Posts with the tag President

Progressive Democrats never had it so good... RIGHT?

Frank Esposito — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:16:54 EST

Howard Dean types VS Joe Lieberman types UPDATE: Liberals and Progressives need to take a deep, cleansing breath and come to their senses. Now is NOT the time to turn your backs on Obama/Biden and the Democrats in Congress. Now is the TIME to build on our victories of 2008.

If what Howard Dean is saying is true I say Kill the Bill. (or move it into conference, lol) If nothing else, this SAD attempt at Health Care Reform exposed just how weak the Democrats really are.

Here’s the thing... NOTHING makes me more angry than hearing Liberals/Progressives say they won’t vote for Democrats anymore. I understand the principles involved but if Republicans take back Congress then the USA is screwed. If one really THINKS about it... the ONLY chance the Republican Party has is to use ALL their dirty tricks to divide the Obama base.

Lieberman end in 2010,
send him to hell in 2012!

Progressive Democrats have NEVER had a better chance to takeover the Congress. It’s very important that we take the next few elections as seriously as we did in 2008.

So many Progressives have given up on Obama, he’s lost his political capital ...AND we can‘t use the HATE Bush/Cheney game-plan anymore. Democrats need a NEW strategy to get the voters INVOLVED!

Since the HATE Bush/Cheney thing worked so well in 2008 I say we need a figure to take their place. Joe Lieberman is the perfect hated politician to be targeted. Lieberman end in 2010, send him to hell in 2012!

Democrats need FOUR MORE progressive seats in the Senate to make Lieberman (and Republican Party) as impotent in politics as he is in bed with Hadassha. (without his Government Health Care Viagra)

I'd say that's an EXCELLENT reason to ORGANIZE and GET ACTIVE, right! Make the Republicans/Conservatives PAY the price for being a bunch of holier-than-thou, greed stricken, power mad, mentally deranged ^$$holes... WORTH getting out to the streets... fighting in the service of the US Constitution...

UPDATE NOTE: (also we can work to get rid of TRAITORS like that *$$hole Rep. Parker Griffith from Alabama) Go Tide, right? lol

as posted on blog:

jinnbad.blogspot.com

Where we stand

Dave Patlak — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:24:26 EST

Mon, December 21, 2009 5:49:52 PM

From: President Barack Obama <info@barackobama.com>

Early this morning, the Senate made history and health reform cleared its most important hurdle yet -- garnering the 60 votes needed to move toward a final vote in that chamber later this week.

This marks the first time in our nation's history that comprehensive health reform has come to this point. And it appears that the American people will soon realize the genuine reform that offers security to those who have health insurance and affordable options to those who do not.

I'm grateful to Senator Harry Reid and every senator who's been working around the clock to make this happen. And I'm grateful to you, and every member of the Organizing for America community, for all the work you have done to make this progress possible.

After a nearly century-long struggle, we are now on the cusp of making health insurance reform a reality in the United States of America.

As with any legislation, compromise is part of the process. But I'm pleased that recently added provisions have made this landmark bill even stronger. Between the time when the bill passes and the time when the insurance exchanges get up and running, insurance companies that try to jack up their rates do so at their own peril. Those who hike their prices may be barred from selling plans on the exchanges.

And while insurance companies will be prevented from denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions once the exchanges are open, in the meantime there will be a high-risk pool where people with pre-existing conditions can purchase affordable coverage.

A recent amendment has made these protections even stronger. Insurance companies will now be prohibited from denying coverage to children immediately after this bill passes. There's also explicit language in this bill that will protect a patient's choice of doctor. And small businesses will get additional assistance as well.

These protections are in addition to the ones we've been talking about for some time. No longer will insurance companies be able to drop your coverage if you become sick and no longer will you have to pay unlimited amounts out of your own pocket for treatments that you need.

Under this bill families will save on their premiums; businesses that would see their costs rise if we don't act will save money now and in the future. This bill will strengthen Medicare and extend the life of the program. Because it's paid for and gets rid of waste and inefficiency in our health care system, this will be the largest deficit reduction plan in over a decade.

Finally, this reform will extend coverage to more than 30 million Americans who don't have it.

These are not small changes. These are big changes. They're fundamental reforms. They will save money. They will save lives.

And your passion, your work, your organizing helped make all of this possible. Now it's time to finish the job.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

What happened?

Patti — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:25:38 EST

Where is the change? We have been patient, waiting for the great strategy. Ending the wars? Nope. Health care for all? Nope. Transparency in government? Nope. Find and stop corruption and waste? Nope.

The health care bill as it is now? What a piece of corporate crap. Scrap this bill. It is not what was intended. We are all getting screwed. President Obama, you are a huge disappointment. Where is your backbone? If the health care bill is passed, please do not sign it. We do not want just any collection of words, written by corporate shills, that can be labeled a Health Care Bill. If this bill lands on your desk, just trash can it. Because that is what is is, trash.

Unless there are some big changes and Mr. Obama somehow remembers why we elected him, he will not get a second term. Right now, I sincerely he is eliminated in the primary. We need a strong, democratic candidate who will not pander.

Does the president listen to his constituents or does he just do whatever the right wing nutbags ask of him?

The Gift of Rapid Job Creation, Revenue for Our Businesses and Renewing our Communities

Suellis — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:08:26 EST

A Website For The People

Recently, our President talked about our country’s need for job creation and advancement of American Businesses. This is a suggestion about how we can make that happen by working together. A suggestion of a way that we can generate rapid job growth for our citizens and develop customers for our businesses, both large and small, (and even new and emerging businesses are included), and has the capacity to refill the coffers of our Nations Communities.

This Website concept has been created, then developed to be inclusionary of all American’s – those who already have established businesses and for those who are at the beginning stages of turning their dreams into reality and starting emerging businesses of their own.

It is common knowledge that small business develops 71% of our jobs and that large businesses have assisted in forming strong and stable foundations within our communities for generations. Both are healthy aspects of our nation.

Although, I realize that this concept has the capacity to develop great earnings, it will take me much longer to assemble the individuals required to transform this Website Concept into reality – than it will take our leaders and various experts; and jobs for our citizens and business growth is needed now.

I have additional ideas for the development and enhancement of this Website. And a large portion of the earnings from the Memberships of the Website itself is intended to used to extend additional assistance to our citizens, in the form of Small Business Grants and Scholarships for our country's Students. And of course, the Website will be self-supporting.

At this point, my focus is on finding ways to uplift our citizens, stabilize our businesses, and increase the steady growth of our communities. We have the technology to achieve this goal and develop the win-win world that we know we can create. And, you know where I stand, determined to uphold a positive approach.

Personally, I trust our President and I know we can!

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A Website For The People

-- Travel@Home.com –

Website Concept By: Suellis Kelley -- August 6, 2009©

(* See, Additional Information.)

New Website – While reading an article this morning, a concept came to my mind that I think could draw the interest of our people; a new kind of Website that creates jobs for our citizens, revenue for our Businesses and a new fast-paced tax-base system for our American Communities. Please, be patient with the long description; as there are many components that build on each other to make this Website a profitable, attractive, and enjoyable asset that develops rapid job creation, flourishing businesses and uplifts our Nation’s Communities.

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Business Idea: This is a website idea that has the potential to develop regular visitors, educate us about our Nations many Cities and their surrounding Communities and expand our cultural understanding of each other. Additionally, for folks who enjoy traveling and visiting other places in our country, (and the world), they will be enabled to do so from the comfort of their own homes. This concept is easy to expand and during this discussion, I will refer to this New Website as Travel@Home.com or “The People’s” Website. This Website also has the ability to open the doors of our businesses, which is discussed at length in the Website Experience section. (For clarification: Travel@Home.com is not an actual Website at this time nor is it an email address).

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Basic Concept: Relax for a moment and picture in your mind one community that you have lived in during your life. As you remember, “see” the streets, the neighborhoods, the parks, the libraries and the stores, as you “travel through town.” Now, include the surrounding countryside, the mountains, the creeks, and other areas that exist at that location. The People’s Website offers our American Citizens the opportunity to regularly go to their hometowns or travel to places that they would like to visit.

The Television Travel Programs that are frequently available on our Public Broadcasting Stations, KPBS, (which is associated with UCSD), already has a lot of video that shows various communities and the neat attractions, businesses and scenic views of particular locations in our nation. This video can be edited to create a seamless view of many of our communities and landmark areas. (Other T.V. Channels also have collections of Video that show many of our Nations communities and focuses on the unique and magnificent architecture of the various buildings that were developed during the 18th and 19th Century’s. There are also Video Travel Logs of our communities and those in Foreign Nations as well. However, while starting up the Website the initial focus will be on the Communities within America).

For Example:

In San Diego, there have already been numerous television projects created that focus on various communities and suburbs, such as, Old Town, the Gas Lamp District, and even Little Italy. There are places and buildings in these communities that still attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year because of their unique history and architectural design. By combining these clips in a seamless way, the city of San Diego, can be created for the Website; and then, offered to citizens throughout our nation, as a Travel Destination. This idea can easily be extended to develop other communities as well.

Once an Individual becomes a Member of The Peoples Website, they can select a community and then “Travel” through the town, and visit the stores, museums and other areas where they are encouraged to shop and see the sites. Or, they can join with family members and friends, (who also become Website Members), and spend a day at the World’s Largest Mall. (Once the basic configuration and design of the Website Travel Area’s are developed, the options for Travel Locations will also expand to include additional communities).

Many people love to travel and go back to places where they have lived before; but, for whatever myriad of reasons, just haven't had the opportunity or time to literally travel. Members will be provided the opportunity to pick one community, then “travel there and visit” that community for a year, for the Standard Membership Fee. When individuals become active members – they can choose to visit a community where they previously lived or visited; as well as select places to visit that they have always wanted to go to or visit exotic locations that they always wanted to explore, (the Grand Canyon, Big Sur, or our National Parks). An additional bonus for some individuals is that this Website can assist people “to see” the places where they intend to go in the future, in order to acclimate themselves with the location and plan their itinerary, before they arrive.

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Membership: The charge for a Standard Membership Fee would be $20.00 to visit one town or city for a year and this fee also provides easy access and the ability for ‘On-Line Tourists” to shop at and visit various Stores, Museums and Historical Sites, as well. Additionally, Schools, Colleges, and Universities could also become involved by offering special membership packages for their Alumni and others to attend their events, via Webcasts and other options. This can assist in raising revenues to develop new projects, scholarships and other learning opportunities for their students, (see Website Experience #2 for further explanation). Of course, Museums, Historical Sites and schools can develop Special Membership Packages and make them available at their front doors for On-Line Tourists to purchase.

Other options or combination's of various travel packages can be developed for those who desire to extend their Travel@Home.com opportunities. For Example: A Membership Package of, “Three Destinations for $45,” or a “World Traveler Rate” can be developed for individuals, who want the flexibility to visit any or all of the numerous locations that the Website offers during a single year.

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Website Experience:

The following are brief explanations of what a Travel@Home.com Member experiences when entering the Website.

For Example: After a Member selects a community to visit – they will click on the link and enter the town or city, where the, “Welcome Sign,” is already displayed. Then, they can click to immediately go to Main Street or take a Scenic Tour through the area.

1. When on Main Street – from the perspective of walking down the sidewalks; if an On-Line Tourist “see’s” a store that interests them, (these stores and shops are the ones that literally exist), they can either:

a. Click to enter and browse – looking at the shelves and seeing the ambiance, character and basic environment. (Naturally, cash register placement, doors, and other things will be removed from the view of the ‘Home Travelers.’)

b. Or, click to enter an area where there are photos and a list of the items that our members have “seen” and are available for purchase and shipping directly to their homes.

aa. This provides the businesses within our Nations communities to expand their consumer base and provides for our citizens easy access to purchase those neat little items that we like to collect when we are literally traveling throughout our country.

bb. The Business will of course gain profits, while a percentage of the earnings or the taxes will go into the Community Chest to assist the town in building up their towns and cities.

cc. Additionally, a small percentage or fee could go to create a fund for business grants and pay for the employees running the Travel@Home.com Website itself. (This is to be determined later).

c. Of course, the various Business Owners would be responsible for the hiring of their own employees to provide the shipping and handling for their products to their customers and an individual to keep their shops items, sales and discounts up to date. For a minimal monthly fee, they hire a Travel@Home.com Webmaster to input the ongoing updated information. (To be discussed in further detail later: perhaps, just keeping the current Webmasters apprised of the monthly sales and new products offered, can provide for the organization of the Website itself).

The general upkeep and information regarding the changes within the various States communities, (new buildings, new businesses and other land use transitions), could be sent by the communities Chamber of Congress to the Webmasters, who are assigned to their State, so that everything remains up to date and consistent.

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2. When an individual purchases a year-pass, becomes member and an On-Line Tourist of a community, (because of the technology that has been developed), they can be enabled to have an “overview’ or “side-view,” as they “walk” from one distention to the next. This will enable people to enjoy seeing and visiting the other areas and places within the community.

a. For Example:

After an On-Line Tourist has shopped in the downtown area, they can head over to a museum, art show or go to another event that is available or is literally happening in the community at the time and pay whatever the regular fee is to attend. (The communities themselves can provide some Sample Give Away visits or attendance to events within a community by providing additional membership offers; which can be determined later).

Along with the Museums, Historical Sites and other public areas of interest; Theater Groups, Colleges and schools could also offer admission to the events that they frequently present. (Of course, these complimentary memberships can be offered at discounted rates, based on the decisions of the people in charge of the activities).

Members can literally attend the activities as they are occurring by clicking on a live Web-Cast option, which would take them to a place to purchase a ticket that would give them access to the Web-Cast. This can enable On-Line Community Members to experience a, “Night on the Town,” participate in activities they enjoy and assist the various organizations within our Nations communities, (their own Hometowns), to raise revenues.

b. I am certain many Alumni of various Schools, Colleges and University’s throughout our Nation would love this option, as a way to visit their Hometown, (or the communities that they have lived in previously and feel connected to), and continue to remain active participants by attending various social events via Web-Cast, (such as, a School Play or Sporting Event). This also gives our Members the ability to continue to support the growth and well-being of the communities that they care about; when they have moved to another location.

c. Each Institution, Store, or Organization could establish and design their own ticket-fee systems for citizens to obtain Complimentary Memberships to participate in the events they present and that appear on the Travel@Home.com Website. For Example: Members could buy a pass that gives them admission to attend 10 Basketball Games during the College Season… Or, they could purchase an additional Passport to go to the Town’s Museums, whenever they like. (Obviously, these kinds of options can be expanded to include other organizations and activities).

d. Additionally, many communities maintain a schedule of annual activities, such as, The Fourth of July Parade, The Celebration of May Day, or even the yearly Lighting of the Christmas Tree in the Town Square. Participation in these events can uplift the spirits of Website Members and make them feel included. Perhaps, this open access can also elicit celebratory shopping during the activities or before to prepare themselves for these occasions.

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3. As many of us have experienced, there are also small businesses within each of our communities that are in the initial stages of development. Artist’s and Individuals, who are gifted with various talents and are good at creating Crafts and artwork -- and inventors, who develop products and typically begin building their customer-base by word of mouth, also can be included.

Permanent Art Shows and Craft Fairs can be created to offer and display original works of art, and one of a kind, handcrafted products for the On-Line Tourists to see, purchase, and personally own. Collecting unique items and inventions used to be a trend within our society. People enjoyed owning one of kind products in their homes and often showed their guests their, “Conversation Pieces,” when they visited. These Specialized Shops and Emerging Businesses could be developed in a variety of ways and have especially appointed Webmasters, who singularly focus on these areas to keep the items up to date, as new works of art and crafts are created and included in the displays.

a. The Emerging Businesses could be set-up in a, “Specialized Shopping District” -- which could be “built” on an unused area of land in the existing town. As an indicator of the “Virtual City,” when the On-Line Tourist enters the area they can be greeted with a similar, “Welcome Sign,” like the one that they saw when they initially entered the community. And by adding placards, the On-Line Tourists is provided information about how the community was developed and is able to learn about the various artists and inventors, as well.

Actually, the History’s about how the existing stores in the town or cities were developed and a biography about the original and current owner can be made available at the “doors” of the shops themselves, (for both established and emerging businesses). Additionally, for those who are offering hand produced Artwork, Music, and Crafts; these biographies could also provide information about their business, their education, and personal history. (This idea can be expanded to include information about the histories and owners of the businesses in the community; and share details and fun facts about the town itself, (suburb or city), the museums, the schools and other organizations within the community).

b. This also assists the people that live and work within the communities themselves. As it encourages and provides an easy way for individuals and other business owners to discover, who in their community has products that they would like to sell. Established Business owners can order the items to sell in their own stores for commission or order a large quantity of what our Emerging Business owners have invented, produced or sell – such as C.D.’s, Quilts, or Jewelry… or even new products that haven’t been offered to our citizens before… ect. (For additional information, see Website Experience, #8.

c. The area, where the Specialized Shops and Emerging Businesses are made accessible for the On-Line Tourist’s, can be developed to match the existing architecture of the Town; such as the houses, the parks, the Museums, and other sites as well.

d. Also, another form of Business can be created, by utilizing video and editing techniques. Some folks have large collections of items that fit into a particular category – such as, 9,000 different styles of Pez Dispensers, or various depictions of a favorite animal, or a home that is filled with Christmas Decorations… etcetera. These individuals could be included in the Specialized Shop area to allow citizens to see, appreciate, and enjoy viewing their large collections – for a minimal fee).

e. For individuals who produce various media programs; such as the interview format or variety and talent shows for a regular Webcasts or other Television medium – such as Public Broadcasting Channels – can also open Specialized Shops to sell DVD’s of their programs. An area can be developed, where the On-Line Tourist is encouraged to click on a link, in order to view a short preview of the program that they are interested in purchasing. The expansion of is technology can include additional previews and promote the sales of movies, songs, books and other forms of media.

f. By developing another Member category, collectors can sign up for a membership that only allows them access to The Specialized Shop and Emerging Business areas in each community.

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4. As a result, of the seamless visuals of the location, our visitors are empowered to “walk,” (visually), through neighborhoods – the visitor will see and experience the ambiance of our communities. And since the Historical Sites can have open door policy’s, this gives our citizens a wonderful way to have the “on-site” experience of seeing with their own eyes the places where our Founding Fathers and former leaders spent their time and developed the concepts that have been applied to our lives.

For Example:

The Hometown Tourist can get a close up view of the Place and Desk, where Thomas Jefferson wrote parts of our Declaration of Independence. We could see the interior of the Houses where various Presidents grew up or we could travel through the Rocky Mountains to see first hand the expeditions of Lewis and Clark. Additionally, those who are interested in our Environment, they can take a trip up to the North Pole and see the Glaciers, wildlife and communities themselves. This can assist us in expanding our understanding of America’s History and develop appreciation for our unique country as a whole.

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5. Another aspect that is a plus for some Members is having an area where they can keep a Journal of their visits and log their activities, experiences, and thoughts as they visit their selected communities. Perhaps, this area could include sections that allow the member to show what they purchased, where they went, and what they did; and provide a way to keep track of the events they attended and display the other memorabilia that they collected as they traveled to different communities offered by the Website.

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6. In addition, this Website can provide individuals, who are planning to go on vacation, to visit the community -- “On-Line” -- before they arrive to acclimate to the location and assist them with planning their itinerary.

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7. Of course, this idea could be expanded by working with the Leaders of Foreign Nations to include their favored cities as well. And naturally, we could invite citizens in other Nations to become On-Line Tourists and visit America’s larger cities and major attractions too.

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8. Additionally, individuals could be offered a discounted membership package to become On-Line Tourists in the communities where they currently live. This could open up access and another avenue for individuals to provide further support for their own hometown community events or cities businesses, Non-Profit Organizations and other social activities – such as support of our theaters, museums, and historic land-sites. This could also open doors for the leaders of community humanitarian causes to create various events or provide entertaining and informative videos to educate the general public about what they are doing and to generate further resources and expand their outreach programs.

Travel@Home.com© Suellis Kelley – August 6, 2009

(* See, Additional Information.)

Travel@Home.com is not an actual Website at this time nor is it an email address.

Click For Obama

Click For Obama — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:24:53 EDT

Click For Obama is asking all Obama supporters to help us raise funds by clicking on our website sponsors. Just click, visit the site, and click out. We can raise $100,000 dollars for the month of November 09.

Times are tough and money is tight, but if you Click For Obama we can generate funds without having to pay one penny.

Click here then click around the sites links. Tell your friends and make this link viral.

Thank you,

Click For Obama Team

TIME DELIVER

Alina from Trimble, TN — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:26:52 EDT

On Tuesday, 20th, OFA volunteers will gather at " Time to Deliver" call parties and neighborhood outreach events across the country.

Our goal? 100,000 calls to congress placed or commited to in single day.It's an ambitious goal, but the stakes couldn't be higher-and if we hit it, we cannot be ignored.

President Obama will be joining a call party and then speaking directly to all the other events that evening via an exclusive live webcast, sharing the latest info on the fight for reform and our campaign for change.

Rally for president Obama, tomorrow, Courthouse, Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia

jsq — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:45:22 EDT

This happened at Jack Kingston's Health Care Town Hall, Valdosta, GA, 28 Sep 2009: a veteran was booed for saying respect the president. To Kingston's credit, he shushed the crowd.The speaker was George Rhynes, who is one of the organizers of a rally tomorrow, Saturday 17 October 2009, on the Lowndes County courthouse steps, Valdosta, Georgia. Invitations on

Democrats.org and Facebook.com. But you don't need an invitation: just show up!

Nobel Peace Prize

Bryan — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:34:16 EDT

Congratulations, President Obama, for winning the Nobel peace prize. You, above all others, deserved it.

President Obama Won Nobel Peace Prize Because he ATTEMPTED What Others Would Not

Steve Sulkin — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:46:49 EDT

I sometimes believe that if President Obama wiped out all disease, brought peace to our planet, created unlimited energy sources and solved world hunger, I'd see an iReport question asking, "Does Obama Really Care or is he Just Showing Off?"

