Obama criticized but kept many of Bush's policies
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Posted: Thursday, May 31, 2012 12:00 am
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Updated: 12:06 pm, Fri Sep 14, 2012.
Obama criticized but kept many of Bush's policies
What platform is Mr. Obama running on in this election? What has he accomplished in almost four years? Let's see: He's still blaming Mr. Bush for all the problems he inherited. He called Bush unpatriotic when running in 2008 because of the American debt that Bush caused. Bush racked up about $4 trillion in eight years. Obama, a mere $5 trillion in less than four years.
Obama criticized Bush and Chaney when running in 2008 about all the bad things that they were doing — the war in Iraq, the Patriot Act, Guantanimo Bay and a number of those bad conservative ideas.
Let's look at Obama's administration. Obama continued the war in Iraq — saying he would get us out. He said he would shut down Gitmo, but he didn't. He strongly criticized the Patriot Act but continued that. The liberals criticized everything that Bush did, but do you hear them criticizing Obama for doing and continuing a lot of the same policies? Obama also supported the Afghan war.
Democrats keep saying unemployment is down. No matter how many times you say it, it doesn't make it so. Unemployment is higher now than when Obama was elected. Forty-five percent more people are on food stamps under Obama.
Obama brags that he got Osama bin Laden. How about those Navy SEALS, the FBI and Special Operations?
The Democrats haven't passed a budget in three years, but the Republicans have. By law, they are supposed to pass the budget — but those pesky laws. You know they are just made to be broken. And that Democrat leadership — a 2,700-page health care bill. Nancy Pelosi says let's pass it, and then we will read it. Great leadership!
How about that stimulus package and all those shovel-ready jobs? Obama admitted there never were any shovel-ready jobs. So how many jobs did the stimulus package produce? I don't see any, with the unemployment up from when Obama came to power.
Just look at his record and ask yourself: What has he done?
Arnie Prince
Lodi
Posted in
Letters,
Elections
on
Thursday, May 31, 2012 12:00 am.
Updated: 12:06 pm.
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Eric Barrow posted at 8:51 pm on Sat, Jun 2, 2012.
I gave no negative personal attack if someone is unaware of the facts they are ignorant of those facts and this letter is obviously ignorant of the facts. Although you have attacked me with a false statement about my actions or maybe you where ignorant of the meaning of the word ignorant I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on this one
Eric Barrow posted at 8:47 pm on Sat, Jun 2, 2012.
I know I gave you this info before it's like you just can't believe your eyes and ears in a speech in 2002 Bush said Fannie May and Freddie Mac will increase commitment to minority buyers by more than 440 billion he goes on to say that Freddie Mac will launch an initiative to eliminate home ownership barriers, consumers with poor credit will be able to get a mortgage.
We now know that those toxic mortgages were bundled and sold and were able to be sold because deregulation by the republicans this is a large part of what brought on the recession. Bush had almost complete control of congress from 2000 until 2006 the recession started in 2007 and the problems that created it started before that. Would you really have us believe that after 6 years of republican domination of this Government in one short year a democratic congress created all the problems and Bush was powerless to do anything about it.
Eric Barrow posted at 8:46 pm on Sat, Jun 2, 2012.
I suppose the lack of urgency was that they didn't react quickly enough to fix the disastrous policies of the previous 6 years.
Eric Barrow posted at 8:27 pm on Sat, Jun 2, 2012.
Gary congress went along with Bush because his administration falsified information to get them to go along, you do remember yellow cake and mushroom clouds over the US
Gary Musto posted at 11:24 am on Sat, Jun 2, 2012.
The banking failure was caused by a lack of urgency by the Democrat controlled congress to act on the upcoming demise of Fannie and Freddie.
2001 Congress was warned of a "potential problem with F & F."
2002 Bush asks Congress for a 10 pt. plan for corporate responsibility to apply to F & F.
2003 SEC investigations into F & F find earning manipulations. Recommend Congress enact legislation to create a federal agency to regulate housing that is related to government sponsored enterprises. (GSE).
2004 F & F disclose a 1.2 billion dollar accounting error. President Bush, in his budget, highlights the risk of explosive growth of G.S.E's and asks for creation of a new, word -class regulator and asks for new regulations over
F & F.
2005 Treasury Sec. Snow calls again for real reforms regarding GSE's.
2007 Bush calls for immediate action to move forward on GSE's reforms.
Judicial Watch, through the F.O.I.A find that Congress ignored warnings about the collapse of F & F for years.
F.O.I.A.also disclosed that Rep. Barney Frank, found "no problem at all with F & F and did all he could to block any attempts to reform F & F in a meaningful way."
Gary Musto posted at 10:45 am on Sat, Jun 2, 2012.
The first stimulus was set to total close to $440 billion dollars, Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats who controlled the House nearly doubled the amount and sent that bill to Obama for him to sign.
Where did you find that the Republicans had any input in the total amount of the stimulus that the Democrat controlled house was willing to invest??
Where is that $700,000 billion dollar total from???
The Democrats have a great time making up stories that the Republicans stopped Obama from presenting and passing any of his programs, he has gotten almost everything he wanted.
1 Trillion Dollar Obamacare.
$880+ billion dollar stimuls.
GM and Chrysler Bailouts.
$3 billion dollar "Cash for Clunkers."
Dodd-Frank Banking Legislation.
Build America Bonds.
Credit Card price controls.
99 week jobless benefits.
Raising the Debt limit.
$4+ Trillion dollars worth of spending added to debt.
Contrast that with the dozen or so House bills sent to the Democrat controlled Senate that have been tabled or completely ignored, most of those bills include money for jobs.
Gary Musto posted at 10:33 am on Sat, Jun 2, 2012.
Thomas, first of all let's set the record straight, President Bush didn't take us to war in Iraq all by himself, he had support from Congress that included 29 Democrat Senators, such notable Democrat Senators like Clinton, Kerry, Biden, Reid, Dodd, Kerry and Schumer rushed to the floor of the Senate to voice their support for the Iraq War.
Even Ted Kennedy stated that Saddam Hussein "must be disarmed." Clinton called Saddam a "war criminal", Kerry, "Saddam has stored away WMD's" Howard Dean after 77 Senators voted to go to war in Iraq, "great day for George Bush."
The same information given to George Bush by CIA director George Tenet was given to Bill Clinton, President Clinton on Dec. 16, 1998 unleashed a four day air and missile attack on Iraq.
President Clinton signed and passed the "Iraq Liberation Act" authorizing the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.
The vote was unanimously passed in the Senate and by a vote of 360-38 in the House.
"Saddam Hussein must not be allowed to threaten his neighbors or the world with nuclear arms, poison gas, or biological weapons."
VP Al Gore, on CNN with Larry King, "How many people is he (Saddam) going to kill with such weapons, the US simply can not allow this to happen."
Eric Barrow posted at 6:42 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
The recession did start under the Bush administration. We can argue about whether Obama's policies have created jobs or not. We have seen an increase in private sector job growth, not enough and we've seen a lot of job loss in the public sector. The shrinking of government is what the right calls for and this means job loss but as it goes on they complain that the unemployment rate stays high. When you shrink government you are bound to see higher unemployment rate. Can they have that both ways??
