Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Hate Against The Obama Girls
I did not like the majority of the Bush Administration policies that ended up practically destroying this country, but one thing is this, I never stated anything against his wife, Laura Bush nor his girls, Jenna and Barbara. I wish the other side or I won't even go there, I wish the racists of this country would see likewise with Malia and Sasha Obama.
Since, Barack Obama ascended to the presidency the security has been and will continue to be at the all time highest to protect he and his family. It should be. When you have nutjobs over at freerepublic's website spilling and allowing vile comments against not President Obama, but his daughters makes you believe that America is really not that great.
Kids should be off the table, period. Especially kids the ages of 11 and 8. The Obama Girls have done nothing to deserve the nastiness, un-American and un-patriotic comments that have been thrown towards them from the ignorant, crazy and unstable folk that frequent freerepublic.
I have read some of the comments and had to close the browser, it was that bad. But, I do know this, that the Obamas are doing something RIGHT to trigger the hate that is coming from the freerepublic website. I guess the racists are coming out of the closet with a blast since they believe their Americanism, patriotism and whiteness is being challenged from the highest post in this land. Just like the swimming pool incident in Philadelphia, the racists are coming out with no shame.
In the end, it won't work. We saw this show during the campaign in 2008. Everything was thrown at the Obamas and it did not work. The majority in this country denounce and reject bigotry and racism, especially the kind coming from freerepublic and what we saw at the McCain/Palin rallies. Is it sad and discouraging that these nutjobs are out there saying the things that they are against Malia and Sasha Obama? YES, but they are the minority NOT the majority. Remember, that.
David Shuster from MSNBC will cover this story on Monday, during his 3-5 time slot on MSNBC, as this story is starting to get major traction and the so-called "conservatives" are shamefully exposed.
Read it all, here. And from The Vancouver Sun.
Another point of view, Malia's hair.
Obama Family in Ghana, Africa
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President Obama and family in Ghana, Africa (Pictures)
President Barack Obama (L) shakes hands with his Ghanean counterpart John Atta-Millson July 11, 2009 before talks at Osu Castle
President Barack Obama stand with his daughter Sasha, first lady Michelle Obama and daughgter Malia (L) as they stand at the "Door of No Return" at the Cape Coast Castle, a former slave holding facility, in the town of Cape Coast, Ghana, July 11, 2009.
Sun-Times Ghana Photo Gallery
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President Obama's Weekly Address: Recovery and Jobs of the Future (Video and Transcript)
download .mp3 | download .mp4 (85.4) | read the transcript | youtube
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Friday, July 10, 2009
The Obamas in Ghana (Pictures)
More Obamas in Ghana Pictures
President Obama with First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha arrive in Ghana
President Barack Obama arrived in Ghana Friday on his first trip to sub-Saharan Africa.
He landed soon after 9 p.m. local time and met a group of dignitaries, led by President John Atta Mills. An ethnic African group danced and banged drums for Obama's arrival.
After traveling to Russia and then Italy for a meeting of major industrial powers, Obama is making Ghana, on Africa's west coast, the last stop of his overseas trip.
Obama will make a speech to lawmakers there and tour an oceanfront fort once used to ship slaves to the Americas. read more here....
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Thursday, July 9, 2009
Polls Down for Obama (Video)
I am not paying too much attention to this because it is the summer and folks are busy, but advice to the White House, "Don't have Joe Biden on any Sunday programs implying that you don't know what you are doing about the economy!!" That idiotic statement is getting traction and the Republicans are jumping all over it. Sure, who is listening to the Republicans, but remember this is politics and a fallen giant can always rebound and come back.
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Swim Club tossing Black Kids out of the pool, probably wish they had not (Video)
Racism is alive and well in the good old, U.S. of A!!! Philadelphia the City of Brotherly Hate!!
In a statement posted on its Web site Thursday afternoon, a swim club said accusations that it discriminated against a day camp for minority children were untrue.
The Valley Club doesn't have the capacity to deal with outside groups and returned money to more than one day camp, the club said.
Alethea Wright, director of Creative Steps, a summer camp for minority children, said the organization paid for weekly swim time at the pool. But during a trip there June 29 some of the children said they heard people asking what "black kids" were doing at the club, Wright said.
In its statement, the swim club called its membership diverse and said any comments that may or may not have been made by members are not shared by its board.
