NATO Summit Chicago 2012
The NATO Summit Chicago 2012 is a meeting of the heads of state and heads of government of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, to be held in Chicago, United States, on 20 and 21 May 2012.This represents the first time in 30 years that the two summits have been held together, and the first time ever that a NATO summit has been held in the United States outside of Washington, DC.
President Obama welcomes all NATO allies and partners to his hometown of Chicago for the NATO Summit on May 20-21, which will be the premier opportunity this year for the President to continue his efforts to strengthen NATO in order to ensure that the Atlantic Alliance remains the most successful alliance in history, while charting the way forward in Afghanistan.
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May 18
3rd Annual Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security - Washington D.C.
10:15 AM ET
President Obama will deliver the opening keynote address
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NATO Summit Chicago 2012 - Camp David, MD
7:30 PM ET
Official Greeting of G8 Leaders
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May 19
NATO Summit Chicago 2012 – Camp David, MD
9:00 AM ET
President Obama and other G-8 leaders attend Working Session #1
10:45 AM ET
NATO Summit Family Photo
11:15 AM ET
President Obama attends the second working session with G8 Leaders
12:25 PM ET
President Obama and other G-8 leaders attend a Food Security Lunch
1:00 PM ET
Press Briefing
2:25 PM ET
President Obama attends the third working session with G8 Leaders
3:45 PM ET
President Obama attends the fourth working session with G8 Leaders
4:40 PM ET
President Obama attends the fifth working session with G8 Leaders
5:45 PM ET
President Obama gives a press conference regarding the summit
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May 20
NATO Summit Chicago 2012 - Chicago, IL
10:45 AM ET
President Obama holds a bilateral meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
1:35 PM ET
President Obama meets with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
2:30 PM ET
President Obama hold an official greeting of the North Atlantic Council Leaders
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
3:15 PM ET
President Obama participates in opening session of the North Atlantic Council with NATO leaders
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
8:40 PM ET
President Obama takes part in a NATO family photo
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
9:00 PM ET
President Obama and other NATO leaders attend a working dinner
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
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May 21
NATO Summit Chicago 2012 - Chicago, IL
AM ET
President Obama meets with other NATO country leaders plus the 22 non-NATO Afghan troop contributing countries in Afghanistan
Chicago, IL
Live Stream: http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
Friday, May 18, 2012
All Times Eastern
7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
10:15 AM
President Obama delivers the opening keynote to the Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security
Washington, D.C.
Open Press
11:00 AM
President Obama holds a bilateral meeting with President Francois Hollande of France.
Pool Spray at the Bottom
12:00 PM
12:30 PM
Vice President Biden delivers remarks at a campaign event
Willington, DE
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
President Obama departs the White House en route Camp David
Open Press
6:30 PM
President Obama arrives at Camp David
Closed Press
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
President Obama greets participants for this weekend’s G8 summit
Camp David, MD
Closed Press
8:00 PM
9:00 PM
10:00 PM
May 18, 2012
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
10:15 AM ET
President Obama will deliver the opening keynote to the Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security
Washington, D.C.
7:30 PM ET
Official Greeting of G8 Leaders
Camp David, MD
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CNN http://live.cnn.com
9:00 AM ET
Pentagon briefing on China
A Defense Department official briefs reporters on a new Pentagon report to Congress regarding Chinese military and security developments.
9:30 AM ET
House Homeland Security Subcmte: Terrorist Financing Since 9/11
10:15 AM ET
President Obama will deliver the opening keynote to the Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security
Washington, D.C.
11:00 AM ET
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius speaks at commencent ceremonies at Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute.
4:00 PM ET
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver remarks at the Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security
Washington, D.C.
7:30 PM ET
Official Greeting of G8 Leaders
Camp David, MD
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CSPAN http://www.cspan.org/
8:15 AM ET
Consumer Federation Holds Annual Food Policy Conference http://www.c-span.org/Events/Consumer-Federation-Holds-Annual-Food-Policy-Conference/10737430811/
9:00 AM ET
Pentagon briefing on China
A Defense Department official briefs reporters on a new Pentagon report to Congress regarding Chinese military and security developments. http://www.c-span.org/Events/Congress-Examines-Countries-That-Sponsor-Terrorism/10737430783/
9:30 AM ET
House Homeland Security Subcmte: Terrorist Financing Since 9/11
9:30 AM ET
House Agriculture Subcmte. Examines 2012 Farm Bill
http://www.c-span.org/Events/House-Agriculture-Subcmte-Examines-2012-Farm-Bill/10737430810/
10:15 AM ET
President Obama will deliver the opening keynote to the Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security
Washington, D.C. http://www.c-span.org/Events/Conference-Looks-at-Global-Agriculture-and-Food-Security/10737430797/
11:00 AM ET
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius speaks at commencent ceremonies at Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute http://www.c-span.org/Events/Secretary-Sebelius-Addresses-Georgetown-Grads-Amid-Controversy/10737430809/
4:00 PM ET
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver remarks at the Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security
Washington, D.C.
7:30 PM ET
Official Greeting of G8 Leaders
Camp David, MD http://www.c-span.org/Events/G8-and-NATO-Summits-Bring-World-Leaders-to-US/10737430808/
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The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
10:15 AM ET
President Obama will deliver the opening keynote to the Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security
Washington, D.C.
4:00 PM ET
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver remarks at the Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security
Washington, D.C.
7:30 PM ET
Official Greeting of G8 Leaders
Camp David, MD
NATO Summit Chicago 2012
The NATO Summit Chicago 2012 is a meeting of the heads of state and heads of government of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, to be held in Chicago, United States, on 20 and 21 May 2012.This represents the first time in 30 years that the two summits have been held together, and the first time ever that a NATO summit has been held in the United States outside of Washington, DC
March 05, 2012
Statement by the Press Secretary on the G-8 and NATO Summits
In May, the United States looks forward to hosting the G-8 and NATO Summits. To facilitate a free-flowing discussion with our close G-8 partners, the President is inviting his fellow G-8 leaders to Camp David on May 18-19 for the G-8 Summit, which will address a broad range of economic, political and security issues. The President will then welcome NATO allies and partners to his hometown of Chicago for the NATO Summit on May 20-21, which will be the premier opportunity this year for the President to continue his efforts to strengthen NATO in order to ensure that the Atlantic Alliance remains the most successful alliance in history, while charting the way forward in Afghanistan.
Global Leaders to Launch G8 Food Security Agenda at May 18 Symposium
May 9, 2012 USAID feedthefuture.gov
On May 18, 2012, President Barack Obama, with G8 and African leaders, businesses, international organizations and civil society will convene to discuss new activities to advance global agricultural development, food and nutrition security in Africa.
The event, hosted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, will feature announcements of significant new business commitments for African agriculture and discussions on addressing hunger and poverty in the changing development landscape.
Fore more: http://www.feedthefuture.gov/article/global-leaders-launch-g8-food-security-agenda-may-18-symposium
May 03, 2012
Statement by the Press Secretary on the President’s Invitation to African Leaders to Join Camp David Summit
President Obama has invited African Leaders to join Leaders at the G-8 Summit at Camp David on May 19 for a discussion session on accelerating progress towards food security in Africa. The African Leaders who have been invited to participate in the Summit are:
Chairperson of the African Union and President of Benin Yayi Boni
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia
President John Mills of Ghana
President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania
Obama Food Security Pledge Heralds G8, NATO Summits
5/18/12 VOAnews
U.S. President Barack Obama has announced a new global partnership to improve food security, saying the United States has a “moral obligation” to lead the fight against hunger and malnutrition.
President Obama announced the partnership between governments, donor countries and the private sector Friday. His speech marked the beginning of high-level talks as leaders of the Group of Eight nations gather for their annual economic summit at the Camp David presidential retreat outside Washington.
Obama said the food security effort is aimed at boosting farmers’ incomes and helping 50 million people lift themselves out of poverty over the next 10 years.
The U.S. president addressed African leaders from Ethiopia, Ghana and Tanzania during the speech in Washington, which he said will be the first three countries to undertake the effort. African Union chair and president of Benin, Thomas Boni Yayi, is also attending the summit and will take part along with his fellow African leaders in what Obama described as a “special” G8 session Saturday devoted to the food security challenge.
