President Obama awards posthumously the Medal of Honor to Rose Mary Sabo-Brown, widow of Specialist Leslie H. Sabo, Jr
Fellow soldiers from the same unit as Army Specialist Leslie Sabo Jr. cry as President Obama presents Rose Mary Sabo-Brown the Medal of Honor posthumously to her husband for his actions in Cambodia in May 1970
President Obama and First lady Michelle Obama hug Rose Mary Sabo-Brown after she received the Medal of Honor posthumously for her husband, Army Specialist Leslie Sabo Jr
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The Obama Diary 
Hi
Better than a Wayne Rooney pic?
Much, although I might as well leave work now for all the focus I’ll have for the rest of the day.
This’ll help you focus:
See?
uhm……
Less of your “uhms” Missus.
That definitely worked, after I got past the screaming in stark terror process. PS, check email.
I scream too, but in an ‘OMG-he’s-the-Messiah’ kind of way. Heading to email now.
What the bloody hell???!!???
Are you concern-trolling about Wayne, LL? I won’t have it. Show some respect, please. 😆
I’m bleaching my brain to get the image out of my head. I’m gonna have night terrors!
Oui Madam!
But that must be the ugliest Bobblehead EVER.
Just look at her beautiful cocoa-butter kissed skin.
Any woman who can’t admit how beautiful FLOTUS is…..well they be lying!
There are times when in the midst of the horror of war, the goodness of men shine through.
Any pictures of FLOTUS.
POTUS and FLOTUS are real. They care about people.
Thanks Chipsticks, I knew I could count on you.
Added a couple more to the post Anniebella, more soon.
Thanks for the extra pictures, they are very touching. And yes FLOTUS looks lovely, and the red shoes is nice.
FLOTUS looks good in red.
She looks good in anything.
Yes, she does…that dress is really beautiful, it’s so classy, so Mrs Obama.
I liked her too in that green that Chipsticks had on the other thread! But like japa21 says below, she looks good in anything. But that green, and this red … striking. Then again that white blouse she had on yesterday – we could go on and on, eh?
From listening to that little bit of VP Biden speech, man he must have really kick ass today. Romney lying ass.
Congrats Japa21. This was indeed a wonderful selfless man. Spec Sabo thank you for your service and courage. President Obama thank you for making this up to Spec Sabo’s family.
That was a very moving story and ceremony. Emotional for all.
Score one for our side japa. 😉
I was thinking of you.
I’m never to far.
Thank you Chipsticks for keeping us up-to-date with Current events!
What a tender moment in a medal presentation ceremony! This man is truly amazing.
Good one Tally 😆
Joey! Love that video clip!
Even the soldier in one of the shots in the long corridor looks like she’s tearing up over that emotional moment.
Am I the only one who wants to storm the castle after listening to VP Joe?
I’m with ya LL!
I’m right next to you LL!
You tell em VP Joe.
Nope! VP Joe got me so fired up that I just went and signed up to go register voters this weekend.
Afghanistan will be at the top of the agenda when heads of state and government from the 28-member North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) meet in Chicago Sunday and Monday.
NATO has been operating in Afghanistan since 2003, leading a 130,000 member United Nations-mandated contingent known as the ”International Security Assistance Force,” or ISAF. ISAF’s main goal has been to help Afghan authorities provide security and stability in order to create conditions for the country’s reconstruction and development.
http://m.voanews.com/666815.html
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said Wednesday it had ordered officials to finalise an agreement as quickly as possible on lifting a six-month blockade on overland Nato supplies into war-torn Afghanistan.
http://dawn.com/2012/05/16/pakistan-backs-quick-deal-on-nato-supplies/
Well hello Macon Phillips (sitting with Jay Carney; the media-go-to guy). I was once your Sunday School teacher! And you are doing a good job! Thank you.
You were?? How six degrees of separation!
Off topic, but please respond: What does six degrees of separation mean? It’s a phrase, like the word existentialism that I can’t seem to process with amount of understanding.
It’s the theory that we are separated from every other person on this planet by 6 other people. In other words, I know someone who knows someone and so on until I get to PBO or Queen Elizabeth.
I like that.
Are you serious Daisy??