Commission plans investigation
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission said it will investigate the allegations that the club kicked out black and Hispanic children. read it all here...
Read more here and from Adam B over @ Daily Kos
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Holy Roller, Senator John Ensign paid his mistress family 100K to keep quiet
Damn, I thought we were done with this story, but it just keeps getting seedier....
Sen. John Ensign's attorney acknowledged Thursday that the Nevada Republican's parents paid nearly $100,000 to the family of his mistress around the time she and her husband left his staff in April 2008.
Paul Coggins, Ensign's attorney, said in a statement that the senator gave Doug Hampton, Cindy Hampton and their two children gifts worth $96,000 and that "each gift was limited to $12,000."
"The payments were made as gifts, accepted as gifts and complied with tax rules governing gifts," Coggins said.
Coggins said that after Ensign told his parents about his affair with Cindy Hampton — who was an then a campaign aide — the senator's parents "decided to make the gifts out of concern for the well-being of longtime family friends during a difficult time.
"The gifts are consistent with a pattern of generosity by the Ensign family to the Hamptons and others."
Wow, 100K given to his mistress' family, since he "used her for his own pleasure". What a hypocritical nut job. Can we get rid of this man, too? He is as bad as Senator David "I love prostitutes" Vitter.
From Hardball....
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Senator John Ensign's mistress HUSBAND is telling it all on TELEVISION (Video)
Doug Hampton said John Ensign pursued his wife while they were guests of Ensign. Talk about too close for comfort!!
h/t Jed @ Daily Kos
Full interview with the Las Vegas Sun
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Unemployment numbers should worry the Obama Administration
I know I am harping on this, but the average American understand the number of FOLK NOT WORKING. They get that, they see that, they know that. So, as the numbers are still bad, the Obama Administration need to push that stimulus money out faster than expected. Now we have Joe Biden heading to Ohio talking stimulus money. Why? Because Obama's numbers have plummeted in that state. Again, we that follow politics understand it takes time, but I have written that the challenge for the Obama Administration will be convincing the public to have patience. Hard to do when you are on unemployment, don't have health care insurance, can barely pay bills with that unemployment check and jobs are scarce.
Lastly, it would also help not to have a Vice-President stating, "We misread the econonmy", which now gives the Republicans and others a talking point. A valid talking point at that. Which makes me believe that Timothy Geither, who I was highly questionable about because of his HEAVY TIES to the banking industry, it really not the man that should be at Treasury.
The number of newly laid-off workers filing initial claims for jobless benefits last week fell to lowest level since early January, largely due to changes in the timing of auto industry layoffs.
Continuing claims, meanwhile, unexpectedly jumped to a record-high. While layoffs are slowing, unemployed workers are having a difficult time finding new jobs. The unemployment rate rose to 9.5 percent last month and is expected to top 10 percent by the end of this year.
New claims for unemployment insurance plummeted by 52,000 to 565,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. That’s significantly below analysts’ expectations of 605,000, according to Thomson Reuters. The last time new claims were below 600,000 was week of Jan. 24.
The drop resulted partly from technical factors, a department analyst said. Auto layoffs that normally take place in early July, as factories are retooled to build the next year’s models, occurred in the spring instead as General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC implemented sweeping restructuring plans.
The department’s seasonal adjustment process expected a large increase in claims from auto workers and other manufacturing workers, the analyst said. Since that didn’t occur, seasonally-adjusted claims fell.
The non-seasonally adjusted figure increased by about 17,000 to 577,506 initial claims.
Still, continuing claims jumped 159,000 to 6.88 million, the highest on records dating from 1967. Analysts had expected 6.71 million continuing claims. read more here.....
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
CIA Director Leon Panetta confirms that CIA misled congress (Video)
Are we shocked here? Shocked that the CIA lies??? Oh, yeah, only the Republicans are shocked, since they said that the CIA would NEVER mislead congress!! From Keith Olbermann and h/t to jazmen8 over @ Daily Kos
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Senator John Ensign PAID his mistress to flee, since he "used her for his own pleasure"
Yep. Now all the dirt is coming out about the HOLY ROLLER CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVE, Senator John Ensign. And we can smell his stank all over.
The sex scandal engulfing Sen. John Ensign deepened Wednesday after his former mistress's husband revealed new details about the relationship, saying the Nevada Republican paid the woman more than $25,000 in severance when she stopped working for him.
Doug Hampton also provided a letter to the Las Vegas Sun that he claimed was a handwritten apology from Ensign to Cindy Hampton, a former treasurer for the senator's campaign committees. "I used you for my own pleasure," the letter reads, later adding. "Plain and simple it was a sin."
The letter and interview with the newspaper mark another embarrassment for Ensign, a 51-year-old Christian conservative who abruptly came forward last month and confessed to the affair. In addition, a severance payment could pose campaign finance and ethics issues for the Republican if the amount was not disclosed.
And the funny thing about this is that Senator Tom Coburn, another HOLY ROLLER, knew all about it and concealed all of this, encouraged Ensign to pay them off.
Hampton told the newspaper that he learned of the affair between his friend the senator and his wife when he discovered an incriminating text message. He also detailed a February 2008 meeting in which he, Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and others encouraged Ensign to end the affair, as well as the working relationship with the Hamptons. Hampton said Coburn and others tried to encourage Ensign to compensate the couple and help them relocate.
"These men were the ones that said, 'What we need to do is get Doug Hampton's home paid for, and we need to get Doug Hampton some money. We need to get his family to Colorado,'" Hampton said in the interview, according to a transcript obtained by The Associated Press.
Makes one wonder what Coburn would do if he was CAUGHT UP.
Lastly, all these men getting caught with their pants down and then making their apology tours. It just all reeks of hypocrisy. The Republican Party needs to get away from the Party of Family Values, especially when you have one Senator (Vitter) purchasing the stuff in D.C. and New Orleans; a Governor (Sanford) going all the way to Argentina to get some; and now this Senator who paid his jumpoff to flee, but forgot about a scorned and pissed husband who was an aide in his office!!
Politics and sex can make for sexy stories, but when you are with a party that is known for shaking the finger when you have sinned, maybe that party needs to do away with the hypocrisy once and for all, since you can't even patrol your own team members.
Source
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Is this 2009 or 1959? A truly WTF moment....minority kids kicked out of WHITE ONLY pool (Video)
If this is not a throwback of straight up racism, then I don't know what to call it.
More than 60 campers from Northeast Philadelphia were turned away from a private swim club and left to wonder if their race was the reason.
"I heard this lady, she was like, 'Uh, what are all these black kids doing here?' She's like, 'I'm scared they might do something to my child,'" said camper Dymire Baylor.
The Creative Steps Day Camp paid more than $1900 to The Valley Swim Club. The Valley Swim Club is a private club that advertises open membership. But the campers' first visit to the pool suggested otherwise.
"When the minority children got in the pool all of the Caucasian children immediately exited the pool," Horace Gibson, parent of a day camp child, wrote in an email. "The pool attendants came and told the black children that they did not allow minorities in the club and needed the children to leave immediately."
The next day the club told the camp director that the camp's membership was being suspended and their money would be refunded.
"I said, 'The parents don't want the refund. They want a place for their children to swim,'" camp director Aetha Wright said.
Campers remain unsure why they're no longer welcome.
"They just kicked us out. And we were about to go. Had our swim things and everything," said camper Simer Burwell. read all of it here...
In this day and age? When we think we are advancing racial barriers? These small-minded RICH WHITE FOLK had to take it out on minority, inner-city kids? Who paid their money and only wanted to swim?
Those people at that club should be ashamed of themselves and the media should put them on blast, but I doubt if it changes anything. Prejudice is taught, you are not born with it. And those folk at that club are on the top of the IGNORANT pole.
Read more information on this incident here.
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The new spin on legalizing weed, a blunt, pot, kush, marijuana
I WANT TO PAY MY FAIR SHARE OF TAXES!!!
Yes, there are ads running in California that state just that and with California on the brink of shutting down fiscally, the state may just look at this.
A pro-marijuana group is launching another television bid to legalize pot in California — this time with the pitch that legalizing and taxing the drug could help solve the state's massive budget deficit.
The 30-second spot, paid for by the Marijuana Policy Project, features a retired 58-year-old state worker who says state leaders "are ignoring millions of Californians who want to pay taxes."
"We're marijuana consumers," says Nadene Herndon of Fair Oaks, who says she began using marijuana after suffering multiple strokes three years ago. "Instead of being treated like criminals for using a substance safer than alcohol, we want to pay our fair share." read more here....
If we pay taxes on cigarettes, alcohol and it is substantial, the next best logical thing to tax is marijuana.
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We are not going to compromise on any kind of trigger game, RAHM!!
That told to Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel's FACE.
Emanuel got into a boatload of trouble by shooting off his mouth for a trigger option in regards to any public option plan.
It is more important that health-care legislation inject stiff competition among insurance plans than it is for Congress to create a pure government-run option, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said.
"The goal is to have a means and a mechanism to keep the private insurers honest," he said in an interview. "The goal is non-negotiable; the path is" negotiable.
One thing I have noticed is that the public is paying very close attention to the health care debate. They are listening very closely to what is being said by both sides and the White House. Rahm Emanuel needs to get out of his office, Washington D.C., and talk to the everyday person. Any trigger option in regards to the public option is not going to wash with ANYONE.
At the meeting, House liberals warned Emanuel that he couldn't count on them to vote for a bill that contains a triggered public option. "We have compromised enough, and we are not going to compromise on any kind of trigger game," Woolsey apparently told Emanuel. "People clapped all over the place. We mean it, and not just progressives."
Then we have this from Congressman Scott (D-GA):
“I think the president should get out front of it,” said Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.), noting that Obama is far more popular than Congress. “The issue is, on top of the bailouts and on top of the cap-and-trade and on top of the stimulus package ... if we don’t keep the American people with us, then we can’t do it.”
He is right. Then we had President Obama in Moscow performing sweepers for his COS:
Obama didn't just feel the need to clarify Biden's remarks, he also gave Rahm Emanuel an assist in repairing the damage from the chief of staff's own controversial comments. Many Democrats were upset to read in yesterday's Wall Street Journal that Emanuel was open to compromise on whether the health care reform package should include a public option. He also spoke favorably of a public option "trigger," which most liberals oppose.
There should no compromise on the public option part of this health care plan. We know that lobbyists are spending 1.4 million dollars a day to oppose this portion of the plan. Paid for by the insurance industries and health care industries. These organizations don't care about the public and the public's demand for the public option. These organizations don't want their stranglehold over the public to be erased by any competition.
I hope the Obama White House understands the public's stand on this health care debate. We don't expect any help from the Republicans, but we demand that the Democrats get with the program and deliver a plan that the voters demand.
We are watching all of you very closely.
Source
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Obamas in Italy
US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stand alongside Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and First Lady Clio
President Barack Obama joined fellow world leaders in Italy Wednesday for talks on threats to global security and stability at a summit where climate change, a continuing global economic crisis, nuclear proliferation and world hunger took top billing.
The G-8 meetings may lack the intrigue of Obama's sit-downs earlier in the week with Russia's top leaders, or the emotion of the reception the first black American president surely will get in Ghana Saturday. But they won't lack for ambition, on the surface at least, as the world's most powerful officials discuss the problems threatening the planet.
Obama and the leaders of seven other industrialized nations had meetings set in the picturesque town of L'Aquila, northeast of Rome, before they were to widen their circle to include fast-growing countries like China and India, and struggling nations from Africa. In large and small groups, the talks will involve trade, Iran's nuclear ambitions, food security and other issues.
Obama, accompanied by his wife Michelle, went immediately into a meeting Wednesday morning with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano after arriving at the stately Quirinale Palace in Rome, meeting his host in a spectacular setting that included a large room with a soaring ceiling, gilded walls and doors and huge chandaliers. read more here....
U.S. President Barack Obama is greeted by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi during arrival for a working lunch session of G8 leaders at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy
Obamas arrival in Italy
President Obama's expectation at G8 Meetings
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Obama Family Night in Moscow
Everyone should be used to this by now, even world leaders.
After passing on dinner with the French president to go on a date in the City of Light with his wife last month, President Obama took leave of his Russian hosts on Tuesday night to seclude himself in his Moscow hotel with his wife, Michelle, and their daughters.
The first family enjoyed a relaxed evening at the O2 Lounge, the super-chic, super-pricey rooftop club at the new Ritz-Carlton, although no doubt the Secret Service first cleared the place of most if not all of the swaggering tycoons and leggy models who flock to such Moscow venues.
They could not ask for a more scenic vista. The glass-enclosed O2 offers a panoramic view of Moscow, including Red Square and the Kremlin, all the more striking as the lingering summer sun sets after 10 p.m. The club is “a place to see and be seen,” as its Web site says — that is, unless you are a visiting president who after a day and a half of blinis, beluga and bilats (the diplo term for “bilateral meetings”) just wants to hang out with the clan.
The decision to brush off the Russians on one of his two nights here miffed some in the Moscow government who did not understand why he would not devote the scarce time to his hosts. Mr. Obama had dinner with President Dmitri A. Medvedev on Monday and lunch with him on Tuesday. But with the second dinner slot unavailable, he ended up having breakfast Tuesday with Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin, a known night owl not given to American-style early morning business meals.
The Obamas, though, wanted some downtime before getting back on Air Force One to head to Italy for three days of meetings at the Group of 8 summit meeting and, from there, to Ghana for a one-day visit. read more here.....
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Tuesday, July 7, 2009
About DAMN time, Majority Leader Harry Reid
It is time to WHIP the Democratic Senators towards health care reform, period. We have 60 damn votes in the senate, there is NO DAMN REASON that we should not pass this vitally important piece of legislation. About time, Harry Reid is finally showing us he is a LEADER.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Tuesday strongly urged Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) to drop a proposal to tax health benefits and stop chasing Republican votes on a massive health care reform bill.
Reid, whose leadership is considered crucial if President Barack Obama is to deliver on his promise of enacting health care reform this year, offered the directive to Baucus through an intermediary after consulting with Senate Democratic leaders during Tuesday morning’s regularly scheduled leadership meeting. Baucus met with Finance ranking member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on Tuesday afternoon to relay the information.
According to Democratic sources, Reid told Baucus that taxing health benefits and failing to include a strong government-run insurance option of some sort in his bill would cost 10 to 15 Democratic votes; Reid told Baucus that several in the Conference had serious concerns and that it wasn’t worth securing the support of Grassley and at best a few additional Republicans. read it all here....
Did you read the above?
Running around the senate halls with your pants at your knees for a few, it THAT, Republican votes?
Look the Republicans are not going to vote on ANYTHING President Obama presents, I mean they are not voting, so is it in our best interest to continue to chase after them? When the Democrats have 60 votes? One word, NO.
Health care reform is what many in this country VOTED FOR. This issue is what put Barack Obama in office along with many of these wayside Democrats. Now is the time to use the whip and whip the Democrats in order to pass this health care bill, including a STRONG PUBLIC OPTION.
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Round Two: Obama Family in Moscow, Russia (Pictures)
The Obamas and The Medvedevs
The Obama Family in Russia, Day One
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Bad Poll Numbers for Obama on the economy in Ohio
I don't care what anyone says. When Joe Biden went on "This Week" and said, "We misread the economy", he created a talking point against this administration about the economy.
Also, don't think that the jobless, unemployment numbers are not a worry for this administration. It is a huge worry. Everytime Americans hear more folks on the unemployment rolls, they become more conscientious of their own jobs, money, etc. And everytime someone gets a pink slip that is creating more anxiety out here.
Sure we all know that Obama inherited this mess, but you can only blame the Bush Administration for so long. Eventually, this adminstration must have some hits coming with this economy and hope for job erosion to slow down. Again, the stimulus package is either a win or a bust. We will know by next year, I hope.
President Barack Obama's approval rating in Ohio has fallen rapidly in the past months.
Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,259 voters in Ohio from June 26 to July 7. The poll found that 49% of voters disapprove of the job Obama is doing, while 44% approve.
That is 13 points down from May, when a separate Quinnipiac poll found a 62% approval rating and a 31% disapproval rating.
The most recent Quinnipiac poll also surveyed voters on Obama's handling of the economy, finding 48% disapproval and 46% approval. In May, Obama received a 57% approval rating on the economy.
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Full Video of Michael Jackson Memorial Service
Michael Jackson was eulogized in words and song Tuesday by an all-star list of musicians, athletes and other celebrities during a mournful ceremony in downtown Los Angeles, with the most poignant moment delivered by his sobbing 11-year-old daughter.
“I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much,” Paris-Michael Jackson said before almost collapsing in the arms of her aunt Janet Jackson. read more here...
Paris Jackson with her aunt, Janet Jackson and uncle, Randy Jackson
Field Notes, Step-by-Step
Jackson Kids emerge from behind the veils
Millions view Jackson Memorial
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Al Franken sworn in as U.S. Senator from Minnesota (Video)
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) has now been sworn into office as the junior Senator from Minnesota, six months and one day after his term would have otherwise begun if not for the super-close election and resulting litigation that kept his victory bottled up.
The former Saturday Night Live performer, author, radio host and Democratic activist, was administered the oath of office by Vice President Joe Biden, and was accompanied by his senior Senator from Minnesota, Amy Klobuchar, and former Vice President Walter Mondale.
After Biden said, "Congratulations, Senator," a raucous round of applause broke out in the chamber -- even from the folks on the Republican side of the aisle who showed up. Sen. Franken then hugged many of his new colleagues.
Franken will have a busy time ahead of him -- with seats on the Health and Judiciary committees, he'll be working on both health care reform and the Supreme Court confirmation process for Sonia Sotomayor.
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Al Rodgers Pictures
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President Obama on Michael Jackson
On this day of memorial services for singer Michael Jackson, whose followers have turned out in droves in Los Angeles, Obama, who had not had much to say publicly about the musical icon, had this to say:
"I do not think there was any doubt, he was one of the greatest entertainers of our generation, perhaps any generation,'' Obama said. "I think like Elvis, like Sinatra, like The Beatles he became a core part of our culture.
"You know, his extraordinary talent and his music was matched with a big dose of tragedy and difficulty in his private life and I don't think we can ignore that,'' the president said. "But it's important for us to affirm what was the best of him and that was captured by his music, music that Michelle and I listened to from the time we were little kids.''
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R.I.P. Michael Jackson, his videos
No matter how you feel about Michael Jackson, you will NEVER see the likes of this style, type of performer on stage and in the studio again. Yes, he is the King of Pop, for sure. R.I.P.
We are the world...
Motown 25th Anniversary Television Special, UNFORGETTABLE
Remember the Time....with Eddie Murphy, Magic Johnson and Iman
Smooth Criminal....
Thriller
Billie Jean
Black or White
Monday, July 6, 2009
Fox News Liz Trotta, TROTS ALL OVER PALIN, "The Woman Is Inarticulate, Undereducated" (VIDEO)
Only in Republicanland...
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Senator Elect Al Franken presser with Majority Leader Harry Reid (Video)
Senator Elect Al Franken will be SENATOR AL FRANKEN, TOMORROW. WORD.
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From Hardball on Sarah Palin: "...she thinks she's got a shot, ....but she needs an education..." (video)
Need an education? That is being too kind. Palin can't wait to leave Alaska and won't be back there much. Once you have tasted the lower 48, Alaska is so not with it. Sorry, but this is what is driving Palin. If she wants to run for the presidency, girlfriend needs serious books and needs to seriously study. What we saw during the 2008 Presidential Campaign is what we DON'T want, another dummy running around the White House. Been there, done that!!
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The Obama Family in Moscow, Russia (Pictures)
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (R), his wife Svetlana (2nd R), U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and first lady Michelle Obama pose for a picture at the presidential residence Gorki outside Moscow.
Obama Family in Russia, Day Two
Obama Girls in J. Crew
To Russia With Love from East Wing Rules
Michelle Obama tours Kremlin with daughters
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LOL!!! Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas gets BOOED at their Tea Party!!! (Updated w/video)
LOL!!! for real.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn drew boos from a crowd outside the Texas Capitol this afternoon as he spoke at a “tea party” rally organized by the Texas office of Americans for Prosperity.
Cornyn was booed at the start and close of his remarks, which assailed actions in Washington; there were no boos while he awarded a Purple Heart to a Copperas Cove resident injured in Iraq in 2006.
“You’re the problem,” a crowd member hollered....
Perry drew scattered boos, notably from crowd members aware of his advocacy of toll roads to relieve traffic congestion.
emphasis mine
Yes, they ARE THE PROBLEM!!!
Source
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Mika Brzezinski get real about Sarah Palin (Video)
Let's be real here. When Sarah Palin was announced the VP pick for John McCain many were curious, especially women. What happened is that once the vetting commenced, her view points came out and her lack of knowledge on the issues was exposed, Americans said NO TO PALIN.
Yes, Palin has her hard core followers, but it does not EXPAND outside the Republican base. Mika, you of all people should KNOW that you can not win national elections with those numbers. And Palin's numbers across the board are dismal to the public.
Thank you Willie Geist for giving Ms. Brzezinski an almost rolleye and to REMIND her that there are real Americans in NYC and other cities and suburbs outside of these cities. We have the same challenges as the so-called other REAL AMERICANS that the media continues to try and divide.
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Wake Up!! Lobbyists spending 1.4M a DAY against any public option
This is cold water on many faces.
Not faces here, not faces who follow politics, but for everyone else.
If you are one of the millions with no health insurance, lost your job and can not afford COBRA payments (which is a joke), insured but your coverage is lacking and you are paying sky high premiums or have you gone bankrupt because you either have or don't have any insurance?
Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines.
Many that have insurance or feel comfortable that nothing will happen, think again. One of those stories can easily become a nightmare for you and your family.
The nation's largest insurers, hospitals and medical groups have hired more than 350 former government staff members and retired members of Congress in hopes of influencing their old bosses and colleagues, according to an analysis of lobbying disclosures and other records.
[snip]
Nearly half of the insiders previously worked for the key committees and lawmakers, including Sens. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), debating whether to adopt a public insurance option opposed by major industry groups. At least 10 others have been members of Congress, such as former House majority leaders Richard K. Armey (R-Tex.) and Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.), both of whom represent a New Jersey pharmaceutical firm.
The hirings are part of a record-breaking influence campaign by the health-care industry, which is spending more than $1.4 million a day on lobbying in the current fight, according to disclosure records. And even in a city where lobbying is a part of life, the scale of the effort has drawn attention. For example, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) doubled its spending to nearly $7 million in the first quarter of 2009, followed by Pfizer, with more than $6 million.
Folks, I don't trust NONE OF THE ABOVE. Especially, when you have the egotistical Senator Chuck Grassley admit the obvious in health care, here. Again I don't trust, ANY OF THEM.
The old adage, "Money talks and bullshit walks", is applicable here. The money that is being thrown around like water out of a fountain is why we hear the likes of Blanche Lincoln, Independent Joe Lieberman, Mary Landrieu and many other DEMOCRATS come out and challenge the choice of a public option plan. These are the same congress persons who enjoys the health care offering in congress which is PUBLIC OPTION. The plan is one of the best in this country. My question is if it is good enough for them, why not us?
Then we have President Obama who says Democratic advocate groups should stop targeting moderate democrats primarily in the senate:
President Obama, strategizing yesterday with congressional leaders about health-care reform, complained that liberal advocacy groups ought to drop their attacks on Democratic lawmakers and devote their energy to promoting passage of comprehensive legislation.
In a pre-holiday call with half a dozen top House and Senate Democrats, Obama expressed his concern over advertisements and online campaigns targeting moderate Democrats, whom they criticize for not being fully devoted to "true" health-care reform.
"We shouldn't be focusing resources on each other," Obama opined in the call, according to three sources who participated in or listened to the conversation. "We ought to be focused on winning this debate."
I want to win this debate, but when you have the likes of Blanche Lincoln, Joe Lieberman, Mary Landrieu, etc., going on the record of not supporting a public option, then they must be called on it.
Congress has public option. Congress has the best health care plan out there that is available. The American people do not.
One has to wonder what is in it, IN THE END, for these Democrats to totally chuck any notion for the public option. My only reason is that these Democrats depend on heavy donations from the insurance and health care communities, via their lobbyists.
If this health care bill goes down or is watered down to nothing for the American public, there will be repercussions and that will start with the 2010 Mid-Term Elections.
President Obama, we understand you want consensus and a good debate, but in the end the public wants and demands a choice, that choice is a strong public option plan.
It can not be anymore clearer than that.
slinkerwink has all the contact information, here, let us ALL GET BUSY.
Cross-posted @ Daily Kos
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Sunday, July 5, 2009
Kremlin, Vatican & Ants Ahead for Obamas
Maureen over at East Wing Rules lays it out for what is ahead in Moscow for the Obamas...
Like their personal shadows, the White House and all its security gear, protocol and communication equipment travels with the first family wherever they go. Onsite secret service along with the one chosen as food taster and an advance team travel with the president and family members. Hotels are secured from above and below and embassies in the destination nations go on high alert. Historically, the president is most often alone on these missions. On momentous occasions and commemorative events, the First Lady and the First Family travels along. Former First Daughters Barbara & Jenna Bush expressed deep regret that they did not travel with the president often until his last year in office.
The Kremlin from the air that the First Family will see when arriving in Moscow and if, the Obama family stays at the Ritz a great view of Moscow's Red Square.
