Week Twenty-Two

National Scene    6/24-6/30/2009

By Linnie Frank Bailey

As the first half of the year ends, the Administration can look back on significant efforts to get America back on track, including -- an economic stimulus, a revamped energy policy, the beginnings of health care reform, and a new approach to international relations.  Moreover, the following legislation has been passed and signed by President Barack Obama in 2009:

1. Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act – (fair pay for women)  Signed: January 29, 2009 

2. Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act – (continue state program SCHIP)  Signed: February 4, 2009

3. DTV Delay Act – (delayed implementation of digital TV until June 2009)  Signed: February 11, 2009

4. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – (major economic stimulus bill)  Signed: February 17, 2009

5. Small Business Act Temporary Extension – (temporarily extends SBA programs)  Signed: March 20, 2009

6. Omnibus Public Lands Management Act – (public land conservation)  Signed: March 30, 2009

7. Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act – (increases and manages community service programs and funding)  Signed: April 21, 2009

8. Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act – (steps to end mortgage fraud and predatory lending)  Signed: May 20, 2009

9. Helping Families Save Their Homes Act – (steps to prevent foreclosures and rewrite mortgage loans)  Signed: May 20, 2009

10. Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act – (defense procurement reform)  Signed: May 22, 2009

11. Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 – (consumer credit protection)  Signed: May 22, 2009

12. Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act – (steps to prevent children and teens from smoking)  Signed: June 22, 2009

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Gets Easier

The cumbersome application process for college student financial aid has gotten a lot simpler with the newly redesigned FAFSA.  Fulfilling a campaign promise, the Obama Administration announced a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that will make it easier to apply for college financial aid. The changes are designed to increase college enrollment, particularly among low- and middle-income students. They include:

• Effective May 2009 -- instant estimates of Pell Grant and student loan eligibility, rather than forcing applicants to wait weeks. Links to graduation rates and other college information are also provided;
• Effective summer 2009 -- enhanced logic used in the new web-based FAFSA will reduce user navigation for many applicants.
• Effective January 2010 -- students applying for financial aid for the spring semester will be able to retrieve their relevant tax information from the IRS for easy completion of the online FAFSA.
• The Administration will seek authority from Congress to eliminate 26 financial questions from the FAFSA form that have little impact on aid awards and can be difficult to complete.

In addition, Whitehouse.gov lists the following activities the Administration has pursued to improve access to higher education and make it more affordable:

· Expanding Pell Grants and College Tax Credits: The Recovery Act increased Pell Grants by $500 to $5,350 for 2009-2010 and created the American Opportunity Tax Credit, a new $2,500 tax credit for four years of college tuition.

· Modernizing and Expanding the Perkins Loan Program: The President's 2010 Budget proposes to make this vital program available to over 2,600 additional schools and an estimated 2.7 million additional students each year. By providing an additional $5 billion in Perkins Loans and continuing the low five percent interest rate, President Obama hopes that the neediest of students will have access to federal financial resources they did not have before.

· Creating a New College Access and Completion Fund: In his 2010 budget proposal, President Obama proposes a five-year, $2.5 billion fund to build federal-state-local partnerships aimed at improving college access and completion, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

· To help families in special circumstances during these challenging economic times, the Administration sent a letter in early April to financial aid administrators reminding them of their authority to make adjustments, on a case-by-case basis, to address circumstances, such as unemployment, not reflected on the original application.

More information on financial aid for college is available at http://studentaid.ed.gov.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

President Addresses Immigration Reform

President Obama and Vice President Biden met with Congressional leaders to discuss immigration reform.  The bi-partisan group included Rep. Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas), Rep. Luis Guitierrez (D-Illinois), Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-New York), Rep. James Clyburn (D-South Carolina), Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont). The Administration indicated this is the first of more working meetings to come up with practical solutions to immigration problems. President Obama also announced a new website that will allow immigrant applicants to get updates on the status of their applications online, or via e-mail or text message.

Summer Community Service – “United We Serve”

The Administration’s summer community service project—“United We Serve” continues until the National Day of Service on September 11, 2009.  The First Family participated in packing backpacks for children of our armed forces at Fort McNair in D.C. The First Family was joined by several members of Congress and their families, with the goal of packing 15,000 backpacks for the children to bring with them to camp. The backpacks were filled with letters, healthy snacks, Frisbees, and a Bo Jackson baseball card!

