Week Thirty-Eight

Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Why Small Businesses Need Health Care Reform
The Administration listed the top reasons health care reform is needed by the nation’s small businesses, including: (as listed on whitehouse.gov)

• “The same skyrocketing costs that are devastating family budgets and exploding our national deficit are also threatening the viability of American businesses.”

• “Lacking the bargaining power of large firms, small businesses pay as much as 18 percent more for the same health insurance. They are also at risk for the possibility that one of their workers will become seriously ill – which can dramatically increase their premiums in subsequent years.”

• “Fewer and fewer small businesses are choosing to offer insurance to their employees. And those that do offer coverage tend to have less generous policies and are less likely to offer a choice of plans. Entrepreneurs and small business employees are nearly three times as likely to be uninsured as their counterparts at large firms.”

• “Health insurance reform will reverse the disturbing trends in our current system and spur job creation in small businesses.”

• “By creating a health insurance exchange, reform will give small businesses and their employees more affordable options. Small firms that choose to offer health insurance to their employees will be eligible for tax credits. And, small businesses that don’t offer coverage will not be penalized.”

• “Reform will crack down on some of the insurance industry's worst practices. They will no longer be able to arbitrarily penalize small businesses if one or more of their employees become seriously ill. Nor will they be allowed to deny coverage to small businesses or their employees because of pre-existing conditions.”

• “And because potential entrepreneurs will no longer be discouraged from pursuing their dreams due to a lack of affordable and reliable health insurance options, reform will also lead to the creation of more small businesses. This is crucial given the economic downturn that began almost two years ago, as we know that small businesses and new startups are the drivers of job creation as the economy pulls out of recession.”

President Awards Citation to Vietnams’ Alpha Troop
President Obama bestowed the Presidential Unit Citation to the entire Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry -- known as the Blackhorse Regiment during the Vietnam War. The President honored the veterans by saying: “Now, these men might be a little bit older, a little bit grayer. But make no mistake -- these soldiers define the meaning of bravery and heroism. It was March 1970, deep in the jungles of Vietnam. And through the static and crackle of their radios Alpha Troop heard that another unit was in trouble. That’s when Alpha Troop’s captain gave the order: “Saddle up and move out.” It’s the story of how this team of some 200 men set out to save their fellow Americans.”
Wednesday, October 21, 2009

First Lady Hula Hoops on South Lawn
First Lady Michelle Obama hosted the first ever Healthy Kids Fair on the White House South Lawn. The event, which included fun and games, was designed to teach families the importance of healthy living. Mrs. Obama reminded the attendees of the childhood obesity epidemic. Health Fair activities included learning to cook nutritious meals and snacks, and fun exercises such as jump roping and hula hooping. The visitors were thrilled to see the First Lady join the fun!
Thursday, October 22, 2009

The President Signs Legislation to Benefit Veterans
President Obama signed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. The bill requires the VA’s budget to be passed a year in advance, to better prepare for needed services to Veterans and their family members. With the signing of the bill the President commented, “In short, this is common-sense reform. It promotes accountability at the VA. It ensures oversight by Congress. It is fiscally responsible by not adding a dime to the deficit. And it ensures that Veterans’ health care will no longer be held hostage to the annual budget battles in Washington.”
Friday, October 23, 2009
Obama Visits M.I.T.
President Obama addressed a group of 750 students and faculty members at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He encouraged the use of technology to meet his Administration’s clean energy goals, telling the students, “This is the nation that harnessed electricity and the energy contained in the atom, that developed the steamboat and the modern solar cell. This is the nation that pushed westward and then looked skyward. We have always sought out new frontiers and this generation is no different.”
Monday, October 26, 2009

President Obama Signs Emergency Declaration for H1N1 (Swine) Flu
As H1N1 rates increased across the country, the President signed a National Emergency Declaration on H1N1 that allows healthcare systems to quickly implement disaster plans should they become overwhelmed.
Obama Visits Troops in Jacksonville
President Barack Obama spoke to servicemen and women at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. He also honored the fourteen Americans killed in the crash in Afghanistan that morning saying, “Fourteen Americans gave their lives. And our prayers are with these service members, their civilian colleagues, and the families who loved them. And while no words can ease the ache in their hearts today, may they find some comfort in knowing this: Like all those who give their lives in service to America, they were doing their duty and they were doing this nation proud.”

