:23 EDT

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_______________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 28, 2009

DAILY GUIDANCE AND PRESS SCHEDULE FOR

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009

In the morning, the President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing, the Economic Daily Briefing, and meet with senior advisors in the Oval Office. These meetings are closed press.

Later, the President will meet with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in the Oval Office. There will be a pool spray at the bottom of the meeting.

In the afternoon, the President and the Vice President will meet with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in the Oval Office. This meeting is closed press.

NOTE: The President is scheduled to meet with his national security team on Afghanistan on Wednesday afternoon.

In-Town Travel Pool

Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg

Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP

TV Corr & Crew: CBS

Print: Tribune

Radio: CBS

Magazine Photo: New York Times

EDT

9:00AM Pool Call Time

9:30AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing

Oval Office

Closed Press

9:50AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Economic Daily Briefing

Oval Office

Closed Press

10:10AM THE PRESIDENT meets with senior advisors

Oval Office

Closed Press

11:30AM THE PRESIDENT meets with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen

Oval Office

Pool spray at the bottom (Gather Time 11:55AM – Briefing Room)

4:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE VICE PRESIDENT meet with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates

Oval Office

Closed Press

Briefing Schedule

1:00PM Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

A little Silly, A little Serious

Kevin Brown — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:23:26 EDT

Hey All,

Watch this silly video we made - take the call to action seriously - Let's Win This Thing

Video = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h0UG3V9Oas&feature=player_profilepage

Call to Action = http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDBJMFREMnFKS1JtSTFBNTZQeVlzdVE6MA

--
Kevin Brown I Organizing for America
http://twitter.com/ofakevin
http://www.youtube.com/ofacharlotte

We need to have faith in OBAMANOMICS !!!

National Strategist with Ariel hands — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:13:57 EDT

Dear Obama friends :

The G-20 meeting is occuring in Pittsburg and I appreciate the fact

that there are so many around the world since the meltdown in 2008 !!

Here is my input on how Obama is doing economically and how things are

going for us recession-wise :

The big days of corporate greed and greedy corporations that operate at the

expense of the little guy are over !!! Obamanomics is stimulating

the market with competition efforts that help smaller businesses !!

All 3 key indexes on Wall Sreet are now growing again !!!

The Dow Jones industrial is near the 10000 mark which would normally

mean that there is no recession !!!

After about a year of the Gross Domestic Product receeding

we will finally see the G D P growing again this year !!!

The only concern that still makes us feel the

recession is the employment market !!

With the credit crunch having occured and the recession

having been rather severe until recently ,

unemployment is on the rise and employers are

still scared to employ !!!

This is the only point why people are saying that

we are still in a recession !!!

My prognosis is that with even better growth on

Wall Street and even more economic business growth

in the near future , things on Main Street

will improve as well !!!

This means that unemployment numbers could drop

again as early as next year !!!

LET'S ALL CHEER ON PRESIDENT OBAMA ' S ECONOMIC

EFFORTS SO FAR ! ! !

Sincerely ,

Arielius

OFA ===> President Obama Speaks to America's Students.

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:24:08 EDT

Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama
Back to School Event

Arlington, Virginia
September 8, 2009
Hello everyone – how’s everybody doing today? I’m here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we’ve got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I’m glad you all could join us today.

I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it’s your first day in a new school, so it’s understandable if you’re a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you’re in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer, and you could’ve stayed in bed just a little longer this morning.

I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn’t have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday – at 4:30 in the morning.

Now I wasn’t too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I’d fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I’d complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no picnic for me either, buster."

So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But I’m here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I’m here because I want to talk with you about your education and what’s expected of all of you in this new school year.

Now I’ve given a lot of speeches about education. And I’ve talked a lot about responsibility.

I’ve talked about your teachers’ responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn.

I’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox.

I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve.

But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.

And that’s what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself.

Every single one of you has something you’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide.

Maybe you could be a good writer – maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper – but you might not know it until you write a paper for your English class. Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor – maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or a new medicine or vaccine – but you might not know it until you do a project for your science class. Maybe you could be a mayor or a Senator or a Supreme Court Justice, but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team.

And no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can’t drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.

And this isn’t just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you’re learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.

You’ll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment. You’ll need the insights and critical thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free. You’ll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy.

We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don’t do that – if you quit on school – you’re not just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country.

Now I know it’s not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork.

I get it. I know what that’s like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn’t always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn’t fit in.

So I wasn’t always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I’m not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.

But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams. My wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, has a similar story. Neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn’t have much. But they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country.

Some of you might not have those advantages. Maybe you don’t have adults in your life who give you the support that you need. Maybe someone in your family has lost their job, and there’s not enough money to go around. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don’t feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren’t right.

But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life – what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you’ve got going on at home – that’s no excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude. That’s no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That’s no excuse for not trying.

Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.

That’s what young people like you are doing every day, all across America.

Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas. Jazmin didn’t speak English when she first started school. Hardly anyone in her hometown went to college, and neither of her parents had gone either. But she worked hard, earned good grades, got a scholarship to Brown University, and is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to being Dr. Jazmin Perez.

I’m thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who’s fought brain cancer since he was three. He’s endured all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer – hundreds of extra hours – to do his schoolwork. But he never fell behind, and he’s headed to college this fall.

And then there’s Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods, she managed to get a job at a local health center; start a program to keep young people out of gangs; and she’s on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college.

Jazmin, Andoni and Shantell aren’t any different from any of you. They faced challenges in their lives just like you do. But they refused to give up. They chose to take responsibility for their education and set goals for themselves. And I expect all of you to do the same.

That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book. Maybe you’ll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you’ll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn. Maybe you’ll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn. And along those lines, I hope you’ll all wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don’t feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.

Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it.

I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances are, you’re not going to be any of those things.

But the truth is, being successful is hard. You won’t love every subject you study. You won’t click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won’t necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try.

That’s OK. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who’ve had the most failures. JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter book was rejected twelve times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, and he lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said, "I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

These people succeeded because they understand that you can’t let your failures define you – you have to let them teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time. If you get in trouble, that doesn’t mean you’re a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to behave. If you get a bad grade, that doesn’t mean you’re stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying.

No one’s born being good at things, you become good at things through hard work. You’re not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don’t hit every note the first time you sing a song. You’ve got to practice. It’s the same with your schoolwork. You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right, or read something a few times before you understand it, or do a few drafts of a paper before it’s good enough to hand in.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new. So find an adult you trust – a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or counselor – and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals.

And even when you’re struggling, even when you’re discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you – don’t ever give up on yourself. Because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.

The story of America isn’t about people who quit when things got tough. It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best.

It’s the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other.

So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country?

Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you’ve got to do your part too. So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it.

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.

OFA Full Swing in Charlotte, NC

Kevin Brown — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:58:13 EDT

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am excited to let you know that I have arrived in Charlotte, NC as the new Regional Field Director for Organizing for America. I arrive in the midst of a historic health care debate and I can tell by the chatter in the streets that you are as fired up about health care change as I am!

I want you to know that I am here to support you in your efforts to bring about the change that we all seek. I hope to help provide structure and direction to our movement so that we in Charlotte are working together as a strong and cohesive team.

I want to urge you to join me for a brief informative meeting and Q & A session so that I can reveal to you much of the future that will be a part of OFA in Charlotte but also to hear from you about your concerns.

Please sign up and join me at one of the following meeting opportunities next week!

1) Wednesday, August 26, 2009.
Independence Library

6000 conference dr
Charlotte, NC 28212

7:00 - 8:30 PM
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpffht

2) Thursday, August 27, 2009
Freedom Regional Library

1230 Alleghany Street
Charlotte, NC 28208
7:00 - 8:30 PM
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpffhr

For questions or concerns please email me at brownk@dnc.org

Sincerely,

Kevin Brown
Regional Field Director
Organizing for America

the need for our health care revolution !!!

National Strategist with Ariel hands — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:03:58 EDT

Dear Bloggers and internet Obama supporters :

Now more than ever our country needs a new direction and a

recipe for change of the old Washington that has privatized health care ,

endangered the functionality of Medicare under Bush , and simply

supported corporate greed in the field of health systems and

the pharmaceutical industry !!!

Barack Obama 's health insurance reform plan is a good one ,

although somewhat ambitious !!!

We should all resist the Republican tactics of stalling this plan

in the House and Senate that as we see today have

fostered the fear that the reform is too costly overall

and that people should be critical of a government change

because it is something completely new !! We can

refer to this as xenophobia , but really it is the

uncertainties created by the Republican fear monging that

get to us and make the length of the debate so

stressfull !! SO let ' s look at the facts :

The health reform can achieve insurance for EVERYONE !!!

Millions of children in our America are still uninsured !!!

This drives families into bankruptcy if they have a sick child

and instead of the government picking up the tap in

bankruptcy court , the government CAN insure at a better

price and at the same time ensure a better health

of the child !!!

Besides Obama ' s health care reform making us look good

and civlizing our society to a higher standard in the

international arena , we will simply benefit from the

reform on a daily basis once it has been implemented !!

Chances are that the reform will be a plus for

the pharmaceutical industry in the long run because

it can make us more competative and inventive

overall !!!