The president touted a global food security initiative the G8 launched in 2009 that resulted in $22 billion in pledges to boost agricultural investments in poor countries, but he said there is still a lot more work to do.
“Despite the fact that African farmers can be some of the hardest working people on Earth, most of the world’s unused arable land is in Africa,” Obama said. “Fifty years ago Africa was an exporter of food. There is no reason why Africa should not be feeding itself and exporting food again. There is no reason for that. So that’s why we’re here. In Africa and around the world, progress isn’t coming fast enough.”
Weekend of High-Level Diplomacy
U.S. National Security Advisor Tom Donilon told reporters Thursday that G8 leaders are expected to discuss global oil markets, energy and climate, the transition in the Middle East and North Africa, and the eurozone debt crisis during the two day summit.
Before heading to Camp David, Obama will welcome new French President Francois Hollande to the White House for their first one-on-one meeting. Hollande, who was sworn in just this week, has called for a change in Europe’s current focus on austerity to address the eurozone sovereign debt crisis. The austerity pact has led to a political standoff in cash-strapped Greece, where voters rejected political parties that agreed to harsh budget cuts in exchange for financial assistance.
Obama and Hollande will be joined at Camp David by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the prime mover behind the Eurozone austerity treaty, plus the leaders of Canada, Britain, Italy, Japan and Russia. Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev is attending in place of President Vladimir Putin.
For more: http://www.voanews.com/content/obama_hosts_leaders_for_g8_nato_summit/720889.html
Obama Hosts NATO, Focus on Afghanistan and Alliance Future Global Role
Published on May 15, 2012 by VOAvideo
President Barack Obama welcomes NATO leaders to his home town of Chicago this coming weekend for a summit focused on Afghanistan, burden-sharing and other challenges facing the alliance. VOA senior White House correspondent Dan Robinson reports
Wrapping Up the G8 Summit at Camp David
Megan Slack May 19, 2012 08:01 PM EDT
This weekend, the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Russia joined President Obama at Camp David for the annual G8 Summit. The leaders met to address major global economic, political, and security challenges, including energy and climate change, food security and nutrition, Afghanistan’s economic transition and transitions taking place across the Middle East and North Africa.
* Read the G8 Declaration
* President Obama’s Remarks at the close of the G8 Summit
Energy and Climate Change:
At the Camp David Summit, G-8 Leaders recognized that the development of and universal access to environmentally safe, sustainable, secure, and affordable sources of energy is essential to global economic growth and to their overall efforts to address climate change.
* Statement by the G-8 on Global Oil Markets
* Fact Sheet: G-8 Action on Energy and Climate Change
Food Security:
President Obama and G8 leaders announced a new alliance on food security with African leaders and the private sector as part of an effort to lift 50 million people out of poverty over the next decade.
* President Obama Speaks on Food Security at G8 Meeting
* Press Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on Food Security
* Fact Sheet: The New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition
Transitions in the Middle East and North Africa:
A year after the historic events across the Middle East and North Africa began to unfold, the aspirations of people of the region for freedom, human rights, democracy, job opportunities, empowerment and dignity are undiminished. At the Camp David Summit, G-8 Leaders recognized the important progress that has been achieved in a number of countries undergoing transition and committed to maintaining their support for these transitions in four key priority areas: stabilization, job creation, participation/governance, and integration.
* Fact Sheet: G-8 Action on the Deauville Partnership with Arab Countries in Transition
More from the G8:
* Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney; Mike Froman, Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics; and Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes
May 20, 2012
Fact Sheet: Chicago Summit – NATO Capabilities
NATO remains an essential transatlantic link and force multiplier for the United States, our Allies, and partners. The Chicago Summit provides us a new opportunity to reaffirm and refine the vision that binds Allies together and sets us on a course to maintain and develop the capabilities NATO needs to remain an essential source of global stability.
At the 2010 Lisbon Summit, NATO leaders adopted a Strategic Concept that committed NATO to meeting the security challenges of the 21st century, from terrorism to ballistic missile and cyber attacks to nuclear proliferation. At the NATO 2012 Summit, NATO’s leadership outlined a clear vision of how NATO will maintain the capabilities we need, utilizing all available defense resources and ensuring the Alliance is greater than the sum of its parts. This vision, enshrined in a new document titled “NATO Forces 2020,” helps set NATO’s priorities for investing in capabilities the Alliance needs to move forward over the next decade. This framework calls for realistic efforts to maintain and develop multinational capabilities despite defense budget cuts in the United States and Europe. It also institutionalizes lessons learned from recent and current operations, ensures we can maintain interoperability among Allies and with partners, and identifies critical capabilities gaps.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/20/fact-sheet-chicago-summit-nato-capabilities
3rd ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM ON GLOBAL AGRICULTURE
AND FOOD SECURITY
Advancing Food and Nutrition Security at the 2012 G8 Summit
May 18, 2012 | 7:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
Washington, D.C.
Event Cochairs
Catherine Bertini
Executive Director, UN World Food Program (1992-2002)
Dan Glickman
Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture (1995-2001)
About
On the eve of the 2012 G8 Summit, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs will bring together senior global leaders to discuss new G8 efforts on food security and the opportunity and benefits of private sector investment in African agriculture and food sectors. Sessions will identify ways business, civil society, and international organizations can complement and amplify G8 action on agricultural research and innovation, markets and trade, and nutrition.
President Obama will deliver the opening keynote address.
For more: http://www.thechicagocouncil.org/globalagdevelopment/gad/Events/Symposium_2012.aspx
New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition
Gayle Smith and Dr. Rajiv Shah May 18, 2012 02:08 PM EDT
This weekend, the leaders of the world’s largest economies and four African heads of state will come together at the 2012 G8 Summit at Camp David for a very different kind of discussion on Africa. Joined by private sector leaders for the first time, the President will host a dynamic discussion on global efforts to fight food insecurity and improve nutrition. In 2009 at the G8 Summit in L’Aquila, Italy, President Obama and G8 leaders responded to the spike in world food prices and focused attention on strengthening food security to help countries end hunger. Reversing decades of decline in global agricultural development, L’Aquila committed leaders to supporting comprehensive plans designed by the developing countries themselves and built around smarter, more focused investments.
This weekend, the G-8 and African partners will launch the next phase of these efforts: the New Alliance for Food and Nutrition Security. The New Alliance is a commitment by G8 nations, African countries and private sector partners to lift 50 million people out of poverty over the next 10 years through inclusive and sustained agricultural growth.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/05/18/new-alliance-food-security-and-nutrition
By the Numbers: 1 Billion
Megan Slack May 18, 2012 03:44 PM EDT
Approximately 1 billion people worldwide suffer from chronic hunger– a prolonged, life-threatening lack of food.
Hunger threatens the health and well-being of a nation’s citizens, and increases a country’s risk of democratic failure, rioting, violence, and civil conflict. It costs developing countries approximately $450 billion per year in lost GDP.
Poverty is a principal cause of hunger—it prevents people from having access to food and the tools they need to grow it. Natural disasters, conflict, lack of infrastructure, and poor farming practices also contribute to the growing problem of hunger as the world population increases.
But as President Obama explained today at the Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security, history teaches us that one of the most effective ways to pull people and entire nations out of poverty is to invest in their agriculture.
This weekend, G8 and African leaders will meet to discuss a major new alliance with private sector partners to reduce hunger and lift 50 million people out of poverty by investing in Africa’s agricultural economy. This new partnership builds on the commitment leaders made during the 2009 G8 meeting in L’Aquila to put the fight against hunger at the forefront of global development.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/05/18/numbers-1-billion
Why This Year’s G8 Summit Matters
MAY 16 2012 theatlantic
After so many splashy summits, President Obama’s decision to hold this year’s Group of Eight (G8) meeting at Camp David is inspired. The success of leaders-level meetings depends, above all, on opportunities for candid conversation away from media flashbulbs and crowded convention halls. The secluded setting–nestled in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains–will provide a welcome intimacy to deliberations among leaders of the world’s advanced market democracies. Given their daunting global agenda, they can certainly use the peace and quiet.
