Bloomberg, for those who don't know, is a market oriented news/advising corporation.
Bloombergs words for the economy
The report from Bloomberg on the economy is that Obama is reversing the Reagan mantra of big government can't succeed and that Obama is effectively stunting the economy's growth.
Bulls and bears all accounted for, our economy has been growing at about 3% for the past couple of decades. to under 2%.
“We are lowering the speed limit for safe economic growth in the U.S.,” says El-Erian, of Pacific Investment Management Co, who manages the world’s biggest bond fund. “We’re going from somewhere near 3 percent to probably just below 2 percent.”
The numbers
Counting off the numbers of Obama's first 100 days.
Interesting notes, 6 pieces of legistlation have been signed, the same number of appointees who have had tax woes.
Obama has met with 44 foregn leaders and visited 12 different states.
More numbers from Reuters
Interesting notes, 6 pieces of legistlation have been signed, the same number of appointees who have had tax woes.
Obama has met with 44 foregn leaders and visited 12 different states.
More numbers from Reuters
Aiding the streets?
The poor neighborhoods where Obama "organized" as a community organizer are giving giving Obama failing grades.
Of all of the money that Obama has given out, none of it has gone to programs liek CeaseFire and Black Star.
United Press International
Interesting statistic. Of 80 kids who had to be cut out of Black Star for lack of funding, three have been killed in street violence.
Of all of the money that Obama has given out, none of it has gone to programs liek CeaseFire and Black Star.
United Press International
Interesting statistic. Of 80 kids who had to be cut out of Black Star for lack of funding, three have been killed in street violence.
First 100 Days, a Unique opportunity
Barack Obama has been granted a unique opportunity.
Due to reasons real or not, George W. Bush has made being liberal the trendy thing to do. Conservatives, such as Karl Rove agree with this statement.
Politics Daily Story
Obama is sure to pounce on this and America will forever be altered. The amount of money, legislation and promise that Obama has been pulling out in his first couple of months is staggering. Trillions of dollars in spending, bailouts, healthcare, and the like.
Republicans are scared that Obama may be destroying the American dream. Other pundits claim that the rugged individualism that has promoted American Innovation is already in the process of dieing and moving towards big government won't help.
Time will tell what happens once everything shakes out.
Due to reasons real or not, George W. Bush has made being liberal the trendy thing to do. Conservatives, such as Karl Rove agree with this statement.
Politics Daily Story
Obama is sure to pounce on this and America will forever be altered. The amount of money, legislation and promise that Obama has been pulling out in his first couple of months is staggering. Trillions of dollars in spending, bailouts, healthcare, and the like.
Republicans are scared that Obama may be destroying the American dream. Other pundits claim that the rugged individualism that has promoted American Innovation is already in the process of dieing and moving towards big government won't help.
Time will tell what happens once everything shakes out.
Earth Day
Obama is using the symbolic importance of Earth Day to discuss a new energy plan.
What Here? Yes!
He visited Newton Iowa to tour a wind plant the town has established to create jobs.
Then he is off to Sicily to talk with world leaders about creating jobs with green technology.
What Here? Yes!
He visited Newton Iowa to tour a wind plant the town has established to create jobs.
Then he is off to Sicily to talk with world leaders about creating jobs with green technology.
Fidel Castro
Fidel released an essay in which he said Obama misinterpreted Raul Castro's declaration of goodwill.
Story Here
After Raul said they (cuba) would talk about everything, Obama said Cuba should release some political prisoners and lower taxes on remittances.
Story Here
After Raul said they (cuba) would talk about everything, Obama said Cuba should release some political prisoners and lower taxes on remittances.
The Obama stance on Israel is finally here. According the the AP.
2 states, http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iO7ykFycnRj346lkiXHapfx3PoHwD97KDU587
"A two state solution is the only solution."
Protests, killings, failed killings resulting in the killers getting killed. Envoy George Mitchell is Obama's point man in Israel and he sat down with a representative from each faction today (Friday). The border's would be redrawn to the pre 1967 borders as somewhat of a compromise. Israel really doesn't want to, but Palestinians would be more than happy with those borders.
2 states, http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iO7ykFycnRj346lkiXHapfx3PoHwD97KDU587
"A two state solution is the only solution."
Protests, killings, failed killings resulting in the killers getting killed. Envoy George Mitchell is Obama's point man in Israel and he sat down with a representative from each faction today (Friday). The border's would be redrawn to the pre 1967 borders as somewhat of a compromise. Israel really doesn't want to, but Palestinians would be more than happy with those borders.
Rich Man Obama
Obama doesn't really need his presidential salary, his book sales are doing just fine.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/15/AR2009041503383.html
$2.6 MILLION DOLLARS! Thats the news folks, don't wear it out.
The money supply is what he made in 2008 while on the campaign trail from his two books "The Audacity of Hope" and "Dreams from My Father".
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/15/AR2009041503383.html
$2.6 MILLION DOLLARS! Thats the news folks, don't wear it out.
The money supply is what he made in 2008 while on the campaign trail from his two books "The Audacity of Hope" and "Dreams from My Father".
