Letters To The Arabs - Obama Writes To Arab Nations

President Barack Obama has sent letters to at least seven Arab and Gulf states seeking confidence-building measures toward Israel, which Washington has been pushing to agree to a freeze of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

One former senior U.S. official who was aware of the letters said they had been sent "recently" to seven Arab states, including the leaders of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The letters reinforce "the Mitchell message re: the need for CBMs [confidence-building measures] in exchange for [settlement] freeze and to [get] peace talks restarted," the former senior official said by e-mail.

"These letters were sent some time ago," a White House official told Foreign Policy on condition of anonymity Sunday, when asked about them. "The President has always said that everyone will have to take steps for peace. This is just the latest instance of this sentiment."

Each side is now eyeing the other, unwilling to give ground if the other doesn't. That does seem like an opportunity for a diplomatic advance, though as the weeks roll by, the White House has to be growing increasingly impatient for some measure of progress.

Obama Weekly Address: Health Insurance Reform, Small Business and Your Questions (video)

Posted by Jesse Lee

The President discusses a key factor that has been considered in the development of the health insurance reform proposals that are being considered: the impact of reform on small business.

The White House Council of Economic Advisers released a major report on the subject in conjunction with this address -- read the report as a web page, in pdf form, or through Slideshare.

download .mp3 |download .mp4 (58.5 MB) | read the transcript

During the address, the President asks that small business owners and employees give us their comments and questions on the report. What are your experiences with health care as somebody involved in small business, and what are your thoughts and questions on the new CEA report in light of those experiences?

Give us your response here through WhiteHouse.gov, or if you are a member of the social network LinkedIn, go take part in the discussion CEA Chair Christina Romer initiated there. Romer will be answering some of most penetrating responses in a live video discussion on Wednesday at 3:00 PM EDT.

US Envoy Arrives In Syria For Mideast Peace Talks

By Albert Aji Associated Press Writer

DAMASCUS, Syria—President Barack Obama's special Mideast envoy arrived Saturday on his second visit to Syria since he took up his post in the latest U.S. diplomatic outreach to a country deemed a state sponsor of terrorism. Last month, George Mitchell became the highest-level U.S. administration official to visit Damascus since 2005. He acknowledged Syria's clout, declaring Damascus has a key role to play in promoting Mideast peace. Mitchell did not speak to reporters after his arrival at Damascus airport Saturday. He is to meet Syrian President Bashar Assad on Sunday to discuss bilateral relations and the prospects of reviving Syrian-Israeli peace talks. Mitchell later travels to Israel as part of U.S. efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.

The Obama administration had a series of meetings with Syria and hopes the diplomatic outreach will encourage Damascus to play a positive role in both the Middle East peace process and also in Iraq. Syria is seen as a major player in this process because of its support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, its backing for Hezbollah in Lebanon, and its intermittent peace talks with Israel. Turkey has said it is prepared to resume mediating peace talks between Syria and Israel. Syria also maintains close links with Iran, whose disputed nuclear program is a matter of international concern. Mitchell's visit to Syria follows two separate trips in the past few months by senior U.S. officials Jeffrey Feltman, acting assistant secretary of state, and Daniel Shapiro, a Middle East expert at the White House, as part of talks about improving relations with a country shunned by former President George W. Bush.

Ahead of Mitchell's visit, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said his country is working to rebuild its diplomatic relationship with the United States. The U.S. withdrew its ambassador to Syria in 2005 to protest alleged Syrian actions in Lebanon. The Obama administration said last month it plans to send an ambassador to Syria, though no date has been set. Al-Moallem, speaking in London after talks with his British counterpart David Miliband Friday, said Syria is looking forward to Mitchell's visit as "the first step of dialogue." He said Syria would lobby Mitchell on the issue of the Golan Heights -- a strategic plateau seized by Israel in 1967 and which Syria wants back. During his June 13 visit that marked the strongest U.S. push yet to improve relations with Damascus, Mitchell said that Syria has a key role to play in forging peace in the region

The Obama administration has stepped up pressure on Arab countries to help resume Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and also pursue a peace deal with the Jewish state themselves. Despite the diplomatic overtures, the Obama administration renewed Bush-era economic sanctions against Syria in May as a way to keep pressure on the country to cooperate. The Bush administration imposed the sanctions and withdrew its ambassador in 2005 following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in Beirut. Many Lebanese politicians have blamed Syria for the killing -- a charge Damascus has denied.