The real action may be hidden from view. A year ago the G8 emerged from an early retirement, thanks to its strong performance in Deauville, France. Essentially, leaders from the developed world have clearly decided that it’s useful to continue meeting as a smaller group, hammer out some consensus on the major problems that they all confront, and coordinate a response to major global shifts–without having to talk about every (often valid) gripe of all twenty countries in the G20. The seven leaders (not including the Russian substitute) have a diverse set of tasks from their electorates, but are far more aligned than the G20–in terms of both motivations and domestic constraints. The forum isn’t likely to trail blaze a path forward on Syria, nonproliferation, or world hunger, but will give some of the world’s most powerful men and women a valuable opportunity to understand each other’s positions and debate the way forward. So what’s on the agenda?
* Advancing Political Transition in the Middle East and North Africa
* Hollande’s Arrival
* Putin’s No-Show
* Bolstering Nuclear Nonproliferation
* Delivering on Food Security
For more: http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/05/why-this-years-g8-summit-matters/257249/
“Daunting global agenda” is right! I’m so glad PBO is on the case.
Congress edging closer to passing a very important health policy
5/17/12 By Sarah Kliff – washingtonpost
The Senate is, right now, debating what may be the most important piece of health policy it passes all year.
It’s not the Republican plan to replace Obamacare, supposedly in the related to Obamacare. Instead, it’s the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, or FDASIA. This law could play a big part in determining the safety of drugs in the United States, as well as how quickly we get access to them — and it could start moving through Congress as soon as this evening.
FDASIA is a new acronym, not to mention a pretty clunky one (congressional staffers are, reportedly, still trying to figure out how to pronounce it). Its policies, however, stretch back to the mid-1990s, when pharmaceutical firms were getting frustrated with the long wait times for drug approvals. The FDA said it didn’t have enough resources to move any faster. So pharmaceuticals settled on a system in which they would pay a “user fee” to help expedite the process.
Research suggests that the resulting law — known as the Prescription Drug User Fee Act — has worked: The FDA increased its reviewer staff by 77 percent and drug approval times dropped from 27 months to 14 months over the first eight years of the act, according to the GAO. Drugs in the United States now get reviewed two months faster than in Canada or Europe, according to a study published in this week’s New England Journal of Medicine.
For more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/congress-edging-closer-to-passing-a-very-important-health-policy/2012/05/17/gIQApqeVWU_blog.html
Exclusive | Geithner: ‘I Don’t Understand’ Why Debt Ceiling Debate Is Back
May 17, 2012 at 4:31 PM EDT pbs.org
U.S. Treasury Secretary speaks with the PBS NewsHour’s Jeffrey Brown Thursday at Marlin Steel Wire Products, a factory in Baltimore
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told the PBS NewsHour’s Jeffrey Brown during a factory tour Thursday that he couldn’t understand why the debate over the federal debt limit is back again.
The visit to Marlin Steel Wire Products, a Baltimore manufacturer of wire baskets that employs 30 workers and exports to some 36 countries around the world, was part of an ongoing effort to get out of Washington to promote the administration’s economic agenda.
Geithner made those comments during a wide-ranging interview about the economy that touched on sluggish overall job and economic growth, new turmoil in Europe, JPMorgan’s spectacular trading losses that have put a renewed focus on Wall Street regulation plus a new flare-up in Washington over the federal debt limit.
Here are three excerpts of their discussion. First, the renewed debate over the federal debt limit:
JEFFREY BROWN: Here we are again this week where the debt limit question has bubbled up. Do you see –
TIMOTHY GEITHNER: Can you believe it?
JEFFREY BROWN: Can you believe it?
TIMOTHY GEITHNER: I can’t. I can’t. I don’t understand it. I don’t understand it.
JEFFREY BROWN: You can’t because, you can’t understand because –
TIMOTHY GEITHNER: Because look at how much damage it caused the country last August. I mean, it was terribly damaging for the country. And the idea you can govern effectively at this time in American history — you know, we’re fighting wars. We’ve got a major financial crisis in Europe. We have all of these challenges for the rest of the country with political politicians threatening to default if we don’t adopt a partisan political agenda. It’s deeply irresponsible. There’s no basis for it.
JEFFREY BROWN: Elizabeth Warren, who helped set up the Consumer Protection Agency for the administration, now running for the Senate in Massachusetts – she said that Jamie Dimon, head of JPMorgan, should not be sitting on the board of the New York Fed, that that just – it isn’t right, because they help regulate those banks.]
TIMOTHY GEITHNER: That’s not a new observation, not a new concern. It’s been made by many people over the last several years.
JEFFREY BROWN: Do you think it’s right?
TIMOTHY GEITHNER: I think it is true. And I think it’s a problem that that – the structure of the Fed, established 90 years ago, and it’s true for Federal Reserve banks across the country, creates that basic perception. And I think that’s something worth trying to change. But the American people should understand that although the Fed was set up that way, those banks and the members of the board play no role in supervision. They have no role in the writing of the rules, and they play no role in decisions the Fed makes about how to respond to a financial crisis. Their role is a much more limited role, and the role is to help provide a perspective on what’s happening in the economy as a whole. But I agree with you that the, that perception is a problem. And it’s worth trying to figure out how to fix that.
JEFFREY BROWN: Do you think Jamie Dimon should be off the board?
TIMOTHY GEITHNER: Well, that’s a question he’ll have to make and the Fed will have to make. But again, on the basic point, which is it is very important, particularly given the damage caused by the crisis, that our system of oversight and safeguards and the enforcement authorities have not just the resources they need, but they are perceived to be above any political influence and have the independence and the ability to make sure these reforms are tough and effective so we protect the American people, again, from a crisis like this. And we’re going to, we’re going to do that.
JEFFREY BROWN: So you think he’s got a record on jobs and the economy that he can proudly run on?
TIMOTHY GEITHNER: Absolutely. And again, if you look at — look at how we’re doing relative to any other major country in the world today. Look at how we managed our crisis relative to what, not just how the U.S. managed in the past or how Japan did, but look at Europe today, and if you look at any measure that we can point to of economic strength, they provide overwhelming support for the choices he made early on. And remember, those were tough – very tough choices, put out the financial fires, get growth started. He did it with almost no help from his opponents, deep political costs, and those things made us — make us stronger today.
For more: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/05/exclusive-geithner-i-dont-understand-why-debt-ceiling-debate-is-back.html
EWWWW!!!!!
I just got camPAIN literature from Romney’s camPAIN.
There was no phone number so I had to write in inedible ink accross the card asking for a donation:
“TAKE ME OFF YOUR MAILING LIST. I AM A TEAM LEAD FOR “SOUTH COUNTY 4 OBAMA” AND WILL VOTE FOR OBAMA 2012. MY HUSBAND IS ALSO VOTING FOR OBAMA AGAIN!”
They are so damn cheap that the envelope was not postage paid so I gladly put a Zazzle “YES WE CAN” stamp on it and wrote “MESSAGE ENCLOSED” on the front of it.
God doesn’t their campaign do research or what?! I have been voting Democratic for 30 years now!
EWWWWWW!!!!!!
I feel your pain!!
Awesome use of the stamp.
The President and First Lady Announce the 2012 Launch of Veterans and Military Families for Obama
Published on May 17, 2012 by BarackObamadotcom
Join Veterans and Military Families for Obama: https://my.barackobama.com/POTUSFLOTUSvid
President Obama:
“The most humbling part of my job is serving is serving as Commander in Chief of the world’s finest military. And there’s nothing I take more seriously than my responsibility to those who sacrifice their own safety to defend ours. That’s why Michelle and I have made supporting veterans and military families a top priority from the start.”
First Lady Michelle Obama:
“Our veterans have done so much for this country and your families set an example for all of us. I can’t say this enough: I am in awe of you.”
President Obama:
“Look how far we’ve come together in just three years. When I took office we had more than a 140,000 Americans troops in Iraq. Today we’re safer and stronger. We’ve refocused our efforts on defeating Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We’ve brought Osama bin Laden to justice. And last December the First Lady and I were proud to welcome our troops home from Iraq. And were looking forward to doing the same as our service members come back from Afghanistan.”
First Lady Michelle Obama:
“You’ve fought so bravely for this country all around the world and when you hang up that uniform you shouldn’t have to fight to get a job or receive the benefits you’ve earned here at home.”
