President Obama with Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, a Muslim American collegiate basketball player for the University of Memphis, after both played basketball on the court on the South Lawn of the White House – Abdul-Qaadir wore a tee that said ‘Muslim Girls Hoop Too’ ❤️
I’m a hopeless hypocrite on McIlroy, LP, always admired his other-wordly golfing ability, never liked him too much – but then he announced he would represent Ireland, rather than Britain, at the next Olympics and I was like: ‘You’re the best human being on earth!’ 🙂
LP, this is where I reveal myself to be a miserable cynic – I really hate that ad. It’s corporate manipulation at its worst, just Nike trying to intertwine, in their usual awful manufactured way, the lives of their two biggest golfing clients. They’ve pumped gazillions in to Tiger and he’s struggling badly, so they need to create a narrative that links him to their client who can do no wrong, the master and his heir. Probably the only thing that links them is an abnormal upbringing by parent(s) who obsessed over them becoming sporting stars. That’s the real bond between Tiger and Rory, the rest is just corporate fluff.
I basically agree with everything you stated. This is all hype for the Masters that start Thursday….I just get so nostalgic seeing Tiger in his prime…it has been a freaking decade since he won a major and I want him to own the majors record over Jack just like I want Serena to hold the record over Martina.
It’s so weird LP, remember those comically awful photos I posted from when I was at the ‘We Are One’ pre-2009 inauguration concert? I think there was one especially, um, non-Souza-ish effort showing Tiger on the big screen. When he was introduced it was like a ripple of electricity went through the crowd. I was with two pals, one, who’s a HUGE golf fan, nearly had to be sedated. It was amazing, he was and always will be something very special, despite having more personal faults than the rest of us combined could accrue in a lifetime. But I’ll forgive the fella everything in light of his upbringing, his father was the most cruel and twisted of creatures, Tiger is remarkable for being in one(ish) emotional piece. I’d give anything – except Chelsea winning the title – to see him have a brilliant week in Augusta.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jen Psaki thought the offer to be President Barack Obama’s communications director wouldn’t last long. She figured White House chief of staff Denis McDonough hadn’t heard she’s expecting a baby girl in July. “My immediate instinct in my head was to tell him I’m pregnant and this will be the end of this. He’ll tell me good luck and be very kind about it and I’ll be on my merry way,” said Psaki, who was serving as chief spokeswoman at the State Department. Instead McDonough — and later Obama himself — assured Psaki they would accommodate her needs as a new mom amid the West Wing’s nonstop demands. She started in the post Wednesday and is one of two pregnant women serving as assistant to the president — a first for such a top level adviser in Obama’s presidency and practically unheard of under previous presidents.
Rahm Emanuel, Obama’s first chief of staff and now Chicago mayor, once remarked that every White House says they’ll be family-friendly, but it’s never really a good workplace for any family except the president’s. Yet Obama has pushed family-friendly policies like childcare, flexibility and paid leave, including instituting 12 weeks paid maternity leave for his own staff. But until now, he hasn’t put it into practice in a very prominent way with few mothers of young children on his own senior team. “All workplaces are adapting and that includes the White House,” said Obama legislative director Katie Beirne Fallon….Fallon said she made it clear when she took her job that they were trying to start a family. She said everyone has been accommodating — from cooks at the mess hall where her lunch orders have included a baked potato topped with tuna fish and frozen yogurt with Raisin Bran, all the way up to the president. “He’s constantly checking in on me,” she said, urging her not to miss doctor’s appointments and to put her health first. “Don’t let us get in the way of that,” she said he’s told her. Fallon and Psaki both say they envision working more flexible hours so they can put their babies to bed. Press secretary Josh Earnest — one of several new fathers in the West Wing — says he tries to get home once a week before his baby is asleep. Obama tries to make it to dinner every night with his wife and daughters….continued”
Susan Sarandon: Let’s Get a Woman on the $20 Bill!
“Change is a funny thing. It’s often prompted by a small action that takes on a much larger cultural meaning, and can catch us by surprise with its utter simplicity. A few weeks ago, I came across a short video entitled, “Where Are the Girls on the Money?” on the website womenon20s.org. Women on 20s is an online campaign to put a woman’s face on the $20 bill. I was excited to see that there was a positive mission afoot to bring attention to some of the greatest women in American history. As the Women on 20s website points out, “the year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment that granted women the right to vote. So it seems fitting to commemorate that milestone by voting to elevate women to a place that is today reserved exclusively for the men who shaped American history. That place is on our paper money and that new portrait can become a symbol of greater changes to come.”
