12
Nov
11

aloha – rise and shine

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All times Eastern

1:40 The President meets with Trans-Pacific Partnership leaders in Honolulu

3:05 Participates in an APEC CEO business summit

5:0 Hosts a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Noda of Japan

6:45 Holds a bilateral meeting with President Medvedev of Russia

8:15 Holds a bilateral meeting with President Hu of China

11:20 The President and First Lady welcome APEC leaders and spouses in an arrival ceremony

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Westwood One reporter Jim Gray speaks with Barack Obama (from here) – thanks Janelle

Original video here

Original video

Thanks Donna

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The tip off of an NCAA Men’s Basketball game between the University of North Carolina and Michigan State University on board the USS Carl Vinson at North Island Naval Station in San Diego, Calif., Nov. 11. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

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Original

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are welcomed by Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu

*****

Thanks amk!

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Morning everyone 😉


271 Responses to “aloha – rise and shine”


  1. 1 Fred
    November 12, 2011 at 8:09 am

    woohoo I am FIRST;for once 🙄 😆

    good morning TOD family.

  2. 20 desertflower
    November 12, 2011 at 8:17 am

    Morning!! Congrats, Fred….funny how that one little thing makes you smile 🙂

  3. November 12, 2011 at 8:21 am

    Fred you make me sick! I was thinking first.
    Look at my Prez in Leather Jacket talking ’bout our gennneration!!!

  4. November 12, 2011 at 8:21 am

    Good morning family and early bird Fred. The pictures are great, good game last night.

  5. 23 utaustinliberal
    November 12, 2011 at 8:29 am

    Morning Chips and TODers. Congratulations on being first Fred. Now reach under your seat…….you get a Mankini Newt! and you get a Mankini Newt! and you get a Mankini Newt! 😉

    • 24 desertflower
      November 12, 2011 at 8:31 am

      Even this early, you make me laugh! Seriously. Almost spit coffee on my new birthday computer!

      • 25 utaustinliberal
        November 12, 2011 at 8:59 am

        Happy to oblige desertflower. You might want to reserve the laughter for the GOP debate on foreign policy tonight. GOP and expertise on foreign policy is such an oxymoron in the age of Obama. 😆

  6. November 12, 2011 at 8:30 am

    why is abercombie wearing a lei ? Where are the Obamas’ leis govnor ?

    • 28 desertflower
      November 12, 2011 at 8:33 am

      I don’t know…I have one of those plants that they get the flowers from to make the leis and it will never sprout any flowers! I keep hoping it will. My friend brought it back for me when she went to visit…beautiful leaves!

    • November 12, 2011 at 2:46 pm

      Gov Abercrombie and PBObama are really good friends..and the leis aren’t there yet but the love and aloha is definitely shining through. So happy to see them get together again.

    • 31 desertflower
      November 12, 2011 at 8:34 am

      Here we go.

    • 33 theo67
      November 12, 2011 at 12:13 pm

      What I love about this is that the Arab League is the one taking the lead here, not having to be led into action (President Obama probably told them to handle their business). This is how things should work in the future. Europe should know their stake in making sure the Middle East is peaceful. The Arab League need to police their states and squash radical movements. The US should be part of a coalition, but not the almighty bully or footing the entire bill.

      I think the plan to lead behind the scenes in Libya was really smart, because it allowed other countries to learn they can handle this stuff, too. It might have taken a little longer than if the US had come in with guns blazing, but it’s like a parent letting their child learn how to fend for him/her self. They’ll make mistakes, not do it perfectly, but they’ll come out of the experience a little more confident and knowledgeable. This is the age of Obama, as UT said above. And as he said when healthcare passed, “this is what change looks like”.

  7. 34 donna dem 4 obama
    November 12, 2011 at 8:37 am

    Good Morning TOD. OMG I love San Diego. Its one of my favorite cities to visit. That picture of the USS Carl Vinson is phenomenal. I’m so glad the weather was perfect. Gosh our President and First Lady are so much fun. He just shines when she is by his side. I so love this couple.

    Everyone have a great Saturday and if you are in the giving mood here is my fundraiser page.

    https://donate.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/2012/donnanoshock3

    • November 12, 2011 at 10:34 am

      Good morning all, I just want to add my two cents and say it was a great game and the venue was so perfect. Everything about Veterans Day 11-11-2011 was touching and so special.. What was truly special was the lowering of the flag on the Navy ship, boy oh boy was that heart warming because I didn’t know about it or ever see this done before…..

      • 36 Betsy
        November 12, 2011 at 11:37 am

        I also watched the game. The setting was beautiful and it was so great to see him being interviewed by people who like him and appreciate him. These sports announcers asked better questions than the White House press corps ever do. I loved seeing the interaction between PBO and First Lady MO, he’s having so much more fun when she’s with him. I just get a grin on my face seeing them that won’t go away.

        • November 12, 2011 at 12:13 pm

          Yeahhhh, I hear you. I too get abig smile on my face , when I see them interacting, smooching, laughing and just having fun. They are so cute 🙂 🙂 They give you such positive energy, and really they bring out the best In you.

      • 38 jacquelineoboomer
        November 12, 2011 at 1:25 pm

        Michele – I worked as a civilian for the Navy for my entire career, and “Colors” was always the most heartwarming ceremony. My favorite was when I worked for a Navy command which had “tenants” from all branches of the military, so every morning at 0800, all of these spiffy military folk would arrive for the honor of raising of the flag. The looks of respect on all of their faces made you start your day by brushing the tears away, if you were near them. Each and every one of our military who look up at that flag knows exactly what he or she is training for and fighting for, every day.

        And that would be us.

  8. 39 Ladyhawke
    November 12, 2011 at 8:37 am

    Good Morning Everyone! How are my little “Chipadees” doing? I hope everyone has a beautiful day.

  9. 42 desertflower
    November 12, 2011 at 8:38 am

    Just a reminder as we watch the clown car debates tonight…..keep a scorecard! THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT!

    http://thinkprogress.org/report/obama-foreign-policy-successes/

    • 43 utaustinliberal
      November 12, 2011 at 9:03 am

      Oooooooh…….thanks for this df. Gonna tweet it to remind everyone.

    • November 12, 2011 at 9:07 am

      That’s an excellent scorecard. Any other prez would have an approval rating of over 80% by now. Fvck the media.

      • 47 hopefruit2
        November 12, 2011 at 9:18 am

        Mark Knoller was on Twitter posting a series of “polling” tweets, braying about the President’s approval (43% – I guess he felt it was low), and posting the poll numbers for past 5 presidents at the same time in their presidencies (all of which were higher than 43% with the exception of Carter who was at 30%). I told Mr. Knoller that at the same time in his presidency, GWB was getting 91% POSITIVE media coverage, while our President is getting 91% NEGATIVE coverage. I also asked Mr. Knoller why didn’t he post the last 5 congressional approval ratings during the respective presidencies of the Presidents that he just listed. The current congress stands at 9% approvalI further told Mr. Knoller that in 2012, PBO is going to run against a GOP opponent from the current field, not the last 5 presidents.

        After I posted those tweets, he backtracked somewhat by saying that the poll numbers don’t predict anything about 2012 but are simply meant as an indicator about the current voter sentiment. Then he changed the subject and began tweeting some other different stuff.

      • 53 desertflower
        November 12, 2011 at 9:49 am

        Exactly. AT LEAST 80%!

    • November 12, 2011 at 9:13 am

      Stolen (word for word) and tweeted. Sue me.

    • 56 theo67
      November 12, 2011 at 12:25 pm

      Wow – when I see the Republican responses laid out like this, it makes me sick. And it’s obvious that they’ve taken the opposite position to anything that President Obama has done. To express sympathy for Mubarak instead of supporting the people who wanted to be free. Or stating that one terrorist is better than freedom and democracy for Arabs? And this is just a partial list of President Obama’s accomplishments. Republicans, and those who support them in their current form, should be ashamed.

  10. November 12, 2011 at 8:38 am

    US President Barack Obama has gone to Hawaii, where this weekend he is hosting leaders from Asia Pacific countries at the annual Apec summit.

    The heads of state are expected to discuss how to tackle the global financial crisis.

    In particular, they are looking to protect the region from Europe’s economic difficulties.

    President Obama is hoping to establish a free trade zone with several countries in the region.

    The 21 members of Apec account for about 40% of the world’s population and 44% of global trade.

    The meeting, which brings together leaders from Russia to Chile, is focused on creating jobs and business through measures like investment in infrastructure.

    The BBC’s Kim Ghattas in Washington says the United States sees Asia as essential to America’s future, both economically and strategically.

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/world-asia-15704358

    • November 12, 2011 at 8:45 am

      Soon, the media will be asking why the President went on thus trip and why he does not negotiate with the poor little Republicans?
      This trip is very very important, they do not want him to succeed.
      This is really being downplayed in the press.

  11. November 12, 2011 at 8:40 am

    Good morning, TODville. Here is some video of PBO’s arrival in Hawaii:

    http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/16022916/live-stream-president-obama-lands-at-hickam

    And FYI – Hawaii time is 2 hours earlier than Pacific and 5 hours earlier than Eastern. Confusing!!

  12. November 12, 2011 at 8:44 am

    remember that french herman cain ? the dsk dood ? whatdayaknow ?

    Dominique Strauss-Kahn has demanded to be questioned by judges investigating an alleged prostitution ring, after media reports linked him to the case.

    He is keeping a low profile in Paris, has grown a white beard, and polls show he is the least popular politician in France.

    But he is dominating the front pages again after his name was linked to a high-profile investigation into an alleged prostitution ring at a luxury hotel in Lille.

    The Hotel Carlton affair centres on allegations of pimping at top hotels in the northern French city, where women from France and massage parlours in Belgium were allegedly supplied for hotel customers and local officials. Eight people are under formal investigation, including a senior police officer, a local barrister and businessmen. Five have been imprisoned as the inquiry continues.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/11/dominique-strauss-kahn-prostitution-scandal

  13. 74 mtmarilyn
    November 12, 2011 at 8:52 am

    Good morning TOD family! What a beautiful day yesterday was. Now we are in Hawaii! I will catch up tonight. I am off to church. We have our Fall Bazaar.

    I can’t do imagine what the reppub think they will be debating tonight when it comes to foreign policy.. They will just be making fools of themselves.

  14. 76 SueBee
    November 12, 2011 at 8:54 am

    I really need to stop reading the comments after videos and articles on the internet. I was not happy with Bush when he was in office, but I didn’t go on websites and say mean and hateful things about him or his wife..jeez

  15. 80 Janelle
    November 12, 2011 at 8:54 am

    Here’s the full radio interview that PBO gave at the game. It’s longer than he ESPN interview and more extensive. I really enjoyed it.

    http://westwoodonesports.com/2011/11/jim-gray-to-interview-president-obama-tonight-during-carrier-classic/

    • 81 SueBee
      November 12, 2011 at 9:23 am

      That was nice! Jim Gray sounded like a happy kid on his birthday. 🙂

      • November 12, 2011 at 11:27 am

        Every time PBO gets to be interviewed by someone outside the awful beltway, he actually gets the respect he deserve. It’s only the Chuck Todds of the world that treats him like he were their slave.

        • 84 jacquelineoboomer
          November 12, 2011 at 1:35 pm

          You mention Chuck Todd, BWD. Last time I couldn’t hit the remote fast enough to avoid his commercial on MSNBC, I heard him say something like “we ask the questions the American people want to know the answers to.” May try to listen to what question(s) he asks Jay Carney next time and then immediately follow up on Twitter with “Hey, Chuck, that wasn’t a question I wanted asked. Go home, creep.”

        • 85 a4alice
          November 12, 2011 at 2:26 pm

          you’re right BWD. As a matter of fact thank you for reminding me I was going to send that young man a thank you for his good job on doing such a fine interview. Anybody but the WHPress Corps in general does a better job of interviewing with thoughtful and respectful questions.

          I’ll go find this guy’s twitter handle and post it back here.

    • November 12, 2011 at 9:29 am

      Awwwwwwwww! Loved this interview! Loved the interviewer. At the end he said that this was his 57th bday and that he couldn’t have had a better one because he got to be there with PBO and PBO said: “Awww……….. ” Forgot what else he said. So sweet! Pretty sure that at some point the interviewer will get a happy belated bday card. The interviewer was so sweet.

    • November 12, 2011 at 10:32 am

      Thanks a million for that link Janelle, loved the interview – just added it to the post. Thanks again 😉

    • 90 eveingeorgia
      November 12, 2011 at 11:29 am

      That interview was great. I am glad PBO got a chance to be interviewed by someone who seemed to really appreciate what he’s trying to achieve.
      Thanks, Janelle.

  16. 91 Asher in Boston
    November 12, 2011 at 8:57 am

    Good morning family. Been MIA regards to commenting though I visit the site frequently in a day to read all your comments which I do, and guys, ain’t you one smart/ positive family to be around. Thank you guys for all your informative words and all you do for the Pres and his re- election. Chipsticks, you are simply the best and imagine what would we do with out you and your wonderful site, with all the lies, and hatred from the baggers and our own left baggers/ PL? I am now swamped with school and work thus cant comment as I would like but as I said, I read all the posts and comments and I am marveled by your smarts and dedication to our Pres. Now, the pics from yesterday are beautiful as usual and cant get enough of our first family. Wasnt that coo,l about the basket ball game? Cant wait for more pics to Australia and the rest. Love you guys.

  17. November 12, 2011 at 9:00 am

    Obama got the auto bailout right. Romney got it wrong. You can’t overstate how important the argument over the legacy of the auto bailout is likely to be to the 2012 campaign. With unemployment expected to remain high, Obama will aggressively showcase it as an example of government intervention in the economy producing an unqualified success in the midst of the industrial heartland.

    Given that Republicans, including Mitt Romney, widely panned the rescue of the auto industry as something akin to socialism, he’ll present it as a decisive rebuttal to the conservative worldview. If Romney is the nominee, the Obama team will point to it as a case where his ideological blinkers led him astray on a crucial economic decision that had far reaching consequences, raising serious questions about his judgment. The focus on such individual successes — amid an economy that’s expected to continue struggling next year — will be key to the pushback against the GOP argument that Obama’s policies and the ideology undergirding them have failed.

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/the-morning-plum/2011/11/11/gIQApmYuBN_blog.html

    • 95 theo67
      November 12, 2011 at 12:37 pm

      Romney’s attitude about the auto bailout (as well as his claim that the foreclosures should be allowed to quickly hit rock bottom so investors can start to feed off the carcasses and make profits) is a result of his Bain corporate-raiding days. He could care less about the impact to human beings, because the only “person” whose health he’s concerned with is the corporation. Profit is his value. And that’s why he can stand in front of veterans and tell them that the country doesn’t owe them anything, and they should be given vouchers which will cap their benefits, and wish them luck in the open market. It’s also why he couldn’t relate to the woman who sat next to him on the plane – because he doesn’t really want to improve medical care in this country – just wants to squeeze as much profit from the system as possible. And he’s not interested in interacting with real people – because people are either profit centers or cost centers to him.

      When he says he’s a business man, he’s telling the truth. And with a business, the only motive is profit. A business leader is only interested in maximizing profit. And this country either makes money or it doesn’t – there’s no room for any compassion or sympathy in that scenario.

  18. November 12, 2011 at 9:05 am

    Had to point & laugh at this robet reich tweet

    Worst economy since Great Depression, politics paralyzed by radical right, regressive Supreme Ct. Now is time for progressives to organize..

    O’rly robert ? Please tell us how to do so ? More kneecapping of your own prez ?

    • 98 utaustinliberal
      November 12, 2011 at 9:45 am

      Hahahaha….sometimes so called progressives are the the cause of their own downfall. Hypocricy abounds.

      By the way amk thanks for all the twitter help last night. My twitter feed is back to working order and I can see all the time stamps from all the tweets. 🙂

  19. November 12, 2011 at 9:10 am

    Hi everyone, I missed most of the late night chat 😦 but I saw this morning that a few of you were asking how to put photos in your comments.

    The only way I know how is …

    – Copy the url of the photo

    – Paste it in to the comment box

    – It’ll look like this:

    Is that how everyone does it, or is there an easier way?!

  20. November 12, 2011 at 9:22 am

    Morning everyone!! It’s a great day to be alive!!

    Long day at training yesterday, no chance to peek in here during the day. Last night lurked for a while, read comments. Heard everyone talking about PBO and FLOTUS PDA moment. Any videos?

    Hope today is a brighter than yesterday!!

  21. 106 dotster3
    November 12, 2011 at 9:24 am

    One of the dumbest questions ever asked by a “news” anchor—–On a report on the bball game and ESPN interview on the Today Show, Amy Rohbach asked John Harwood ‘why would President Obama be talking about the scandal at Penn St., should he be doing that?’ Amy, I realize you’re just reading questions written by some producer, but Obama was talking about Penn St. because he was ASKED ABOUT IT by the ESPN interviewer. I never cease to be amazed……it’s like dumb and dumber and dumbest with our news media.

    • November 12, 2011 at 9:40 am

      I gotta ask, these producers must all be Republicans?

    • 108 nospin
      November 12, 2011 at 9:40 am

      “Amy, I realize you’re just reading questions written by some producer, but Obama was talking about Penn St. because he was ASKED ABOUT IT by the ESPN interviewer. I never cease to be amazed……it’s like dumb and dumber and dumbest with our news media.”

      well said dotster3

    • November 12, 2011 at 9:49 am

      Not only was PBO asked about the question, but who is she to limit what the president can talk or not talk about. It was a dumb question. Can’t find a twitter handle for her so I tweeted Harwood to tell her the president was responding to a question posed by the interviewer. I told him to imagine if the president had so no comment, what MSM would have done with that one.

      These people are insufferably nutty!!

    • 112 theo67
      November 12, 2011 at 1:37 pm

      Two good points in that report – first, there are only 171 detainees left in the prison. I seem to remember there being hundreds a couple of years ago, right? So, some have been cleared and released. (I have to listen to that speech the President did in response to Cheney).

      And second, I’m glad that the author mentions that the President hasn’t had support from his own party on this. All those who blame the President for not closing Gitmo need to be told who’s really to blame.

      • 113 nathkatun7
        November 12, 2011 at 5:05 pm

        Good points, Theo. The PL who blame the President argue that he should have twisted the arms of members of Congress, just like LBJ, to force them to bend to his will. The same mythical strong man LBJ who was forced from running for re-election by challenges from his own party.

  22. November 12, 2011 at 9:38 am

    Glad that MLB catcher was rescued. If any of you ever travel to Columbia or Venezuela, check in with the US embassy there. You should let them know what you are doing and if they can give you any advice.
    Just saying!

  23. 116 debbyeOh
    November 12, 2011 at 9:54 am

    Good morning TOD family! I’m sorry didn’t get back to the kind well wishes from last night. My MRI went well, I was just tired after it, went home and crashed. This morning I saw repeat of POTUS remarks about Penn State mess, he’s so classy and thoughtful. We are so blessed to have this man as president. Thanks for all the great pics, Chips.

    • November 12, 2011 at 10:33 am

      How are you doing today Debbye? I hope things are better 😉

      • 118 debbyeOh
        November 12, 2011 at 1:24 pm

        Thanks for asking, Chips, yes I am doing well. I have MS, and am taking a new infusion to address it, so I have to check the progress with frequent MRIs. (TMI, my apologies.) But I’m getting into fighting shape for the upcoming battle for 2012 🙂 !

  24. 147 nospin
    November 12, 2011 at 9:57 am

    There is no stronger or more effective advocate for our military and their family than this administration.

    Thank you Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden for all you do for these families. Thank you to the businesses that stepped up to the plate.

    • 148 Betsy
      November 12, 2011 at 11:47 am

      Do you think veterans today realize all that PBO and his gorgeous wife and Dr. Biden are doing for them? They are traditionally Republican (according to my co-worker who’s husband is in the Coast Guard and was there last night). Is the message getting through to them, or do you think they think he’s just “acting”? It seems to me that the cheering for him is always muted on CSPAN, so I can’t really tell if they truly appreciate him. I know many of the younger veterans seem to get it, but I saw a lot of people not clapping on that ship, not smiling… Maybe I’m just paranoid. I just can’t imagine how they don’t get it by now.

      • November 12, 2011 at 11:54 am

        24×7 pox news in the army bases could be one of the reasons for that.

      • 150 nospin
        November 12, 2011 at 12:00 pm

        I know they are aware. There is such a difference today than a few years ago and no matter the party affiliation you have to recognize and acknowledge it. They know it is because of what Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden is doing to shine a light on our military. They know that it is also tied to the efforts of this administration.

        Not clapping — I would equate that to discipline. My brother who served for over 20+ years would fall into that criteria. He stays at attention. 🙂 So I wouldn’t read too much into that. It is clear to to anyone in uniform the differences in terms of support that is now available vs. the past. You don’t have to agree with the politics or the party affiliation but on this issue, support for our military men and women, I would say that we are united.

        • 151 Betsy
          November 12, 2011 at 12:28 pm

          Good to know, thanks for your insight. I feel better 🙂 I just want them all to know how much PBO and his family, VPBiden and his family really do support these veterans.

  25. 154 utaustinliberal
    November 12, 2011 at 10:24 am

    Yahoo Shine has wonderful clips of Veterans day interviews with FL Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. FLOTUS also talked about how proud she would be if her daughters ever wanted to serve in the military and she would support them 100%. And Dr. Biden talked about her daughter’s engagement and was asked about the possibility of a White House wedding. The interviewer was nice and respectful. 🙂

    http://shine.yahoo.com/veteransday/

  26. November 12, 2011 at 10:28 am

    Office of the Press Secretary
    For Immediate Release November 09, 2011
    Press Briefing Previewing the President’s Trip to Hawaii, Australia and Indonesia, 11/9/2011
    James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

    http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2011/11/obama_in_hawaii_australia_and_.html

  27. 156 Marlz (@marjgra)
    November 12, 2011 at 10:28 am

    Ouch. . . four time??Thought it was one! Crossroads ad gets pulled.

    http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_11/crossroads_ad_gets_pulled_for033452.php

  28. 158 Marlz (@marjgra)
    November 12, 2011 at 10:33 am

    Hashtags today #ForeignPolicyQuestionsForGOPCandidates

    http://twitter.com/#!/LOLGOP/status/135377386773553152

  29. 159 desertflower
    November 12, 2011 at 10:50 am

    Totally not related to anything political…but the elementary school I teach in is trying to raise money for a new sound system..ours is, well…antiquated is being kind 🙂 I have a wonderful co worker that volunteers his time and efforts to put on plays with the kids every year…he is tireless in his efforts, and an extraordinary man….anyway, he has asked for all our help (at school) and things are moving very slowly.

    Here’s the thing. You DO NOT have to donate money. You just have to sign up and vote. Everyday. Pepsi is doing this promotion and the money will come from them.

    If you could help these kids out, it would be awesome for them. They work so hard to put on these productions, and the audience can’t even HEAR them! Arts in school is so important! Luckily, I work in a district that values art, and music, and PE….many others have cut these from their curriculum.

    Here is the site for you to register to be ABLE TO VOTE. EVERYDAY. http://www.refresheverything.com/

    In the search box on the top right: Type in the words “desert shadows” and it will take you to the spot to vote for this.

    We can’t seem to get past # 32 in the rankings….the man that does these productions, has found this on his own….it’s ALL about the kids for him….you all would love him! He is one of us, to be sure….he has done so much for these kids…would really like to see him get this. It is a true labor of love for him.

    Thanks so much….would love to surprise him with a HUGE bump in the standings….and would love even more to have the kids get what they need!

    • 160 nospin
      November 12, 2011 at 11:29 am

      hi Desertflower – I voted for your program.

      Just a recommendation – you could suggest to your co-worker to edit his description of the project. It did not highlight the key points you raised in your note above. To drive energy, he should really touch on why the program he supports is important, how the program benefits the children and what effect it has on the kids, school and the local community. And then say because of the importance of this program, it is critical that we upgrade in our sound system to support this effort. Because of budget shortfalls, the school has to find other methods to try to raise funding for this awesome program and that is why we need your vote.

      He only wrote the information below and I think that is the reason why you don’t have the parent support you would like to have.

      “Specifically, my idea will help not only our musicals for 4th,5th,and 6th graders but all performances.
      I believe my idea is unique and innovative because students will not need hand held microphones to project themselves.
      One thing that might surprise people about my idea is how much kids’ talents and self-esteem will blossom.”

      Anyway – this is just a suggestion as a person that stepped down from a post as PTA President after the last 3 years. Each year our elementary school PTA was able to successfully generate over $100,000 to support programs and technology for our school and we were able to do it without any serious arm twisting and with minimal effort by our volunteers. Funds were raised through 70% direct donations from our parents, 20% parent participation in our fun activities like Fall Festival, Breakfast with Santa etc. and after school Enrichment programs, and the remaining 10% came from the local business community if we chose to reach out to them. The reason we were successful was because of the way we framed the conversation. We effectively touched on what the program offered, highlighted what was in it for the kids and/or the school and why it would be in the best interest of donors to support the effort. and so we were able to get buy in from families and if necessary the same approach applied when we solicited local businesses.