Obama Your Mama
Obama took a little trip to Mexico this week, and he said some things and talked to some people. But the Mexican press wasn't left satisfied.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/04/17/mexican_press_obama_made_good.html?hpid=moreheadlines
Obama was a nice guy on his trip and he said nice things to nice people, but he didn't say very much in the way of substance, and nearly every Mexican news source picked up on it.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/04/17/mexican_press_obama_made_good.html?hpid=moreheadlines
Obama was a nice guy on his trip and he said nice things to nice people, but he didn't say very much in the way of substance, and nearly every Mexican news source picked up on it.
Obama will speak at ASU
President Obama will make his first commencement speech as president at Arizona State University on May 13. The announcement of the commencement speech came after a controversy involving Obama and a honorary ASU degree.
ASU declined to credit Obama with a honorary degree because they say his body of work is yet to come. They only give out honorary degrees to people they believe have made contributions to society.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/11/asu-apologizes-honors-obama/#more-47299
ASU declined to credit Obama with a honorary degree because they say his body of work is yet to come. They only give out honorary degrees to people they believe have made contributions to society.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/11/asu-apologizes-honors-obama/#more-47299
Photo Credit: Trenton-Taylor.com
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Churches Trying to Land Obama
Washington D.C. churches have been attempting to win over President Obama and his family. Churches of all colors and sizes have been pleading their cases to the first family. Obama says that he plans on auditioning different churches before he decides on his spiritual home.
Both predominately white churches and predominately black churches want Obama in attendance on Sundays. Obama's aids say that he isn't limiting his choices to the largest, most popular churches, instead opening his options up to all local churches.
Obama will pick his church carefully because of the negative attention he received for comments made by his former pastor Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/11/us/politics/11church.html?_r=1&ref=politics
Photo Credit: Associated Press
Both predominately white churches and predominately black churches want Obama in attendance on Sundays. Obama's aids say that he isn't limiting his choices to the largest, most popular churches, instead opening his options up to all local churches.
Obama will pick his church carefully because of the negative attention he received for comments made by his former pastor Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/11/us/politics/11church.html?_r=1&ref=politics
Photo Credit: Associated Press
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Glimmers of Hope
President Obama said he sees glimmers of hope for the United States economy. He met with senior economic advisers in Washington on Friday, and he came out with an optimistic attitude.
Obama saw progress in efforts to stabilise the U.S. housing market, unlock stalled lending and aid the major banks in need of a bailout. He said that he still feels like there is a lot of work to do to fix the economy and that the recession has put severe stress on the economy.
Lawrence Summers, senior economic advisor to President Obama, was in attendance for the meeting in Washington. He sees an end to his recession coming soon. "I think we can be reasonably confident that that is going to end within the next few months, and we will no longer have that sense of a free fall," said Summers.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/04/2009410173531595903.html
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Obama saw progress in efforts to stabilise the U.S. housing market, unlock stalled lending and aid the major banks in need of a bailout. He said that he still feels like there is a lot of work to do to fix the economy and that the recession has put severe stress on the economy.
Lawrence Summers, senior economic advisor to President Obama, was in attendance for the meeting in Washington. He sees an end to his recession coming soon. "I think we can be reasonably confident that that is going to end within the next few months, and we will no longer have that sense of a free fall," said Summers.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/04/2009410173531595903.html
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Obama Asks for More Money
President Obama plans on asking Congress for an additional $83 billion to fund the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. He believes it will be enough to fund the war through the rest of 2009 and he would like for the additional funding to be given by the end of September.
The total cost of the war is steadily approaching $1 trillion dollars, with the majority of the cost going to the fight in Iraq. Obama does plan on backing off in Iraq and shifting focus on Afghanistan. He will start pulling troops out of Iraq in the next few months and sending them over to Afghanistan.
$75 million will go to military troops and reinforcements while the rest will be spent on government agencies and rebuilding Iraq.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/09/obama.war.funding/index.html
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Illegal Immigrants Becoming Legal
There is new hope for illegal immigrants in their quest to become citizens of the United States. President Obama has plans to reform the immigration system in the U.S. to make it easier for illegal immigrants to become a legal U.S. citizen.
Obama's plan of reform will not be released until May but it is clear what his goal is. He plans on reforming the policy to a "policy reform that controls immigration and makes it an orderly system,” said the official, Cecilia Muñoz, deputy assistant to the president and director of intergovernmental affairs in the White House.
When Obama was campaigning for office earlier last year, he promised to implement an immigration legislation system that would make citizenship possible for an estimated 12 million immigrants. He has admitted that the state of the economy will make this bill harder to pass.
Opponents of this bill say that it is wrong for Obama to legalize 12 million illegal immigrants when so many Americans are already out there looking for jobs.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/us/politics/09immig.html?_r=1&hp
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Obama's plan of reform will not be released until May but it is clear what his goal is. He plans on reforming the policy to a "policy reform that controls immigration and makes it an orderly system,” said the official, Cecilia Muñoz, deputy assistant to the president and director of intergovernmental affairs in the White House.
When Obama was campaigning for office earlier last year, he promised to implement an immigration legislation system that would make citizenship possible for an estimated 12 million immigrants. He has admitted that the state of the economy will make this bill harder to pass.