…The response was thrilling. And not just because my friends Padma Lakshmi and Alan Cumming and throngs of others began to tweet and post their support, but because it ignited a passion in people from all over the world to proudly post images of the accomplished women in other countries who were already adorning their currency. This unexpected and gorgeous mosaic brought attention to the fact that there are already at least 10 other countries that have recognized female leaders on their banknotes, including Argentina, Sweden, Turkey, Mexico, the Philippines, Israel, and Syria. And while the United States often likes to take credit for leading the world in big, bold ideas, in this instance at least, it’s clear we lag far behind….continued”
Hey, Bibi, how about – to go along with your “demand” that the U.S. include an Iranian statement about Israel’s right to exist in the nuclear deal – you sign off on Palestine’s right to exist as a separate state, before you say much more on such a topic. Thank you.
“A recently released video promoting women’s freedom of choice is generating widespread reactions throughout India. The video, entitled “My Choice”, is a part of #VogueEmpower, Vogue India’s social awareness initiative launched in October. Directed by Homi Adajania and written by Kersi Khambatta, the video features 99 women, including Bollywood star Deepika Padukone…continued”
WHYTF is Schumer going to be the new dem Senate leader?!?! God, it’s a screwed up dem party that they are going to back this AIPAC whore when they have some very strong, capable women who run circles around that POS.
Yes, Patty Murray or Barbara Boxer –or Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar is great — or I would even be ok with Elizabeth Warren for sure over any Chuck Schumer.
‘This was a pretty stunning statement coming from the President of the United States.
Clearly, he added, “part of the psychology of Iran is rooted in past experiences, the sense that their country was undermined, that the United States or the West meddled in first their democracy and then in supporting the Shah and then in supporting Iraq and Saddam during that extremely brutal war. So part of what I’ve told my team is we have to distinguish between the ideologically driven, offensive Iran and the defensive Iran that feels vulnerable and sometimes may be reacting because they perceive that as the only way that they can avoid repeats of the past.”
In case you don’t know what he’s talking about, in 1953 the United States and Britain coordinated a coup against Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh after their parliament voted to nationalize Iran’s oil industry.’ ………………………………..//
I nearly feel out of my chair, VC, when President Obama acknowledged that Fact. Unprecedented. No American President has ever touched on the reality that (as in Afghanistan and elsewhere) our meddling in the 50s completely undermined Iran’s democracy.
Indeed, Bobfr, part of me believes that’s one of the reasons some resent the president. They resent his honesty, particularly because that honesty, admitted publicly, mars the belief of superiority i.e. ‘exceptionalism’ that they want the rest of the world to have. I think they’d prefer him to ‘fix’ the mistakes without admitting out loud (even if the info of past wrongdoings is in the public domain) that America’s actions in the past have not always been marked by integrity. Heck, a lot of them don’t care about integrity! At least not half as much as they care about throwing their weight around and lording it over the rest of the world.
What President Obama has enunciated in his “Obama Diary” is that the primary reason why America has the capacity to be exceptional is because we can afford to take risks – for just causes, like Peace.
I loved that! I loved it more because it was so simply stated that even the Republican eejits can understand it, AND it is a fact which feeds into their belief about themselves. In effect, by his words and actions Pres Obama is proving that he has a fundamental belief in America’s greatness and role, and he is confident enough of that to be able to put it to the test. (They may say they have a similar belief in America, but the only way their confidence shows itself is to be able to have the biggest army so that they can rub their enemy’s face in the ground at any moment.)
Any man who forces the American people to look in the mirror and see who they truly are, (instead of the fantasy land/whitewashed version of history in which the U.S. has only been a force for good in the world) will be resented. Many Americans (dare I say a majority) recoil when any real world consequences of actions or policies are discussed. In many ways this is a very young country, both in years and the mentality of too many of its citizens.
It’s not surprising to see his understanding at all levels of foreign policy and relations but his ability to so well articulate it is astounding. I would be so afraid of one little gaffe that it would prevent me from delving into complex discussions whenever there was a microphone around. I recall that in the early months of his presidency I was afraid of that as every POTUS has had more than a few serious gaffes. But with Barack Obama I seriously cannot remember one that has made since he became POTUS. Perhaps the 2010 mid-terms which he described as a shellacking — if that even qualifies as a gaffe. But this statement about Iran and the US is bold and it totally works because there’s is nothing but truth to it.
I think PBO articulates his FP so well because, in addition to his intelligence, he has the ability AND the empathy to truly put himself in the other’s position. Tie that to his very strong values and self-confidence, and you have a formidable force for doing what’s right.
Damn, I totally remember that! Eat it you chipmunk henry. 🙂 🙂 I would LOVE to see all the TOD comments when we all saw that live. Maybe about 12,000 posts back huh?
And delivered so calmly. Oh the sting! 😀 😀 😀
In the old days when I used to try to watch the daily WHPC sessions, I would often use it as a pick-me-upper after the particular idiot from the video posed his dumb questions.
Only spur of the moment, because that’s what the moment called for. I don’t for a moment believe PBO was stating anything more than a simple factual response. [ 😉 yeah. yea.] He’s a truthful man, after all. 😀 😀 😀
I remember when that meddling happened. I was in junior high, and I brought the article from the paper on that event for my Social Studies class. I didn’t understand it all, but I knew something big had happened. What I do remember is that I had not asked my parents how to pronounce Mossadegh, and so stumbled on it in my report. My teacher’s one comment was that I shouldn’t have brought the article if I couldn’t pronounce the name. She said nothing about the event. However, after that I did make certain to pronounce all names correctly!
‘People always remember how you make them feel’ (version of Maya A’s quote). Wonder how the teacher would feel if she’s alive today and you were to remind her of that occasion and comment? My long held memory of similar negativity was by the music teacher in first year high school who asked me not to sing, just to mouth the words.
OTOH, I have to say that in my adult years I’ve often initiated discussions on why we humans are so focused on negative comments versus positive ones. I easily remember criticisms, especially in the line of work, yet often had to dig deep to remember compliments in the same environment. The compliments created a glow maybe for about a day, while the criticisms seemed to replay in my mind over and over.
One of the most interesting things that came out of the Tom Friedman interview was near the end when he asked PBO about the shenanigans of Congress. As PBO so correctly pointed out, the biggest issue here is precedent. IF the Congress has the right to kill any foreign policy deal and take that clearly stated constitutional power from the executive, the US will be immeasurably harmed in the eyes of both our friends and allies. I swear if they get a veto proof majority on the Corker bill because of the Dems, it will be time for me to seriously think about moving to CN. These Dem senators are an absolute disgrace.
keep in mind that this wont disarm the deal. Internationally sanctions will be lifted and it will just isolate the US and Israel proportionately. Good job so called ‘dems’ and republicans.
Following PBO for 11 years……I think I know why he was elected and why he has accomplished so much as President. He had a very clear picture of what he wanted to do for the country and the world. He had thought about this and read to educate himself about this potentiality for years. He is of course brilliant, empathetic, strategic, compassionate, warm, etc., but he knew WHY he wanted to be president, not just that he wanted to have the title.
I think so often of one thing worthwhile Chris Matthews said when I used to watch him. As many of us know he wanted to run for Senator from Pennsylvania. He said a very good friend asked him: “What do you want to do for the people of Pennsylvania and the country if you’re elected, Chris? What is your reason for running? Just to say you’re a Senator, or to actually DO something?” Chris said honestly, he had no plans for what he wanted to do, he really just wanted to BE a Senator. That is the kind we have running for president….they just want to BE president, and I think that is also Hillary’s problem and weakness: she has no plan, no idea of how she can make this a better place, she just wants to BE president. This weakness eventually shows through, and will in her and the whole Republican group running.
PBO knew WHY he wanted to be president > Yes, and he had no problem articulating this.
I think that is also Hillary’s problem and weakness: she has no plan, no idea of how she can make this a better place, she just wants to BE president. << This is why I'll be devastated if she won. IMO she shouldn't even make it through the primaries.
If this happens, we truly will have a Constitutional crisis. That the Dems are providing the necessary votes is mind boggling. What the hell is wrong with these people???????? Nearly every expert out there believes this deal is so much more than they had hoped for, and will provide the necessary protection. Do these senators believe they know more than the experts? I get the Rs, but cannot fathom the Ds.
I just sent off emails to the dscc and the dem party advising them they will never see another dime from me if the Corker bill secures enough votes to override a presidential veto. These people are playing with fire.
Israel and its lobbyists own the U.S. Congress. Add to that the military industrial complex, and you have a powerful and toxic mix fighting against the prospect of peace. Citizens United has put our Congress under the control of a handful of billionaires. Public opinion matters less and less when it comes to the actions of the legislative branch.
One man showed – twice – that money can be defeated, if only the voters turned up. Public opinion matters less and less because the public votes less and less. So, it’s a double whammy.
A North Carolina judge has ruled a man accused of killing three Muslim students can face the death penalty.
Superior Court Judge Orlando Hudson Jr said prosecutors had two aggravating factors and that Craig Stephen Hicks is “death penalty qualified”.
Craig Hicks is charged with the murders of Deah Barakat, his wife Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha and her sister, 19-year-old Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha.
Prosecutors said Mr Hicks shot the three after coming to their door.
Their family has pushed for hate crime charges, saying Mr Hicks targeted them for their religious identity.
Federal investigators have opened a separate inquiry and more charges could be added against Mr Hicks, District Attorney Roger Echols said, but for now “first-degree murder is the highest crime you can be convicted of and that is our focus”.
I’m just getting online at home, thanks to Verizon internet problems. Arggggh!
But I wanted to tell you all that the girls who sang the National Anthem, well, two of them are twin daughters of our KTLA5 Early Morning News Anchor, Chris Schaubel. He was not on this morning and now I know why! 😀 And I think this is the groups second time singing for PBO. wow!
so the Dem warmongers in the Senate decide to join in the GOP to destroy hope of Peace with Iran…and setting up a Constitutional Crisis..(because the Constitution clearly gives the Executive Branch authorization to handle foreign policy)….for what purpose…Israel?…or perhaps it is less about Israel and more about the war mongers who do not want diplomacy to work…they do not like the world working together in a harmonious way to achieve a peaceful resolution…this would be like a stake thru the heart of a vampire!!!
The Obama Diary 
First?
Yes!!!!! Helloooooooooooooooo LP!!
Hello!!!! Wonderful post, Chips! …..so many smiles 🙂
Congrats LP 🙂
Chips – Thank you for bringing an enormous smile to my face!! These pictures are pure gold joy!!!
{{{{{{{{{Bob}}}}}}}}} Thank you so much, you lovely man!
{{{{{{Chips}}}}}}
Thanks, Bob!
After seeing the pics of Caroline Wozniacki, I’m trying to guage the level of stupidity it took for Rory Mcllroy to break up with her!!!!
Ha, I thought of Rory too when I saw them, LP. A grade A golfer, a grade A eejit!
I don’t think he has won a major since that fool left her! ….same as Tiger & Elan
I’m a hopeless hypocrite on McIlroy, LP, always admired his other-wordly golfing ability, never liked him too much – but then he announced he would represent Ireland, rather than Britain, at the next Olympics and I was like: ‘You’re the best human being on earth!’ 🙂
Check out this awesome Nike ad released yesterday in tribute to Tiger, with home footage of a young Rory-to present day:
LP, this is where I reveal myself to be a miserable cynic – I really hate that ad. It’s corporate manipulation at its worst, just Nike trying to intertwine, in their usual awful manufactured way, the lives of their two biggest golfing clients. They’ve pumped gazillions in to Tiger and he’s struggling badly, so they need to create a narrative that links him to their client who can do no wrong, the master and his heir. Probably the only thing that links them is an abnormal upbringing by parent(s) who obsessed over them becoming sporting stars. That’s the real bond between Tiger and Rory, the rest is just corporate fluff.
I basically agree with everything you stated. This is all hype for the Masters that start Thursday….I just get so nostalgic seeing Tiger in his prime…it has been a freaking decade since he won a major and I want him to own the majors record over Jack just like I want Serena to hold the record over Martina.
It’s so weird LP, remember those comically awful photos I posted from when I was at the ‘We Are One’ pre-2009 inauguration concert? I think there was one especially, um, non-Souza-ish effort showing Tiger on the big screen. When he was introduced it was like a ripple of electricity went through the crowd. I was with two pals, one, who’s a HUGE golf fan, nearly had to be sedated. It was amazing, he was and always will be something very special, despite having more personal faults than the rest of us combined could accrue in a lifetime. But I’ll forgive the fella everything in light of his upbringing, his father was the most cruel and twisted of creatures, Tiger is remarkable for being in one(ish) emotional piece. I’d give anything – except Chelsea winning the title – to see him have a brilliant week in Augusta.
“I think there was one especially, um, non-Souza-ish effort” ….the horse pic should be submitted to the National Archives 😀 😀 GOAT!!!!
2nd, just like MCFC will be at the end of the season (if it’s lucky).
It’s Crystal clear, they’re screwed.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jen Psaki thought the offer to be President Barack Obama’s communications director wouldn’t last long. She figured White House chief of staff Denis McDonough hadn’t heard she’s expecting a baby girl in July. “My immediate instinct in my head was to tell him I’m pregnant and this will be the end of this. He’ll tell me good luck and be very kind about it and I’ll be on my merry way,” said Psaki, who was serving as chief spokeswoman at the State Department. Instead McDonough — and later Obama himself — assured Psaki they would accommodate her needs as a new mom amid the West Wing’s nonstop demands. She started in the post Wednesday and is one of two pregnant women serving as assistant to the president — a first for such a top level adviser in Obama’s presidency and practically unheard of under previous presidents.
Rahm Emanuel, Obama’s first chief of staff and now Chicago mayor, once remarked that every White House says they’ll be family-friendly, but it’s never really a good workplace for any family except the president’s. Yet Obama has pushed family-friendly policies like childcare, flexibility and paid leave, including instituting 12 weeks paid maternity leave for his own staff. But until now, he hasn’t put it into practice in a very prominent way with few mothers of young children on his own senior team. “All workplaces are adapting and that includes the White House,” said Obama legislative director Katie Beirne Fallon….Fallon said she made it clear when she took her job that they were trying to start a family. She said everyone has been accommodating — from cooks at the mess hall where her lunch orders have included a baked potato topped with tuna fish and frozen yogurt with Raisin Bran, all the way up to the president. “He’s constantly checking in on me,” she said, urging her not to miss doctor’s appointments and to put her health first. “Don’t let us get in the way of that,” she said he’s told her. Fallon and Psaki both say they envision working more flexible hours so they can put their babies to bed. Press secretary Josh Earnest — one of several new fathers in the West Wing — says he tries to get home once a week before his baby is asleep. Obama tries to make it to dinner every night with his wife and daughters….continued”
Unheard of because there were not many women of stature in previous administrations…esp of childbearing age…
Susan Sarandon: Let’s Get a Woman on the $20 Bill!
“Change is a funny thing. It’s often prompted by a small action that takes on a much larger cultural meaning, and can catch us by surprise with its utter simplicity. A few weeks ago, I came across a short video entitled, “Where Are the Girls on the Money?” on the website womenon20s.org. Women on 20s is an online campaign to put a woman’s face on the $20 bill. I was excited to see that there was a positive mission afoot to bring attention to some of the greatest women in American history. As the Women on 20s website points out, “the year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment that granted women the right to vote. So it seems fitting to commemorate that milestone by voting to elevate women to a place that is today reserved exclusively for the men who shaped American history. That place is on our paper money and that new portrait can become a symbol of greater changes to come.”
…The response was thrilling. And not just because my friends Padma Lakshmi and Alan Cumming and throngs of others began to tweet and post their support, but because it ignited a passion in people from all over the world to proudly post images of the accomplished women in other countries who were already adorning their currency. This unexpected and gorgeous mosaic brought attention to the fact that there are already at least 10 other countries that have recognized female leaders on their banknotes, including Argentina, Sweden, Turkey, Mexico, the Philippines, Israel, and Syria. And while the United States often likes to take credit for leading the world in big, bold ideas, in this instance at least, it’s clear we lag far behind….continued”
Thank you for this wisdom, sir. Posting in my kitchen so I see it every day. POTUS and FLOTUS smile and focus and TCB while the dogs just yip and yap.
Especially ‘lap’ dogs! 🙂
Some reactions to the historic deal struck last Thursday….. BT assume I will need to be freed from moderation
Check out this fellas TL…has some interesting quotes/reactions from IRGC, parliment et al:
I ❤ POTUS, FLOTUS, and TOD! ❤
I’m keeping that same list over here, MightyPamela! ❤
Great collection of events from the day’s activities. THANK YOU, Chipster!!
You are HIGHLY welcome, Ms Majestic!
Wonderful.
Yes! BTW JO’B, I saw your Maya related response on the previous thread but decided not to drag you back there. 😀
Thank you, sugar! 🙂
Hey, Bibi, how about – to go along with your “demand” that the U.S. include an Iranian statement about Israel’s right to exist in the nuclear deal – you sign off on Palestine’s right to exist as a separate state, before you say much more on such a topic. Thank you.
Ten minutes watching CNN and I’m frosted already. Back to HGTV!
eggcellent retort.
Thx, sir!
egg.sack.lee
Good evening Chips & TOD! It’s great catching up on all the Easter Egg Roll festivities after a long day 🙂 Thanks Chips for this great round-up!
A pleasure Hopefruit, thank you for the thank you! 🙂
Hmmmm……
GOOD
All VPOTUS has to do is ask – are you in.
Heck yea I am in. I’m ridin’ with Biden.
Very interesting …
Again, GOOD.
More creds for our VP, looks like.
Agree, Vicki & Jacqueline.
He’s gonna run. You can count on it!!!
“He’s gonna run”
and he is gonna win. All we have to do is get out the vote and he will have POTUS to help get the job done.
Totally agree, nospin.
And, you know that POTUS and FLOTUS will bust a move, big time, for Joe!!!
This video is so powerful:
“A recently released video promoting women’s freedom of choice is generating widespread reactions throughout India. The video, entitled “My Choice”, is a part of #VogueEmpower, Vogue India’s social awareness initiative launched in October. Directed by Homi Adajania and written by Kersi Khambatta, the video features 99 women, including Bollywood star Deepika Padukone…continued”
Yo, LPlains, thank you for the tidbits of interesting info you have included in this thread. ^5
GREAT VIDEO — even GREATER Message!!! Thanks, LP!
#MyChoice
I’m just hearing about this, and I see it happened over the weekend.
People need to bombard Chuck Schumer’s office with calls. He is not supporting President Obama at all with the Iran deal.
I didn’t personally hear what he said, so I didn’t add anything about the 47 traitors.
i like this tweet….re-tweeted
Thanks, pf.
WHYTF is Schumer going to be the new dem Senate leader?!?! God, it’s a screwed up dem party that they are going to back this AIPAC whore when they have some very strong, capable women who run circles around that POS.
I’d like to see Patty Murray or whatever her name is (tired brain here) win Harry Reid’s minority leader seat.
Yes, Patty Murray or Barbara Boxer –or Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar is great — or I would even be ok with Elizabeth Warren for sure over any Chuck Schumer.
Boxer is retiring.
There ya go! There are definitely other choices.
Chuck Schumer
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/04/chuck-schumer-bucks-white-house-on-iran-116713.html
It will not bode well for him.
Yes, this POS Schumer can’t be the new dem leader. CANNOT.
Some OFA kicks:
Schumer and is getting hammered on twitter.
Good!!
Schumer’s office. 202-224-6542.
‘This was a pretty stunning statement coming from the President of the United States.
Clearly, he added, “part of the psychology of Iran is rooted in past experiences, the sense that their country was undermined, that the United States or the West meddled in first their democracy and then in supporting the Shah and then in supporting Iraq and Saddam during that extremely brutal war. So part of what I’ve told my team is we have to distinguish between the ideologically driven, offensive Iran and the defensive Iran that feels vulnerable and sometimes may be reacting because they perceive that as the only way that they can avoid repeats of the past.”
In case you don’t know what he’s talking about, in 1953 the United States and Britain coordinated a coup against Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh after their parliament voted to nationalize Iran’s oil industry.’ ………………………………..//
http://immasmartypants.blogspot.ca/2015/04/president-obama-makes-stunning-statement.html
” meddled in first their democracy ”
I nearly feel out of my chair, VC, when President Obama acknowledged that Fact. Unprecedented. No American President has ever touched on the reality that (as in Afghanistan and elsewhere) our meddling in the 50s completely undermined Iran’s democracy.
Indeed, Bobfr, part of me believes that’s one of the reasons some resent the president. They resent his honesty, particularly because that honesty, admitted publicly, mars the belief of superiority i.e. ‘exceptionalism’ that they want the rest of the world to have. I think they’d prefer him to ‘fix’ the mistakes without admitting out loud (even if the info of past wrongdoings is in the public domain) that America’s actions in the past have not always been marked by integrity. Heck, a lot of them don’t care about integrity! At least not half as much as they care about throwing their weight around and lording it over the rest of the world.
All this vc.
Hmmmmm. ty
Agree, VC.
What President Obama has enunciated in his “Obama Diary” is that the primary reason why America has the capacity to be exceptional is because we can afford to take risks – for just causes, like Peace.
I loved that! I loved it more because it was so simply stated that even the Republican eejits can understand it, AND it is a fact which feeds into their belief about themselves. In effect, by his words and actions Pres Obama is proving that he has a fundamental belief in America’s greatness and role, and he is confident enough of that to be able to put it to the test. (They may say they have a similar belief in America, but the only way their confidence shows itself is to be able to have the biggest army so that they can rub their enemy’s face in the ground at any moment.)
YES!!
Any man who forces the American people to look in the mirror and see who they truly are, (instead of the fantasy land/whitewashed version of history in which the U.S. has only been a force for good in the world) will be resented. Many Americans (dare I say a majority) recoil when any real world consequences of actions or policies are discussed. In many ways this is a very young country, both in years and the mentality of too many of its citizens.
‘Any man who forces the American people to look in the mirror and see who they truly are will be resented.’
To borrow from my colleague 😉 😉 #egg.sack.lee! 😀
It’s not surprising to see his understanding at all levels of foreign policy and relations but his ability to so well articulate it is astounding. I would be so afraid of one little gaffe that it would prevent me from delving into complex discussions whenever there was a microphone around. I recall that in the early months of his presidency I was afraid of that as every POTUS has had more than a few serious gaffes. But with Barack Obama I seriously cannot remember one that has made since he became POTUS. Perhaps the 2010 mid-terms which he described as a shellacking — if that even qualifies as a gaffe. But this statement about Iran and the US is bold and it totally works because there’s is nothing but truth to it.
Remember this, ForUS?
I think PBO articulates his FP so well because, in addition to his intelligence, he has the ability AND the empathy to truly put himself in the other’s position. Tie that to his very strong values and self-confidence, and you have a formidable force for doing what’s right.
I will always ❤ this man! ALWAYS.
Damn, I totally remember that! Eat it you chipmunk henry. 🙂 🙂 I would LOVE to see all the TOD comments when we all saw that live. Maybe about 12,000 posts back huh?
😀 😀 It’s such a favourite of mine, ForUS, that I keep it my my handy close-at-hand file.
one of the best smackdowns of ignorant morons on live teevee
And delivered so calmly. Oh the sting! 😀 😀 😀
In the old days when I used to try to watch the daily WHPC sessions, I would often use it as a pick-me-upper after the particular idiot from the video posed his dumb questions.
Yup. And it was such a spur of the moment smackdown too.
Only spur of the moment, because that’s what the moment called for. I don’t for a moment believe PBO was stating anything more than a simple factual response. [ 😉 yeah. yea.] He’s a truthful man, after all. 😀 😀 😀
POTUS is a truth-teller.
Yes, and a man of character who makes it his business to know and to try to understand the truth.
YES
I remember when that meddling happened. I was in junior high, and I brought the article from the paper on that event for my Social Studies class. I didn’t understand it all, but I knew something big had happened. What I do remember is that I had not asked my parents how to pronounce Mossadegh, and so stumbled on it in my report. My teacher’s one comment was that I shouldn’t have brought the article if I couldn’t pronounce the name. She said nothing about the event. However, after that I did make certain to pronounce all names correctly!
That was harsh! I would have rewarded you for taking an interest in world affairs.
‘People always remember how you make them feel’ (version of Maya A’s quote). Wonder how the teacher would feel if she’s alive today and you were to remind her of that occasion and comment? My long held memory of similar negativity was by the music teacher in first year high school who asked me not to sing, just to mouth the words.
OTOH, I have to say that in my adult years I’ve often initiated discussions on why we humans are so focused on negative comments versus positive ones. I easily remember criticisms, especially in the line of work, yet often had to dig deep to remember compliments in the same environment. The compliments created a glow maybe for about a day, while the criticisms seemed to replay in my mind over and over.
Gotta happen ….
meddled in first their democracy
Let’s try that again ….
Gotta happen ….
Hard to believe but this one might be dumber than his brother George.
😀 He did have his older brother as a role model, as well as parents who likely praised their mediocrity.
Thank you Chips for this wonderful roundup of this year’s Easter egg roll! So much joy and so many smiles, a beautiful day.
One of the most interesting things that came out of the Tom Friedman interview was near the end when he asked PBO about the shenanigans of Congress. As PBO so correctly pointed out, the biggest issue here is precedent. IF the Congress has the right to kill any foreign policy deal and take that clearly stated constitutional power from the executive, the US will be immeasurably harmed in the eyes of both our friends and allies. I swear if they get a veto proof majority on the Corker bill because of the Dems, it will be time for me to seriously think about moving to CN. These Dem senators are an absolute disgrace.
keep in mind that this wont disarm the deal. Internationally sanctions will be lifted and it will just isolate the US and Israel proportionately. Good job so called ‘dems’ and republicans.