Thomas Heuer posted at 6:28 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Walter
Let me add that you mentioned reading the Lodi News in the paper format. What you read either raises questions or a different point of view. There are things going on in the community that aren't addressed ienough to your satisfaction. The online forum here is that chance to see what others are thinking and ask the questions. Many times other letters or columns have no comments but that to says something. It was not controversial and all agreed or it was of no interest beyond the writer. Those that have the most comments are either the hot topics or spring boards to things that are of concern but weren't in todays paper or a continuation of the previous days unfinished discussion. The variety of people that post may or may not reflect the community at large on any given day but over time you do get a wider participation that may very well be representive. This is the perspective of this noob and I approve of this message.
Thomas Heuer posted at 5:00 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Walter
Nice and polite. Maybe this will help. In most peoples lives we are polite and refrain from the taboo topics of politics and religion especially in casual polite conversations of mixed company. When conversations veer toward either of the two forbidden topics we tip toe our remarks and warn others if they go too far. Inside we may be shouting and thinking the person is a complete idiot but if I could speak my mind I'd tell them directly. But we know that would ruin an otherwise nice dinner and evening and the spouses would not speak to us. In the online posting we manage to find those faceless idiots and feel free to tell it like it is. Of course we have to take it when opposing views are launched against us. But when I'm called to dinner I can go and become my usual calm collectd self.
Now when we talk to our friends we usually are talking to like minded people and can talk politics and/or religion without too much repercussian.
Andy Crowder posted at 3:37 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
If I thought you were interested in a thoughtful response and civil discourse, I would take the time to write something more comprehensive. All liberals and independents and many moderate republicans already know that the US is the only industrialized country in the world without guaranteed healthcare for every citizen. Other nations spend far less and have much better results. We could cover everyone better for less money than people are paying right now. There are a dozen tried and tested models out there. Some use private insurance and others are more like Medicare for all. They all do a better job for cheaper. And that's just healthcare.
Walter Chang posted at 3:09 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Ok boys, I'm a noob and I made some rookie mistakes.
I only stumbled upon this place a week ago.
I had no idea these kind of discussions was taking place in Livable Lovable Lodi.
We get the newspaper in paper form and the only letters you see are the few that they print.
This web version of the LNS is a whole different ballgame.
That's not really a good thing either!!
In time, I'll adjust accordingly.
Some of my points were good but obviously my methods are faulty.
So I'll work on that too.
Darrell, I do regret my "shill for Gill" post, I was out of line.
Gary, I'll work on my skill set a bit and we'll have some fun!!
Thomas, I'm also known as Wa.
Andy, if I was an LNS employee, I would just be removing the questionable postings and never say a peep.
Hehehe...
Darrell Baumbach posted at 3:05 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Regardless of who he is, he is engaging in activity he is accusing others of doing.
By the way Mr Crowder... I appreciate most of your posts ...thank you for your perspectives!
Andy Crowder posted at 2:42 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
If I had to guess, I'd say he's employed by the LNS.
Thomas Heuer posted at 2:33 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Who is Walter Chang aka ???
Thomas Heuer posted at 2:32 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
OK Gary
You asked "why is he still blaming Bush, either his plans for the economy are working, generating jobs or they are not working because of Bush, can he have it both ways??"
Lets go from the top and keep it simple. Geo Bush created the economic disaster with,continued deregulation, tax cuts and starting two wars. There was no provision on how to pay for any of this. Deregulation is the devils play ground and attracts Maddofs, Abramofs, Enron types and then has even trusted people in financial industries begin to gamble with others money in the spirit of lets not let this opportunity pass without getting our share.
Now the economy collapses becauses houses are over priced and we ran out of people to buy them and financial giants refused to accpept bundled bad mortgages as loan collateral so the money stoped, business began laying off and folding and this happened when 2008 at election time. Guess what Obama wins but can you call it a real win when America was losing 700,000 jobs per month. Bush got the first stimulus package and Obama got his own. It was determined that 1.4 trillion was needed to add stimulus to the economy but republicans limited it to $700,000 billion. So surprise surprise the recovery is a bit anemic. Obama created millions of jobs that halted the free fall. So now any number in the positive whether its 1, 10,000 or 69,000 is to his credit. The economy is bad and Bush broke it. To be fair not entirely by himself but he was the last elephant on the trampoline. Now there are side stories that irresponsible home buyers caused the problem, the F Macs and their protective politicians caused it all which tends to make conservatives feel better about their failed efforts. So yes you blame Bush for getting us here and yse we thank Obama for getting us out as fast as the obstructive republicans will lift a finger.
Oh by the way Bush didn't have much plan for the economy mostly because he was leaving but also because he was torn by the Ayn Rand followers that, like Romney, thought he should just let it all fail but even Greenspan lost all confidence in free markets when he said he couldn't believe markets would not act in their own best intrest so he advised go for the stimulus. which Bush did.
(
Gary Musto posted at 1:57 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
"Gary, it does not matter what I think of your or anyone else's post."
Well Darrell it sure seems Mr. Chang is getting his panties all in a bunch over what is being posted, he's taking this commentary a little too personal don't ya think, I never thought this place as a haven for haters, well not until Walter started hatin'.
Darrell Baumbach posted at 1:50 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Mr Chang stated...The Gary Musto will all see here appears to be a mean spirited angry man who doesn’t really add much to the discussion.
Actually Mr Chang.. Mr(s) Musto, Heuer, Kinderman, Crowder, Sunderson and myself all added to the discussion based on the topic of this letter.
Only you, Ms Bobin and Mr Barrow added nothing but negative personal attacks to people who made posts. Maybe you are confused as to what the topic is. Since the letter was critical of Obama and the democrats, it is odd that you would talk about everything but...
Darrell Baumbach posted at 1:40 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Mr Chang stated...
More citizens would participate if this place wasn’t such a haven for haters!
Really Mr Chang? Just recently a nice young woman decided to write a letter to the editor. You immediately chastised her and accused her of being insincere and having ulterior motives. One could easily consider you hateful and mean spirited. One might think you contributed to negative atmosphere
Personally, I do not think you are hateful but if we used your definition of hate, maybe we should.
Gary Musto posted at 1:39 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
"Perhaps you should consider taking a break."
"Dude, I think you're spending way to much time on the internet."
"Can't you find a better use for your time?"
"Thanks for the partisan drivel."
"What is to be gained by you participating in these "discussions?"
"The Partisan rhetoric is sicking."
"Catch a clue."
"Haven for haters."
"Mean spirited angry man."
"What's wrong with being nice and polite?" Walter, why don't you practice what you preach??
You are starting to sound like a small, petulant child, who seldom has to share and always gets his way.
Walter Chang, you do need to work on your people skills Dude.
Walter Chang posted at 1:01 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Gary, it does not matter what I think of yours or anyone else’s post.
The LNS made the rules and they should enforce them, no?
What’s wrong with being nice and polite?
More citizens would participate if this place wasn’t such a haven for haters!!
Do you treat people that you talk to in person, like you frequently interact with them here?
