President Obama visiting Gabrielle Giffords, January 2011.
Thank you Loriah – the photo is a screen-grab from:
Original video here
Thank you Halo
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A visitor looks at photographs taken during fieldwork in Indonesia by S. Ann Dunham, President Barack Obama’s late mother, during an exhibition at a gallery at the East West Center on the University of Hawaii at Manoa Campus, November 9
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President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama talk with Irish President Mary McAleese and Dr. Martin McAleese during a courtesy call in the Drawing Room at the President’s residence in Dublin, Ireland, May 23, 2011
Oh, any excuse to take a trip down this memory lane:
Today is President Mary McAleese’s last day in office – she served 14 years (14!) as Irish president.
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Sun Times: Today, in her keynote address to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Business Steps Up: Hiring our Heroes event, First Lady Michelle Obama announced that the International Franchise Association (IFA) which represents 1,100 franchises has committed to hiring 80,000 veterans and military spouses by 2014. 5,000 jobs of this commitment are promised to wounded warriors.
Mrs. Obama also announced that the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) – which Dr. Jill Biden helped launch at the Chamber of Commerce last summer and which includes nearly 100 companies and organizations – has committed to employ 20,000 military spouses. These organizations include companies like Microsoft, Home Depot and Citi and franchises like UPS, Guidant Financial and Data Doctors. Together, the commitment by the International Franchise Association and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership represents a commitment to hire 100,000 veterans, wounded warriors and military spouses by 2014.
More Here
First lady Michelle Obama shakes hands after speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce fourth annual event on hiring military veterans, Nov. 10
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Thanks rikyrah
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Statement by the President on the State Department’s Keystone XL Pipeline Announcement
November 10, 2011
I support the State Department’s announcement today regarding the need to seek additional information about the Keystone XL Pipeline proposal. Because this permit decision could affect the health and safety of the American people as well as the environment, and because a number of concerns have been raised through a public process, we should take the time to ensure that all questions are properly addressed and all the potential impacts are properly understood.
The final decision should be guided by an open, transparent process that is informed by the best available science and the voices of the American people. At the same time, my administration will build on the unprecedented progress we’ve made towards strengthening our nation’s energy security, from responsibly expanding domestic oil and gas production to nearly doubling the fuel efficiency of our cars and trucks, to continued progress in the development of a clean energy economy.
The Obama Diary 
Good morning Chips. Thanks for the presser reminder. I am still laughing about the debate in 60 secs that you posted last night. when I looked at Huntsman and the sounds attached to him, I could barely contain myself.
Ah, thrilled it gave you a giggle COS 😆
Chips you do a wonderfull for all us that luv our President. Just asking is there a way for you to have the video of Rick Perry dumbness meshed with the video of that Beauty Pagent from North carolina that and caption it who is smarter than a night grader. Please keep up the good fight.
Chipsticks, COS weren’t the only one to get a giggle.
I bet the jackals ask Carney about the PCU mess and what the President’s opinion of what went down is 🙄
You know it. And perhaps, why did he not know about it and why we’ve not seen him fix it yet. These guys are insufferable.
Yes, but, the U.S. Dept of Education is already investigating. Go, Arne! 🙂
GOP SENATORS SHUT DOWN THE CONFIRMATION PROCESS
After 18 Months Of Delays, First Openly Gay Court of Appeals Nominee Asks Obama To Withdraw Nomination
===========================
DuMont is also openly gay — indeed he would have been the first openly gay federal appeals judge in American history if he had been confirmed. Sadly, that will not happen. In a recently released letter, DuMont asked President Obama to withdraw his nomination — citing the nearly limitless ability of just a few senators to shut down the confirmation process:
Although I was first nominated more the 18 months ago, the Senate Judiciary Committee has not held a hearing on my nomination. My understanding is that this inaction results from opposition on the part of one or more members of the Committee minority. While I regret this, I also recognize that any degree of opposition can be enough, as a practical matter, to prevent action by the full Committee or the Senate. Given the passage of time, that appears to be the case here.
Under these circumstances, drawing the process out further does not seem either sensible for me or fair to the Federal Circuit, which has important work to do and deserves to be able to address it with a full complement of active judges. Accordingly, I respectfully request that you withdraw my nomination at this time.
============================
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2011/11/10/366023/after-18-months-of-delays-first-openly-gay-court-of-appeals-nominee-asks-obama-to-withdraw-nomination/
The GOP really is the party of intolerance aren’t they? The nominee is more than qualified for the position but hey let’s stick it to him and President Obama because he’s gay. Their day of reckoning is fast approaching and I for one cannot wait for them to be kicked out of power.
Where is Dan Choi or Log Cabin Republicans on this? Will Rachel Maddow have anything to day about this tonight?
You are joking, right????? If they can’t find a way to blame PBO they won’t say a word.