President Obama:
“That’s why my administration is making veteran’s employment a national priority: from creating tax credits for businesses that hire unemployed veterans and wounded warriors to improving the post-911 GI BILL, the most comprehensive package of educational benefits for veterans in more than 60 years. It’s why we’ve boosted the veteran affairs budget every year since I’ve been in office. To make sure that every veteran has access to physical and mental health care that they need. It’s why we systematically reform the way we fund health care for veterans and are hiring thousands of claims processors to get the veterans their benefits faster.”
First Lady Michelle Obama:
“Supporting veterans and military families means doing everything we can to serve you as well as you served our country. Barack has your backs and he’s just getting started.”
President Obama:
“So visit BarackObama.com/Veterans. Join Veterans and Military Families for Obama and thanks for your service.”
May 16, 2012
President Obama Calls on Congress to Act on Small Business Proposal in “To Do List” and Meets with Congressional Leadership
National Economic Council Releases Report on Moving America’s Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs Forward
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama will visit a small business in the Washington, DC area where he will urge Congress to act on the “To Do List,” specifically highlighting the need to invest in small businesses and jumpstart new hiring and entrepreneurship by passing legislation that gives a 10 percent income tax credit for firms that create new jobs or increase wages in 2012 and that extends 100 percent expensing in 2012 for all businesses. This stands in contrast to the proposal put forward by House Republicans, which could actually discourage hiring and new investments this year.
While at the small business, the President and Small Business Administrator Karen Mills will hold a roundtable discussion with a group of small business owners that would benefit from the President’s small business proposal. The roundtable is pooled press.
Following this visit, the President will return to the White House to meet with Congressional leadership where he will stress the importance of acting on the economic agenda he laid out last week as part of the Congressional To Do List. This meeting will include House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
In addition, today, the National Economic Council will release a report that highlights the investments the Obama Administration has made to keep America’s small businesses moving forward and calls on Congress to do its part to make it easier for small businesses to grow and create jobs.’
And next week, members of the Cabinet and Senior Administration officials will be participating in National Small Business Week events and speaking about the President’s efforts to help small businesses. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner will be in Baltimore on Thursday visiting a small business; National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will speak during National Small Business Week events. Small Business Administrator Karen Mills will join Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan and Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu to highlight the role small businesses played in one million green retrofits. Federal Bureau of Investigation, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Department of Energy, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Labor, Department of Justice, Department of Treasury, Department of Transportation and the General Services Administration will participate in business matchmaking sessions to find innovative small business contractors.
Congress’ To Do List
1. Reward American Jobs, Eliminate Tax Incentives To Ship Jobs Overseas
2. Cut Red Tape So Responsible Homeowners Can Refinance
3. Invest in a New Hire Tax Credit For Small Businesses
4. Create Jobs By Investing In Affordable Clean Energy
5. Put Returning Veterans to Work Using Skills Developed in the Military
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/16/president-obama-calls-congress-act-small-business-proposal-do-list-and-m
World Renewable Energy Forum
Real Science. Real Solutions. Real World.
Denver, CO
May 13-17, 2012
For the very first time, the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Conference will be held under the same roof with the biennial World Renewable Energy Congress. The combined event is the World Renewable Energy Forum 2012. The conference will draw prominent speakers and technical presentations from universities, renewable energy laboratories, installations and industries around the world. WREF 2012 will examine how renewable energy technologies address the world’s economic, environmental and security challenges at every scale, from off-grid villages to gigawatt power plants.
Obama Administration Speaker: Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu to highlight the role small businesses played in one million green retrofits during National Small Business Week
For more: http://ases.org/conference/
The American Institute of Architects 2012 National Convention and Design Exposition
May 17-19
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington D.C.
May 18
Obama Administration Speaker: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan to highlight the role small businesses played in one million green retrofits during National Small Business Week
For more: http://www.edcmag.com/articles/88798-aia-national-convention-in-may–mccullough-named-keynote-speaker
National Small Business Week 2012 Conference
A 3–day networking and educational event, May 21 – 23
National Small Business Week 2012 is a two and a half day conference in Washington, D.C. focusing on small business accomplishments, including disaster recovery, procurement and entrepreneurial success.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel & Conference Center
Washington, DC
May 21
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Entrepreneurial Development and Lender Awards Breakfast
Obama Administration Speaker: Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will speak about the President’s efforts to help small businesses during National Small Business Week
10:00 – 11:15 AM
Town Hall – Small Businesses Creating an Economy Built to Last
Obama Administration Speaker: National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling will speak about the President’s efforts to help small businesses during National Small Business Week
May 22
8:00 – 9:30 AM
National Awards Breakfast Honoring Procurement Award Winners
Obama Administration Speaker: Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will speak about the President’s efforts to help small businesses during National Small Business Week
For more: http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/
A Bogus Tax Attack Against Obama
May 17, 2012 factcheck
The latest multimillion-dollar attack ad from Crossroads GPS claims President Obama broke a promise to not increase taxes for families making less than $250,000 a year. That’s almost entirely false.
The truth is that Obama repeatedly cut taxes for such families, first through a tax credit in effect for 2009 and 2010, and beginning in 2011, through a reduction in the payroll tax that is worth $1,000 this year to workers earning $50,000 a year. And while it’s true that some tax increases contained in the new health care law would fall on individuals, they have mostly not taken effect yet and are small compared with the cuts the president already enacted. And this ad exaggerates them greatly.
The 60-second ad was announced May 16. Crossroads GPS said it would run in 10 states (Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia) at an initial cost of $8 million. It is the first salvo in what the group says will be a month-long, $25 million ad initiative intended to “frame the national debate on jobs, the economy, ObamaCare and government debt.”
For more: http://factcheck.org/2012/05/a-bogus-tax-attack-against-obama/
Good Friday morning everyone! I HOPE that you have a good day!
Next Up….
10:15 AM EDT
President Obama will deliver the opening keynote to the Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security
Washington, D.C.
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
CNN http://live.cnn.com
CSPAN http://www.c-span.org/Events/Conference-Looks-at-Global-Agriculture-and-Food-Security/10737430797/
The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
May 18, 2012
Remarks by the President at Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security
Ronald Reagan Building
Washington, D.C.
10:08 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much. (Applause.) Thank you, everybody. Please have a seat. Thank you. Well, good morning, everybody. Thank you, Catherine Bertini, and Dan Glickman and everyone at the Chicago Council. We were originally going to convene, along with the G8, in Chicago. But since we’re not doing this in my hometown, I wanted to bring a little bit of Chicago to Washington. (Laughter.) It is wonderful to see all of you. It is great to see quite a few young people here as well. And I want to acknowledge a good friend. We were just talking backstage — he was my inspiration for singing at the Apollo — (laughter) — Bono is here, and it is good to see him. (Applause.)
Now, this weekend at the G8, we’ll be represented by many of the world’s largest economies. We face urgent challenges — creating jobs, addressing the situation in the eurozone, sustaining the global economic recovery. But even as we deal with these issues, I felt it was also important, also critical to focus on the urgent challenge that confronts some 1 billion men, women and children around the world — the injustice of chronic hunger; the need for long-term food security.
So tomorrow at the G8, we’re going to devote a special session to this challenge. We’re launching a major new partnership to reduce hunger and lift tens of millions of people from poverty. And we’ll be joined by leaders from across Africa, including the first three nations to undertake this effort and who join us here today — I want to acknowledge them: Prime Minister Meles of Ethiopia — (applause) — President Mills of Ghana — (applause) — and President Kikwete of Tanzania. (Applause.) Welcome.
I also want to acknowledge President Yayi of Benin, chair of the African Union — (applause) — which has shown great leadership in this cause. And two of our leaders in this effort — USAID Administrator — every time I meet him, I realize that I was an underachiever in my 30s — (laughter) — Dr. Raj Shah is here. (Applause.) And the CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Daniel Yohannes. (Applause.)
Now, this partnership is possible because so many leaders in Africa and around the world have made food security a priority. And that’s why, shortly after I took office, I called for the international community to do its part. And at the G8 meeting three years ago in L’Aquila, in Italy, that’s exactly what we did — mobilizing more than $22 billion for a global food security initiative.