I can’t imagine you do or certainly not very often.
The Gary Musto will all see here appears to be a mean spirited angry man who doesn’t really add much to the discussion.
How’s that working for you??????
Gary Musto posted at 12:16 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
You might have a point there Eric, you sound like you're happy with the way the economy is going, well so is Obama, he brags about all those jobs he created and how better things are now because of him.
Answer me this, with all this happiness and good times, why is he still blaming Bush, either his plans for the economy are working, generating jobs or they are not working because of Bush, can he have it both ways??
Gary Musto posted at 12:09 pm on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Andy, everyone seems to want something or everything, where shall we find the money to pay for all those things everyone wants??
Gary Musto posted at 11:55 am on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Walter, LNS should ban people because YOU think their posts are disrespectful??
We should turn off the T.V. or stop listening to talk radio because you are not happy with the discussions posted here, if they make you feel uncomfortable in anyway, shape or form leave, try blogging on the Sesame Street website, or maybe enter one of your favorite recipes with Martha Stewart's.
Walter Chang posted at 10:44 am on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Eric, I can’t imagine a more divided time for America then during the civil war, with the country split in two and both sides actively killing each other??
But I see your point so I’ll suggest that a better comparison might be made by looking back at the turbulent 60’s??
Wasn’t the county more divided back at that time then now?
Hmmm??
My point was that Jerome was being silly for making such statements.
Outside of the realm of the opinion news and the angry folks at both extremes that consume and then regurgitate the product…
I feel future is looking pretty good??
No??
You know that Gary’s “good news” will only be temporary, summer’s here and the economy will tic up!
No politician can change that but I enjoyed the jab and will stand by for many more.
Andy, I don’t understand how the LNS allows this hateful baloney to continue.
I would suggest, that the banning of access to individuals that can’t be civil might be a course of action for the paper to take.
Andy Crowder posted at 9:00 am on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Just my opinion, but it's hard to play nice when people are hurling bigotry and racism.
Walter Chang posted at 8:47 am on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Gary, your post if fine.
Is that for my benefit??
But I clicked on your ID and looked at some of your other post…
At times you’re knee deep in the goings on and don’t behave very nice.
What’s that all about??
How does one have a discussion here when everybody’s acting so disrespectfully???
Andy Crowder posted at 8:38 am on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
The majority of Americans do want the same thing: access to affordable healthcare for every citizen, a good education for their children, an opportunity to attend college without incurring a lifetime of crushing debt, a secure and dignified retirement, fewer wars, jobs that pay a living wage for 40 hour work week, and equality under the law.
And while we're at it, polls show a majority now supports full marriage equality for the LGBT community, better regulation of Wall Street, and less religious influence in the public sector. There's nothing left wing or fringe about it.
Eric Barrow posted at 8:14 am on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
"I imagine we were more divided during the revolution?
Or perhaps during the civil war??"
Walter If I remember right the division of this country pre- civil war didn't turn out so well I'm not sure I would use that as a benchmark. I would also remind you that participation in this and other discussions on this site are voluntary. it appears you have joined the discussion to chastise the other participants without offering an opinion of you own how very safe for you.
Eric Barrow posted at 7:40 am on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Good for you Gary finally some good news for the right and just as things were looking so bad with months of steady job growth and declining unemployment, stock market rallies, auto company comebacks,production at all time highs, banks paying back bailout money. It good to see things going your way for a change.
Maybe the pro-abortion, pro-gay, big government Romney has a chance perhaps if Romney is elected he can convince the right to finally take climate change serious.
Gary Musto posted at 7:04 am on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Labor Department reported that only 69,000 jobs were created in May, fewest added in a year, most experts were predicting a increase of 100,000 plus.
The Labor Department also revised the number of jobs created for the previous two month downward by 49,000, unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 8.2%.
Walter is this too extreme or partisan a post for "places like this?"
Walter Chang posted at 6:31 am on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Thomas, Bush is gone, he can’t hurt you anymore.
Let it go and live in the now!
Jerome, is the country really more divided now then at any other time?
Seriously??
I imagine we were more divided during the revolution?
Or perhaps during the civil war??
Huh??
Some of you guys need to turn off the TV or lay off the talk radio and quit paying attention to extremist views presented by both sides in places like this.
Maybe you're spending too much of your time hanging around with the angry white guys??
In a few years they’ll mostly be gone and then what will you do??
Huh??
The partisan rhetoric is sickening!!
Nobody here represents the views of the majority of citizens.
This country is still the land of opportunity, the best nation on earth.
We need to start working together.
Catch a clue!!
Thomas Heuer posted at 1:52 am on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Arnie complains "Obama continued the war in Iraq — saying he would get us out. He said he would shut down Gitmo, but he didn't. He strongly criticized the Patriot Act but continued that. The liberals criticized everything that Bush did, but do you hear them criticizing Obama for doing and continuing a lot of the same policies? Obama also supported the Afghan war."
Liberals hav voiced alot of concern for continuing many of Bushes policies especially Bushs tax cuts to the extremely rich. . Do you not read? However there are several reasons that make it appear there is more support than there is. Overall there is the fact that first one must pick their battles and when working to keep the economy, finance industry and auto industry from calamtous colapse there are things that must be back burnered. The second is the fact that most things like Gitmo are so layered in legal entanglements that each layer must be taken on one at a time before you can actually close the place. Another Bush mess. The Patriot Act is also a bill with different parts some good some bad. The good parts are worth saving some of the bad are gone while compromise left some. So getting rid of the whole bill is not wise. The Iraq war is ending/ended so I guess the complaint is it wasn't fast enough? These things do take time. Now the Afgan war is troubling. Originally there weren't too many people agains it after 9/11. However we side tracked to Iraq and all but abandoned whatever objective we had in Afganistan. When Obama took office Afganistan was like a bunch of spent road flares at a Lodi DUI check point. What a mess and what to do about clean up. Its really hard cleaning up after the elephants after they leave the parade.
To Arnies other concern about liberals complaining about Bush I will continue to complain about Bush and conservatives who devastated the economy and started an unnecessary war on the flinsiest of pretense. We need banking controls, campaign finance reform, an end to the citizens united decision and restrictions on lobbyist influence. I will get these more likely from Obama than Romney.
Thomas Heuer posted at 12:25 am on Fri, Jun 1, 2012.
Gee someone might get the impression you don't like Obama if they hadn't read so many of your other similar redundant posts. I guess you missed the Bush Jr years that created the hope and change desire to get rid of Bush and company. My hope for change was fulfilled. Things are looking up. I know this may come as a surprise to you if you missed those wonderful years but "the nation is under such a dark cloud of malaise." because of those Bush years. Now I know this fact is inconveint for republicans during an election year and they often resort to denial but its true. Republicans tanked the economy and its taking alot to get it going. Obama kept it from getting worse and its steadily getting better. Its like going out to your car only to find the engine stolen and your wife asks can you fix it because she has places to go? You respond yep we can do this but it will take some time and a little cooperation from some republicans. Well republicans are notorius foot dragers so we go 2 steps forward and 1 step back. Of course Romney wants to continue on with the deregulation, tax cuts and foreign intervention so becareful what hope and change you wish for.