El gradioso Don Choi and a darling of RM and KO was too fucking bussy bashing PBO and said he was not
going to vote for PBO well fuck you Don we realy do not need his garbage.Let’s move on we are doing
fine PBO knows he will be re elected.
“Where is Dan Choi or Log Cabin Republicans on this?” Probably busy plotting on how to blame this on President Oobama.
I tweeted this after reading it from another source as well. This is not right to do this to this qualified nominee. When will the GOP party stop this type of evil. Judges are to be non-partisan, so what is the GOP’s real reason for this?HZ
This is just wrong. Holding up the confirmation process is an all time low for the GOP. I hope DuMont reconsiders.
http://t.co/Wafsc6XI
BREAKING: State Department Puts Brakes On Keystone XL Pipeline | The Department of State is planning to put the brakes on the controversial Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, Reuters reports. After seeming to be a foregone conclusion, approval by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama of the $7 billion Canada-to-Texas pipeline hit a wall of popular opposition and scandal. Climate activists mobilized across the nation, risking arrests in acts of civil disobedience, to raise the alarm about the civilizational risks of mining the tar sands. Nebraskans of all political stripes united in opposition to the foreign oil company TransCanada’s abusive practices and plans to cut across the state’s most valued ecosystems. State’s decision to reconsider its draft impact statements to evaluate alternate routes means possible final approval, originally expected this year, will be delayed at the minimum by several months.
Update
“When President Obama stands up to big oil, we stand with him,” Bold Nebraska leader Jane Kleeb responded.
#YesWeCanDOMoreTogether
Happy to hear this Bobfr. Thanks for the info.
Indeed, and word is out that the decision is not merely about route but whether to do it at all. Progress. We have much better ways to create good paying, Union jobs in the energy sector & elsewhere.
#YesWeCanDOMoreTogether
At today’s press briefing, Jay Carney outlines President Obama’s criteria for determining whether the pipeline is in the national interest: “Public health, climate change, economic growth and jobs, all of these things have to be factored in.”
http://thinkprogress.org/green/2011/11/10/366448/breaking-state-department-puts-brakes-on-keystone-xl-pipeline/
That is crucial – it’s not just the route, for sure, it’s public health & climate change as well as growth/jobs.
Good for President Obama!!! We knew he’d do the right thing.
#PRESSON
The Senate on Thursday blocked Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-Ky.) bid to kill new EPA power plant pollution rules. In a 41-56 vote, lawmakers thwarted Paul’s resolution to overturn the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, which requires curbs in smog and particulate-forming pollution from plants in 27 states in the eastern half of the country.
Six Republicans voted with Democrats against the resolution. Centrist Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin (W.Va.) and Ben Nelson (Neb.) joined Republicans in voting to overturn the rule.
The six Republicans who voted against the Paul resolution were Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), Scott Brown (Mass.), Susan Collins (Maine), Olympia Snowe (Maine) and Mark Kirk (Ill.).
~snip~
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/192879-senate-preserves-epa-pollution-rule-but-more-battles-await
It does bug me when they call the most conservative Democrat Senators “Centrist.” These guys never vote with the Dems. How can that be centrist?
Thanks Bobfr for this informaton. POB will do what is right in this, I do believe.HZ
Very impressive thank you to President Obama by Robert Redford
What is so amazing is how quickly Mr Redford responded and the fact, as the President’s statement indicated, what he did was not merely delay because of routing issues but because of the well being of Americans and our ecosystem.
#YesWECanDOMoreTogether
Love that Bob (both Bobs!), thanks a million for posting it, just added it to the new thread.
Stumbling ‘home’ really late and replying off the top of my head to this video and comments above, I only hope that IF after considering all the noted areas the President later gives a final response that does not coincide with Redford’s, he’ll still be appreciative of PBO’s leadership, decision making, and strength in withstanding the pressure brought to bear on him. It’s probably just me and my sometimes weird reaction to words, but I sense a level of manipulation in the words used in this video, as well as in the swiftness of its production that do not sit well with me. Fortunately for my mental state, I am well aware that the president is not easily manipulated and I believe that, all things considered, whatever decision PBO FINALLY makes (favouring Redford’s position, or not) will be the one he considers best for the country!
Oh! I got sidetracked by the tar-sands discussion. Good evening, TOD’ville! Hope you all had a good Thursday. I am sooo late to the site today that I’m bewildered as to where to start. [Grrrr! I really, really, really hate when I am forced to run behind you guys to find out what went on. Grrrr!]
BREAKING: State Department Puts Brakes On Keystone XL Pipeline
=====================================================
The Department of State is planning to put the brakes on the controversial Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, Reuters reports. After seeming to be a foregone conclusion, approval by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama of the $7 billion Canada-to-Texas pipeline hit a wall of popular opposition and scandal. Climate activists mobilized across the nation, risking arrests in acts of civil disobedience, to raise the alarm about the civilizational risks of mining the tar sands. Nebraskans of all political stripes united in opposition to the foreign oil company TransCanada’s abusive practices and plans to cut across the state’s most valued ecosystems. State’s decision to reconsider its draft impact statements to evaluate alternate routes means possible final approval, originally expected this year, will be delayed at the minimum by several months.
