Tag Archives: Barack Obama

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“Because it’s Time to End the Afghanistan War…”


Chris JohnsonJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:10am

Subject: New Video Release: “Because it’s Time to End the Afghanistan War…”

Hello Activists,

We just released a new video entitled: “Because it’s Time to End the Afghanistan War”

With violence in Afghanistan still worsening a year after the military push into Marjah–the start of what some call “Obama‘s War”–it’s clear military solutions won’t work. It’s time to end the war. We want people to share why they oppose the war for a chance to appear in an upcoming Rethink Afghanistan video.

Help us spread the word so that people watch our video and leave a comment on our Rethink Afghanistan wall. Here is how we need you to share:

SHARE with all of your friends on Facebook. Head over to the Citizen Activists Facebook Wall for sample copy:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129038640447204

Also, be sure to let us know how your friends are reacting and how you shared!

We can’t do this without you.

Chris Johnson

New Media Associate

Brave New Foundation

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What’s Your Town Doing About Climate Change?


If you listened to the professional pundits and climate deniers, you would think the fight against climate change has ended. That is not the reality. Despite the lack of leadership in Washington, we are moving toward clean energy solutions in our communities, our states and in our own lives.

All across America, neighbors and communities are coming together to do more than just demand change. They are making it happen.

When neighbors in Montgomery County, Maryland wanted to do something about climate change, they didn’t wait for Congress to pass a law. They banded together and worked their hearts out. Their work paid off: Last May, the Montgomery County Council passed a local law requiring polluters to pay for carbon emissions — the first of its kind in the United States.

Now, we’d like you to help us by answering a question. What’s happening in your community? Is your county, city or even state working to combat climate change? Are your schools, places of worship or local businesses embracing a clean energy future? We want to hear about it. Share your story with us here… click on link below

http://www2.repoweramerica.org/page/m/396e8d98/6fdeebac/4bff270/19ba7825/810372057/VEsE/

Climate change is a global problem, but the solutions are close to home. Take Oxford, a rural community in Southwest Ohio. Families in Oxford worked together to create a more energy-efficient school for their children, and now Talawanda High School is on track to be one of the first schools in Ohio to be certified as LEED Silver for its energy savings. The school is expected to use 40% less energy than an average building of the same size. That’s an important accomplishment.

When Louisville, Kentucky hosted its first “Kilowatt Crackdown” — a competition lasting a full year that invited building proprietors to improve energy efficiency — over 100 buildings competed. Across sectors spanning education, business, healthcare providers and hospitality, building owners came together and saved 4,766,977 kilowatt hours in 2009 as compared to the year before. That’s the same as preventing the carbon emissions from 385,092 gallons of gasoline.

Every day, people in communities across America are taking actions like these. We believe your stories can inspire even more to take action. Every successful local, state and regional initiative to fight climate change and promote clean energy will empower and inform further action. As we wait for our national leaders to catch up with us, we must build on these changes already happening outside of Washington, D.C.

We need your stories. We know these the communities mentioned above aren’t the only ones working locally to make change happen. What’s happening near you?

http://acp.repoweramerica.org/shareyourstory

We can’t wait to read about your project or accomplishment. Share your stories now and we’ll share some of them with the rest of our community.

Thanks for all you do,

Maggie L. Fox

President and CEO

Alliance for Climate Protection

~ my 2cents ...

whacky Wednesday &some News …


President and Mrs. Obama are hosting the president from China in a State visit and a dinner scheduled for tonight though some are not happy but if we want to move forward this might be the way to do it and maybe use this as a template for dealing with Cuba.