The President encouraged all American families to get involved with community service, saying:  “We want to ask every American to take some time out this summer to do something for others.  Parents, take your kids….once a week, take them down -- whether it's to a soup kitchen or to volunteer on a community project -- teach them what it means to be a real citizen.  You'll find that actually the kids love it, and it's going to make a lasting impression on them.” 

Friday, June 26, 2009

President Applauds House for Passing Energy Bill

In a close vote, the House of Representatives passed an Energy Build supported by the President.  Obama saluted this effort saying:  “For more than three decades, we've talked about our dependence on foreign oil. And for more than three decades, we've seen that dependence grow. We've seen our reliance on fossil fuels jeopardize our national security. We've seen it pollute the air we breathe and endanger our planet. And most of all, we've seen that others countries realize a critical truth: The nation that leads in the creation of a clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy…..Now, make no mistake -- this is a jobs bill. We're already seeing why this is true in the clean energy investments we're making through the Recovery Act. In California, 3,000 people will be employed to build a new solar plant that will create 1,000 jobs.”

The bill must now past the Senate. The President hopes to sign it in early fall.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Another White House First – Welcoming the Deaf and Blind

President Obama became one of the few sitting Presidents to greet and welcome persons who are deaf and blind to the White House Oval Office. The group, from the Helen Keller National Center, received a tour of the White House in addition to meeting with the President. 

Official Bee-Keeper Brings Honey to White House

Speaking of Obama first’s -- White House carpenter Charles Brandts—a beekeeper in his spare time—has brought beehives to the White House.  The hives, tended by Brandts, pollinate the First Lady’s garden and provide honey to the White House kitchen.

Week Twenty-One

National Scene    6/17-6/23/2009

By Linnie Frank Bailey

While encouraging volunteerism in America this summer with his “United We Serve” campaign—the President continued to monitor the escalating violence in Iran following the election.  Ignoring the calls of his Republican critics who say he should speak more forcefully against the current Iranian leadership, Obama instead found the right tone by expressing outrage, however not allowing America to become as he put it, “the political football” in Iran.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

President Announces ‘United We Serve’

President Barack Obama laid the groundwork for a nationwide community service program this summer.  Called ‘United We Serve’ the volunteer program will run from June 22 to September 11, 2009. In announcing the program the President stated, “This summer, I'm calling on all of you to make volunteerism and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation. And when I say “all,” I mean everyone – young and old, from every background, all across this country. We need individuals, community organizations, corporations, foundations, and our government to be part of this effort.”

The President encouraged Americans to visit the website Serve.gov to find a local project, or to register an ongoing community service project:

“If you’re involved in a service project in your community, go to Serve.gov and register it on this website, so that other people can sign up to join you. If you have an idea for a project – like getting a group together to volunteer each week at a homeless shelter, or read to kids at your local library, or pick up trash in a local park – you can go online and register that too. The website has everything you need to get started. And if you’re someone who’s interested in volunteering, you can go to Serve.gov to find opportunities in your community.”

A ‘Unique Moment in History”

Continuing the theme of community service, First Lady Michelle Obama addressed the Greater DC Cares Annual Business and Non-profit Philanthropy Summit. She thanked community leaders for their hard work and encouraged them to continue, saying: “…I believe that we’re in a unique moment in history.  Maybe you’re seeing the same thing.  I’m feeling it as I’m traveling not just around D.C. but around the country.  But people really want to get involved….They're looking for a way to turn their frustration, excitement, anxiety into action.” 

The First Lady also hosted a harvest party in the White House garden with students from Bancroft Elementary in D.C. who helped with the planting.  A healthy meal was prepared with produce from the garden, including harvested lettuce, sugar snap peas, and berries. Mrs. Obama said the garden was “a fun and interesting way to talk to kids about healthy eating and nutrition.”

Friday, June 19, 2009

Obama Addresses Hispanic Prayer Breakfast

Speaking on the role of faith in America’s history, the President addressed the Esperanza National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference. In describing the importance of prayer, President Obama said, “Prayer is more than a last resort.  Prayer helps us search for meaning in our own lives, and it helps us find the vision and the strength to see the world that we want to build.”

