Obama Takes 100th-Day Hoopla and Runs With It

In the New York Times article,"Obama Takes 100th-Day Hoopla and Runs With It" President Obama was against marking his 100th day in office. Obama believes that its not any different than the 99th day in office. Although Senior advisor,David Axelrod believes it to be a " Hallmark Holiday."

The Obama administration has planned a busy schedule for Obama on his 100th day in office.He will be in St. Louis to speak at a town-hall-style meeting,followed by a prime-time news conference. The White House wants Obama's 100th day in office to feed the appetite of the public hoping that it will be to the advantage of the President.

President Obamas personal photographers have been taking amazing photos of him. The photos will be released just in time for the 100th day celebration. The White House will use this as a time for them to show the American people that roughly two-thirds of the public approves of the job Mr. Obama is doing.

I don't really care that it is Obamas 100th day in office. Its going to take more than 100 days to see if he follows through with any of the promises he made. As for today, I can't see any difference he has made.

Tax Day Is Met With Tea Parties

Tax Day Is Met With Tea Parties

April 15th, the last day to file your income taxes, gave many people the opportunity to express their frustration and protest the Obama Administration's out of control spending. The idea for these tea parties was inspired by CNBC Commentator, Rick Santelli, who said that the Obama administration promoted “bad behavior” and that Americans should protest with a Tea Party. This sparked a non-partisan grass roots movement, and more than seven hundred and fifty tea parties were held all across the country, with Fox News reporters Neil Cavuto, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck broadcasting live from different protests.

Hundreds of people showed up across the street from the White House until the park and Pennsylvania Avenue were blocked off while the Secret Service retrieved a box of Tea Bags from the lawn of the White House. A crowd of thousands poured into downtown Houston wanting Texas to secede from the Union. Some participants in Boston dressed in colonial attire and gave audiences a lesson on the 1773 Boston Tea Party.

All I can say is I wish that I was there to see these protesters in their colonial attire. I think that the tea parties were an unusual way to protest. However, I believe that this is the beginning of many more protests to come. SO ALL I CAN SAY IS....... KEEP DRINKING TEA!

What Is This World Coming Too ?

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter recently signed a bill protecting the rights of same-sex and unmarried couples. The legislation agreed to allow these individuals to have the same rights as married couples in Colorado. It is now legal for the couples to legally identify a "designated beneficiary, including the right to inherit property, to act as a medical proxy, to be designated as a beneficiary in retirement plans and pensions, and to visitation in a hospital or other medical facility.

The bill was signed quickly and without much publicity. The Governor wants to award all Coloradans the right to make end of life decisions know matter what their marital preferences might be. He felt that this was a low cost option that would benefit same-sex couples and unmarried couples with these decisions. This is a sign of equal rights in Colorado according to the April10,2009 article titled" Colorado Governor Signs Law Protecting Same Sex Couples. The powers that be believe this is a right to self-determination which everyone is entitled to.

This is a sticky subject to say the least. Everyone has their personal opinion on the subject.I personally believe that you have the right to designate whoever you want to make your end of life decisions known. On the other hand, I am a Christian need I say anymore.

Sharing the Blame for the Economoc Crisis

In Bill Moyers Journal this week he discussed the roots of our current economic problems in an article titled "Sharing the Blame for the Economic Crisis."

Bill Black a former regulator believes that the blame for our current economic crisis lies in the hand of the lender.The lenders didn't verify that the borrowers had a jobs and was able to repay the debt. A loan that is given to a borrower without verifying their financial situation is called a "Liars Loan."

When a borrower goes into a bank for a loan, they are ask about their current job and what their assets are. If a bank gives the loan without verifying the information they are giving a "Liars Loan." Is it fraudulent to give a Loan without the verification process? According to article it is, "it produces enormous fraud under economic theory, criminology theory, and 2000 years of life experience.”

Americans have lived above their means for many years now. The current economic crisis is proof of that. At the end of 2008 Americans began to save more and spend less. The article credited "Household debt in the U.S. the money we owe as individuals — zoomed to more than 130% of income in 2007, up from about 60% in 1982. We enjoyed living beyond our means no wonder we wanted to believe it would never end.”

It believe this article to be very true. When I go to the bank for a loan, they never do a credit check, because I have been banking there for years.We all have a tendency to live above our means. As my mother would say "people are trying to keep up with the Joneses."

Holder Sworn In as Attorney General

Holder Sworn In as Attorney General

Eric H. Holder Jr. was recently named the nations 82nd Attorney General. When Holder was nominated for position,controversy arose concerning the role he played in the acquiescence of Marc Rich,a fugitive financier at the end of the Clinton Administration.

Holder, a former judge, prosecutor and deputy attorney general has a lengthy record of public service to help him prepare for his new job. Critics believe that Holder voted to acquit Rich only to please President Clinton.

The attorney general’s installation ceremony was held at the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University. President Obama made a point to say, Holder is more eager to criticise his boss than please him.

A joke was made about the basketball skills of Obama."Mr. Holder was asked to compare his basketball prowess to that of the president, he told the reporter: “I’m not sure he’s ready for my New York game." He later said that the President would never get to see his skills.

Holder said that “independence of mind that justice requires, never hesitating to take on members of his own party, including those to whom he owed his job.

I really don't know if Holder is the one for the job. If there is controversy surrounding him before he even had a chance to explain himself. I think that the critics won't let it rest. The media likes to create drama.

A Bank Bailout That Works

The economic crisis that our nation is experiencing, is the affects of "many years of reckless behavior according to the article A Bank Bailout That Works. American banks have put our nation in a desperate situation. The majority of the U.S. banks, if held responsible for their poor choices, would have to close their doors.

Although no one really knows the extent of the economic deficient, the estimates are a whopping
$ 2-3 trillion or more. If any other businesses capital was inadequate they would have to close the doors. The faulty practices of the U. S. banks, don't force them to mark down assets to current market price. The U. S. is not the only country that has bailed out their banks, Chile, Argentina and Indonesia spent 40% or more of their GDP during their bailout.

Could the $ 700 million for the U. S. bank bailout only be enough for a down payment? During the Bush Administration the national debt rose from $ 5.7 trillion to $ 10 trillion. The large amount of money that the government is spending on the bailout could cost such programs as social security.

The American banks are like a toxic waste, now the government is paying the price to clean up their mess. The politicians that are responsible for the bailout, don't want to take credit for it. They say that they were forced to make the decision.

The lenders are the ones that made a mess out of our economy, therefore they should be the ones that are forced to clean it up. The taxpayers shouldn't have to pay the price for other peoples mistakes. I believe that the government should make examples out of them. If they are handed over the money, who's to say that it won't happen again.

All Troops Out By 2011? Not So Fast; Why Obama's Iraq Speech Deserves a Second Look

Is is possible that all the U. S. troops will be out of Iraq by 2011? In Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on Friday, President Obama declared to make it a reality. According to the article
"All Troops Out By 2011? Not So Fast; Why Obama's Iraq Speech Deserves a Second Look," Obama said,"I intend to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011," the anti-war analyst find hope in Obama's speech but realize that it is more complicated than it sounds.

The plan to remove the troops by 2011 is subject to change. The Obama administration plans to revisit the idea, allowing for change if needed. Obama assured, New York Rep. John McHugh that he has a Plan B. Although the plan is for all troops to pull out of Iraq, Pentagon correspondent Jim Miklaszeswki has reason to believe that a large number of U. S. troops will remain in Iraq for the next 15-20 years. It is reported that it is insubordinate to make such statements against Obama's order.

The U. S. Embassy in Baghdad revealed last month that there would be a need for U. S. presence in Baghdad to maintain the city.The need to place U.S. diplomats in armed convoy in Iraq creates danger for the Iraqi civilians. Know matter who is chosen for the job, regularly escorting U.S. VIPs around Iraq will cause conflict. Obama neglected to mention how this would be handled.

The Status of Forces Agreement, or the plan for a timetable U.S. withdrawal from Iraq contains loopholes, or the possibility U.S. troops will remain in Iraq well beyond the 2011 deadline. The congressional Democratic leadership was shocked by President Obama's plan to wait until 2011 to withdraw all the troops from Iraq. They expected less than 35,000 to 50,000 troops in the country beyond 2010.

Obama addressed the military audience during his speech on Friday, declaring "We sent our troops to Iraq to do away with Saddam Hussein's regime -- and you got the job done." He explained that the troops were placed in Iraq to establish a sovereign government, now their job is done. Our goal was for the Iraqi people to live better, now the opportunity is in their hands.Our job has been accomplished.


I hope that President Obama's plan to remove the troops from Iraq is a reality. Although a lot of people thrashes President Bush for sending our troops to Iraq, I believe he did the right thing.
I do believe that we have accomplished our goal and it is time for them to come home. One thing that we don't need is war on our turf.

Obama's Plan to Slash the Deficit

President Obama Has Plan to Slash Deficit, Despite Stimulus Bill

President Obama has a plan to slash the $ 1.2 trillion deficit he inherited when he took office. Although, the deficit will rise to $ 1.5 trillion after the passing of the stimulus bill, he plans to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term. The withdrawal of troops in Iraq, and the wealthy having higher taxes will help reduce the deficit. With the 2010 fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009, he will unveil a plan in April in which he hopes to have the National Deficit down to $533 billion by 2013, his last year of his term as President. His projected $533 billion deficit by the end of his term would be a reduction from 10% of the total domestic product, down to 3%, a sustainable level according to economists.

In President Obama's weekly radio address, he laid out the details of his strategy, in which he would invest in the things that were necessary and cut what is not. President Obama plans to introduce proposals of tax increment's on investment income for hedge funds and private equity. This tax increase could potentially return to 39.6% from 35% where it is currently. Also, President Obama has called for an end in 2010 to the Bush Tax Cuts on income, capital gains, and dividends for individuals making $250,000 or more.

Due to the rising deficit, some believed that President Obama would have to put his plans for health care reform on hold. However, in his budget plan, he wants to increase health care coverage to over 46 million uninsured individuals. He believes that he will be able to do this without growing the economy even more by making cost-saving changes. When it comes to energy policy, President Obamas has proposed that there will be new revenues by 2012 from requiring companies to purchase a government permit for greenhouse gas emissions above a certain point.

I believe that President Obama is trying to help the citizens of the United States.The problems with the financial deficit are not a quick fix. It will take many years to see improvements, if we ever do. I just hope that people understand that Obama is human and can't perform miracles.

Awaiting Bailout, Several Big Banks Halt Foreclosures

Awaiting Bailout, Several Big Banks Halt Foreclosures.

The word foreclosure is a common word in many households in the United States. The struggle to make their mortgage payments are simply impossible. Some of the major banks are halting foreclosures while President Obama works diligently to help the struggling homeowner. Arizona is one of the hardest hit by foreclosures. Obama wants to insure that not only home owners in Arizona but other states are protected from having their homes foreclosed on.

Although lenders have attempted to help the struggling home owners, it hasn't stopped the housing recession. In 2008,the housing industry faced an 81% increase in foreclosures compared to 2007. President Obama wants home owners to have lower mortgages, which would force the mortgage industry to modify the terms of home loans. The home owner wouldn't have to be in default to qualify. It is amazing to think that 274,000 American households have received at least one foreclosure notice last month.

Government controlled mortgage companies such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are determining the loans that are at least three months behind on their payments. Obama thinks that bankruptcy judges should be able to alter the terms of the loans.

I realize that the housing industry is in a trouble crisis. The question I ask is who is at fault? The home owner or the lender? These lending companies lend money to people they know can't pay. There are many people I know that have $1,400.00 a month mortgages, two car payments, and maxed out credit cards. I really think the fault lies in the hands of those that lend. Why would you lend that much money to someone you know can't pay?

Obama Calls on Congress to Put Stimulus Plan in Motion

Obama Calls on Congress to Put Stimulus Plan in Motion
President Obama wants congress to set aside their differences in an attempt to ease the economic woes. Obama wants to put a plan in motion that would bring new jobs to our country.

In President Obama's weekly address, he talked about the criticism from the Republican Party toward the stimulus package, in which they believed would not create new jobs.

Obama was happy that the democrats and the republicans in the senate are responding to the urgency of the economic crisis.

In the address, Obama noted that "this is the United States' greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression."

With Americans struggling they are watching to see how the government responds.

Although the Obama family is preparing for their trip to Camp David, the work continues. His advisers are preparing for the bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans to come together so that President Obama can sign the dotted line.

Obama named specific states that would benefit from the stimulus. Indiana, as well as Maine. Maine's Republican Senators, Snowe & Collins votes are key in the senate.

The President will travel to Indiana where he will hold a town meeting in an attempt to build support. On Tuesday, he will travel to Florida where he promises to upgrade schools, and create new jobs. Promises have also been made in Ohio for "4.5 million workers to receive tax relief."

I believe that President Obama has good ideas if he can only follow through. What I worry about is the poor and the elderly. The ones that would benefit are the middle and upper class. It's all over the news about helping the big companies. As my mother always said "the poor gets poorer and the rich gets richer." From what I can tell, it sure does look like this will continue.

President Obama Signs Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

The article I read for my blog this week was "President Obama Signs Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act". The article discusses the first bill that President Obama signed after taking office. The "Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 (H.R. 11)" helps victims of wage discrimination. Women aren't the only people that the bill will help, anyone that is discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability will benefit. Obama, signed the act noting that he was, "upholding one of the nations principle's that we are all created equal." The Ledbetter Act overturned the Roberts Supreme Court decision that stopped women's ability to sue for wage discrimination. Lilly Ledbeter worked 19 years for Goodyear before realizing that she was paid significantly less than her male co-workers; all with which had the same or less experience as she.

I admire Obama for signing the Ledbetter Act. I must admit that I wasn't a supporter of Obama for President; however, I am happy to see in these times of financial crisis he is working for the benefit of the working people class citizen.