Dr. Gates Accepts Obama’s Invitation to Have a Beer with Crowley at the White House

Last night, President Obama extended invitations over the phone to Dr. Henry Louis Gates and James Crowley to come to the White House and squash all this beef over a beer… Priceless Black scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. says he will accept President Obama’s invitation to visit him at the White House along with the white police officer who arrested the Harvard professor. Gates told the Boston Globe in an e-mail late Friday that he spoke to Obama and said he would meet with Cambridge Police Sgt. James Crowley. Gates said he hoped his arrest by Crowley leads to greater sensitivity on racial profiling and that it was time to “move on.” Obama extended the invitation Friday in phone calls to the two men as he sought to calm a national debate over racial profiling. He invited both to share a beer.

In his conversation with Gates, aides said, Obama and the professor had spoken about the president’s statement to the press and his conversation with Crowley. A joint statement by three Massachusetts police unions said they appreciated the president’s “sincere interest” and added that Crowley had a friendly and meaningful conversation with Obama. Obama has come under intense criticism from police organizations for saying at a prime-time news conference this week that Cambridge police had “acted stupidly” by arresting Gates, a friend of the president’s. Obama said he had called Crowley to clear the air, and said the conversation confirmed his belief that the sergeant is an “outstanding police officer and a good man.” Obama tried to lighten his tone in his public remarks about his phone conversation with Crowley.

He said the police officer “wanted to find out if there was a way of getting the press off his lawn.” “I informed him that I can’t get the press off my lawn,” Obama joked.

The President on "Race to the Top"

Earlier today, Education Secretary Arne Duncan told you about the launch of "Race to the Top," a competition for states to invest in school reforms that really work. The President spoke at the Department of Education today about the initiative, and reiterated his commitment to improving our education system.

In his remarks, the President explained that for too long we have simply talked about the problems of our education system, including overcrowded classrooms and crumbling schools. But now, the administration is ready to take action to reform our schools. The President recently announced the American Graduation Initiative to improve our community colleges, and now "Race to the Top" aims to improve the quality of education from kindergarten through senior year:

Because improving education is central to rebuilding our economy, we set aside over $4 billion in the Recovery Act to promote improvements in schools. This is one of the largest investments in education reform in American history. And rather than divvying it up and handing it out, we are letting states and school districts compete for it. That's how we can incentivize excellence and spur reform and launch a race to the top in America's public schools.

That race starts today. I'm issuing a challenge to our nation's governors, to school boards and principals and teachers, to businesses and non-for-profits, to parents and students: if you set and enforce rigorous and challenging standards and assessments; if you put outstanding teachers at the front of the classroom; if you turn around failing schools -- your state can win a Race to the Top grant that will not only help students outcompete workers around the world, but let them fulfill their God-given potential.

This competition will not be based on politics or ideology or the preferences of a particular interest group. Instead, it will be based on a simple principle -- whether a state is ready to do what works. We will use the best evidence available to determine whether a state can meet a few key benchmarks for reform -- and states that outperform the rest will be rewarded with a grant. Not every state will win and not every school district will be happy with the results. But America's children, America's economy, and America itself will be better for it.

(President Barack Obama delivers remarks on "Race To the Top" at the Department of Education with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, left, in Washington, D.C. Friday, July 24, 2009. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

"Race to the Top" is a $4.35 billion fund that will reward eligible states for their accomplishments, and create incentives for future improvement in four areas: adopting rigorous standards and assessments, recruiting and retaining high quality teachers, turning around low-performing schools, and establishing data systems to track student achievement and teacher effectiveness. The President explained that fixing our schools can’t just be done by Washington, and called on everyone to do their part:

Better standards. Better teaching. Better schools. Data-driven results. That's what we will reward with our Race to the Top Fund. But as I've said before, fixing the problem in our schools is not a task for Washington alone. It will take school administrators, board presidents, and local union leaders making collective bargaining a catalyst -- and not an impediment -- to reform. It will take business leaders asking what they can do to invest in education in their communities. It will take parents asking the right questions at their child's school, and making sure their children are doing their homework at night.