Word of the day is all about the act of Observation …maybe for the next few weeks, months and years

In November I asked —at what point will the various cable, radio and main stream stations do the right thing and stick to the truth instead of skewing it to keep their ratings high, to tell me you did not agree that partisan behavior on what is supposed to be “the place to get real news” seems to be siding with the extreme right. It was definitely offensive on so many levels and hard not to be outraged by but now these same stations, well except the obvious ones seemed to have moved to the center on most News topics but not enough to sedate this viewer and voter. I gotta say the more recent News source: “Politico” has been a new right of center challenge to me as a reader and or tv viewer, though i am sure there are more moving to the right as the 2012 elections gain more interest.  The overt bad behavior by current and or new Republican members of Congress who are supposed to represent all of the people in their respective States has gotten even worse, have either acted or stated for all to hear and see that special interest groups can kiss their butts. The only solution that seems rational going forward is putting democrats back in power in 2012.

Observe …stop and think about all the things that the Obama admin as well as our Democratic led Congress managed to achieve despite the Republican Tea Party. Observe and analyze who what when and why things have not improved as some out there on the left want and then remind them that a President that goes too far left of center is not representing all Americans. The truth is …most people use to be moderate and expect the President to be not just moderate but bipartisan; people have got to realize he tried leaning left and while folks on the right said one thing and did another we all know this is going to be standard behavior no matter what but a President who leans too far left gets a shellacking…right. If you were watching it makes you wonder if taking a hard left is the only way to solve the gridlock. Then reality comes back and we have to remember the Democratic Party has a huge tent with various degrees of democratic ideology and while the Republican Tea Party is united no matter what their colleagues say or do Dems on the other hand fight each other to get legislation on the floor of the Senate debated let alone get a vote and move toward the 21st Century. We all know our ability to move forward is being held hostage by the Republican Tea Party until they ruin our barely recovering economy. I wonder what will happen if in fact we fall into a deep recession due to an insufficient amount of dollars and or voted down raising the debt ceiling. Just a reminder; Republicans are to blame for any lack of progress made thus far.

I have to say my Observation of “the Media” which seemingly is not just giving Republicans more airtime but is defending them in some cases and while it is obvious those folks know who is buttering their paychecks …the fair and balanced slogan when describing the news process has become a bad joke. I wonder many others have been watching and listening to political shows with well-educated people making comments about how much of a disaster the mid-term elections were for President Obama’s future. The fact is that Congress goes through change and this year is really no different than any other but the combination of the failure of the last guy, the deficit he left and finding out that Wall Street, Oil and the Banks as well as AIG made bets not only with the people’s money but against us as well – you would think some would understand that after years of corruption it might take a minute to make all the corrections given the fact that some of the parts needed to make the fix are not cooperating. I am no expert but people need to observe, compare and contrast their own lives to what happened and times that by a trillion and realize the correction will take a long time especially since folks on the right were able to downsize/block and or stall most of the financial fixes in the Senate for the last two years. The 60 vote rule and the filibuster definitely are not positive tools in the Senate thus the need to make sure our voices as Democratic voters are heard more often.

I do feel this is a pivotal moment and if we really want change folks we need to participate in the change when 53% voted for Senator Obama to be President Obama. We all need to understand why the process of change cannot only be done by the President; that Congress in both Chambers need to do the work of the People too and now after the midterms the House of Representatives is representing the Republican Tea Party, the Senate faces obstacles so, the only solution is getting truer Dems in both Chambers of Congress in 2012. I know that was such a simpleton statement right, had folks listened and voted left of center for the midterms elections- what if …sigh

President Obama is doing the best he can with what the last admin gave him and again it took a long time for all the dominos to fall and while there are those on the right who choose to provoke fear; lately that has turned into action by those feeling certain TV or radio personalities were giving them subliminal instructions to act against those who support the President or the Democratic Party.

It would be great if “the Media” would stop giving folks on the right passes when they make outrageous, racist, and often incendiary comments…we hear it from Fox News but now the new move from other cable stations taking a hard right has this viewer wondering where the money is coming from supporting the more extreme view on air. What we saw before and or during the midterm elections by so-called reporters or talking heads was the dance of News manipulation which is a sad representation of what real journalists, reporters and commentators use to be.