While addressing the group of Hispanic leaders the President also discussed immigration stating:

“The American people believe in immigration, but they also believe that we can't tolerate a situation where people come to the United States in violation of the law, nor can we tolerate employers who exploit undocumented workers in order to drive down wages. That's why we're taking steps to strengthen border security, and we must build on those efforts. We must also clarify the status of millions who are here illegally, many who have put down roots. For those who wish to become citizens, we should require them to pay a penalty and pay taxes, learn English, go to the back of the line behind those who played by the rules. That is the fair, practical, and promising way forward, and that's what I'm committed to passing as President of the United States. We must never forget that time and again, the promise of America has been renewed by immigrants who make their story part of the American story. We see it in every state of our country. We see it in our families and in our neighborhoods.”

The Importance of Dads

In honor of Father’s Day, the President kicked off a series of events and conversations on what it means to be a father, including:

· A barbeque at the White House for students from local schools to discuss the importance of fatherhood and personal responsibility. Renowned chef Booby Flay prepared the meal.

• A White House town hall meeting where the President was joined by well-known fathers from across the country, including Dwayne Wade, Antwaan Randle El, Morehouse College President Dr. Robert Franklin, Motorola CEO Greg Brown, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and White House staffers Reggie Love and Michael Strautmanis.

Obama discussed his own goals as a father and addressed absentee fathers by saying:

“When fathers are absent -- when they abandon their responsibilities to their children -- we know the damage that that does to our families.  Some of you know the statistics:  Children who grow up without fathers are more likely to drop out of school and wind up in prison.  They’re more likely to have substance abuse problems, run away from home, and become teenage parents themselves. And I say this as someone who grew up without a father in my own life.  I had a heroic mom and wonderful grandparents who helped raise me and my sister, and it’s because of them that I’m able to stand here today.  But despite all their extraordinary love and attention, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t feel my father’s absence.  That's something that leaves a hole in a child’s heart that a government can’t fill. That's why it is time for all men to step up and be responsible fathers.”

Some of you might be worried that if you didn’t have a father, then you don’t know how to be one when your turn comes.  Some of you might even use that as an excuse, and say, ‘Well, if my dad wasn’t around, why should I be?’ Let’s be clear:  Just because your own father wasn’t there for you, that’s not an excuse for you to be absent also -- it’s all the more reason for you to be present.  There’s no rule that says that you have to repeat your father’s mistakes.  Just the opposite -- you have an obligation to break the cycle and to learn from those mistakes, and to rise up where your own fathers fell short and to do better than they did with your own children. That’s what I’ve tried to do in my life.”

Monday, June 22, 2009

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

The President signed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, to protect Americans, particularly children, from the dangers of smoking. Obama said that more than 8 million Americans suffer from at least one serious illness caused by smoking, and that almost 90% of all smokers began before their 18th birthday, concluding, “I know -- I was one of these teenagers, and so I know how difficult it can be to break this habit when it's been with you for a long time….This legislation will not ban all tobacco products, and it will allow adults to make their own choices.  But it will also ban tobacco advertising within a thousand feet of schools and playgrounds.  It will curb the ability of tobacco companies to market products to our children by using appealing flavors.  It will force these companies to more clearly and publicly acknowledge the harmful and deadly effects of the products they sell.  And it will allow the scientists at the FDA to take other common-sense steps to reduce the harmful effects of smoking.”

Lower Drug Costs for Seniors

The President announced a significant agreement with pharmaceutical companies that will help lower drug costs for Seniors.  As reported on whitehouse.gov:   “The companies agreed to $80 billion in prescription drug discounts over the next 10 years.  The agreement was described as part of the upcoming health care reform legislation. Drug manufacturers that participate in Medicare Part D will either pay a rebate to Medicare or offer a substantial discount of at least 50 percent on prescription drugs to seniors who fall within the infamous “doughnut hole”— payments between $2700 and $6153.75 not covered by Medicare. The deal will help close this unfair gap in coverage, providing relief for millions of seniors who have been burdened by these out-of-pocket expenses, making it easier for them to get the prescriptions that they need. In addition to providing half-price discounts, the pharmaceutical companies will offer other discounts and savings to total an $80 billion reduction in costs.”