And it will take students -- I'm not worried about Matthew, but all the other ones -- (laughter) -- including my daughters -- showing up for school on time and paying attention in class. Ultimately, their education is up to them. It's up to their parents. It's up to their teachers. It's up to all of us.

I'll never forget a school I visited one day when I was a community organizer in Chicago. As I walked around the school with the principal, I remember saying to her how wonderful it was to see all these kids so full of energy and hope and the spark in their eye. And when he asked them what they were going to be when they grew up, they said, we're going to be doctors and lawyers and they all had these big dreams for the future. And I remember the principal saying that soon all that would change; that in a year or two, something would shut off inside as they began to realize their hopes wouldn't come to pass -- not because they weren't smart enough, not because they weren't talented enough, but because they didn't see a pathway to success.

And that's true of too many children in this country. Maybe they don't have a great teacher. Maybe they don't find their classes exciting. Maybe they aren't being challenged at school. Maybe their parents aren't pushing them the way they need to. Maybe nobody is setting high expectations for them. Maybe they can't afford a college education. Maybe they don't know anybody who's ever gone to college. And the reason you're here, the reason Arne is here, the reason I'm here, is to make sure that we are giving all of those children, all our children, the pathways they need to make the most of their abilities; to make the most of their opportunities; to make the most of their lives.

Obama: A New Vision for Urban and Metropolitan Policy

by Katherine Brandon

The White House Office of Urban Affairs and the Domestic Policy Council hosted a day-long discussion about the future of America’s urban and metropolitan areas. Participants included policy experts from across the country, several cabinet members, and elected officials. Discussions covered the evolution of metropolitan areas, best practices in urban communities, and how the federal government can be a more effective partner in these communities.

After the roundtable discussions, the President spoke on some of the challenges facing urban communities today. The President is personally familiar with these challenges after spending much of his life in urban areas, saying he received his greatest education working in Chicago’s South Side. These challenges are only exacerbated by the recession, which is why the administration has been committed to making sure our cities not only rebound, but also prosper in the future:

But what's also clear is we're going to need to do more than just help our cities weather the current economic storm. We've got to figure out ways to rebuild them on a newer, firmer, stronger foundation for our future. And that requires new strategies for our cities and metropolitan areas that focus on advancing opportunity through competitive, sustainable, and inclusive growth. And that's why all of you are here today. And I know that there were a lot of ideas that were shared throughout the morning and afternoon.

Now, the first thing we need to recognize is that this is not just a time of challenge for America's cities; it's also a time of great change. Even as we've seen many of our central cities continuing to grow in recent years, we've seen their suburbs and exurbs grow roughly twice as fast -- that spreads homes and jobs and businesses to a broader geographic area. And this transformation is creating new pressures and problems, of course, but it's also opening up new opportunities, because it's not just our cities that are hotbeds of innovation anymore, it's our growing metropolitan areas.

(President Barack Obama speaks at the Urban and Metropolitan Policy Roundtable meeting in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

The President outlined some of his administration’s proposals:

And we're also going to take a hard look at how Washington helps or hinders our cities and metro areas -- from infrastructure to transportation; from housing to energy; from sustainable development to education. And we're going to make sure federal policies aren't hostile to good ideas or best practices on the local levels. We're going to put an end to throwing money at what doesn't work -- and we're going to start investing in what does work and make sure that we're encouraging that.

Now, we began to do just that with my budget proposal, which included two investments in innovative and proven strategies. I just want to mention these briefly. The first, Promise Neighborhoods, is modeled on Geoffrey Canada's successful Harlem Children's Zone. It's an all-encompassing, all-hands-on-deck effort that's turning around the lives of New York City's children, block by block. And what we want to do is to make grants available for communities in other cities to jumpstart their own neighborhood-level interventions that change the odds for our kids.