      Hope that helps.

      • 161 desertflower
        November 12, 2011 at 1:26 pm

        thank you so much for the comments, nospin…and the participation! I agree. When I saw the little tidbit of an explanation, I was disappointed as well. I didn’t know if he was limited as to what he could say, so I didn’t fault him for that….but I also felt that it was lacking some…umph!

        Our PTA does have a Fall Festival, Book Fair, and other assorted fund raisers throughout the year….that Breakfast with Santa sounds intriguing…can you expound on that a bit?

        Anyway…thank you much!

        • 162 nospin
          November 12, 2011 at 2:50 pm

          Breakfast with Santa is a program where we provide a catered breakfast in our school cafeteria on a Saturday in December. We have a Santa who volunteers every year so the kids get to share their Christmas wishes, we have a volunteer photographer who takes the pictures of the kids with Santa, we have volunteers (students that have moved on to middle school) helping out by tracking the names of the kids and their grade level so we can organize the pics that we upload to a site using a password so parents can log in within a day or two after the event to download their kids pictures. We have our school 4th and 5th grade Chorus sing Christmas songs and our Strings and band students play a round of Christmas music for everyone who attends. All those folks volunteer. So no cost.

          Now we network with a local caterer so we provide great breakfast options of bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, orange juice, apple juice, coffee, milk etc to our families who attend. Our caterer donates a lot of the food and whatever items they don’t donate, we get at minimal charge. We also connected with our local Bagel shop and they donate most of the items as well and they also lower the costs for things we do have to pay for. So we get to keep more than we spend.

          Now, this effort is supposed to be a time where families come together and enjoy so we don’t really look at it as a fundraiser, but because we are smart about the way we get entertainment (free), obtain food, and add in the fun factor, we raise thousands of dollars anyway. We charge each participant $5.00 and our PTA covers the cost for families who have a financial need so everyone can participate. The thing is our families, reach out to friends and other family members in the community to participate in this program that runs from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. So with all the participants, we raise big money. During my tenure, we also added a program called Santa Secret shop. This shop complete with elves, is right down the hallway in the student lounge and operates during the same time frame. The volunteer coordinator and that team has a budget and then purchases items that are on sale for the store, parents can also donate unused gifts from previous years and then we set up the Secret Shop where students and their siblings can shop for their parents. We make a lot of money from those sales. All items are under $10.00. We have items as low as $2.00 but none of the items are dollar store quality. They are really good deals that a kid can be proud to wrap and put under the tree. The students love it.
          My kids get all their Christmas shopping done at the Santa Secret Shop. So they get gifts for each other, cousins, grandparents and for Mom and Dad. We have kids in grades 5 and volunteers from middle and high school come in to help the younger kids with their shopping (those volunteers are known as Santa’s elves) so we have a full house every year.

          As an fyi – We do most of our fundraising drives by the end of October. That is intentional so we know where our budget actual is and then we can drive activities to raise additional funds if there is a short fall. A year ago we moved away from traditional fund raising like selling wrapping paper, pizza, etc. It wasn’t worth the effort. We wanted 100% of the proceeds to go toward the elementary school or at least most of the proceeds so we replaced those fundraisers with a Walk for Education that raised a little over $35,000. Cost to the PTA to coordinate the walk was under $500.00 and that included prizes for each participant in all grade levels, prizes for top fundraisers per grade, top fundraiser per class and for bottled water and snacks for the kids. The walk lasts the length of a recess period per grade. So bottom line is there is a lot you can do with minimal effort if you get buy in from the participants.

          Another way we raised money was to adjust our PTA registration form and reduced the cost of participation in PTA to $5.00 for families and then included a direct donation box so folks could donate a few more dollars and allowed them to either dictate where they wanted the money to go (i.e. technology, cultural arts, enrichment, field trip fund, green team etc.) or whether they wanted PTA to choose. Then we had the traditional way to generate extra funding like the Giant, Safeway, Target etc. bonus bucks program where if you purchase items at those locations you can actually raise money from the school because those organizations would make a donation based on the percentage of your purchase to the school. I don’t really look at the book fair as a fundraiser because the company makes more profit than the school so when you way the level of effort by the return for the investment . . . but hey. . . some traditions you keep so I will let that one go. However, there are lots of options that make a big difference. Like adding a paypal button on your PTA site to solicit donations because the PTA donation is tax deductible. Great way for folks to get a last minute tax write off. Business can also make a tax deductible donation as well.

          If you want, I can send you a lot of the program details and documentation like coordinating a walk-a-thon, doing a direct donation drive or adding an Enrichment program where teachers can get stipend for teaching a class and parents/ organizations who want to participate donates a spot or two for kids to attend free, or they lower the cost of participation or they simply volunteer their time when teaching the class so that the PTA can pocket the difference and funds can directly benefit the kids. I will even share some templates so you can feel free to edit for your school’s use or not. Will also share our enrichment program offering where we have over 40 classes for the kids after school and because of the way it was structured, we actually make thousands of dollars from that as well.

          Hope all that helps.

    • November 12, 2011 at 11:47 am

      Just voted, remind us everyday, we are forgetful.

    • 168 CTGirl
      November 12, 2011 at 1:31 pm

      I voted as well!

  30. November 12, 2011 at 11:07 am

    The websites of the ny times and wa post has Nothing about the Presidents trip. I guess they don’t care-

  31. November 12, 2011 at 11:15 am

    Good morning, good people. Anyone found a clip of PBO and Michelle little PDA from yesterday?? 😉

    Have a great weekend, everyone.

    • 177 hopefruit2
      November 12, 2011 at 11:23 am

      Hey BWD, I’ve been scouring the Intertubes for that prized clip, and I’m sure many of us TODers have done the same – apparently no luck yet!!!!

    • 182 JoJothecat
      November 12, 2011 at 12:24 pm

      Hi BWD! Good to see ya here.

    • 183 globalcitizenlinda
      November 12, 2011 at 1:29 pm

      check on ESPN video where they summarized what had transpired during the Carrier Classic. The First Couple PDA was embedded as part of that summary of the day’s events. usually they run that video over and over and at least yesterday they showed that intimate moment a number of times

  32. November 12, 2011 at 11:25 am

    African American veterans of the Civil War to be honored!

    http://blackchristiannews.com/news/2009/05/honors-at-last-for-black-veterans.html

    Excerpt:

    Honors at Last for Black Veterans
    May 17, 2009 3:30 AM
    Hans Reigle is a Civil War history buff with a particular interest in cemeteries.

