hi chopsticks welcome back hope you had a nice vacation attended a birthday party for my love O and gave several people there your website take care pam
Good Morning and a happy Friday Todders. Hope the Prez had a fab birthday celebration with friends and family. Can’t wait to see the pics. Hope he has a relaxing weekend with the fam.
Hey Chips thanks mate, that video had me grinning like a fool. Luvs it and love the appreciation from the guys at that plant and the b.day card from the staff at the WH.
“Yes, they did the Electric Slide: Stevie Wonder, Chris Rock, Jay Z, Charles Barkley, Tom Hanks, Emmitt Smith, Grant Hill, Whoopi Goldberg, and other celebs dine and dance with the President and First Lady…
President Obama and his A-list pals danced barefoot in the dramatically lit Rose Garden to celebrate his milestone 50th birthday on Thursday night, Obama Foodorama was told by guests who attended the “fabulous” but “casual” five-hour barbecue for more than 200 people.”
Good morning Me4. It appears that they had a ball. đ If Chris Rock was there, I know they were all dying laughing most of the night. I am glad that Nancy and Harry was there.
COS sounds like a good time was had at the birthday dinner last evening. And I’m glad the President had a good time, he goes through so much crap, that he ought to be able to kick off his shoes and enjoy his birthday, with his family and friends.. From reading the article, sounds like a good time was had by all. Boy I wish I was there. Honestly it puts a smile on my face, because this President has alot of things on his shoulders, he gets attack from all sides, some call for and alot not call for. I just hope he had a wonderful Happy Birthday.
Wow, what a fabulous party for our President!! Only wish I could have been among their great company to present him with his birthday PIE. Lots of love to all who recognized this special day.
Good morning all: this was read on Rhandi Rhodes about that snake Grover=hamsters’s best friend.
Norquist â¨history 101
By Karen Finney – 07/25/11 06:59 PM ET
Perhaps a case of selective amnesia explains the exalted platform given to Grover Norquist both in the media and among congressional Republicans. Just a few years ago, Norquist was a central figure in the GOP culture of corruption and cronyism that helped Democrats retake control of Congress in 2006.
From his longtime friendship with Karl Rove to leadership of the K Street Project with convicted former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) to the money-laundering scandal involving convicted Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, Norquist has long wielded unchecked power in Washington. Norquist and his Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) are key players in an influential web of GOP donors, operatives and organizations working to implement a Republican agenda and consolidate power benefiting their special-interest friends. ATR funding reportedly comes from right-wing organizations like Olin and Scaife â conservative foundations set up by millionaires and billionaires like the Koch brothers â to support a set of policy goals favorable to their corporations. ATR has also received significant funding from the tobacco, gambling and alcohol industries.
It was Norquist, working with then-Majority Whip DeLay, who launched the scheme known as the K Street Project in 1995. Run out of ATR offices, it controlled access to key government figures and rewarded GOP cronies by pressuring Washington lobbying firms to hire Republican operatives. Those who were loyal and willing to âpay to playâ were granted access. As part of this cozy relationship, corporate âfriendsâ were able to participate in the drafting of legislation affecting their industries. (Can you say Dick Cheney energy task force?) The Senate liaison to the project who met regularly with Norquist to review openings and candidates at lobbying firms was none other than former Pennsylvania Senator and current GOP presidential contender Rick Santorum.
During this time, Norquist worked with Abramoff, Ralph Reed and Abramoffâs partner Michael Scanlon in a money-laundering scandal that bilked millions of dollars from Indian tribes. Abramoff and Scanlon grossly overcharged the tribes for work on casino gambling issues, using Norquistâs ATR and the ATR Foundation as a pass-through to support their lobbying effort. Contributions were made to ATR, which then skimmed a fee off the top before passing the money on to Ralph Reed and other anti-gambling activists.
In one example, the Choctaw Indian tribe in Mississippi paid Americans for Tax Reform $1.1 million in 1999. Norquist passed the money to Reed, who ran the powerful Christian Coalition and a for-profit political consulting company. Reed used the money to run a religious-based anti-gambling campaign with the veiled purpose of preventing a rival tribe from cutting in on the Choctaw casino business.
This allowed Norquist, Reed and Abramoff to disguise the fact that the money used to fund anti-gambling activities was generated through Indian gambling. Abramoff utilized Norquistâs cachet and access, referring to him once in an email as a âhard-won asset.â
Investigations in 2006 by the Senate Indian Affairs and the Senate Finance committees (then chaired by Republican Sens. John McCain, Ariz., and Chuck Grassley, Iowa, respectively) found that Norquist not only used ATR as a cash âconduitâ for Abramoffâs clients, but that ATR and four other conservative nonprofit groups âappear to have perpetrated a fraudâ on American taxpayers.
Which raises the question: Just what is it that 236 GOP House and 41 GOP senators fear from an operative known to be involved in illegal activity involving taxpayer fraud and influence peddling?
Karen Finney is a political analyst for MSNBC and Democratic consultant.