The second proposal we call Choice Neighborhoods -- focuses on new ideas for housing in our cities by recognizing that different communities need different solutions. So instead of isolated and monolithic public housing projects that too often trap residents in a cycle of poverty and isolate them further, we want to invest in proven strategies that actually transform communities and enhance opportunity for residents and businesses alike.

The President highlighted the policies of Denver, Philadelphia and Kansas City for their innovative solutions to urban challenges. With these fresh ideas and successful solutions, and the help of the federal government, we can reinvent our urban and metropolitan areas for the 21st century.

POTUS calls SCOTUS pick - Wishes her well with hearing

Wishes her well with hearing

By POLITICO STAFF

W.H. readout of Obama's phone conversation today with Sotomayor:

“President Obama called Judge Sotomayor from the Oval Office this morning to wish her good luck as she completed preparations for her confirmation hearing. He complimented the judge for making courtesy calls to 89 senators in which she discussed her adherence to the rule of law throughout her 17 years on the federal bench. The president expressed his confidence that Judge Sotomayor would be confirmed to serve as a Justice on the Supreme Court for many years to come.”

Obama Administration Readies $3 Billion for Renewable Energy

Treasury and Energy departments release long-awaited rules for grant money

When Congress was debating an extension of the renewable energy tax credits set to expire at the end of 2008, the loudest argument from the wind and solar industries was that letting the tax credits expire would have a deleterious affect on renewable energy development in the United States. And before the credits expired, Congress passed a short term extension of the renewable energy production and investment tax credits. But then the credit markets froze. There was little to no money to borrow to get projects off the ground. At that point, the extension of the production tax credit was almost moot. Recognizing this, the authors of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 addressed some of the problems created by the credit freeze by authorizing the Treasury Department to make immediate, direct payments to companies for projects—in lieu of tax credits—for an estimated 5,000 bio-mass, solar, wind and geothermal energy facilities.

And on Thursday, Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner together announced that they were ready to start doling out that cash, or at least how they would dole it out. The thinking behind the move is that developers will not have to wait until they have a project in production in order to take advantage of the federal tax benefit. The new grant program essentially front-loads the tax benefit, freeing-up money for material, labor and other investments in project development. “The renewable energy program provides another important avenue for the Recovery Act to contribute to economic development in communities around the country,” said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. “This partnership between Treasury and Energy will enable both large companies and small businesses to invest in our long-term energy needs, protect our environment and revitalize our nation’s economy.”

Preventing another renewable energy bust

The $3 billion in grants are designed to temporarily replace the production tax credit (PTC) that has been a critical factor in the growth of renewable energy capacity in U.S. The boom-and-bust cycles caused by lapses in the PTC have been particularly troublesome for the wind energy industry. In the two times the tax credit was let to expire, once in 2002 and again in 2004, new U.S. wind power capacity fell precipitously, taking with it, a burgeoning U.S. wind industry.

The specter of another bust in the renewable energy industry had industry groups welcoming the Thursday move. “The implementation of this program for renewable energy will be a welcome boost, just when we all need it,” said American Wind Energy Association CEO Denise Bode. The grants can amount to as much as 30% of the value of a new wind project, explained Bode. “As with all industry, the economic conditions of the past eight or nine months have held us back. We believe these grants will help get our companies back on track, create more jobs, and balance our electricity portfolio with clean, renewable energy.” Solar industry groups welcomed the move as well, emphasizing the fact that it would free-up several projects in various phases of development.

“Solar stimulus is ready, set and … coming soon,” said said Rhone Resch, CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “Once Treasury begins accepting grant applications, the solar industry will create tens of thousands of jobs and spur investment in the clean energy economy.” “There are dozens of large solar power projects in the pipeline that can now move forward,” added Resch. The Treasury will be launching the web-based application system in the coming weeks and begin making direct payments within 60 days after projects are submitted.