No matter how much good this man does, no matter how many accolades, he gets slammed by one half of the United States, the half that doesn't just want him to not be President but seems to despise his very existence.

Images accompanying articles about President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize, such as the one of a black peace dove with an olive branch in his mouth (an actual graphic in a Spanish newspaper) are shocking, but also revealing. Loaded questions from "iReport" on CNN asked, "Does Obama Deserve it?" and articles like "Now Obama Needs to Earn It" (and that was written by a supporter) shows just how deeply divided our world is about this man, for reasons of envy and racism.

Doesn't the world understand, President Obama was awarded this prize for to setting the tone for world peace, for TRYING to bring the world together to ultimately then accomplish levels of peace heretofore not known. It is in the act of TRYING that we are measured, not accomplishing. What have you done, lately, ask yourself, to TRY to bring peace to this world?

If the Nobel Peace Prize was only awarded for when people actually brought peace to this planet (as was seriously suggested by one person who said Obama should give the prize back until he's accomplished world peace), no one would ever win such a prize.

We need to encourage every individual who has the tenacity and the vision to stand up and say we won't take it anymore, we won't accept the status quo of hatred and war. President Obama is just such a person and that's why he was awarded this prize. This award is not based on what he might do in the future, it's based on what he has done, set the stage for our world to respect one another, the first prelude to peace. He's tried to bring our world together. And the resistance to that only proves how noble the trying is.

Let's give him a chance now to make the dream of a more peaceful world a reality and let us for a moment, put aside our hate, because by doing so, it is our only chance at peace.

PRESIDENT CARTER - THANK YOU

Vera Richardson — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 01:54:24 EDT

In spite of my discriminatory employment experience I love this country. I attended the University of Florida for three years and I graduated from SUNY at Brockport in 1989. I majored in Political Science and minored in Criminal Justice. My only son served this country as a military police officer in the United States Marine Corp. He is currently a police officer a position that he has held for fourteen years.

I am SO thankful that President Carter addressed the fact that “some” people are opposing President Obama’s policy because of the color of his skin. Hopefully, President Carter’s remarks will put those in elected positions on notice that we are watching and listening to them. I am also hoping that it will give other Americans courage to take a stand against racism in any form that it may present itself to them.

It is not necessary for President Obama to address this issue because his supporters will address it for him. Our President is responsible for making this a more perfect nation for all of us and he has more than enough on his plate at this time.

I believe that President Obama has exhibited a spirit of cooperation with all the members in Congress regardless of political party. The economy is getting better, that the cash for clunkers program was successful, that the stock market is recovering it loses, and that the unemployment numbers are down. In spite of this clear evidence that President Obama has made wise decisions for this nation the Republicans have criticized and opposed him.

Vera Richardson

Obama School Speech Conclusion post Banning, Lincolnshire, IL

Steve Sulkin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:50:47 EDT

MY CONCLUDING RESPONSE TO THE CONTINUED STANCE OF OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT THEY DID NOT AIR PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SPEECH DUE TO CURRICULA CONCERNS (SEE THEIR LETTER BELOW MINE).

Dear Dr. Fleming,

The basic thrust of your follow up letter sent on September 11, 2009, explaining why you chose to not air President Obama's speech, was that it was a curricula and timing issue, that you looked at it, as you said, "from an educational perspective."

I respect your school, I respect you, so I say this with all due respect, that I feel that politics and pressure from your constituents was the major determining factor, not educational relevance.

Your previous letters regarding this matter indicated that you had received impassioned views on both sides of the political spectrum. This clearly influenced your and the board's decision. This is where I think the board erred. Politics should not dictate allowing children to listen to a speech from our President (any president Republican or Democrat). There is a respect that is granted to a sitting President when they decide to give a public speech. In 1991, when George H.W. Bush spoke to school children, some controversy existed, but it was minor, aimed at costs that the White House incurred, but it did not have any effect on the President's speech being carried by schools. And it did not devolve into the type of anger and even paranoia that we all observed this time around. Concerns that our children would be "brainwashed" by our President speaking are simply absurd and the school board has unwittingly supported those concerns by choosing to not air the speech. To do the norm, would have been the only way for the school district to remain neutral. And the norm is to carry such speeches. This is not a new concept, a President speaking to children at schools. It's been going on as long as their have been children and politicians.

I've reviewed the school board minutes of September and October, 1991 and I see no mention of the George H.W. Bush speech, so I can only assume that there was no controversy in the school system regarding carrying the speech. I would assume the same happened in the 80's when President Reagan spoke, that the school board supported the speech being aired. While I do not have direct evidence (though I would appreciate you sharing it with me if you do) that the board did or did not "turn on the TV's" in the schools and carry those speeches, I'm making the assumption they did, as school districts all over the U.S. did in those eras. There is nothing different about this President's speech, except that it was this President. And that's the last thing we should be teaching our children.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I'm still hoping (and desiring) that the school board reconsider their position, that they reverse there decision (especially now that the speech's eloquence is so well known) and that they create a day in the future to inspire our children through our President's words. I'd suggest President's Day 2010. To simply make the speech available ad hoc misses the point. The idea of the speech is to create an event where the entire school comes together in an auditorium to inspire our children that education is the most important aspect of one's life. As President Obama said in his speech, "And no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it."

I hope our children will in the future hear that message from our President.

Steve Sulkin

CONCLUDING LETTER FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PARENTS

Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103

Administration Offices

1370 Riverwoods Road • Lincolnshire, Il 60069

847/295-4030 • FAX 847/295-9196

http://www.district103.k12.il.us

September 11, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We want to acknowledge and thank the 100+ parents who contacted District administrators, teachers and Board of Education members regarding President Obama's speech on Tuesday to American schoolchildren. Many who contacted us felt strongly that the District should not air the speech at all, and many others felt equally strongly that the District should air the speech

live. Please know that the Board of Education and District 103 staff respect all opinions expressed to us by our constituency.

As you know from my prior letter, we looked at the situation from an educational perspective. Consistent with District 103’s instructional guidelines, our staff previews all instructional materials to determine appropriateness of content for our elementary school children and to determine which materials best support our curriculum. In this case, the U.S. Department

of Education's late notification to schools on the date, time, purpose and content of President Obama's speech did not allow adequate time for us to review the speech and discuss its curricular use in the classroom prior to the date of the speech itself. That lack of time for reflection was magnified by the controversy swirling around the speech in the last few days before its live

airing. Under the circumstances, we felt and continue to feel that the proper approach was neither to ignore the speech nor to force a live classroom viewing, but instead to record the speech so that our teachers could review it and thoughtfully determine how it best fits with our curriculum and, where appropriate, how it could best be incorporated in the classroom.

During the last couple of days, our teachers have, in fact, been reviewing the speech and discussing its potential classroom use with one another. Based on that review and those discussions, over the next few weeks, teachers may show the speech to their classes and discuss it in connection with broader curricular themes. Given the broad range of viewpoints expressed about the President's speech, any District 103 teacher planning to use it in part or in whole as an instructional tool will notify parents in writing in advance of its use. If you prefer that your child not view the President’s speech, you may contact the teacher and an alternative activity will be provided.

For those parents and guardians who would like to first view and discuss the speech with your children at home, the District has provided a link to a video of the President's speech on the District website. You may also access the President's prepared remarks at http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/.

Thank you again for your interest in this issue and in your children’s education. Your Board of Education and District 103 staff encourage continuing communication so that our District’s educational goals are consistent with the expectations and needs of the community.

Sincerely,

Larry K. Fleming, Ed.D., Superintendent

Media in the States of Centrist Senators - Research Report for Action

Douglas from South Gate, CA — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:58:39 EDT

In the wake of President Barack Obama's stirring and historic speech this week to a joint session of Congress, I have prepared a research paper to aid those who want to help the health care reform effort by grassroots action; namely, contacting the media in the states (or commonwealths) of those "centrist" Democratic and Republican senators whose votes will most likely be decisive, given the partisan divide on the issue in the Senate and the large Democratic majority in the House in favor of reform.

The report, entitled Media in the States of Centrist Senators, is in Microsoft Word format -- with active hyperlinks within the text -- and it is downloadable (and printable) from here:

http://douglasdrenkow.com/docs/centristsmedia.doc

If you have trouble downloading the file, I can e-mail it to you as an attachment (less than 1 MB in size).

{Disgrace}

Lisa — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:16:06 EDT

Disgrace:
Noun

the loss of respect, honor, or esteem; ignominy; shame: the disgrace of criminals.
a person, act, or thing that causes shame, reproach, or dishonor or is dishonorable or shameful.
the state of being out of favor; exclusion from favor, confidence, or trust: courtiers and ministers in disgrace.

Verb
to bring or reflect shame or reproach upon: to be disgraced by cowardice.
to dismiss with discredit; put out of grace or favor; rebuke or humiliate: to be disgraced at court.

Although the South has never been favored by most of my people {African Americans}, I have always been proud of the fact that I am from South Carolina. When asked "Where are you from?", I always respond, "South Carolina, born and raised". I have fondly referred to myself as a Southern Black Belle. Last evening I have never been more ashamed of being a South Carolinian in my life.

How disgraceful, rude, & obnoxious could you possibly be to heckle the President of the United States of America, especially when good people have voted and placed you in a position where they feel you are capable of representing their state before Congress. You are a disgrace not only to the state of South Carolina, but you are a disgrace to America. Would you have done the same to ANY of our previous Presidents? I doubt it. The fact is you can not stand to see a BLACK MAN representing America.

However; true to form our President, Barack Obama, carried himself with dignity and grace both of which you know nothing about. While watching him I could not help but think of the verse, "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" {Matthew 5:16}. What a true testament of character. My minister constantly reminds us that "The truth shall set you free or find you out", well Mr. Wilson you have just been found out!

Recently South Carolina has been on every comedians lips, in every newspaper, magazine and the talk of every talk show host. There's our illustrious Governor, Mark Sanford, who disgraced his wife, family and the entire state of South Carolina with his blatant affair and elusive behavior. Then there's Senator Jim Demint, with his biased and callous remarks regarding our President and now this. What I find truly amazing in all this is that none of these men are African American; however THEY have the audacity to judge a man who is out there fighting tooth and nail every day to provide a better way of life for ALL Americans. A man who is ten times the man they will ever be.

To ALL these men and the many others like them: "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."

To ALL Americans who continue to vote for these men: "A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan."

To OUR President, Barack Obama: "Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better."

Quote's courtesy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Dear Mr. President

Derrick from Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:30:09 EDT

Why America will not advance to the future because we need a new way of thinking and we need our President to change his agenda with the advisers who are not in his best interest. America has a history and its shortly going to damage and ruin it's self. Why war is not an answer and controlling other nations is a way to tear down the walls history and changing our way and your ways as well we all need some changes.

I am sure if you all of the people who work in the White House do not speak on certain subjects because they do not want to get in trouble. Its always secrets and this is what makes fear and when people fear you they react and it never turns to a positive out come.

Healthcare Reform Now!

Med Pro grl CO 2009 — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:20:20 EDT

Give me bankruptcy or give me death?

The Status Quo- Insurance Scam.

I work in the medical field and healthcare reform is a great idea. It's about time.

I've sat by powerless, while many people have died in my care waiting for insurance companies to authorize non-formulary medications or treatments. Most people are healthy and don't realize how small the list of authorized formulary items is, until it's too late. Bankruptcy or Death is not what Americans should have to choose between. Health Security should be a right.

Even greedy self-loathing hypocrites whom don't like being GUARANTEED protection will someday need more than they can afford, so then, its illness or bankruptcy or DEATH for themselves or a loved one. Anyone who has tried calling an insurance company knows the truth. There is almost no regulation and mostly people just dance in circles with the insurance companies until it is too late. Time is on the insurance companies’ side. For them, time is money and for us or our families it may be a matter of health or death.

The Time To Say Thank You

Khaidji — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:56:12 EDT

The following Acrostic Poem, though fictional, is base on the lost of a close friend and having the chance to say Thank You. Too often we lose love ones and do not have the opportunity to have those last words with then. Senator Ted Kennedy held on to life long enough to give us all the opportunity to say good-bye, unlike his other brothers whose deaths came so tragically. President Barack Obama said we were given this amazing man, who because of his accomplishments, can easily be considered the most critical person to our progress in immigration, civil rights, education, health and so much more. His most recent pursuit was for Universal Health care and for this he passed the proverbial torch

The Time To Say Thank You

The dream shall never die

He clench my hand, I started to cry

Edward said I’m passing the torch to you

Then he smiled and I knew

It was soon going to be that time

My friend was saying good-bye, but I’m

Emotional with tears and could hardly say

The one thing that mattered most today

Over and over I rehearsed what I would do

Such words I would say, with appreciation too

And though we all knew this time would come

Yet, it’s here and my lips are dumb

The hours of preparation make no sense to me

Hours wasted rehearsing what should come naturally

And then in a prayer I asked for the Lord’s hand

Not just for guidance but that I’ll on His command

Keep my friend’s request and that the torch never goes out

You are ready, the Lord said, there mustn’t be a doubt

Occasions have come before with no time to say adieu

Use this time to say farewell friend and a special thank you

Howard Dean threatened with death, Nazi Symbol outside Town Hall: Can we please start organizing a national march or sit in...

Varun from Berkeley, CA — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:09:52 EDT

The Right Wingers are resulting to threats/violence and hate...We need to take charge and not stand there shocked....Take action....Yes, they are winning the attention war....We are losing the facts war because the legends that the RNC spins have become fact.....Thus, the myths become facts

Nazi Symbol AP News

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090811/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_protests

Lou Dobbs threatens Dean:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/11/dobbs-apologizes-for-sayi_n_256728.html

I fear where this is going.....we need to stand up....National day of support....contact me people

varun22@yahoo.com

White House losing Health Care debate? Gee whiz....Mobilize....Stop playing Defense 24-7: Offense requested..Where's Rahm?

Varun from Berkeley, CA — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:51:50 EDT

.NYT article LINK

The New York Times reported today that the White House is quietly conceding that they are losing control of the Health Care Reform debate. So......in response......? A march? Rapid Fire TV ads? Formal debates moderated by NPR, PBS, ABC, NBC? Nope....a website.........That's it....a website..

The WH released a myth busters website.......What Obama should do is concede he needs a little help from his friends.....Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Howard Dean, Mike Bloomberg, Warren Buffet and other Business Leaders and even the Kennedys to get the word out and deal with the fires.

comment: varun22@yahoo.com

Intelligence Report on Town Hall (Hell) activities: New details leaked re Right Wing Plans

Varun from Berkeley, CA — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:22:28 EDT

Guns at rallies, Attacks, Using the N word, calling Obama a Nazi, chanting Nazi slogans and even attempting to attack elected officials as they try to moderate the Health Care town halls, it seems the press is moving very slowly to understand who the FEW, the Minority, screamers, racists and right wing nut job, home grown terrorists really are.

Just reported: the SEIU obtained a Tea Party startegy via a Right Wing mobilization conf call.

The summary: Just destroy Obama's plan at any cost....No reasons....just be the party of NO

http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/seius-notes-on-a-tea-party-strategy-conference-call/

Happy Birthday Mr. President

Khaidji — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:55:17 EDT

I am a mere pauper with a grand wish. I wish President Barack Obama a very Happy Birthday. He deserves the best and if it were in my power then it would be so.

This president had a campaign built of hope and believing. These two things when used together will guarantee the intercession of our Lord and the delivery of our desires.

Ramans 15
13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Happy Birthday Mr. President

How can I say, Happy Birthday?

And how can I in a day, his troubles allay?

Paupers like me never get to see

People like he, with such pedigree

Yes we can was his cry, but how can I

Bring happiness to a President, how ever hard I try

I’ve seen the joy one man can bring

Realized that if you believe, you can do anything

The audacity of hope is within my reach

He taught me to believe and then each

Dream can be made into a reality

And so I’ll believe and with audacity

Yes I can give the President what I desire

May this day be as my dream, and as I require

Real happiness amidst his busy schedule

Peace from the haters, backstabbers, and all things cruel

Resolve of the problems of immediacy

Enemies no longer a threat to our country

Soft answers to carry away people’s rage

Integrity to know the time to turn a new page

Devoted colleagues that will always have your back

Economy, Health Care and Immigration put back on track

Nothing can stop my dreams and my earnest pray

To wish President Barack Obama a Happy Birthday!

Get an easy Download or a Hardcopy of
” Path To The White House”
Acrostic Poetry on Barack Obama
By Khaidji
The Bajan Poetry Society

Consumer Protected Health Insurance

Jill 4 Obama — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:05:28 EDT

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29TH, 2009 AT 5:59 PM

The President Highlights Health Insurance Consumer Protections

Posted by Katherine Brandon

Speaking to North Carolinians at a town hall in Raleigh, the President made clear why health reform will benefit all American: "if you’ve got health insurance, then the reform we’re proposing will also help you because it will provide you more stability and more security. Because the truth is we have a system today that works well for the insurance industry, but it doesn’t work well for you." We all know the horror stories, which is why the health insurance consumer protections that are part of reform are so important.

At the town hall, the President outlined these core principles: Let me be specific. We will stop insurance companies from denying you coverage because of your medical history. (Applause.) I've told this story before -- I will never forget watching my own mother, as she fought cancer in her final days, worrying about whether her insurer would claim her illness was a preexisting condition so they could wiggle out of paying for her coverage. How many of you have worried about the same thing? (Applause.) A lot of people have gone through this. Many of you have been denied insurance or heard of someone who was denied insurance because they got -- had a preexisting condition. That will no longer be allowed with reform. (Applause.) We won't allow that. (Applause.) We won't allow that.

With reform, insurance companies will have to abide by a yearly cap on how much you can be charged for your out-of-pocket expenses. No one in America should go broke because of an illness. (Applause.) We will require insurance companies to cover routine checkups and preventive care, like mammograms and colonoscopies -- (applause) -- eye and foot exams for diabetics, so we can avoid chronic illnesses that cost not only lives, but money. (Applause.) No longer will insurance companies be allowed to drop or water down coverage for someone who's become seriously ill. That's not right, it's not fair. (Applause.)

We will stop insurance companies from placing arbitrary caps on the coverage you can receive in a given year or in a lifetime. (Applause.) So my point is, whether or not you have health insurance right now, the reforms we seek will bring stability and security that you don't have today -- reforms that will become more urgent and more urgent with each passing year. So, in the end, the debate about reform boils down to a choice between two approaches. The first is projected to double your health care costs over the next decade, make millions more Americans uninsured, bankrupt state and federal governments, and allow insurance companies to run roughshod over consumers. That's one option. That's called the status quo. That's what we have right now. I want everybody to understand this. If we do nothing, I can almost guarantee you your premiums will double over the next 10 years because that's what they did over the last 10 years. It will go up three times faster than your wages, so a bigger and bigger chunk of your paycheck will be going into health insurance. It will eat into the possibility of you getting a raise on your job because your employer is going to be looking and saying, I can't afford to give you a raise because my health care costs just went up 10, 20, 30 percent. And Medicare, which seniors rely on, is going to become more and more vulnerable. On current projections, Medicare will be in the red in less than 10 years. So that's the status quo. When everybody goes around saying, why is Obama taking on health care -- that's the answer. That's one option. I don't like that option. You shouldn't either. (Applause.) That plan doesn't sound too good. That's the health care system we have right now. You can read more about the President’s eight health insurance consumer protections here, and figure out how reform will directly affect you and your family.

President Obama meets Delaware Child with Brain Tumor

Kids from Holiday, FL — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:46:36 EDT

Ta’Kiyah,a 12-year-old girl who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2007, made a special trip to the White House to meet President Obama thanks to the help of Kids Wish Network.

Prior to her diagnosis, Ta’Kiyah used to complain about having headaches. She was taken to the hospital by her Aunt Cherie, and doctors discovered a malignant tumor on her brain. Ta’Kiyah spent about seven months in the hospital, and underwent chemotherapy to treat the tumor. She is currently in remission.

When a friend at the City Council of Dover told Cherie about Kids Wish Network, a nationally recognized non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses, Cherie was excited about the prospect of having a wish granted for her niece. Together with the help of Wish Coordinator Madeline, Wish Funding Specialist Megan, and some very special sponsors, Ta’Kiyah was on her way to the nation’s capital. A limo ride, hotel stay at the beautiful Hotel Adams—where President Obama stayed prior to the inauguration—dinner at the Hard Rock Café, a trip to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and a trip to southern style restaurant Georgia Brown’s were also included in Ta’Kiyah’s wish.

“Kids Wish Network is a great place,” said Cherie. “They did all they could to make Ta’Kiyah’s wish come true.”

Ta’Kiyah wanted to visit President Obama, because she wanted to ask him how it feels to be living in the White House; but her nerves got the best of her.

“I kept covering my eyes. I wasn’t crying. My eyes were just watery that day,” she said.

Cherie said that Ta’Kiyah was so nervous when she saw President Obama, but he told her, “Ta’Kiyah, you can take your hands off your eyes. It’s going to be OK.”

“When he told her it was going to be OK, she calmed down a little, little bit,” Cherie said. “He took the time to embrace her.”

Ta’Kiyah said her favorite part of the whole trip was shaking President Obama’s hand and dinner at the Hard Rock Café where she was made into a rock star. She also brought a scrapbook to show the president, with photos, special certificates and her report card.

“I was very impressed. He really took his time and looked at every picture and asked her what each picture represented,” said Cherie. “Thumbs up to everybody who made this possible for Ta’Kiyah.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Ta’Kiyah’s wish come true: Dover Masonic Lodge, Open Arms Baptist Church, People’s United Church of Dover, The White House and President Obama, Hay Adams Hotel, Hard Rock Café, Camelot Limousine Services, Georgia Brown’s, Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the National Park service.

Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children. Aside from granting wishes, Kids Wish Network also has several other programs which benefit children’s care facilities. If you know a child between the ages of 3 and 18 who may be in need of its wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit us at http://www.kidswishnetwork.org

President to visit North Carolina

Ms. Mary — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:02:26 EDT

President set to be in North Carolina on Wed in the state captiol. Go to www.barackobama.com

I voted for a President, not a celebrity.