Week Twenty

National Scene    6/9-6/16/2009

By Linnie Frank Bailey

Health care reform continues to be front and center on the President’s radar screen, and this week he went to somewhat hostile territory—the annual conference of the American Medical Association—to pitch his ideas.  The Administration continues to address America’s economic situation, while keeping abreast of troubling events abroad, particularly North Korea’s nuclear threats, and the disputed election in Iran.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Banks Return Bailout Funds:  “A Positive Sign”

The Administration announced that several of the financial institutions, which received bailouts from the federal government, are ready to repay the funds.  While acknowledging that the economic crisis is by no means over, the President applauded the return of the funds, saying, “Several financial institutions are set to pay back $68 billion to taxpayers.  And while we know that we will not escape the worst financial crisis in decades without some losses to taxpayers, it’s worth noting that in the first round of repayments from these companies the government has actually turned a profit.”

Obama went on to say, “This is not a sign that our troubles are over -- far from it….But it is a positive sign.  We’re seeing an initial return on a few of these investments.  We’re restoring funds to the Treasury where they’ll be available to safeguard against continuing risks to financial stability.  And as this money is returned, we’ll see our national debt lessened by $68 billion -- billions of dollars that this generation will not have to borrow and future generations will not have to repay.”

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

President Comments on Holocaust Museum Shooting

President Obama issued the following comment on the shooting at the National Holocaust Museum, where African-American security guard Stephen Johns was killed by an alleged white supremacist: “I am shocked and saddened by today’s shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. This outrageous act reminds us that we must remain vigilant against anti-Semitism and prejudice in all its forms. No American institution is more important to this effort than the Holocaust Museum, and no act of violence will diminish our determination to honor those who were lost by building a more peaceful and tolerant world.  Today, we have lost a courageous security guard who stood watch at this place of solemn remembrance. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this painful time.”

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The President Hits the Road for Health Care Reform

President Obama spoke at a town hall meeting on health care reform at Southwest High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  The President continued to drive home his vision for health care reform, which includes what the Administration calls three core principles:

• Reduce costs — Rising health care costs are crushing the budgets of governments, businesses, individuals, and families, and they must be brought under control.
• Guarantee choice — Every American must have the freedom to choose their plan and doctor – including the choice of a public insurance option.
• Ensure quality care for all — All Americans must have quality and affordable health care.

Obama went outside the beltway to bring his position to the American people, however he has made it clear to lawmakers in Washington that he expects legislation on this issue to be on his desk this year.

Friday, June 12, 2009

United Nations Sanctions North Korea’s Nuclear Testing

UN Ambassador Susan Rice, (the first African-American female to hold the post), joined world leaders in condemning recent actions by North Korea and imposing sanctions against the country.  She described the unanimous resolution as “a very robust, tough regime with teeth that will bite North Korea.”  Secretary Rice continued, “It would be unwise for the United States or other members of the Security Council to fail to take strong action in response to a very provocative and illegal action on the part of North Korea out of concern that they may take strong action.  I mean, the point is that we needed to demonstrate -- and today we have demonstrated -- that provocative, reckless actions come at a cost and that North Korea will pay a price for its actions.”

Obama Meets with Zimbabwe's Prime Minister

President Obama met with the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai, and discussed humanitarian aid to the country. Tsvangirai shares the leadership of Zimbabwe with President Robert Mugabe, who has been in power almost 30 years. Obama addressed human rights concerns over Mugabe’s leadership saying, “President Mugabe has not acted oftentimes in the best interest of the Zimbabwean people and has been resistant to the kinds of democratic changes that need to take place…I've committed $73 million in assistance to Zimbabwe. It will not be going to the government directly because we continue to be concerned about consolidating democracy, human rights, and rule of law, but it will be going directly to the people in Zimbabwe and I think can be of assistance to the Prime Minister in his efforts.”

Monday, June 15, 2009

Obama Addresses Doctor’s Group

President Obama took his health care vision directly to one of the special interest groups most associated with health care – the American Medical Association.  The group warmly received the President although some bristled at his suggestion of not reducing malpractice payments to deserving beneficiaries.   There was general agreement however on his description of what will happen if we fail to act on health care reform. Obama stated,

“If we fail to act -- and you know this because you see it in your own individual practices -- if we fail to act, premiums will climb higher, benefits will erode further, the rolls of the uninsured will swell to include millions more Americans -- all of which will affect your practice. If we fail to act, one out of every five dollars we earn will be spent on health care within a decade.  And if we fail to act, federal spending on Medicaid and Medicare will grow over the coming decades by an amount almost equal to the amount our government currently spends on our nation's defense.  It will, in fact, eventually grow larger than what our government spends on anything else today.  So to say it as plainly as I can, health care is the single most important thing we can do for America's long-term fiscal health.  That is a fact.  That's a fact.”