How Low Will The Drudge Report Go?... Pretty Low Apparently

On the other hand, does this really surprise us... no

by Adam Ostrow

Leave it to a slow Friday during the summer for one of the biggest news stories of the day to be a picture that purports to show President Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy checking out the backside of a young lady at the G8 summit.

I actually first saw this picture yesterday when a friend told me, “dude, you need to check out the homepage of Drudge Report!” Sure enough, the site was featuring the picture atop its homepage, with the wildly mischievous headline “Second Stimulus Package.” The story is apparently of such significance that it’s still the headline on the site.

The problem with this intriguing image and caption is that it now appears to have been rather manipulative. By morning, video of the event had surfaced, and it becomes fairly clear after watching it that the still frame photo happens to catch Obama at a moment where the perception of ogling could certainly be created. But in reality, he was simply in the midst of gesturing to help someone down a step. As for Sarkozy, as the ABC News anchor jokes, it’s not quite as clear:

In any event, this rather amusing moment shows both the good and the bad of the Web. The bad: it’s rather easy to take something completely out of context for the benefit of creating a highly viral piece of content. The good: it’s usually equally easy to diffuse this type of thing in a world where everything seems to be captured on video, and findable and shareable on YouTube within minutes.

Cross Posted From Mashable

Obama: Daughters should learn from slave tour

President Barack Obama and first Lady Michelle Obama arrive in Accra, Ghana with their daughters Sasha and Malia (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

CAPE COAST, Ghana—President Barack Obama says he hopes his family's tour of a former slave fortress on the coast of Ghana shows his daughters that history can take very cruel turns.

Eleven-year-old Malia and eight-year-old Sasha accompanied Obama on a tour of Cape Coast Castle Saturday.

Speaking afterward, Obama said his daughters are "growing up in such a blessed way." He said one of the things he hopes they picked up from the tour is a sense of their obligation to fight oppression and cruelty everywhere.

Cape Coast Castle was the place where shackled Africans were held in squalid dungeons before they were shipped off into slavery.

Obama: A New Moment of Promise in Africa

by Kol Peterson

Today, the President gave a speech in Accra, Ghana. He laid out his vision for human rights and democracy in Africa’s future, and he described what America’s role in promoting better governance in Africa will be. The speech was entitled, "A New Moment of Promise."

• Listen to the full audio.
• Read the full text in English.
• Read the full text in French.

(President Barack Obama addresses the Ghanaian Parliament in Accra,
Ghana. Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

We made sure that speech would be as accessible to as many Africans as possible on the radio, TV, and by SMS. These are the speech excerpts that we sent out to thousands of SMS subscribers in Africa and around the world.

• It is an honor for me to be in Accra & to speak to the representatives of the people of Ghana. I am proud that this is my first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as President of the US.

• The 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Accra as well.

• I will focus on four areas that are critical to the future of Africa and the entire developing world: democracy; opportunity; health; and the peaceful resolution of conflict.

• Governments that respect the will of their own people are more prosperous, more stable, and more successful than governments that do not.

• With better governance, I have no doubt that Africa holds the promise of a broader base for prosperity.

• People must make responsible choices that prevent the spread of disease… promoting public health in their communities and countries.

• America will support these efforts through a comprehensive, global health strategy.

• Africa’s diversity should be a source of strength, not a cause for division

• We must stand up to inhumanity in our midst. It is never justifiable to target innocents in the name of ideology.

• I am speaking to the young people. You have the power to hold your leaders accountable, and to build institutions that serve the people.

• I can promise you this: America will be with you. As a partner. As a friend. Freedom is your inheritance. Now, it is your responsibility to build upon freedom’s foundation.

(President Barack Obama addresses the Ghanaian Parliament in Accra,
Ghana July 11, 2009. Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

For More Pictures: President Obama and family in Ghana, Africa

Obama Weekly Address: Recovery and the Jobs of the Future (video)

Posted by Jesse Lee

The President explains how the Recovery Act helped end our economic free fall, and how his agenda is helping to set a new foundation for our economy. From health reform, to energy, to creating the jobs of the future, the President’s proposals will make our economy stronger for both the current generations and our children, all in a way that will get our deficits under control.

download .mp3 |download .mp4 (85.4) | read the transcript

Obama & The Pope: A Photo Essay From The Vatican

by Kori Schulman

The President traveled to Rome today where he met with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. Take a look at the President and First Lady’s visit to the Vatican.