EWANGLEE — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:05:08 EDT

Dear Mr. President: I am one of your loyal volunteers. I never thought I would be complaining about you but I have to say, the fact that I am compelled to do it justifies this letter to you. Bill Maher said it right on his show Friday (June 12 on HBO). Please assert yourself and follow-up with the promises you made during the campaign. I know that things look different from inside the white house fishbowl. And I also understand that you have to choose your battles. I also understand that you may have a staged response to certain issues. But there are fundamentals that you should not be compromising on. Namely- 1) protecting our constitution and making right what had damaged our constitutional rights. 2) Universal healthcare- it is an inalienable right. 3) Cleaning up the financial system and regulating it so that banks and brokers can no longer cheat and double dip. This is very important because it affects the core moral attitude towards treating people fairly. Also it is the core moral issue of how one conducts themselves as citizens of the world. Greed is not good. Greed is evil. And you have always understood that moral sense of duty. No one else does. 4) Environment- we need to wake up America and the world that again, greed only destroys. Don't settle for lesser reforms and changes to our industry. 5) Education is the way to help people understand others and care. And it should be open education, as in bringing in all manner of POV's. We see how limited and no education help shape prejudice and hate. As demonstrated by those who take rights and freedoms from others. One note though- I am very proud to have helped get you elected as you have already changed the world's perception of the presidency, the United States and its people. That is a huge step towards greater understanding and the education of others on global issues. Please- we all love you. You don't need to spend so much time showing that you're cool and one of the people. Please be strong and don't waiver under nay sayers and cynics. You're the president because you are strong. and you have the support of your voters. Sincerely, Ewanglee

We can act tough too: Phone Bank and Call the Blue Dogs from home/work etc: 10 days, 5 calls a day...

Varun from Berkeley, CA — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:47:28 EDT

UPDATE:
PLEASE PASS THIS AROUND. Do it on your lunch break, when you get home, just 5 calls a day minimum……Once you follow the instructions and call at least 5, you can target districts closer to you…Please begin calss during the Obama press Conf for max impact.

Here’s how to help Obama win Health Care and save our Economy-Call the Bluedogs…Out

Headline on Bloomberg states that the Dem’s are trying to spoil the great leadership they have been given from the 2008 Election:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20090722/pl_bloomberg/atdln6mxpbkk

Here’s a list of Blue Dog Democrats (see bottom)………Senator Graham, a McCain supporter said in the Sotomayor hearing, “Elections matter.” That’s a Republican admitting that.

Thus, lets call---out ---the so called blue dogs.

Ph and Email Instructions: If your first name is between

A-G: start from the bottom of the list up

H-N: start from top down.

O-S: Pick line OS and up.

T-Z: Pick TZ down

If you can’t reach them via phone, please google their email and send them an email.

Commit to emailing and phoning 5 people per day. Once you have called or emailed all….do it again and pass it along…

Possible Email—We took a cue from Rahm….Yes, these emails and calls are harsh…but that’s what these people understand….

(cut paste, add name—no need to give your location):

Hello,

My name is --------,

I vow today, that I and the Obama band of volunteers, workers, old, new, young, rich, working class, Independents, Supportive Republicans, Democrats and more, will organize to reward those that stand with Americans who need care. We will stand with those that stand for us, in fighting for what we believe is a Constitutional right…the right of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

Make no mistake…this is quid pro quo. We, as voters, are sick and tired of Politicians and have been mobilizing to reward leaders. We worked in all 50 states, raised money from nowhere, used technology and showed up on low cost flights to organize. We have the ability to bring new voters out of the woodwork. So, if you’re looking at your poll numbers in your district/state….don’t be fooled. The polls don’t capture young people, new voters, for a variety of reasons….That’s how we won the primary and the general.

You are on our list. We will watch how you move Health Care forward, Stall it or abandon it. Should you stall or abandon, you will be abandoned, too.

Possible Phone Script:

My name is --------,

I am a registered voter and I plan on donating and fundraising for President Obama, forward thinking Democrats and plan on travelling to Districts outside of my own, to remove Democrats that stand in the way of our ideals. One of our ideals is presenting people with the option (since options and choices are American as Apple Pie) of having Health Insurance, should they wish to keep it…. You are on our list. We will watch how you move Health Care forward, Stall it or abandon it. Should you stall or abandon, you will be abandoned, too. …..Elections have had consequences and they will have consequences…. So, if you’re looking at your poll numbers in your district/state….don’t be fooled. The polls don’t capture young people, new voters, for a variety of reasons….That’s how we won the primary and the general.

YOUR Last Name H-N start here and work DOWN

Rep. Mike Arcuri, New York, 24th District, (202) 347-3042
Rep. Joe Baca, California, 43rd District, (202) 488-1528
Rep. John Barrow, Georgia, 12th District, (202) 285-0966
Rep. Melissa Bean, Illinois, 8th District, (202) 204-9050
Rep. Marion Berry, Arkansas, 1st District, (202) 543-5777
Rep. Sanford Bishop, Georgia, 2nd District

Rep. Dan Boren, Oklahoma, 2nd District, (202) 454-5262
Rep. Leonard Boswell, Iowa, 3rd District, (202) 547-1334
Rep. Allen Boyd, Florida, 2nd District, (202) 543-5777
Rep. Dennis Cardoza, California, 18th District, (703) 536-6881
Rep. Chris Carney, Pennsylvania, 10th District, 202) 737-5877

YOUR Last Name T-Z: Start here and DOWN

Rep. Ben Chandler, Kentucky, 6th District, (202) 454-5262
Rep. Jim Cooper, Tennessee, 5th District, 202) 543-5777
Rep. Jim Costa, California, 20th District, (202) 347-3042
Rep. Bud Cramer, Alabama, 5th District, (256) 539-0902
Rep. Lincoln Davis, Tennessee, 4th District, (202) 543-5777
Rep. Joe Donnelly, Indiana, 2nd District, (202) 488-1445
Rep. Brad Ellsworth, Indiana, 8th District, (703) 354-7444
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona, 8th District, (202) 454-5262
Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, New York, 20th District, (718) 344-8025
Rep. Bart Gordon, Tennessee, 6th District, 1-800-444-BART
Rep. Jane Harman, California, 36th District, (202) 204-9050
Rep. Baron Hill, Indiana, 9th District, (202) 285-0966
Rep. Tim Holden, Pennsylvania, 17th District, (202) 737-5877
Rep. Nick Lampson, Texas, 22nd District, (202) 544-3151
Rep. Tim Mahoney, Florida, 16th District, (202) 741-7325
Rep. Jim Marshall, Georgia, 8th District, (478) 742-1100
Rep. Jim Matheson, Utah, 2nd District, (703) 354-7444

YOUR Last Name: O-S: start here and UP

Rep. Charlie Melancon, Louisiana, 3rd District, (202) 479-2527
Rep. Mike McIntyre, North Carolina, 7th District, (910) 738-8683
Rep. Mike Michaud, Maine, 2nd District, (202) 488-1445
Rep. Dennis Moore, Kansas, 3rd District, (202) 347-3042
Rep. Patrick Murphy, Pennsylvania, 8th District, (202) 488-1445
Rep. Collin Peterson, Minnesota, 7th District, (202) 543-5777
Rep. Earl Pomeroy, North Dakota, At-Large, (202) 347-3042
Rep. Mike Ross, Arkansas, 4th District, (202) 454-5262
Rep. John Salazar, Colorado, 3rd District, (202) 479-2527
Rep. Loretta Sanchez, California, 47th District, (714) 839-4431
Rep. Stephanie Sandlin, South Dakota, At-Large, (202) 347-3042
Rep. Adam Schiff, California, 29th District, (202) 544-3536
Rep. Heath Shuler, North Carolina, 11th District, (202) 544-3536
Rep. David Scott, Georgia, 13th District, (202) 488-1445
Rep. Zack Space, Ohio, 18th District, (202) 347-3042
Rep. John Tanner, Tennessee, 8th District, (202) 543-5777
Rep. Gene Taylor, Mississippi, 4th District, (228) 466-3933
Rep. Mike Thompson, California, 1st District, (202) 543-5777
Rep. Charlie Wilson, Ohio, 6th District, (202) 544-3536

YOUR Last Name A-G start here and work UP

You want it done right...? Do it yourself..........

Varun from Berkeley, CA — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:54:17 EDT

A Mandate for them.......not for change

What if I told you that we have government funded healthcare/insurance for some key Americans who love and even utilize such a benefit, but don’t want you to have it? Would you be shocked? Would you be confused? Would you respond by asking me if I was talking about Medicare? No, though Medicare is a successful form of government funded and run care-coverage, I’m not talking about it. I’m not even talking about Vet Care….I’m talking about a health plan/benefit plan that’s complete with great coverage, coverage that covers all Federal workers, including US Senators, members of the House, etc. It’s a plan that even includes pensions and other benefits. Read a summary here: http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscongress/a/congresspay.htm

Thus, I’ve never heard Mitch McConnell or the so called “Blue Dog” Democrats, or the usual talking head RNC mouthpieces in the Congress ever, ever, turn to the camera and say, “I will pay back what I took in health benefits...

President Obama Announces Appointments to the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships

Samuel from Heath, MA — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:22:08 EDT

Washington, DC – Today, President Obama appointed 28 members to the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. This accomplished group of citizens representing a broad range of backgrounds, interests, and professions are responsible for recommending a group of exceptional men and women to the President for selection as White House Fellows. The commission will be chaired by John Phillips, a partner at Phillips and Cohen Law Firm. Cheryl Dorsey, President of Echoing Green, will vice-chair the commission. A full list of commissioners and their biographies can be found below.

"The men and women of this commission embody what makes the White House Fellows program so special," said President Obama. "These leaders are diverse, non-partisan, and committed to mentoring our next generation of public servants. I'm confident that they will select a class of White House Fellows that demonstrate extraordinary leadership, strong character, and a deep commitment to serving their country."

The White House Fellowship is America’s most prestigious program for leadership and public service, providing young individuals with experience working at the highest levels of the federal government. Fellows also participate in an education program consisting of roundtable discussions with renowned leaders from the private and public sectors and complete service activities throughout the year. Alumni of this non-partisan program include former Secretary of State General Colin Powell, retired U.S. Army General Wesley Clark, and author Doris Kearns Goodwin.

"The White House Fellows program is so important as it allows for a variety of perspectives to come together to offer expertise and experience on important policy issues and then these Fellows carry what they’ve learned back to their own communities to benefit Americans far outside the walls of the White House," said First Lady Michelle Obama.

The Commission will convene this week in Washington, DC to select the 2009-2010 class of White House Fellows. The Commission will select 11 to 19 fellows from among the 30 chosen as national finalists; more than one thousand people applied for the class.

Additional information about the program is available at www.whitehouse.gov/fellows.

2009-2010 President’s Commission on White House Fellowships

John R. Phillips (Chair)
John R. Phillips is a partner in the Washington, DC Law Firm of Phillips & Cohen, LLP. Mr. Phillips has a long history of involvement in public interest law, having founded the Center for Law in Public Interest in 1971 in Los Angeles, one of the first Ford Foundation funded "Public Interest Law Firms." He was its co-director for seventeen years, focusing on the environment, civil rights, corporate fraud and other issues. From 1984 to 1986, Mr. Phillips successfully worked with Congress to amend and modernize the dormant Civil War-era law – the Federal False Claims Act – to make it an effective tool to combat fraud against the government. After President Reagan signed the amendments into law in 1986, Mr. Phillips and his firm initiated law suits under the law against corporations that defrauded the government which has returned approximately $4 billion dollars to the government. For his efforts he has received numerous citations and life-time achievement awards. For the past decade, he has been included on the National Law Journals’ list of "100 Most Influential Lawyers in America". From 1988 to 1993, Mr. Phillips was an appointed member of the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. In 1997, he was appointed by President Clinton to the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. He graduated in 1966 from the University of Notre Dame and in 1969 from the University of California School of Law in Berkeley (Boalt Hall), where he was an editor of the California Law Review.

Cheryl Dorsey (Vice Chair)
Cheryl Lynn Dorsey is the President of Echoing Green, which provides funding and support to social entrepreneurs launching organizations globally. She was a previous White House Fellow from 1997-1998. Afterwards, Dr. Dorsey became the Special Assistant to the Director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau and then the Director of Public Health Initiatives for Danya International, Inc. She has received numerous other fellowships and awards including the Pforzheimer Foundation Fellowship from the John F. Kennedy School of Government and the John Whitehead Social Enterprise Award from Harvard Business School. In addition, Dr. Dorsey is the co-author of Be Bold: Create a Career with Impact. She served as the American delegate to the Perspectives on Europe Conference as well as a facilitator of the Social Entrepreneur Summit hosted by the Schwab Foundation and World Economic Forum. Currently, she sits on the board of Freelancers Insurance Company, Donorschoose.org, City Year, Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation, Action Tank for Social Entrepreneurs, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Visiting Committee. She received her B.A from Harvard-Radcliffe Colleges, M.D. from Harvard Medical School, and M.P.P from the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

John Berry
Mr. Berry serves as the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. He began his federal career as a Legislative Director for U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), a major leader on all issues affecting the Civil Service. Mr. Berry was responsible for overseeing Hoyer's work on federal employees, and was the primary craftsman behind the locality pay reform, among many other issues affecting pay and benefits of employees and retirees. Mr. Berry began his management career at the Department of Treasury, where he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary and acting Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement. Later during the Clinton administration, Mr. Berry was appointed Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget, where he focused on employee partnerships, worklife issues for employees and reversing years of decline by achieving one of the largest budgetary increases in the Department's 150-year history. As Director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Mr. Berry worked with Interior Inspector General, Earl Devaney, to reconcile 20 years of financial records, establish sound management practices, while also conserving over 3 million acres of wildlife habitat through innovative public-private partnerships. Most recently, Mr. Berry served as Director of the National Zoo.

Tom Brokaw:
Tom Brokaw is a Special Correspondent for NBC News. During 2008, he served as the Interim Moderator on Meet the Press. From 1982 to 2004, he served as the White House correspondent, the Chief Correspondent for Today, and the NBC Nightly News anchor. He has reported on 23 NBC News documentaries and authored five books, including The Greatest Generation and Boom! Talking About the Sixties. Also, Mr. Brokaw has served as an overseer for the International Rescue committee, a public trustee for the Mayo Clinic, member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Museum of Natural History.

General Wesley Clark:
Wesley K. Clark, General, US Army (retired), came home on a stretcher from Vietnam in 1970, where he was wounded in action as an infantry company commander. He stayed with the Army for another thirty years. In his last position, as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, he led NATO forces to victory in a 78-day air campaign which saved 1.5 million Albanians from ethnic cleansing. He now heads his own consulting firm and is active in the energy, banking and business services field. He is a noted author and TV commentator. He also teaches at UCLA's Burkle Center, and works with numerous not for profit efforts, including the International Crisis Group. He was a Democratic candidate for President of the United States in 2004. General Clark graduated first in his class from West Point and received his B.A. and M.A. as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. He was a 1975-76 White House Fellow and a Commissioner from 1993-2000. Among his awards are the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Silver Star, Purple Heart and honorary knighthoods from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and numerous honorary degrees.

Thomas Daschle:
Thomas Daschle is an advisor to the Alston & Bird law firm and a Distinguished Fellow at the Center for American Progress. He is the only senator to have served twice as both Majority and Minority Leader. Senator Daschle served his home state, South Dakota, in the Senate from 1987 to 2005. In 1988, he became the first Co-Chairman of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee. He was the National Co-Chair of Barack Obama’s Presidential Campaign and continues to be a leading advocate for universal health care. In addition, Senator Daschle co-chaired ONE Vote ’08 initiative and co-founded the Bipartisan Policy Center. He is also the Vice Chair of the National Democratic Institute. He authored Like No Other Time: The 107th Congress and the Two Years That Changed America Forever and co-authored Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis.

Nelson Diaz:
Mr. Diaz joined Cozen O'Connor Law Firm in May 2007 as Of Counsel in the Government Affairs and General Litigation Departments. Mr. Diaz served as a Judge for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas from 1981 through 1993, the first Latino and youngest to serve. He was also appointed administrative judge by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. During his distinguished career, Mr. Diaz also served as City Solicitor of Philadelphia and a partner at Blank Rome Law Firm for 10 years and was appointed by President Clinton to be the General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he focused on reforming public and mixed-use housing programs. Mr. Diaz is a member of the Board of Directors of Exelon Corporation, the Advisory Board of PNC, and the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Temple University, where he also served on the University’s Presidential Search Committee. He is a former chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Hispanic Caucus.

Helene Gayle:
Helene D. Gayle, President and CEO of CARE USA, is an internationally recognized expert on health, global development and humanitarian issues. Dr. Gayle spent 20 years with the Centers for Disease Control, focused primarily on combating HIV/AIDS. Dr. Gayle then directed the HIV, TB and Reproductive Health Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. At CARE, she heads one of the world’s premier international humanitarian organizations, with programs in more than 70 countries to end poverty. Named one of Newsweek’s top 10 "Women in Leadership" in October 2008 and the Wall Street Journal’s "50 Women to Watch" in 2006, Dr. Gayle has published numerous scientific articles and has been featured in media outlets as diverse as the New York Times, Washington Post, Glamour, O magazine, Ebony, Essence, the Financial Times, National Public Radio and CNN. Dr. Gayle was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. She earned a B.A. in psychology at Barnard College, an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.P.H. from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Gayle serves on several boards, including the Center for Strategic and International Studies, ONE, the American Museum of Natural History, the Institute of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Vartan Gregorian:
Vartan Gregorian is President of Carnegie Corporation of New York, a position he assumed in June 1997. Previously, he served as President of Brown University from 1989-1997. From 1981-1989, he was President of The New York Public Library. Gregorian has taught European and Middle Eastern history at San Francisco State College, UCLA, and the University of Texas at Austin. In 1972, he joined the University of Pennsylvania faculty and was appointed Tarzian Professor of History and professor of South Asian history. In 1974, he became the founding dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania and four years later became its twenty-third provost. Gregorian is the author of The Road to Home: My Life and Times; Islam: A Mosaic, Not a Monolith; and The Emergence of Modern Afghanistan, 1880-1946. He is the recipient of numerous fellowships, including those from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, the American Council of Learned Societies, the Social Science Research Council, and the American Philosophical Society. Currently, he serves on several boards including Brandeis University, The Hunter Foundation, National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center, The American Academy in Berlin, Qatar Foundation, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Central European University, Human Rights Watch, Museum of Modern Art, and The Institute for Advanced Studies, Princeton. Among the many awards and honors Gregorian has received are the American Academy of the Institute of Arts and Letters’ Gold Medal for Service to the Arts (1989), the National Humanities Medal (1998), and the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civil award (2004). After majoring in history and the humanities, Gregorian graduated with honors from Stanford University in 1958 and was awarded a Ph.D. in history and humanities from Stanford in 1964.

Cynthia Hale:
Cynthia Hale is the founding and Senior Pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia. Averaging 1,500 in worship each Sunday morning, Ray of Hope has been recognized as the Church of the Week by the 700 Club as well as in Excellent Protestant Congregations: The Guide to Best Places and Practice. She established Elah Pastoral Ministries, Inc., a mentorship program that assists in the development of pastors and para-church leaders, in 2004 and convened the first Women in Ministry Conference in 2005. She gave the opening invocation at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, and was also a participant at the National Prayer Service for President Barack Obama’s inauguration and served as Co-Chair for Women in Ministry for Obama. As a member of numerous boards, she serves on the Board of Trustees at Hollins University, Secretary of the Board of Beulah Heights University, Chairperson of City of Hope Ministries, Inc, Co-Chair of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, and Chair of the 21st Century Vision Team Christian Church. As a recipient of numerous awards and honors, Dr. Hale received the Trumpet Awards’ Spiritual Enlightenment Award in 2005, the Sisters of African Descent’s Religious Leadership Award in 2006, and the Pinnacle Leadership Award in 2007 from the Fortitude Educational and Cultural Development Foundation, Inc. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Dr. Hale received her B.A. from Hollins College, M.Div from Duke University, and Doctorate of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

Deborah Harmon:
Deborah Harmon is the President of Harmon & Co. and a Principal of Caravel Management LLC, a firm established to manage the Caravel Fund International Ltd., an emerging markets long-only public equities fund. Ms. Harmon joined the J.E. Robert Companies, Inc. (JER) in 1991 as a founding principal of the Blackstone Robert Group, which was a joint venture of the Blackstone Group and the J.E. Robert Company. From 1996 through 2007, Deborah Harmon was President of JER and, in 2001, assumed the additional role of Chief Investment Officer. Prior to JER, Harmon was a Managing Director at Bankers Trust Company in New York City. From 1991 through 1999, she worked in both the corporate finance and real estate groups. She was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Women for Women International (WFW), a non-profit organization that supports women and children in war-torn countries. She also currently serves as Leadership Chair of the Washington, DC branch of WFW. Since 2002, Ms. Harmon has served on the Board of Trustees for Sidwell Friends School (SFS) in Washington, DC, and is Chairperson of Sidwell’s Investment Committee. In 1999, she served as a Regional Panelist for the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships.

Christy Haubegger:
Christy Haubegger is an executive at Creative Artists Agency where she provides insights and expertise on multicultural markets. In 1996, she founded Latina magazine, which showcases fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and empowerment for Hispanic women, serving as its publisher, president, and CEO until 2001. She continues to be a member on the board of Latina Media Ventures. In 2002, Ms. Haubegger expanded into the television and motion picture world, serving as the Associate Producer on Chasing Papi and Executive Producer of Spanglish. She is also the recipient of numerous awards including being one of Newsweek’s "Women of the New Century" in 2001 and Advertising Age’s "Women to Watch." In recognition of her advances made in raising the profile of the Hispanic market, Ms. Haubegger was the youngest inductee into the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement. Currently, she serves on the Board for Management Leadership for Tomorrow, which is dedicated to increasing the number of minority MBA candidates at the nation’s top business schools. Ms. Haubegger received a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin and her law degree from Stanford Law School.

Peter Henry:
Peter Henry is the Konosuke Matsushita Professor of International Economics, the John and Cynthia Fry Gunn Faculty Scholar, and Associate Director of the Center for Global Business and the Economy at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, a Nonresident Senior Fellow of the Brookings Institution, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Mr. Henry has received numerous awards and honors including a National Science Foundation Faculty Early CAREER Development Award, a National Science Foundation Minority Graduate Fellowship, a Ford Foundation Graduate Fellowship, and the National Economic Association Dissertation Prize. He has published several articles in journals and books, including "Capital Account Liberalization, the Cost of Capital, and Economic Growth" in the American Economic Review and "Financial Instability" in Bjorn Lomborg’s Solutions for the World’s Biggest Problems: Costs and Benefits. After receiving his B.A. in Economics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, earning a B.A. in Mathematics. He received his PhD in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

John Hockenberry:
John Hockenberry is the host of the PRI distributed public radio program The Takeaway. The recipient of four Peabody Awards for broadcast journalism, he has conducted weekly public radio commentaries on The Infinite Mind for more than a decade. In his twelve year career in television for ABC and NBC, he won four Emmy awards. He is also the recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award and Casey Medal. Mr. Hockenberry launched, Hockenberry, a news interview program and the format breaking Edgewise at MSNBC , Talk of the Nation on National Public Radio and was a longtime contributor to public radio programs. In addition, he is the author of A River Out of Eden and Moving Violations: War Zones, Wheelchairs and Declarations of Independence. He contributes articles to publications such as The New York Times, the New Yorker, Metropolis and The Washington Post.

Claudia Kennedy:
Claudia Kennedy retired as a Lieutenant General in the United States Army and was the first woman in the Army to be appointed to that rank. General Kennedy’s last position of her 32-year career was serving as the head of Army Intelligence, 1997-2000. Since retirement, she has served on boards of a number of non-profits, including Opportunity International (micro-finance), Population Action International and Neighborhood Outreach Connection (anti-poverty effort in Beaufort County, South Carolina). For the last three years, she has been a member of the Employment Practices Advisory Panel reporting to the Board of Walmart, Inc.

Maya Lin:
Maya Lin is an artist whose exhibition, Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes, is currently on view at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC through July 12. She is the designer for the Museum of Chinese in America in Manhattan’s Chinatown, opening June 26. In addition, she is working on her last memorial, entitled What is Missing?, which focuses on the issues of biodiversity and habitat loss. Her works include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC and recent site-specific installations such as Storm King Wavefield at the Storm King Art Center in Mountainville, NY, Where the Land Meets the Sea at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, and Eleven Minute Line in Wanas, Sweden. Her architectural works include institutional and private commissions, from a chapel and library for the Children's Defense Fund to the Sculpture Center's space in Long Island City to Aveda's headquarters in downtown Manhattan to private residences throughout the country. Ms. Lin has addressed social issues in all of her memorials, which include the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, AL, the Women's Table at Yale University, and the Confluence Project, a multi-sited installation spanning the Columbia River system in the Pacific Northwest that focuses on the history of Lewis and Clark as well as the history of the Native American tribes in those regions. She has received numerous awards including the Presidential Design Award, a National Endowment for the Arts artist award, and the Award in Architecture from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 2005, Ms. Lin was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame. She received her Master of Architecture from Yale University in 1986.

George Muñoz:
George Muñoz is a Principal and Co-founder of Muñoz Group Investment Banking, and a partner in the law firm of Tobin, Petkus & Muñoz. He has held Presidential Appointments before, including having served as the President and CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) from 1997-2001. Mr. Muñoz was also an Assistant Secretary and the Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Treasury Department from 1993 to 1997. Prior to moving to Washington, DC, Mr. Muñoz was a partner in Stevenson, Colling, & Muñoz (1990-1993), an investment banking firm in Chicago, IL; and an Associate and Partner at Mayer Brown and Platt, a Chicago law firm (1980-1989). Currently, he is on the Board of Directors of Marriott International, Altria Group, and the National Geographic Society. Mr. Muñoz is a former President of the Chicago Board of Education (1984-86), Executive Vice-Chair of the CFO Council of the Federal Government (1994-97), a member of the Governing Board of the Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards (2003-2005), and has been listed in Hispanic Business’ "Top 100 Influential". He is a Certified Public Accountant and received his B.A. in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. He holds a Master’s degree of Law in Taxation from DePaul University, a M.A. in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and his JD from Harvard Law School.

Lloyd Newton:
Lloyd W. Newton is the Director of Goodrich Corporation’s Industrial Goods and Aerospace/Defense Products and Services Sector, Sonoco Products Company’s Consumer Goods and Paper & Paper Products Sector, and Torchmark Corporation’s Financial and Life Insurance Sector. He retired as a four-star General from the United States Air Force and was Commander, Air Education and Training Command, which consisted of 13 bases, 43,000 active duty personnel, and 14,000 civilians. General Newton was appointed by the President in 2005 to serve as a Commissioner on the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission. In 2000, he became the Vice President of Pratt & Whitney Military Engines and eventually became the Executive Vice President. Currently, he sits on the Board of Directors of Goodrich Corporation, Sonoco Products Company and Torchmark Corporation; and the Boards of the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, and the Air Force Association. He received a B.S. in Aviation Education from Tennessee State University and a M.A. in Public Administration from George Washington University.

Pierre Omidyar:
Pierre Omidyar is the founder of eBay, which today enables more than 85 million buyers and sellers worldwide to connect and prosper. Starting from the premise that people are basically good, Pierre created a platform that gave people equal access to information, opportunity, and tools to pursue their goals. In 2004, Pierre and his wife Pam founded Omidyar Network to invest in nonprofit and for-profit efforts that enable people around the world to improve their lives and make powerful contributions to their communities. Omidyar Network has funded organizations in areas such as microfinance, social media, and government transparency. As an extension of Omidyar Network's work in microfinance, Pierre and Pam gave $100 million to Tufts University to create the Omidyar-Tufts Microfinance Fund, which aims to accelerate the growth of the microfinance industry. Today, Pierre serves as a trustee of Tufts University, Punahou School, and Santa Fe Institute, and as chairman of eBay

Roger Porter:
Roger B. Porter is the IBM Professor of Business and Government and the Master of Dunster House at Harvard University. He is also the Director of Harvard’s Center for Business and Government and a Senior Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Mr. Porter is a former White House Fellow (1974-75) and Commissioner. He has served in three White House administrations as Assistant to the President for Economic and Domestic Policy (1989-93), Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Policy Development (1981-85), and Special Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the President’s Economic Policy Board (1974-77). He also served as Counselor to the Secretary of the Treasury (1981-85). Mr. Porter joined the Harvard faculty in 1978. His teaching, research and writing focus on economic policy, strategic decision making, the relationship of business and government, and the American Presidency. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the White House Historical Association and was a member on the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships (1976-81, 1982-93, 1994-2001, 2008-09). After graduating from Brigham Young University, Mr. Porter was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, where he received his B.Phil. He received his M.A.and PhD degrees from Harvard University

Paul Sarbanes:
Paul Sarbanes is the former United States Senator from Maryland. He was elected to three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970, and then served the U.S. Senate from 1976 to 2007, becoming the longest-serving senator in Maryland history. As senator, he served on several financial and economic committees and sponsored the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which reformed federal securities laws after the 2002 corporate accounting scandals. Mr. Sarbanes was a Rhodes Scholar and earned degrees from Princeton University, Oxford University, and Harvard Law School.

Ruth J. Simmons:
Ruth J. Simmons is the President of Brown University and also a professor in the Department of Comparative Literature and the Department of Africana Studies. She has served in various administrative positions at the University of Southern California, Princeton University, and Spelman College prior to becoming President of Smith College in 1995. At Smith, she was responsible for various initiatives including the first women’s college engineering program. Dr. Simmons has received numerous awards and fellowships including the Fulbright Fellowship, the 2001 President’s Award from the United Negro College Fund, the 2002 Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Medal, and the 2004 Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal. In addition, Dr. Simmons has been featured as a speaker at the White House, the World Economic Forum, the National Press Club, the Association of American Universities, and the American Council on Education. Currently, she resides on a number of boards, including the Howard University Board of Trustees, Texas Instruments, and the Goldman Sachs Group. Dr. Simmons graduated from Dillard University and received her PhD in Romance Languages and Literatures from Harvard University.

Maya Soetoro-Ng:
Maya Soetoro-Ng, PhD. has taught and developed Humanities curriculum in public and private schools in New York and Hawaii for fifteen years. She also taught Multicultural Education and Educational Theory at the University of Hawaii’s College of Education. In 2007 and 2008, she campaigned across more than a dozen states for her brother, President Barack Obama. Her children’s book Ladder to the Moon will be published in the winter, and she is currently working on a book about high school Peace Education.

George Thibault:
George E. Thibault is the seventh president of the Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation. He has held several leadership and director positions at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Brockton/West Roxbury VA Medical Center, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Thibault was the Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Partners HealthCare System, Inc. from 1997 to 2007. He has served as the Daniel D. Federman Professor of Medicine and Medical Education at Harvard Medical School and was chosen as the first Director of The Academy for Harvard. In addition, he has served and chaired on the committees of national organizations including the Institute of Medicine, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Institutes of Health, and the American College of Physicians. Dr. Thibault is also the recipient of various awards from both Georgetown University (Ryan Prize in Philosophy, Alumni Prize, and Cohongaroton Speaker) and Harvard University (Alpha Omega Alpha, Henry Asbury Christian Award and Society of Fellows). He graduated from Georgetown University and received his M.D. from Harvard Medical School.

Bryan Traubert:
Bryan Traubert is the Founder and Partner of Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Chicago, which is a comprehensive ophthalmic group practice, since 1986. He received a Medical Ethics Fellowship in 2002 from the University of Chicago. Currently, he is the President of the Board of Marwen and resides on the Harvard School of Public Health Board of Visitors, the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago Board, National Public Radio Foundation Board, Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind Board, and Chicago Public Radio Board. In addition, he served as the President of the Renaissance Society at University of Chicago Board from 1998-2001, as well as the Founder and Board Chair of Chicago Run. He is also a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Illinois Association of Ophthalmology. Dr. Traubert received his B.S. in Biology from the Citadel and his M.D. from the University of Illinois.

Laurence Tribe:
Laurence Tribe is the Carl M. Loeb University Professor at Harvard University. Prior to this appointment, he was Harvard’s Ralph S. Tyler, Jr. Professor of Constitutional Law from 1982-2004 and has been a member of Harvard’s faculty since 1968. Mr. Tribe has argued 35 U.S. Supreme Court cases including Bowers v. Hardwick and Bush v. Gore. He was a Fulbright Distinguished Lecturer and has authored over 110 scholarly articles and books including The Invisible Constitution and American Constitutional Law, the most frequently cited legal text since 1950. As the recipient of numerous honorary degrees and other awards, Mr. Tribe was appointed to deliver the Constitution Day Lecture for the National Archives of the United States in 2008 and received the American Bar Foundation’s Outstanding Scholar Award for 2009. He has been a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences since 1980 and a member of the National Advisory Board for the American Civil Liberties Union since 1995. Mr. Tribe received his Bachelor’s degree in mathematics summa cum laude from Harvard College and his Law degree magna cum laude from Harvard Law School.

Eleanor Kaye Wilson:
For over 35 years, Kaye Wilson has worked in a variety of positions in education institutions, government agencies, foundations and nonprofit organizations. As one of the first staff members of DePaul University’s School for New Learning, Ms. Wilson served as the Director and Assistant Dean. She has served as Executive Director of Urban Programs at Chicago City-Wide College, where she developed Project Choice, a welfare-to-work education and training program for General Assistance participants; and as founder of the Wells Prep School, which was a juvenile delinquency prevention demonstration program designed in an elementary school setting for public housing children in Chicago, Illinois. For the past twelve years, Ms. Wilson has been a nonprofit consultant in the metropolitan Chicago area. She is an active volunteer on numerous boards, committees, and taskforces. She is currently Vice Chair of two boards: Community Assistance Programs and the Rich Township District 227 Foundation.

Judy Wise:
Judy Wise is the Senior Director of Facing History and Ourselves, a non-profit professional development organization for educators. She was the founder of the organization’s first regional office in Chicago and served as its Executive Director until 2002. In addition, Ms. Wise serves on Chicago’s Human Rights Watch committee and is a Board Member of Business and Professional People for the Public Interest, which recognized her as one of 40 Who Made a Difference in celebration of the organization’s 40th Anniversary. During Barack Obama’s campaign, she was on the National Finance Committee. She has also served as Executive Director of the Committee on Illinois Government prior to her involvement with Facing History and Ourselves. Ms. Wise received her B.A. from Washington University and M.A. in psychiatric social work from the University of Chicago.

Message from the President: "This is why"

Samuel from Heath, MA — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:36:43 EDT

This morning, President Obama sent the following email to supporters:
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 Obam

Stop DADT! Stop defending DOMA!

GE — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:24:49 EDT

If Obama can violate the law in a bad way, like this:

"Despite the requirement to notify Congress in advance of firing ... the White House moved swiftly to sack an investigator who uncovered wrongdoing and abuse by a political ally of the president," said Issa, senior Republican on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

then he can push the boundaries of what he deems proper and make some action on stopping the enforcement of DADT amongst his troops and halting all defense of DOMA in the courts. C'mon, Mr. President. Enough with the homophobia.

Did I Get Bamboozled By Obama?

Leo — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:39:34 EDT

Is it just me- or is anyone else starting to feel 'had'?

Covering up and not prosecuting the torture scandal?

Going back on one of the most ringing campaign promises regarding transparency? And I get weekly requests to donate more money from the Obama campaign? Maybe I was just a dumb wide-eyed child.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31373407/ns/politics-white_house/

the best relax is here

Fien from FPO, AE — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:21:51 EDT

.

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What About The Black Holocaust President?

Da Goodess — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:59:49 EDT

"The events which transpired five thousand years ago;
Five years ago or five minutes ago, have determined
what will happen five minutes from now; five years
From now or five thousand years from now.
All history is a current event."

- Dr John Henrik Clarke -

BLACK:
(black), adj. 3a. of, pertaining to the various populations characterized by dark skin pigmentation, specifically the dark-skinned peoples of Africa, Oceania, and Australia.
HOLOCAUST:
(hol e kost), n. 1a. a great or complete slaughter or reckless destruction of life.
The Black Holocaust is one of the more underreported events in the annals of human history. The Black Holocaust makes reference to the millions of African lives which have been lost during the centuries to slavery, colonization and oppression. The Black Holocaust makes reference to the horrors endured by millions of men, women, and children throughout the African Diaspora. In sheer numbers, depth and brutality, it is a testimony to the worst elements of human behavior and the strongest elements of survival.
Yet no monuments have been made and apologies have been few. Worse still, most of the descendants of those who suffered, struggled and died, are unaware of this Holocaust while others seek to ignore it. One can only imagine the terrible damage placed upon the psyche of a people who seek to ignore or forget the tragedies of their past.

Budgeting

Mysti — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:36:17 EDT

I am not sure if anyone will be able to read this,THE FONT IS REALLY SMALL, especially; people in California; but we are in trouble. especially, our children. Education and Health Care is extremely important, no job, no tax no savings for the future. It is a problem that our state has to take from people whom are struggling to survive as it is. I am sorry but, our children are our future, without health care or education they will just be another number. This is 2009, our Country should have already passed this ridiculously fight over who gets what and when and how it is going to help. I have been an advocate for the disabled population for quite sometime now; and, it is truly sad that even the working disabled, still needing assistance to be able to work, are being cut. Our children's education is also important; without them how are we to grow?, how are we to continue with our Globe?, who is going to proceed with our country? All these questions need to be addressed. Someone is still being stingy and putting money in all the wrong hands. Our health care is ridiculous; with all of the air, water and food tainted our children are growing with health problems. This needs to be corrected. CALIFORNIA HAS A PROBLEM..

Presidents Park 2009 Free President Barack Obama Tour

Presidents Park — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:05:02 EDT

Presidents Park 2009 Free President Barack Obama Tour

June 4th 2009 Public viewing at David Adickes SculpturWorx, 2500 Summer Street, Houston Texas

June 5th 2009 Tour leaves 2500 Summer Street arriving at Pearland 14326 Highway 288 South Houston, Texas Home of the 3rd Presidents Park that will open in 2010.

June 6th 2009 the President Obama Statue returns to 2500 Summer Street for an all day Gala, meet the artist and sponsors and learn about the evolution of the Presidents Park Obama project.

June 7th President Obama Statue on Display at SculptuWorx all day.

June 8th AM, a quick trip through down town Houston for some photo ops, East I 10 for a whistle stop at Columbus, North on 71 to La Grange TX.

June 8th Obama Tour north to Austin Texas, arrives at Vino Vino at 4119 Guadalupe St for a 4-10 pm display.

The Israeli Government has rejected a law on the oath of allegiance

Unknown user — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:38:47 EDT

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What is George W. Bush Doing Now?

Peter from Carrollton, TX — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:23:54 EDT

George Bush has been free to do whatever he likes now that he is out of office. He was even seen at local stores jokingly asking for jobs and posing for pictures. Well it seems that he has been doing a lot of that lately, propping up at what seem like impromptu visits from the former President of the United States. Unlike other Presidents and candidates, Bush is seemingly the underachiever. Al Gore has gone on to be internationally recognized as the Savior of our Planet. Clinton went on book tours, and speaking arrangements. Both have been successful in their jobs after the White House appointment. Poor Dubya has been making photo ops and hiding out in his very expensive neighborhood constantly guarded by the Secret Service. He was on the cover of D Magazine when he returned home, in an obviously photoshopped image of Bush in Khaki Shorts, Striped Polo, (Correction) and a new tan. He himself has been up to nothing, staying out of the political arena and allowing Cheney to take on the Dems by his lonesome. His wife on the other hand was recently at a graduation ceremony at Southern Methodist University. I expect he will be working on his highly classified memoirs on How not to be a President and part two of that installment, How to ruin a prestigious political family name in just 8 years.
Read more: http://politicalpete.com/what-is-george-w-bush-doing-now/#ixzz0H85UxILT&B

http://politicalpete.com/

Inside the Obama White House with Brian Williams to air on NBC Special

Peter from Carrollton, TX — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:19:32 EDT

NBC News has special access to the White House and has strategically placed dozens of camera crews all over the White House. This is all an attempt to get a closer look of the daily occurences of the Obama administration. I don’t ever recall any other White House administration that allowed this. Only Brian Williams and his crew gets to go in and see what all the fuss is about. There have been some controversy over the White House Reality Show. If you really think about it, who wants a camera in their face from 5 am in the morning until you are done for the day. I think its a publicity stunt to show that Obama is getting stuff done. His promises on transparency in government has been taken a little too far. We don’t want to see your acting skills in front of the camera. We want to know what you are doing and have a say in what decisions are to be made on the topic. That was one of the premises you ran your campaign on. No more 1500 page documents sent out and approved 3 hours before voting. Stuff like that. I don’t want to see a reality show about the White House morning briefs, and what they eat for breakfast. This is either a tribute to the first Black President of the United States, or the most boring news special ever made. It’s going to be the White House version of The Office. From what I know about the special, there are several aides on camera typing at their desks, answering phone calls and doing general office work. Then there are interviews with certain people that are going to make everything sound nice and cheery, but there won’t be any dry office humor. I say watch at your own risk. The darn thing is a waste of time, but if you don’t have anything to do, it airs June 2, and the 3rd.
Read more: http://politicalpete.com/inside-the-obama-white-house-with-brian-williams-to-air-on-nbc-special/#ixzz0H84NcbQM&B

Healthcare Reform - State your Support

Jill 4 Obama — Sun, 31 May 2009 08:17:18 EDT

Sunday 31, May 2009 | 8:11am Sunday, May 31, 2009 Search

On the Front Lines

Doctors are on the front lines of the country’s health care crisis and see firsthand every day why Americans are demanding reform. That’s why on Wednesday, White House Director of Health Reform Nancy-Ann DeParle hosted the latest in a series of White House Stakeholder Discussions with doctors from around the country.

Larger Vision

President Obama's Saturday address to the American people caps a week which saw major health care players, from providers to payers, meet face-to-face at the White House to work out ways to cut more than $2 trillion from the nation's health care costs.

Larger Vision

The current health care system does not work for women. On Wednesday, Secretary Sebelius met with women small-business owners at a knitting shop in Washington D.C. to discuss health reform.

Larger Vision

A Discussion with President Obama: The President held a meeting in the Roosevelt Room on May 12, 2009 with employers to discuss innovative workplace practices to improve the health of workers and reduce the rising rate of health care spending.

Larger Vision

1234

Health Care Reform

Many Americans are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of care goes up while others face losing insurance as businesses struggle to cover employees.

Dear Friend,

Last week was National Small Business week, and I would like to talk about a top concern of those Americans that run and work in these companies: health care. Read more

President Obama is committed to enacting comprehensive health reform this year that lowers costs, guarantees choice of doctors and plans, and assures quality affordable health care for all Americans.

Read more about recent events supporting this commitment.

The current health care system does not work for women. A new report Roadblocks to Health Care: Why the Current Health Care System Does Not Work for Women explains how the system leaves too many women without access to coverage for care.

View Report | Printable PDF | Watch Secretary Sebelius Discuss the Report

View Hard Times in the Heartland Report | View Bottom Line Report | View Costs of Inaction

A Weekly Update on Health Reform

Weekly Video Posted May 29

Archived Weekly Updates |

Captioned Version

If you see a red box in the place of the view player, please install the latest version of Flash from http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer.

Join the Discussion on Health Reform

We want to hear what you think about health reform. Send us your story, proposals and ideas.

Health Care Community Discussions

The recommendations from more than 3,200 Health Care Community Discussions were systematically analyzed to compile the report, Americans Speak on Health Reform.

View Report

Printable PDF

Read a Sample Report From Your State

HealthReform.gov Recognized

The Innovations Gallery celebrates the innovators and innovations who are championing the President’s vision of more effective and open government. HealthReform.gov was recognized by www.WhiteHouse.gov for allowing Americans to take part personally in the health reform process.

Watch Video

The White House Forum on Health Reform

President Obama brought together leaders with diverse views at the White House Forum on Health Reform. The White House issued a report highlighting the productive discussions from the event.

Read the White House Forum on Health Reform Report (PDF)

Read Director of the White House Office of Health Reform Nancy-Ann DeParle’s blog post

Health Reform and the Budget

The President’s 2010 Budget lays the groundwork for reform of the American health care system, most notably by setting aside a deficit-neutral reserve fund of $635 billion over 10 years to help finance reform of our health care system to bring down costs, expand coverage, and improve quality.

Over the past ten years, which has increased faster: the average cost of a home, or spending on health insurance premiums?

Check Out The Answer

Thursday, May 28, 2009

“Health Bill Would Fix What’s Broken”

Today, Senator Ted Kennedy wrote an Op-Ed in the Boston Globe, underscoring the need for health reform this year. In the piece, Senator Kennedy shares how his recent battle with cancer has given him extra incentive to ‘fix what’s broken’ in the health care system. Senator Kennedy outlines some of the key principles of what he and President Obama seek in a health reform bill.

Read Excerpt

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

More Small Firms Drop Health Care

Rising health care premiums and sharp declines in revenue from the recession are forcing some small businesses to choose between dropping health insurance or laying off workers – or staying in business at all. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlights the struggles small business owners face from rising health care costs.

Read Excerpt

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

“Time is Now to Fix Health Care”

On Sunday, the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald published an editorial, urging Congress to pass health reform this year. The Herald-Telegraph pointed at the increasing percentage of uninsured Americans and the increasing price of prescription drugs as two of the most pressing reasons to reform health care.

Read Excerpt

Thursday, May 21, 2009

America cannot afford to wait

Americans across the country realize that the health care status quo is unsustainable. However, nurses are on the frontlines of health care. Today, Margaret Drugay, a nurse from Arizona writes an opinion piece in the Arizona Daily Star, appropriately stating that “America cannot afford to wait.”

Read Excerpt

Read more

Secretary Sebelius
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on Health
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May 13, 2009
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April 27, 2009
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April 22, 2009
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President Obama
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Media: The Somali pirates have decided to abandon piracy

Unknown user — Mon, 25 May 2009 20:19:10 EDT

About 200 pirates in the north of Somalia have agreed to throw a pirate craft, and the release of the captured hostages.

As a committee, meet the pirates with local community leaders and people from Somalia took place in the autonomous region of Puntland. The representative of the pirates Abshir Abdullah told the BBC that all the ships and hostages, whom they held, will now be released.

Note, for the last day the Canadian patrol frigate Winnipeg detained two pirate ships in the Gulf of Aden.

Previously, it was reported that by early May, the number of pirate attacks on ships in the vicinity of the eastern coast of Somalia more than a similar figure for the whole last year. In connection with such activity, many States in the Gulf of Aden sent their warships to patrol the territory and the protection of merchant ships.

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Bush realized that he was an ordinary man

Unknown user — Sat, 23 May 2009 19:12:46 EDT

Former U.S. president George Bush Jr. came to the conclusion that has become routine to Americans.

This, he explained, speaking recently to the students.

Bush admitted that he understood that he became the ordinary people came to him suddenly when he vygulival his dog.

Removing one's Scottish Terrier Barney, Bush said: "And here I am, former president of the United States of America, I stand with the plastic bag in his hand ... life returns to the usual track."

Bush also shared with students, that felt great relief after leaving the White House.

Recall, previously ex-U.S. President George Bush Jr. promised to write a book of memoirs about the most important decisions taken during the presidency.

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Energy, our future

Unknown user — Fri, 22 May 2009 09:32:57 EDT

We are in crisis, an energy crisis. We have problems with our present energy providers, and are looking to replace with a new more efficient energy source. Electricity seems to be the energy of choice, but we need to do our homework. The President should also do his homework!

We as a people have a responsibility to follow what are leader suggests, ad try and help our country as much as we can.... "ask not what our country can do for us....but what canwe do for our country!"

Well, now is the time for the President to do for his country something amazing. I have come across a few articles that specifies the extension of battery life 10fold. This means for the same small battery we have 10 times the life.....OR for a battery 10 times smaller, we have the same amount of life.

Take this to practice on car batteries for electrical cars...this means a car with 10 times smallerbattery, means lss weight, and less production costs. Should this not instill a certai urgency, and should this not make the President want to invest some money in this company that cam across this new etchnology? You can read for yourself the findings....but this is a matter of national well being...and when they say 5 years before you see the first publicly available battery....I say, it should be 5 months...not 5 years!

Incentives are what we need, and I find the President is not doing as much as he could or maybe his cabinet or his "peeps" in charge of finding the new technologies that will bring the US out of their current energy dependent situation.

These are the links to the stories related to my findings!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/sciencenews/5353809/Worlds-first-battery-fuelled-by-air.html

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/05/stair-20090518.html

Presidents Commencement Address at Notre Dame University

MALA RAJ — Tue, 19 May 2009 01:52:20 EDT

What a memorable moment for any one of those Notre Dame graduates, Class of 2009. Their commencement address by the very President of the United States. For a moment I time traveled a couple of decades back, how I wish I would have had the privilege, of having you address in my graduation ceremony. Mr.President your mere presence is awe inspiring and in addition your eloquent speech is mind blowing. Those lucky Notre Dame graduates! Your intellectual speech, was so well balanced on the subject's of stem cell and esp on the subject of abortion, In a catholic institution, "lets not demonize those with just as strongly held convictions on the other side", what fine choice of words and thought process, both culminated beautifully in opening hearts and minds to fair minded thinking and fair treatment to people with firm principles and convictions, on these subjects.

Mr.President, congratulations on your honorary Law degree, one of Two, indeed! We shall keep tab.

On Dogs and Men

Breeze Bryson — Sun, 10 May 2009 21:30:13 EDT

ON DOGS AND MEN

This afternoon, I walked my dog down to the cliffs to get a Mother's Day look at our beautiful beach. We stood at the edge watching the surfers, the sea gulls, and the sailboats, breathing in an almost tropical breeze coming off the ocean.

On the other side of the steep incline leading down to the sand, was a family with two dogs, one black and one white, from a distance about the size and shape of Dobermans. The teen in the family was tossing a frisbee over the ice plant and down the hill. Both dogs would run to retrieve it, but it was always the black dog that got it first, then raced back up the hill with the white dog following. This went on for numerous times until we had to leave because my dog refused to stop barking at them after noting that they were breaking
the leash rule on what she considers her beach.

As we walked home, I was reminded of the episodes on a Sunday talk show this morning, where George Stephanopoulos showed clips of President Barack Obama wowing the audience at the Washington Correspondence Dinner last night and then interviewing once presidential candidate, John McCain, on current affairs.

I thought about how much these two men, Obama and McCain, reminded me of these two dogs. Obama always retrieving the prize, always in the lead, bringing back to the people that which is theirs, and McCain always somehow missing it, always following behind, still striving to please, but just not getting what the people want.

It is difficult not to feel sorry for both the white dog and John McCain, while somewhat admiring their willingness to keep striving in what ultimately, for them, seems to be a lost cause.

Love, peace, and joy....to the dogs in our lives, and to the men, too!

Breeze Bryson
May 10, 2009

President Obama's Job Training Plan for the Unemployed

N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader — Sat, 09 May 2009 22:21:52 EDT

President Obama is doing the right thing to take care of people who have lost their jobs and still need an opportunity to update their skills for the new economy. Education and appropriate job training are essential elements of the future modern, global economy which we must embrace. The President's plan makes dreams possible for many Americans and their families...

Obama: From a Spiritual Point of View

Janet Sue Gagliardi — Sat, 09 May 2009 12:37:21 EDT

Wow, today is the Wesak full Moon from Central Daylight Time to points West. I have just read an amazing article on President Obama that needs to be shared. I am impressed! Here is the URL:

http://www.visionarylead.org/articles/Obama.htm

Enjoy and don't forget to pray for our President and Government.

Please Mr. President, no Universal Healthcare

FastFacts — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:03:32 EDT

This is from my father and me:

I have aortic stenosis, my father had a brain tumor. This is our story as quick as possible. Zack Edwards - I was born with aortic stenosis, I had open heart surgery with a technique from Europe and had to have it removed after only 7 years. When I went in to an appointment 7 years after that operation the doctor said that he would need to remove it and replace it with another valve. We scheduled the appointment for two weeks. The surgery cost over $100,000 and I paid less than $2000. I was very happy with my insurance. I have asked friends in England and Canada, about their healthcare and asked them a question that worries me very much. If I get to a certain age will I be able to get these surgeries as readily as possible. They all have said "no." They talk of lists and waiting periods and how sometimes you have to get second and third opinions to get on those lists. Is this what will happen to us in the United States, especially since I hear we are modeling our health care after their "failed" programs. My dad had a brain tumor three months ago and when the doctor saw him with this left side complete paralyzed. The doctor told his nurse to get him a bed and told my dad, that if they didn't get him into surgery the wheel chair he was in would be a permanent fixture. The tumor was the same as Ted Kennedy's and the doctor he used was on Ted Kennedy's substitute doctor list, one that is contacted if the other doctors are unavailable. My dad waited two days and was operated on. The doctor who had just operated on a surgeon from a country with Universal Healthcare the day before. The doctor had to wait and so paid a friend in the United States to do his operation. My father's doctor said that if he was in any other country he would have had to wait, even in this type of emergency. Wait for what approval. He is over 60 years old and could not wait a few days or risks permanent paralysis. Also with the shortage of doctors, inserting universal healthcare and lowering their wages will decrease the doctors we already have. Please President Obama, if you hear our voices do not make our healthcare universal or as some say socialized medicine. I beg you and so does my dad, who is now back up and walking, soon to be commercial fishing again in a few months.

Please Mr. President close the border and watch everyone

FastFacts — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:59:25 EDT

Okay, so this morning a report comes out on www.AmericanParchment.com that the President of Mexico is telling everyone to stay home. Interesting though. If the President of Mexico tells everyone to stay home, that would mean less people should be going across the border by walking, flying, or driving, right. So in his own efforts, he has tried to close the border. Something our Napolitano isn't even willing to do. How can she say it would be ineffective. If you had a cold wouldn't you try every way to keep from getting sick, like taking Zicam, Cold-Ease, drinking a lot of water, etc. Wouldn't closing the border and/or allowing only American Citizens to cross the border after a thorough check help cut down on the possibility of keeping the cold or spreading it to others???

In addition, doesn't a WHO Level 5 Pandemic Protocol call for borders to be closed to stop the spread it the disease?

Please Mr. President close the border. Help us and keep our record of no deaths, minus one person from Mexico. We need to contain the problem. Commerce at the border can hold on.

I LOVE OUR President however ....

Steve Severson — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 09:51:31 EDT

But he's NOT INFALLABLE, in fact, he's completely wrung about so-called "clean coal" there is no such beast! Don't get me wrong: I AM all for ""Green Jobs" (a quick aside here; it is currently storming here. Wouldn't it be a kick, were I struck DEAD after fighting cancer for so long?) Gotta find the "Funny" when it gets handed to ya!

Where was I? Oh yes! Green Jobs! "Clean Coal" I used to canvass, or rather, DIRECT CAVASSING ON THIS VERY ISSUE! So believe me when I tell you There is no such thing!

I am well informed on this "Issue"! AND CONSIDER myself, as others do too, something of an expert on the subject at hand. And I'm here to tell ya, while I've seen the jobs CREATED regarding the subject(my Brother's division is funded through this initiative!) and it's GREAT, BUT we need to watch this!

A simple thank you!

White House Prayer Team — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:24:41 EDT

We have been working around the clock to maximize the opportunity that we have come to have recently where as we are reaching out to those who have labored in a major way to ensure the election of our president, Barack Obama. We want to keep you energized about this presidency and the direction inwhich he taking this country so The White House Prayer Team was formed to encourage Americans to get behind the solemn vow and sanctity of prayer to better lift up our leaders in our nation.

We have gotten the prayer requests as we have requested. We want to pray for you and your family as well so feel free to join our LIVE chat online or contact us by email at Whitehouseprayer@live.com. Our web address is http://whitehouseprayerteam.blogspot.com. We can't do this without you. Its free, so come on over. Also, for many of our Facebook followers, "White-House Prayer" is how we can be found or by the email acct.

This prayer team stays up on all the happenings and we must...we need to know in advance what we need to pray for! Pray with us as we pray for this White House.

WHPT

FIRST FAMILY DOG

WEBMASTER — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:31:41 EDT

Guessing is over: It's Bo!

First Family Dog - In a long-awaited and guessed-about move, the Obama family has opened the White House to the new first pet -- a Portuguese water dog named Bo.

APRIL 12: In this handout image released by the White House on April 12, 2009, the first family dog, Bo, a six-month old Portuguese water dog sits in the White House in Washington, DC. Bo is a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and and his wife Victoria to the President's daughters, Sasha and Malia. PETE SOUZA / GETTY IMAGES BY PHILIP ELLIOTT ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- Bo? No jest.

The first family dag has settled by the first family -- a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog that the Obama girls are naming Bo.

The selection was one of the White House's most tightly kept secrets.

The first pooch is a gift from Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass, who owns three so-called porties and wanted the Obamas to follow suit.

''We couldn't be happier to see the joy that Bo is bringing to Malia and Sasha,'' Kennedy said in a statement. ``We love our Portuguese water dogs and know that the girls -- and their parents -- will love theirs, too.''

The housebroken puppy, which has been undergoing extensive training in recent weeks, was named ''Charlie'' by his original owners, but first daughters Malia and Sasha rechristened him Bo.

The Washington Post reported in its online editions that Obama's daughters chose the name Bo for the pup because first lady Michelle Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley. The name for the dog was an apparent reference to the singer ''Bo'' Diddley.

Throughout the day Saturday, celebrity websites and bloggers were abuzz with rumors of the first family's selection of a Portuguese water dog; one site even claimed it had pictures of the future first pet.

Obama promised his daughters a puppy during the campaign.

''This is Washington. That was a campaign promise,'' Obama said when he appeared on Jay Leno's talk show last month, as the audience roared with laughter. ``No, I'm teasing. The dog will be there shortly.''

The president and first lady had said their choice was down to either a Portuguese water dog or a Labradoodle because they were considered good pets for children who have allergies, as Malia does.

First Family Dog supplemented with material from the Chicago Tribune. Article pulled from Miami Herald.

First Family Dog posted by David Apperson
http://kids.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/first-family-dog

Hear the tribute of Bo Diddley performed by Buddy Holly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUEKu2nOLCw

Listen to the President's Message of Renewal from the White House -
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/04/11/Weekly-Address-Passover-and-Easter

Budget: Promises Made; Promises Watered Down

Don — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 00:07:49 EDT

Why does it seem that the President is watering down his budget proposal to chase votes he won’t get? Republicans proved during the stimulus bill that despite all the concessions made to them then, they would never vote in favor of anything the President wants.

With Democrats, Independents and Moderate Republicans like me on his side, the President should focus on keeping his campaign promises because John Boaner, Mitch McConnell, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity are opposed to fresh air, sunshine and Jesus, so long as they think President Obama is in favor of them.

Mr. President, you have helped them marginalize themselves to the maximum extent imaginable. Now it’s time to stand true to your word. Frankly, not everything you promised was what I wanted, but if you do what you told us you’d do, I will continue to support you, and I will vote against those who oppose you, regardless what party they’re in.

GOP Underestimates Conservative America

Eric from Covina, CA — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:06:37 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

GOP Underestimates Conservative America

While President Obama is going about his valiant and statesman-like attempt to rescue America and restore our image at home and abroad, the GOP's politics as usual, diehard operatives are acting like spoiled brats determined to undermine the president's–and America's–effort. But in their blind attempt to regain power they seem to have forgotten one important fact–the vast majority of true conservatives are fiercely loyal Americans, and don't share their view of power at any cost.

Terrorizing the Terrorists

Don — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 13:34:58 EDT

How do you deter an enemy who is willing to kill himself in order to kill you? You strike at something more important to him than his own life. Defining that will be easy for me. The next question is can America be as ruthless as our enemies?

The time has come to end the fruitless and unsustainable effort to search and destroy every cave in Afghanistan and bomb every campground in bordering Pakistan. It’s counterproductive anyway.

What will put the fear of America into terrorist masterminds and those who would follow their orders is simple and radical revenge. Masterminds have families: Cousins, brothers and fathers. Eliminate them. All at once, or one at a time, it works just as well. The ones who survive an initial “hunt” will go into hiding. Having some adult male relatives killed and the rest hiding out in caves will demoralize masterminds and their loved ones. You cannot work and support your women like that. You can’t make more baby masterminds that way. You cannot continue the blood line. The women and children will pressure them to stop their plotting and bombing.

People want to leave a familial legacy, and they can’t do that under those circumstances over the long term.

Should America do that? Yes. Do we have the “intestinal fortitude” and sustainable motivation? I don’t think so. But we should, and it shouldn’t take another terrorist attack to get us there.

For the last seven years the CIA has been kidnapping people from other nations and torturing them. Why not just go in there and quietly shoot them to death?

Frankly, by not killing women or children the way those terrorists routinely do, we can even claim the moral high ground.

A letter to Mr. President of United State of America

weilong76 — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:42:17 EDT

Dear Mr. President, my name is Aloysius, I was born in Indonesia. I always think highly of you because I see in you a true leader who dare to rise up and choose to serve people in difficult time. Too bad I have no right to vote. However I believe in your ability to make a real difference. I have faith in you to act on behalf of the entire nation. I pray for you, Mr. President and wish you all the best.

Mr. President, I think it is imperative for one nation to have a good leader. A leader who envisions and guides his people to the right track. A leader with vision and right motivation to lead. A leader who is honest and able to inspire people. Indonesia, the country I am living with, also desperately needs good clean governance and inspiring leader. From the moment Indonesia declared its independence until the very moment, I don't see any leader who has charisma and dedication as in Mr. Barack Obama. I wonder in what condition a true leader will arise among particular nation? What kind of governance is suitable for nation such as Indonesia where corruption and power abuse is pervasive within? The election is about to come up but many of us feel discouraged and skeptic about the ongoing result of the election. I even ponder not to use my right to vote. Here no one has the right mind to be a leader, they only think about themselves and their cronies. They give us empty promises without any strategic plan and program. They may appeal to uneducated people, which comprises as majority. That's why it crosses my mind, the maturity of one nation is crucial in order to produce leader. Thanks for your time Mr. President.

Best regards,

Aloysius

www.aloymu.com

The Senate is expected to vote on Senator John McCain's alternative budget today

Samuel from Heath, MA — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:41:23 EDT

The Senate is expected to vote on Senator John McCain's alternative budget today, as well as a number of proposed amendments. These amendments, and these votes, are where a large portion of the budget battle will be fought. Senate GOP leaders have said that they will use the amendment process to try to alter the budget rather than presenting their own, comprehensive alternative. Yesterday the Senate defeated a proposed Republican amendment that would have enacted a spending freeze on all non-defense discretionary spending in 2010, a move that would deeply undercut the effects of the President's recent stimulus package. John McCain's suggested alternative would make deeps cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, while extending the Bush tax cuts for the rich.

If you haven't already done so, there is still time to call your representatives and let them know that you support the President's budget plan, and ask them to vote against any last minute amendments that would weaken it.

As OFA Director Mitch Stewart explained in a message to supporters recently, this budget represents an historic opportunity to create jobs, restore our economy, and invest in our future. We can't let this important moment slip away.

I'm a little bit disappointed...

charall — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:32:44 EDT

Well...why am I disappointed?'Cause I wanted to ask a question to You,Mr. Pres,but as far I don't have an American zip code,I couldn't.It's enough to subscribe for International Herald Tribune,it's enough for writing a blog here,but it's not enough for asking an important question about Hungary's economic crisis.

Is anyone reading this at all?When I wrote emails about my problem,I got only machine-emails.When I wanted to make a phone call to solve my problem,the line was always engaged.However I was so proud to get an email from Mitch Stewart about 'Open for questions',I thought ,perhaps someone has read my post and invites me to share my thoughts with the president but no.It was only a letter sent to everyone and I can't use it for nothing because of my invalid zip-code.I could have written another zip-code in,but I don't want to cheat.I'm waiting for the appropriate moment to communicate with the president of the United States.It will come one day,I'm sure.

And what was my planned ouestion?The next one:

Dear Mr. President,what would you do at first,in five steps,if you were Hungary's new Prime Minister?I ask it because all the Hungarians are eager to know your opinion,and we do need your advices.

How our President is doing

Remy from Pompano Beach, FL — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:59:48 EDT

I thank God every day for President Obama. My faith community often makes reference to praying for our leaders so that God may continue to anoint them and bless them with added wisdom to lead, but I find myself praying for President Obama a great deal, not only because I like him but also because he means so well for our country. His decisions and whole being project that. When I talk to people and tell them how much I find myself praying for him, I usually find out that many others are also praying for him. I do not know the president personally as we have never met one-on-on, but the times I have heard him speak confirm for me that he is quite couragious and full of wisdom. He is leading our country during a time of crisis for many of us, and I could not have more confidence in anyone else to lead us during this tough economic time. I appreciate the wisdom that he has been using so far to address our economic concerns. Let's continue to pray for our president who has to make very tough decisions and is often met with fierced apposition. Let's pray, too, for Congress so that all may support our president to lead this great nation. May God bless our President Barack Obama and may God bless the USA.

--Remy Nelson

The following op-ed by President Obama on the urgent need for global economic cooperation ran in more than thirty papers around the world today.

Samuel from Heath, MA — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:45:57 EDT

The op-ed ran in the following papers:

1. Al Watan (Gulf States)
2. Arab Times (Gulf States)
3. Asharq Al Awsat (Arab-wide paper in Arabic)
4. The Australian (Australia)
5. Baltimore Sun (United States)
6. Bangkok Post (Thailand)
7. Chicago Tribune (United States)
8. Clarin (Argentina)
9. Corriere della Sera (Italy)
10. Die Welt (Germany)
11. El Pais (Madrid)
12. El Mercurio (Chile)
13. Eleftyropiea (Greece)
14. Estado de Sao Paulo (Brazil)
15. Gulf News (Gulf States)
16. The Hindustan Times/ The Hindu (India)
17. International Herald Tribune (London)
18. Kristeligt Dagblad (Denmark)
19. Le Monde (Paris)
20. Lidove Noviny (Czech)
21. Los Angeles Times (United States)
22. The News (Pakistan)
23. NRC Handelsblad (Netherlands)
24. Saudi Gazette (Saudi Arabia)
25. South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
26. Straits Times (Singapore)
27. Sunday Times (South Africa)
28. Svenska Dagbladet (Sweden)
29. Syndey Morning Herald (Australia)
30. WProst (Poland)
31. Yomiuri Shimbun (Japan)

Barack Obama: A time for global action
By Barack Obama
Tribune Media Services
Monday, March 23, 2009

WASHINGTON: We are living through a time of global economic challenges that cannot be met by half measures or the isolated efforts of any nation. Now, the leaders of the Group of 20 have a responsibility to take bold, comprehensive and coordinated action that not only jump-starts recovery, but also launches a new era of economic engagement to prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again.

No one can deny the urgency of action. A crisis in credit and confidence has swept across borders, with consequences for every corner of the world. For the first time in a generation, the global economy is contracting and trade is shrinking.

Trillions of dollars have been lost, banks have stopped lending, and tens of millions will lose their jobs across the globe. The prosperity of every nation has been endangered, along with the stability of governments and the survival of people in the most vulnerable parts of the world.

Once and for all, we have learned that the success of the American economy is inextricably linked to the global economy. There is no line between action that restores growth within our borders and action that supports it beyond.

If people in other countries cannot spend, markets dry up — already we've seen the biggest drop in American exports in nearly four decades, which has led directly to American job losses. And if we continue to let financial institutions around the world act recklessly and irresponsibly, we will remain trapped in a cycle of bubble and bust. That is why the upcoming London Summit is directly relevant to our recovery at home.

My message is clear: The United States is ready to lead, and we call upon our partners to join us with a sense of urgency and common purpose. Much good work has been done, but much more remains.

Our leadership is grounded in a simple premise: We will act boldly to lift the American economy out of crisis and reform our regulatory structure, and these actions will be strengthened by complementary action abroad. Through our example, the United States can promote a global recovery and build confidence around the world; and if the London Summit helps galvanize collective action, we can forge a secure recovery, and future crises can be averted.

Our efforts must begin with swift action to stimulate growth. Already, the United States has passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act — the most dramatic effort to jump-start job creation and lay a foundation for growth in a generation.

Other members of the G-20 have pursued fiscal stimulus as well, and these efforts should be robust and sustained until demand is restored. As we go forward, we should embrace a collective commitment to encourage open trade and investment, while resisting the protectionism that would deepen this crisis.

Second, we must restore the credit that businesses and consumers depend upon. At home, we are working aggressively to stabilize our financial system. This includes an honest assessment of the balance sheets of our major banks, and will lead directly to lending that can help Americans purchase goods, stay in their homes and grow their businesses.

This must continue to be amplified by the actions of our G-20 partners. Together, we can embrace a common framework that insists upon transparency, accountability and a focus on restoring the flow of credit that is the lifeblood of a growing global economy. And the G-20, together with multilateral institutions, can provide trade finance to help lift up exports and create jobs.

Third, we have an economic, security and moral obligation to extend a hand to countries and people who face the greatest risk. If we turn our backs on them, the suffering caused by this crisis will be enlarged, and our own recovery will be delayed because markets for our goods will shrink further and more American jobs will be lost.

The G-20 should quickly deploy resources to stabilize emerging markets, substantially boost the emergency capacity of the International Monetary Fund and help regional development banks accelerate lending. Meanwhile, America will support new and meaningful investments in food security that can help the poorest weather the difficult days that will come.

While these actions can help get us out of crisis, we cannot settle for a return to the status quo. We must put an end to the reckless speculation and spending beyond our means; to the bad credit, over-leveraged banks and absence of oversight that condemns us to bubbles that inevitably bust.

Only coordinated international action can prevent the irresponsible risk-taking that caused this crisis. That is why I am committed to seizing this opportunity to advance comprehensive reforms of our regulatory and supervisory framework.

All of our financial institutions — on Wall Street and around the globe — need strong oversight and common sense rules of the road. All markets should have standards for stability and a mechanism for disclosure. A strong framework of capital requirements should protect against future crises. We must crack down on offshore tax havens and money laundering.

Rigorous transparency and accountability must check abuse, and the days of out-of-control compensation must end. Instead of patchwork efforts that enable a race to the bottom, we must provide the clear incentives for good behavior that foster a race to the top.

I know that America bears our share of responsibility for the mess that we all face. But I also know that we need not choose between a chaotic and unforgiving capitalism and an oppressive government-run economy. That is a false choice that will not serve our people or any people.

This G-20 meeting provides a forum for a new kind of global economic cooperation. Now is the time to work together to restore the sustained growth that can only come from open and stable markets that harness innovation, support entrepreneurship and advance opportunity.

The nations of the world have a stake in one another. The United States is ready to join a global effort on behalf of new jobs and sustainable growth. Together, we can learn the lessons of this crisis, and forge a prosperity that is enduring and secure for the 21st century.

Barack Obama is president of the United States. A Global Viewpoint article distributed by Tribune Media Services.

Give us our money

HaroldITPro — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:15:17 EDT

Ok maybe and hopefully this will be read by someone that has some brains in their head. I see how the people's money is just being given away to banks and private companies under the guise that jobs will be saved. Nice, that's real nice. It's our (the people) own fault for allowing our government of the people, by the people, and for the people to get away with this. Please Mr. President. I know I am no one compared to the people you are used to dealing with... But some of us do have good ideas on how to make things in this country right. I am begging you Mr. President to please take to the time to listen. Giving this money in the form of stimulus to the banks and businesses will not work as you can already see many of these banks and companies are already taking advantage of the people's money just as they have before the s**t hit the fan. There is only one way to fix the economy and that is you have to fix it at the source. Theoretically if you gave every American "citizen" between $500,000.00 and 1 million dollars it would only be a fraction of the billions upon billions that are being given to the banks and companies that look at taking advantage of the people as business as usual. If you give that money to the people I believe that 80 to 95 percent of those people will use that money to get themselves out of the red. They will use the money to pay their debts. And who do they owe? The banks! So when the people pay the banks. The banks will get their money and still be able to function and not have to foreclose not one more home. The people will pay those credit cards and again the banks will get the money they need to continue doing business. The people will shop and buy goods and so private businesses will no longer need stimulus money because we the people are now the ones giving the money to the banks and the businesses as it should be. I promise and guarantee you that this will save our economy. Please Mr. President leaving out the average Joe from the equation of saving the economy will only spell more disaster. My plan isn't perfect and it needs someone like you Mr. President to hone it into something viable that can and will work. A hint any one on Social security or any kind of existing government subsidization like me would not qualify for stimulus... But the average working American like the ones whose hands you shook in all those small towns would qualify and our great nation with its government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth. I hope this makes sense and the right person reads this because trickling the money up can work just as well as trickling it down. I don’t even care if you take all the credit for my plan I really don’t care. I just want to see “all” of us proud and back on top again and I feel this is a very good way to accomplish that.

Thank you Mr. President,

Harold Marcano

President Takes Question from 3rd Grader at Town Hall in CA

alkoga — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:25:52 EDT

President Takes Question from 3rd Grader at Town Hall in CA.

President Obama

Dakota Gal — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:23:16 EDT

My congratulations is extended to Barack Obama who currently serves as President of the United States of America! The 2008 Presidential election was quite enlightening for me. I am hopeful that President Obama will bring the election to a close by sponsoring a forum for all 48 candidates!

My vision is that these candidates could gather to bowl with President Obama and share their experiences as candidates. We need to develop a positive camaraderie as we proceed with our campaigns for 2012. We need to work TOGETHER for a truly UNITED States of America.

The list of candidates is available on the web through "Wikipedia." I am in the "other" category since I served as a write-in "INDEPENDENT" Presidential candidate. May we, as candidates, unite to serve our country and share our vision for this prominent position in our country.

"Lovingly I Serve," "Dakota Gal," RaeDeen R. Heupel

Recession or Teetering into Depression:

MALA RAJ — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:03:32 EDT

Recession is far from over, funny our fed. chairman Ben Bernanky has to say, recession will be over by end of this year if the banks recover. It took him 4yrs into recession to recognize one, We are teetering into depression but no one seems to recognize it either. I do not know if financial bail out are the answers for all these problems persisting and intensely causing a gloom. But I sure know this economic turmoil ain't over yet, at least for another couple of years. We Americans are very resilient, lets all hope for the very best to happen a little quicker.
If we all let our finest president do his job and stop evaluating him every 30days, trust me he can accomplish far more work effectively and efficiently. One ought not to expect miracles, if America waited for 8yrs, to slide its economy into the dumps, that it is now in, then please understand give the present President 8 more to see a renewal of a rejuvenated energized economy. After all the mess created by the earlier govt., is no small one by any means hence it takes time to clean house.

Haiku for the 2008 Obama Campaign

Gramma Willi — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:49:26 EDT

Fangirls and overdogs

Multicolored president

Yes we can... pinch me!

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

WEBMASTER — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:16:23 EDT

Imagination Joined to Common Purpose

Message from The White House
http://www.whitehouse.gov

Dear David:

Thank you for your recent note, and for sharing your thoughts with me. Your kind words echo the messages of millions of Americans who have welcomed me and my family to the White House with an outpouring of goodwill.

On January 20th, Americans spoke with one voice, choosing hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. Our Nation faces serious challenges, but we will overcome them if our imagination is joined to common purpose.

Now is our time to work together, reaffirm our enduring spirit, and choose our better history. With your help, we will renew our Nation's promise to carry forth the great gift of freedom to future generations, as our forebears have delivered it to us.

Sincerely,
Barack Obama

see http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58917909520

The Real Abominations Against God and Jesus

Don — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:04:47 EDT

The fact that Americans vote in favoring of paying our farmers to produce LESS milk in order to keep the gallon price of milk HIGHER than a gallon of gasoline while millions of American babies' parents can't afford milk is an abomination against God.People who, in the name of Jesus, vote to DENY medicine and treatment for babies in nations where it is otherwise not available suffering from AIDS because adults delivering help condone use of condoms to staunch the spread of AIDS are committing an abomination against God.People who vote against public sponsored healthcare for babies and children who cannot otherwise obtain it are committing an abomination against God.People who allow others to go hungry, homeless and sick, thus disobeying Jesus AND God himself, find the energy to rail against adults who behind closed doors have sex with other consenting adults are committing an abomination against God. They spend money, cast votes and change constitutions to deny those people rights to get divorced like 50% of the self-righteous people do every day.People who blatantly ignore the commands of Jesus and stated in all the gospels to care for the sick, the hungry and the homeless, and “judge not lest you be judged” while trumpeting an obscure sentence fragment from the Old Testament taken out of context while calling themselves Christians are an abomination against God and Jesus. Theirs is the greatest of blasphemy imaginable.When the mere idea that a person would not CHOOSE to be reviled, persecuted, fired from the military, and in some cases savagely beaten to death -- in other words, be gay -- is met by 'conservative Republicans' with such rabid, savage hostility, then one could reasonably believe that their position and their associated rage is intended merely as a distraction from their own actions which are immoral, inhumane and even criminal (refer to first five paragraphs).

Hopeful again

Kitty from Akron, OH — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:17:44 EDT

I'm hopeful again.

This president, our President Barack Obama, is using reason and encouraging discourse. I do not agree with everything he is doing, but I see by his actions he is going about his decisions wisely.

Thank you, Mr. President.

You've been a long time coming.

A Dream about President Barack Obama

Jaya from Clarksburg, MD — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:13:10 EDT

I had a very weird dream tonight which really is putting smile to my face. I saw that I received a call from President Obama and when the phone was ringing, it was blinking "President calling". I picked up phone and asked, "Who is it"? From the other side President Obama started to speak something, and I interrupted that "oh sorry, I know you are president. Then the President started speaking that "I wanted to check on you, how you are doing since you lost job recently". I was surprised to know that President is calling everyone who has lost job. I said 'I'm fine" and then I woke up. I just don't get this dream why I saw it. But it was really good to get a call from President of USA. :-)

Barack Obama Gallery Of Visuals and Sounds

diggersstory — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 02:37:51 EST

Click here to visit my Barack Obama gallery

I tried to post some photo art on the blog but it doesn't work. So kindly click on the links to view these entertaining OB works of art.

Check out my Obama Easter Greets for you *here*

Click here for my Cranial Brain Drain vdo a crazy fun vdo re-mix and mashup of how my speedo mind works (included my week's visuals and audio stimuli.) Yes BO is on the vdo...YES INDEED.

BObama Commander

If you aren't overloaded yet. Check out the cute song Digger does with Dianah Washington. "Relax Max" With BObama on the cover art.

E N J O Y Increase the Peace and AmAzE yOUR world

The George W Bush Recession and Depression

Don — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:13:08 EST

We need to give credit where credit is deserved: NAME this economic crisis after the man most responsible for it's creation.

$10 trillion deficit is what we had at the end of the Bush administration. In eight years, Bush more than DOUBLED all the indebtedness America had accrued in more than 200 years.

This is more than a talking point, this is a necessary reminder that should be made every day, so that the notoriously SHORT memories of Americans shall be stimulated on a regular basis.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION

WEBMASTER — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:07:45 EST

USAservice.org International Registration
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58917909520

Join over 800 active non-partisan community leaders, organizers and national sponsors in helping our fellow citizens renew the United States of America.

http://www.whitehouse.gov - President Obama issued a call to non-partisan service and thousands have responded. Volunteers have already organized over 13,000 projects in all 50 states, repainting schools, mentor kids, collect canned food and donate blood.

At Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., thousands helped assemble more than 80,000 care packages for our military troops, while in Alexandria, Virginia the Blogfest raised funds for the Fisher House.

Please join with us in promoting USAservice.org -

1 ] Join this Facbook group.
2 ] Become a member of USAservice.org Registration
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58917909520
3 ] Click on "Invite other Community Leaders to Join" from menu on right.
4 ] Select your friends.
5 ] Click on "Send invitation"

All members agree to support the United States Constitution -
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/index.html

It's that simple. Thank you for joining USAservice.org!

-----------------------------------------------------
USAservice.org Registration Theme Song
American Prayer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVi4rUzf-0Q

David Apperson, Admin
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58917909520#/photo.php?pid=240582&id=1460623847
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AMERICA...the Pain Begins...TELL ME YOUR REALITY...tell me your story, I'll listen and reply...someone that really hears you and cares enough to respond to your thoughts, ideas, feelings and concerns...YOUR REALITY that YOU are LIVING WITH TODAY

Citizens for Change in America! — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:57:36 EST

JUST the Beginning... this is just beginning...it will not be going away...more people are hurting than anyone knows...now it is starting to openly show...rich, poor, middleclass, republican, democrat, independent, black, white, tan, red, pink or purple with pink pock-a-dots...it just doesn't really matter...the pain is broad and getting deeper daily...AMERICA must wake up and come out of this stopper... REALITY...America is in REAL PAIN... ALL AMERICANS...tell me your story and I will hear you! If you have a story...tell about the effect on you, your family, friends, neighbors, relatives... tell me about your story and the effect it is having...tell it to me today!

That Cartoon. An Update.

mathpol — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:27:38 EST

Here is the statement from Rupert Murdoch in Tuesday’s New York Post about “that cartoon”.“As the Chairman of the New York Post, I am ultimately responsible for what is printed in its pages. The buck stops with me.

Last week, we made a mistake. We ran a cartoon that offended many people. Today I want to personally apologize to any reader who felt offended, and even insulted.

Over the past couple of days, I have spoken to a number of people and I now better understand the hurt this cartoon has caused. At the same time, I have had conversations with Post editors about the situation and I can assure you - without a doubt - that the only intent of that cartoon was to mock a badly written piece of legislation. It was not meant to be racist, but unfortunately, it was interpreted by many as such.

We all hold the readers of the New York Post in high regard and I promise you that we will seek to be more attuned to the sensitivities of our community.”

I believe him. After all, the main author of the Stimulus package was Nancy Pelosi, so the chimp, in the cartoonist’s mind, was akin to one of those monkeys I referred to in my earlier post. It was too “overtly racist”, if you will, to refer to Obama. However, the key phrase in Murdoch’s statement is “sensitivities”. Old racist stereotypes die hard, and they are still alive in many people’s minds.

The Address To Congress

Khaidji — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:46:08 EST

I watched and was in absolute awe. President Obama seemed so warm and friendly even when delivering harsh, truthful facts. The doctor before he is able to deliver his remedy, first needs to inject a large, painful needle and so he ups his bedside manner to help you tolerate the pain. I saw the needle go in last night and there was scarcely a flinch. Since then I have heard some of the republicans try to dissect the speech and they have made some very pitiful assessments.

The Address To Congress

Tuesday night at 9:00pm was his address

He had the first joint session before the Congress

Economic challenges the Nation needed to face

And people needed to dispel underlying bias of race

Drive out the old standards and introduce the new

Do all it takes to usher in a fresh era’s debut

Responsibility and cooperation are foremost in his plan

Every citizen has a part to play and must do all they can

Students no longer will drop out from schools

Schools to be equipped with the best teaching tools

Tools including the best equipment and best teaching staff

Oratory genius spoke for an hour without a noticeable gaffe

Combining the Recovery Act, the Stability and Housing Plans

Obama will be meeting what the country demands

Necessary measures will be taken to stop economic downturns

Government will apply taxation to ensure every man earns

Runaway spending and fiscal deficits must come to an end

Economical health will be restored as global acceptance mend

Senators, Governors and all representatives must be accountable

Steering this Nation on its new course to Economical Survival

An Acrostic from The Bajan Poetry Society

THE TRUTH HURTS...reply

Citizens for Change in America! — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:37:56 EST

The Truth HURTS…
This economic problem has always been about choice…what you decided to do with your money in the past and in the future is your choice that you have everyday of your life…AMERICA faces these choices and ALL of the AMERICAN PEOPLE will have to decide…
FACT: you paid off your house
FACT: you paid off your car
FACT: you paid off you credit cards
FACT: you paid off your investments
FACT: you paid off your bills
FACT: you paid off your expenses
FACT: you paid off your children’s educational expenses
FACT: you paid off you children’s college bills
FACT: you paid off your taxes
FACT: you paid off everything
FACT: DID YOU REALLY PAY and then some…so everyone can do WHAT EVER they desire…even for WRONG THINGS…for other peoples houses, cars, sunroofs, tinted glass windows, gas, tires, trucks, options, investments, summer homes, time shares, tips, trips, vacations, heat, electricity, clothing, food, college, medical, insurance, stocks, interest, bank loans, credit card bills, EVEN WRONG business CHOICES…did you…make these choices…take these risks…live this lie of fake prosperity.
The banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies and government offices…
all are having fun making choices with other peoples money…
yes everyone…especially those that might be considered too big to fail?
REMEMBER the BASICS (part of the costs of doing business is loss in theft, shrink and bad accounts…this is in all business models as experts are taught by experts…PROFESSORS teaching MBA’s and CPA’s for CEO’s and Presidents)
All the experts…
take their pay for whatever good or bad decisions and answers they tell you…
TALK IS CHEAP…but YOU PAY for all the CHOICES
YOURS…THEIRS…and everyone else in between…
every person not living by the Facts…
but by the MYTH…
Is sold on the idea to fill up every living Mystical Fantasy and Desire…
that is the Prophecy of EXPERTS…
fed to the people on both ends of AMERICA
Economic and Political
FACE the MUSIC…
BROKE is BROKE…
Do not hand me your meal ticket…I did not eat your lunch!
I did not own your business, bank, brokerage company, bakery, battery company, best shop or basket case…
do not give me your bills…
I didn’t get any of your pleasures, profits or perks…
I didn’t benefit from any of your lavish life style…
I didn’t get any thing before…
I don’t want anything now…especially, not any of your bills!
YOU went broke…not me…
You didn’t pay any of my bills…
You didn’t worry about feeding my children or sending them to school…
YOU KEEP YOUR OWN choices to yourself this time too…
IT'S YOUR CHOICE to keep the TRUTH...
PAIN FREE!

AMERICA...tell me WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Citizens for Change in America! — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:07:56 EST

TELL ME...what are you doing?

I pay my bills...paid off my house and can not sell it...moved because my x-spouse took our child to another state...was not made to bring him back after two years of lawyers, judges and court systems (even though the state had laws against and prohibiting children being moved out of their state)...I had to move to be closer, involved and remain to be an active parent for my child and our society benefiting from this action...faced with having to use some of my retirement/401k funds and pay taxes and penalties because I am not yet 59 and 1/2 years of age...will be penalized for paying off my car…will be penalized for paying off my house...will be penalized now for the actions of needing money to pay bills and do what citizens are supposed to do, but can't sell my house in this tough economy (loose money) and having to sell stocks/investments (loose money) because there is no plan for me, no bailout for me, no help for me...

you have PAID the RICH...PAID the RICHER...PAID the RICHEST

WHAT ARE YOU REALLY DOING...

what did you do...

what will you do...

what do you do?

CALL ME if you really care...I will give you the full story, painful details, hardships and sacrifices I have had to make...

the question is real...the question is important...the question must be answered...

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

The Assassination Cartoon

Eric from Covina, CA — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 02:31:10 EST

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

The Assassination Cartoon

I’m all for freedom of speech, but there are limits. Along with freedom comes responsibility, and the New York Post demonstrated the complete absence of responsibility with the publication of their cartoon depicting the assassination of the President of the United States.

While freedom of speech and expression are indeed a cornerstone of American democracy, it is against the law to shout “fire” in a crowded theater–and with good reason. It is necessary for a free society to protect itself from those who don’t have the common sense to recognize that what they consider funny, or a practical joke, can get people killed. Thus, even in a free society it is sometimes necessary to jail a free citizen for behavior that amounts to criminal stupidity. While I’m not an attorney, I think they call it criminal negligence.

That New York Post Cartoon

mathpol — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 14:24:07 EST

First, the cartoon, by Sean Delonas.

Second, the response by the Post to the criticism it received.

THAT CARTOON

Wednesday's Page Six cartoon - caricaturing Monday's police shooting of a chimpanzee in Connecticut - has created considerable controversy.

It shows two police officers standing over the chimp's body: "They'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill," one officer says.

It was meant to mock an ineptly written federal stimulus bill.

Period.

But it has been taken as something else - as a depiction of President Obama, as a thinly veiled expression of racism.

This most certainly was not its intent; to those who were offended by the image, we apologize.

However, there are some in the media and in public life who have had differences with The Post in the past - and they see the incident as an opportunity for payback.

To them, no apology is due.

Sometimes a cartoon is just a cartoon - even as the opportunists seek to make it something else.

Third, my attempt to logically analyze this.

I should point out the difficulties in trying apply logic to what is written in newspapers, let alone newspaper cartoons, but here goes.

The Post said that the cartoon was meant to mock an ineptly written federal stimulus bill.

Surely the caption gave the strong impression that the dead chimpanzee represented in some way the writer(s) of said bill. Now there’s that old joke about if you had enough monkeys on typewriters, one would do Hamlet. By the same token, one would do the stimulus bill. Is that where the cartoonist was going? One dead chimp to a lot of (dead) monkeys?

Then there’s the Post’s disclaimer that their apology doesn’t apply to opportunists looking for payback. So their apology only applies to people who were genuinely offended, as opposed to those who are always looking for ways to be offended by the Post.

But let’s ask ourselves, who in fact wrote the Stimulus Bill. Evidently it was written by Congressional Democrats and their staffers (the monkeys?), with guidance from the White House. However, at the end of the day, if one name has to be attached to the bill, it is that of our president, Barack Obama, who just happens to be an African-American.

Enter stage right the longtime racist identification of black people with apes of various kinds. So was the chimpanzee, and a dead one at that, meant to represent our president? If so, we should bring on the Patriot Act.

End of my analysis. To paraphrase Fox News, I pontificate, you decide.

PS. I’m sure you’re dieing to know where I come down on this. I think that, subconsciously, the cartoonist associated Obama with an ape, though not a dead one. Such associations should really be banished, even from humor. They just aren’t funny, not to mention disrespectful. The New York Post has plenty of other ways to spread its venom.

How Can Anyone Say President Obama Isn't Significantly Different (and better)?

Steve Sulkin — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:05:27 EST

It's has been a while since I gave you an update on the Yes We Can (Change our Destiny) project. But it is alive and well.

First, my observations on the beginning of President Obama's term in office thus far.

How anyone can say that President Obama is just another politician, or doing a poor job, or off to a bad start (all lines I've read in the press) is beyond me.

Look at all he has already done. And look at just one element of what he has done, Recovery.gov.
http://www.recovery.gov/

Have you studied this yet? It's the website the administration created so that WE can track every dollar spent by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. When have you ever seen anything like this? This sort of transparency and accountability, in other words, this sort of honesty as opposed to lies.

So I ask you all to stand fervently behind our president. He needs you now more then ever. Can you feel the wind coming out of the sails of this presidency already, the lessening of passion and involvement? This is what I predicted, but I was not alone of course. Many of us feared this would happen. We need to fight back and spread the word so that we can once again recapture the phenomenon of the election, our own passion.
How do we do that?

By inspiring ourselves again first and then others.

I personally on occasion watch my own video, "Yes We Can (Change our Destiny)" to re-inspires myself, to remind me how I felt on November 4th. And it feels good.

Do that yourself, then pass this video on to others, along with this blog post. My hope is still, that this video can be seen by the administration, or by an "Oprah" like person, someone who can get this out there in a big way. I created this for the world, for no gain and it has been surprising how hard it has been to simply give this away, to be a philanthropist. Now that I can separate myself more from those that sought to glom on to the presidency prior to the inaugural in hopes of self-aggrandizing or gain at the inaugural, my hope is that someone will pass this on to someone (six degrees of separation theory) and this will truly get out there in a big way so as to inspire millions.

Don't forget that WE made this happen and WE can change our destiny and our world, but we must stay involved and remain impassioned.

YES WE CAN (CHANGE OUR DESTINY). Pass it on!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4srDYEPoqo

Bankers CAN be heroes -- No 'vetting' required

Don — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 03:01:53 EST

Senator Dodd went rogue and inserted some crazy stuff into the new law, so the President will need to be creative. Perhaps we are looking for HEROES to run our troubled banks. A lot of wealthy patriots have made great financial sacrifices to serve in the Obama Administration. Like-minded people who don’t want to go through the vetting process and insane pubic humiliation of being outed on every little tax related or other embarrassment can now serve their country without becoming federal employees but while still consenting to be paid wages not all that far above that.

Apply For A Job

Jill 4 Obama — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:42:14 EST

THE BRIEFING ROOM • THE BLOG
Thursday, February 12th, 2009 at 9:47 am

Apply for a job

We're happy to announce that the jobs application feature is now live on WhiteHouse.gov. The Jobs Application feature enables people everywhere to apply to be considered for a political appointment in President Obama's Administration. You can get to it by clicking on the "Jobs" link at the very bottom of each of the pages on WhiteHouse.gov.

That link will take you to a page which tells you a little bit more about the application process, with a a button at the bottom marked, "Begin Application Form." That’s where you fill out your information, upload a resume, and tell us what kinds of positions you’re interested in. But a quick heads up – you have to complete the application in one session, and it’s going to take you about 15 minutes to do it. So before you start, you might want to print the Paper Application, gather up the information you’ll need, then sign back in.

We’re looking to fill several thousand politically appointed positions in the Executive Branch. We’re already interviewing for many of the upper level positions, but will be reviewing applications and making decisions on appointments over the next few months. Remember, the WhiteHouse.gov jobs application is just for politically appointed positions in the Executive Branch of the government. These are positions that serve at the pleasure of the President and so are by definition temporary, not permanent. We have received more than 350,000 applications to date for several thousand positions; the selection process is very competitive and rigorous. For more information on these types of appointments, click on the Executive Branch link on the "Our Government" page of WhiteHouse.gov, or check out the Plum Book. (We also encourage you to look at the many thousands of permanent career positions with the government. Go to USAJobs.gov for more information and to fill out an application.)

If you already submitted an application to Change.gov, you don’t need to submit a new one. All applications from Change.gov have been brought into the White House applicant database and are currently being used to search for candidates.

A number of people have asked whether they can update an application. If you want to modify an application you submitted to Change.gov or WhiteHouse.gov, you will need to submit a brand new application to WhiteHouse.gov. The security requirements of the White House technology environment will not permit applicants to retrieve and modify already-submitted applications.

If you have skills and a desire for public service, check out the WhiteHouse.gov jobs page USAJobs.gov (career positions) and tell us about yourself.

Gregg: Is This Petty Partisan Politics

Don — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:47:23 EST

I see nothing different Obama has said or done since 2004 and today -- perhaps Gregg's understanding of it morphed overnight between the time he was begging for the job and yesterday, when it came time to vote on the stimulus plan. Gregg seems to claim otherwise.

Obama should have known Gregg either hasn't the courage of his convictions or , far more likely, hasn't got any deeply held beliefs other than politics. We demand omniscience! How DARE the President not realize a man like Gregg would say anything to further his own personal ambitions?

There's something wrong with a vetting process that cannot discern that a politically savvy adult who somehow got himself repeatedly elected to the US Senate would claim to have turned his back on Petty Partisan Politics but actually lack the moral fortitude to stand by his decision.

Before Affirmative Action

Ivan from Christiansted, VI — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:57:21 EST

I can remember growing up in the 50’s, when our communities were more self-sufficient. To me, Affirmative Action divided and destroyed what semblance of togetherness we had as a people. Affirmative Action was designed to Window Dress, creating a crabs in the barrel black society.

Affirmative Action is kinda like the Pyramid schemes. Most of those educated and skilled, who understood the scam, took advantage of the opportunity. They were the ones, who were serving as role models, that began moving on up and out of the neighborhoods.

When Malcolm talked of self-sufficiency, he was accused of separatism. The reality is that within the 50 states we are many nations in one nation. During this presidential campaign it was made clear that family and social values were paramount in connecting with candidates. We African Americans are a family and it is time that we begin working toward our own families’ interests. “Charity begins at home”, is not separatism nor selfishness. The neglecting of ourselves and relying on others to provide for us, nurtures that negative perception other families have of our community.

Until we as a people take ownership of our own financial, political and social destiny we will be seen as not deserving of others’ respect. Today it is not a whole lot about fighting for our rights: it is more of how we should exercise our rights. For one, making sure that we are being treated fairly with the allocation of government contracts, loans, grants, scholarships, etc. and with the contracting of capital improvement projects. With a unified voice some of these infrastructure projects will be developed and buil[t]d by us in our communities.

This new world market, which can only expand, provides opportunities that abound; we have family and in-laws around the world, and when the companies and industries begin finding that potential clients and customers are looking to patronize businesses that are more reflective of their family members, those qualified will be in high demand and will be represented from the top executives to the receptionist.

Those of us who are more fortunate should become entrepreneurs in revitalizing our communities. We as a family need to get out of debt and pool our resources, and make our children, our elders and the legacy of our Ancestors, Proud!

Ivan Butcher II

Michelle Obama

Jill 4 Obama — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:48:57 EST

‘Mom in Chief’ Touches on Policy, and Tongues Wag Brendan Smialowski for The New York Times

Michelle Obama speaking Wednesday to employees of the Housing and Urban Affairs Department, part of her tour to get to know Washington.

By RACHEL L. SWARNS Published: February 7, 2009

WASHINGTON — The government workers greeted Michelle Obama like a Hollywood celebrity, whooping and cheering and oohing and aahing over her slate gray power suit. But when she took to the podium, the nation’s self-described mom in chief quickly turned policy wonk.

Related Times Topics: Michelle Obama Blog The Caucus

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Mrs. Obama met well-wishers last month after having lunch with Adrian M. Fenty, the mayor of Washington, and his wife.

The first lady pitched her husband’s economic stimulus package, including plans to create 15,000 affordable housing units, weatherize 2 million low-income homes and repair military housing. Such investments, Mrs. Obama told employees at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, would prevent “an increase in homelessness during these tough economic times.”

In her first weeks in the White House, Mrs. Obama has been the gracious hostess and loyal spouse, welcoming visitors to the Executive Mansion and accompanying President Obama to a prayer breakfast and to a charter school to read to second graders. But in a departure from her predecessor, Mrs. Obama has also begun promoting bills that support her husband’s policy priorities.

Last month, Mrs. Obama celebrated the enacting of a pay-equity law with a reception for women’s advocates at the White House. Last week, she supported the economic stimulus bill on her visit to the housing agency and another to the Department of Education.

Mrs. Obama plans to visit all the cabinet-level agencies on her tour to listen to and get to know Washington in the coming weeks, her aides say. They said she relished the chance to serve as one of the president’s chief surrogates on critical policy matters.

“One of the things she does really well is to highlight the benefits of pieces of legislation,” said Jackie Norris, Mrs. Obama’s chief of staff. “She’s really kind of laying out things that are important to the administration. I think she’ll play an active role in supporting the president’s agenda.”

It is a notably different approach than the one embraced by the former first lady, Laura Bush, who like most others steered clear of discussing legislation. Some observers praised Mrs. Obama’s foray into the legislative debate, saying the new first lady, who is a Harvard-educated lawyer and a former hospital executive, was eminently qualified to promote the president’s policies.

Others expressed surprise, saying they had expected Mrs. Obama to focus on her daughters and on the traditional issues she had emphasized in the presidential campaign, like supporting military families and working parents. Her remarks, they said, carried echoes of former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, though Mrs. Obama has said she will not become involved in policymaking as Mrs. Clinton did.

“She went to some lengths to say she was going to be first mom in chief,” Myra Gutin, a scholar of first ladies at Rider University in New Jersey, said of Mrs. Obama. “I don’t think we ever really imagined her edging toward public policy like this. It’s not like she’s making public policy. But it’s a little less neutral than some of the other things she’s talked about focusing on.”

Marcia D. Greenberger, co-president of the National Women’s Law Center here, countered that Mrs. Obama was successfully balancing her ceremonial role as first lady, her role as a mother and her keen interest in public policy.

“It seems like a combination of responsibilities that fit very naturally with who she is,” said Ms. Greenberger, who attended the signing of the pay-equity law at the White House. “You don’t have a sense that being a mom and being human and being able to understand everybody’s daily struggles has to come at the expense of her intelligence, her expertise and her understanding of the issues.”

Mrs. Obama’s aides say she is still feeling her way as first lady. She is meeting regularly with her staff to plan events and hammer out her policy agenda even as she juggles play dates and goes over homework with her daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7. (And yes, Mrs. Obama, like her husband, is keeping her BlackBerry.)

When Mr. Obama stood alongside members of Congress in a White House ceremony to celebrate the signing of the pay-equity legislation, Mrs. Obama found a seat in the audience with the women’s advocates, not on stage with the lawmakers.

And in her speech at the Education Department last week, Mrs. Obama quickly corrected herself when she used the word “we” to describe the educational investments the president hoped to make. “I shouldn’t say ‘we,’ but the administration ‘we,’ ” she said.

Her speeches to government employees have been warm and rousing, something akin to pep rallies, first lady style, as she has thanked them for their work. “I’m visiting — trying to visit all the agencies here to say a few things — one, to say hello,” Mrs. Obama said as the crowd roared back, “Hello!”

Indeed, Mrs. Obama seems to savor her role as a bridge between the White House and the community. Last week, she took time to hug, shake hands with and speak to dozens of government employees — from administrative assistants to agency heads — some of whom said they came close to tears at the sight of her. (“I got a hug!” one woman shouted jubilantly. “I got a hug!”)

Mrs. Obama plans to continue honing her message, her aides say. But she is also eager to get out of the White House and into the city.

Last week, she took her staff to lunch at Five Guys Burgers and Fries, where she had a cheeseburger, French fries and a Coke.

And when a little girl at the charter school visited by the Obamas announced that she dreamed of becoming first lady, Mrs. Obama flashed her self-deprecating wit. “It doesn’t pay much,” she advised.

Mr. President – I’ve got your back.

Andr�a- (You've called him everything else- now call him Mr. President!) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:36:36 EST

Dear President Obama,

Let me begin by saying- I’ve got your back. I know that change does not come easily- especially to places like Washington DC. If it were so very easy it would have been done already. I will not lose faith in your ability to make a difference in this country; just like I will not lose faith in my ability. I understand that your job is hard. It is a balancing act. You must show yourself as a leader while at the same time deal with some of your former windbag colleagues. It must be a challenge to have to contend with people who are so angry that you beat them at their own game that they would rather hijack this country than work with you to make it better.

I was touched when you said that the increasing numbers of unemployed people are what keep you up at night. It seems that you actually care about this country and its people. It seems that you realize that this is not a game. This is not a time for petty politics. This is not an extension of November 4, 2008. That day is over- you won and we the people of the United States won as well.

I will continue to pray for you and your administrations because the forces of evil are ready to pounce upon it. Evil cannot stand a threat to its nature and you Mr. President are just that- a threat to the status quo. You have challenged us to think outside of the box and because of that many more of us are watching what is going on in Washington with a vested interest. We will not sit by as Armchair Admirals yelling that the TV set. We have the power of the pen, the blog, and yes the ballot box.

Thank you Mr. President for being the thoughtful, decent, and sincere human being that you are. Keep God first and you can NEVER go wrong. It will all work out.

Obama's Our Man !!

Nick Clayton, cssc — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:42:47 EST

I am a 59 year old African American male. I am a native of Houston, TX. I am a Minister of the Gospels and I am also President/CEO of a Settlement Consulting firm.

Although, I am an African American, and Barack Obama is African American, that is not the reason that I supported Barack Obama for President of the United States.

I supported Obama for President because as he spoke on the various issues that confront America, and as I watched him again and again address the American public, I saw something that I hadn't seen since President John Kennedy. I saw a man who didn't just desire to be President OF America, instead, I saw a man who desired to be President FOR America.

Investing in Our Country's Infrastructure

Jill 4 Obama — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:26:30 EST

THE BRIEFING ROOM
Thursday, February 5th, 2009 at 12:00 am Vice President Biden: "400,000 Jobs to Be Created Nationwide by Investing in our Country's Infrastructure" THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2009

Vice President Biden: "400,000 Jobs to Be Created Nationwide by Investing in our Country’s Infrastructure"

Washington, DC – After touring the Laurel, Maryland MARC Train Station, one of the thousands of rail and commuter stations all across the country in dire need of improvements, Vice President Joe Biden discussed why we must invest in our nation’s infrastructure in order to build a 21st century economy. He was joined by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The Vice President said that 400,000 jobs will be created over the next two years nationwide if we invest in improving and upgrading our nation’s infrastructure, including mass transit systems, highways, bridges and ports. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan includes the largest investment increase – at least $100 billion – in our nation’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges and mass transit systems, since the creation of the national highway system in the 1950s.

The White House released the following report to illustrate, using Maryland as a case study example, the impact investing in infrastructure will have on our nation. Please find this report included below.

###

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan
Creating Good Jobs by Modernizing Our Infrastructure

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan is a nationwide effort to create jobs, jumpstart growth and transform our economy for the 21st century. Across the country, this plan will help businesses create jobs and families afford their bills while laying a foundation for future economic growth in key areas like health care, clean energy, education and a 21st century infrastructure.

NATIONAL Impact of Infrastructure Investments

A key driver of job creation in the Recovery and Reinvestment Plan is the largest investment in America’s crumbling roads, bridges and transit lines since the creation of the national highway system. The infrastructure investments in the plan are designed to fund ready-to-go projects that can get money out into the economy quickly, while addressing longstanding infrastructure backlogs that are creating security risks for our citizens and a drag on economic growth.

· At least $100 billion to improve and upgrade our nation’s infrastructure, including mass transit systems, our highways, bridges and ports. [Source: White House Estimate]

· Create or save 400,000 jobs over the next two years. Jobs will be created by improving our mass transit systems, rebuilding roads, bridges, waterways, ports and more. [Source: White House Estimate based on Romer and Bernstein, "The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan." January 9, 2009.]

MARYLAND Impact of Infrastructure Investments
This historic infrastructure investment will provide direct, immediate support to Maryland, including:

· At least $400 million to improve Maryland’s highways, $100 million to upgrade and expand transit systems in Maryland and $150 million to invest in water and sewer projects in the state. [Source: White House Estimate]

· Funding sufficient to modernize at least 138 schools in Maryland so our children have the labs, classrooms and libraries they need to compete in the 21st century economy. [Source: White House Estimate]

NATIONAL OVERALL IMPACT OF THE AMERICAN
RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT PLAN

The recovery plan will create and save jobs in the near future while addressing long-term needs that are critical to laying the foundation for a strong economic future. Specifically it will:

· Create or save 3 to 4 million jobs over the next two years. Independent analyses by Macroeconomic Advisers and Moody’s have confirmed that the recovery plan will meet this jobs goal.[1] Jobs created will be in a range of industries from clean energy to health care, with over 90% in the private sector.[2]

· Spend out at least 75% of the package in the first 18 months after passage. By including major fast-spending provisions like tax cuts for middle class families, measures to avoid state health care cuts, and temporary expansions of unemployment insurance, food stamps and health care for unemployed workers, the package will spend out at least 75% of its total commitment within the first 18 months after passage. The Administration will work with Congress to refine this package to ensure that it meets this 75% goal.

· Double renewable energy generating capacity over three years, creating enough renewable energy to power 6 million American homes.

· Computerize every American’s health record in five years, reducing medical errors and saving billions of dollars in health care costs.

· Launch the most ambitious school modernization program on record, sufficient to upgrade 10,000 schools.

· Enact the largest investment increase in our nation’s roads, bridges and mass transit systems since the creation of the national highway system in the 1950.

Maryland Overall Impact OF THE RECOVERY PLAN:
The national economic crisis has devastated states across the country, and Maryland is no exception. Unemployment in Maryland is at a 15 year high, up 60 percent over the past year. In just the last four months, the state has lost more than 30,000 jobs. The recovery and reinvestment plan is urgently needed to help stem this downturn and jumpstart job creation across the state. Overall, the plan will:

· Create or save 70,000 jobs over the next two years. Jobs created will be in a range of industries from clean energy to health care, with over 90% in the private sector. [Source: White House Estimate based on Romer and Bernstein, "The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan." January 9, 2009.]

· Jobs created or saved include about 9,500 in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, which includes Laurel.

· Provide a Making Work Pay tax cut of up to $1,000 for 2,210,000 Maryland workers and their families. The plan will make a down payment on the President’s Making Work Pay tax cut for 95% of workers and their families, designed to pay out immediately into workers’ paychecks. [Source: White House Estimate based on IRS Statistics of Income]

[1 Macroeconomic Advisers, "Fiscal Stimulus to the Rescue?" January 15, 2009; Zandi, Mark. "The Economic Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act," Moody’s Economy.com, January 21, 2009. Available at: http://www.economy.com/mark-zandi/documents/Economic_Stimulus_House_Plan_012109.pdf. ] [2 Romer, Christina and Jared Bernstein. "The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan." January 9, 2009. Available at: http://otrans.3cdn.net/45593e8ecbd339d074_l3m6bt1te.pdf. ]

USA SERVICE INTERNET TRAINING

WEBMASTER — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:25:22 EST

INTERNET USER TRAINING

If you are interested in community service and would like to learn how you can network with others utilizing the Internet then register here.

David Apperson will be traveling the country promoting USAservice.org Registration while helping state coordinators organize community leaders, advocates and volunteers in the use of grassroots Internet interaction.