Week Thirty-Seven

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Fiesta Latina en la Casa Blanca (Latin Celebration at the White House)

The President and guests danced the Salsa as the la Casa Blanca was filled with the sounds of Latin music. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, President Barack Obama and the First Lady welcomed Latin performers to the White House. Guests included Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Performers included Jose Feliciano, Pete Escovedo, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Tito el Bambino, Thalia, and event producer, Sheila E. Jimmy Smits, Eva Longoria, and George Lopez hosted the event.

Obama Meets with Spain’s Prime Minister

Earlier in the day, the President met with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. The two leaders discussed world issues including the global economy and the situation in Afghanistan. The United States and Spain are NATO allies.

The First American President to Observe Diwali

President Obama observed the Hindu holiday of Diwali, or festival of lights, in the East Room of the White House. The occasion marked the first time that an American President has observed the holiday. Sri Narayanachar Digalakote, a Sanskrit scholar and ordained Hindu priest chanted Asatoma Sadgamaya while the President lit the ceremonial lamp himself. In a statement, the Hindu American Foundation said, “Never before had a sitting U.S. President personally celebrated the Diwali holiday, and with that one gesture, two million Hindu-Americans felt a bit more like they belonged -- one more reason to feel at home.”

Friday, October 16, 2009

The President Remembers Katrina

President Obama spent time in New Orleans, acknowledging the challenges faced by residents since Hurricane Katrina. First, Obama visited with children who lived through the tragedy in their neighborhoods. He encouraged them to continue to do well in school and overcome obstacles. The President also spoke to residents at a town hall in New Orleans.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Stimulus Saves 250,000 Teacher Jobs

The Administration released a report showing 250,000 teacher jobs across the country had been saved by Recovery Act funds. President Obama continued the focus on education on this day by meeting with the winners of the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge including African-American student Kalief Rollins, who hails from Carson, CA. The President then visited nearby Silver Spring, Maryland to spend classroom time with third and fourth grade students at Viers Mill Elementary School. Telling the students, “I wanted to come by and introduce myself,” Obama encouraged them to “read, read, read!”

Astronomy Night at the White House

Joined by Astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Sally Ride, the First Family welcomed local middle school students to stargaze. The White House South Lawn was lined with telescopes and science exhibits featuring moon rocks, mars rocks, meteorites and more for Astronomy Night.

Week Thirty-Six

National Scene 10/13/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

A Nobel Prize for a Noble President

“Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world’s population.”

The Norwegian Nobel Committee

October 9, 2009

Highlights of Obama’s Foreign Diplomacy:

• President Outlines End of Iraq War (2/27/09) Fulfilling a promise he made during his campaign, the President outlined a plan for troop withdrawal from Iraq.
• The President’s First Foreign Trip (2/29/09) President Obama took his first foreign trip as President to Ottawa, Canada. After a successful meeting and press conference with the Prime Minister, the President visited a local store, cheered on by the throngs of Canadians who had come out to greet him.
• Obama Greets President of Brazil (3/14/09) President Obama and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva discussed the economy, energy and the environment. Silva, who spoke through a translator, stressed “the importance of President Obama's election, what it represents to the world and especially to Latin America.”

· Obama Signals New Beginning to Iran (3/20/09) President Obama released a video message, subtitled in Farsi, for all those celebrating “Nowruz” or the beginning of the New Year for millions in Iran and other communities around the world. Acknowledging the strain in US—Iranian relations over the last few decades, he stated, “At this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together, we have serious differences that have grown over time.” Stressing the need to move forward Obama continued, “My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us and to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran, and the international community.”

· Obama’s Worldwide Op-Ed and Televised News Conference (3/24/09) The President published a rare “simultaneous op-ed” in thirty papers around the world, calling for “a collective effort” to address the economic peril found in all corners of the globe. “The United States is ready to lead, and we call upon our partners to join us with a sense of urgency and common purpose,” he writes.

· New strategy for Afghanistan (3/27/09) Describing our purpose in Afghanistan as increasingly dangerous and unstable, the President stated, “let me be clear: al Qaeda and its allies—the terrorists who planned and supported the 9/11 attacks—are in Pakistan and Afghanistan,” he continued. “Multiple intelligence estimates have warned that al Qaeda is actively planning attacks on the U.S. homeland from its safe-haven in Pakistan.” Obama also lobbied Congress for more aid to Pakistan to help stabilize the region.