Opponents of this bill say that it is wrong for Obama to legalize 12 million illegal immigrants when so many Americans are already out there looking for jobs.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/us/politics/09immig.html?_r=1&hp
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Obama Visits U.S. Troops in Iraq
President Obama visited United States troops stationed in Iraq on Tuesday and he was met with affection from the crowd. A member of the crowd even shouted "I love you" to which Obama replied, "I love you too."
Obama told the troops that it was time for a transition in Iraq. He said it was time for Iraq to take responsibility of their country. He also praised the troops by saying they gave Iraq "an opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country."
This comes after Obama revealed a 19 month exit strategy for Iraq. He does plan on keeping at least 50,000 troops in Iraq even after the 19 months.
While in Iraq, Obama met with the Iraqi prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki. During their meeting, Obama suggested that al-Maliki should try to include Sunnis into the government.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/04/200947141454476854.html
Obama told the troops that it was time for a transition in Iraq. He said it was time for Iraq to take responsibility of their country. He also praised the troops by saying they gave Iraq "an opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country."
This comes after Obama revealed a 19 month exit strategy for Iraq. He does plan on keeping at least 50,000 troops in Iraq even after the 19 months.
While in Iraq, Obama met with the Iraqi prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki. During their meeting, Obama suggested that al-Maliki should try to include Sunnis into the government.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/04/200947141454476854.html
Photo Credit: NevadaThunder.com
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Obama Reaches Out to Turkey
President Obama was in Turkey on Monday to deliver a speech to Turkey's Parliament. Obama expressed his desire for the United States to build a positive relationship with Islam and he has decided to start in Turkey.
Turkey is seen as being a perfect place for the U.S. to start. Turkey recently went through a political power shift that landed a new group of elites in office. The old regime was a secular while the new one incorporates Islam into the government. Turkey's new Prime Minister is Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Obama spoke to both the old and new regime during his speech. He talked about wanting to establish a strong and secular democracy in Turkey. Obamas vision of a strong and secular democracy seemed to please both regimes.
Sedat Ergin, the editor of Milliyet, a newspaper in Turkey that has questioned the new regimes religous roots, saw Obama's speech as a step in the right direction. “The most important part of his speech was the emphasis on the secular democratic structure in Turkey. He won back hearts of the secular circles in Turkey," said Ergin.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/world/europe/07turkey.html?_r=1
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Turkey is seen as being a perfect place for the U.S. to start. Turkey recently went through a political power shift that landed a new group of elites in office. The old regime was a secular while the new one incorporates Islam into the government. Turkey's new Prime Minister is Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Obama spoke to both the old and new regime during his speech. He talked about wanting to establish a strong and secular democracy in Turkey. Obamas vision of a strong and secular democracy seemed to please both regimes.
Sedat Ergin, the editor of Milliyet, a newspaper in Turkey that has questioned the new regimes religous roots, saw Obama's speech as a step in the right direction. “The most important part of his speech was the emphasis on the secular democratic structure in Turkey. He won back hearts of the secular circles in Turkey," said Ergin.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/world/europe/07turkey.html?_r=1
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
North Korean Missle Launch
North Korea had the world watching Sunday when they launched a long range rocket. The rocket is called the Taepodong 2, and it was launched from a military base in the northeastern part of North Korea.
The launch was viewed as a failure by North Korea despite the rockets ability to clear Japanese airspace. The Taepodong 2 was attempting to enter into Earth's orbit.
President Obama made strong comments regarding the rocket launch. Obama called the launch "a clear violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718, which expressly prohibits North Korea from conducting ballistic missile-related activities of any kind."
Obama also called the launch a provocative act while saying North Korea ignored its international obligations, rejected unequivocal calls for restraint, and further isolated itself from the community of nations. He also urged North Korea to refrain from further provocative actions.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/04/05/us.nkorea.reaction/index.html
Photo Credit: rferl.org
The launch was viewed as a failure by North Korea despite the rockets ability to clear Japanese airspace. The Taepodong 2 was attempting to enter into Earth's orbit.
President Obama made strong comments regarding the rocket launch. Obama called the launch "a clear violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718, which expressly prohibits North Korea from conducting ballistic missile-related activities of any kind."
Obama also called the launch a provocative act while saying North Korea ignored its international obligations, rejected unequivocal calls for restraint, and further isolated itself from the community of nations. He also urged North Korea to refrain from further provocative actions.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/04/05/us.nkorea.reaction/index.html
Photo Credit: rferl.org
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
GOP Questions Obama's Economic Plan
The GOP is questioning whether President Obama's economic plan will help or hurt the economy. The main argument made by Republicans is that Obama's plan will hurt future generations.
Rep. Paul Ryan admitted that Obama was given a bad situation to work with. Ryan sees the plan as being a quick fix that will hurt the economy in the long run.
"Put simply: the Democrats’ budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much from our kids and their kids. … Their budget puts all the sacrifice on future generations. It makes no tough choices. It’s only tough on our children and grandchildren," said Ryan.
Obama's $3.5 trillion budget was passed by the Senate earlier this week.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/04/gop-response-obama-fixing-crisis-or-making-it-worse/
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Rep. Paul Ryan admitted that Obama was given a bad situation to work with. Ryan sees the plan as being a quick fix that will hurt the economy in the long run.
"Put simply: the Democrats’ budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much from our kids and their kids. … Their budget puts all the sacrifice on future generations. It makes no tough choices. It’s only tough on our children and grandchildren," said Ryan.
Obama's $3.5 trillion budget was passed by the Senate earlier this week.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/04/gop-response-obama-fixing-crisis-or-making-it-worse/
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Obama's Census Pick
President Obama made a controversial pick on Thursday for the next census director. Robert M. Groves, 60, was selected as the census director and will conduct the 2010 census.
The census is used to determine the number of seats each state gets in the House of Representatives and to allocate federal money.
Groves is very experienced in this field. He was the Census Bureau assosiate director of statistical design from 1990 to 1992 and he has been researching ways to improve research response rates for decades. The senate must still vote and confirm Obama's pick before Groves will offically be the census director.
Many Republicans in the House of Representatives disapproved of the selection. "We will be watching closely to ensure the 2010 census is conducted without attempting... statistical sleight of hand," said House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio)
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-census3-2009apr03,0,4840650.story
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
The census is used to determine the number of seats each state gets in the House of Representatives and to allocate federal money.
Groves is very experienced in this field. He was the Census Bureau assosiate director of statistical design from 1990 to 1992 and he has been researching ways to improve research response rates for decades. The senate must still vote and confirm Obama's pick before Groves will offically be the census director.
Many Republicans in the House of Representatives disapproved of the selection. "We will be watching closely to ensure the 2010 census is conducted without attempting... statistical sleight of hand," said House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio)
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-census3-2009apr03,0,4840650.story
Steve Lyons
Journalism 311 student
Cloudy Forecast for Budget Plan
"The Congressional Budget Office placed a new hurdle in front of President Obama’s agenda on Friday, calculating that the White House’s tax and spending plans would create deficits totaling $2.3 trillion more than the president’s budget projected for the next decade."- Jackie Calmes, New York Times.
There are many against the presidents plan, one of these individuals is Republican Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire. He believes this forecast proves the choices the Obama administration has made for the economy are poor ones and will negatively impact future generations.
Calmes also reported that long term predictions have a tendency to be unreliable, but they set a base for debates between the two parties. It basically gives them a reason to argue with each other.
Stacie Ayala
Journalism 311 Student
Obama Reaches out to Iran
President Obama starred on the Late Night with Jay Leno show last night. According to the Wall Street Journal Jay and Mr. Obama discussed everything from bowling to the AIG situation.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that The White House released a video tape which shows President Obama's recent attempts to reach out to Iran. "The president appealed directly to the Iranian government and its people to forge a new relationship with the U.S. The video, which was also posted online, is a sign of his administration's intensifying efforts to use diplomacy to end Tehran's nuclear East-based militant groups."- Jay Solomon, The Wall Street Journal.
The president also timed this message for the Persian holiday Nowruz.
Stacie Ayala
Journalism 311 Student
The Wall Street Journal also reported that The White House released a video tape which shows President Obama's recent attempts to reach out to Iran. "The president appealed directly to the Iranian government and its people to forge a new relationship with the U.S. The video, which was also posted online, is a sign of his administration's intensifying efforts to use diplomacy to end Tehran's nuclear East-based militant groups."- Jay Solomon, The Wall Street Journal.
The president also timed this message for the Persian holiday Nowruz.
Stacie Ayala
Journalism 311 Student
The President and Jay
Photo Credit: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press Tonight President Obama will be a guest on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." He is the first president to be interviewed on a late-night show. Edward Wyatt form the New York Times reports, "Asked by Mr. Leno if it was fair to judge him based on just 59 days in office, President Obama said Washington 'is a bit like ‘American idol’ except everybody’s Simon Cowell. Everybody’s got an opinion.' But, he said, the American people are in a place where 'they understand that it took us a while to get into this mess, and it will take us a while to get out of it.'"
Jay and Mr. Obama briefly discussed the recent AIG bonus upset. On a side note: The Wall Street Journal reported today on the recent updates about that issue. Edward Liddy CEO of AIG, announced that some of the employees will be returning their bonuses and some of those bonuses were up to $6.4 million dollars.
The NY Times reported that only once was Mr. Obama speechless tonight during his interview. This was when Treasurer Secretary Timothy Giethner's department came up. The interview was not all seriousness Jay made a few cracks at Mr. Obama, but everyone was excited for his presence on the show.
Stacie Ayala
Journalism 311 Student
Obama in Orange County
President Obama landed in Southern California today at the Long Beach Airport. He spoke at an Orange County Town Hall meeting today at the Orange County Fairgrounds. Southern California residents were given the opportunity to ask President Obama about issues such as illegal immigration, education and real estate.
Jennifer Muir, Niyza Pirani and Cameron Bird reported from the Orange County Register today, "Ivan Martinez wasn’t sure he’d be able to speak. President Obama was standing on a stage in front of him -- sleeves rolled up from the hot, heavy, stage-lit air -- as a White House aide handed the Costa Mesa High School senior a microphone. 'I want to know what you plan to do about the broken immigration system, and when you plan on doing this,' Martinez said. The crowd erupted in raucous applause, the same hooting and cheering that punctuated much of the president’s first visit to Orange County." Many were on their tip-toes today trying to get attention drawn to them, in hopes of asking President Obama about issues related to their lives.
The Orange County Register also reported today about a gathering of around 35 protesters who were not excited about President Obama's visit to Orange County. Some supported signs saying, " 'Go back home, leave us alone!' said Elisa Mohr, her head titled up. 'Go back to Chicago. We don’t want you here!' " reported Muir, Bird and Pirani.
President Obama's visit to Orange County today uplifted many Southern California resident's spirits, and gave them a better outlook for the future.
Photo Credit: Leonard Ortiz, The Orange County Register
Stacie Ayala
Journalism 311 Student
The AIG Upset Continues
Photo Credit: European Pressphoto AgencyToday the Wall Street Journal reported immense upset and confusion over the bonuses which American International Group deemed acceptable to distribute to its employees, who were the essential cause to AIG’s failure.
President Barack Obama called upon every resource, in attempt to put a stop to the distribution of AIG’s objectionable bonuses. Over the weekend a outburst of rage unfolded as the bonuses became known to the public. In the end the government does not have control over the payments, but they will be more watchful in the future.
According to the OC Register President Obama has come to the OC. President Obama will be landing in Long Beach around 3 p.m. tomorrow and will be speaking at the Orange County Fairgrounds on Wednesday at 4 p.m. At 10 a.m. this morning White House officials began distributing tickets to a roaring and excited crowd.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/first-president-beach-2337393-event-mallett
According to the OC Register President Obama has come to the OC. President Obama will be landing in Long Beach around 3 p.m. tomorrow and will be speaking at the Orange County Fairgrounds on Wednesday at 4 p.m. At 10 a.m. this morning White House officials began distributing tickets to a roaring and excited crowd.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/first-president-beach-2337393-event-mallett
Stacie Ayala
Journalism 311 Student
A.I.G. Distributes Bonuses
Photo Credit: Doug Mills/ New York Times
The popular topic of today is the bonuses which were distributed within the American International Group. According to the New York Times today, over the past 6 months AIG received $170 billion from the government in order to stay afloat. Last Friday, it was confirmed that AIG had distributed $165 million as bonuses for company employees.
Edmund L. Andrews and Jackie Calmes reported this morning that, "Mr. Obama ordered the Treasury Department to, 'pursue every single legal avenue to block these bonuses' and the American taxpayers whole."
This entire situation becomes even more unsettling because none of the economic advisers or Chief Executive of AIG, Edward M. Liddy, will take responsibility for the final decision on the bonuses.
Andrews and Calmes reported, "Mr. Geithner, according to Treasury officials, insisted that the bonus plan was 'unacceptable' and called Mr. Liddy on Wednesday to demand changes. AIG executives said they would have never proceeded with the bonus payments before getting approval from the Treasury and the Federal Reserve."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/business/17bailout.html?_r=1&ref=politics
Stacie Ayala
Journalism 311 Student
Obama 3/13
Today the New York Times reported that President Obama is considering Texas Governer Rick Perry's request to send troops to the southern border. This is due to the drug violance which has been seriously escalating over the past year. The following link will take you to the New York Times website. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/14/us/politics/14border.html?_r=1
The Wall Street Journal discussed today President Obama's views on protecting the nations food supply. According to Jane Zhang of the Wall Street Journal, "Mr. Obama said he as instructed the Agricultural Detartment and the Department of Health and Human Services 'to work to come up with a plan so that a lot of these different agencies that have some jurisdiction over food safety are interegated in a much more effective way and things areen't falling through the cracks.' He also said there's work to be done 'with food producers so that there are better warning signals of potential problems than we have right now.'"
The Wall Street Journal discussed today President Obama's views on protecting the nations food supply. According to Jane Zhang of the Wall Street Journal, "Mr. Obama said he as instructed the Agricultural Detartment and the Department of Health and Human Services 'to work to come up with a plan so that a lot of these different agencies that have some jurisdiction over food safety are interegated in a much more effective way and things areen't falling through the cracks.' He also said there's work to be done 'with food producers so that there are better warning signals of potential problems than we have right now.'"
Obama 3/12
The New York Times today hit a sensitive and serious subject for many Americans. The issue, should same-sex partners federal employees be provided with health insurance benefits? According to the New York Times, many gay right supporters, gave their vote to president Obama because of his promise to fend for gay rights. Now these gay couples are looking to Obama for the support he promised.
The president also signed a $410 billion spending package the he said, "marks the old way of doing business." He revealed new rules and criticized Bush for taking advantage of his signing privilege.
The Wall Street Journal reported today, "Obama and Geithner got failing grades for their efforts to revive the economy from economists in a Wall Street journal survey."
Stacie Ayala
Journalism 311 Student
The president also signed a $410 billion spending package the he said, "marks the old way of doing business." He revealed new rules and criticized Bush for taking advantage of his signing privilege.
The Wall Street Journal reported today, "Obama and Geithner got failing grades for their efforts to revive the economy from economists in a Wall Street journal survey."