“When President Obama stands up to big oil, we stand with him,” Bold Nebraska leader Jane Kleeb responded.
http://thinkprogress.org/green/2011/11/10/366448/breaking-state-department-puts-brakes-on-keystone-xl-pipeline/
wish I could check out that exhibition 😦
I know, right? Here’s a bit more:
http://www.eastwestcenter.org/
http://www.eastwestcenter.org/events/exhibition-through-her-eyes-s-ann-dunham’s-field-work-indonesia
thanks Meta.took the time to read those articles and it was great.Again I wish it was here 😦
http://www.kitv.com/news/29298125/detail.html
I found this video at the first link. Thanks meta.
Me too Fred. It’d also be an excuse to lap up some beach time in Hawaii. I have no clue how college students in Hawaii concentrate on their education. 😆
can’t say I blame them UT 😉
@Reuters Reuters Top News
Obama Middle East envoy Ross to step down reut.rs/vszi7m
😯 😯
Very dangerous.
They say he only signed on for 2 years but stayed 3 due to the Arab Spring….
Yes, Jay just confirmed that. I wonder who will replace him?
In most administrations some people only commit for 2 years. The work is grueling.
Here’s some additional information about health care reform that may come in handy prior :
Main Myths Regarding the Affordable Care Act
http://planetpov.com/2011/08/14/main-myths-regarding-the-affordable-care-act/
h/t KQuark
thanks Creole.That would be terrific Chip if you could save it and keep it around for us to combat the Teanut liars please?
BEST WISHES to outgoing President Mary McAleese!!!! She seems awfully gracious and warm. PBO apparently enjoyed their time together.
thanks President McAleese
Yes, POB and the out-going President McAleese seem to have such a warm interaction with each other. Best wishes to her. It’s always so beautiful to see our beloved President listening with so much intensity to the person in his presence. That is a true sign of a great leader and a very smart one as well.
Then our lovely and intelligent FLOTUS does the same. She is so gracious as well as showing her intellect as a great listener. I am so proud of our POTUS and FLOTUS representing all of us in this nation and wherever they travel around the world. We are so bless.
Chips, that first photo just grabs my heart as well. There I see at such a tragic moment in the Giffords lives as well as each American that day when our hearts could not explain to our inner cores the question Why? But there stood our beloved POTUS standing there in in Gabby’s room touching her hand with such deep emotions of pain, and agony within his mind and heart, asking why again.
Yet, he stepped up as our President and compassionate leader and stood by the Giffords as well as the other families who carried so much pain physically and mentally from that awful day in their lives as well as our lives as a nation.
All of these photos show us Chipsticks, thanks to you for this blog to share them with all of us, that we have and must continue to work our hearts to the core to make sure that we reelect, President Obama. We need this type of man leading our nation and our people. I am going to work my little senior hands off for him and his team, and I believe in my heart that all of the TOD family will do the same. Thanks Chipsticks for keep us together at this beautiful haven.HZ
Translation: I’m quitting after Huntsman unless Romney blows it.
When Irish eyes are smiling! Thank you President McAleese for guiding Ireland for 14 years!!! God bless you and your family.
Thanks for the picture of FLOTUS at the event for veterans at the chamber of commerce Chips.
Wow. Our FLOTUS is drop dead gorgeous and so charismatic. We’re so freaking lucky. Woot woot!
You are dam right utaustinliberal. Our FLOTUS is wonderful.
I swear, she’s looking younger every day. She’s obviously been on some sort of new weight training program. So radiant.
She’s always been tone, but she does look leaner. She probably changed her diet a bit and is doing more cardio and wt training. Love, love Michelle Obama!
Meta, read a very brief read about her trainer at the Whitehouse. Nice.HZ
Wearing her hair down, my preference, makes her look much younger. IMHO.
What a fabulous trip! How can any American not be proud of our country and our president!?! There was no hatred, anywhere. This was as much for America as it was for President Obama. Why can’t people see that?
Our4thEstate Bobfr
America – With your vote for these folk youtu.be/B03u7LkxYbo the #KOCHMAFIAGOP & their #teabagger minions will be defeated in 2012
#YesWeCanDoMoreTogether
Hello My TOD Family, when I woke am to Reggie Love’s departure, I almost cried and I couldn’t bring myself to comment since morning except for a few tweets to thank Reggie and wish him well. I have been very sad since, but looking at our Flotus in that picture gave me the energy to #PressOn. 🙂
Does anyone know what he plans to do? Law school? I don’t really blame him for wanting to turn over the reins and those never-ending 18 hour days.
Answering my own question—–from twitter—-Reggie going for his MBA at Wharton.
I’m not sure if you know him personally, but I am sure we all feel as though we do. We’ll all miss Reggie, including – I’m totally sure – President Obama.