Following PBO for 11 years……I think I know why he was elected and why he has accomplished so much as President. He had a very clear picture of what he wanted to do for the country and the world. He had thought about this and read to educate himself about this potentiality for years. He is of course brilliant, empathetic, strategic, compassionate, warm, etc., but he knew WHY he wanted to be president, not just that he wanted to have the title.
I think so often of one thing worthwhile Chris Matthews said when I used to watch him. As many of us know he wanted to run for Senator from Pennsylvania. He said a very good friend asked him: “What do you want to do for the people of Pennsylvania and the country if you’re elected, Chris? What is your reason for running? Just to say you’re a Senator, or to actually DO something?” Chris said honestly, he had no plans for what he wanted to do, he really just wanted to BE a Senator. That is the kind we have running for president….they just want to BE president, and I think that is also Hillary’s problem and weakness: she has no plan, no idea of how she can make this a better place, she just wants to BE president. This weakness eventually shows through, and will in her and the whole Republican group running.
PBO knew WHY he wanted to be president > Yes, and he had no problem articulating this.
I think that is also Hillary’s problem and weakness: she has no plan, no idea of how she can make this a better place, she just wants to BE president. << This is why I'll be devastated if she won. IMO she shouldn't even make it through the primaries.
looks like well-rounded fun was being had at the Oval… 😎
Perfect depiction of reality!
Good morning amk 🙂
you should see some of the unhinged from reality toons from wingnut toonists. Yes, they do exist. 🙂
GM Bob
I have no doubt ….
If this happens, we truly will have a Constitutional crisis. That the Dems are providing the necessary votes is mind boggling. What the hell is wrong with these people???????? Nearly every expert out there believes this deal is so much more than they had hoped for, and will provide the necessary protection. Do these senators believe they know more than the experts? I get the Rs, but cannot fathom the Ds.
We are getting a crystal clear view of just how many Ds are bought and paid for servants of the #MIC, FoxfireTX.
A show down is brewing …
I just sent off emails to the dscc and the dem party advising them they will never see another dime from me if the Corker bill secures enough votes to override a presidential veto. These people are playing with fire.
Israel and its lobbyists own the U.S. Congress. Add to that the military industrial complex, and you have a powerful and toxic mix fighting against the prospect of peace. Citizens United has put our Congress under the control of a handful of billionaires. Public opinion matters less and less when it comes to the actions of the legislative branch.
One man showed – twice – that money can be defeated, if only the voters turned up. Public opinion matters less and less because the public votes less and less. So, it’s a double whammy.
THISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!…because the voters do not show up!!!
Anyone watching the season finale of “Better Call Saul”? On now!!
In case you were away yesterday and missed the @Interior recap that spotlights finding your National Park:-
heh hf, ‘sup?
A North Carolina judge has ruled a man accused of killing three Muslim students can face the death penalty.
Superior Court Judge Orlando Hudson Jr said prosecutors had two aggravating factors and that Craig Stephen Hicks is “death penalty qualified”.
Craig Hicks is charged with the murders of Deah Barakat, his wife Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha and her sister, 19-year-old Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha.
Prosecutors said Mr Hicks shot the three after coming to their door.
Their family has pushed for hate crime charges, saying Mr Hicks targeted them for their religious identity.
Federal investigators have opened a separate inquiry and more charges could be added against Mr Hicks, District Attorney Roger Echols said, but for now “first-degree murder is the highest crime you can be convicted of and that is our focus”.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32196183
I’m just getting online at home, thanks to Verizon internet problems. Arggggh!
But I wanted to tell you all that the girls who sang the National Anthem, well, two of them are twin daughters of our KTLA5 Early Morning News Anchor, Chris Schaubel. He was not on this morning and now I know why! 😀 And I think this is the groups second time singing for PBO. wow!
pic from bt’s furst evah post, circa 24 oct 2009.
nothing but the nets since then. well done, bt.
Thank you, amk!!
LP’s new post.
http://theobamadiary.com/2015/04/06/the-week-in-toons-13/
so the Dem warmongers in the Senate decide to join in the GOP to destroy hope of Peace with Iran…and setting up a Constitutional Crisis..(because the Constitution clearly gives the Executive Branch authorization to handle foreign policy)….for what purpose…Israel?…or perhaps it is less about Israel and more about the war mongers who do not want diplomacy to work…they do not like the world working together in a harmonious way to achieve a peaceful resolution…this would be like a stake thru the heart of a vampire!!!