Training with be in 48 continental United States from 25 May 2009 through 3 Sept 2009, with a party and celebration on 11 Nov 2009. see INTERNET USER TRAINING

Locations for training and celebration yet to be determined but will be posted on usaservice.org once the schedule is complete -

Facebook - USAservice.org Registration
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58917909520

source: http://go.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxLzF

Barack Obama Leads the Charge: Let's Fight Back, Folks!

N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:09:31 EST

Barack obama's speech at the Energy Department on Thursday, 05 FEB 09, was a real display of leadership from the front. Our Economic Commander-in-Chief gave us the words we should use to fight back against reactionary Republicans trying to torpedo our economic recovery plan...

Our Defining Moment

Hiphop4Barack — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:35:19 EST

Jasiri X is a Dope M.C.!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czDcBivYkH8

The Season Finale of This Week With Jasiri X, Season 2

Each Episode Of "This Week With Jasiri X" features Your Hip-hop News Anchor Jasiri X reporting the National news over the hottest beats.

For weeks Jasiri X has provided a rapidly growing internet audience with a most creative and interesting delivery of the weekly news. Using lyrical skills, controversial subject matter, and phat beats, Jasiri X shows and proves that real Hip-hop is not in the least bit dead.

Chuck D of Public Enemy once boldly declared that "Hip-hop was the CNN of the ghetto", no artist has better embraced and embodied that concept than Jasiri X.

The OBAMA Generation

Monika — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:58:34 EST

Generation "O" Main Blog & Unique "O" Wear/Gear @ Generation O on Zazzle

Hi, I'm new here...wish I had found this site sooner, but better late than never.

Looking for possible ways to get more involved in the process of making our world a better place alongside people in my community...ya know, to get in where I fit in.

Still learning my way around this site...

Read y'all later,

Monika

Stimulus Package

Marie — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:01:06 EST

I am a dyed inteh Wool Democrat, as my grandfather was, and his father. But I have to say, I am dissaponted already

I read the Economic Stimulus Bill, it is a thiny veiled pay back to the Big Business Contributors for your campaign. .

I thought the republicans left

Train Ride To Hope (An Inauguration Day Poem)

Sistah Joy — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:42:41 EST

A 7:30 A.M. train ride
Inaugurated by a commemorative fare card
Bearing the likeness of a man
Who believed in hope and change
Maybe the time had come
For a nation whose yesterday
Spurned right at its own peril
A nation that, despite dreams and visions
Proclaimed before broad witness in light of day
Rejected truth 'til civil disarray
Dictated that only change could counter catastrophe
Perhaps this would be the train ride
To usher that nation
To the dawn of a new day

A sea of humanity
Like ants, satellite images would depict dots
Blurred into huddles to become muddled masses
I was proud to be one of the millions
Knowing I had neither ticket nor hope of
Seeing anything more than jumbotrons
I trudged on
Under the 3rd Street tunnel
Loosing, early in the day, Beverly and Jayne,
My comrades in arms
But I moved on
This is my hometown, I know this place
Placing phone calls of reassurance
When intermittent phone service allowed
I pressed on
Moving from one undesignated
Vantage point to another
Both the Blue Gate and the Silver Capital viewing area
Were inaccessible
But how could they close The Mall
The entire Mall?

But my guardian angels were on it!
Like the pride, yearning and desperate belief
Of all who withstood the frigid cold
Even the batteries of Chicky’s hand-held
Neon orange radio knew not to fade
Sylvia’s ungloved hand must have been frozen
As she held the small prize just above our heads
Standing behind me Jasmine asked if I could
Move just a bit to the side
So she too could hear
We each prayed for a clear signal
Sylvia said a glove would restrict digital dexterity
As she deftly rotated the dial with precision
Not chancing to miss a single word
That would mark this moment in history
So it was to be
This anointed neon orange electronic device
Clearly appointed by Divine providence
To appear next to me
Whether held in Sylvia’s hand or God’s
Did the job of unseen jumbotrons

The four of us fellowshipped and communed
We were from DC, Colorado and Texas
Sisters of different generations and races
Silently sharing tears as Aretha sang
Sharing hugs and hopes as we listened
To introductions, oaths and speeches
Believing the words we heard
On a small radio would take us
Beyond Metro stops,
Malls and trains
Knowing that on this day
Hope had transported a people
To a place where they believed
That the time for change had come

Republicans Wants the Problem?

Denise — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:03:05 EST

I don't get it, President Obama has inherited total chaos created by republicans now they refuse to to lend a helping hand to restore the economy. The demand for tax cuts benefits them only, while demanding removal of items from the stimulus package that benefits everyone. The time has come to move away from ideological nonsense.

Our nation, our world has changed and this change will not slow nor stop for anyone. Why should progress stop because of "some". These very ideals have kept the U.S. divided since its' founding days. The condition of the world demands for all people to come together, get over thier differences, which are not different at all and rebuild for the sake of our World.

Does anyone really understand this?

Economic Recovery Plan (ERP)

"Voice for Humanity" — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:28:25 EST

It is obvious from the headlines and news editorials across the nation that the economy is in deep recession.

San Jose Mercury News January 31, 2009 – Thank you.

GDP plunges at 3.8%, worst slide in quarter century

Autos - Valley car sales hit 15-year low – and 2009 looks worse

Wall Street – Worst January ever as Dow drops 8.8% this month

Washington – bruising battle over stimulus, Obama acts to bolster labor

Mortgage crisis spreading to affluent areas.

Meanwhile – Exxon Mobil sets U.S. record; $45.2 billion annual profit.

World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland concludes that the world is dealing with financial crisis with no solutions.

——————————————————————————————————————–

Optimistic View

Despite such gloom and doom, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

A thorough review and analysis of the problems that primarily contributed to the current economic crisis is essential in understanding the fundamental cause of the present economic recession.

Then addressing each issue on priority basis including the failure of various stimulus packages by the previous administration must be an integral part of the remedial measures for the economic recovery.

It is common knowledge that the origin of the current recession stems from various sources,

1. Subprime mortgage crisis contributed to housing market decline.

2. The major components attributing to the decline in housing prices are foreclosures due to default homeowners and delinquencies in mortgage payments.

3. Financial institutions holding high-risk mortgage backed securities sought bailout of their insolvency with taxpayers’ generosity.

4. Banks and other financial institutions decided to stranglehold the credit market leading to liquidity freeze with an adverse effect on consumer based industry represented by small businesses, retail outlets, medium corporations and homeowners alike.

5. Small businesses, Retail industry and medium corporations as the foundations of the economic infrastructure could not survive or sustain growth in the absence of credit facilities blocked by the financial institutions.

6. As stated earlier on numerous occasions, the collapse of small businesses, retail industry and medium corporations have a domino effect on wholesale manufacturers ultimately owned by major corporations in any industry.

7. Hence, the layoffs triggered from the bottom of the economic pyramid spread across the aisle and all the way to the top affecting emerging and viable corporations in many sectors.

8. As a result, the unemployment rate went soaring up to 7.8% with most states reporting double digit in this respect.

9. The credit crunch combined with housing market crisis significantly hurt investor confidence and led to the selling frenzy of stocks and investments by short term and new investors in the stock market. In addition, the current static in the credit market and the general economy has forced average consumers to live off their investments and savings.

10. Despite, capital infusion through bailouts and consistent productivity by all industries, the dismal stock market performance is related to poor earnings from the sluggish consumer spending in the competitive market and globalized economy.

Therefore, Consumer spending is the catalyst for revival of the job sector and corporate growth with desired earnings eventually reflecting in the stock market performance.

———————————————————————————————————————

Primary Cause and Effect

Housing market crisis – Decline in housing prices due to Foreclosures, Delinquency in Mortgage Payments with no refinancing opportunities.

Liquidity freeze or Credit Crunch – Small businesses, Retail industry and Medium Corporations deprived of cash flow by banks and financial institutions declared bankruptcy and subsequently the manufacturing sectors as well as the large Corporations producing mass layoffs.

Inadequate Consumer spending – Because of rising unemployment and scarce financial resources with no access to home equity other than dwindling investments in savings and stock holdings.

Lack of Accountability and Transparency from previous bailouts – Wall Street bailout of $700 billion have not been followed through with Corporate executives rewarding themselves to a tune of $20 billion in extravagant bonuses and perks.

Inaction and dormant role by the Congressional Oversight Committee set up for overseeing the purpose of bailout i.e. activate lending to the deserving and qualified business sectors and homeowners has further exacerbated the credit crunch.

Alarming Deficit - Multi-trillion dollar deficit accumulated by the previous administration from excessive borrowings predominantly from China, Saudi Arabia and Japan precipitously diminished the dollar value in the international market.

GDP plunges because of trade imbalances and culmination of all of the above factors in the domestic front of the frail economy.

Financial Commitments – Funding two major wars in Iraq and Afghanistan exhausted the national treasury and reserves besides overshadowing the onset of economic recession at home.

Wasteful Spending - Some legislators’ penchant for pet projects aka pork barrel spending or earmarks to oblige excessive lobbying from campaign donors led to misappropriation of budget replacing funding for essential services benefiting children, disabled and mentally ill patients, senior citizens, veterans, youth population, retirees and all those at the bottom of the socio economic strata.

Ironically, budget is vigorously debated over matters that are counter-productive while ignoring the myopic view of issues…

Universal health care

Energy efficient programs

Overhauling of educational system particularly public schools, state and community colleges through adequate funding.

Effective environmental policies.

Investments in science and technology to advance research and development in the areas of stem cells, regenerative medicine and Genomics.

Creative Arts and learning with a broad perspective of cultural exchanges between nations.

Space exploration in search of knowledge and facts for humanitarian cause.

Channeling appropriation of funds towards Peace Corps to promote peace and diplomacy for national security as opposed to defense spending and proliferation of nuclear technology.

Veteran Affairs involving care and rehabilitation of combat forces during and post war period as well as extending housing, education and health care for their dependents.

Expansion of Sports and recreational activities for public schools and communities through federal funding to States as a measure to keep health care costs down.

An elaborate version will be presented on what federal and state governments can do for the citizens who are taxpayers, consumers and most importantly electorate in a democracy.

———————————————————————————————————————

Time for Action – Effective Strategies

Since the cause of the economic crises have been identified, it is time to address the problems with effective solutions i.e. strategies.

The nation desperately needs relief from the burgeoning crises:

Housing market crisis – Immediate measures required with a moratorium on foreclosures for two years supplemented with refinancing for default and delinquent mortgagees at the existing market rate or lower to adjust the deficiency in home value.

Liquidity Crisis or Credit Crunch – It is incumbent on the Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and the Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke along with Congress and the Congressional Oversight Committee to hold Wall Street accountable for the $700 billion taxpayers’ funds and demand they facilitate liquidity and honor the commitment to the taxpayers.

Failure to comply with the requirement should have implications such as sale of all those beneficiaries’ assets and financial instruments withheld as collateral during borrowing assuming the previous administration adhered to the regular lending practices particularly a bailout of this magnitude.

Corporations and legislators alike must be held accountable for their actions and inactions to demonstrate that no one is held above the law in the land of republic.

Consumer Spending – President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package for $819 billion passed by Congress and now the proposed package worth $867 billion for Senate approval deserves attention and action.

As discussed above, consumer spending is vital and instrumental to stimulate economy.

Again, consumers as victims of mass layoffs, debilitating job market, volatile stock market, and declining housing market have nothing to rely upon for income normally used in purchase of goods and services.

The cash strapped economy has evolved into a stagnant quagmire with disastrous consequences. It is imperative to relieve the economy with necessary tools that are contained in President Obama’s stimulus package.

President Barack Obama has unveiled the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to revive the economy by easing the burden on consumers with debts, failing small businesses as well as Corporations in requirement of capital investment.

President Barack Obama during his weekly radio address acknowledged the urgency to get credit flowing again to families and businesses. The President further promised to help lower mortgage costs and extend loans to small businesses so they can create jobs.

The administration, the president said, would ensure that chief executives “are not draining funds that should be advancing our recovery,” and the assistance to the financial system would be accompanied by “unprecedented transparency, rigorous oversight and clear accountability, so taxpayers know how their money is being spent and whether it is achieving results.”

The President was empathetic towards homeowners, students and small businesses in need of loans but left to fend on their own while Banks have been extended a hand with a bailout.

There is obviously a stark contrast in the objectives between the stimulus package of last year and the current one by President Barack Obama.

According to an article by New York Times on this issue – “The previous administration’s The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) was supposed to be used up to buy the banks’ troubled mortgage-related assets. But, the Bush administration’s Treasury Department shifted gears, using the program instead to shore up the banks by injecting them with capital.

But instead of being inspired to lend more, too many banks hoarded their new capital, critics of the financial industry say.”

President Obama is seriously committed towards alleviating the suffering of ordinary citizens with necessary tax breaks of $500 for individuals and $1000 per family and tax incentives to small businesses including corporations with limited resources.

The Obama administration’s economic stimulus package has specific targets to bolster the economy and welcome sharing of public concerns on issues related to jobs, business, mortgage situation…

Since the commencement of his Presidency, the President has pledged support for the victims of the worst economic crisis. It is apparent from the actions taken within short period of the President assuming office.

The new millennium has brought series of disasters on our nation with the economy hitting rock bottom. There are undeniable challenges ahead and it requires the entire nation to come together in resolving every crisis.

Even though, a new President was elected on the message of hope and change , it is the responsibility of every citizen and particularly the legislators as representatives of their constituents to act immediately in the approval of the proposed stimulus package.

Any procrastination will only lead to further deterioration of the worsening economy. It is not the time for partisan politics as the stakes are high with too many unfortunate events unfolding as time goes by.

The victims are none other than the electorate entrusting power to their legislators for action on normalization of job, stock and housing market.

——————————————————————————————————————–

Summary of Economic Recovery Plan

President Barack Obama’s stimulus package is essential to revive consumer spending, housing market, job market and corporate growth directly influencing stock market performance.

It is important to ensure that pork barrel spending does not find its way in this stimulus package during deliberation by reluctant policymakers.

Economic recovery is inevitable with discipline, determination and drive –

To eliminate or minimize costs proven liabilities.

Strategic planning and monitoring through rigorous oversight.

Implementation of effective policies with guaranteed results.

Targeting problems with efficient programs.

Restoration and preservation of jobs through investments benefiting the workforce.

Reviewing tax structures to create incentives for business sectors dealing with liquidity crisis.

At the same time closing any gaps or loopholes for tax evasions by corporations and legislators.

Relieving homeowners with appropriate measures as suggested above.

Reform of institutions lacking in ethics and moral conduct.

Enforcement of law and order with consequences for non-compliance regardless of hierarchy.

Conscientious effort to reduce deficit by restraining overseas borrowing and commitment towards domestic economic growth within a specified timeframe.

Pursuit of common goals and objectives via collective action is important reflecting every individual’s desire to succeed in all endeavors.

Our nation provided opportunities, prosperity and happiness during economic boom and now it is the moment for all citizens to collaborate and help our newly elected President Barack Obama execute the tasks required for speedy economic recovery.

The fate of our nation is hanging in balance from the monumental crises and legislators in the Senate have an awesome responsibility to move forward and approve the economic stimulus package proposed by President Barack Obama to avert more calamities.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Homeless, Due To A Conspiracy To Violate Civil Rights, Obstruct Justice And Harass

VERNON BALMER JR. — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:28:35 EST

I am submitting this to various individuals, agencies, and institutions, in hopes that it will get to someone that can and will do something to bring justice to this matter.

King George II

Jedidiah Palosaari — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:12:18 EST

When I lived in Morocco, I used to joke that I preferred my current king (Mohammed VI) to my former one in the US. As with all humor, it has the grain of truth- in this case a healthy boulder of it. George Bush repeatedly asserted his authority under the Unitary Presidential Theory that Cheney invented, which stated basically that a President can do whatever he wants, because his oath of office to defend the country outweighs the constitution. (If you recognize this idea from the Frost/Nixon movie, congratulate yourself on pulling together current affairs and film. Cheney came up with this idea back when he was working for Nixon.) After the 2000 elections, and everything George II did after that, many of us were unsure if he would go quietly into that good night; if he wouldn't find some sneaky way of claiming he had a right to stay in office. We were overjoyed when it actually worked, and he stepped down from power.

Overjoyed too soon, it would seem.

For it now turns out that Bush had another card up his sleeve. Although he asserted signing statements to reinterpret congressional laws (and incidentally the meaning of "executive" and "legislative") and executive privilege to a ridiculous degree, a hundred-fold any previous President, no one expected him to continue to do so after he stepped down. But indeed, he now has. For before he was ousted, he told Karl Rove to ignore any subpoenas from Congress. This is unheard of. Evidently, Bush feels he is still royalty, and can continue to issue decrees for anything that might happen in the future!

Keep in mind, asserting executive privilege does not have the force of law. It isn't as if Bush created a law that must be followed or overturned by congress. Nor is his assertion of privilege without controversy. Indeed, the vast majority of constitutional lawyers (with the significant exception of those who worked for Bush) think he overasserted himself in his continual decree that his supporters did not have to be interviewed by congress.

How we would love to move on. How we would love to stop pointing out the acts of injustice by the Bush administration, and focus on changing this country and the world under Obama. But Bush refuses to allow us to do so. One wonders what would happen if Obama directs Rove to honor the subpoena. Would Rove argue that his commitment was to the former President, regardless, and he must obey him? Or would Rove actually give the sitting President Presidential authority? After all, that was what Bush/Cheney argued for continuously- the President has absolute authority. Or when they said that, did they just mean Bush/Cheney?

Say it with me. President Obama.

Jedidiah Palosaari — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:58:24 EST

George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
James Monroe
John Quincy Adams
Andrew Jackson
Martin Van Buren
William Harrison
James Polk
Zachary Taylor
Millard Fillmore
Franklin Pierce
James Buchanan
Abraham Lincoln
Andrew Johnson
Ulysses Grant
Rutherford Hayes
James Garfield
Chester Arthur
Grover Cleveland
Benjamin Harrison
Grover Cleveland
William McKinley
Theodore Roosevelt
William Taft
Woodrow Wilson
Warren Harding
Calvin Coolidge
Herbert Hoover
Franklin Roosevelt
Harry Truman
Dwight Eisenhower
John Kennedy
Lyndon Johnson
Richard Nixon
Gerald Ford
Jimmy Carter
Ronald Reagan
George Herbert Bush
Bill Clinton
George Walker Bush
Barack Obama

Praise God, that I now live in a country with a black man as President. Who would have thought it possible, 100 years ago, 50 years ago, or even 5 years ago? I had thought I'd be old and gray before I'd live to see this day. I'd have thought we'd have to wait till we are a minority-white nation in 2055. Instead, we may be the first majority-white nation in modern history to elect a person of colour.

Truly now, all things are made new. We will now speak of President Obama, a President with an African and Arab name. We will now look to our leader as a person of colour, one with connections for the first time with the 2/3rds World. Children of colour across this country will now look up and see that they can do anything. Other nations will look on us and realize this is a nation they can relate to. They will realize that, now, we truly are the land of the free, the home of the brave.

Oh brave new world, that has such people in it.

Dear Mr.President, Practice what you preach !.

R.Alamsha — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:15:01 EST

Dear Mr.President

You talk so well and we all believed that finally "US of A" has got a human being as President and not an animal. But of late, we are loosing our faith in your actions. Being the son of an African black slave, whose forefathers have suffered under suppression, descrimination and injustice for 400 years, we thought you will understand what your nation has done to the Muslims. But, Isarel had been killing 1000's of Palestinians and continues to kill every day right under your nose, you have decided not to speak a single word against Israel but you have shocked the entire world by extending your full support for Israel. You claim to be a church going Christian and what are you going to say in front of Jesus, next time you visit the church?.

By your actions, you look like another wolf in sheep's clothing. Better, for a CHANGE, try to practice what you preach. Otherwise, you will be doing a great injustice for your own black race and they will be pushed again back to slavery for another 400 years.

Google visits President Obama

Lisa Holmes - Obama Precinct Captain #3361 — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:06:38 EST

President Barack Obama sits with Google Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt during meeting with business leaders to discuss the economy, Wednesday,Jan. 28, 2009, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington. Seated at rear, from left are: Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Carol Browner; White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, senior adviser Valerie Jarrett; and chief economic adviser Larry Summers. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Google CEO Eric Schmidt Discusses President Obama's Business Sit Down

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 | Late today President Obama's economic recovery package cleared the House of Representatives. Now, the hope is that it will be signed into law before Presidents' Day holiday. To build support for that plan, President Obama summoned business leaders to the White House where he told them the nation demands swift and bold action to create jobs. Google's Eric Schmidt was one of the CEO's meeting with Obama today. Darren Gersh spoke with Schmidt shortly after that session and began by asking him for his take on the Obama meeting.

ERIC SCHMIDT, CHAIRMAN & CEO, GOOGLE: This is a president in a hurry. This is a president who wants to make things happen very, very quickly. He's been around for a week. He's calling people saying what do you think? What do you want to get done? In this particular group, he was interested in what the actual business situation and it's not good and that was the report that we gave to the president.

DARREN GERSH, NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT CORRESPONDENT: It's interesting because he used the word sober to talk about the tone in the meeting. My take away from that was that the message you guys gave him was that this recession is gathering momentum, that the downturn is accelerating. Is that correct? Is that what you were telling him?

SCHMIDT: There's a whole bunch of people who see their businesses getting worse or worried about it getting worse and they're getting ready to deal with that. There's a feeling that the government needs to act quickly. And if it doesn't act quickly, it will get worse. We don't really know. It's certainly not getting better.

GERSH: In terms of the government acting quickly though, there is a big stimulus plan going. Some people say it's too small. It looks like a lot of that money won't get spent until towards the fall and maybe a little lop-over into the next fiscal year which starts in October for the Federal government. Is that too slow? Were people concerned about that?

SCHMIDT: From the CEO perspective, anything that slows things down is a problem. The stimulus package is a two-year cycle. Everything is supposed to get done within two years. Obviously within that two-year period the earlier the better. A lot of the money though goes, remember, the state and local governments which can spend it very quickly and also for unemployment and so forth which is stimulative.