After decades in which agriculture and nutrition didn’t always get the attention they deserved, we put the fight against global hunger where it should be, which is at the forefront of global development. And this reflected the new approach to development that I called for when I visited Ghana, hosted by President Mills, and that I unveiled at the last summit on the Millennium Development goals.
It’s rooted in our conviction that true development involves not only delivering aid, but also promoting economic growth — broad-based, inclusive growth that actually helps nations develop and lifts people out of poverty. The whole purpose of development is to create the conditions where assistance is no longer needed, where people have the dignity and the pride of being self-sufficient.
You see our new approach in our promotion of trade and investment, of building on the outstanding work of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. You see it in the global partnership to promote open government, which empowers citizens and helps to fuel development, creates the framework, the foundation for economic growth.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/18/remarks-president-symposium-global-agriculture-and-food-security
May 18, 2012
Fact Sheet: G-8 Action on Food Security and Nutrition
At the Camp David Summit, G-8 and African leaders will commit to the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, the next phase of our shared commitment to achieving global food security. In partnership with Africa’s people and leaders, our goals are to increase responsible domestic and foreign private investments in African agriculture, take innovations that can enhance agricultural productivity to scale, and reduce the risk borne by vulnerable economies and communities. We recognize and will act upon the critical role played by smallholder farmers, especially women, in transforming agriculture and building thriving economies.
The New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition is a shared commitment to achieve sustained and inclusive agricultural growth and raise 50 million people out of poverty over the next 10 years by aligning the commitments of Africa’s leadership to drive effective country plans and policies for food security; the commitments of private sector partners to increase investments where the conditions are right; and the commitments of the G-8 to expand Africa’s potential for rapid and sustainable agricultural growth.
We welcome the support of the World Bank and African Development Bank, and of the United Nations’ World Food Program, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and Food and Agriculture Organization for the New Alliance. We also welcome the successful conclusion of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the context of National Food Security and support the broad-based consultation process and pilot use of the Principles of Responsible Agricultural Investment.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/18/fact-sheet-g-8-action-food-security-and-nutrition
May 18, 2012
Press Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on Food Security
Via Conference Call
3:24 P.M. EDT
MS. HAYDEN: Thank you very much. Thanks, everyone, for joining us on this call. The call today is on the record and embargoed until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow. We’ve got two senior administration officials to talk to us about food security, both the speech the President is giving tomorrow and how it will be addressed at the G8. Our officials are the USAID Administrator Raj Shah and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs Mike Froman.
They’ll each offer brief opening remarks and then we’ll just go ahead and get to your questions. So why don’t we go ahead and turn it over to you, Mike.
MR. FROMAN: Great. Thanks, Caitlin, and thanks, everybody, for joining us. I thought I’d start by just providing some background to set the stage. Food security has been a top priority for the President since he came into office. In the early days of his administration he went to the G20 summit in London and called then for a major food security initiative. And later that summer, at L’Aquila, he played the lead role in marshaling $22 billion of support for food security — setting up a fund at the World Bank called the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program; getting a lot of other countries to participate in this initiative, including countries beyond the G8.
And very importantly, the L’Aquila initiative was more than just about money, because in that initiative leaders agreed to put their money behind country plans that had been developed and that were owned by the developing countries themselves, and to increase investment in research and development, to better coordinate our efforts, and to act both bilaterally and through multilateral institutions.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/18/press-briefing-senior-administration-officials-food-security
House Democrats fight back against voter suppression
May 17, 2012 | Posted by Deaniac83 – ThePeoplesView
Today, House Democrats did something really important. Something fundamental to our democracy. Today, House Democrats unveiled the Voter Empowerment Act – a legislation that would roll back many GOP state-sponsored efforts and laws to suppress the vote.
The bill will protect voters from restrictive voting measures that have been enacted in states across the country over the last year. These measures make it harder for millions of eligible voters to register or vote, and disproportionally affect our service members, the disabled, minorities, young people, seniors, and low-income Americans.
The Voter Empowerment Act would use Congress’ power to enforce the 19th, 24th and 26th amendments to the Constitution by instituting a few simple things: easy access to registration (including online registration) and voting for everyone who is eligible – including same day registration, prohibiting the practice of targeting military personnel’s right to vote on the basis of returned mail when they are deployed overseas (voter caging), and protecting the integrity of the voting process by properly training poll workers and protecting against voter intimidation.
At the head of the push for this bill is the legendary American hero Rep. John Lewis.
“The ability to vote should be easy, accessible and simple. Yet there are practices and laws in place that make it harder to vote today than it was even one year ago. … We should be moving toward a more inclusive democracy, not one that locks people out,” said Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), one of the bill’s sponsors and a 1960s civil rights icon.
In state after state, Republican lawmakers and governors have restricted the right to vote for seniors, minorities, working people and college students. Their combined effect may be the disenfranchisement of 5 million eligible voters, according to the Brennan Center. The House Democrats have a plan to counter the GOP attempt to suppress the vote.
For more: http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2012/05/house-democrats-fight-back-against.html
11:00 AM EDT
President Obama holds a bilateral meeting with President Francois Hollande of France.
May 18, 2012
Remarks by President Obama and President Hollande of France after Bilateral Meeting
Oval Office
12:35 P.M. EDT
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, it is my great pleasure to welcome President Hollande to the United States, to the Oval Office, and this evening to Camp David.
We all watched the remarkable election, and I offered him hardy congratulations and assured him that the friendship and alliance between the United States and France is not only of extraordinary importance to me but is deeply valued by the American people.
I was interested, when I was reading the President’s biography, that he actually spent some time in the United States in his youth, studying American fast food — (laughter) — and although he decided to go into politics, we’ll be interested in his opinions of cheeseburgers in Chicago. (Laughter.)
I also warned him that now that he’s President, he can no longer ride a scooter in Paris. (Laughter.) I know because I’ve tried with the Secret Service and they don’t let me do it. (Laughter.)
Obviously we have had a lot to talk about. Much of our discussion centered on the situation in the eurozone. And President Hollande and I agree that this is an issue of extraordinary importance not only to the people of Europe, but also to the world economy. And we’re looking forward to a fruitful discussion later this evening and tomorrow with the other G8 leaders about how we can manage a responsible approach to fiscal consolidation that is coupled with a strong growth agenda.
We also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, in anticipation of our NATO meeting in Chicago on Saturday and Sunday. And we agreed that even as we transition out of a combat phase in Afghanistan that it’s important that we sustain our commitment to helping Afghans build security and continue down the path of development.
We also identified the issues of Iran and Syria, the transition that’s taking place in countries like Egypt and Tunisia as topics of critical importance. And we’ll be devoting extensive time to those issues throughout the G8 meeting. France has shown great leadership on these issues, and as I indicated to President Hollande, when the United States and France, along with our other key allies, make up our minds to stand firm on the side of democracy and freedom and development, that enormous progress can be made.
So I’m grateful to President Hollande for being willing to come here so shortly after his election and the formation of his government. He’s gotten off to a very strong start. And I hope that he will find my administration and the American people strong partners in delivering prosperity not only to the people of France but helping to provide peace and security throughout the world.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/18/remarks-president-obama-and-president-hollande-france-after-bilateral-me
Unemployment rates fall in two-thirds of US states
5/18/12 By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER | Associated Press – 15 mins ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Unemployment rates fell in two-thirds of U.S. states last month, evidence that modest economic growth is boosting hiring in most areas of the country.
The Labor Department says unemployment rates dropped in 37 states in April, the most in three months. Unemployment rose in 5 states and was unchanged in eight.
Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped to 8.1 percent in April. That’s a full percentage point lower than last August. Employers have added 1 million jobs in the past five months, although the pace of hiring slowed in March and April.
Nevada reported the highest unemployment rate, at 11.7 percent. Rhode Island was next at 11.2 percent, followed by California at 10.9 percent.
Romney’s plan for ‘Day One’
May 18, 2012 By Steve Benen – maddowblog
Mitt Romney's campaign unveiled this morning its first television ad of the general election, a generally positive spot describing what the Republican would do on "day one" if elected.
There's nothing wrong with getting voters thinking about what these candidates would do in office in 2013, and given the general vagueness of Romney's policy agenda, it's worthwhile that his campaign start focusing on his top priorities.
But his "day one" agenda isn't exactly compelling. Romney wants an environmentally-risky oil pipeline that won't lower gas prices and will create far fewer jobs than Republicans believe. He wants tax cuts for "job creators" — i.e., Romney's very wealthy friends — that won't help the economy and would make the deficit much worse.
And Romney intends to kill the Affordable Care Act on his first day, taking health care away from millions of Americans, raising prescription drug prices for seniors, and even raising taxes on small businesses that are currently taking advantage of Obamacare's tax breaks.
Romney wants to replace the law with "common sense" reforms, but he refuses to say what those reforms might look like. Presumably, they wouldn't resemble his own state-based reform law — Obamacare mirrors Romneycare.
If this ad is supposed to be persuasive, Romney appears to have left out the compelling parts.
The spot is part of a $1.2 million ad buy, and will air in Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa, and Virginia.
For more: http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/18/11755775-romneys-plan-for-day-one?lite
12:30 PM EDT
Vice President Biden hosts a campaign event
Willington, DE
Remarks to follow
Administration Safety Data Initiative Challenges App Developers
Posted by Ray LaHood and Todd Park on May 18, 2012 at 11:20 AM EDT
Safety is the number one priority at the US Department of Transportation (DOT), so National Transportation Week is the perfect time for DOT to help launch the Obama Administration’s critical Safety Data Initiative–an historic effort to make government data relating to every aspect of safety, from transportation to crime to consumer products, much more accessible, and to stimulate the development of innovative apps and services fueled by those data.
We know that helping Americans gain access to practical information can help them make smarter, safer choices. So, coordinated by DOT, this new collaborative effort involving Federal agencies and the public aims to unleash Americans’ entrepreneurial spirit by encouraging participants to build a range of innovative digital tools and mobile applications to enhance public and product safety.
To help kick off the Safety Data Initiative, today we are announcing two app challenges that take advantage of more than 700 open government datasets now available on Safety.Data.gov.
DOT has launched the Motorcoach Safety Data Student Challenge, which asks developers to use public performance data about interstate commercial bus companies found on Safety.Data.gov to help consumers make smart safety decisions about their bus travel.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/05/18/administration-safety-data-initiative-challenges-app-developers
Good morning CR and PO Family. HOPE you all have a terrific Friday.
Please join me in lighting a candle for our President, First Family and the Nation.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=PBO
Good Friday morning and thank you Jackie!
Next Up….
4:00 PM ET
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver remarks at the Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security
Washington, D.C.
CNN http://live.cnn.com
CSPAN http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/306098-3
Department of State http://www.state.gov/
The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
Remarks to follow.
May 18, 2012
Notice — Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Stabilization of Iraq
NOTICE
- – - – - – -
CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT
TO THE STABILIZATION OF IRAQ
On May 22, 2003, by Executive Order 13303, the President declared a national emergency protecting the Development Fund for Iraq and certain other property in which Iraq has an interest, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706). The President took this action to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by obstacles to the orderly reconstruction of Iraq, the restoration and maintenance of peace and security in the country, and the development of political, administrative, and economic institutions in Iraq.
In Executive Order 13315 of August 28, 2003, Executive Order 13350 of July 29, 2004, Executive Order 13364 of November 29, 2004, and Executive Order 13438 of July 17, 2007, the President modified the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13303 and took additional steps in response to this national emergency.
Because the obstacles to the orderly reconstruction of Iraq, the restoration and maintenance of peace and security in the country, and the development of political, administrative, and economic institutions in Iraq continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13303, as modified in scope and relied upon for additional steps taken in Executive Orders 13315, 13350, 13364, and 13438, must continue in effect beyond May 22, 2012. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to the stabilization of Iraq.
This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.
BARACK OBAMA
May 18, 2012
Message — Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Stabilization of Iraq
TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent the enclosed notice to the Federal Register for publication continuing the national emergency with respect to the stabilization of Iraq. This notice states that the national emergency with respect to the stabilization of Iraq declared in Executive Order 13303 of May 22, 2003, as modified in scope and relied upon for additional steps taken in Executive Order 13315 of August 28, 2003, Executive Order 13350 of July 29, 2004, Executive Order 13364 of November 29, 2004, and Executive Order 13438 of July 17, 2007, is to continue in effect beyond May 22, 2012.
Obstacles to the orderly reconstruction of Iraq, the restoration and maintenance of peace and security in the country, and the development of political, administrative, and economic institutions in Iraq continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. Accordingly, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency with respect to this threat and maintain in force the measures taken to deal with that national emergency.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/18/message-continuation-national-emergency-respect-stabilization-iraq
Higher Education
Published on May 18, 2012 by BarackObamadotcom
Get the facts: http://www.barackobama.com/forward
His mother got him up before dawn to do school work she knew what it meant for his future. With hard work and student aid his life was transformed. Today higher education means even more for the middle class. Giving young people the chance to compete, like he did. So he doubled funding for college grants, capped federal student loan payments, passed the largest college tax credit ever. For their future and ours.
Get the facts: http://www.barackobama.com/forward
Next Up…
7:30 PM ET
Official Greeting of G8 Leaders
Camp David, MD
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
CNN http://live.cnn.com
The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
Remarks and video to follow…
Full plate…
5/19/12 12:01 AM EDT By DONOVAN SLACK – POLITICO44
HAGERSTOWN, Md. — World leaders quickly got down to business over dinner Friday night at Camp David, tackling subjects from Iran, Syria, and North Korea to the importance of including women in the political process.
The intimate, leaders-only event hosted by President Barack Obama stretched for more than two hours, according to a pool report.
On Iran, they discussed moving forward with sanctions to ratchet up pressure on the Iranian regime. On Syria, they spoke about moving toward political transition and supporting the Kofi Annan peace effort. And on North Korea, they talked about enhancing isolation of the country if Kim Jong Un continues provocative behaviors, such as the recent, failed missile launch.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, despite his country’s opposition to UN sanctions in Syria, did not dispute the need for a political transition in the country, according to a senior administration official who briefed the pool reporter.
Obama introduced the idea of full and equal rights for women, and he also spoke about the transition in Burma.
First up on the agenda on Saturday: the global economy and oil markets.
Celebrating at the G8
5/19/12 By DONOVAN SLACK – POLITICO44
At the end of a more then two-hour-long dinner at Camp David Friday night, President Obama ordered a cake for Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, whose birthday is Sunday. The light moment capped off a serious evening of discussions about Iran, Syria and North Korea. A source familiar with the dessert order told a pool reporter that it was a chocolate cake.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
All Times Eastern
First Lady Michelle Obama hosts NATO leader’s spouses for a tour of the White House
First Lady Michelle Obama hosts a luncheon for NATO leader’s spouses spouses
White House
7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
President Obama and other G-8 leaders attend Working Session #1
Camp David, MD
Pool Spray at the Top
10:00 AM
10:45 AM
NATO Summit Family Photo
Camp David, MD
Pool Coverage
11:00 AM
11:15 AM
President Obama attends the second working session with G8 Leaders
Camp David, MD
Closed Press
12:00 PM
12:25 PM
President Obama and other G-8 leaders attend a Food Security Lunch
Camp David, MD
1:00 PM
Press Briefing
Camp David, MD
2:00 PM
2:25 PM
President Obama attends the third working session with G8 Leaders
Camp David, MD
Closed Press
3:00 PM
3:45 PM
President Obama attends the fourth working session with G8 Leaders
Camp David, MD
Closed Press
4:00 PM
4:40 PM
President Obama attends the fifth working session with G8 Leaders
Camp David, MD
Closed Press
5:00 PM
5:45 PM
President Obama holds a press conference
Camp David, MD
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:10 PM
President Obama departs Camp David en route Joint Base Andrews
Camp David, MD
Closed Press
7:55 PM
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama depart Joint Base Andrews
Out-of-Town Travel Pool Coverage (Call Time 5:45 PM – Virginia Gate, Joint Base Andrews)
8:00 PM
9:00 PM
9:45 PM
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive Chicago, Illinois.