What!! Reggie Love’s departure??? 😦 I suppose this is on a previous thread. Fine, I’ll just go look for it 😦
this picture is in Gabby Giffords book I believe 🙂
OMG, Gabby Giffords in that picture with PBO 😦 😦
I hope that it is because as I wrote in my comment to thank Chipsticks, Loriah, Halo and Rikyah, these are the contributions that keep us focus and also keep us grounded on the importance of supporting our President so that we can come together and enjoy the great moments that make us who we really are as a people with real decent core values coming together to make this a better place for our future generation of young people to move forward with in their lives
I have pre-ordered the book and it will arrive by the Thanksgiving week. What an appropriate time to continue to give thanks for Gabby’s and Mark’s blessings as well as all of us as a nation with this wonderful President, Barack Obama.HZ
I love our First Lady. Wouldn’t it be nice if the msm would report on what she and Jill Biden are doing?
Fiscally Responsible Democrats Want To Use Iraq War Savings To Rebuild America
In the latest step to plug the economic hole dug by the Wall Street banksters, the Democrats want to use the money that would have been used to rebuild Iraq and use it to rebuild American infrastructure.
In a report by The Hill
Democrats on the supercommittee have proposed that the savings from the end of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan be used to pay for a new stimulus package, according to a summary of the $2.3 trillion plan obtained by The Hill.
The latest offer from Democrats on the deficit panel, made Monday night to their Republican counterparts, would use some of the war savings to help pay for spending on infrastructure.
The budget savings from ending the wars are estimated to total around $1 trillion over a decade, according to an estimate in July from the Congressional Budget Office.
http://www.politicususa.com/en/fiscally-responsible-democrats-want-to-use-iraq-war-savings-to-rebuild-america
That pic of the president and Gabby is so powerful … Is he praying?
It really is. I’m so happy she’s improving in leaps and bounds after the horrific incident. Her husband is quite wonderful also.
So moving. I thought he was praying, too. He is a prayerful man with a healing spirit. His whole demeanor is a healing one, particularly in the face of distress and heightened emotions.
This morning, in a vote of 10 to 8, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and allow the federal government to provide benefits to couples in same-sex marriages. During the hearing, Minnesota Senator Al Franken (D) fact-checked Sen. Chuck Grassley’s (R-IA) claims that marriage has always been between a man and a woman by providing a history lesson on the evolution of the institution:
FRANKEN: I just believe you misstated the history of marriage. Marriage has not existed as a union between one man and one woman for thousands of years in every culture. In many cultures, men have been able to marry many women and young girls. For centuries, women have been treated as chattel in marriage. Further, if the religious purpose for marriage is procreation, why would we sanction marriage between an 89 year-old widower and an 80 year-old widow? I just think we need to be accurate when we talk about the history of marriage, the history of man and woman, the history of our institutions.
The act, which has 31 co-sponsors, now moves to the Senate, where it has yet to be scheduled for a vote.
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2011/11/10/366309/al-franken-fact-checks-chuck-grassley-marriage-has-evolved-over-time/
Gosh Al Franken is freaking smart. Minnesota should be proud to have him as a Senator.
Yes he is. Yes I am! 🙂
nice. tweeted him
November 10, 2011 1:05 PM
Cain campaign’s not-so-subtle threats
By Steve Benen
I can’t say with any confidence whether the sexual-harassment allegations surrounding Herman Cain are true. The accusations seem credible, and the fact that the Republican presidential candidate has repeatedly contradicted himself and changed his story doesn’t inspire confidence, but the claims have not yet been fully proven.
With that in mind, it stands to reason that Cain and his campaign would defend itself and urge voters to believe the candidate’s version of events. What Team Cain is doing, however, goes well beyond a standard defense, and enters the realm of intimidation and retaliatory tactics.
L. Lin Wood, the lawyer hired by the Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain to fend off sexual harassment accusations, has warned that any other women who might be considering coming forward with similar allegations “should think twice.”
On Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after Karen Kraushaar identified herself as one of two women who had received monetary settlements relating to harassment allegations against Mr. Cain while working for the National Restaurant Association in the late 1990s, Ms. Kraushaar faced questions about a workplace complaint she filed at a subsequent job, at the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Hours later, Rush Limbaugh seized on that report to argue that Ms. Kraushaar has “a pattern of whining.”
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_11/cain_campaigns_notsosubtle_thr033413.php
Hermain Cain said he was the real black man. But let me speak as a black American, he doesn’t represent me and I am ashame of him.
Ditto. He’s an embarassment and I would hate to be in his family trying to explain his behavior.
I don’t think his threats will work. Gloria Allred does not seem to be the lawyer that will allow for her client to be threatened into not speaking or advocating for others to speak out against Herman. There must be some truths to what these women are saying about him. If there wasn’t, there would be no need to try to silence their voices.
You are right….I think Gloria Allred got something for Cain, and I can’t wait. I don’t particularly care for Gloria, but I can’t deny that she is one smart tough lawyer and she is more than capable of taking Cain down…I can’t wait!!!!!
There is only one word for this: disgusting. This is a disturbed and vicious man who has no business seeking public office.
As The GOP Implodes
Obama inches back. Here’s the latest Gallup graph on independents’ preferences between Obama and a generic Republican:
That’s a hell of a swing – from minus 21 to even in two months. And, remember, Obama does better against the actual Republican candidates.
It’s not, in my view, because Obama is performing well as a communicator. It’s because the GOP is revealing itself as unfit for governing responsibility. Once again, Obama’s opponents self-destruct. Of course there’s a long, long way to go, and Romney could beat Obama next year if he is the candidate and the economy dives after Europe swoons. But still: this is a pretty damning indictment of an opposition party when a president has a 9 percent unemployment rate and paltry growth. The last two months, as the GOP has put its candidates on display and as its Congressional obstructionism has deepened, have been dreadful for the Republicans. Maybe they’ll learn after Tuesday’s votes. But maybe they can’t.
http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2011/11/as-the-gop-explodes.html
For me, polling about a generic Republican is the most baffling polling that’s done. I guess it measures job performance or party preference in some obscure way, but ultimately President Obama will not run against a generic Republican. He will run against Romney, or Gingrich or Cain or whomever doesn’t implode the most by 2012.
They may as well poll him against the first 43 Presidents or Disney characters as long as their going the fictitious route. i strongly believe despite all his bravado, Hercules is weak on foreign policy.
Former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona will enter the Democratic primary for one of Arizona’s Senate seats, a boon to Democrats who viewed him as their best chance to take control of the seat from Republicans. Carmona, a Vietnam veteran who served as surgeon general under President George W. Bush, will have a busy winter: He has just been tapped to head an independent military oversight panel that is investigating the mistreatment of the remains of fallen U.S. troops at an Air Force base in Delaware.
~snip~
Camona’s entrance into the race for retiring Sen. Jon Kyl’s (R-Ariz.) seat is also likely to quell speculation that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), who is recovering from a January assassination attempt, will enter the race. Giffords’ longtime campaign manager, Rodd McLeod, is advising Carmona’s Senate run, he said Thursday.
~snip~
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/192943-carmona-takes-senate-leap-in-arizona
I don’t like Carmona’s chances to even win the primary – he seemed to have to be dragged into even running and that isn’t a good sign. The other candidate already declared is a fellow by the name of Bivens, who seems to be a Az Dem machine candidate who’s never run a campaign (either has Carmona for that matter).
This would have been perfect for Rep. Giffords before the shooting, she would have had this virtually locked down.
So would her husband, Mark Kelly. He has sorta hinted that he may be interested in jumping in some time in the future.
I suspect one or the other will run in 2016 for the McCain seat.
Good news on Net Neutrality:
The Senate on Thursday voted 52 to 46 against a Republican-sponsored piece of legislation designed to repeal the “network neutrality” rules established by the Federal Communications Commission in December 2010.
Andrew is wrong. PBO has been in outstanding message mode since the debt ceiling resolution. He has been passionate, on the road, and talking directly to people. It’s disingenuous of Andrew to say it’s not his performance as a communicator that’s making a difference. Yes, the Republican candidates and all R members of Congress have been putting on a hideous display, but it’s not as if the president’s been sitting around making daisy chains. He’s been on fire for jobs!
I agree. Anything to avoid giving the President credit. Barack Obama is a superior messenger – despite what the media pundits claim.
Agreed 100%
I totally agree, Jackie. My take all along is that the problem is not Obama’s messaging. Rather, the problem is the media that either refuses to allow Americans to hear what the President is saying and doing, or the constant obsession with filtering and distorting every thing he says and does.
He will never get credit for his oratory skills. It is obvious to everyone who isn’t MSM or Teathug enthusiast that his AJA crusade across America has had a great effect on his poll numbers. I have given up on the American media. 🙄
Wow. That’s great news on net neutrality.
Pres. Obama said he would have vetoed it if it made it to his desk anyways. But it’s good to see Dems are on the right side of this as well.
Chips, I gotta say that picture of the President with Rep. Giffords is just riveting. I mean, that picture could have foreshadowed even greater tragedy ahead. Instead, it has shown that there is such a thing as a great miracle.
It’s stunning and brings me to tears. His gentle grace is always present. I hope she felt the spirit of him there.
So true! No way you can fake what flows from President Obama – he is the embodiment and realization of empathy.
#YesWeCanDOMoreTogether
So beautifully stated Meta and Bobfr.
President Obama feels, touches, speaks, and walks as a beautiful orchestra playing the most beautiful ” Concerto of Empathy’. In that concerto , there is the moving solo that was written just for you, Mr. President many, many years ago in the orchestral realm of life, love, and compassion.
Now, we are so blessed to watch you perform this beautiful concerto written for you from the very hands of a ‘Mightly ,Brilliant, Gracious , and a Kind Spiritual Director’ from the Heavens fill with loving spirits. We give you a standing Ovation, Mr. President.HZ
This story was released by the WH a while ago but bears repeating in light of the senate vote today.
American Jobs Act by the Numbers: 1:1
“On Oct. 25th, the Obama Administration challenged each of the 8,000 Community Health Centers around the country to hire one veteran, effectively opening up 8,000 jobs to our unemployed vets. ”
http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/11/american-jobs-act-by-numbers-11.html
way to go WH tweeted it.
Political AnimalBlog
November 10, 2011 2:25 PM
Romney backed taxpayer-funded abortions
By Steve Benen
In theory, revelations like these would shake up the Republican presidential race, but that assumes Mitt Romney has competent primary rivals who actually want to win.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s past support for abortion rights and state-funded family planning, especially during his Senate run in 1994 against Ted Kennedy, is well known. But Romney’s support has lasted longer, and goes deeper, than many may assume.
During Romney’s 2002 gubernatorial campaign, he sought the endorsement of Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts by filling out a questionnaire that made his continued support clear. The document was first circulated in 2007, but is now taking on new relevance as Romney tries to clarify his opposition to abortion rights and government-funded family planning.
Romney pledged his support for Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that protects women’s choice, for laws protecting the safety of abortion clinics, for increased access to the morning-after pill and for late-term abortions when the mother’s health is at risk. Romney also indicated on the form that he supported the “state funding of abortion services through Medicaid for low-income women.”
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_11/romney_backed_taxpayerfunded_a033416.php
The GOP is confusing me. This story, which didn’t get much traction when he ran President in 2008, seems like a direct hit on Romney as he attains “inevitable nominee” status.
So the GOP Powers that Be have made it clear that they don’t want Perry, they don’t want Cain, they didn’t want Palin and they don’t want Romney.
Who do the GOP Powers that Be want to run against President Obama in 2012?
Whomever they pick is going to lose by a landslide, so why not put up Romney and permanently end his publicly-funded hobby of running for President?
Ann Dunham- A Singular Woman.
I received the book by Janny Scott as a present for my 55th birthday, two weeks ago.
After reading it, I’m solidly convinced I belong to a different generation than the 44th President of the United States.
Ann Dunham was about real development in really existing small communities in Indonesia; something we, graduates at a University which had a feeble contact with the University of Jogyakarta, only could dream of – she *did* it.
The work ethic needed to complete this “study” (the book makes it clear how she moved from “working on her thesis” to “advising companies” with ease) is astounding – it jumps off the pages.
If ever you think the 44th will succumb to too much work, *read this book*.
Happy belated birthday! What a great gift.
From BreakngNews.com
“US Senate votes 94-1 on bill to provide tax credits to companies who hire veterans and encourage job training for veterans – @NBCNews
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., was the only “no” vote. An aide said he favors the jobs initiatives but opposes using health care cuts to pay for them.”
I fingured that was the reason. The funding is a little sketchy.
I watched the vote live on CSPAN. There were no “no” votes, but one voting “president.” One aspect of the funding is the repeal of a 3% stealth tax that businesses pay for some transaction (can’t recall what exactly). This bill passed, but the bill for “cuts to healthcare” was proposed by the R’s but the Dems and WH have not agreed to it.
That is so odd….I cannot find it on the Senate website.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/vote_menu_112_1.htm
The Hill is reporting something different about the 94-1 vote, citing Snowe instead of Rockerfeller.
“The amendment sponsored by Reid to create tax incentives for companies to hire veterans also cleared the chamber by 94-1 with Snowe voting present.”
I am not sure why the bill hasn’t shown up on Roll Call. Maybe because it won’t be approved by the House until next week.:
“WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Tax credits of up to $9,600 for businesses that hire disabled veterans who have been jobless for six months or more were approved in the Senate on Thursday. The 94-1 vote represented a rare show of bipartisanship and advanced a small piece of President Barack Obama’s jobs plan. The House is expected to approve the veterans legislation next week.”
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/192963-senate-easily-clears-two-bipartisan-jobs-bills
I think she voted “Present” ( which I thought was not allowed in the Senate )
DeMint is the no vote at the Senate link…..very confusing reporting ( shocking, I know )
You’re right FiredUp – seems they are still waiting for the bill to pass the House. Harry Reid just tweeted this:
// The best way for the House to honor our troops on #VeteransDay would be to pass this bill tomorrow #VOW2HireHeroes //
Hi everyone, just added the video clip that the photo of the President and Gabby Giffords is taken from.
Oh my goodness, her story is so moving. I hope her wish to return is fulfilled ASAP.
Oh, Chips, the video about her book is wonderful–very emotional and heart rending. What that woman has gone through and the utter senselessness of it is beyond words! Her story is one of the most remarkable of our time. One small woman so filled with courage she just humbles the rest of us.