Other News …

**Congresswoman Giffords continues to improve

**say what you want about Gervais the Globe viewer numbers …17 million

 **President from China is here on a State visit and dinner with President and Mrs. Obama

**Baby doc Duvalier escorted from hotel – i would like all young Haitians to look his name up…and his families history

**Arab Leaders watch Tunisia

**129million have health conditions

**President Obama orders regulation review

 

 

CSPAN …

White House Briefing

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said President Obama will confront Chinese President Hu Jintao on issues such as human rights and currency values. At this daily briefing, reporters questioned the decision to hold a formal State Dinner for the Chinese leader. We also hear about a new executive order calling for a government-wide review of federal regulations. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/White-House-Briefing-with-Press-Secretary-Robert-Gibbs/10737418992/ 

Right of Center organization:  National Center for Policy Analysis

As the House prepares to consider a bill to make changes to the health care law known as the Affordable Care and Patients Protection Act, the National Center for Policy Analysis released its recommendations to Congress on 10 proposed changes to the law and discussed why it should be repealed. Speakers included health care analysts from the Heritage Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, Cato Institute, and the American Action Forum – all who support NCPA’s recommendations. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/Nat39l-Center-for-Policy-Analysis-Discussion-on-Changes-to-Health-Care-Law/10737419010/

 House Democrats hearing on GOP legislation Repealing Patient Rights

House Democrats assembled a panel of Americans opposed to repealing the 2010 health care law. They include the mother of two girls with leukemia, a former student receiving insurance through his parents’ plan, and the owner of a small pediatric practice. This event began shortly before House Republicans brought their repeal legislation to the floor. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/House-Democrats-Hearing-on-GOP-Legislation-Repealing-Patients39-Rights/10737419015/

State Department Press Briefing

Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Philip Crowley conducts a daily briefing at the State Department. Topics discussed include Chinese Pesident Hu Jintao’s arrival and scheduled private dinner with President Obama,Tunisia’s transitional government and the Sudan referendum. Mr. Crowley then responded to reporters’ questions. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/State-Department-Press-Briefing/10737418993/

R. Sargent Schriver 1915 – 2011

R. Sargent Shriver passed away at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland today. He was 95 years old.more >> http://c-span.com/Events/R-Sargent-Shriver-1915–2011/10737418971/  

U.S. Conference of Mayors 79th Annual Winter Meeting

More than 220 of the nation’s mayors, led by U.S. Conference of Mayors President Burnsville, MN Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, convene for the 79th Winter Meeting of The U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. >>   http://c-span.com/Events/US-Conference-of-Mayors-79th-Annual-Winter-Meeting/10737419027/

 

House Republicans Move to Cut Spending Levels

Updated 3 hr., 18 min. ago

U.S. House of Representatives (C-SPAN)The House Rules Committee will take up a resolution today aimed at reducing spending to 2008 levels for the remainder of fiscal 2011. The resolution directs House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) to cut around 20 percent of non-security, discretionary spending. The House may act on the resolution as soon as next week.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives passed a Republican plan to cut Congress’ budget by 5 percent. The resolution, introduced by GOP Transition Team Chairman Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), will require House members to reduce their budget to 95 percent of their 2010 allowance. The plan also calls for greater transparency regarding bill creation and actions taken by House committees. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/House-Republicans-Move-to-Cut-Spending-Levels/10737418996/

 

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Congress … the Republican House of Representatives meets/votes today to repeal Health Care Reform( Final vote@5:30pm) -Democrats will lay out what the new Health Care law does for all Americans


 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 19, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

10:00 P.M. –

The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on January 20, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Broun (GA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

6:13 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.

6:12 P.M. –

Mr. Dreier filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 38 and H. Res. 43.

6:06 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:05 P.M. –

Mr. Bucshon requested the following general leaves to address the House on January 26: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min and Mr. Jones for 5 min.

6:00 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

5:59 P.M. –

GOVERNING BOARD, OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ETHICS – Pursuant to section 4(c) of House Resolution 5, 112th Congress, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Chair announces the Speaker’s nomination of the following individuals, with the concurrence of the Minority Leader: Mr. Porter J. Goss, Florida, Chairman; Mr. James M. Eagen, III, Colorado, subject to section 1(b)(6)(B); Ms. Allison R. Hayward, Virginia, subject to section 1(b)(6)(B); Mr. Bill Frenzel, Virginia, Alternate. The following individuals were nominated by the Minority Leader with the concurrence of the Speaker: Mr. David Skaggs, Colorado, Co-Chairman; Mrs. Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, California, subject to section 1(b)(6)(B); Ms. Karan English, Arizona, subject to section 1(b)(6)(B); Mr. Abner Mikva, Illinois, Alternate .

5:57 P.M. –

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 20, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 42:

electing certain Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

5:54 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

5:53 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 2:

to repeal the job-killing health care law and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 245 – 189 (Roll no. 14).

5:45 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 185 – 245 (Roll no. 13).

5:23 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

5:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Andrews motion to recommit with instructions, pending reservation of a point of order. The reservation of the point of order was subsequently withdrawn. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment which requires the health care repeal shall not take effect unless a majority of Members of U.S. House of Representatives and a majority of U.S. Senators waive Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Benefits.

5:14 P.M. –

Mr. Andrews moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and the Workforce.

¢ Mr. Andrews moved to recommit the bill H.R. 2 to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and the Workforce with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with the following amendment: ¢ Add at the end the following new section: ¢ SEC. 3. HEALTH CARE REPEAL SHALL NOT TAKE EFFECT UNLESS A MAJORITY OF MEMBERS OF U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND A MAJORITY OF U.S. SENATORS WAIVE FEHBP BENEFITS.***

5:13 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

10:36 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with the remaining five hours of debate on H.R. 2.

Considered as unfinished business.

The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, proceedings will now resume on H.R. 2.

H. Res. 39:

electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

10:35 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

10:03 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

10:02 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Heinrich to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

10:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Mike Rogers to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Call on President Obama to Protect and Strengthen Social Security


 

Women Can’t Afford Cuts to Social Security

Call on President Obama to protect and strengthen Social Security.

Next week, President Obama will make his annual State of the Union address. It’s important that he use the speech to send a clear message to those who want to put Social Security on the chopping block: Social Security should be strengthened — not cut!

President Obama has opposed cutting and privatizing Social Security before. But we need him to speak out now in support of protecting and strengthening it.

Tell President Obama: Women Are Counting on You to Fight for Social Security!

If Social Security benefits are cut, women will bear much of the burden. Women live longer, rely more on Social Security, and already have lower benefits. Average benefits for women are just $12,000 per year. But Social Security provides more than half the income of the majority of women 65 and older. For one in four older women, Social Security is virtually their only source of income.

Nearly all Americans depend on Social Security at some point in their lives. Most are retirees. But millions are disabled workers, widows and widowers, and children who have lost the support of a parent through death or disability. We need to keep the promise of Social Security alive for them — and future generations.

Social Security has not contributed a penny to the federal deficit, and it’s not in crisis. In fact, Social Security has a $2.6 trillion surplus — it can pay 100 percent of promised benefits for 25 years and over 75 percent of benefits after that. With modest adjustments, Social Security can be strengthened and improved. Yet some Members of Congress are supporting proposals that would cut Social Security benefits deeply and are trying to push them through Congress.

Tell President Obama: Women Can’t Afford Cuts to Social Security.

We need your help to protect the promise of Social Security. And please spread the word by forwarding this message to friends, family and colleagues.

Sincerely,

Joan Entmacher

Vice President, Family Economic Security

National Women’s Law Center