ELI LILLY PHARMACEUTICALS will agree !!!

SO let ' s keep the momentum from last year

going and let ' s organize a national revolution

for America , for our health , and for

President Barack Obama !!!

Yours ,

A R I E L

Palin comment is the stupidest thing ever written!

Kirk — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:30:56 EDT

Subject: Palin comment is the stupidest thing ever written!

It's bad enough when you have right-wing crazy zealots that called themselves Republicans, Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, the "f-ing" birthers, and now,..unfortunately again Sarah Palin! She is plain stupid! I agree with the comment made by The Washington Monthly about Palin statementconcerning healthcare reform that would include a "death panel", when there isn't a drafted plan on the table in the first place! If there was a drafted planthat did contain an end of life decision component, I hope it's involuntary and her name is at top of the list, and her obit can read: Cause of death: Stupidity!
I'm tired of these idiots that are protesting about reforming healthcare, and making idol threats against politicians who may be in favorof reform when they are really out there because they don't like Obama. Sen.Kay Hagan was met with protesters the other day in High Point speaking onreform at HP Regional Hospital! This is getting out of control, and I'm sorry, I know if we fight fire with fire then we may be feeding into what these people want,which is a distraction and divert any efforts away from obtaining true healthcare reform. However, we can't let them win this battle, and "swift-boat" the restof public discussion and implementation of reform.
sorry about the rant!

KIRK

http://www.nationalledger.com/ledgerdc/article_272627336.shtml#sharethis

ACTION TIME ! Say NO to Co-Ops !

Greg Jones' Blacks4Barack ! — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:52:42 EDT

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=X2Sjxj7XosA

It 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" !!!

Patient Access vs Cost - What's More Important to Americans?

Kirk — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 02:36:58 EDT

Canadians are frustrated according Ipsos-McClatchy poll when waiting to get access to or making an appointment with a family care physician or specialist, but are satisfied with getting access at an affordable cost, and very satisfied with the level of treatment and respect they receive from their providers. Can Americans say the same? Well according to the poll Americans are more likely to get access to physicians sooner but at higher costs and not the same level of treatment and respect from their providers on coverage. President Obama said in his healthcare press conference that costs are high in part when unnecessary care or non critical care is being attended to and physicians prescribe tests or medications that don't necessarily advance treatment. Some providers don't pay or limit coverage for patients. Somewhere the playing has got to be leveled. I'm not listening to naysayers and fear-mongers like Sens.Mitch McConnell & Judd Gregg who use extremisms to claim there will be dying people in the streets if U.S. uses a single payer system like Canada or the U.K. At least (Dr.)Sen. Coburn & (Dr.)Sen. Barasso are tryiing to solicit input from their constituents in the Republican party. However, if Sen. McConnell or Sen.Gregg think that a form of "socialized" universal medicine is going to kill people endlessly waiting, then we are already doing that here in the U.S. when if you are poor, or lower income, or even middle income, and you can't afford healthcare for yourself or your family to gain access to a physician, then I say those people are already on death's door if you use McConnell's & the Republicans analogy!

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/72229.html

Ernestine Tomlin Demonstrates What Wrong With Our Healthcare

Kirk — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 01:38:36 EDT

Watch and enjoy this commercial spot for CaliforniaOne Care , a single payer universal healthcare organization. Ernestine Tomlin as played by Lily Tomlin (" one ringy-dingy" of the generic phone co. days) clearly demonstrates what our managed healthcare is doing...or not doing in this case..that is providing full healthcare coverage for all. A single payer universal healthcare may be the way to go, especially when you have a broken system. I don't like the fact that there may be the possibility of throwing good money after bad to fix a broken system in order to reform it, especially when you have the head cheifs at HMO's and administrative heads that have been benefitting from the excess greed. Analogous to the auto industry: GM & Chrysler, the gov't couldn't continue to throw good money after bad to save a failing industry especially when the corporate head made bad decision ,and were slow to change but continued to reap in large salaries. Our healthcare deserves better management , and it needs to be affordable, accessible, and cover everyone with conditions. Take the waste & greed out, and place prevention and appropriate healthcare in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF0AJ4fp0eg

Why IS Max Baucus trying to Delay the Health Care Bill?

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:19:26 EDT

(Baucus and crew) don't need a health care option plan because they already have their own personal version of Govt. Run Health care for themselves.

The American People are being held Hostage by Max Baucus and he doesn't even care that the American People are suffering and dying because they don't have, nor can they afford the cost of Affordable Health Care.

It is a game called Delay, Delayed and THEN Denied.

We the American People are not moved by their tactics or tricks!!

Yeah It may have been stonewalled and delayed, but when we the American People start calling, emailing, and spamming them at least 20 to 30 times a day, they will change their minds and get on the Right-side of History and stop straggling the fence and carrying water for the the health insurance companies.

Enough is definitely ENOUGH!!

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:47:50 EDT

IF The American People had 60 hardcore Dems fighting for them to get better healthcare enacted or passed quickly, then it should not take them an extra day or week to get it done.(IMHO). President Obama and the The True Democrats are really fighting hard for the American People, but it is just those whose pockets are "running over" with the insurance lobbyists money that are trying to stall and sabotage the American People.

We will agitate and aggravate the hold-outs until they get on board and help pass this bill or better yet Senator Reid can/should step in with his own reconciliation bill.

Either Way...Let's get it Done!!!!

Healthcare Reform Needed Soon

Kirk — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:43:25 EDT

Non-profit organization Families USA conducted a study that estimates between Jan.08-Dec.2010, over 230K people in NC could lose their health insurance coverage, and the number is growing fast according to NC Institute of Medicine & UNC-Chapel Hill. There are 1.8 million without healthcare insurance now in NC.If the cost of healthcare continues to rise, those of us with healthcare insurance could find ourselves getting less coverage , higher deductibles, and/or be forced to choose health plans that will significantly reduce our net pay or go without. Employers may be forced to offer limited options to their employees in order cut expenses , or in the case of small businesses eliminate health coverage altogether. Heath plan insurers need to go on a diet! With unemployment reaching 11% in NC, how are insurers going to stay in business if people cannot afford it or don't have an income, or if companies can no longer offer it to keep their heads above water.
We need reform now to fix this broken system. I support a public option to heathcare, although I know there will be a tax increase somewhere along the line.Small businesses need to have access to subsidies by either the state or federal gov't without strings attached, so that they can provide health coverage for their employees. I don't know the final solution, but I know we can't keep going on like this. Let's get Congress to make this a reality: Affordable healthcare for everyone! http://www.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2009/07/13/daily40.html

Pre-election, Election & Post-election Events in Iran

ARK — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:58:07 EDT

1)Pre-election Events; Hundreds of candidates most without any political or management experience, aging from 15 to … submitted their application forms to the Guardian Council in order to be a Presidential candidate in Iran. All applicants were vetted by an authority called the Guardian Council and four experienced politicians were approved. All four were former and present politicians of the Islamic Republic of Iran; 1-Mr. Ahmadinejad who is has been the President of Iran for the past 4 years, 2-Mr. Mousavi, who was the Prime Minister during the same period when the Present Supreme Leader was the President of Iran, 3-Mr. Karoubi who had been the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament for two terms and 4-Mr. Rezai who is the Secretary at the Expediency Council and a former head of the Iranian National Guards. Now if the Iranian System of Governance did not want any of them, then they could have easily rejected their application. But they wanted to have all of these candidates so they approved all of them. Now one could say, they wanted them to have a high voter turnout, but they do not want liberal views of Mr. Mousavi now?! My reply to that comment would be: “Then why did they allow Mr. Khatami who has exact same views as Mr. Mousavi to be the President of Iran for 8 years?” As a matter of fact former President Khatami was also a candidate

OFA ==> Message from the President: "This is why" by Christopher Hass

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:45:09 EDT

Last year, millions of Americans came together for a great purpose.

Folks like you assembled a grassroots movement that shocked the political establishment and changed the course of our nation. When Washington insiders counted us out, we put it all on the line and changed our democracy from the bottom up. But that's not why we did it.

The pundits told us it was impossible -- that the donations working people could afford and the hours volunteers could give would never loosen the vise grip of big money and powerful special interests. We proved them wrong. But as important as that was, that's not why we did it.

Today, spiraling health care costs are pushing our families and businesses to the brink of ruin, while millions of Americans go without the care they desperately need. Fixing this broken system will be enormously difficult. But we can succeed. The chance to make fundamental change like this in people's daily lives -- that is why we did it.

The campaign to pass real health care reform in 2009 is the biggest test of our movement since the election. Once again, victory is far from certain. Our opposition will be fierce, and they have been down this road before. To prevail, we must once more build a coast-to-coast operation ready to knock on doors, deploy volunteers, get out the facts, and show the world how real change happens in America.

And just like before, I cannot do it without your support.

So I'm asking you to remember all that you gave over the last two years to get us here -- all the time, resources, and faith you invested as a down payment to earn us our place at this crossroads in history. All that you've done has led up to this -- and whether or not our country takes the next crucial step depends on what you do right now.

Will you donate whatever you can afford to support the campaign for real health care reform in 2009?