· President Begins London Visit With Morning Meetings (4/1/09) President Obama met with world leaders including—British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and Chinese President Hu Jintao. The Prime Minister told President Obama, “Your first 70 days in office have changed America, and you've changed America's relationship with the world.”

· The Obama’s meet the Queen (4/1/09) President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were greeted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth. Afterward, the royal couple held a reception for all the world leaders and the Queen made headlines by extending her arm in a “hug” of Michelle Obama who reciprocated. It was a rare expression of affection from the royal highness.

· Lifting Restrictions on Cubans (4/09) President Obama signaled an increased flow of information and humanitarian items to the Cuban people.

· The Obama’s Host Seder Dinner (4/9/09) The Obama family hosted a Seder dinner in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House in recognition of the Jewish holiday of Passover. It is believed to be the first time the White House has had a Seder hosted by a U.S. President.

· Obama Approves Use of Force against Somali Pirates (4/14/09) In what is being called his first national security test, President Obama directed the use of necessary military force in the rescue of American Captain Richard Phillips.

· Obama at the G-20 (4/2/09) The President, who said he was there “to listen and learn” took a leadership role at the summit and later held a press conference in which he stated the next steps, include creating a united international front to create jobs and stimulate the global economy, helping emerging economies stay afloat, and encouraging trade. Obama also insisted there be an international effort to reform financial regulatory systems.

· First Lady Makes Surprise Visit to London School (4/2/09) In an emotional visit to students in a poorer part of London, Mrs. Obama inspired female students at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School. She encouraged the appreciative girls to follow their own dreams.

· On to France and Germany (4/3/09) President Obama told thousands of students gathered in a town hall in the Rhenus Sports Arena in Strasbourg, France: “This is our generation. This is our time. And I am confident that we can meet any challenge as long as we are together.”

• 20,000 in Prague to See Obama (4/6/09) Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd of over 20,000 that gathered outside a castle in Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, President Obama acknowledged, “Few people would have predicted that someone like me would one day become the President of the United States. Few people would have predicted that an American President would one day be permitted to speak to an audience like this in Prague.”
• The President Visits Turkey (4/6/09) Obama visited the country of Turkey, which he calls a “critical ally” in addressing the problems in that part of the world. Obama spoke to the majority-Muslim population in a speech to the Turkish Grand National Assembly and acknowledged the positive contributions of Muslims in America and worldwide. Many Turks lined the streets in support of the new American President.
• President Obama Surprises Troops in Iraq (4/7/09) Obama an unannounced visit to Iraq. The President told hundreds of cheering soldiers: “You have given Iraq the opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country. That is an extraordinary

· Obama in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (4/16/09) Signaling a change in approach from past administrations, the President told the leaders they faced a clear choice: “We can overcome our shared challenges with a sense of common purpose, or we can stay mired in the old debates of the past. For the sake of all our people, we must choose the future.” In an op-ed column by the President that appeared in 15 newspapers across the Americas, Obama stated his intention to increase U.S. partnerships with Latin America and the Caribbean.

· Obama meets King Abdullah of Jordan (4/21/09) The President held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan. The first Arab leader to meet Obama in the White House offered “warm thanks on behalf of many Arabs and Muslims who really had an outstanding response to the President's outreach to the Muslim Arab world.”

· Bringing Pakistan and Afghanistan to the Table (5/6/09) The President signaled the importance by saying, “We meet today as three sovereign nations joined by a common goal: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies in Pakistan and Afghanistan…to achieve that goal, we must deny them the space to threaten the Pakistani, Afghan, or American people.”

· President Meets with Israeli Prime Minister (5/18/09) The President met for over two hours with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, discussing the need to get back to the negotiating table and restart Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. The leaders also discussed Iran’s nuclear program and the Administration’s diplomatic outreach to the country, with the president declaring the United States wanted to bring Iran into the world community, however: “We're not going to have talks forever.”

· Palestinian President at the White House (5/28/09) 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.”

· Obama Speaks to Muslim World from Cairo, Egypt (6/4/09) In a major speech, addressed to Muslims around the world, President Obama signaled a new beginning of relations between the US and Muslim countries. 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.

· Obama Visits Buchenwald Concentration Camp (6/5/09) 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.”