(Pope Benedict XVI greets President Barack Obama at the Vatican.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)


(President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are escorted
by Swiss Guards and Vatican ushers at the Vatican. Official White House
Photo by Pete Souza)


(President Barack Obama and Pope Benedict XVI enter the Pope's study
at the Vatican. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)


(President Barack Obama and Pope Benedict XVI meet in the Pope's
study at the Vatican. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)


(President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama meet with
Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Letterman Takes On Palin Resignation: Something I Said? (video)

It's been a rocky year for Letterman and Palin. He joked about her daughter, she freaked out, he apologized, she still freaked out, he apologized again, she said ok, but 15 people didn't get the message and protested his show anyway. Last night, Dave took several shots at the soon-to-be ex-governor of Alaska, saying that we know Obama's in Russia cause "Sarah Palin can see him from her house." He said she was trying to blame the media for her resignation, and was currently in a helicopter trying to gun down Wolf Blitzer. In the midst of this, Letterman referenced their feud saying "was it something I said?" After making one more dig at Palin for being more of a beauty queen than a politician (miss congeniality will replace her), he showed two pre-taped packages his staff put together. One, an edit down of her press conference, the other a promo for her latest project.

Watch Video HERE

Man To Michelle Obama: Пожалуйста! (Please!)

from Jezebel by Anna

[Moscow, Image via Getty]

MOSCOW - U.S. first lady Michelle Obama visits the St. Dimitry nurse training college on July 7, 2009 in Moscow, Russia. The First Family is on a two day diplomatic visit to Russia.

US Finalizes Stem Cell Research Guidelines

from Slashdot | MP3.com's Beam-It by kdawson

An anonymous reader writes with an excerpt from Cosmos Magazine, to wit: "The US government unveiled final rules for embryonic stem cell research, laying out ground rules for 'ethically responsible, scientifically worthy' studies eligible for federal funds. The new rules, which go into effect today, follow President Barack Obama's March 9 executive order lifting a ban on embryonic stem cell research, an order that went into effect under his predecessor, George W. Bush. ... The US National Institutes of Health's (NIH) guidelines are slightly less restrictive than those outlined in a draft document released in April in that they allow the use of existing stem cell lines, in addition to new ones derived from IVF procedures. ... The NIH received some 49,000 comments from patient advocacy groups, scientists, medical groups, and other interested parties before issuing the guidelines."

Obama "No green light for Iran attack"

Mr Obama took time out from a visit to Moscow to calm concerns over Iran The US has "absolutely not" given Israel a green light to attack Iran over its nuclear programme, President Barack Obama has said. His remarks followed weekend comments by Vice-President Joe Biden that the US would not stand in the way of Israel's response to Iran's nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, US military chief Adm Mike Mullen said Washington should keep military options on the table. But he said he hoped dialogue with Tehran would prove productive. Clarification Speaking to CNN while on a visit to Russia, President Obama said the US would to try to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue "in a peaceful way through diplomatic channels." Vice-President Joe Biden had said in an interview with ABC TV on Sunday that "Israel can determine for itself... what's in their interest and what they decide to do relative to Iran and anyone else". Asked whether the comment meant that Washington had given Israel the go-ahead for an attack, Mr Obama said: "Absolutely not

However, he did defend his deputy, who was accused of being gaffe-prone by rivals during the 2008 presidential election campaign. "I think Vice-President Biden stated a categorical fact which is we can't dictate to other countries what their security interests are," Mr Obama added. He added that the US also reserved the right to take "whatever actions" were necessary to protect itself, without elaborating what those were. At an event in Washington Adm Mullen, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, echoed the president's comments.

"There is a great deal that certainly depends on the dialogue and the engagement, and I think we need to do that with all options remaining on the table, including certainly military options," he said. The US military chief said Tehran could have an atomic bomb within one to three years, which "would be potentially very destabilising" to the Middle East. But he said the potential consequences of an attack on Iran were of great concern and weighed heavily against launching any strike. "I worry a great deal about the response of a country that gets struck.