10:00 PM
May 19, 2012
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
9:00 AM ET
President Obama and other G-8 leaders hold meetings
Working Session #1
Camp David, MD
10:45 AM ET
NATO Summit Family Photo
Camp David, MD
12:25 PM ET
President Obama and other G-8 leaders attend a Food Security Lunch
Camp David, MD
1:00 PM ET
Press Briefing (Audio Only)
Camp David, MD
5:45 PM ET
President Obama holds a press conference
Camp David, MD
—-
CNN http://live.cnn.com
5:45 PM ET
President Obama holds a press conference
Camp David, MD
—-
CSPAN http://www.cspan.org/
5:45 PM ET
President Obama holds a press conference
Camp David, MD http://www.c-span.org/Events/President-Obama-Closes-G8-Summit/10737430824/
—
The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
9:00 AM ET
President Obama and other G-8 leaders hold meetings
Working Session #1
Camp David, MD
10:45 AM ET
NATO Summit Family Photo
12:25 PM ET
President Obama and other G-8 leaders attend a Food Security Lunch
Camp David, MD
1:00 PM ET
Press Briefing
Camp David, MD
5:45 PM ET
President Obama holds a press conference
Camp David
Watch the G8 Summit Live This Weekend from Camp David
Matt Compton May 18, 2012 11:37 AM EDT
This weekend, the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Russia will join President Obama at Camp David. The G8 is a gathering of eight of the world’s leading economies, which meets annually. This will be the first meeting in the United States since 2004, and it will be the largest gathering of world leaders ever to assemble at Camp David.
Their agenda for this weekend includes talks on growing the world economy, the nuclear situations in Iran and North Korea, and energy and climate issues. We’ll broadcasting a number of events from the weekend live on WhiteHouse.gov. Check out the schedule below:
Tonight at 7:40 PM – The Leaders Greeting
Saturday at 10:45 AM – The Family Photo
Saturday at 5:45 PM – A Statement from President Obama
Summitry
5/19/12 12:11 AM EDT POLITICO44
President Obama and other world leaders at the G8 Summit at Camp David are scheduled on Saturday to take on the key issues of the global economy and oil markets.
In the evening, the president will travel to Chicago for the NATO summit.
Editorial: A primer on what’s at stake at NATO Summit
Editorials May 15, 2012 7:12PM suntimes
If you live or work in Chicago, you may be shocked to learn that the NATO Summit this weekend is about more than protesters and traffic headaches.
OK, maybe not shocked. Chicagoans know that leaders from 60 countries and organizations around the world are descending on Chicago for the NATO Summit.
But with all the focus on the logistics (tell me again which roads should I avoid?), we decided to offer a basic primer on the issues confronting international leaders at the May 20-21 meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. To guide us, we relied on experts from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the Atlantic Council, a Washington D.C.-based policy institute, and others elsewhere.
† Quick facts: The Chicago Summit is NATO’s 25th, the largest ever and the first U.S.-hosted summit since 1999. The last summit was held in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2010. It produced a new NATO strategy that included “a renewed commitment to fight in Afghanistan, a robust agreement on missile defense and deepened cooperation on emerging challenges such as cyber security,” wrote Barry Pavel of the Atlantic Council.
The Chicago Summit was envisioned as a time to assess progress since Lisbon, but intervening events — an international financial crisis and revolutions in the Arab world — have expanded the agenda, wrote Karl-Heinz Kamp, of the NATO Defense College.
Dozens of issues are on the table at the summit, but three dominate. Each, at its core, touches on the question of how NATO maintains its relevance in a changing world, one where Asia is on the rise while Europe is in decline.
“NATO is where we talk to our allies; that’s what makes it important,” said Richard C. Longworth of the Chicago Council. Added his colleague Rachel Bronson: “If we didn’t have NATO today, we’d want to create something like it.”
† Afghanistan: Topping the agenda is the planned military withdrawal by the end of 2014 — a timetable European nations want to speed up. In a surprise visit to Afghanistan earlier this month, President Barack Obama signed an agreement with the Afghan president reiterating the U.S. commitment to stay through 2014 and maintain a largely noncombat presence for another decade. NATO leaders will work on hashing out the specifics, and the Obama administration will try to avoid a rush to the exits.
† Smart Defense: This is a fancy way of saying “doing more with less.” As European nations have cut their defense budgets over time, U.S. defense spending within the Alliance has shifted from 50 percent of the budget to 75 percent, according to the Atlantic Council. It’s a ratio the U.S. can’t sustain. Smart Defense is about prioritizing needs, pooling resources and establishing individual country specializations.
† Global partnerships: With the world radically changed since the end of the Cold War and, more recently, with the world financial crisis, NATO is looking for partnerships with non-NATO countries to help tackle new threats. These partnerships played key roles in NATO operations in Afghanistan and Libya. Forging deeper, stronger relationships is at the top of the Chicago Summit agenda.
May 18, 2012
Presidential Proclamation — Armed Forces Day, 2012
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
With every assignment and in every theater, America’s men and women in uniform perform their duties with the utmost dignity, honor, and professionalism. Through their dauntless courage and dedication, they live up to our Nation’s highest ideals in even the most perilous circumstances. On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to the unparalleled service of our Armed Forces and recall the extraordinary feats they accomplish in defense of our Nation.
As individuals, our service members set extraordinary examples of character for those whose freedom they protect. Together, they comprise the greatest force for freedom and security the world has ever known. From their earliest training to the thick of battle, they look to those with whom they stand shoulder-to-shoulder, knowing they rise and fall as one team. United in their love of country, they teach us the true meaning of words like duty, honor, and strength.
Not just leaders and troops, patriots and heroes, the members of our Armed Forces are also parents, spouses, partners, sons, and daughters. Their families are just as vital to their success as their brothers and sisters in arms, and our debt of gratitude extends to them as well. As we celebrate the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who make our way of life possible, we also pay our deepest respect to their families, our missing, our wounded, and our fallen. Inspired by their service and humbled by their sacrifice, let us recommit to providing all those who have served our Nation the support they deserve.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, continuing the precedent of my predecessors in office, do hereby proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/18/presidential-proclamation-armed-forces-day-2012
Pax Americana built by U.S. Armed Forces
5/15/12 Martin Creek – gilroydispatch
The historian Thomas F. Madden described the United States as “an empire of trust,” a phrase he fashioned to compare modern America with the golden era of the ancient Roman Republic. According to Madden, both the American and the Roman republics grew into sovereign powerhouses because external threats stimulated the drive to expand their boundaries of geopolitical influence by means of superior military might, used to transform enemies into allies.
Throughout history, there have been many empires of conquest. But only the republics of Rome and America, according to Madden, serve as history’s sole empires of trust. That’s something to bear in mind Saturday, which is Armed Forces Day. We citizens of the United States should be proud of our republic’s standing as an empire of trust. As the world’s economic and military superpower, we have achieved in the last seven decades a “Pax Americana” that has generated a relative global political and economic stability compared with previous eras.
The American taxpayers, by financially funding our national defense, have played a vital part in building this Pax Americana. In 2011, the United States spent $711 billion on military expenditures, about 4.7 percent of our gross domestic product, putting us in the lead position (at 41 percent) in the world’s share of defense dollars, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. China came in No. 2, having spent $143 billion for military expenditures, about 2 percent of its GDP and 8.2 percent of the world’s share of defense dollars.
The United States helps empower the economies of other nations, a role much like the Roman Republic played more than two millenniums ago. Other countries save billions of dollars for defense each year because America foots the bill for our own Armed Forces to keep peace for their people. But the United States wins, too. Since the end of World War II, the world’s increasing geopolitical stability has provided a market place in Europe and Asia that is relatively free of the risk of war, thus promoting more commercial enterprise for us.
For more: http://www.gilroydispatch.com/lifestyles/columnists/martin_cheek/pax-americana-built-by-u-s-armed-forces/article_866ebdfc-9ed3-11e1-83c9-0019bb30f31a.html
May 17, 2012
President Obama Announces Presidential Delegation to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Attend Ceremonies Commemorating the Tenth Anniversary of Independence and the Inauguration of His Excellency Taur Matan Ruak
President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Dili to attend ceremonies on May 19 – 20, 2012 commemorating the Tenth Anniversary of Independence and the Inauguration of His Excellency Taur Matan Ruak as President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
The Honorable Judith R. Fergin, U.S. Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of
Timor-Leste, will lead the delegation.