Thomas Heuer posted at 11:49 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Mr Chang
The big question is what are you doing here? To participate is to understand. To abstain is to not have bearing to understand.
Jerome Kinderman posted at 11:36 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
I have to wonder why the nation is under such a dark cloud of malaise in spite of all the good things Mr. Obama has purported to have accomplished.
I cannot recall at any time in our history where we've been so lined up against one another. To me it appears that the "hope and change" thingy promised to us during the president's first campaign (eerily missing now from the lexicon as he embarks on his last) was designed to do that one thing - divide us.
Presidents of our great nation have always been expected to "lead" us to better times. I fully understand that I sound like a broken record when I claim that Barack Hussein Obama is no leader - he's just a pusher. Most freedom-loving Americans can't stand to be pushed; but we do crave good and decent leadership.
I wonder just how far we're going to be pushed before we finally decide that enough is enough and actually begin pushing back. That's the only change I'm hoping for. I just fear we're getting to the point where it will be too late.
Darrell Baumbach posted at 10:08 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Mr Chang... Thank you for your perspective. I am very interested in what you perceive " this" is... that does not matter. I would agree that many things do not matter. Depending on the motive, intent and reason a person spends time would determine the merit in my opinion.
For example, if I make $1,000 per day because of time on internet activity, some might consider that productive... If I help others make money on the internet, that also might be perceived as a good use of time....the people who benefit from the tax dollars I generate also might consider my time well spent... The two employees I have in India who spend just as much time as me on the internet also would disagree with your assessment.
So please do articulate why someone should take your comments seriously.
Lastly... you using the term "dude " to me indicates reading what you have to say matters little.
Walter Chang posted at 7:24 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Thomas, are you on a mission too??
At a 122 post, you're just a noob compared to this other fellow.
It appears that you'll have to pick up the pace if you're going to catch up!
Please tell me...
What is to be gained by participating in these "discussions" ???
Thomas Heuer posted at 7:16 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Like I said cutting and pasting is easy but the rebuttal is tedious. As Mr Chang alluded to Darrell is now attempting to win a urinating contest. In regards to "Claim made about Obama...Strengthening the Middle Class and Families the points aren't clear.
As an example responding to:
1. Health Insurance Costs Rising Sharply This Year, Study Shows... health insurance for many Americans this year climbed more sharply than in previous years, outstripping any growth in workers’ wages and adding more uncertainty about the pace of rising medical costs. (Many attribute this increase to Obama's federal health care Law in anticipating all the new mandates and regulations that dramatically increase the cost of Health care." Written in 2011 it gives no numbers but doesn't list any causes like too many unemployed and underemployed using emergency rooms which drives up the cost of health care or new technological advances or medicines that raise prices. It only gives a suspicious speculation (perhaps Darrell) connected with Obamacare. Otherwise what does this have to do with Obama?
2."Here's the latest tax to affect middle class Americans during one of the worst recessions in our history." Is this a federal or state benefit? With all the cuts in government would this be surprising? Cutting education, planned parenthood, jobs all have the same effect with more dire consequences.
Of course I'm not going one by one and that probably why Darrell didn't go point by point to the Sundersons post. Instead did a massive cut and paste to "out do" him.
Thomas Heuer posted at 6:25 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
This is a problem with a bunch of cut and pasting to the point of congesting dialogue. Responding is stifled when original accusations are buried under the avalanche. In regards to your earlier post responding to Sundersons post about how Obama did much to restore America's reputation around the world as a global leader that does the "right thing" in world affairs. You said I didn't get your point. I'm sorry I didn't get the point you wanted to make I just read what you said. You had two points 1. He didn't restore Americas reputation and 2. He doesn't always do the right thing. The whole world breathed a sigh of relief with Bush gone. Nobody likes neocons who hold diplomacy in disdain and feel military action is always the first response. I should not be surprised that you feel you can pass judgment on the militarys strategy and objectives in the drone stikes. And you preclude we are still acting without consultation with the rest of the world who are also concerned about terrorism. The drone actions aren't pretty but we are not acting alone. Of course the bottom line is we should never have gone to war. Now we have to do what is necessary to end it.
Walter Chang posted at 5:10 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Wow!
You're on a mission.
Dude, I think you're spending way to much time on the internet.
Did you know that it can become addicting??
Perhaps you should consider taking a break.
None of this matters.
Can't you find a better use for your time?
Darrell Baumbach posted at 4:56 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Dude, I get the point. You're just having fun stirring the pot!!
I think we're talkin' big belly laughs here, am I right?
I rarely even crack a smile Mr Chang. I never post anything to stir the pot as you put it. I was simply responding to Mr Sunderson's picture he was painting of Barack H Obama.
What exactly do you think is funny about Obama's disastrous policies that have hurt our economy? What is so funny about Obama's military strategy that has killed many woman, children and elderly?
What do you find funny about people who see nothing wrong in what Obama has done yet hurled vicious accusations at George W Bush on a daily basis?
To me, it is not funny nor is your sense of humor.
Thomas Heuer posted at 4:39 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
You are correct sir I did not do my due diligence. I was hastilly posting between errands and a pesky profanity warning which turns out military s c r e w up triggers.
Walter Chang posted at 4:36 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Dude, I get the point.
You're just having fun stirring the pot!!
I think we're talkin' big belly laughs here, am I right??
Darrell Baumbach posted at 3:49 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
MORE? More Obama hidden taxes that hurt the Middle Class... people who need medicine now will pay more...thanks to Obama
Excise Tax on Charitable Hospitals(Min$/immediate): $50,000 per hospital if they fail to meet new "community health assessment needs," "financial assistance," and "billing and collection" rules set by HHS
Tax on Innovator Drug Companies($22.2 bil/Jan 2010): $2.3 billion annual tax on the industry imposed relative to share of sales made that year.
Darrell Baumbach posted at 3:46 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
MORE? More Obama hidden taxes that hurt the Middle Class...
Raise "Haircut" for Medical Itemized Deduction from 7.5% to 10% of AGI($15.2 bil/Jan 2013): Currently, those facing high medical expenses are allowed a deduction for medical expenses to the extent that those expenses exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI). The new provision imposes a threshold of 10 percent of AGI; it is waived for 65+ taxpayers in 2013-2016 only.
Tax on Indoor Tanning Services($2.7 billion/July 1, 2010): New 10 percent excise tax on Americans using indoor tanning salons
Elimination of tax deduction for employer-provided retirement Rx drug coverage in coordination with Medicare Part D($4.5 bil/Jan 2013)
Darrell Baumbach posted at 3:45 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
MORE? More Obama hidden taxes that hurt the Middle Class...
Flexible Spending Account Cap – aka“Special Needs Kids Tax”($13 bil/Jan 2013): Imposes cap of $2500 (Indexed to inflation after 2013) on FSAs (now unlimited). . There is one group of FSA owners for whom this new cap will be particularly cruel and onerous: parents of special needs children. There are thousands of families with special needs children in the United States, and many of them use FSAs to pay for special needs education. Tuition rates at one leading school that teaches special needs children in Washington, D.C. (National Child Research Center) can easily exceed $14,000 per year. Under tax rules, FSA dollars can be used to pay for this type of special needs education.
Tax on Medical Device Manufacturers($20 bil/Jan 2013): Medical device manufacturers employ 360,000 people in 6000 plants across the country. This law imposes a new 2.3% excise tax. Exemptions include items retailing for less than $100.
Darrell Baumbach posted at 3:44 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
MORE...More Obama hidden taxes that hurt the Middle Class...
Medicine Cabinet Tax($5 bil/Jan 2011): Americans no longer able to use health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement (HRA) pre-tax dollars to purchase non-prescription, over-the-counter medicines (except insulin)
HSA Withdrawal Tax Hike($1.4 bil/Jan 2011): Increases additional tax on non-medical early withdrawals from an HSA from 10 to 20 percent, disadvantaging them relative to IRAs and other tax-advantaged accounts, which remain at 10 percent.
Darrell Baumbach posted at 3:42 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Claim made about Obama...Strengthening the Middle Class and Families
Reality...
1. Health Insurance Costs Rising Sharply This Year, Study Shows... By REED ABELSON
Published: September 27, 2011 New York Times...health insurance for many Americans this year climbed more sharply than in previous years, outstripping any growth in workers’ wages and adding more uncertainty about the pace of rising medical costs. (Many attribute this increase to Obama's federal health care Law in anticipating all the new mandates and regulations that dramatically increase the cost of Health care.
2. Here's the latest tax to affect middle class Americans during one of the worst recessions in our history.
In 2012, the pre-tax portion of your salary that can be used for transportation costs has been reduced. In 2011, you were able to use up to $230 per month pre-tax to pay for transportation expenses (qualified parking expenses or mass transit expenses). In 2012, that amount has been reduced to $120 per month.
This is an increased tax on all Americans who use mass transit or who drive to work... which is most of us. Hidden taxes are Obama's style... not open and honest.
Gary Musto posted at 2:55 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Mr. Heuer posted that Bush took us to war in Iraq killed thousands of Iraqi citizens, "took out the Chinese embassy with little more than an oops."
I was just wondering if you might have meant that it was President Clinton who took out the Chinese embassy back in 1999 while NATO forces were bombing Belgrade??
Just askin'.
Gary Musto posted at 2:26 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Eric, good of you to bring up the fact that it seems like the Republicans don't really want Obama to accomplish anything, even though they have fulfilled their duty and passed their version of a budget only to have it shot down by the Senate.
Maybe you could tell us why the Democrat controlled Senate has voted down President Obama's last two budgets he presented to them by a vote of 97-0 last year and 99-0 this year???
Gary Musto posted at 2:17 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Let me see if I got this straight Joanne, Bush made special deals to enrich his presidency just like Obama is doing now, so in fact they are both guilty of corruption right, my only question is when does that "Change" portion that Obama and his followers were parroting back in 2008 finally kick in???
Darrell Baumbach posted at 1:56 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Ms Bobin stated...Sounds like business as usual in Washington, DC. How is this any different than any other administration? ( in reference to Obama Administration)
Thank you Ms Bobin... great ad for the Romney campaign... Obama runs on hope and change... he is different and new... the man on the white horse that will be a different politician.... not business as usual... so what did we get?
No one can fool Ms Bobin. She gets it and was able to see right through the Obama deception and hypocrisy... I have to admit... Ms Bobin knows much more than I when it comes to deception and distortion... the saying it takes one to know one was never more appropriate than now.
Darrell Baumbach posted at 1:46 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Mr Heuer stated...So here we go again Obama is personnally aiming the drones and pulling the trigger.
Obviously, Mr Heuer and Ms Bobin missed my entire point of the posts... how typical.
If they cannot understand something this obvious, one might wonder why anyone would take them seriously...
Please read my posts again if you care about truth. If not, please do not respond.
Thomas Heuer posted at 12:54 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Darrell once posted that Obama couldn't take credit for taking out Bin Laudin since the credit had to go to the military and CIA since they did all the work. I said then Jimmy Carter shouldn't take the whole blame for the failed Iranian hostage rescue because it was a military fiasco. So here we go again Obama is personnally aiming the drones and pulling the trigger. You are consistent in your hypocracy. You base your whole post on an obscure UK article? Bush took us to war in Iraq killed thousands of Iraqi citizens, took out the Chinese embassy with little more than an oops and you think we should bring up a marine sargent on charges? Thats your response to the splendid achievment listed in Warner Sundersons post. Now in a moment of fairness I have to admit my uncomfort in the drone attacks but I don't even begin to get into the second guessing of the militarys reasoning.
The US has gained more respect in the world (and yes its going to take a little longer in the middle east) and that was the whole hope and change of the 2008 election. My wish was fulfilled when Bush was gone and we didn't have an inept McCain administration to deal with.
Joanne Bobin posted at 12:52 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Seriously, Mr. Baumbach? You are crying about the increased use of drones when Bush, Jr. started two unnecessary wars in Afghanistan and Iraq which resulted in huge civilian casualties and, by the way, we would not be using drones in Pakistan except for Bush and Cheney's deceptive foreign policies.
Joanne Bobin posted at 12:47 pm on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Sounds like business as usual in Washington, DC. How is this any different than any other administration? - No-bid contracts awarded to Haliburton and Blackwater in Iraq - just off the top of my head. Or Cheney's uber secret energy talks.
Not to mention the orgy of deals that were brokered right at the 2000 Republican convention - sweet deals for the biggest contributors. Bush broke the record that year by all accounts.
Darrell Baumbach posted at 10:24 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Warner Sunderson posted at 7:33 am on Thu, May 31, 2012...He did much to restore America's reputation around the world as a global leader that does the "right thing" in world affairs, at least according to the rest of the world
"Obama shows when it comes to war he can lie with the best of them" (Title)
26 January 2012 Mark LeVine USA and the War on Terror \
Really...By Mark LeVine
Al Jazeera
25 January 2012.. as a response to
President Obama, State of Union Speech, 24.01.12
How do you judge a State of the Union speech that begins with a lie?
Does the President really believe that the United States is more respected around the world because of its military activities?
Did no one point out to him that the morning of his speech, the marine sergeant who led the 2005 assault on Haditha that killed 24 Iraqi civilians received no jail time for his action, same as the seven other American soldiers who were part of the raid?
As the LA Times reported in the wake of the decision, "The lack of trial convictions in the Haditha case is likely to further inflame anti-US sentiment in Iraq, as well as fuel criticism by some legal analysts of the 6-year-long investigation and prosecution."
The reality is that the society Obama hopes to build cannot come into being without a major transformation in the role and power of its armed forces and security establishment. And if his State of the Union speech is any guide, it seems that, tragically, the President is not up to the job. And judging by the response his speech has received, it seems neither is anyone else.
http://www.stopwar.org.uk/index.php/usa-war-on-terror/1073-obama-shows-when-it-comes-to-war-he-can-lie-with-the-best-of-them
Gary Musto posted at 10:22 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Washington Post, November 11, 2011, "Solyndra e-mails show Obama fundraiser discussed lobbying with White House."