· The Obama in Russia (7/6/09) President Obama described his meetings with Russian leaders as a chance to push ‘the reset’ button in U.S.-Russian relations. Obama summed up their meeting by saying, “President Medvedev and I agreed that the relationship between Russia and the United States has suffered from a sense of drift. We resolved to reset U.S.-Russian relations, so that we can cooperate more effectively in areas of common interest.” As a result of the meeting, President Obama and the Russian leader agreed in principle to reduce their permitted nuclear arsenals by nearly a third to try to ease tensions between the former Cold War rival nations.

· President Attends G-8 in Italy (7/9/09) President Barack Obama arrived in Italy for a summit of the Group of Eight (G-8) industrial nations. Obama presided over a side meeting of the major economies with a focus on global climate issues.

· Obama Has Audience with Pope (7/10/09) In a break from tradition; Pope Benedict had sent Obama a personal note of congratulations the day after his election and rearranged his schedule to meet with the President following the current G-8 Summit.

· Obama Reminds Ghana “Yes We Can!” (7/11/09) Stating, “I have the blood of Africa within me,” President Obama addressed the Ghanaian parliament and President John Atta Mills in Accra, Ghana. Obama, who was warmly greeted by masses of people in Ghana, stated, “Despite the progress across Africa that has been made in the latter half of the 20th century and the early 21st, much of Africa’s promise has not been fulfilled.”

· Full Circle -- Obama Stands at “Door of No Return” (7/11/09) Following his speech in Accra, the President and first family traveled to Ghana’s Atlantic coast to visit the fort in which men, women, and children were housed in barbaric conditions before being sent on a treacherous journey into slavery. The Obama’s toured the castle including the infamous “Door of No Return” which was the last stop for Africans as they left their home continent. The President implied the fort should be a source of hope as well as repository of painful memories saying, “It reminds us that as bad as history can be, it’s always possible to overcome.”

· Obama Meets with Prime Minister of Iraq (7/22/09) The President described the transition in which all U.S. troops withdrew from Iraqi cities, and transferred power to Iraq’s security forces. Saying the action was “an important step forward,” Obama stressed the importance of the endeavor.

· U.S. – China Blueprint for the Future (7/27/09) President Obama addressed the opening session of the first U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. The President, in his trademark manner, presented his vision for the future by first looking at the historical context of the relationship between America and China.

· President Travels to Mexico for North American Summit (8/10/09) President Obama traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico to meet with fellow North American Leaders--Mexican President Felipe Calderón and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The President described North America as “defined not simply by our borders, but by our bonds.”

· Obamas Support Chicago for 2016 Olympics (9/16/09) The President and First Lady took time out from their busy schedules to lobby on behalf of their country, and home city – Chicago – to host the 2016 Olympics.

· President Addresses United Nations (9/23/09) President Obama gave a speech to the United Nations General Assembly where he spoke of, “The four pillars fundamental to the future that we want for our children: 1.) non-proliferation and disarmament; 2.) the promotion of peace and security; 3.) the preservation of our planet; and 4.) a global economy that advances opportunity for all people.” He concluded by defining “a new era of engagement with the world.”

· Obama Chairs UN Security Council (9/23/09) Barack Obama became the first United States President to chair a meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The President spoke of the need to halt the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Obama Awarded Nobel Peace Prize (10/9/09) The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy

Week Thirty-Five

National Scene 9/30 – 10/6/09

By Linnie Frank Bailey

Despite an impassioned plea from First Lady Michelle Obama, and an in-person request from the President, Olympic officials did not award the 2016 Olympic Games to Chicago. Obama was in a catch-22 regarding the Olympics bid – if he had not gone, he would have been accused of not using his exceptional communication skills on behalf of an American city; however, by going he was accused of ‘wasting time.’ Nevertheless, most agree the loss of the 2016 Olympics was an ‘American’ loss.

On a lighter note this week, the President and First Lady celebrated their seventeenth anniversary with an intimate dinner at the Blueduck Tavern in D.C.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Administration Announces Grants for Medical Research Industry

The President announced $5 billion in grant awards to fund medical research and create tens of thousands of American jobs over the next two years. Obama announced that more than 12,000 grants would be awarded with the purpose of funding research facilities, manufacturing and supplying medical equipment, and, building and modernizing laboratories. He lauded the project stating, “The goal of the Recovery Act was not to create make-work jobs, but jobs making a difference for our future.”

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Response to American Samoa Natural Disaster

The U.S. Territory of American Samoa was struck by a major tsunami, causing widespread death and destruction in its coastal communities. President Obama acted immediately by granting a Major Disaster Declaration so that FEMA could begin delivering resources to the island.