Stacie Ayala
Journalism 311 Student
Obama 3/11
Today Laura Meckler The Wall Street Journal, reported about President Obama's vision for U.S. education. Laura Meckler says, "Barack Obama laid out a broad education vision Tuesday that includes expanded merit pay for teachers and more charter schools, ideas long troubling to teachers unions." Although the president wants to reward those who administer excellence in teaching may supporters believe pay breaks can't be equal
ly distributed. Obama wants to serve Americans by supporting volunteer work, raising the quality of education in preschools, and help those who desire to achieve a higher education find financial aid with ease. Meckler goes on in the article and discusses how President Obama would like states to "raise standards for student achievement." Overall, although many support Barack Obama and welcome his approach to help cure this economic disaster some question his techniques. I believe we all hope Obama succeeds for the sake of America. Photo Credit Associated Press
Presidential Passtime 3/10
According to The Wall Street Journal President Obama instructed an overview of Bush's signing statements. The administration is being attentive by checking with Attorney General Eric Holder. On Monday Pres. Obama announced a reverse in Mr. Bush's ban on federally funded embryonic stem cell research. This is one of the many items President Obama has overturned since he took office in January.
According to Pres. Obama, "As a person of faith I believe we are called to care or each other and work to ease human suffering. I believe we have been given the capacity and will to pursue this research and the humanity and conscious to do so responsibly." This is an attachment which will take you to the announcement Pres. Obama made with concerns to stem cell research. http://www.latimes.com/video/?slug=la-na-obama-stem-cells10-2009mar10-vid
I have personally argued for stem cell research in the past, and personally know how important it is to act responsibly when working with stem cells. Cloning is the most common fear amongst the population and portrays a negative out look on the research. I believe embryonic stem cell research will open doors to cure many diseases one of the mot important being cancer.
Stacie Ayala
Journalism 311 student
According to Pres. Obama, "As a person of faith I believe we are called to care or each other and work to ease human suffering. I believe we have been given the capacity and will to pursue this research and the humanity and conscious to do so responsibly." This is an attachment which will take you to the announcement Pres. Obama made with concerns to stem cell research. http://www.latimes.com/video/?slug=la-na-obama-stem-cells10-2009mar10-vid
I have personally argued for stem cell research in the past, and personally know how important it is to act responsibly when working with stem cells. Cloning is the most common fear amongst the population and portrays a negative out look on the research. I believe embryonic stem cell research will open doors to cure many diseases one of the mot important being cancer.
Stacie Ayala
Journalism 311 student
The Internet President
Photo Credit: Barackobama.com
I was watching the weekly Obama address on YouTube, and I decided to write my final post about the significance of the internet in spreading a message. Not since President Franklin D. Roosevelt's infamous "fireside chats" has a president presented himself in a more intimate setting than President Obama has. Obama has adapted to the internet era to recap key issues in our country and what is being done to combat those issues.
Now the majority of us weren't alive or old enough to understand Roosevelt's "fireside chats," and how influential it was to the country at the time. With Obama's weekly YouTube address, anyone can go onto the internet and get a face-to-face response from our nation's leader about what is going on. Obama's weekly address is something I look forward to and I never miss a post.
Not only does Obama's weekly address recap the week in Washington, but the president uses it to release upcoming information and events that are to take place in the following week. This week's address expectedly focused on the economy. Incredibly, over 4.4 million jobs have been lost, raising our unemployment rate to over 8 percent.
Despite these gloomy times, Obama charismatically provides a rebuttal of things that our country can look forward to. With the new stimulus bill being signed, Obama ensures that over 3.5 million jobs will be saved and created. In addition, Obama calmly says that over 95 percent of Americans will receive a "tax break" starting April 1. These are things that anyone can listen to from the leader of our country with a couple clicks of the mouse.
I strongly encourage everyone to watch Obama's weekly address. These things happening in our country affect us all, and it is crucial for every American to have a knowledge of what is going on and what is being done. Anyone can read the New York Times or the Orange County register for their news, but with Obama's internet address, you can receive news straight from the donkey's mouth. Maybe generations from now, Americans can look back and stress the relevance and intimacy our president gave us with his weekly internet address.
Obama Vows to Cure Health Care
As reported from the Huffington Post, President Obama has big plans to overhaul the United States Health Care system. Obama's goal is to provide health care coverage for every American citizen, regardless of income or status.
Obama has called together 120 people consisting of doctors, patients, business owners, insurers and drug industry representatives to provide wide-ranging perspectives on how to improve the United States health care system that currently leaves 48 million people uninsured. Obama expects this reform to be a bipartisan effort, although his goals are to have new legislation by the end of this year. In addition, the White House is planning to hold more health care events around the country to help in structuring the reform.
This seems like one of the first major issues where bipartisanship will play a factor, with both Democrats and Republicans looking to improve this effort. The GOP however, is still looking for the end result to be less government-run with balanced coverage expansions.
A move to a European-style health care system would greatly benefit the United States. As a country, the U.S. has struggled to provide affordable and reliable coverage. This simply needs to change. President Obama has made clear that he wants change and he wants it now.
This particular article had more of a feature story lead, but clearly indicated the issues throughout. The sufficient use of quotes from Obama, Democrats, and Republicans alike gave great perspective on this critical topic while the supplementing facts provided immediacy to what the current situation is.