Billionaire investor and Obama bundler, George Kaiser's family business was one of the major partners in Obama's failed "green energy" programs that went belly up and cost the American tax payers over $535 million dollars also putting over 1,100 workers out of a job.
Mr. Kaiser has helped bundle over $50,000 to $1000,000 for the Obama presidential campaign back in 2008, in 2007 alone he helped raise over $250,000 for Obama in just one fundraising event.
Mr. Kaiser has also visited the Obama WH over 20 times, he has stated that he never discussed the Solyndra project with Obama but in recent e-mails he does tell his fellow investors how to discuss ways of attaining millions of dollars from the Obama stimulus to help with the Solyndra start up.
Billionaire Obama bundler also major investor in Solyndra's failed business costing taxpayers $535 million dollars, visits the White House over 20 times, e-mails on how to persuade WH for stimulus funds, naw Joanne, nothing there to even hint at any corruption.
By the way, I didn't even mention the CEO's of Solyndra, who refused to testify before Congress on the ins and outs of ripping off the tax payers for their half million dollar salaries, and that their lawyers were also large donors to President Obama.
Darrell Baumbach posted at 10:00 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
So Obama is responsible for increased use of drones compared to the Bush administration... innocent women, children and elderly have died as a result.
Bush was called a murderer by the left but I have never seen the same people who criticized Bush's use of Drones show the same outrage with Obama even though he has dramatically increased the death and injury cases as a result of drones.
All you see is flowery honey soaked statistics and stories of how Obama is such a nice guy doing only sweet things...
Darrell Baumbach posted at 9:54 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
What else has Obama done...CIA Drone Strikes in Pakistan 2004 – 2012
Total US strikes: 327
Obama strikes: 275
Total reported killed: 2,464-3,145
Civilians reported killed: 484-830
Children reported killed: 175
Total reported injured: 1,181-1,294
According to ...
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism which is a not-for-profit organisation based at City University, London. The Bureau bolsters original journalism by producing high-quality investigations for press and broadcast media with the aim of educating the public and the media on both the realities of today’s world and the value of honest reporting.
Darrell Baumbach posted at 9:49 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
So what else has Obama done that some people do not think is fine...
http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/2011/08/10/obama-2009-strik
01.
This databases encompasses drone strikes that took place in 2009 after President Obama’s inauguration. The events have been reported by US or Pakistani government, military and intelligence officials, and by credible media, academic and other sources.
January 2009 – March 2009
Ob1 – January 23 2009
♦ 7-12 total killed
♦ 7-11 civilians reported killed, including 1 child
♦ 1 child injured
The first Obama fatal strike killed between seven and twelve people, reported initially as ‘foreign militants’. In a later report personally given to Obama by his then-CIA chief General Hayden, the Agency admitted missing its high value target and killing ‘five al Qaeda militants’, but made no mention of civilian deaths (Bob Woodward). However Newsweek reported in May 2012 that the President was made aware that civilians had died almost immediately.
Between seven and eleven civilians, mostly of one family and including one child, reportedly died. Another boy survived with terrible injuries, as Der Spiegel reported at the time: ’14-year-old Fahim Qureshi, lost his left eye, suffered a fractured skull and was hit by several shards in the stomach.’ In February 2012 Pakistan lawyer Mirza Shahzad Akbar filed a case with the UN Human Rights Council citing this attack amongst others:
Ejaz Ahmad is a resident of Hasu Khel, North Wazir Ali, North Waziristan, Pakistan. On Friday, January 23, 2009, he was in the village of Hasu Khel. 3-4 kilometers away, in the village of Zeraki, his cousin, Faheem Qureshi, and a number of his other relatives were gathered at the house of Mohammad Khaleel, a retired school teacher. Also present were Khaleel’s son and Qureshi’s 8th grade classmate [14-year old] Azaz-ur-Rehman; Mansoor-ur-Rehman, a teacher at the boys’ school in Zeraki; and Kushdil Khan, Ahmad’s maternal uncle who owned a hardware store in Meer Ali. In addition, Ubaid Ullah, Rafiq Ullah, and Safat Ullah were also present [described elsewhere as farmers].
At around 5 PM that day, a missile struck the house, reducing it to rubble and killing everyone inside except Faheem Qureshi. Qureshi suffered the loss of an eye, and was struck in the stomach by shrapnel, requiring a major operation. He also suffered a skull fracture and damage to his ear drum, resulting in the loss of hearing in one ear. Upon hearing the blast from his nearby village Hasu Khel, Ahmad immediately went to the scene of the strike. He found only the bodies of those listed above. There were no foreign nationals at the house and none of his relatives had any connection to terrorism or terrorist activity; they were innocent villagers.
The Bureau’s researchers added a further four names identified as civilians and reportedly killed in the strike: ‘Shams, Noor, Majid, and Siraj. They belonged to the Dawar tribe. Siraj was the nephew of former Member of Parliament, Maulana Muhammad Deendar, from North Waziristan . He belonged to the religious party, JUI-F.‘
Location: Zharki, Mir Ali, North Waziristan.
References: Washington Post, Dawn, Dawn, Der Spiegel, Dawn, Geo TV, Long War Journal, Jang (Urdu), Reprieve, Newsweek
Ob2 – January 23 2009
♦ 8 total killed
♦ 8 civilians including 3 children reported killed
An attack on what was reportedly the wrong house killed eight members of Malik Gulistan Khan‘s family, including Khan, three of his sons (the youngest aged three) and a cousin. A single report claimed seven ‘foreigners’ and three children had died, whilst journalist Pir Zubair Shah alternatively reports those killed as ‘a local elder, along with his son, two nephews, and a guest.’ Khan’s brother later met with researchers from CIVIC to describe his family’s plight:
We did nothing, have no connection to militants at all. Our family supported the government… no one has accepted responsibility for this incident so far.’
In a later report on strikes Ob1 and Ob2 personally given to President Obama by his CIA chief, the Agency admitted missing its high value target but gave no details of civilian deaths, according to Bob Woodward.
Location: Ganki Khel, Wana, South Waziristan.
References: Dawn, Dawn, The Times, Civic, Foreign Policy
Ob3 – February 14 2009
♦ 26-35 total killed
♦ 9 civilians including 1 child reported killed
♦ 15 injured
This first Obama strike against the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) and its leader Baitullah Mehsud, struck the house of Malik Rosan, a madrassa and also a vehicle. Up to 35 people were killed (including up to 25 Uzbek militants, according to the Taliban) and 15 people were injured. An 8-year old boy Noor Syed, the son of Maezol Khan also died after being hit by flying shrapnel. In video testimony the dead child’s grandfather later asked: ‘How can the US invade our homes while we are sleeping, and target our children?’ A case laid before the UN Human Rights Council in February 2012 stated:
Maezol Khan is a resident of Makeen in South Waziristan, Pakistan. In the early morning of February 14, 2009, he and his son were sleeping in the courtyard of their home when a missile from a drone struck a nearby car. As a result of the explosion, a missile part flew into the courtyard, killing Maezol’s eight-year-old son. In addition, there were approximately 30 people killed or injured in the attack
The Bureau’s Waziristan researchers identified eight further civilians it says were among those killed, named as ‘Masal, Mehboob, Waris, Wasim, Ihsan, Javed and Tahir. They were all from the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe. The name of the 8th person who was killed couldn’t be confirmed.’