Yes, Macon Phillips was in a Sunday School class I taught circa 1988 or so. I know his mother and father (long-time members of our Parish) and his sister Susanna Phillips is an opera singer, she is beautiful, and I don’t know where she sings right now, but I think she lives in NYC and has sang with the Met. She is wonderful because she comes back home (to Huntsville, AL) to sing in special programs at our church and with our Symphony from time to time. She has many, many fans here and packs in the audience when she sings here! Now, I don’t know how many people know that our own Macon Phillips works for our President; I first saw his name on whitehouse.gov right after the inauguration (I am trying to remember if I actually saw that he worked for the President during the campaign – can’t remember) but know that I live in a very Red state and unfortunately, our city which is high-tech, diverse in culture, etc. is still by and largely Republican. Oh the woe for me. The only place I feel truly at home is on the campus of our University because it is diverse and liberal.
Ah, that’s amazing Daisy, it’s such a small world! Found this about him at Wikipedia:
Phillips is a former director of strategy and communications for Washington, D.C.-based Blue State Digital, a private web design firm that eventually became closely tied to the 2008 Barack Obama presidential campaign for whom he worked for as an internet strategist. Phillips had previously worked for Democratic Florida State Senator Rod Smith as a senior strategist during the 2006 Florida gubernatorial election. He had also worked for Ted Kennedy.
Phillips was the Director of New Media for the Presidential transition of Barack Obama and had oversight responsibility for Change.gov. In fact, he turned the website on the morning after the 2008 Barack Obama election victory speech. Prior to that he was involved in BarackObama.com and directed the technological initiative to announce the selection of Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee to be Vice President of the United States. Philips’ new media efforts during the 2008 United States presidential election helped raise vast sums of money for the Obama presidential campaign, while his text messaging, online videos and social networking skills led the campaign in many organizational and informational ways. Blue State Digital created and managed Obama’s campaign site, which brought in a million Facebook friends and about $500 million.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macon_Phillips
Wow, he’s played a HUGE role – you should be proud!
Chips, I like that the President has young men and women on his staff. The issues that he is addressing and that our country is facing are very, very important to me, they affect me, concern me, I am passionate about some of them (healthcare, gay rights, infrastructure). I used to think that our position in the world, or how the rest of the world viewed us was not that important until I saw the difference between the respect and emotion for Bush/Cheney and President Barack Obama. He has elevated this country to heights unknown since maybe the Kennedy administration in terms of diplomacy and regard. Sorry, I am rambling .. because my point is as I have told my son and daughter (ages 38 and 33 respectively) – this is YOUR President, YOUR administration – work hard for him and for it because these issues will be yours(and your children’s) to deal with from now on! I totally believe our President when he says that the regard for the world his daughters will live in motivates many of his thoughts and actions. So when I see these young men and women (there was a picture maybe here, maybe on Whitehouse.gov recently of about 8-10 young men and women around a conference table – I think they were the President’s advisory team for something but I am blocking) on his staff, I go yeah, that is what/who it is about! The next generation. (Not that it is not about me, but it more for them.) For instance, I love and delight in the arts performances the Prez and Michelle are having about once a month or so! We need a renewal of spirit in this country and this President and his entourage so to speak are working to make that happen!
{{{{{{{{{{{{{daisydem}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Don’t twitter, but the obvious response is “no, we don’t, we just want to approach it responsibly, like raise revenue. You jackass.”
I just tweeted something serious but I didn’t have room for ‘jackass’. Must tweet again.
Damn the headache meds are making me loopy. “Similar”, not “serious”
WE HAVE GOT TO GET THAT GAVEL BACK INTO NANCY’S HANDS.
What ever happened to Boner’s relentless focus on jobs jobs jobs? Looks like Frank Luntz must have decided the debt polls better than jobs. Or maybe this is yet another look at that shiny object moment for the speaker who is not so good at his job.
Says the guy who ran away from a $4T deal with President Obama. They have a nerve!
I was a tad uncomfortable with Joe’s talk. (I know I’m likely the only one) I get what he was saying and to whom, but I don’t want it to look like there is a harsh divide. People from all income levels and backgrounds voted for Obama. And I always believed the key to Obama’s success, and winning the election, was his appeal across the board, voters from every corner, and I just like a more inclusive message. Just my opinion.
I get what you’re saying, Dotster, but I think those at an upper income level will say that’s just “Joe being Joe” going over the top as usual, etc. etc. Those who identify with what Biden is saying will get it to the core and they will feel that somebody really understands them. Biden speaks to people who don’t have everything and worry about the future. PBO speaks to everyone, so I think that’s a good combination. The Republicans will laugh at Biden–I already read some idiot who said it was his Dean Scream moment. Let them scoff. The more they do, the more Biden’s real audience will feel alienated from them. For years R’s tried to paint Democrats, especially Liberals, as elite latte drinker and Volvo owners. Now, as they sneer at our VP, the shoe slips firmly on their foot. Joe Biden is a very smart man and he knew exactly what he was doing.
I get what Joe was feeling and saying. My parents too instilled in me that I could be anything I wanted to be and this was in the 60’s & 70’s. As a young black girl – it gave me the courage to…..DREAM & ACHIEVE.
Agree. It was a brilliant and enormously compassionate speech.
#AmericaThisIsNotATest
#PRESSON
“(I know I’m likely the only one)”
Not really. I raised my own eyebrow at that one.
Why I’m rather confident about November:
LOLGOP @LOLGOP
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They should just turn Fox News into a Romney telethon. More dignified.
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It was truly a proud moment when I saw those Vietnam vets applauded at the ceremony. It was a long time coming and I’m glad I lived to see it. I as well as others can finally rest knowing that there was someone in the WH that publicly acknowledges the troops, past and present. I salute you Mr. President. (water works)!
It’s families like the Sabos who sacrifice for this country, while Mittens hides out in France and his kids “serve their country” by working on his campaign.
Wanted to share the sentiment with #chickenhawk @MittRomney ….
#PRESSON
My pleasure!
As I have said so many times before, I do not live in America. I do not support America in its many wars but this act is one of the most touching acts that a president can do. PBO has a big heart and so does FL. I can’t stop crying after watching this video.Truly great First Family………………4 more for 44! He is THE BEST!!!
The way PBO reached around Her and not just her closest cheek/side demonstrates true warmth and caring. Again………….HE IS THE BEST!!!
It is a shame that because the Vietnam War was so reviled that there was a tendency not to acknowledge a lot of those who fought there. The Memorial was important in getting past that and today is another step. There can be great valor shown by individuals, even if the overall effort may have been wrong. I hope this does not happen in the future for those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. As long as people like PBO are around, it won’t.
A beautiful day for them Yardarm:
US military veterans of the Vietnam War from Company B stand to be recognized as US President Barack Obama presents Rose Mary Sabo-Brown with a Medal of Honor for her late husband, US Army Specialist Leslie H. Sabo, Jr. , during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, May 16, 2012. On May 10, 1970 during heavy fighting in Cambodia as part of the Vietnam War, Sabo picked up a live enemy grenade thrown toward him and his comrades, threw it back toward the enemy while shielding a wounded comrade with his own body, thus absorbing the brunt of the blast. He then charged the enemy position, launching another grenade into an enemy bunker, which halted incoming enemy fire, but also killing himself.
These images are heartbreaking. After 40 years, the recognition causes some to shed tears. It’s been a long time coming – thank heavens for President Obama, who does the right thing.
So very touching.
Thank you Chipsticks.
We must NEVER forget.
Thank you so much Chips. “All gave some and some gave all.”
I love that, Yardarm.
circa WWII.
Jon Bon Jovi Member of the White House Council for Community Solutions. Wait What?
Go team Obama/Biden
That dear young LT in this photo is clearly having to bite her lip with emotion … the total power of President & First Lady Obama’s empathy is very moving …
#PRESSON
I caught that, too, Bob. She was so moved by the exchange happening in front of her.
Yep. Quite touching …
#PRESSON
May you live in interesting times…
The dominos are trembling.
Right, you don’t play poker with people’s lives, hey, isn’t that what that Kenyan guy said?
And Chancellor Merkel was just handed a drubbing in a state election in the country’s largest state. I’m telling you, there’s a revolution brewing. Which is why I love VP Joe’s speech today: it lays out in stark terms the interests of the few against those of the many.
Ok, a bit of promising news for the economy on a personal level: My library system is looking for entry-level librarians again, after being in a hiring freeze for 3 years. Must mean that property tax revenues are up. Now that’s what I call #FORWARD!
Yeah! 🙂
And we absolutely have a need. Most of our libraries are understaffed.
That’s brilliant news LL, so encouraging.
San Jose PL is also starting to hire again, and it’s a pretty big system up north.
Romney’s toast.
That’s good news LL…..what do you think of Gov Jerry Browns assertion that there was not enough revenue? Some are saying he’s annoucement was to get people thinking about the tax increase on the Nov ballet.
Never say that Jerry isn’t a smart politician. I bet that there actually isn’t enough money, so that gives November all the more force.
Yes!
Mitt Romney does a reverse flip flop with a stunning triple axle on his bogus job creation numbers. There’s something wrong with him.