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the sovereign state of Samoa. FEMA has pre-positioned supplies in Hawaii to allow for quick response to disasters in U.S. territories in the Pacific. The Administration offered support and prayers to all Samoans affected by the disaster.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Ending Distracted Driving

President Obama issued an Executive Order directing federal employees not to engage in texting while driving government vehicles or while driving their own vehicles on government business. The order extends to federal contractors and others doing business with the government, asking these firms to adopt and enforce policies banning texting while driving on the job. The Administration through the Department of Transportation has additional goals to address the issue, including:

1. Make permanent restrictions on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices in rail operations.
2. Restrict the use of cell phones by truck drivers and interstate bus operators.
3. Disqualify school bus drivers convicted of texting while driving from maintaining commercial driver’s licenses.
4. Call on state and local governments to make distracted driving part of their state highway plans and pass laws prohibiting distracted driving in all types of vehicles, particularly school buses.

Community Call-to-Action: HIV/AIDS

In response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the Administration has issued a “Call to Action: Americans Speak about HIV/AIDS” project. The goal is to encourage community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and other groups to hold their own discussions and submit their concerns to the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) web site:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/onap/action/

ONAP will accept public input from Friday, October 2, 2009, through Friday, November 13, 2009. For more information on the “Call to Action,” or to submit a recommendation for the National HIV/AIDS strategy visit the website.

Targets for Stimulus Funds

Vice President Joe Biden discussed Recovery Act progress, including a local project to widen I-215. The Vice President quoted a Wall Street Journal report on the project that is expected to create 450 to 600 jobs in the Inland Empire, stating, “Without the stimulus money, the Interstate 215 project would have been another victim of California’s budget crisis.”

Biden also announced nine year-end targets for Recovery Act funds: (as listed on whitehouse.gov)

1. Batteries for Vehicle Electrification: By the end of the year, the Department of Energy will have put in place funding for battery manufacturing plants that can power 400,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles each year.
2. Military Hospitals: The Department of Defense will begin 34 construction and modernization projects at hospitals and medical centers throughout the country over the next 90 days, making a total of 65 hospitals and medical centers with projects under construction since passage of the Act.
3. National Parks: The Department of Interior will begin on-site construction improvement work in 105 more national parks throughout the country over the next 90 days.
4. Small Business Assistance: The Small Business Administration will provide and leverage $5 billion in capital to over 12,000 small businesses through two key lending programs (7a and 504) in the next 90 days.
5. Fuel-Efficient Bus Purchases: By the end of the year, the Federal Transit Agency will have awarded enough grants to enable the purchase of approximately 10,000 new transit vehicles across the country.
6. Housing Loans and Rehabilitation: By the end of the year, the Department of Agriculture and the Housing and Urban Development Department will have provided housing loans and capital funding to finance, build, or renovate over 100,000 households across America.
7. Renewable Energy: By the end of the year, the Departments of Energy and Treasury will help fund renewable energy projects that will generate enough alternative energy to power 900,000 homes in the United States once completed.
8. Road Projects: By the end of the year, the Department of Transportation will have obligated enough funds to support 10,000 highway projects.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Jobs Report: “A Sobering Reminder”

During his weekly address, the President discussed his efforts to “beat back the recession” while acknowledging, “the September job losses were a sobering reminder that progress comes in fits and starts, and that we will need to grind out this recovery step by step.” Obama said he is working with his economic team to look at additional options for job creation in the months ahead, saying:

“I won’t let up until those who seek jobs can find them; until businesses that seek capital and credit can thrive; and until all responsible homeowners can stay in their homes….It won’t be easy. It will require us to lay a new foundation for our economy – one that gives our workers the skills and education they need to compete; that invests in renewable energy and the jobs of the future; and that makes health care affordable for families and businesses – particularly small businesses, many of which have been overwhelmed by rising health care costs.”

Monday, October 5, 2009

Doctors Join Health Care Reform Fight

President Obama welcomed doctors from across the country to the White House for a discussion of health care reform from their perspective. The doctors—from all fifty states—stood with Obama to show their support for his health care reform initiatives. The President reminded his audience, “When you cut through all the noise and all the distractions that are out there, I think what’s most telling is that some of the people who are most supportive of reform are the very medical professionals who know the health care system best -- the doctors and n