It was great to see the pressure from President Obama, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Harry Reid and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood get results on the FAA re-authorization stalemate. Pulling back the curtain on Republican Party obstruction, intransigence and subterfuge has to become standard operating procedure. This would not have happened without the Democrats shining a light on the latest GOP hostage taking event. I just hope the American people understand that it was the Democrats who fought for their jobs.
Pelosi Statement on Agreement to Reopen the FAA
August 04, 2011
Washington, D.C. â Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced an agreement on a short-term extension of the Federal Aviation Administration, subject to Senate approval, ending the partial shutdown of the agency and putting 74,000 transportation and construction workers back on the job:
âTodayâs announcement is good news for American workers. The agreement means tens of thousands of people can return to their jobs, support their families, and strengthen our airports, our infrastructure, and our economy.
âWith the immediate crisis behind us, Democrats are calling for passengers charged federal taxes for travel scheduled during the shutdown or forced to pay higher fares by certain airlines to receive refunds for these unnecessary ticket costs.
âRepublicans must now return to the negotiating table to work toward a long-term FAA reauthorization that creates jobs, spurs growth, and respects workersâ rights. Democrats will stand strong on behalf of working families and our middle class against Republicansâ attempt to use this legislation as an excuse to intensify their assault on organized labor and hard-working Americans.
âMoving forward, Republicans must end their stalling tactics, abandon their attack on workers, and join Democrats to focus on the American peopleâs top priority: job creation.â
Speaker In Name Only John Boehner goes on recess and leaves thousands hanging in limbo and without jobs. Representative John Mica is a jobs killer and his stunt has been exposed for all to see. The Democrats must be relentless in exposing this outrageous behavior. Sunlight is the best disinfectant. This blog post from Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is just unbelievable.
GOP: âMy Way or the Runwayâ
So to recapâHouse and Senate Democrats stand ready to pass a clean short-term extension to get the FAA running while Republicans have taken off for the August break without passing a single piece of legislation to create jobs despite being in the majority for more than 200 days, have actually voted to destroy nearly 2 million jobs, and now leave tens of thousands of Americans without paychecks thanks to their FAA shutdown. Americaâs top priority remains job creation but itâs clear, once again, that the same cannot be said for the GOP.
Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
hi chopsticks welcome back hope you had a nice vacation attended a birthday party for my love O and gave several people there your website take care pam
Good Morning and a happy Friday Todders. Hope the Prez had a fab birthday celebration with friends and family. Can’t wait to see the pics. Hope he has a relaxing weekend with the fam.
Hey Chips thanks mate, that video had me grinning like a fool. Luvs it and love the appreciation from the guys at that plant and the b.day card from the staff at the WH.
Apparently PBO and friends had a nice time.
“Yes, they did the Electric Slide: Stevie Wonder, Chris Rock, Jay Z, Charles Barkley, Tom Hanks, Emmitt Smith, Grant Hill, Whoopi Goldberg, and other celebs dine and dance with the President and First Lady…
President Obama and his A-list pals danced barefoot in the dramatically lit Rose Garden to celebrate his milestone 50th birthday on Thursday night, Obama Foodorama was told by guests who attended the “fabulous” but “casual” five-hour barbecue for more than 200 people.”
http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2011/08/all-details-inside-president-obamas.html#more
Holyyyyyyy, nice to here my President had a nice time. Good morning TODers.
Good morning Me4. It appears that they had a ball. đ If Chris Rock was there, I know they were all dying laughing most of the night. I am glad that Nancy and Harry was there.
COS sounds like a good time was had at the birthday dinner last evening. And I’m glad the President had a good time, he goes through so much crap, that he ought to be able to kick off his shoes and enjoy his birthday, with his family and friends.. From reading the article, sounds like a good time was had by all. Boy I wish I was there. Honestly it puts a smile on my face, because this President has alot of things on his shoulders, he gets attack from all sides, some call for and alot not call for. I just hope he had a wonderful Happy Birthday.
Wow, what a fabulous party for our President!! Only wish I could have been among their great company to present him with his birthday PIE. Lots of love to all who recognized this special day.
Good morning all: this was read on Rhandi Rhodes about that snake Grover=hamsters’s best friend.
Norquist â¨history 101
By Karen Finney – 07/25/11 06:59 PM ET
Perhaps a case of selective amnesia explains the exalted platform given to Grover Norquist both in the media and among congressional Republicans. Just a few years ago, Norquist was a central figure in the GOP culture of corruption and cronyism that helped Democrats retake control of Congress in 2006.
From his longtime friendship with Karl Rove to leadership of the K Street Project with convicted former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) to the money-laundering scandal involving convicted Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, Norquist has long wielded unchecked power in Washington. Norquist and his Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) are key players in an influential web of GOP donors, operatives and organizations working to implement a Republican agenda and consolidate power benefiting their special-interest friends. ATR funding reportedly comes from right-wing organizations like Olin and Scaife â conservative foundations set up by millionaires and billionaires like the Koch brothers â to support a set of policy goals favorable to their corporations. ATR has also received significant funding from the tobacco, gambling and alcohol industries.