    His research has taken him as far as Georgia’s Andersonville National Cemetery, burial site for 13,000 Union soldiers who were among 45,000 imprisoned at Fort Sumter during the Civil War.

    But it was a discovery he made just a few stone’s throws from his Wyoming home that has been most gratifying.

    About 18 months ago, Reigle’s children had just finished playing soccer at Fred Fifer Middle School in Camden. The fields there back up to Zion AME Church, which was started in 1845 by a group of free blacks. Reigle decided to take a look at the cemetery, established three years after the church was founded.

    Among the chaotic patter of grave markers, something jumped out.

    “I noticed two grave markers that you could tell were Civil War-era federal gravestones,” Reigle said.

    The graves belonged to two men, Pvts. Caleb Fisher and Abraham Gibbs, the former having served in the 8th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops and the latter having served with the 41st Regiment of the same all-black organization.

    “I thought to myself, ‘Wow, this is something special,’ and I started doing research,” he said. “It’s a great story. It’s totally awesome.”

    To mark Armed Forces Day for all military men and women and to pay tribute to the two Civil War soldiers, Reigle organized a ceremony, “A Tribute to Forgotten Heroes,” that will begin at 11 a.m. today inside Zion AME Church, 20 Center St., then move to the cemetery.

    [Rest of article at site.]

  33. November 12, 2011 at 11:27 am

    Oh, regarding Black Civil War veterans, hat tip to twitterfeed of Pragmatic Obots United (POU). Sorry!

  34. 186 P
    November 12, 2011 at 11:29 am

    Hey, Good day all :). No live coverage of the summit?

  35. November 12, 2011 at 11:33 am

    via twitter – Republicans: Making Lies Out of Nothing At All

  36. 191 hopefruit2
    November 12, 2011 at 11:33 am

    In keeping with our commitment to veterans, Tammy Duckworth (was on the RM show last night), a former Iraq War Veteran is running for Illinois congressional district 8 in 2012. She is an amazing individual and based on what I’ve seen and read about her so far, would be a good person to support in the 2012 congressional elections. She is a former US Army helicopter pilot who lost both her legs after her helicopter crashed in 2004.

    More details as per Wikipedia:

    // In the 2006 election, Duckworth was the Democratic nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives seat for the sixth district of Illinois which was vacated by long-time Representative Henry Hyde. Duckworth lost to her opponent, Representative Peter Roskam, by 2% of the vote.[6] A supporter of the presidential election campaign of Barack Obama, Duckworth was given a prime-time speaking slot on the third night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.[7] She became the Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in 2009.[8] She resigned from that position on Monday, June 30, 2011.[9] In July 2011 she launched her campaign to run in 2012 for the re-drawn 8th congressional district.[1] //

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tammy_Duckworth

    You can see her here on the Rachel Maddow show (Note: This segment from RM was actually very good):
    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/ns/msnbc_tv-rachel_maddow_show/

  37. 194 relellit
    November 12, 2011 at 11:34 am

    Good morning everyone in TODville. Has anyone seen this?

    http://www.foxnews.com/topics/politics/iraq/osama-bin-laden.htm

    More discrediting of the President’s getting bin Laden..

    Chuck Pfarrer, a former SEAL Team Six assault-element commander, says it only took the SEALs 90 to 120 seconds – from landing to firing the fatal shot – to take out bin Laden, according to his new book, “Seal Target Geronimo,” the New York Post reports.

    Pfarrer insists that the SEALs were not on a “kill mission,” and that the team would have captured bin Laden had he surrendered.

    Pfarrer’s book, according to the Post, also reveals that the SEALs were angry with President Obama for announcing bin Laden’s death on TV just hours after they completed the mission on May 1.

    This Fool was also on the MSNBC shrill Dylan Ratigan’s show too. Pfarrer also says the picture below was a lie because the Obama administration was watching the helicopter crash.

    Will these fools ever stop with the Obama bashing just to make a dollar?

    Everyone have a nice day gotta run.

    • 195 hopefruit2
      November 12, 2011 at 11:41 am

      Anything from fox news gets no attention from me. Dylan Rotigan is a right-wing libertarian – of course his goal is to undermine President Obama, enable right wing while pretending to be non-partisian.

    • 196 GOVCHRIS1988
      November 12, 2011 at 12:03 pm

      And he knows……because?

      I looked this guy up on Wikipedia, he is nothing but a con masquerading as an expert.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Pfarrer

      Why would the SEAL’s be angry with the President announcing the death of a foreign terrorist who contributed to not only the wars that they are fighting, but the worst terrorist act on American soil. Why would they believe that we would hide that from the world? Its the Rovian attack, attack his biggest strength and make it a weakness.

    • November 12, 2011 at 12:10 pm

      This overweight, over the hill was really a seal commander that took out obl ? Did anyone fact-check his ‘story’ ?

      • November 12, 2011 at 12:25 pm

        We will not let these bastards swiftboat President Obama like they did the war hero John Kerry. They better back the hell off with the lies. I’m getting ready to go out and get signatures for the President to be on the ballot in Indiana. I’m going to tell everybody I talk to about the lies of the GOP. Bastards.

        I’m so damn sick of the GOP and the evil tea party, I don’t know what to do. I’m just effin sick of them trying to destroy this country. We have as much a right to a good way of life as they do.

    • November 12, 2011 at 2:25 pm

      Different day, same story. Everyone thinks they can peddle a lie using PBO to sell books. To believe his nonsense, one will have to believe that Secy Gates, and all the others involved are liars.

      The people who allow these nutjobs on to their shows without questioning their motives are just as guilty of the nonsense.

      • 202 nathkatun7
        November 12, 2011 at 6:10 pm

        Totally agree with you, Africa. I would even go farther than you and say that “the people who allow these nutjobs on their shows” are more guilty than the “nutjobs” themselves because they give them platforms to lie and mislead their viewers.

  38. 203 Marlz (@marjgra)
    November 12, 2011 at 11:48 am

    Interesting read. . . The plot thickens. . . was wondering about the ethnicity of the kids.
    http://drjoyce.net/dailydoseofrealness/2011/11/10/little-black-boys-are-disposable-why-i-dont-feel-sorry-for-joe-paterno/

    • 209 FiredUpInCA
      November 12, 2011 at 1:24 pm

      Back in 2003…

      “Gloria Allred, the lawyer who complained to California’s child protective services after watching Martin Bashir’s 2003 documentary Living With Michael Jackson, told CNN she was “very concerned” about Jackson’s children.”

      In 2003, people moved more promptly on these matters. A nationally-televised documentary prompted a call to protective services, a 12-car police raid ensued, followed by an arrest, and a year-long trial ending in acquittal.

      That’s very different from the Penn State timeline and responses:

      “SO MANY CHANCES MISSED

      1995.
      1998.
      2000.
      2002.
      2008.
          
      These dates spanning 13 years share two common threads that run through the entire grand jury presentment. At each stage, boys voiced concern or pain or alarm at the conduct of Jerry Sandusky — or adults witnessed behavior they found troubling or alarming.
          
      And at each stage, other adults dismissed, minimized or failed to act upon those concerns.”

      http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/11/who_knew_what_about_jerry_sand.html

      Apparently fear of hurting the reputation of Joe Paterno and Penn State trumped all other concerns for numerous adults aware of these incidents.

      In the end, these protectors got what they feared most–irreparable damage to Penn State and the Joe Paterno legacy. Worse, the enabled the irreparable damage to dozens of children and youth they should have been protecting more than Jerry Sandusky, Joe Paterno and Penn State.

      • November 12, 2011 at 2:16 pm

        This story has disturbed me to my core. That so many people allowed so many young, vulnerable boys to be revictimized by people they thought they could trust is heart wrenching. That a young boy could not even find safety at his high school, when his predator could just walk in there and invade his space is unforgivable.

        Like you said, the whole coverup was to protect the reputation of the school and the coach.

        I can’t get my arms the fact that all of these people knew Sandusky was a pedophile and looked the other way. It is unconscionable.

    • 211 defytheodds
      November 12, 2011 at 2:07 pm

      “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” – MLK

      • 212 nathkatun7
        November 12, 2011 at 7:26 pm

        Thanks, defytheodds, for that timeless quotation of MLK that speaks to this Penn State horror. One thing I do disagree with Dr. King is his assumption that people who are silent in the face of atrocities are always really “good people.” Clearly the silent people, in this case, are better described as cowardly people who pretended to be “good people” while being pre-occupied with protecting their carriers and the image of their University’s football team. There is also no doubt in my mind that this a clear example of how “white privilege” trumps human concern for the children being victimized. Does any one honestly believe that if Sandusky was black coach, who victimized mostly white children, that the authorities would have allowed this situation to go on for sixteen years without intervening?

  39. 213 Lightfoot
    November 12, 2011 at 11:50 am

    First Lady Michelle Obama is sooooooooooooooooo PRETTY!!!! 😀

  40. November 12, 2011 at 11:52 am

    Good Morning TOD family.

    I hope the President and FLOTUS are energized being in Hawaii.

    I wanted to share this story which I hope will be used by many folks in the months to come, it is a positive way to motivate businesses and I would love to try it in my community.

    “Carrotmob” – uses corporate greed for good
    http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/11/carrotmob-uses-corporate-greed-for-good.html

    • November 12, 2011 at 1:05 pm

      That is so much fun and clever as all get-out. Thank you for finding and sharing that. Yay.

    • November 12, 2011 at 1:47 pm

      This is really a great people-empowering idea. I suppose tax break incentives serve a similar function? I also remember an OFA offer during the midterms (?) to call and canvas for those who supported a particular Bill or something? Not quite sure what the issue was, but it had work-exchange or better yet, carrotmobbing, written all over it. Hope I’m not complicating or msunderstanding a clear and good idea;-)

  41. November 12, 2011 at 11:54 am

    After reading that story about the really expensive prison, I wanted to share this story of what is being done in San Mateo. It also gives me a chance to show off a picture of my dog “maverick” when he was a puppy.

    San Mateo County Inmates Transform Dogs Through TAILS Program
    http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/11/san-mateo-county-inmates-transform-dogs.html

  42. November 12, 2011 at 11:56 am

    Many folks watched the “60 Minutes” show about operation proper exit. Here is another show they did about what it was like for the soldier who received the “silver star” after he got home. A nice sequel to the original story.

    Steven Cornford: Life after Operation Proper Exit
    http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/11/steven-cornford-life-after-operation.html

  43. 221 dotster3
    November 12, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    Very emotional pre-game at Penn St. All quiet in the stadium, long moments of silence, Nebraska players came out to the middle of the field and hugged the Penn St. players, who are caught up in all this thru no fault of their own. Then both benches emptied and all were in center field hugging. And everyone in the crowd was just sobbing. The one that got me was a young boy in his Penn St. sweatshirt with tears rolling down his face. So many people who had great pride in their school and community are all affected by the criminal acts and negligence of a few adults there who should have known better and should have done the right and decent thing at the first alert of possible abuse. What a tragedy.

  44. November 12, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    Happy Saturday Tods’ville….

    I’ve been practicing in how to post Pics of tweeter..and I just added jpg. at the end, without the other tags..and it worked:-)

  45. November 12, 2011 at 1:15 pm

    Tien..I think Bill Walton loves PBO…every time I see his tweets make me smile:-)

  46. 231 Ladyhawke
    November 12, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    RICK PERRY WANTS TO DISMANTLE THE DEPARTMENTS OF ENERGY, EDUCATION AND COMMERCE (That’s the real gaffe)

    The fact that Rick Perry had a brain freeze at the debate this week is the least of our problems. The problem is the Rick Perry thinks the energy, commerce and education departments should be dismantled. If only the media would focus on the real gaffe. It wasn’t forgetting the third agency he wanted to dismantle. It’s that a person running for president of the United States wants to dismantle three agencies that the country desperately needs.

    Rachel Maddow did a very sobering segment on exactly what the Energy Department is responsible for. It won’t surprise you to know that Perry wanting to dismantle this agency is just dumb. This alone should disqualify him. It would be great if the media started to focus on the real problem here. I really wish John Harwood had asked Rick Perry who would be handling the tasks the Energy Department currently provides.

    Why we need the department Perry can’t remember he wants to cut

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#45250208

    • 233 nathkatun7
      November 12, 2011 at 7:57 pm

      Exactly! Thank you so much Ladyhawke for zeroing in on the real issue. I know I have, at times, had the Rick Perry moment even when engaged in non stressful public forums. Isn’t it amazing that our so called journalists/pundits are primarily focused on Perry’s “senior moment” than they are about his actual policies of dismantling crucial Departments that would have lasting impact on a great many people?

  47. November 12, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    Republicans just changed the pledge of allegiance-

    Republicans:

              “I pledge allegiance to GROVER NORQUIST over the United States of America, and the rich for which he stands one nation under under greed, unemployed, with obstruction and poverty for all. “

  48. 236 FiredUpInCA
    November 12, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    We need to help Gov. Rick Perry realize his vision and get our money back:

    “The Texas Clean Energy Project (TCEP) is a project developed by Summit Power Group, Inc (“Summit”), involving the building of a clean-coal power plant, a type of carbon capture and storage facility, located near Odessa, Texas.

    According to Summit, the future Texas Clean Energy Plant plant is designed for 90% carbon capture, which is projected to be 2.7 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. If accomplished, this would be more than any other power plant of commercial scale operating anywhere in the world….

    The potential carbon captured by the plant will be used for enhanced oil recovery in the West Texas Permian Basin.

    Summit was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to receive a $350 million cost-sharing award to assist in developing the plant. It was the largest award given up to that date by the DOE’s Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI).”

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Clean_Energy_Project

    Gov. Perry believes there’s a better way to fund enhanced oil recovery in West Texas. He must know of a better source of $450 million dollars ($350 million was the initial grant, with the rest to follow) to build a clean-coal power plant in Texas. Because we all know that he sure is disgusted with the nearly half billion he got from us and the Department he wants to eliminate.

  49. 237 Ladyhawke
    November 12, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    SHAMPAIGN: NEWT GINGRICH “POLITICS FOR PROFIT” or PLEASE BUY MY BOOKS

    ====================================================================

    Steve Kornaki news editor for Salon talks with Rachel Maddow about how Newt Gingrich is able to mix money making schemes with the political process. Newt has turned running for president into a very lucrative pass time. The fact that more is not known about his questionable activities is an indictment of the media.

    ====================================================================

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#45264284

  50. 239 professorx10
    November 12, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    Chipstic
    does anyone know what is the name of the video where
    Dylan Ratagan is getting called out by OWS for backing wallstreet?

  51. November 12, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    Very nice interview by Jim Gray with PBO.

  52. 248 desertflower
    November 12, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Just in case some of this comes up tonight in the debates 🙂 Know when ANY of them is lying??? When their mouths are moving!

  53. 250 dotster3
    November 12, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Oh no. Herman Cain said that God told Herman Cain to run for POTUS. Herman Cain told a group of College Repubs today that he prayed and prayed and prayed, and God told Herman Cain that this is what he wants him to do. What kind of oversized ego do you have to have to believe this stuff? Guess God doesn’t care about sexual harassment charges. And God also chose Palin, Bachmann and Perry too, according to Palin Bachmann and Perry. I think God chose Huckabee last year too, according to Huckabee. I think God may have chose Santorum too, according to Santorum. It’s so confusing.

  54. November 12, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    That skirt chasing punk berlooseconi is about to lose his job. Good riddance.

    The lower house of Italy’s parliament has passed a package of austerity measures demanded by the EU and designed to restore markets’ confidence in the country’s economy.

    The vote paves the way for Silvio Berlusconi to resign as prime minister. He is due to see the president shortly.

    A technocrat government led by ex-EU commissioner Mario Monti seems likely.

    The austerity package includes a rise in VAT and the pension age, rising fuel prices and the sale of state assets.

    Mr Berlusconi, who lost his parliamentary majority in a vote on Tuesday, promised to resign after the austerity measures were passed by both houses of parliament.

    Members of the lower house voted 380-26 with two abstentions, after the Senate approved the measures easily on Friday. President Giorgio Napolitano later signed the bill.

    Mr Berlusconi is expected to tender his resignation to Mr Napolitano shortly.

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/world-europe-15703459

  55. November 12, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    via twitter -Retired General Slams Romney Plan to Voucherize Veterans Care

    Lieutenant General Claudia Kennedy (US Army, Retired), the first woman to achieve the rank of three-star general in the U.S. Army and co-chair of the DNC’s Veterans and Military Families Council, released the following statement in reaction to Mitt Romney’s plan to privatize veterans’ health care benefits:

    “Mitt Romney’s proposal to privatize our veterans’ health care is the same, sorry song and dance that we’ve heard from him before. Just as he would privatize Medicare, his announcement that he would privatize veterans’ health care, changing it into a voucher program, pulls the rug out from our veterans. He would cut ties with our veterans and leave them to fend for themselves on the private insurance market. But, our service members deserve better.

    http://www.democrats.org/news/blog/retired_general_slams_romney_plan_to_voucherize_veterans_care

    • 265 nathkatun7
      November 12, 2011 at 11:07 pm

      Lets us all say Amen to Gen. Claudia Kennedy for exposing the so called moderate Mitt Romney who is as rabid a right winger as all his comrades running on the Republican side..

  56. November 12, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    via politico

    President Obama’s statement on Syria’s suspension from the Arab League: “I applaud the important decisions taken by the Arab League today, including the suspension of Syria’s membership, consideration of economic sanctions, and downgrading of diplomatic relations. After the Assad regime flagrantly failed to keep its commitments, the Arab League has demonstrated leadership in its effort to end the crisis and hold the Syrian government accountable. These significant steps expose the increasing diplomatic isolation of a regime that has systematically violated human rights and repressed peaceful protests. The United States joins with the Arab League in its support for the Syrian people, who continue to demand their universal rights in the face of the regime’s callous violence. We will continue to work with our friends and allies to pressure the Assad regime and support the Syrian people as they pursue the dignity and transition to democracy that they deserve.”

  57. November 12, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    Most Ignorant GOP Presidential Hopefuls, from Herman Cain to Mitt Romney

    http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2011/11/09/most-ignorant-gop-presidential-hopefuls-photos.html

    The biggest liar – oops perry.

  58. 269 Marlz (@marjgra)
    November 12, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    Ha!
    _vI7+hnN.htm

      • 271 nathkatun7
        November 12, 2011 at 11:41 pm

        This is really priceless! Finally, we now know that God is playing a joke on us by unleashing this group of Republican presidential candidates. Yet, a great many in the right wing world are so clueless that they don’t quite get God’s joke. I suppose God will be LOL if Americans elect one of these Republican candidates as President. I am sure He would make it clear that we can’t blame him for choosing any one of the Republicans. He has always given us, so I was taught in my Sunday school, “Free Will” to choose between good and evil.


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