Romney Flips Back To Claim That Bain Capital Created 100,000 Jobs
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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is back to claiming that his former private equity firm, Bain Capital, helped create at least 100,000 jobs, telling conservative radio host Ed Morrisey that “we were able to help create over 100,000 jobs.”
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http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/05/16/485560/romney-flips-back-to-claim-that-bain-capital-created-100000-jobs/
I wish this country could just issue an apology to President Obama for trying to put up a complete flock of losers to compete against him, and just cancel the election if the GOP can’t come up with a serious candidate. This is ridiculous and beneath the dignity of the Office, currently occupied by an amazing, one-in-a-billion, person of intelligence and integrity.
Wisconsin is tied. Is Wisconsin worth it? A lot of People there, seem anxious about Libruls.
Just saying!
Btw- that marquett law poll that has POTUS tied and Walker up 6, is obviously a right wing poll! Hello!
But Chuck Todd said…
Okay has Dave Letterman been on fire with his political commentary lately or WHAT?! Just saw the “What More Do We Want…” vid, and now I want him to take these Sunday morning shows to task!
Dropping a Word Bomb of Truth On Mitt Romney’s Olympic Leadership
http://www.politicususa.com/romney-olympics.html
I’m so tired of hearing about Wisconsin, if at this late date they still aren’t sure about Walker’s leadership I don’t think throwing campaign money towards that fight is worth it. Walker has tried to put his foot up their asses in Wisconsin every chance he got and those people still might vote for him.
Me too! Something happened to that State. It reminds me of North Carolina! Lots of billionaire righties, in both States.
I like both states, great liberal areas and Dems in both. I would never give up on these states.
Me neither.
Your compassion is underwhelming. Maybe you’ll be sick of hearing when the same thing happens to the nation.
JPMorgan Said to Consider Clawing Back Bonuses After Loss (Update 2)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-15/jpmorgan-said-to-weigh-bonus-clawbacks-after-loss.html
Massachusetts Citizen and Community Groups Sue Commonwealth for Failing to Provide Voter Registration Opportunities May 15, 2012
http://www.demos.org/press-release/massachusetts-citizen-and-community-groups-sue-commonwealth-failing-provide-voter-regi
Meet the Two Other Court Cases Besides Citizens United that Stole Our Democracy
http://www.politicususa.com/meet-court-cases-citizens-united-stole-democracy.html
U.S. sheds the Helms Rule’s legacy
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/76249.html#ixzz1upvCrYRf
What beautiful, poignant pictures from today’s ceremony. I’m glad the memory of this soldier was honored.
VIDEO: Ad for Mitt Romney features man who did jail time
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2012/05/15/video-ad-for-mitt-romney-features-man-who-did-jail-time/
That Gary Johnson stuff is under the radar. Shhh!
Mary Kennedy, the wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr, has been found dead in her Mount Kisco, New York home, TMZ reports.
Officials told TMZ that Kennedy, 52, was found at 1:36 p.m Wednesday by the Bedford Police Department and that law enforcement is investigating the cause of death. A source also confirmed to Radar that Kennedy had passed.
RFK Jr, the son of the late Sen. Robert Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, and Mary Kennedy filed for divorce in 2010 after 16 years of marriage. Three days after the split, Mary Kennedy was arrested for drunk driving and was fined $500. Three months later she was arrested again, this time for driving under the influence of drugs.
The couple had four children together.
Very sad, especially for their 4 children.
PBO gives The View a 15 mo. ratings high—-4.7 million viewers—–who will all vote for him after watching that appearance
Federal Appeals Court Rules Against Secretive Big Money Campaign Donors
http://www.whatisworking.com/2012/05/federal-appeals-court-rules-against.html
New post everyone:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/05/16/a-word-from-japa-sound-and-fury/
By MAGGIE HABERMAN | 5/16/12 3:29 PM EDT
The pro-President Barack Obama super PAC Priorities USA Action, which unleashed a blistering ad against Mitt Romney over Bain Capital yesterday, is bringing on Mary Beth Cahill, John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign strategist, officials said.
http://www.politico.com//blogs/burns-haberman/2012/05/proobama-super-pac-hires-kerry-campaign-manager-123661.html
First Lady Michelle’s dress is soooooo pretty!
vitaminlover, It really is lovely.
OK, that picture of the President and First Lady walking toward the Medal of Honor ceremony….where are they coming from? They both have uncharacteristic expressions. Like they’re trying hard not to smile or maybe laugh. Hmm.