It was Norquist, working with then-Majority Whip DeLay, who launched the scheme known as the K Street Project in 1995. Run out of ATR offices, it controlled access to key government figures and rewarded GOP cronies by pressuring Washington lobbying firms to hire Republican operatives. Those who were loyal and willing to âpay to playâ were granted access. As part of this cozy relationship, corporate âfriendsâ were able to participate in the drafting of legislation affecting their industries. (Can you say Dick Cheney energy task force?) The Senate liaison to the project who met regularly with Norquist to review openings and candidates at lobbying firms was none other than former Pennsylvania Senator and current GOP presidential contender Rick Santorum.
During this time, Norquist worked with Abramoff, Ralph Reed and Abramoffâs partner Michael Scanlon in a money-laundering scandal that bilked millions of dollars from Indian tribes. Abramoff and Scanlon grossly overcharged the tribes for work on casino gambling issues, using Norquistâs ATR and the ATR Foundation as a pass-through to support their lobbying effort. Contributions were made to ATR, which then skimmed a fee off the top before passing the money on to Ralph Reed and other anti-gambling activists.
In one example, the Choctaw Indian tribe in Mississippi paid Americans for Tax Reform $1.1 million in 1999. Norquist passed the money to Reed, who ran the powerful Christian Coalition and a for-profit political consulting company. Reed used the money to run a religious-based anti-gambling campaign with the veiled purpose of preventing a rival tribe from cutting in on the Choctaw casino business.
This allowed Norquist, Reed and Abramoff to disguise the fact that the money used to fund anti-gambling activities was generated through Indian gambling. Abramoff utilized Norquistâs cachet and access, referring to him once in an email as a âhard-won asset.â
Investigations in 2006 by the Senate Indian Affairs and the Senate Finance committees (then chaired by Republican Sens. John McCain, Ariz., and Chuck Grassley, Iowa, respectively) found that Norquist not only used ATR as a cash âconduitâ for Abramoffâs clients, but that ATR and four other conservative nonprofit groups âappear to have perpetrated a fraudâ on American taxpayers.
Which raises the question: Just what is it that 236 GOP House and 41 GOP senators fear from an operative known to be involved in illegal activity involving taxpayer fraud and influence peddling?
Karen Finney is a political analyst for MSNBC and Democratic consultant.
I listened to Randi and heard this. I was really surprised at the clip she played by where Alan Simpson said that Norquist need to be investigated.
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/alan-simpson-calls-for-investigation-into-grover-norquist-where-does-he-get-his-money/
It was great to see the pressure from President Obama, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Harry Reid and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood get results on the FAA re-authorization stalemate. Pulling back the curtain on Republican Party obstruction, intransigence and subterfuge has to become standard operating procedure. This would not have happened without the Democrats shining a light on the latest GOP hostage taking event. I just hope the American people understand that it was the Democrats who fought for their jobs.
Pelosi Statement on Agreement to Reopen the FAA
August 04, 2011
Washington, D.C. â Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced an agreement on a short-term extension of the Federal Aviation Administration, subject to Senate approval, ending the partial shutdown of the agency and putting 74,000 transportation and construction workers back on the job:
âTodayâs announcement is good news for American workers. The agreement means tens of thousands of people can return to their jobs, support their families, and strengthen our airports, our infrastructure, and our economy.
âWith the immediate crisis behind us, Democrats are calling for passengers charged federal taxes for travel scheduled during the shutdown or forced to pay higher fares by certain airlines to receive refunds for these unnecessary ticket costs.
âRepublicans must now return to the negotiating table to work toward a long-term FAA reauthorization that creates jobs, spurs growth, and respects workersâ rights. Democrats will stand strong on behalf of working families and our middle class against Republicansâ attempt to use this legislation as an excuse to intensify their assault on organized labor and hard-working Americans.
âMoving forward, Republicans must end their stalling tactics, abandon their attack on workers, and join Democrats to focus on the American peopleâs top priority: job creation.â
http://www.democraticleader.gov/news/press?id=2286
Speaker In Name Only John Boehner goes on recess and leaves thousands hanging in limbo and without jobs. Representative John Mica is a jobs killer and his stunt has been exposed for all to see. The Democrats must be relentless in exposing this outrageous behavior. Sunlight is the best disinfectant. This blog post from Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is just unbelievable.
GOP: âMy Way or the Runwayâ
So to recapâHouse and Senate Democrats stand ready to pass a clean short-term extension to get the FAA running while Republicans have taken off for the August break without passing a single piece of legislation to create jobs despite being in the majority for more than 200 days, have actually voted to destroy nearly 2 million jobs, and now leave tens of thousands of Americans without paychecks thanks to their FAA shutdown. Americaâs top priority remains job creation but itâs clear, once again, that the same cannot be said for the GOP.
http://www.democraticleader.gov/blog/?p=4339