Malia & Sasha Obama are not of an age where they are free to chart their own course or itinerary and the East Wing is putting final prep on their schedules. The littlest Obamas, minus puppy Bo, will be on for another international frenzy as they touchdown with their parents on Air Force One and alight first in the Russian capital of Moscow, on to Italy and the ravages of the earthquake zone and to Africa for a final stop in Ghana. A week that will be historic for the adults as well as the children as they next week as youngsters have not traveled with a president on official business in the 21st century for an extended period. It will be viscerally different after viewing their first fireworks display at the White House on Malia's and the nation's birthday. Even the First Grandma is along for the ride on this official trip. read more here....
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Remember Sarah Palin said Hillary Clinton should not complain about media coverage? (Video)
This coming from a former VP candidate, who now says the media is too tough and bias towards her. Pot calling the kettle black? Absolutely.
NEWSWEEK: Sarah Palin, you are a Republican and a conservative one at that. It's unlikely that you and Hillary would agree on too many issues. But, yet, as a woman, chief executive—someone who's been through the grinder—when you look at the coverage and you listen to the conversations, what do you see?
Sarah Palin: Fair or unfair—and I do think that it's a more concentrated criticism that Hillary gets on so many fronts; I think that's unfortunate. But fair or unfair, I think she does herself a disservice to even mention it, really. You have to plow through that and know what you're getting into. I say this with all due respect to Hillary Clinton and to her experience and to her passion for changing the status quo. But when I hear a statement like that coming from a women candidate with any kind of perceived whine about that excess criticism or a sharper microscope put on her, I think, man, that doesn't do us any good. Women in politics, women in general wanting to progress this country, I don't think it bodes well for her, a statement like that. Because, again, fair or not fair it is there. I think it's reality and it's a given, people just accept that she's going to be under a sharper microscope. So be it. Work harder, prove to yourself to an even greater degree that you're capable, that you're going to be the best candidate. That's what she wants us to believe at this point. So it bothers me a little bit to hear her bring that attention to herself on that level.
Palin hatin' on the press
Ben Smith
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President Obama's schedule in Moscow, Russia - Day One
The First Family leaves tonight for Moscow, Russia.
1:20PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive in Moscow, Russia
Moscow Airport
Open Press
2:00PM THE PRESIDENT participates in a wreath-laying ceremony
Russian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Expanded pool coverage
2:50PM THE PRESIDENT meets privately with President Dmitry Medvedev
The Kremlin
Pool spray at the top
3:25PM THE PRESIDENT and President Medvedev hold working meeting
The Kremlin
Pool spray at the top
6:30PM THE PRESIDENT and President Medvedev hold joint press conference
The Kremlin
Open Press
7:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY meet with U.S. embassy personnel
U.S. Embassy
Closed Press
8:35PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY have dinner with President Medvedev and Lady Svetlana Medvedeva
The Gorkiy
Closed Press
h/t DemConWatch
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You think this will HELP President Obama by the admission of Vice-President Joe Biden? (Video)
Biden: We 'Misread the Economy'
One word: NO.
Does Joe Biden have a point? YES, he does. This goes back to the debate prior to the stimulus package passing and the sticking point that the package was not enough money. Paul Krugman may just be right.
Along with this point is the unemployment numbers which are killing the Obama Administration. The job loss in this country is staggering. I don't care what anyone says, the patience will run thin if things do not turn around and eventually the finger pointing will be at the Obama Administration.
The unemployment numbers are a dark horse here, for anyone not to believe that needs to wake up. If the Obama Administration needs another stimulus package, that is going to be a very hard sell to congress and will give the Republicans a talking point.
"The truth is, we and everyone else misread the economy," Biden told me during our exclusive "This Week" interview in Iraq.
Biden acknowledged administration officials were too optimistic earlier this year when they predicted the unemployment rate would peak at 8 percent as part of their effort to sell the stimulus package. The national unemployment rate has ballooned to 9.5 percent in June -- the worst in 26 years.
"The truth is, there was a misreading of just how bad an economy we inherited," said Biden, who is leading the administration's effort to implement it's $787 billion economic stimulus plan.
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In case you missed it: Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), if you want good Health Care "Just go work for the Federal government" (Video)
That sums it all up, since he DOES have the best health care that taxpayers can buy for HIM....
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