"It is a really important place to not go, if we can not go there in any way, shape or form."

A Green Thorn In Obama's Side? Toyota Builds a Patent Thicket For Hybrid Cars

Posted by kdawson

Lorien_the_first_one sends along a WSJ piece reporting on how Toyota is hoping to benefit from new Obama Administration regulations for automobiles here in the US.

"Since it started developing the gas-electric Prius more than a decade ago, Toyota has kept its attorneys just as busy as its engineers, meticulously filing for patents on more than 2,000 systems and components for its best-selling hybrid. Its third-generation Prius, which hit showrooms in May, accounts for about half of those patents alone. Toyota's goal: to make it difficult for other auto makers to develop their own hybrids without seeking licensing from Toyota, as Ford Motor Co. already did to make its Escape hybrid and Nissan Motor Co. has for its Altima hybrid."

A message from President Obama

A message from the POTUS...



This weekend, our family will join millions of others in celebrating America. We will enjoy the glow of fireworks, the taste of barbeque, and the company of good friends. As we all celebrate this weekend, let's also remember the remarkable story that led to this day.

Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, our nation was born when a courageous group of patriots pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the proposition that all of us were created equal.

Our country began as a unique experiment in liberty -- a bold, evolving quest to achieve a more perfect union. And in every generation, another courageous group of patriots has taken us one step closer to fully realizing the dream our founders enshrined on that great day.

Today, all Americans have a hard-fought birthright to a freedom which enables each of us, no matter our views or background, to help set our nation's course. America's greatness has always depended on her citizens embracing that freedom -- and fulfilling the duty that comes with it.

As free people, we must each take the challenges and opportunities that face this nation as our own. As long as some Americans still must struggle, none of us can be fully content. And as America comes ever closer to achieving the perfect Union our founders dreamed, that triumph -- that pride -- belongs to all of us.

So today is a day to reflect on our independence, and the sacrifice of our troops standing in harm's way to preserve and protect it. It is a day to celebrate all that America is. And today is a time to aspire toward all we can still become.

With very best wishes,

President Barack Obama

July 4th, 2009

P.S. -- Our nation's birthday is also an ideal time to consider serving in your local community. You can find many great ideas for service opportunities near you at http://www.serve.gov.

Obama eats veal and foie gras? Seriously?

by: Drew Wilson

"I think how we treat our animals reflects how we treat each other. It's very important that we have a president who is mindful of the cruelty that is perpetrated on animals."

Those are the words that Barack Obama said when he was asked a question about animal rights at one of his campaign stops during election season. I'm not going to get into the PETA/Fly-swatting issue, but I will say that there have been a lot of misunderstandings about that silly issue. With the recent news of Obama and his family eating veal in New York and foie gras in France, do we need to re-evaluate the president's stance on animals? Veal and foie gras are two products of some of the most extreme forms of animal abuse in factory farming. A number of countries have already banned the production of veal or foie gras and some American states have recently begun to follow suit.

Foie gras (also called pâté) is nothing but fatten duck liver. It's produced by repetitively force-feeding ducks shortly before they are slaughtered. A metal tube is pushed down the birds' throats and grains are forced into their stomaches. It's a cruel practice that is already on its way out. Over 100 restaurants in the United States have removed the dish from their menu because it is inherently cruel. Obama's home city, Chicago, even banned the sale of it, although they later repealed that ban.

Veal is a milky-colored, tender meat produced from baby cows. When it comes to cruel farm practices, veal is notorious. New-born calves who are discarded by the dairy industry are confined in crates only slightly larger than their bodies. With no room to turn around and an iron-deficient diet, the calves do not get any exercise, they develop no muscles mass, and become anemic. California just recently banned use of veal crates by popular vote, Maine followed suit shortly thereafter, and Massachusetts is now likely to see the next victory.

The tide is clearly turning. Veal and foie gras are so cruel that chefs and politicians are banning them, so why hasn't President Obama taking notice? What can we do to get his attention?