Location: Narsi Khel, Zangari, South Waziristan.
References: The Nation, New York Times, Geo TV, Reuters, Geo TV, Dawn, Long War Journal, Jang (Urdu), Reprieve
Darrell Baumbach posted at 9:36 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Yes please...
but without your subjective biased points like
"Greater Transparency and Better Government" and...Improved Foreign Relations and American Treating Soldiers and Veterans with Respect...Status Abroad... and...Strengthening the Middle Class and Families... and... Science, Technology and Health Care...
Joanne Bobin posted at 9:26 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Mr. Musto stated: "What's really needed by this corrupt, inept, and empty suited administration is another heaping helping of Keynesian economics, yeah, that's the ticket."
What is your perception of "corruption" Mr. Musto?
Gary Musto posted at 8:47 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
1st quarter GDP has been revised downward from the pathetic 2.2% to a new, anemic 1.9%. "Hope and Change"!!!
Weekly jobless claims jumped 10,000 to slightly over 383,000. "Shovel Ready?"
What's really needed by this corrupt, inept, and empty suited administration is another heaping helping of Keynesian economics, yeah, that's the ticket.
Eric Barrow posted at 8:13 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Forget about Bush, Romney is a pro-gay, pro-abortion, big government, politician who believes climate change is caused by humans if it wasn't for his economic policies I could vote for him. How are any self respecting conservative / Tea Party member going to vote for Romney and live with themselves?
I agree with Warren Obama’s record is just fine but Obama won't have to run on his record he can simply highlight Romney’s. Obama’s only concern is that if he shines to bright a light on Romney’s record he might lose some liberals to him
Walter Chang posted at 8:08 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Thanks for the partisan drivel.
Ok people, bring on the pointless arguing and debating.
Yawn….
Warner Sunderson posted at 7:42 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Want more?
Eric Barrow posted at 7:37 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
I agree Joanne what an ignorant letter at the height of the Iraq conflict there were 170,000 troops there today there are less than 4,000 and those troops a mostly non-combat troops there to support the Iraq military.
It was not Gitmo the left minded so much as Bush and Cheney’s torture of those prisoners, which has ceased.
Unemployment historically gets worse following a recession and the numbers are better then during the Reagan era, following the 81/82 recession and this was a much deeper recession.
Sure the Republicans passed a budget but not one that can pass the Senate or not get vetoed so what did they accomplish, nothing. If the Republicans want to accomplish something they would work with Obama not against him.
Warner Sunderson posted at 7:37 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
More:
More:
Improved Foreign Relations and American Status Abroad
He visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any previous president during his first six months in office. http://bit.ly/hZycda
As he promised, he gave a speech at a major Islamic forum in Cairo early in his administration. http://nyti.ms/dKvY4g
He did much to restore America's reputation around the world as a global leader that does the "right thing" in world affairs, at least according to the rest of the world. http://bit.ly/h743y7 http://bit.ly/ho4TCr
He re-established and reinforced our partnership with NATO and other allies on strategic international issues. http://1.usa.gov/e7QuDj
Closed a number of secret detention facilities. http://nyti.ms/rpUc9l
He improved relations with Middle East countries by appointing special envoys. http://1.usa.gov/tiGAGe
He pushed for military to emphasize devlopment of foreign language skills. http://bit.ly/AxUCLV
Offered $400 million to the people living in Gaza, called on both Israel and the Palestinians to stop inciting violence. http://bit.ly/9axfWh
He refused to give Israel the green light to attack Iran over their possible nuclear program. http://bit.ly/xVmSZK
He worked to make donations to Haiti tax deductible in 2009. http://huff.to/6YkAVY
He established a new U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. http://1.usa.gov/eX28DP
Issued Executive Order blocking interference and helping to stabilize Somalia. http://1.usa.gov/hxdf8U
He established new, more reasonable policies in our relations with Cuba, such as allowing Cuban-Americans to visit their families and send money to support them. http://n.pr/hY3Kwa http://nyti.ms/emQBde
He ordered the closure of the prison at Guantanamo Bay. It was Republicans (and a smattering of Democrats) who prevented him from following through. http://bit.ly/eW6CVF
Ordered a review of our detention and interrogation policy, and prohibited the use of torture, or what Bush called "enhanced interrogation." He ordered interrogators to limit their actions to the Army Field manual. http://bit.ly/g6MTuC
He ordered all secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere to be closed. http://bbc.in/h6N9ax
He released the Bush torture memos. http://bit.ly/hWJ5z0
On his second day in office, he signed a detailed Executive Order that banned torture, reversed all Bush torture policies, and put the United States in compliance with the Geneva Convention. http://1.usa.gov/dL6Zve http://nyti.ms/hzWWys
In response to the emerging "Arab Spring," he created a Rapid Response fund, to assist emerging democracies with foreign aid, debt relief, technical assistance and investment packages in order to show that the United States stands with them. http://bit.ly/zfmGv9
Passed the Iran Sanctions Act, to prevent war, and to encourage Iran to give up their nuclear program. http://1.usa.gov/wLtNjb
Ended the Iraq War. http://tgr.ph/ru0tyS
He authorized and oversaw a secret mission by SEAL Team Six to rescue two hostages held by Somali pirates. http://bit.ly/y8c9Fz
Better Approach to “Defense”
Created a comprehensive new strategy for dealing with the international nuclear threat. http://1.usa.gov/gDX1nE
He authorized a $1.4 billion reduction in Star Wars program in 2010. http://1.usa.gov/gLFZl2
He restarted nuclear nonproliferation talks and built up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols to where they had been before Bush. http://lat.ms/gkcl3i
He signed and pushed to ratification a new SALT Treaty. http://bit.ly/f3JVtw
Negotiated and signed a new START Treaty that will lst until at least 2021. http://1.usa.gov/cI1bC4
Through the Defense Authorization Act, he reversed the Bush Administration and committed to no permanent military bases in Iraq. http://bit.ly/hk73OJ
He developed the first comprehensive strategy with regard to Afghanistan and Pakistan designed to facilitate the defeat of al Qaeda and the withdrawal of most troops, as well as the rebuilding of Afghanistan. http://wapo.st/ee4Xcs
He returned our focus to Afghanistan, stabilized the country, and began the process of withdrawing our troops from the country. http://bit.ly/lNXUna
Fulfilled campaign promise and ended our involvement in Iraq, and will complete full troop withdrawal before Christmas 2011. http://onforb.es/nTUk4Z
He took steps to severely weaken al Qaeda and limited their ability to terrorize the world. http://yhoo.it/n5lXs6
He negotiated and signed a nuclear nonproliferation treaty with India. http://1.usa.gov/aHp0Cn
He took decisive action to use NATO to limit the slaughter of innocents in Libya, so that the Libyan people could topple a despotic government and determine their own fate. http://aje.me/qAh4Sj
Warner Sunderson posted at 7:35 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
More:
Strengthening the Middle Class and Families
He worked to provide affordable, high-quality child care to working families. http://bit.ly/fNfidS
He cracked down on companies that were previously denying sick pay, vacation and health insurance, and Social Security and Medicare tax payments through abuse of the employee classification of independent contractor. http://nyti.ms/fOGLcj
Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act , he cut taxes for 95% of America's working families. http://bit.ly/eSEI4F
Under Obama, tax rates for average working families are the lowest they’ve been since 1950. http://bit.ly/f74pD8
He extended and fully funded the patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax for 10 years. http://bit.ly/eFeSdP
He extended discounted COBRA health coverage for the unemployed from 9 months to 15 months, and he’s extended unemployment benefits several times. http://aol.it/evtVxD http://nyti.ms/emrqKJ http://bit.ly/hOtIpg http://bit.ly/fTT7kz
Warner Sunderson posted at 7:34 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
More:
Science, Technology and Health Care
He created a Presidential Memorandum to restore scientific integrity in government decision-making.
http://1.usa.gov/g2SDuw
Opened up the process for fast-tracking patent approval for green energy projects. http://bit.ly/j0KV2U
He eliminated the Bush-era restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. He also provided increased federal support for biomedical and stem cell research. http://bit.ly/h36SSO http://ti.me/edezge
Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, he committed more federal funding, about $18 billion, to support non-defense science and research labs. http://nyti.ms/fTs9t7
He signed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, the first comprehensive attempt to improve the lives of Americans living with paralysis. http://bit.ly/fOi2rb
He expanded the Nurse-Family Partnership program, which provides home visits by trained registered nurses to low-income expectant mothers and their families, to cover more first-time mothers. http://bit.ly/jRRRJc
His EPA reveresed research ethics standards which allowed humands to be used as "guinea pigs" in tests of the effects of chemicals, to comply with numerous codes of medical ethics. http://bit.ly/bKgqdS
Conducted a cyberspace policy review. http://1.usa.gov/gmbdvC
Provided financial support for private sector space programs. http://bit.ly/fn8ucr
He oversaw enhanced earth mapping, to provide valuable data for agricultural, educational, scientific, and government use. http://bit.ly/dNTRyP
He ushered throough a bill that authorized the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco products. http://on.msnbc.com/fiKViB As a result, the FDA has Ordered Tobacco Companies to Disclose Cigarette Ingredients and banned sale of cigarettes falsely labeled as “light.”
Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, he provided $500 million for Health Professions Training Programs. http://bit.ly/ecQSgA
He also increased funding for community-based prevention programs. http://bit.ly/frMPG3
He oversaw a 50% decrease in cost of prescription drugs for seniors. http://bit.ly/e5b1iq http://1.usa.gov/fVNkt9
He eliminated the Bush-era practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug companies on price. http://bit.ly/fOkG5b
Two weeks after taking office, he signed the Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which increased the number of children covered by health insurance by 4 million. http://bit.ly/fDEzGv
He held a quick press conference, and urged Congress to investigate Anthem Blue Cross for raising premiums 39% without explanation. Rep. Waxman responded by launching a probe, and Anthem Blue Cross put the increase on hold for two months. http://yhoo.it/e8Tj9C
Ushered through and signed the Affordable Health Care Act, which expanded health insurance coverage to 30 million more people, and ended many common insurance company practices that are often detrimental to those with coverage. He also established http://www.healthcare.gov/
Through the Affordable Health Care Act, he allowed children to be covered under their parents’ policy until they turned 26. http://nyti.ms/fNB26V
Through the Affordable Health Care Act, he provided tax breaks to allow 3.5 million small business to provide health insurance to their employees, and 29 million people will receive tax breaks to help them afford health insurance. http://nyti.ms/fNB26V
Through the Affordable Health Care Act, he expanded Medicaid to those making up to 133% of the federal poverty level. http://nyti.ms/ekMWpo
Through the Affordable Health Care Act, health insurance companies now have to disclose how much of your premium actually goes to pay for patient care. http://nyti.ms/fNB26V
Provisions in the Affordable Health Care Act have already resulted in Medicare costs actually declining slightly this fiscal year, for the first time in many years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Last year's increase was 4%. Compare that to the average 12% annual inflation rate during the previous 40 years. http://1.usa.gov/oMxpTh
Warner Sunderson posted at 7:33 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
More:
Greater Transparency and Better Government
He signed an order banning gifts from lobbyists to anyone in the Executive Branch. http://bit.ly/fsBACN
He signed an order banning anyone from working in an agency they had lobbied in previous years. He also put strict limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House. http://nyti.ms/gOrznV
He held the first-ever first online town hall from the White House, and took questions from the public. http://bit.ly/gVNSgX
The Obama White House became the first to stream every White House event, live. http://1.usa.gov/kAgOP5
He established a central portal for Americans to find service opportunities. http://www.serve.gov
He provided the first voluntary disclosure of the White House Visitors Log in history. http://1.usa.gov/hQ7ttV
He crafted an Executive Order on Presidential Records, which restored the 30-day time frame for former presidents to review records, and eliminated the right for the vice president or family members of former presidents to do the reviews. This will provide the public with greater access to historic White House documents, and severely curtails the ability to use executive privilege to shield them.
http://1.usa.gov/gUetLb
He improved aspects of the Freedom of Information Act, and issued new guidelines to make FOIA more open and transparent in the processing of FOIA requests. http://1.usa.gov/gjrnp2
Warner Sunderson posted at 7:31 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Some things Obama has done:
Treating Soldiers and Veterans with Respect
He made sure that families of fallen soldiers could be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB, by providing funding for it. He also ended the media blackout on coverage of the return of fallen soldiers. http://nyti.ms/glqN66 http://bbc.in/gWSSkA
He funded Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with an extra $1.4 billion to improve veterans’ services. http://1.usa.gov/huhqfo
He provided the troops with better body armor. http://bit.ly/hzSv2h
Created the Joint Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record program for military personnel, in order to improve the quality of their medical care. http://1.usa.gov/f4yaxW
He put an end to the Bush-era stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan beyond their enlistment date. (personal note: my son will be in harm’s way for six fewer months with Obama as president, so you know I love this one.) http://nyti.ms/e2YQ7Q
He supported and signed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, which made more money available to enable better medical care for veterans. http://1.usa.gov/fN4ur1
He ushered through the largest spending increase in 30 years for the Department of Veterans Affairs for improved medical facilities, and to assist states in acquiring or constructing state nursing homes and extended care facilities. http://1.usa.gov/gY8O3x
He created the Green Vet Initiative, which provided special funding to the Labor Department to provide veterans with training in green jobs. http://bit.ly/epwUQY
He oversaw a $4.6 billion expansion of the Veterans Administration budget to pay for more mental health professionals. http://bit.ly/gjzTxX
Joanne Bobin posted at 6:43 am on Thu, May 31, 2012.
Wow, Mr. Prince certainly sounds like all of the ignorant FOX News talking points rolled into one non-factual letter.
A shame that an adult can be so ill-informed and still be allowed to vote.