It doesn't matter how much you can give, as long as you give what you can. Millions of families on the brink are counting on us to do just that. I know we can deliver.

Thank you, so much, for getting us this far. And thank you for standing up once again to take us the rest of the way.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

North Carolina Community

Larry — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:04:15 EDT

Hello Obama Supporters.

If you live in north carolina please join MillionsOfHands.com-North Carolina Official Community Web Site. MillionsOfHands mission is to get you involved in North Carolina Community & Politics at the state and local level and keeping you informed. Get all the latest information on the next new rising star in the state, and local Government of the Republican and Democrat Party.

Join and help make a difference in North Carolina Community

http://MillionsOfHands.com

where poeple discover their power

emails not being sent for two months now.

fran — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 09:59:45 EDT

Can someone out there in mybo land help me with this...I have not received any obama group emails to my personal email address in over 2 months. i am particularly interested in getting my RapidResponse emails and NCOBAMA...my state emails.

As far as I can tell I am still IN these groups...I've checked that several times and have talked through email with the group admins. but to no avail!!

Any Help with this??

thanks ,

Fran

Why nobody paid any attention to this February 15, 09 BLOG of mine about stray DOGS in Iraq and BOMB SNIFFING K9 Training?! Since then, hundreds of innocent people have been killed by terrorist suicide bombings.

ARK — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 07:07:50 EDT

Baghdad PUPS & K9- Bomb Sniffing Training

Since stray dogs in Iraq, Pakistan & Afghanistan are being killed every day, then there might be a solution to save these DOGS & many people as well in those countries. Perhaps we could ask the US and local Armies to train quite a few of them to become trained K9 Bomb sniffing. Then they could be freed every morning and evening on two different shifts and sent to crowded places, watched by under cover personnel, and asked to come back to their special kennels after every shift and then the evening shift would take over. These K9 dogs would have a collar to show they are army dogs so nobody should harm them...If some one would want to harm them then that person (he/she) would be mal intentioned and would be arrested. These K9 Bomb Detecting/Sniffing Dogs (K9BD2) would every day & night roam about in crowds and pick would be suicide bombers and bark at them to alert the security personnel as well as potential targets. Under the Islamic Law guard dogs such as sheep dogs are permitted.

Thinking Broadly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:18:15 EDT

Wherever you are today is a product of your old way of thinking and acting. Whatever result you have around you is a reflection, not just of your environment but also of your inner thoughts.

It goes without saying therefore that if you must move to a higher level and enter your wealthy place, your old way fo thinking has to be dropped for a new one. The quality of your thoughts and vision must be raised to the level where it can produce and handle the wealth...

When people meet you or interact with you there are conclusions they draw based on the wealth of what comes out of your mind. The strength to handle losses, the capacity to think broadly will be dependent on how your mind has been trained.

When (some) wealthy people with the right mindset lose wealth for example, they tend to gain it back because of the kind of habits and thought patterns they have formed. During a slow economic period in Asia, a gentlemen who had lost about 4 billion dollars as a result of having all of his stocks and shares wiped out, was seen a couple of days later playing golf. When asked why didn't he lose his mind and why was he playing golf, his remark/response was that he knew what he did to gain the wealth and he KNOWS what to do gain it back again.

-Matthew Ashimolowo

As A Man Thinks In HIS Heart... SO IS HE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Opposition to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment

Russ B — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:36:54 EDT

As a co-chair for the Durham County NC NCveteransforChange, and a coordinating member of the State Veterans for Obama group, I am extraordinarily displeased at this proposal by President Obama to force veterans to use private health care insurance for injuries incurred in war.

This proposal was heard by 11 veterans' groups at the White House on Monday, but a second meeting is being held on Thursday to discuss it further.

First...why are we handing money to AIG employees and then looking again to recoup budget losses off the backs of our American heroes?

Second, should this pass, private insurance companies will (1) be reluctant to insure American veterans with disabilities in the future (2) private businesses will not want to hire veterans because of the increased cost of health insurance and (3) what will happen to a veteran's family when/if his coverage is maxed out and a family member develops a serious illness???

This is not the change that I anticipated working on the Obama campaign from March to Novemeber of 2008. And I assure everyone, that I, and the veteran community will work just as hard to assure Obama's defeat in 2012 if this is allowed to pass.

Contact your senator and Congressmen and ask them why we reward Wall Street convicts, and suffer America's Heroes.

Or log in your opinion at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/opl/

Pledge Project Canvass

Fayetteville4Obama — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:51:58 EDT

Greetings everyone,

We are once again calling on Grassroots support to help our president implement his change agenda. Organizing for America (OFA) has launched it's first major action, the Pledge Project Canvass that we're asking our volunteers to participate in on March 21 & 22. For all that you built, help us kick this off right! There is true grassroots activism that YOU stirred up - we still need your help to harness it.

Top Issues OFA is Focusing On:
Reviving the economy and creating jobs by focusing on three key areas:
          •Energy independence
          •Rising cost of health care
          •Ensuring a 21st century education for everyoneThese were the top issues that President Obama covered in his budget proposal to Congress, and what we will be focusing on for our Pledge Project Canvass. Talking points for each are available on the website. Information About the Pledge Project Canvass:
Go to www.my.barackobama.com/pledgeprojectcanvassHere you will find:
          •Training video
          •Step by step goals of the pledge project canvass
          •Downloadable pledge cards
          •Talking points for each topic
          •Sign-up sheets for hosts
          •     The link for hosts to post MyBO events (do this ASAP!)
If you need any support or assistance with these events please e-mail me as soon as possible, many of you are veterans to these types of events and your support and guidance is just as vital to me! Hope to hear from you soon, Donna Mansfield

President Obama needs you again!

Fayetteville4Obama — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:43:05 EDT

To Team Obama in NC, President Obama needs our help. The national campaign effort to elect Barack Obama has shifted to a new organization called Organizing for America (OFA). OFA's mission is to mobilize our grassroots movement in support of President Obama's policies for change and to build on and strengthen the grassroots organizations we built here in North Carolina . There will be OFA offices in all fifty states designed to help the President bring about the change that he promised and that the nation demanded from the 2008 election. I am an unpaid volunteer who has been asked to help coordinate our efforts with OFA's national office. My job is to reconnect with all of the people who made change possible here in North Carolina , to mobilize North Carolina to assist the President with his agenda of change, and to link all of you with the professional staffers who should begin to arrive later this month. You were crucial to the President's win in North Carolina --let's take his policies of change all the way. Please send me back a note saying that you are still in this fight and that you too look forward to helping the President win the change that we need for a better America . Thanks

Heartbreaking Footage: Dateline Follows Police Evicting Families From Their Homes!!!!!

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:25:53 EDT

Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen traveled around the country, riding along with police who were carrying out evictions, and interviewing the families who were being removed from their homes.

The footage is emotional, take a look: Link

US Should Use Our Debt as Leverage over China to Float Currency

RNC_for_Obama — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 08:56:23 EDT

China is now squealing about their huge US Treasury holdings and calling for financial guarantees from the US not to default on our debt

If I were President Obama, I'd meet with Premier Wen and tell him two things:
1) our countries are irrevocably tied financially and we need to work together on a whole host of issues
2) we'll give him financial guarantees on their US debt holdings in direct response to them freeing their currency to float on the open markets. If they don't float, then we can't guarantee our debt.

Of course, this has to be done in a very private way, under the table, because you don't want to spook the markets. In fact, we should tell them that if they publicize that, we'll deny it. But that we mean business.

Their non-floating currency is one of the major reasons we have such a huge trade deficit with them and if we force them to float it through witholding financial guarantees on their debt holdings, then we'll finally strike a trade deal with them that is fair for both parties.

We have leverage over China for the first time in my life, because of our huge debt and their huge investment in our debt. We'd better not squander it.

----------------------

Wen calls for US fiscal guarantees

By Geoff Dyer in Beijing and Alan Beattie in Washington

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c2770bf0-1002-11de-a8ae-0000779fd2ac.html

Published: March 13 2009 19:19 | Last updated: March 13 2009 19:19

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday urged the US to take measures to guarantee its “good credit”, expressing concern about the “safety” of his country’s huge holdings of US government debt.

Mr Wen’s shot at the US’s deteriorating fiscal position – on the eve of this weekend’s G20 finance ministers’ meeting – was paired with a promise to increase China’s public spending this year to boost its economy if needed.

BiPartisanship May Not Work

Mike — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:57:59 EST

On Friday, the Congress passed the economic stimulus act-unfortunately 98.6% of the GOP continued their work as the "Party of NO." While I give great applause to President Obama for his efforts to bring republicans to the table, the fact remains crystal clear-republicans will continue to put Reaganomics and party principle over the needs of the American people. After almost eight years of spending like drunken sailors to support Bush and Cheney's illegal war in Iraq, huge tax cuts to the rich, and a failure to regulate the banks and wall street, the GOP now decides that it wants to go the other way.

Here's the problem-they don't want to go the other way. During last week's Senate debate on the stimulus, 37 republican senators voted for an ammendment that would have reduced the income tax rate on the richest Americans by a whopping 25%. So while John McCain, Richard Burr, Lindsey Graham and the rest were crying about condoms, mice, and grass for the National Mall being in the bill (These items had already been removed or were crap statements), the GOP were still looking out for Haliburton, KBR, Blackwater USA and their buddies.

So while all of this non/bipartisanship stuff sounds great in theory, and I know there are many republicans out there who are smarter than the GOP talking points, as a rule it is ONLY through teaming with the Democrats that we will achieve the true change we want for this country and our world. If you want to make a genuine difference on the decisions that are made locally, and at the state and federal level, than I urge each of you who may read this to get seriously involved at the Democratic Party level. Unfortunately, try as hard as you want, you will not change the positions of enough republicans to make a difference-they are too afraid of upsetting their lord and savior Rush Limbaugh!

Jobs in All 50 States

Jill 4 Obama — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:13:54 EST

THE BRIEFING ROOM • THE BLOG
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 at 4:03 pm Jobs in all 50 states Economic adviser Brian Deese was part of the team that assembled an analysis of how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will create jobs in all 50 states. In a guest blog post, he explains.

You've probably heard a lot about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. And you may have heard the President or members of his economic team say that this plan will save or create 3 to 4 million jobs over the next two years. Maybe you wondered where that number comes from. Well, it's from a study by Christina Romer, the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers and Jared Bernstein, Chief Economist to the Vice-President. Their analysis has been confirmed by outside experts including the forecasting firm Macroeconomic Advisers and Moody's.

Jumpstarting job growth is the top priority of the Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. Construction jobs to rebuild our nation's crumbling infrastructure*....technology jobs to bring put medical records online and lower health care costs while reducing medical errors...engineering jobs to modernize federal buildings and save billions in annual energy costs...jobs equipping our schools and colleges so the country's best young minds have a place to grow...and jobs laying broadband lines so a business in rural America can compete with any other business in the world.

The plan will create jobs in all 50 states, in industries across the spectrum. Over 90% of the jobs created will be in the private sector. We put together a fact sheet to show you, state-by-state, just how many jobs the plan aims to create.

But no matter what state you live in, with 2.6 million jobs lost last year and our economic crisis deepening, we can't afford to delay any longer.

*Just a couple of weeks ago, the American Society of Civil Engineers Report Card for America's Infrastructure issued an overall grade of D. From Katrina to the Minnesota bridge collapse, our nation's failure to take this infrastructure crisis seriously is blatant, and unacceptable. By making long overdue investments in our roads, bridges, transit, ports, and air security, this plan will put people back to work while making our nation safer and more prosperous in the future.

One Constituency Group for the Next Eight Years : The American People.

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:14:27 EST

No Victim Groups, No Special Groups, No Ethnic Groups, and No Lobbying Groups, But Just ONE GROUP CALLED THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

One CONSTITUENCY GROUP called THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

The American People is the only Group that We need to hear about, work for, and be the voice of, for the 8 Next Years.

PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA ANNOUNCES ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA

David Crawford -Manager — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 11:52:05 EST

PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA ANNOUNCES ORGANIZING FOR AMERICACampaign volunteers to organize for change in their communities

WASHINGTON, DC -- In a video announcement sent to supporters today, President-elect Obama announced the formation of Organizing for America. This is the next phase for the organization that was built during the campaign, offering volunteers the continued opportunity to work for change in their communities by organizing in support of reform in Washington.

“As President, I will need the help of all Americans to meet the challenges that lie ahead. That’s why I’m asking people like you who fought for change during the campaign to continue fighting for change in your communities. Since the election hundreds of thousands of you have shared your ideas about how this movement should move forward, and we’ve listened carefully,” said President-elect Obama in the video announcement. He continued: “Volunteers, grass roots leaders and ordinary citizens will continue to drive our organization, helping us bring about the changes we proposed during the campaign: a solution to our economic crisis, an end to the war in Iraq, affordable healthcare for all and new sources of energy to power our economy and protect our environment.”

This announcement follows a dialogue with Obama for America supporters across the country. More than 500,000 completed surveys following the election making clear their vision for the organization, and more than 4,200 hosted house parties in their communities. A clear majority believe that organizing in support of President-elect Obama’s agenda should be the most important goal for the organization.

Organizing for America will partner with Governor Kaine and the DNC.

“Change doesn’t come easy -- our work has just begun,” said Governor Kaine. “President-elect Obama has laid the foundation to meet the great challenges facing our nation, but we can succeed only if we build grassroots support for the administration’s agenda. As the DNC works to elect candidates who will support the change agenda, we will also invest in bottom-up efforts that ensure that the priorities of everyday Americans are heard in Washington.”

Further details about Organizing for America will be announced in the coming days. A link to the President-elect’s announcement, and a transcript, are below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfGNgacysHg When I’m sworn in as the President of the United States, it will be because of you. You’ve built the largest grass roots movement in history, and shaped the future of this country. And the movement you’ve built is too important to stop growing now. Today I’m pleased to announce the creation of Organizing for America—the organization that will build on the movement you started during the campaign. As President, I will need the help of all Americans to meet the challenges that lie ahead. That’s why I’m asking people like you who fought for change during the campaign to continue fighting for change in your communities. Since the election hundreds of thousands of you have shared your ideas about how this movement should move forward, and we’ve listened carefully. Volunteers, grass roots leaders and ordinary citizens will continue to drive our organization, helping us bring about the changes we proposed during the campaign: a solution to our economic crisis, an end to the war in Iraq, affordable healthcare for all and new sources of energy to power our economy and protect our environment. Joe Biden and I will be working with Congress to bring about change in Washington. But we cannot do this without you. The change we’ve worked so hard for will not happen unless ordinary Americans get involved, and supporters like you must lead the way. You’ll be receiving more information in the next few days about this organization and how you can continue to play a crucial role in our journey to change America. I look forward to continuing that journey with you, and I thank you for everything you’ve done for this movement and for our country.

the Obama-Biden Transition Team released a video

David Crawford -Manager — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:55:15 EST

the Obama-Biden Transition Team released a video in which President-elect Barack Obama's nominee for Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, Dr. Christina Romer, discusses The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, a report released on Saturday by the Obama-Biden Transition Team. Dr. Romer's video can be viewed here: http://change.gov/JobImpactReport. The full report can be read HERE. President-elect Obama directed Dr. Romer and the Vice President-elect’s Chief Economic Adviser, Dr. Jared Bernstein, to conduct the report so that the American people can see what an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will mean for their families, their communities, and our economy. In this week's Democratic Radio Address, President-elect Obama discussed the report. The radio address can be viewed at www.change.gov.

seats available to inaugural trip from fayetteville

Peninnah — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:16:13 EST

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE INAUGURAL BUS DEPARTING MONDAY, JANUARY 19 AT 7:00 NORTH CAROLINA OBAMA INAUGURATION BUS TRIP
Fayetteville, NCCOST: $185.00 per person Various Martin Luther King Committees from throughout North Carolina are sponsoring a bus trip to Washington D.C. on January 19-20, 2009 to commemorate the Inauguration of Senator Barack Obama as President of the United States. Come join us for this historic occasion to celebrate both the King Holiday and the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. We have room for a limited number citizens. Please make your reservation now. We expect great interest in this trip. Please contact one of the representives shown below. Notice: Durham, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem now have a limited number of seats available ........ We have no Inauguration access opportunities beyond those who will be awarded to citizens who ride the buses ....In Fayetteville contact: Lula Gray Crenshaw (910) 488-5549
In Fayetteville contact: Eloise Melvin (910) 480-0774
Statewide contact: Bruce Lightner (919) 834-6264 We Strongly Suggest That You Plan To Arrive At Your Departure Location An Hour Before Departure Time ...... Buses Will Leave On Time And Will Not Wait For AnyoneJANUARY 19, 2009 DEPARTURE LOCATIONS & TIMES Fayetteville Lula's Bus Departs MLK Park, 739 Blue St. 2:00 PM
Fayetteville Eloise's Bus Departs Wal-Mart 4601 Ramsey St. 7:00 AM
We Strongly Suggest That You Plan To Arrive At Your Departure Location An Hour Before Departure Time ...... Buses Will Leave On Time And Will Not Wait For Anyone

Triple Package (3 people to a room) $185.00 per person
Notice: Durham, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem now have a limited number of seats available ........ We have no Inauguration access opportunities beyond those who will be awarded to citizens who ride the buses ....

Trip package includes luxury bus transportation, hotel room. The Gala North Carolina Obama Reception and access to President Obama's Swearing In Ceremony and Inaugural Parade. Please note: the new location of the Gala Reception is The Samuel Riggs Alumni Center, University Of Maryland at College Park, I-495 @ College Park Metro Station. Trip Sponsored & Coordinated By:
The North Carolina Martin Luther King Association N.C. Obama " From The Dream To The Promise " Gala Reception
Samuel Riggs Alumni Center, University Of Maryland at College Park
Monday, January 19, 2009
8:00 PM til 11:00 PM
Tickets to this star studded celebration are included in the package for all bus riders. Your boarding pass will admit you into the hall. Non bus riders who wish to attend can secure advanced tickets at $40.00 each from BTA & Associates. Contact Mildred Robertson (919) 833-6394 or toll free 1-888-833-5003 admin_bta@bellsouth.net before January 7, 2009. Tickets purchased at the door will cost $50.00 each. Hosted and organized by BTA & Associates Public Relations
(919) 833-6394 or toll free 1-888 833-5003
Obama Inauguration Registration Form
Departure City ____________________ Name: _____________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Address: _________________________________ City/Town _________________________________ E-Mail Address: _________________________________________ # Seats Needed _____ # Rooms Needed ____ Non-Smoking ____ Smoking ____ Names Of Guests In Room # 1 ______________________________ ________________________ ______________________________ _________________________ Names Of Guests In Room # 2 ______________________________ ________________________ ______________________________ _________________________ Deposit Sent: $_________ Date: _______________________ PLEASE CONTACTPAULINE KING-WALLEYP. O. Box 124Hope Mills, NC 28348Email: prazyah1@hotmail.comPrazyah1@gmail.comPrazyah1@netzero.net Please Note: There will be 30 buses in our North Carolina delegation. The Trip Itinerary below is for the seven Raleigh buses only. To obtain the official Itinerary for your city please contact your local trip coordinator. The Raleigh Obama Presidential Inauguration Trip Itinerary
January 19th & 20th, 2009 Monday, January 19, 2009
6:30 AM Loading, Walmart, Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NCury & South)
7:00 AM SHARP Buses Depart For Washington, D.C.
Bus Check In, Red Roof Inn, 827 Elkridge Rd., Linthicum, Md.
-7:15 PM Loading For Obama Reception
7:30 PM Buses Depart For Reception, College Park, Maryland
8:00 PM N.C. Obama "From The Dream To The Promise" Gala Reception
Samuel Riggs Alumni Center, University Of Maryland-College Park
10:30 PM Buses Return To Respective Hotels
11:00 PM Goodnight .. Please Try And Get Some Rest
Tomorrow Will Be A Wonderful But Challenging Day Tuesday, January 20, 2009
5:15 AM Wake Up Call - What To Ware On Inauguration Day - See Below
5:45 AM Board Buses For Breakfast Stop
6:00 AM Breakfast Stop, Golden Corral, 1001 Shoppers Way, Largo, Md
7:15 AM Busses Depart For Downtown Washington
8:00 AM Arrive RFK Stadium (Jot Down Lot # Where Your Bus Parked)
8:15 AM Board Free Shuttle Busses or Metro to National Mall
12:00 PM Presidential Swearing In Ceremony
1:00 PM Free Time
Should be Plenty of Places To Get Some Lunch & Warm Up A Bit
4:00 PM Presidential Inaugural Parade, Along Pennsylvania Avenue
6:00 PM Board Shuttle Buses or Metro to JFK Stadium
7:00 PM Buses Depart JFK Stadium For Raleigh
8:30 PM Highway Dinner Stop, Ryan's Grill, Fredericksburg, Virginia
9:30 PM Buses Depart Ryan's Grill
12:00 Midnight - Buses Arrive Raleigh What to Wear
There is no official dress code for the swearing-in ceremonies. It is typically cold on Inauguration Day—normally 37°F—and often wet. Expect to be outside for more than four hours, to stand in line, and to walk for long periods of time. Dress in layers and wear a winter coat. Consider wearing comfortable shoes, gloves, a hat and a scarf, and bringing a blanket.In the event of rain, umbrellas will not be permitted within the security perimeter. It is recommended that attendees bring ponchos or rain coats. Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system. Food and Drink Food, beverages, and other amenities are not available within the ceremony perimeter. Do not bring any food item larger than a small snack. Thermoses are prohibited.

President-elect Barack Obama will make an announcement tomorrow at the Presidential Transition office in Washington, D.C. The space is limited on site. We will do our best to accommodate all outlets requesting credentials, but cannot make any guarantees.

David Crawford -Manager — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:21:31 EST

President-elect Barack Obama will make an announcement tomorrow at the Presidential Transition office in Washington, D.C. The space is limited on site. We will do our best to accommodate all outlets requesting credentials, but cannot make any guarantees. Media who will not have a space in the press conference area will be contacted in advance. Due to security and space limitations the sign up for the press conference is currently closed. Logistical information is included below.

Washington, DC

For planning purposes only, not for publication.

Presidential Transition Office

451 6th Street, NW

Washington, DC

Media Pre-Set: Media must drop any equipment at the north loading dock on 6th street between 8:45-9:15am ET.

Media Access begins: 8:45am ET (FINAL media access is 9:45am at the north loading dock)

Event begins: 10:30am ET

Throw: 40 ft

Workspace and wireless internet is available on site.

Vice President-Elect Biden Announces More Key Staff for the Vice President's Office

David Crawford -Manager — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:24:33 EST

Vice President-Elect Biden Announces More Key Staff for the Vice President's Office WASHINGTON – Vice President-elect Joe Biden today announced the following staff for the Office of the Vice President: Elisabeth Hire, Director of Scheduling; Pete Selfridge, Director of Advance; Anthony Bernal, Director of Scheduling for Dr. Jill Biden; and Sam Myers Sr., Trip Director for the Vice President. "All four of these indivuduals will bring a wealth of experience and a tireless work ethic to the Obama-Biden Administration," said Vice President-elect Biden. "They will be tremendous assets and additions to the team we are building." The Vice President-elect’s Staff Announcements are below: Elisabeth Hire, Director of Scheduling Elisabeth Hire most recently served as director of scheduling to Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden on the Obama-Biden campaign. A veteran of the past three Presidential election cycles, Hire served as the deputy director of scheduling for Hillary Clinton's 2008 primary campaign; scheduled for Kerry/Edwards 2004; and served on the advance staff of Kerry/Edwards 2004 and Gore/Lieberman 2000. When not working in politics, Hire has worked at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on a variety of projects including the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, the Festival of China, the Millennium Stage, and in its nationally recognized Education Department. A Bexley, Ohio native, Hire is a classically trained ballet dancer and has performed with BalletMet Columbus. She graduated with an A.B. in English from Kenyon College. Pete Selfridge, Director of AdvancePete Selfridge served as deputy director of advance, heading up Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden's advance operation during the Obama-Biden campaign, a position he has retained during the transition process. Selfridge has worked in city government, public affairs and communications throughout his professional career. Prior to joining the Obama-Biden campaign, he served as the City Director in Los Angeles for the Clinton Foundation's Climate Initiative. Selfridge lived in Washington D.C. from 1994 through 1997, where he worked in the office of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) as well as in the scheduling office of President Bill Clinton at the White House. Selfridge is a native of Minnetonka, Minnesota and a graduate of the University of Iowa. He also received a management of information systems certificate from Columbia University in New York. Anthony Bernal, Director of Scheduling for Dr. Jill BidenAnthony Bernal serves as director of scheduling to Dr. Jill Biden on the transition team, a position he held during the Obama-Biden campaign. Bernal began his professional experience at the White House serving both President Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore in their respective offices of scheduling and advance. Following the 2000 election, Bernal joined the Coca-Cola Company’s office of international affairs in Washington, DC and then AARP. In 2004, Bernal served as Director of Financial Administration of the Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc. Following the 2004 DNC Convention, Bernal was chief of staff at the ALS Therapy Development Foundation, a Cambridge-based non-profit biotechnology company. Bernal, a native of Tucson, Arizona, earned his Bachelor's Degree in History and Philosophy from the University of Texas at El Paso and studied at Carleton College in Northfield, MN. Sam Myers Sr., Trip Director for the Vice PresidentSam Myers, Sr. is a veteran of eight presidential campaigns and has worked closely with presidents and presidential candidates for the past thirty-five years. Most recently, Myers worked as a key press aide for the Obama-Biden campaign, serving as a press logistics liaison aboard Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s campaign plane. Before joining the Obama-Biden campaign, Myers worked with the media covering Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's primary campaign, traveling with Senator Clinton through June of 2008; and he had previously served as Trip Director for Senator John Edwards during his 2008 primary campaign. During the 2004 presidential election, Myers worked for the Kerry-Edwards campaign, traveling aboard the vice presidential candidate's airplane. Myers traveled with Vice President Al Gore during his 2000 presidential campaign serving as the press logistics liaison and worked at the White House for President Bill Clinton, traveling around the world, managing press logistics for presidential events. Born in Quincy, Illinois and raised in Edina, Missouri, Myers is a graduate of Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in Kirksville, Missouri. He is married to Dr. Vicki Myers and has four children. ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 8, 2009

David Crawford

President-Elect Obama Names Nancy Killefer as Chief Performance Officer

David Crawford -Manager — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:37:46 EST

President-Elect Obama Names Nancy Killefer as Chief Performance OfficerKillefer also nominated as Deputy Director for Management at OMB WASHINGTON – Today, President-elect Barack Obama named Nancy Killefer as Chief Performance Officer. Obama also announced that he intends to nominate Killefer as Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). President-elect Obama said, “Meeting the challenges of rebuilding our economy and bringing a new sense of responsibility to Washington isn’t just about rearranging numbers on a balance sheet – it’s about renewing people’s trust in their leadership. Because in order to restore confidence in our economy, we must restore the American people’s confidence in their government – that it’s on their side, spending their money wisely, to meet their families’ needs. I am confident that with Nancy’s leadership, and the efforts of leaders on both sides of the aisle, we will do just that.” The announcement made today is below: Nancy Killefer, Chief Performance Officer; Nominee for Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)Killefer is currently a Senior Director in McKinsey & Company's Washington, D.C. office, where she is the leader of McKinsey's Public Sector Practice. Killefer served as Assistant Secretary for Management, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer at the United States Department of the Treasury from 1997 to 2000. In addition to overall management responsibilities for the Treasury's fourteen bureaus and 160,000 staff members, she led a major modernization at the Internal Revenue Service and reshaped Treasury management processes. After returning to McKinsey in 2000, she joined the IRS Oversight Board, a public-private entity akin to a corporate board that oversees its IRS. She served there from 2000 to 2005 and was its Chairperson from 2002 to 2004. Killefer currently sits on the boards of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Partnership for Public Service, and Vital Voices, a non-governmental organization that empowers female leaders and entrepreneurs around the world. Prior to joining McKinsey, Killefer worked as an associate at Charles River Associates, a microeconomics consulting firm. She holds an honors degree in economics from Vassar College and an M.B.A. from the Sloan School of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ###FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

President-elect Barack Obama and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine will hold a press conference

David Crawford -Manager — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:25:59 EST

President-elect Barack Obama and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine will hold a press conference tomorrow afternoon at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Space is limited. If you are interested in covering the press conference please contact the press office at the Democratic National Committee. Washington, DCMAJOR SPEECH ON THE ECONOMYThe Center for the ArtsGeorge Mason University4400 University Dr.Fairfax, VA 22030(Physically at Mason Pond Dr. Access Campus via Braddock Road) Media Pre-Set: 6:30-7:30am (Media will not have access to their equipment between 7:30-9:30am)Media Access: 9:30amProgram Begins: 11amPress Entrance: SE Entrance of Building Throw: 55 FeetWorkspace and Wireless Internet Available, Air Cards Recommended. Media Truck Parking: North Curb Lane of Mason Pond DriveCable Run: Up to 400 feetGeneral Media Parking Available at Mason Pond Parking Deck or Lot A

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA

David Crawford -Manager — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:59:05 EST

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA
It is with deep regret that I accept Governor Bill Richardson's decision to withdraw his name for nomination as the next Secretary of Commerce.Governor Richardson is an outstanding public servant and would have brought to the job of Commerce Secretary and our economic team great insights accumulated through an extraordinary career in federal and state office. It is a measure of his willingness to put the nation first that he has removed himself as a candidate for the Cabinet in order to avoid any delay in filling this important economic post at this critical time. Although we must move quickly to fill the void left by Governor Richardson's decision, I look forward to his future service to our country and in my administration.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON

For nearly three decades, I have been honored to serve my state and our nation in Congress, at the U.N., as Secretary of Energy and as governor. So when the President-elect asked me to serve as Secretary of Commerce, I felt a duty to answer the call.I felt that duty particularly because America is facing such extraordinary economic challenges. The Department of Commerce must play an important role in solving them by helping to grow the new jobs and businesses America so badly needs.

It is also because of that sense of urgency about the work of the Commerce Department that I have asked the President-elect not to move forward with my nomination at this time.I do so with great sorrow. But a pending investigation of a company that has done business with New Mexico state government promises to extend for several weeks or, perhaps, even months.

Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process.Given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in good conscience ask the President-elect and his Administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done.

So, for now, I will remain in the job I love, Governor of New Mexico, and will continue to work every day, with Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, to make a positive difference in the lives of New Mexicans. I believe she will be a terrific governor in the future.I appreciate the confidence President-elect Obama has shown in me, and value our friendship and working partnership. I told him that I am eager to serve in the future in any way he deems useful. And like all Americans, I pray for his success and the success of our beloved country.

President-Elect Barack Obama

David Crawford -Manager — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:40:34 EST

President-Elect Barack ObamaWeekly AddressJanuary 3, 2008 As the holiday season comes to end, we are thankful for family and friends and all the blessings that make life worth living. But as we mark the beginning of a new year, we also know that America faces great and growing challenges – challenges that threaten our nation’s economy and our dreams for the future. Nearly two million Americans have lost their jobs this past year – and millions more are working harder in jobs that pay less and come with fewer benefits. For too many families, this new year brings new unease and uncertainty as bills pile up, debts continue to mount and parents worry that their children won’t have the same opportunities they had. However we got here, the problems we face today are not Democratic problems or Republican problems. The dreams of putting a child through college, or staying in your home, or retiring with dignity and security know no boundaries of party or ideology. These are America’s problems, and we must come together as Americans to meet them with the urgency this moment demands. Economists from across the political spectrum agree that if we don’t act swiftly and boldly, we could see a much deeper economic downturn that could lead to double digit unemployment and the American Dream slipping further and further out of reach. That’s why we need an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that not only creates jobs in the short-term but spurs economic growth and competitiveness in the long-term. And this plan must be designed in a new way – we can’t just fall into the old Washington habit of throwing money at the problem. We must make strategic investments that will serve as a down payment on our long-term economic future. We must demand vigorous oversight and strict accountability for achieving results. And we must restore fiscal responsibility and make the tough choices so that as the economy recovers, the deficit starts to come down. That is how we will achieve the number one goal of my plan – which is to create three million new jobs, more than eighty percent of them in the private sector. To put people back to work today and reduce our dependence on foreign oil tomorrow, we will double renewable energy production and renovate public buildings to make them more energy efficient. To build a 21st century economy, we must engage contractors across the nation to create jobs rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges, and schools. To save not only jobs, but money and lives, we will update and computerize our health care system to cut red tape, prevent medical mistakes, and help reduce health care costs by billions of dollars each year. To make America, and our children, a success in this new global economy, we will build 21st century classrooms, labs, and libraries. And to put more money into the pockets of hardworking families, we will provide direct tax relief to 95 percent of American workers. I look forward to meeting next week in Washington with leaders from both parties to discuss this plan. I am optimistic that if we come together to seek solutions that advance not the interests of any party, or the agenda of any one group, but the aspirations of all Americans, then we will meet the challenges of our time just as previous generations have met the challenges of theirs. There is no reason we can’t do this. We are a people of boundless industry and ingenuity. We are innovators and entrepreneurs and have the most dedicated and productive workers in the world. And we have always triumphed in moments of trial by drawing on that great American spirit – that perseverance, determination and unyielding commitment to opportunity on which our nation was founded. In this new year, let us resolve to do so once more. Thank you. ###

Below is a statement from President-elect Obama

David Crawford -Manager — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:40:34 EST

Below is a statement from President-elect Obama - David Crawford

"Filling Ken Salazar's boots in the US Senate is a tall order. But in selecting Michael Bennet, Governor Ritter has made an excellent choice.

"Michael Bennet perfectly reflects the qualities of the ruggedly independent state he has been chosen to serve. An innovator in the public and private sectors, he has shown himself willing to challenge old thinking and stale policies.

"His breakthrough work at the helm of Denver's schools has reflected that commitment, and established Michael as one of the nation's leading education reformers.

"He will be a breath of fresh air in Washington," said President-elect Obama.

STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN:

David Crawford -Manager — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:42:18 EST

STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Pell family as they mourn the loss of one of our country's greatest public servants. Claiborne Pell was a man of extraordinary integrity, grace and decency. Chairman Pell was a mentor to me and one of our nation's most important voices in foreign policy for over 30 years. He was a leader in the effort to reduce the size of the world's nuclear arsenal and to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. Few Senators have done more to expand opportunity in America. Because of Senator Pell and the Pell Grant, the doors of college have been opened to millions of Americans -- and will continue to be opened to millions more. That is a legacy that will live on for generations to come."

Below is a statement from President-elect Obama:

David Crawford -Manager — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:31:35 EST

Below is a statement from President-elect Obama:

"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy,"

President-elect Obama.

Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama - As prepared for delivery

David Crawford -Manager — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 02:12:18 EST

Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama - As prepared for delivery

Good afternoon.

Before we begin, I’d like to say a few words about the necessary step taken today to help avoid a collapse in our auto industry that would have devastating consequences for our economy and our workers. With the short-term assistance provided by this package, the auto companies must bring all their stakeholders together – including labor, dealers, creditors and suppliers – to make the hard choices necessary to achieve long-term viability. The auto companies must not squander this chance to reform bad management practices and begin the long-term restructuring that is absolutely necessary to save this critical industry and the millions of American jobs that depend on it, while also creating the fuel-efficient cars of the future. Whenever I have been asked how I measure the strength of the American economy, my answer is simple: jobs and wages. I know we will be headed in the right direction again when we are creating jobs, instead of losing them, and when Americans are gaining ground in terms of their incomes, instead of treading water or falling behind. In recent weeks, I’ve announced members of my economic team who will help us make progress in these areas.

Today, I’m announcing several other appointees who will play an integral role in our efforts to turn our economy around: Congresswoman Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor; former Congressman Ray LaHood as Secretary of Transportation; Karen Mills as Administrator of the Small Business Administration; and Mayor Ron Kirk as United States Trade Representative. Together with the appointees I’ve already announced, these leaders will help craft a 21st Century Economic Recovery Plan, with the goal of creating two and a half million new jobs and strengthening our economy for the future.

If jobs and incomes are our yardsticks, then the success of the American worker is key to the success of the American economy. For the past eight years, the Department of Labor has not lived up to its role either as an advocate for hardworking families or as an arbiter of fairness in relations between labor and management. That will change when Hilda Solis is Secretary of Labor. Under her leadership, I am confident that the Department of Labor will once again stand up for working families.

Hilda has always been an advocate for everyday people. When she received an award several years ago, she said, “Fighting for what is just is not always popular, but it is necessary.” And that is exactly what she has done throughout her career, blazing new trails every step of the way. Whether it’s creating green jobs that pay well and can’t be outsourced or expanding access to affordable health care or raising the minimum wage in California, Hilda has been a champion of our middle class. And I know that Hilda will show the same kind of leadership as Secretary of Labor that she showed in California and on the Education and Labor Committee by protecting workers’ rights – from organizing to collective bargaining, from keeping our workplaces safe to making our unions strong. Standing up for our workers means putting them back to work and fueling economic growth. Our economy boomed in the 20th Century when President Eisenhower remade the American landscape by building the interstate highway system. Now we need to remake our transportation system for the 21st Century. Doing so will not only help us meet our energy challenge by building more efficient cars, buses, and subways or make Americans safer by rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges – it will create millions of new jobs in the process. Few understand our infrastructure challenge better than the outstanding public servant I am asking to lead the Department of Transportation – Ray LaHood. As a Congressman from Illinois, Ray served six years on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, leading efforts to modernize our aviation system by renewing our aging airports and ensuring that air traffic controllers were using cutting edge technology. Throughout his career, Ray has fought to improve mass transit and invest in our highways. But he has not only helped rebuild our landscape, he has helped beautify it by creating opportunities for bikers and runners to enjoy our great outdoors. When I began this appointment process, I said I was committed to finding the best person for the job, regardless of party. Ray’s appointment reflects that bipartisan spirit – a spirit we need to reclaim in this country to make progress for the American people. To strengthen our economy, we must also strengthen the small businesses that are its backbone. I can think of no one better to lead this effort as Administrator of the Small Business Administration than Karen Mills. With Karen at the helm, America’s small businesses will have a partner in Washington, helping them create jobs and spur growth in communities across this country. A venture capitalist who invests in small businesses, Karen understands the challenges faced by both small business owners and the workers they employ. With a background in the private sector and experience helping Maine’s governor promote growth across the state, I am confident that Karen will lead an SBA that will not only help small business owners realize their dreams, but help our nation rebuild our economy. We also know that the success of American businesses, small and large, depends on their ability to sell their products across the globe. That is why we must engage in strong, robust trade and open doors for American products. In our global economy, we must compete and win if we are going to strengthen our middle class and forge bonds with other nations that can contribute to peace and stability around the world. But I also believe that any trade agreement we sign must be written not just with the interests of big corporations in mind, but with the interests of our whole nation and our workers at heart. Ron Kirk understands this better than just about anyone. As Mayor of Dallas, Ron helped steer one of the world’s largest economies. He has seen the promise of trade, but also its pitfalls. And he knows there is nothing inconsistent about standing up for free trade and standing up for American workers. During his tenure as Mayor, Ron brought different groups together to create jobs, invest in the community, and spur economic growth. As a leader, negotiator, and principled proponent of trade, Ron will help make sure that any agreements I sign as President protect the rights of all workers, promote the interests of all Americans, and preserve the planet we all share. With these outstanding appointees, I have filled out our economic team, and done so at an earlier point than any President in history, because we face challenges unlike any we have faced in generations. Daunting as the challenges we are inheriting may be, I’m convinced that our team and the American people are prepared to meet them. It will take longer than any of us would like – years, and not months. It will get worse before it gets better. But it will get better – if we’re willing to act boldly and swiftly. And that is what we will do when I am President of the United States. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Year Ago......

Joyce — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 22:34:32 EST

When one thinks about the past year, it is difficult to imagine how much has been accomplished by Barack Obama and his supporters. A year ago we were anticipating the results of the Iowa caucuses. On the night of the Iowa caucuses, I left the TV room for awhile anticipating a long night and I knew I had things to do. Not long after I left I heard my husband and son saying something with raised voices. I went in and of course they said he won! I was surprised and very happy. We'll all remember the Iowa night and the many successes that came after that. From January 3 to November 4, 2008, many worked very hard.

As we all think back to those months we must realize that many working together can indeed accomplish a great deal. Experienced Democratic politicians said that Obama could not win the general election. But the volunteers knew that something was happening. Calling many voters resulted in very positive feedback. With all that support Obama certainly could win, we believed. Let us remember how this all came about. We had an exceptional candidate, one who showed honesty, integrity, strength of character, intelligence, and humility. We had millions of people contributing and many volunteers working. This election will be studied by historians, but we must all use it as a lesson of what can be accomplished when we work together.

Originally I told myself that I was volunteering for my four little granddaughters and for their future. I am very happy that I chose to work for Barack Obama's election and that millions of others did as well. Thank you to all of you who worked for the election of President Barack Obama!

Yes We Can!

President-Elect Barack Obama Holiday Radio Address.

David Crawford -Manager — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:07:32 EST

President-Elect Barack Obama Holiday Radio Address.

Good morning. This week, Americans are gathering with family and friends across the country to celebrate the blessings of Christmas and the holiday season. As we celebrate this joyous time of year, our thoughts turn to the brave men and women who serve our country far from home. Their extraordinary and selfless sacrifice is an inspiration to us all, and part of the unbroken line of heroism that has made our freedom and prosperity possible for over two centuries. Many troops are serving their second, third, or even fourth tour of duty. And we are reminded that they are more than dedicated Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard – they are devoted fathers and mothers; husbands and wives; sons and daughters; sisters and brothers. This holiday season, their families celebrate with a joy that is muted knowing that a loved one is absent, and sometimes in danger. In towns and cities across America, there is an empty seat at the dinner table; in distant bases and on ships at sea, our servicemen and women can only wonder at the look on their child’s face as they open a gift back home. Our troops and military families have won the respect and gratitude of their broader American family. Michelle and I have them in our prayers this Christmas, and we must all continue to offer them our full support in the weeks and months to come. . These are also tough times for many Americans struggling in our sluggish economy. As we count the higher blessings of faith and family, we know that millions of Americans don’t have a job. Many more are struggling to pay the bills or stay in their homes. From students to seniors, the future seems uncertain. That is why this season of giving should also be a time to renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship. Now, more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans – that I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper. Now, we must all do our part to serve one another; to seek new ideas and new innovation; and to start a new chapter for our great country. That is the spirit that will guide my Administration in the New Year. If the American people come together and put their shoulder to the wheel of history, then I know that we can put our people back to work and point our country in a new direction. That is how we will see ourselves through this time of crisis, and reach the promise of a brighter day. After all, that’s what Americans have always done. 232 years ago, when America was newly born as a nation, George Washington and his Army faced impossible odds as they struggled to free themselves from the grip of an empire. It was Christmas Day – December 25th, 1776 – that they fought through ice and cold to make an improbable crossing of the Delaware River. They caught the enemy off guard, won victories in Trenton and Princeton, and gave new momentum to the beleaguered Army and new hope to the cause of Independence. Many ages have passed since that first American Christmas. We have crossed many rivers as a people. But the lessons that have carried us through are the same lessons that we celebrate every Christmas season – the same lessons that guide us to this very day: that hope endures, and that a new birth of peace is always possible. Thank you, and have a wonderful New Year. Obama,.,.

Obama Transition to Host Conference Call

David Crawford -Manager — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:47:48 EST

Obama Transition to Host Conference Call Washington DC – Today the Obama Transition Team will host a conference call to discuss the release of a review of Obama Transition staff contacts with Governor Blagojevich and his office WHAT: Press Conference Call WHO: Greg Craig and Robert Gibbs WHEN: Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 4:30 PM EST Call In Number: 888-566-5913 Participant Passcode: 1129466 ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Contact: Obama Transition Office 202-540-3483

President-Elect Barack Obama and Vice President-Elect Joe Biden Announce Key Members of National Security Team

David Crawford -Manager — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:40:07 EST