It says a lot that the photo of the president with Gabby didn’t come from the White House. PBO has too much class to publicize his compassion. It’s all the most powerful and touching that it came from Gabby and her husband.
The first video – the DCCC one says “This video is private”. Can someone tell me a what it says or where I can see it for myself? TIA.
Oh, that’s weird Insomniac, they seem to have removed the video from the DCCCVideo2012 YouTube channel – maybe there was an error in it? It was just about the push to get a Dem majority in Congress next time.
Thanks for the reply, Chipsticks. I wondered what was up 🙂 BTW, do you (or anyone else) know if we can still get those lovely Is féidir linn shirts and/or mugs, etc.? Xmas gifts beckon!
President’s statement on the Keystone Pipeline:
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release November 10, 2011
Statement by the President on the State Department’s Keystone XL Pipeline Announcement
November 10, 2011
I support the State Department’s announcement today regarding the need to seek additional information about the Keystone XL Pipeline proposal. Because this permit decision could affect the health and safety of the American people as well as the environment, and because a number of concerns have been raised through a public process, we should take the time to ensure that all questions are properly addressed and all the potential impacts are properly understood. The final decision should be guided by an open, transparent process that is informed by the best available science and the voices of the American people. At the same time, my administration will build on the unprecedented progress we’ve made towards strengthening our nation’s energy security, from responsibly expanding domestic oil and gas production to nearly doubling the fuel efficiency of our cars and trucks, to continued progress in the development of a clean energy economy.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/11/10/statement-president-state-departments-keystone-xl-pipeline-announcement?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl
Thank you for this, meta. I’m grateful to those who circled the White House as PBO says about “the public process”..and am reminded of Mark Ruffalo’s video that asks us to protest respecfully but please do it.
That clip of PBO with Gabby Giffords in the hospital is so moving. I feel that he is praying her to good health. Just awesome.
sigh…..
back to work…..
l8r
Also, I have gone back and looked at the last comment thread. Let us all remember this before we dig in any deeper in that last convo.
Penn State students plan candlelight vigil for young victims of sexual abuse.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/campus-overload/post/penn-state-students-plan-candlelight-vigil-raise-money-for-victims/2011/11/10/gIQAZPXM9M_blog.html?tid=sm_twitter_washingtonpost
Back on track. Good.
Exactly.
This is refreshing news.
Were there any arrests of those students last night ?
Not that I heard. Why would they be arrested?
Amid chants of “We want JoePa,” “One more game” and “F*** the media!,” rioting students flipped over a television van, knocked a lamppost onto a car, threw toilet tissue and rocks at police and set off fireworks.
—-
How is this different than the protesters in some of the OWS locations….they have been arrested and beaten for less.
Oh I didn’t know all that. Yeah, that actually sounds worse than the OWS stuff.
I just saw a clip on Hardball that looks like some arrests were made….
that is better than their shameful display of last night.These kids looked like they had lost their damn moral compass 🙄
I am so happy to hear that, because the behavior of some students last night was terrible. This horrible story is bigger than football. And to see some more upset by the head coach being let go then by finding out that a 10 year old boy was rape, come on let’s get real. here. I know that guy is innocent till proven guilty, so maybe I should change my words a bit. But the candlelight vigil is a nice thing.
I have followed the PSU case closely. That MONSTER is guilty. More victims are coming foward. Believe me you would not want Sandusky around any of your children or grandchildren. 😕
Keith, that is why so many people are mad, certain people knew what was going on but they did nothing about it. I still can’t understand how this Mcqueary guy could see what he saw and walk away. I saw the ex-Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie on Ed Show and he said he would have gotten that child away, then he might would have gotten himself into trouble by beating the hell out of that guy. I said thank you, that’s exactly what I feel McQueary should have done. I added the beating the hell part.
Chips, don’t forget this powerful moment!
Oh, what a memory Halo, thank you so much for the reminder – just added it to the post. Thanks again.
That first screen grab of President Obama and Congresswoman Giffords looks like what we Catholics might call a “prayer card” – with her “Guardian Angel” standing by her side. Thanks for sharing that, because it just shows what a decent human being and friend he is. He must take some time out in his role as President to just weep a little, I think, after visiting wounded warriors and these others.
Amen, our beautiful Jacquelineoboomer, so true. Very moving photo.HZ
MARTIN BASHIR
talks with Goldie Taylor about Herman Cain calling Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi “Princess Nancy” and the right wing cries of liberal media racism. There is tape of Cain issuing a crocodile tears apology that is insulting.
HERMAN CAIN & THE CONTENT OF HIS CHARACTER
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/45136288#45246520
I follow Goldie Taylor on Twitter and she’s “obsessed” with Herman Cain (a good thing!). He really rubs her the wrong way, and she’s a self-declared “dyed in the wool independent.”