Walmart Supports Reform... ???

Walmart Supports Health Care Reform and Employer Mandate

by: Ann Pietrangelo

In a letter addressed to President Obama, Walmart Stores states its support for health care reform "not just to improve the health of all Americans, but also to remove the burden that is crushing America’s businesses and hampering our competitiveness in the global economy." The letter went on to say,

"We are for an employer mandate which is fair and broad in its coverage, but any alternative to an employer mandate should not create barriers to hiring entry level employees. We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to develop a requirement that is both sensible and equitable... Support for a mandate also requires the strongest possible commitment to rein in health care costs."

Walmart has taken on health issues before, with its $4 prescription drug plan, and its in-store clinics, but has taken a lot of heat in recent years over employee benefits. The largest private employer in the United States, just slightly more than half of its workforce is covered by employer-based medical insurance. (According to its website, 94 percent of Walmart’s employees are covered by some type of medical insurance.)

Large corporations have not exactly been lining up to support employer mandates, complaining that such action would force them to cut jobs and/or lower wages.

While the letter makes no firm commitment regarding health care coverage for its employees, it does reflect the heated atmosphere surrounding health care reform, and the belief/fear that there is no stopping the juggernaut. It is clearly in the best interests of Walmart to not only support reform, but to try to help shape it.

"As health care reform enters the next phase, we came together at this point in the debate to add our combined voices to the momentum building behind reform. We believe the time for comprehensive reform is now. The present system is not sustainable. The status quo is not an option. We applaud the bipartisan efforts in Congress to craft and pass legislation." - Leslie Dach, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Government Relations, Walmart.

Does Walmart really care about the health benefits of its employees, or is it just looking out for its bottom line... does it even matter?

Read the letter to President Obama in its entirety here. The letter was signed by John Podesta, President & CEO of Center for American Progress; Andrew L. Stern, President of Service Employees International Union; and Mike Duke, President & CEO of Walmart Stores, Inc.

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"Still Thriving and Excelling Long After Helen Keller"

Posted by Kareem Dale

Another day at the White House, another chance for President Obama to make history for people with disabilities. And, he did just that.

On Friday, June 26, 2009, President Barack Obama became one of the very few sitting American Presidents to personally greet and welcome persons who are deaf-blind to the White House Oval Office.

(President Barack Obama meets with a group from the Helen Keller National Center in the Oval Office
June 26, 2009. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The group featured five young adults (Crystal Morales, Kelvin Crosby, Virginia Jordan, Divya Goel, and Jason Corning) affiliated with the Helen Keller National Center ("HKNC") including a musician with two CDs to her credit, a surfer and aspiring field goal kicker, a Cum Laude graduate who wants to start a school, an aspiring restaurant manager, and a winner of the Wisconsin Council for Exceptional Children "Yes I Can" award for Advocacy and Independent Living. Two staff members and 3 volunteers from the HKNC also joined the young adults.

They were in D.C. to celebrate Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week. This year’s theme for the week was Deaf-Blindness Didn’t Stop with Helen Keller. The focus of the week was to demonstrate that successful deaf-blind persons are still thriving and excelling long after Helen Keller.

The week culminated with their visit to the White House. They visited the White House in the morning, where they received a tour of the public residence. From hanging out in the First Lady’s East Reception Room, to playing the same piano played by Stevie Wonder, to visiting the China Room, the tour was a major hit with the young adults. They returned in the afternoon for the icing on the already incredibly rich cake to take a photo with the President in the Oval Office. The President congratulated the young adults on their accomplishments and reminded them that we remain committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

This visit was not and should not be viewed as a sympathetic thing for the President to do. Rather, it reflects this President’s commitment to, and understanding of, the desire for all people with disabilities to be fully integrated into society. These young adults are proof that if provided with the necessary supports and services, people with disabilities can and will achieve anything they desire. Recognizing Deaf-Blind Awareness Week by inviting these young adults to the White House further solidifies the extraordinary commitment of this entire administration to all people with disabilities.

Kareem Dale is Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy.