Monday, August 22, 2011


Read:
President's Statement re: Libya


THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

August 21, 2011

Statement of President Barack Obama

Tonight, the momentum against the Qadhafi regime has reached a tipping point. Tripoli is slipping from the grasp of a tyrant. The Qadhafi regime is showing signs of collapsing. The people of Libya are showing that the universal pursuit of dignity and freedom is far stronger than the iron fist of a dictator.

The surest way for the bloodshed to end is simple: Moammar Qadhafi and his regime need to recognize that their rule has come to an end. Qadhafi needs to acknowledge the reality that he no longer controls Libya. He needs to relinquish power once and for all. Meanwhile, the United States has recognized the Transitional National Council as the legitimate governing authority in Libya. At this pivotal and historic time, the TNC should continue to demonstrate the leadership that is necessary to steer the country through a transition by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of the Libyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya. A season of conflict must lead to one of peace.

The future of Libya is now in the hands of the Libyan people. Going forward, the United States will continue to stay in close coordination with the TNC. We will continue to insist that the basic rights of the Libyan people are respected. And we will continue to work with our allies and partners in the international community to protect the people of Libya, and to support a peaceful transition to democracy.

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Thursday, August 18, 2011


Statement by President Obama:
Syrian President Must Ste
p Down


THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

August 18, 2011

Statement by President Obama on the Situation in Syria

The United States has been inspired by the Syrian peoples’ pursuit of a peaceful transition to democracy. They have braved ferocious brutality at the hands of their government. They have spoken with their peaceful marches, their silent shaming of the Syrian regime, and their courageous persistence in the face of brutality – day after day, week after week. The Syrian government has responded with a sustained onslaught. I strongly condemn this brutality, including the disgraceful attacks on Syrian civilians in cities like Hama and Deir al Zour, and the arrests of opposition figures who have been denied justice and subjected to torture at the hands of the regime. These violations of the universal rights of the Syrian people have revealed to Syria, the region, and the world the Assad government’s flagrant disrespect for the dignity of the Syrian people.

The United States opposes the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Syria, and we support the universal rights of the Syrian people. We have imposed sanctions on President Assad and his government. The European Union has imposed sanctions as well. We helped lead an effort at the UN Security Council to condemn Syria’s actions. We have coordinated closely with allies and partners from the region and around the world. The Assad government has now been condemned by countries in all parts of the globe, and can look only to Iran for support for its brutal and unjust crackdown.

The future of Syria must be determined by its people, but President Bashar al-Assad is standing in their way. His calls for dialogue and reform have rung hollow while he is imprisoning, torturing, and slaughtering his own people. We have consistently said that President Assad must lead a democratic transition or get out of the way. He has not led. For the sake of the Syrian people, the time has come for President Assad to step aside.

The United States cannot and will not impose this transition upon Syria. It is up to the Syrian people to choose their own leaders, and we have heard their strong desire that there not be foreign intervention in their movement. What the United States will support is an effort to bring about a Syria that is democratic, just, and inclusive for all Syrians. We will support this outcome by pressuring President Assad to get out of the way of this transition, and standing up for the universal rights of the Syrian people along with others in the international community.

As a part of that effort, my Administration is announcing unprecedented sanctions to deepen the financial isolation of the Assad regime and further disrupt its ability to finance a campaign of violence against the Syrian people. I have signed a new Executive Order requiring the immediate freeze of all assets of the Government of Syria subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in any transaction involving the Government of Syria. This E.O. also bans U.S. imports of Syrian-origin petroleum or petroleum products; prohibits U.S. persons from having any dealings in or related to Syria’s petroleum or petroleum products; and prohibits U.S. persons from operating or investing in Syria. We expect today’s actions to be amplified by others.

We recognize that it will take time for the Syrian people to achieve the justice they deserve. There will be more struggle and sacrifice. It is clear that President Assad believes that he can silence the voices of his people by resorting to the repressive tactics of the past. But he is wrong. As we have learned these last several months, sometimes the way things have been is not the way that they will be. It is time for the Syrian people to determine their own destiny, and we will continue to stand firmly on their side.

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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

WATCH:
President Slams GOP/Congress

Says: " Time For the Games to Stop...
We Are Fighting for the Future of Our Country "


WATCH: President Town Hall Meeting Cannon Falls, Minn.

Subscribers CLICK B4B MAIN PAGE for video

Monday, August 15, 2011



President Launches 3-Day

Economic Bus Tour

From: The White House

This morning, President Obama will visit Cannon Falls, Minnesota to kick off his economic bus tour. The President is traveling around the Midwest to stress the vital role rural America plays in ensuring the growth of our economy, the affordability of our food, the independence of our energy supply, and the strength of our communities. Cannon Falls, Minnesota, 35 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, is the first stop in a three day tour across America’s heartland. President Obama will take questions from small business owners, rural organizations and local families during a town hall beginning at 1:05 pm EDT at Lower Hannah's Bend Park.

From: Althea Dixon

Blacks4Barack

White House Correspondent

Farmers, small business owners, private sector leaders, rural organizations, and government officials will join the President in a Forum on August 16th at Northwest Iowa Community College in Peosta, Iowa to discuss ideas and initiatives that promote economic growth, and spur innovation in rural communities and small towns across the country.

The WH Rural Council Economic Growth Agricultural Innovation Jobs and Economic Security Team announced Friday that President Obama will kick-off his 3-day economic bus tour across the country with a forum in Iowa.

The primary purpose of this tour is to raise consciousness and awareness of the urgency of strengthening Rural America’s Economic Development. Listen and Learn Tours are being conducting around the nation by the White House Rural Council.

The President and White House Rural Council will lay-out the economic landscape rural Americans face today at the Forum based on the Councils report that focused on five critical areas: creating jobs and promoting economic growth, improving access to quality health care and education, fostering innovation, expanding outdoor opportunities, and supporting veterans and military families.

President Obama and his Administration are already implementing many of these programs in rural America to support economic growth.

Communities are being stimulated and growing since President Obama signed an Executive Order establishing the first White House Rural Council to focus on increasing rural access to capital, spur agricultural innovation, expand digital and physical infrastructure in rural areas, and create economic opportunities through conservation and outdoor recreation.

*********

The President will conclude his bus tour Wednesday with two town hall events in his home state of Illinois.

CLICK HERE for complete Economic Bus Tour schedule

and to WATCH each Townhall Meeting LIVE!

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Friday, August 12, 2011


Meet The New
" Super Committee "

CBS News: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi announced her appointments to the bipartisan congressional "super committee" on Thursday , tapping Democratic Reps. Chris Van Hollen (Md.), Xavier Becerra (Calif.) and James Clyburn (S.C.) to join nine other lawmakers tasked with reducing the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion by Thanksgiving.

In a tweet announcing the selection, Pelosi said the three lawmakers will "focus on economic growth & job creation--which reduces deficit."

And in a subsequent statement, she said she hoped the committee could still work toward achieving a "grand bargain."

"We must achieve a 'grand bargain' that reduces the deficit by addressing our entire budget, while strengthening Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security," she said. "Our entire Caucus will work closely with these three appointees toward this goal, which is the goal of the American people."

CBSNews.com special report: America's debt battle

Pelosi also called for the committee to work in an "open" and "transparent" environment.

"Because the work of this committee will affect all Americans, I called last week for its deliberations to be transparent; the committee should conduct its proceedings in the open," she said in her statement.

Clyburn, the third-ranking House Democrat, and Van Hollen, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee and former head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, were both involved in the failed bipartisan deficit discussions led by Vice President Joe Biden earlier this year.

Becerra, vice chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, was among those who voted against the debt limit deal, arguing that the bill "does not speak to the values of America."

"It is not balanced nor does it ask for shared sacrifice," he said.

The selection of the three House Democrats rounds out the bipartisan, 12-person group. Republican leaders in the House and the Senate announced their appointees on Wednesday. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made his decision public on Tuesday.

House Speaker John Boehner tapped House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, to serve as co-chair of the committee. He also appointed House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, R-Mich., and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., to the committee.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell appointed Sens. Jon Kyl (Ariz.) Pat Toomey (Pa.) and Rob Portman (Ohio). Reid named Sen. Patty Murray (Wash.) to co-chair the committee, and also appointed Sens. Max Baucus, (Mont.) and John Kerry (Mass.) to serve on it.

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Saturday, August 6, 2011

TRUTH TIME !!!

Will the media EVER tell the TRUTH
that the Bush Regime KNEW the
U.S. Credit Rating would be
DOWNGRADED ?


(Greg Jones/Blacks4Barack) For years, beginning in October of 2008, when Bush was still head of The Regime, I have tried to inform of the fact that the Bush Bailouts were an attempt to prop up our financials/banks as cover for our economic Ponzi scheme in hopes of maintaining our AAA credit rating. By clicking the links below, you'll get a better idea of just how long our AAA rating has been in jeopardy. Note the dates of each article as well as making note that they are all referring to the Bush years. Also, I've included a sample comment I have posted at various sites in attempt to shed light on facts NEVER reported in our mass media. Moving ahead, as the media-aided Right Wing spin this credit downgrade as 'Obama's fault'...combined with the spin that he is the first President to have a downgrade...share these links which dispel the lies...with (unreported) Truth. Plus: BE PREPARED TO FIGHT ! The rich-supporting Right will try to use this downgrade as a reason/excuse for further spending cuts INSTEAD of the obvious need to increase taxes for The Rich.

(Comment posted on Huffington Post by Greg Jones Aug 10, 2010)

When the IMF/WBO requested to audit the U.S. economy Dubya acted offended. Finally agreed...on condition they must wait until the end of his term. Last fiscal year of his term ended exactly Sept. 30, 2008. One week prior...BR­EAKING NEWS...WE'­RE BROKE !!! (secretly says)
" Gotta keep our triple A rating ". Put some money in the banks Hank. Act like it's so they'll do loans. How much boss ? I dunno, make up a number. How's $787B. ? Sounds good. HURRY ! But gotta secretly send $ to the foreign countries/­banks who are pi*ssed they got burnt dealing with us boss. Well...hav­e OUR banks secretly send them the $. And for being silent...t­ell your boys they can pay themselves big bonuses. HURRY ! (President Obama gets keys to WH).....WH­AT ?...Our banks are THIS broke ?...OK...n­eed another bailout. What should we call it ? (Geitner) TARP !...OK...b­ut it's still not going to be enough. Gotta do something boss or we'll lose our triple A....and possibly REALLY collapse. (story goes on)

Poster comes to mind...(pi­c of Dubya) " I know I "effed" America...­but Thanks for blaming it on the Black Guy !"”
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LINKS: Re: Audit of U.S. Economy & Threat of Credit Downgrade
(during BUSH years)

http://business.theage.com.au/business/imf-finally-knocks-on-uncle-sams-door-20080629-2yui.html?page=1

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,562291,00.html

http://www.rense.com/general82/audit.htm

http://elizabethprata.blogspot.com/2008/06/imf-to-audit-us.html

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/oct2008/wall-o15.shtml

EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE IN GERMANY'S TOP NEWSPAPER CALLED
DER SPIEGEL DATED 06/26/08

" Officials with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have informed Bernanke about a plan that would have been unheard-of in the past: a general examination of the US financial system. The IMF's board of directors has ruled that a so-called Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) is to be carried out in the United States. It is nothing less than an X-ray of the entire US financial system.

As part of the assessment, the Fed, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the major investment banks, mortgage banks and hedge funds will be asked to hand over confidential documents to the IMF team. They will be required to answer the questions they are asked during interviews. Their databases will be subjected to so-called stress tests -- worst-case scenarios designed to simulate the broader effects of failures of other major financial institutions or a continuing decline of the dollar.

Under its bylaws, the IMF is charged with the supervision of the international monetary system. Roughly two-thirds of IMF members -- but never the United States -- have already endured this painful procedure.

For seven years, US President George W. Bush refused to allow the IMF to conduct its assessment. Even now, he has only given the IMF board his consent under one important condition. The review can begin in Bush's last year in office, but it may not be completed until he has left the White House. This is bad news for the Fed chairman.

When the final report on the risks of the US financial system is released in 2010 -- and it is likely to cause a stir internationally -- only one of the people in positions of responsibility today will still be in office: Ben Bernanke. " (end of article)

Knowledge is Power...
PASS IT ON !!!


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Friday, August 5, 2011

Greg Jones'
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
Certainly would be nice if a Gov't Works Program was implemented which would create jobs for literally millions of the unemployed. ABSOLUTE SHAME that the Right....particularly the 'domestic terrorist' Tea Bagger Congresspeople would rather see America collapse than vote to fund such a much needed program. And again.....all we had to do was VOTE in strong numbers this past midterm election instead of sitting on our hands and just whining.....LITERALLY handing The Power....to the Evil Doers.

Monday, August 1, 2011


FACT SHEET:

COMPLETE BREAKDOWN OF THE NEW DEBT DEAL


BIPARTISAN DEBT DEAL: A WIN FOR THE ECONOMY AND BUDGET DISCIPLINE

The debt deal announced today is a victory for bipartisan compromise, for the economy and for the American people. The agreement:

· Removes the cloud of uncertainty over our economy at this critical time, by ensuring that no one will be able to use the threat of the nation’s first default now, or in only a few months, for political gain;

· Locks in a down payment on significant deficit reduction, with savings from both domestic and Pentagon spending, and is designed to protect crucial investments like aid for college students;

· Establishes a bipartisan process to seek a balanced approach to larger deficit reduction through entitlement and tax reform;

· Deploys an enforcement mechanism that gives all sides an incentive to reach bipartisan compromise on historic deficit reduction, while protecting Social Security, Medicare beneficiaries and low-income programs;

· Stays true to the President’s commitment to shared sacrifice by preventing the middle class, seniors and those who are most vulnerable from shouldering the burden of deficit reduction. The President did not agree to any entitlement reforms outside of the context of a bipartisan committee process where tax reform will be on the table and the President will insist on shared sacrifice from the most well-off and those with the most indefensible tax breaks.





Mechanics of the Debt Deal

· Immediately enacted 10-year discretionary spending caps generating nearly $1 trillion in deficit reduction; balanced between defense and non-defense spending.

· President authorized to increase the debt limit by at least $2.1 trillion, eliminating the need for further increases until 2013.

· Bipartisan committee process tasked with identifying an additional $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction, including from entitlement and tax reform. Committee is required to report legislation by November 23, 2011, which receives fast-track protections. Congress is required to vote on Committee recommendations by December 23, 2011.

· Enforcement mechanism established to force all parties – Republican and Democrat – to agree to balanced deficit reduction. If Committee fails, enforcement mechanism will trigger spending reductions beginning in 2013 – split 50/50 between domestic and defense spending. Enforcement protects Social Security, Medicare beneficiaries, and low-income programs from any cuts.

1. REMOVING UNCERTAINTY TO SUPPORT THE AMERICAN ECONOMY

· Deal Removes Cloud of Uncertainty Until 2013, Eliminating Key Headwind on the Economy: Independent analysts, economists, and ratings agencies have all made clear that a short-term debt limit increase would create unacceptable economic uncertainty by risking default again within only a matter of months and as S&P stated, increase the chance of a downgrade. By ensuring a debt limit increase of at least $2.1 trillion, this deal removes the specter of default, providing important certainty to our economy at a fragile moment.

· Mechanism to Ensure Further Deficit Reduction is Designed to Phase-In Beginning in 2013 to Avoid Harming the Recovery: The deal includes a mechanism to ensure additional deficit reduction, consistent with the economic recovery. The enforcement mechanism would not be made effective until 2013, avoiding any immediate contraction that could harm the recovery. And savings from the down payment will be enacted over 10 years, consistent with supporting the economic recovery.

2. A DOWNPAYMENT ON DEFICIT REDUCTION BY LOCKING IN HISTORIC SPENDING DISCIPLINE – BALANCED BETWEEN DOMESTIC AND PENTAGON SPENDING

· More than $900 Billion in Savings over 10 Years By Capping Discretionary Spending: The deal includes caps on discretionary spending that will produce more than $900 billion in savings over the next 10 years compared to the CBO March baseline, even as it protects core investments from deep and economically damaging cuts.

· Includes Savings of $350 Billion from the Base Defense Budget – the First Defense Cut Since the 1990s: The deal puts us on track to cut $350 billion from the defense budget over 10 years. These reductions will be implemented based on the outcome of a review of our missions, roles, and capabilities that will reflect the President’s commitment to protecting our national security.

· Reduces Domestic Discretionary Spending to the Lowest Level Since Eisenhower: These discretionary caps will put us on track to reduce non-defense discretionary spending to its lowest level since Dwight Eisenhower was President.

· Includes Funding to Protect the President’s Historic Investment in Pell Grants: Since taking office, the President has increased the maximum Pell award by $819 to a maximum award $5,550, helping over 9 million students pay for college tuition bills. The deal provides specific protection in the discretionary budget to ensure that the there will be sufficient funding for the President’s historic investment in Pell Grants without undermining other critical investments.

3. ESTABLISHING A BIPARTISAN PROCESS TO ACHIEVE $1.5 TRILLION IN ADDITIONAL BALANCED DEFICIT REDUCTION BY THE END OF 2011

· The Deal Locks in a Process to Enact $1.5 Trillion in Additional Deficit Reduction Through a Bipartisan, Bicameral Congressional Committee: The deal creates a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Committee that is charged with enacting $1.5 trillion in additional deficit reduction by the end of the year. This Committee will work without the looming specter of default, ensuring time to carefully consider essential reforms without the disruption and brinksmanship of the past few months.

· This Committee is Empowered Beyond Previous Bipartisan Attempts at Deficit Reduction: Any recommendation of the Committee would be given fast-track privilege in the House and Senate, assuring it of an up or down vote and preventing some from using procedural gimmicks to block action.

· To Meet This Target, the Committee Will Consider Responsible Entitlement and Tax Reform. This means putting all the priorities of both parties on the table – including both entitlement reform and revenue-raising tax reform.

4. A STRONG ENFORCEMENT MECHANISM TO MAKE ALL SIDES COME TOGETHER

· The Deal Includes An Automatic Sequester to Ensure That At Least $1.2 Trillion in Deficit Reduction Is Achieved By 2013 Beyond the Discretionary Caps: The deal includes an automatic sequester on certain spending programs to ensure that—between the Committee and the trigger—we at least put in place an additional $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction by 2013.

· Consistent With Past Practice, Sequester Would Be Divided Equally Between Defense and Non-Defense Programs and Exempt Social Security, Medicaid, and Low-Income Programs: Consistent with the bipartisan precedents established in the 1980s and 1990s, the sequester would be divided equally between defense and non-defense program, and it would exempt Social Security, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, programs for low-income families, and civilian and military retirement. Likewise, any cuts to Medicare would be capped and limited to the provider side.

· Sequester Would Provide a Strong Incentive for Both Sides to Come to the Table: If the fiscal committee took no action, the deal would automatically add nearly $500 billion in defense cuts on top of cuts already made, and, at the same time, it would cut critical programs like infrastructure or education. That outcome would be unacceptable to many Republicans and Democrats alike – creating pressure for a bipartisan agreement without requiring the threat of a default with unthinkable consequences for our economy.

5. A BALANCED DEAL CONSISTENT WITH THE PRESIDENT’S COMMITMENT TO SHARED SACRIFICE

· The Deal Sets the Stage for Balanced Deficit Reduction, Consistent with the President’s Values: The deal is designed to achieve balanced deficit reduction, consistent with the values the President articulated in his April Fiscal Framework. The discretionary savings are spread between both domestic and defense spending. And the President will demand that the Committee pursue a balanced deficit reduction package, where any entitlement reforms are coupled with revenue-raising tax reform that asks for the most fortunate Americans to sacrifice.

· The Enforcement Mechanism Complements the Forcing Event Already In Law – the Expiration of the Bush Tax Cuts – To Create Pressure for a Balanced Deal: The Bush tax cuts expire as of 1/1/2013, the same date that the spending sequester would go into effect. These two events together will force balanced deficit reduction. Absent a balanced deal, it would enable the President to use his veto pen to ensure nearly $1 trillion in additional deficit reduction by not extending the high-income tax cuts.

· In Securing this Bipartisan Deal, the President Rejected Proposals that Would Have Placed the Sole Burden of Deficit Reduction on Low-Income or Middle-Class Families: The President stood firmly against proposals that would have placed the sole burden of deficit reduction on lower-income and middle-class families. This includes not only proposals in the House Republican Budget that would have undermined the core commitments of Medicare to our seniors and forced tens of millions of low-income Americans to go without health insurance, but also enforcement mechanisms that would have forced automatic cuts to low-income programs. The enforcement mechanism in the deal exempts Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare benefits, unemployment insurance, programs for low-income families, and civilian and military retirement.

B4B NOTE: Absolute SHAME what The President has to do/give up to convince the Right not to literally DESTROY AMERICA !

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