Obama-Brown Aim for the World Economy
Photo Credit: Doug Mills/The New York Times
As reported from The New York Times, Prime Minister Gordon Brown met with President Obama at the White House for the first time since Obama took office to discuss the troubled world economy. Both men agreed that a "global New Deal" that would set common principles for regulating banks could ultimately ease resistance to increased oversight across borders.
During the meeting, Brown and Obama attempted to lay down the groundwork for a meeting with the Group of 20, the nations in the world with the 20 largest economies in an attempt to discuss ways to combat this world recession.
Although getting the majority of those 20 countries to give billions of dollars to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, it seems clear that something needs to be done in order to find a way out of this rut.
In addition, the two men discussed the ongoing peace between the United States and Britain, ensuring that the bond between these two countries would continue.
Obama has really shown his eagerness to uphold peace between countries. Obama made it clear in his campaign that he seeks peace with countries like Iran, and I believe that a man with his character can ultimately negotiate peace even between the most hostile of countries. This is a new era filled with new opportunities to expand global peace, and I believe that President Obama will use his position to move the U.S. in the right direction.
Obama Plays "Let's Make a Deal"
Photo Credit: abcnews.com
As reported from The New York Times, President Obama has written a letter to the President of Russia negotiating a deal to cease deploying a new missile defense system in Eastern Europe if Moscow would assist in preventing Iran from developing long-range weapons.
A spokeswoman in the Russian administration said that Obama's letter was a reply to a letter President Dmitri A. Medvedev wrote shortly after Obama took office. Obama and Medvedev will meet for the first time on April 2 in London, where they hope to further develop Russian-American relations.
There were no details in Obama's letter sent, but a Russian press-secretary for Medvedev stated that there were no "specific proposals or mutualy bonding initiatives."
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
Photo Credit: Associated Press
As reported from The New York Times, a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff declared that Iran has accumulated enough uranium that with further purification could be used to build an atomic bomb.
Now what does this mean for President Obama and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates?
It's time to speed up the peace talks with Iran.
Obama came into the presidency looking to negotiate peaceful talks with Iran. It appears that although Iran claims that its nuclear program is strictly meant for peaceful pursuit of energy supplies, no one would like to anger the country with the potential to build a weapon of mass destruction. Plain and simple; a happy Iran is a peaceful Iran.
Although I do find it very curious that if Iran is seriously building its nuclear weapons program based on providing energy supplies, then why did Iran understate by a third, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the amount of Uranium it had enriched?
This entire fiasco seems to have a steady resolution, but as history has showed us, countries in an arms race never fall back. It appear to be a quasi-love-triangle from Iran, Russian, and the United States. Let me try to break it down for you.
Since Iran has begun implementing their nuclear weapons development, the United States has planned to build missile sites in Poland and the Czech Republic in order to stabilize a potential Iranian attack. On the other end, Russia seemingly believes that the United States is planning to build those sites in order to limit Russia's expanding nuclear proliferation. This results in Russia bolstering their arsenal, leaving all three countries amounting unnecessary artillery.
This is where it gets interesting. Russia has a stronger bond with Iran than the United States does, so here is where President Obama and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates come into play. Using simple bargaining strategies, Obama is proposing to cease their European missile ventures under the condition that Russia talks with Iran and persuades them to cut their nuclear research. As a result, Russia would stop their nuclear development, resulting in three happy countries and one less stressed world.
It is critical that President Obama uses his position as the leader of the free world and initiate bonds with countries historically seen as enemies. Maybe if Obama could negotiate friendly interaction, we could live in a world without nuclear bombs. No one needs another Hiroshima or Pearl Harbor, let's keep it clean and safe.
"Yes We Can" I Hope He Does
Photo Credit: Lisagoldman.net
President Obama has set his sights high, proposing to cut the federal budget deficit in half by the time his four year term is up. Obama will attempt this by notably raising taxes on businesses and the wealthy, and by cutting spending on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In order to slash into this $1.3 trillion deficit, President Obama, along with members of congress, advocacy groups, independent experts and unions will discuss what must be done to remedy this daunting situation.
The Los Angeles Times reported that there are a couple key factors preventing criticizing President Obama from implementing this budget cut, with one being the overly optimistic assumptions.
As stated in his weekly video address, President Obama said that he will have a budget that is "sober in its assessments, honest in its accounting, and lays out in detail my strategy for investing in what we need, cutting what we don't, and restoring fiscal discipline."
Is this too difficult to achieve? I believe in everything Obama says, but it seems extremely difficult to halve our budget in four years to $533 billion from $1.3 trillion. Another con to Obama's promise is that if for some reason he doesn't meet this summit of a goal, the he ultimately could cost him the reelection in 2012.
In addition to embracing the recently signed $787 billion American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Obama plans on following through with
the domestic agenda he advocated throughout his presidential campaign.
This agenda focuses on changing major environmental policies and a significant
restructuring of health care coverage.
Did You Say Bipartisanship?
Photo Credit: Suite101.com
As reported in The New York Times, President Obama called his budget proposal a "threat to the status quo in Washington" and cast himself as a populist crusader willing to do battle with special interests to expand health care, curb pollution and improve education.
It appears to me that the earlier proposed "bipartisanship" proposed by Obama five weeks ago when he inherited the position are slowing deteriorating at the moment and hopes to rekindle this relationship look faint.
The New York Times reported that Obama's address hinted at the strategy the White House intends to employ to push for the spending plan released last week, a return to a more traditional Democratic approach of positioning the party as fighting against the rich and powerful.
Now I'm assuming that the rich and powerful is the Republican Party, then does that mean that the Democrats are the poor and meak? In terms of the House and Senate, it certainly doesn't seem to be the case.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for President Obama's stimulus plan. I believe that it will create and save the approximately 3.5 million jobs and invest in the smart things, but I also remember President Obama proposing a biparitisanship as well. As the weeks progess, reading newspapers and watching press conferences, reactions from both parties seem to be more and more conflicting.
I clearly understand that action must be taken swiftly in order to jumpstart our economy as fast as possible, but I also agree with GOP representatives when they say that more times must be taken in order to lay our the proper logistics of these massive amounts of spending. Government spending must be done, but I believe that taking a little more time and incorporating right-wing views will result in a better overall bill and comrodory from both parties as a whole.
Let's see some real bipartisanship America.
Reaganomics: Meet Obamanomics
Photo Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images
The Los Angeles Times has reported that President Barack Obama's $3.55 trillion budget dawns a new era of politics not seen since the Reagan Administration of the 1980s. An era of greater government intervention seems to be approaching, with Obama looking to break with the conservative principles that have been the standard in the last decade.
This could be effective, as Obama aims to involve the government in specific areas like education, where the government could provide loans to students at a far less rate than private lenders that control the field.
Although President Obama strives for bipartisanship, it appears that he has now began to spend his "political capital," by using the overwhelming majority of Democrats in the House of Representatives and Senate in order to pass legislation. The $787 billion economic stimulus bill is a prime example.
Approval rates are still high, as a recent Gallup poll reported that 67% of Americans approved the way he was handling the stimulus bill.
This article effectively explained what it sought out to do, in explaining the dramatic changes the Obama administration has implemented, moving away from trickle-down economics, and heading towards big government intervention. There is a lot of criticism against this plan, but I believe that government aid in critical areas will benefit our nation in the long run. Only time will tell how Obama's plan effects the nation, but either way our economy needs help, and at least there is action taking place to combat this historic recession.
Obama Sets Date to End Iraq War
Photo Credit: The Associated Press
A new era of diplomacy in Iraq will begin Friday, after President Obama signed for troops
to cease all combat operations within the next 18 months. Obama made his feelings
very clear regarding ending this war.
"By August 30, 2010, our combat missions in Iraq will end," Obama said.
Obama's plan is to leave the majority of the troops in Iraq throughout
the rest of this year, then proceeding to implement an exit strategy, which
would leave approximately 35,000 to 50,000 troops to support counter-
terrorism responsibilities.
The president was in North Carolina Friday, discussing with troops the logistics of the exit strategy and what his plans are. Obama felt as if the United States has aided Iraq the best it could, and it is now up to them to pave their own destiny. Obama also noted that the United States intends to focus its attention mainly of Afghanistan and fighting terrorism and extremism.
Obama Promises Change
Photo Credit: Doug Mills/ The New York Times
If there was one sentence that defined President's Obama speech to Congress, it was the one that we will look back on four years from now and gape in the grandeur of it all.
"We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States will emerge stronger than before,"said Obama leading into an eruption of applause from Democrats and Republicans alike.
President Obama has inherited a $1.3 trillion deficit and with his recent stimulus bill, the debt will further increase. However, Obama's plan indicated that spending more in the short run will ultimately lead to economic relief in the near future. Obama's plan is bold, aiming to cut the national deficit in half by the time his first term in office is up.
There is great speculation to Obama's plan, with the majority of Republicans arguing that Obama is spending too much and that Democrats have rushed too quickly into passing massive amounts of spending. Democrats on the other hand argue that the debt former President Bush led us into has led to these brash circumstances. Tying up the loose ends of a proposed bipartisanship seems knotted up and unlikely.
Yet one man stands at the front of the podium, addressing the nation in these trying times with utmost confidence and optimism.
"We can't govern out of anger, but we must govern out of responsibility," Obama said.
Yes there is immense skepticism against President Obama and his chances of pulling our country our of this economic crisis. Yes it seems unlikely that our country's deficit will be cut in half by 2014. Yes it seems nearly impossible to invest in energy,
health care, and education and expect to emerge stronger.
But that charismatic figure that vociferously speaks to our country seems to have a presence that resembles Martin Luther King Jr. during his "I have a dream" speech. Like Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address," which rallied a nation when there was lack of direction. Like former President John F. Kennedy's "Inaugural Address," unifying a country desperately searching for a leader.
I believe that President Obama's speech to Congress will fall into the category of historic rallying calls, and we will look back on this and remember what he has said. Don't believe the skepticism, the Obama era is upon us. Under his guidance, he too will triumph through adversity and prove the skeptics wrong.
President Obama put it simple. "It is time for America to lead again."
Hold on to your seats America, change is coming.
Mission Statement
This is an educational blog, discussing the Obama Administration. Our mission is to observe and analyze current news on the presidency. This blog is run by four CSULB journalism students.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)