The President suggested reforming the way doctors and hospitals are compensated, telling the doctors,

“We need to bundle payments so you aren’t paid for every single treatment you offer a patient with a chronic condition like diabetes, but instead paid well for how you treat the overall disease. We need to create incentives for physicians to team up, because we know that when that happens, it results in a healthier patient. We need to give doctors bonuses for good health outcomes, so we’re not promoting just more treatment, but better care.  So one thing we need to do is to figure out what works, and encourage rapid implementation of what works into your practices. That's why we're making a major investment in research to identify the best treatments for a variety of ailments and conditions.”

President Obama concluded by asking for unity in reforming the health care system, reminding the providers, “We are not a nation that accepts nearly 46 million uninsured men, women and children.”

The White House Jazz Studio

First Lady Michelle Obama, hosted both jazz greats and students of jazz at what was called, “The White House Jazz Studio.”  Invited performers included jazz greats Paquito D’Rivera, Zach Brown, Kush Abadey, Elijah Easton, and child protégé Tony Madruga. Jazz students from across the country, many from New Orleans, participated in the event.

Election Violence in Iran

As the world watches the reaction to the election in Iran, America’s President reassured the nation by saying he is deeply troubled by the “violence perpetrated on people who are peacefully dissenting.” However, he made it clear, “It is up to Iranians to make decisions about who Iran's leaders will be; we respect Iranian sovereignty and want to avoid the United States being the issue inside of Iran….having said all that, I am deeply troubled by the violence that I've been seeing on television.  I think that the democratic process -- free speech, the ability of people to peacefully dissent -- all those are universal values and need to be respected.  And whenever I see violence, and whenever the American people see that, I think they're, rightfully, troubled.”

Obama said the United States will “continue to pursue a tough, direct dialogue between our two countries, and we'll see where it takes us.” 

Week Nineteen

National Scene    6/2-6/9/2009

By Linnie Frank Bailey

During his 2008 campaign, candidate Obama described a speech he would one day present to the Muslim world if he became President.  This week, in Cairo, Egypt, President Barack Obama delivered that speech. From Cairo University, the President used his outstanding communication skills—and his ability to bridge cultural divides—to speak of a ‘new beginning’ between Americans and Muslims. He addressed the world’s 1.5 billion followers of Islam and received positive responses from Muslims around the globe.

Obama also got tough on the economy this week….instructing his Cabinet to move faster with Recovery Act funds, and signaling the urgency of health care reform legislation to Senate leaders.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Obama Rolls-Up-His-Sleeves for Health Care Reform

On the other hand, maybe we should say—the President is putting on his boxing gloves for what is sure to be a battle to get health care reform passed this year. In a meeting with lawmakers,  Obama expressed the importance of health care reform stating, “We can't afford to put this off, and the dedicated public servants who are gathered here today understand that and they are ready to get going, and this window between now and the August recess I think is going to be the make-or-break period.  This is the time where we've got to get this running.”

In a letter addressed to Senators Ted Kennedy and Max Baucus, the Chairmen of the key committees in the Senate handling health care reform, the President made clear that, “in 2009, health care reform is not a luxury.”  He went on to describe the urgency of the situation by stating:

“It’s a necessity we cannot defer. Soaring health care costs make our current course unsustainable. It is unsustainable for our families, whose spiraling premiums and out-of-pocket expenses are pushing them into bankruptcy and forcing them to go without the checkups and prescriptions they need. It is unsustainable for businesses, forcing more and more of them to choose between keeping their doors open or covering their workers….In short, the status quo is broken, and pouring money into a broken system only perpetuates its inefficiencies. Doing nothing would only put our entire health care system at risk. Without meaningful reform, one fifth of our economy is projected to be tied up in our health care system in 10 years; millions more Americans are expected to go without insurance; and outside of what they are receiving for health care, workers are projected to see their take-home pay actually fall over time. We simply cannot afford to postpone health care reform any longer.”

First Lady Speaks to Graduates at DC High School

Stating she wanted to speak at a Washington, D.C. public school to celebrate the achievements of young people in her new hometown, First Lady Michelle Obama gave the commencement address to graduating seniors at the Washington Math and Science Technology Public Charter High School. The well-respected school has a 99% graduation rate and Mrs. Obama told the graduates not to be intimidated when they go to college, reminding them:

“It is natural for graduates to doubt themselves and question their abilities when they first set foot onto their new college campuses. When you set foot on the soil of whatever campus that has admitted you, understand that you are responsible for your own experiences.  So what I want you to do is ‘own’ your voice.  Own it.  Don't be intimidated by your new surroundings.   Remember, everyone else is in the same position that you’re in.  Be an engaged and active participant in all of your classes.  Never, ever sit in silence, ever.  That first day, raise your hand, use your voice, ask a question.  Don't be afraid to be wrong, don’t be afraid to sound unclear, because understand this is the only way you’ll learn.”

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Obama Speaks to Muslim World from Cairo, Egypt

In a major speech, addressed to Muslims around the world, President Obama signaled a new beginning of relations between the US and Muslim countries. Starting with the customary Muslim greeting ‘Assalaamu’alaykun’, Obama’s well-received talk was part introduction to his background (“I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.”); part history lesson (he described the mistrust that has grown over the years between the U.S. and Muslim countries);  part religious discourse (he quoted from the Quran, the Talmud and the Bible), and part policy speech (he spoke of the current hot-spots in the middle east and his administration’s approach to the region, and also addressed women’s rights in Islamic nations.)

During the speech, President Obama pointed out the commonalities of our cultures and our religion—and cautioned, “Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. ... We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: ‘Out of many, one.’”

Muslims from around the world praised the speech and the respect showed to their culture.  The crowd at Cairo University gave the President cheers and a standing ovation at the conclusion of his speech.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Obama Visits Buchenwald Concentration Camp

The President visited German Chancellor Angela Merkel at Dresden Castle in Germany and toured the Church of Our Lady. This was followed by a trip to Buchenwald Concentration Camp, where Bertrand Herz, a survivor of the camp, and Nobel Laureate and fellow holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel, joined them. During the emotional visit at the former camp, the President recounted his great uncle, who was part of the 89th Infantry Division, the first Americans to reach a concentration camp. They liberated Ohrdruf, one of Buchenwald's sub-camps.

Obama described the significance of the visit saying, “We are here today because we know this work is not yet finished. To this day, there are those who insist that the Holocaust never happened -- a denial of fact and truth that is baseless and ignorant and hateful. This place is the ultimate rebuke to such thoughts; a reminder of our duty to confront those who would tell lies about our history.”

Saturday, June 6, 2009

President Attends D-Day Remembrance

President Barack Obama spoke during a ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the Allied D-Day landings in Normandy at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville sur Mer in Western France. Addressing the few remaining D-Day veterans who were also present, the President stated, “It came down to the men who landed here -- those who now rest in this place for eternity, and those who are with us here today.  Perhaps more than any other reason, you, the veterans of that landing, are why we still remember what happened on D-Day.  You're why we keep coming back. For you remind us that in the end, human destiny is not determined by forces beyond our control.  You remind us that our future is not shaped by mere chance or circumstance.  Our history has always been the sum total of the choices made and the actions taken by each individual man and woman.  It has always been up to us.”

The President was joined by the First Lady and foreign leaders, including: Britain's Prince Charles, Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper and France's President Nicolas Sarkozy.

President and First Lady Enjoy Dinner in France

While in France, the President and his wife were spotted dining at a cozy French Bistro.  The restaurant, not lavish by any means, was filled with diners who were ecstatic to be joined by the new American President and his wife.  The following day the President returned to the U.S., while Mrs. Obama and the First Daughters, Malia and Sasha, toured London and France. 

Monday, June 8, 2009

President Accelerates Recovery Act

Citing increasing unemployment numbers, the President summoned his Cabinet and instructed them to move faster in implementing Recovery Act projects across the country. 

The President has made it clear—he wants the Stimulus money to help struggling Americans, and he wants to cut through the bureaucratic red tape that normally slows down federal projects.

Week Eighteen

National Scene    5/27 – 6/1/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

The Administration began the week addressing right-wing concern over his candidate for the U.S. Supreme Court – Judge Sonia Sotomayor. It is expected that Sotomayor will win confirmation in the Senate, despite the protests.  In other news, the President commented on the bankruptcy of General Motors by assuring Americans a new, stronger GM will emerge.  Still, dealers and autoworkers across the country are awaiting news of plant and dealership closings.  Many African-Americans who work in the auto industry—from mechanics and assembly workers, to dealership owners—have been hard hit by the failure of Chrysler and General Motors.

This week the President heads to Egypt and Saudi Arabia for a major speech on mid-East peace, which will be watched closely by Israel and the Muslim world.  “I want to use the occasion to deliver a broader message about how the United States can change for the better its relationship with the Muslim world,” Obama said of his Egypt speech. “That will require, I think, recognition on both the part of the United States as well as many majority Muslim countries ….a better sense of understanding, and I think possibilities to achieve common ground.”

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The President Visits Los Angeles for Fundraiser

Landing at LAX aboard Air Force One, the President made an evening visit to Southern California to speak at a fundraiser for the DNC held at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  Obama made brief remarks to supporters who paid $1,000 to $2,500, and saw performances by Jennifer Hudson and Earth, Wind, & Fire.  A dinner, hosted by Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg, followed for donors who paid $15,000 and up.

Celebrating Solar Power in Nevada

Earlier in the day, President Obama visited Nellis Air Force Base, in Las Vegas, Nevada to highlight what he called “the largest solar electric plant of its kind in the entire Western Hemisphere!”  Using geothermal and solar energy, the plant is expected to save the United States Air Force (the largest consumer of energy in the federal government), nearly $1 million a year. Addressing Nevada Senator Harry Reid and other officials, Obama concluded, “This base serves as a shining example of what’s possible when we harness the power of clean, renewable energy to build a new, firmer foundation for economic growth.”

While in Nevada, the President also noted the 100^th day since the passage of the Recovery Act, stating, “One hundred days ago, in the midst of the worst economic crisis in half a century, we passed the most sweeping economic recovery act in history -- a plan designed to save jobs, create new ones, and put money in people's pockets. It's a plan designed not only to revive the economy in the short term, but to rebuild the economy over the long term.”

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Palestinian President at the White House

Determined to negotiate a fair and lasting peace in the Middle East, President Obama pressed both sides for action.  While meeting at the White House with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Obama told him, “The Palestinians must find a way to halt the incitement of anti-Israeli sentiments that are sometimes expressed in schools, mosques and public arenas. All those things are impediments to peace.”

Speaking to the other side, Obama called on Israel to halt settlement construction in the West Bank, stating it is part of Israel’s obligations to peace in the area. “I am confident that we can move this process forward,” Obama said after meeting with the Palestinian President.

Israel has signaled it does not intend to halt the construction of settlements in the West Bank; however, the President and Secretary of State Clinton will continue to press for action.

Friday, May 29, 2009

First Lady Visits Young Gardeners

Joined by White House Chef Sam Kass, First Lady Michelle Obama visited D.C.’s Bancroft Elementary School where she discussed the importance of nutritious eating and helped the students tend to their vegetable gardens.  Students from the school have helped Mrs. Obama with the White House garden the past few months.

President to Name Cyber Czar

Signaling a new age, and the importance of technology to America’s security, President Obama announced he will name a new cyber czar to protect the country’s computer networks.  The as-yet-unnamed person will report to the National Security Council as well as to the National Economic Council, and will only be responsible for government systems, not those of private industry.

Calling the appointment a “transformational moment” for the country, Obama discussed the challenges of monitoring the nation’s computer networks, which he says, are probed and attacked millions of times a day. “We’re not as prepared as we should be, as a government or as a country,” he said, calling cyber threats one of the most serious economic and military dangers the nation faces. The President stated that during the campaign season, his own databases were hacked but sensitive data was protected.

Monday, June 1, 2009

The President Addresses the End of an American Icon

Automobile manufacturer General Motors, thought to be one of the bedrock companies of American culture, filed for bankruptcy today, however the President assured us that the company would begin again. Stating that he and his economic team have “a credible plan that is full of promise,” Obama described the new investors in GM, which include the U.S. Government, Canada, and the United Autoworkers Union (UAW).

Stating that American taxpayers will own about 60% of GM, Obama explained, “we’re making these investments not because I want to spend the American people’s tax dollars, but because I want to protect them.” He went on to say the government has no intention to ‘run’ GM, but, “to get GM back on its feet, take a hands-off approach, and get out quickly.”

The President has said repeatedly that it is “vital that the U.S. maintain an auto industry,” and that the action his Administration is taking “will bring about a new GM that can produce the high-quality, safe, and fuel-efficient cars of tomorrow; that can lead America towards an energy independent future; and that is once more a symbol of America's success.”