President-Elect Barack Obama and Vice President-Elect Joe Biden Announce Key Members of National Security Team CHICAGO – Today, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden announced the nomination of key members of their national security team, including James B. Steinberg for Deputy Secretary of State, and Jacob Lew for Deputy Secretary of State, and the appointment of Thomas E. Donilon as Deputy National Security Advisor and Antony “Tony” Blinken as National Security Advisor to the Vice President. President-elect Obama said, “The team that we have assembled is uniquely suited to meet the great global challenges facing us today. They join a strong team of leading experts and accomplished managers and I look forward to working with them in the years ahead.” Vice President-elect Biden said “Tony Blinken has been my most trusted advisor on the most important issues we've faced in the areas of national security and international affairs over the past six years. His broad experience in foreign policy and his sound judgment will be invaluable to me and to the President-elect in addressing the challenges ahead.” The following White House announcements were made today: James B. Steinberg, Deputy Secretary of StateJames B. Steinberg became dean of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs on January 1, 2006. Before joining the School, he was the vice president and director of Foreign Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. (2001-2005), where he supervised a wide-ranging research program on U.S. foreign policy. From December 1996 to August 2000, he served as deputy national security advisor to President Bill Clinton. During that period he also served as the president's personal representative ("Sherpa") to the 1998 and 1999 G-8 summits. Prior to becoming deputy national security advisor, he served as chief of staff of the U.S. State Department and director of the State Department's policy planning staff (1994-1996), and as deputy assistant secretary for analysis in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (1993-1994). Steinberg is a member of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists' Science and Security Board, the President's Council on International Activities of Yale University, the board of directors of the Pacific Council on International Policy, the senior advisory council of The American Assembly's Next Generation Project, the board of advisors of the Center for a New American Security, the board of advisors of The Yale Journal of International Law, and the editorial board of The Washington Quarterly. He also is a member of the D.C. Bar. Steinberg is the author of and contributor to many books and articles on foreign policy and national security topics, including Difficult Transitions: Foreign Policy Troubles at the Outset of Power, Protecting the Homeland 2006/2007 and An Ever Closer Union: European Integration and Its Implications for the Future of U.S.-European Relations. Steinberg received his B.A. from Harvard in 1973 and J.D. from Yale Law School in 1978. Steinberg is married to Ms. Sherburne B. Abbott, director of the Center for Science and Practice of Sustainability at the University of Texas at Austin. They have two daughters, Jenna and Emma. Jacob Lew, Deputy Secretary of StateJacob J. "Jack" Lew is a Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Citi Alternative Investments, where he is responsible for operations, technology, human resources, legal, finance and regional coordination. Previously, Mr. Lew was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of New York University, where he was responsible for budget, finance, and operations (including capital projects and human resources). Prior to joining NYU, Mr. Lew served in President Clinton's cabinet as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and led the Administration budget team, from the preparation of the President's budget through final negotiations with Congress. He was also a member of the National Security Council. From 1979 to 1987, he was a Senior Policy Advisor to House Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Mr. Lew serves on the Corporation for National and Community Service Board and chairs its Management, Administration, and Governance Committee. He co-chairs the Advisory Board for City Year New York and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Brookings Institution Hamilton Project Advisory Board, and the National Academy of Social Insurance. He is a member of the bar in Massachusetts and the District of Columbia. Thomas E. Donilon, Deputy National Security AdvisorThomas E. Donilon is a Partner at the law firm of O’Melveny & Myers and serves on the firm’s global governing committee. Most recently Mr. Donilon co-chaired the Obama-Biden State Department Agency Review Team and the Obama-Biden general election debate preparation effort. Mr. Donilon served as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Chief of Staff at the U.S. State Department during the Clinton Administration. In these capacities, he oversaw the development and implementation of the Department’s major policy initiatives. He was deeply involved in a range of policy issues, including the Bosnia and Middle East peace negotiations, the expansion of NATO, and US-China relations. He was awarded the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award -- the Department’s highest award -- in November 1996. Mr. Donilon is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, where he has served on Task Forces on State Department Reorganization and Transatlantic Relations, the Brookings Institution Board of Trustees, where he co-chaired the Institution’s 2008 policy development effort, the Miller Center of Public Affairs Governing Council, the Aspen Strategy Group, the National Security Advisory Group to the Congressional Leadership, and the Trilateral Commission. Mr. Donilon received his B.A., summa cum laude, from the Catholic University of America and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. Antony “Tony” Blinken, National Security Advisor to the Vice PresidentAntony “Tony” Blinken was appointed Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in April 2002. From 1994 to 2001, Mr. Blinken served on the National Security Council staff at The White House. He was Senior Director for European Affairs (1999-2001) and Senior Director for Strategic Planning and NSC Senior Director for Speechwriting (1994-1998). He also served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (1993 – 1994), and was a lawyer in New York and Paris. Mr. Blinken was a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (2001 to 2002) and a Senior Foreign Policy adviser to the Obama-Biden presidential campaign. He has been a reporter for The New Republic magazine and has written about foreign policy for numerous publications, including The New York Times and Foreign Affairs Magazine. He is the author Ally Verses Ally: America, Europe and the Siberian Pipeline Crisis (1987). Mr. Blinken is a graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School. ###

Today the Obama Transition Team released the review of Obama Transition staff contacts with Governor Blagojevich and his office. The report is attached and is also available online at http://www.change.gov/20081223report

David Crawford -Manager — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:59:07 EST

Today the Obama Transition Team released the review of Obama Transition staff contacts with Governor Blagojevich and his office. The report is attached and is also available online at http://www.change.gov/20081223report

OBAMA TRANSITION TEAM ANNOUNCES WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE ON WORKING FAMILIES

David Crawford -Manager — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:57:00 EST

FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE

December 21, 2008OBAMA TRANSITION TEAM ANNOUNCES WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE ON WORKING FAMILIES President-elect Obama Taps Vice President-elect Biden to ChairWashington, DC – Today the Obama Transition team announced the President-elect’s intention to form a ‘White House Task Force on Working Families,’ to be chaired by Vice President-elect Joe Biden, effective January 20, 2009. The Task Force will be a major initiative targeted at raising the living standards of middle-class, working families in America. The task force will be comprised of top-level administration policy makers, and in addition to regular meetings, it will conduct outreach sessions with representatives of labor, business, and the advocacy communities. “My administration will be absolutely committed to the future of America’s middle-class and working families. They will be front and center every day in our work in the White House. And this Task Force will be one vehicle we will use to ensure that we never forget that commitment. I think it can make a great contribution to our work, and I’m grateful that the Vice President-elect has agreed to chair it,” said President-elect Obama.The Vice President-elect said: “Our charge is to look at existing and future policies across the board and use a yard stick to measure how they are impacting the working and middle-class families: Is the number of these families growing? Are they prospering? President-elect Obama and I know the economic health of working families has eroded, and we intend to turn that around.”The Vice President-elect and members of the task force will work with a wide array of federal agencies that have responsibility for key issues facing middle class and working families, and expedite administrative reforms, propose Executive orders, and develop legislative and policy proposals that can be of special importance to working families. The President-elect has set the following goals for the task force:· Expanding education and lifelong training opportunities · Improving work and family balance · Restoring labor standards, including workplace safety· Helping to protect middle-class and working-family incomes· Protecting retirement security Members of the White House Task Force on Working Families will include the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Commerce, as well as the Directors of the National Economic Council, the Office of Management and Budget, the Domestic Policy Council, and the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors. The Task Force will operate in a transparent fashion, with any submissions to it from outside groups posted online, and open, two-way dialogue directly with the American people. The Task Force will issue annual reports on its findings and recommendations, which will be made available to the public and will be posted on the internet.

Below is a statement from President-elect Barack Obama

David Crawford -Manager — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:32:23 EST

"Today's actions are a necessary step to help avoid a collapse in our auto industry that would have devastating consequences for our economy and our workers. With the short-term assistance provided by this package, the auto companies must bring all their stakeholders together -- including labor, dealers, creditors and suppliers -- to make the hard choices necessary to achieve long-term viability. The auto companies must not squander this chance to reform bad management practices and begin the long-term restructuring that is absolutely required to save this critical industry and the millions of American jobs that depend on it," said President-elect Obama.

6 am Eastern the embargo will be lifted for the Weekly Radio Address/YouTube (listen and view at www.change.gov ). The radio address will air live at 11:06 am Eastern. In addition, President-elect Obama will travel to Hawaii, where he will spend the holi

David Crawford -Manager — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 10:39:32 EST

6 am Eastern the embargo will be lifted for the Weekly Radio Address/YouTube (listen and view at www.change.gov <http://www.change.gov> ). The radio address will air live at 11:06 am Eastern. In addition, President-elect Obama will travel to Hawaii, where he will spend the holidays with family and friends. He will continue to do transition work during his stay. Vice President-elect Biden will be in Delaware.

Chatham County, NC Post-Election Obama Network Launches

jimbuie — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:55:17 EST

At my home in North Chatham County, NC, I hosted one of the 10,000 Obama house parties held across the country in mid-December. Thanks to the powerful tools at http://my.barackobama.com, local Democratic Party email lists and a neighborhood online bulletin board, in just a few days the word was spread. I received 24 RSVPs, and 11 regrets. That's a great response for a rural county AFTER the election.

I was encouraged that more than 20 people showed up. There was a lot of energy in the room -- people seem eager to bring change not only on the national level, but on the state, county, and neighborhood level.

People discussed their involvement in the campaign, the issues that concerned them most, and we agreed to participate in a service project, "YES WE CANS," to collect canned foods to benefit CORA, the Pittsboro food pantry and emergency feeding program and the regional Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, between now and the inauguration. Hopefully, the energy will continue and we'll meet on a monthly basis over the next four years.

This is a bottom-up movement, ultimately independent of Obama himself -- some of us will no doubt disagree with him on some issues some of time time. Ultimately, it's an effort of citizens to take back their government using 21st century tools. It will develop and mature in the months ahead.

Time: Wednesday, December 31 9:00 PM - January 1 12:00 AM