I love Goldie Taylor also Jacqueline. I forwarded a link to that video to several people. It pretty much sums up Cain. He is a lightweight BS’er. I need to start watching Bashir.
And Tweety just aired a tape of Cain on a (his?) radio show, saying “teachers, teachers, they don’t want to lay off teachers” said in a mocking voice, like not wanting to lay off teachers was some crazy notion. He also mentioned “Princess Nancy” in a mocking tone on the tape also. I think he was mocking her for not wanting to lay off teachers. He’s just a piece of work. There is no way he should be in the running for POTUS. It’s embarrassing.
Beautiful idea. I hope there are thousands of them, so America will see that the students who demonstrated yesterday are only a small minority.
It was obviously a reply to forus50 re: Penn State.
Goodness. Tiny snowflakes here in Illinois this afternoon. Too soon! Too soon!
I know right? 😦
ok, THIS is some s— right out of a John Grisham novel
………………………………
DA Who Never Charged Sandusky Has Been Missing Since 2005
Why didn’t Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar prosecute Jerry Sandusky the first time he was accused in 1998? We may never know, as Gricar disappeared in 2005.
It is strange that Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar never prosecuted Jerry Sandusky on child-rape charges 13 years ago, some speculate, because Gricar was known for being fiercely independent and hard on crime.
But it is even stranger that we cannot ask Gricar why Sandusky was not put behind bars, because the tough-as-nails district attorney disappeared in 2005. And though he was declared dead July of this year, his body has never been found.
“People ask why Ray did not prosecute, and I have no problem saying, because he clearly felt he didn’t have a case for a ‘successful’ prosecution,” Tony Gricar, Ray Gricar’s nephew , told The Patriot-News.
“… One thing I can say is that Ray was beholden to no one, was not a politician.”
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/133615093.html
I actually remember that story, now that you’ve brought up details. Here’s more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Gricar#Disappearance
let’s hope this Gricar is still alive . . .
This story is tragic and intriguing. No one knows what happened to this DA. His computer with hard drive removed was found in the Susquehanna River near where his car was parked. And others are saying that these recent charges are just the beginning—–that this story may expand. The whole thing is just unbelievable.
I don’t know how credible the source is, but I posted this info from a link I found online last night:
http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2011/nov/08/penn-state-abuse-scandal-a-guide-and-timeline/
The article deals with a timeline about the unfolding case and features highlights about key characters associated with the case including the former District Attorney who dropped the case and a janitor who witnessed and reported one of the first incidents involving a child rape at Penn State:
I read that the D.A. at that time “disappeared” after 2005 and was pronounced “legally dead” in July. Interestingly also, a temporary janitor who alledgedly witnessed the same assistant coach rape a boy in the shower at Penn State in 1997 and who reported what he saw to his supervisor now lives in a nursing home and reportedly has dementia.
Interesting tidbits about those two individuals:
“Ray Gricar: Declared legally dead in July, Gricar was the Centre County district attorney from 1985 to 2005, when he disappeared. He chose not to prosecute Sandusky in 1998 after allegations of inappropriate contact with young boys surfaced. The decision helped to end a police investigation into the report” . . .
“Jim Calhoun: A temporary worker whose job as a janitor at Penn State lasted only eight months, Calhoun told co-workers and a supervisor in 2000 that he witnessed Sandusky engaging in sexual activity with a boy in a campus locker-room shower. Several staff members later said that Calhoun, a veteran of the Korean War, was visibly shaken by what he reported seeing. He now resides in an assisted living facility and reportedly has dementia.”
Oh my. I don’t know where this will end up.
A modern day Declaration of Independence that we can all get behind! Must read….as if we needed to refresh our memories!
http://politicalgates.blogspot.com/2011/11/americas-21st-century-declaration-of.html
Our4thEstate Bobfr
America – #PresObama’s stance of the Keystone XL project is way more substantial than ‘seeking a different route’ http://1.usa.gov/uiCavj Please read and share #OBAMA2012
#PRESSON
Wait has anyone else seen the Funny or Die vid on Rick Perry’s “OOps” moment from last night?
Haven’t watch Daily Show or Colbert in a while, but I am so gonna watch tonight to see what they got!
that’s funny. “Name 3 numbers less than 4” – LOL!!
Name 3 numbers less than 3 had me dying! And I love how that Rick Perry knew all the Kardashian sisters’ names. This was hilarious!
Wanted to share this thank you video from Robert Redford to Pres. Obama :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9bbpfKX9Kk&feature=share
I have to say I am impressed with the civility of the protesters. Well the high profile ones anyway. I don’t know what they are saying on those other blogs, but the comments I’ve seen on my twitter time line have been positive.
Has this been posted yet?
Robert Redford thanks President Obama:
Hey! I just posted that above you. Nice, huh?
Nice. Classy, too.
That’s so nice, for a change. Someone finally appreciate President Obama’s actions on behalf of our nation.
New post everyone:
http://theobamadiary.com/2011/11/10/evening-all-5/
😉