Member of the Presidential Delegation:
The Honorable Nisha Desai Biswal, USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia
Next Up…
9:00 AM ET
President Obama and other G-8 leaders hold meetings
Working Session #1
Camp David, MD
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May 19, 2012
Remarks by the President Before Working Session with G8 Leaders
Camp David, Maryland
9:24 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: All right, everybody, listen up. First of all, I want to welcome all the leaders here. The press, you’re welcome as long as you don’t break anything. (Laughter.)
This is, by the way, the largest gathering ever of international leaders at Camp David, and I’m glad that we could arrange for good weather. Last night, we had a chance to discuss some core issues that affect our common security. And I want to say that we are unified when it comes to our approach with Iran. I think all of us agree that Iran has the right to peaceful nuclear power, but that its continuing violations of international rules and norms and its inability thus far to convince the world community that it is not pursuing the weaponization of nuclear power is something of grave concern to all of us.
We are hopeful about the discussions that will be taking [place] in Baghdad, but all of us are firmly committed to continuing with the approach of sanctions and pressure, in combination with diplomatic discussions. And our hope is, is that we can resolve this issue in a peaceful fashion that respects Iran’s sovereignty and its rights in the international community, but also recognizes its responsibilities.
We had a discussion about Syria. And we all believe that a peaceful resolution and political transition in Syria is preferable. We are all deeply concerned about the violence that’s taking place there and the loss of life. We are supportive of the Annan plan, but we agreed — and I expect this will be reflected in our communiqué — that the Annan plan has to be fully implemented and that a political process has to move forward in a more timely fashion to resolve that issue.
We also had a chance to discuss the situation in North Korea. All of us agree that North Korea is violating its international obligations and that there is a path for them to rejoin the international community, but that path is not going to be — or that objective will not be achieved if they continue with provocative actions that they have shown over the last several months.
And on a brighter note, we had the opportunity to discuss Burma, and all of us are hopeful that the political process and transition and transformation that is beginning to take place there takes root. Many of us have taken action to open up trade and investment with Burma for the first time in many years and we have had discussions with the leaders there. Our hope is, is that this process will continue, and we’re going to do everything that we can to encourage that process.
Finally, we had a brief discussion around the issue of women’s empowerment, where we agreed that both, when it comes to economic development and when it comes to peace and security issues, empowering women to have a seat at the table and get more engaged and more involved in these processes can be extraordinarily fruitful. And this is something that we will also be introducing during the G20.
So I want to thank all the leaders, despite the fact that at least those coming from across the Atlantic ended up staying up, I guess, until 6:00 in the morning their time. The discussions were very fruitful. This morning, we’re going to be spending a lot of time on economic issues. Obviously the eurozone will be one topic, and all of us are absolutely committed to making sure that both growth and stability — and fiscal consolidation — are part of a overall package that all of us have to pursue in order to achieve the kind of prosperity for our citizens that we’re looking for.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/19/remarks-president-working-session-g8-leaders
May 19, 2012
WEEKLY ADDRESS: Congress Must Move Forward, Not Back On Wall Street Reform
WASHINGTON, DC— In this week’s address, President Obama discussed Wall Street reform that he put in place to protect consumers, make Wall Street play by the same set of rules, and ensure that taxpayers are never again on the hook for the type of irresponsible behavior on Wall Street that nearly destroyed our financial system and cost the economy millions of jobs. While Republicans in Congress are still trying to delay and dismantle these critical Wall Street reforms, President Obama continues to urgeCongress to finish implementing these reformsso that we can prevent excessive risk-taking and help create an economy that is built to last.
Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
May 19, 2012
For the past three and a half years, we’ve been fighting our way back from an historic economic crisis – one caused by breathtaking irresponsibility on the part of some on Wall Street who treated our financial system like a casino. Not only did that behavior nearly destroy the financial system – it cost our economy millions of jobs, hurt middle-class families, and left taxpayers holding the bag.
Since then, we’ve recovered taxpayer dollars that were used to stabilize troubled banks. And we’ve put in place Wall Street reform with smarter, tougher, commonsense rules that serve one primary purpose: to prevent a crisis like that from ever happening again. And yet, for the past two years, too many Republicans in Congress and an army of financial industry lobbyists have actually been waging an all-out battle to delay, defund, and dismantle Wall Street reform.
Recently, we’ve seen why we can’t let that happen. We found out that a big mistake at one of our biggest banks resulted in a two billion dollar loss. While that bank can handle a loss of that size, other banks may not have been able to. And without Wall Street reform, we could have found ourselves with the taxpayers once again on the hook for Wall Street’s mistakes.
That’s why it’s so important that Members of Congress stand on the side of reform, not against it; because we can’t afford to go back to an era of weak regulation and little oversight; where excessive risk-taking on Wall Street and a lack of basic oversight in Washington nearly destroyed our economy. We can’t afford to go back to that brand of ‘you’re-on-your-own’ economics. Not after the American people have worked so hard to come back from this crisis.
We’ve got to keep moving forward.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/19/weekly-address-congress-must-move-forward-not-back-wall-street-reform
Good Saturday morning everyone! I HOPE that you have a good day!
Next Up..
10:45 AM ET
NATO Summit Family Photo
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The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
Chronicling Mitt’s Mendacity, Vol. XVIII
May 18, 2012 By Steve Benen – maddowblog
Back in February, Paul Krugman argued that Mitt Romney is “running a campaign of almost pathological dishonesty.” Was this an intemperate analysis? Perhaps. Three months later, does it seem fair? Put it this way: take a look at the 18th installment of my weekly series, chronicling Mitt’s mendacity.
1. Romney promised in a speech this week, “I will lead us out of this debt and spending inferno.”
Given that his stated agenda would add trillions to the debt, and Romney refuses to say how he’d pay for his tax cuts and increased Defense spending, the claim seems pretty misleading.
2. Romney claimed in the same speech that Obama has “bailed out the public-sector.”
I really wish that were true. It’s not.
3. Romney also argued that Obama has “added almost as much debt as all the prior presidents combined.”
That’s not even close to being true.
4. Romney insisted that the national debt is responsible for “the most tepid recovery in modern history.”
That’s ridiculously false. If the debt were holding back the economy, we’d have high interest rates and high inflation. We have the opposite.
5. Romney also said the national debt is the reason “half of the kids graduating from college can’t find a job that uses their skills.”
There is no universe in which this is true (or really, even coherent).
6. On the Recovery Act, Romney said, “President Obama started out with a near trillion-dollar stimulus package — the biggest, most careless one-time expenditure by the federal government in history. And remember this: the stimulus wasn’t just wasted — it was borrowed and wasted.”
The Recovery Act rescued the economy. Romney doesn’t have to like it, but he shouldn’t lie about it.
7. Romney added, equating the debt with a prairie fire, Obama “fed the fire. He has spent more and borrowed more.”
That’s false, too.
8. Referencing the Affordable Care Act, Romney argued, “Then there was Obamacare. Even now nobody knows what it will actually cost.”
“Nobody” except the Congressional Budget Office, the Office of Management and Budget, and every budget expert with access to a calculator.
9. Romney argued that the Affordable Care Act is a “massive, European-style entitlement.”
No, it’s not. Most of Europe has socialized or government-run health care systems. Obamacare doesn’t resemble France; it resembles Massachusetts’ Romneycare.
10. Romney also insisted Americans “can’t afford” the health-care reform law.
Actually, the ACA lowers the deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars.
11. Romney argued, “When you add up his policies, this president has increased the national debt by five trillion dollars.”
That’s an obvious lie. It’s not Obama’s policies that are driving the debt.
12. Romney claimed that more of the economy is being “absorbed … into government.”
That’s the opposite of the truth.
13. Romney argued, “Medicare and Social Security are also easy to demagogue, and I expect the president to continue doing that in this campaign.”
Romney has said several hundred times that Obama cut $500 billion from Medicare and is the only president to ever cut Medicare benefits. Neither is true, but both are excellent examples of demagoguery.
14. On gay adoption, Romney said “all states but one allow gay adoption.”
That’s not even close to being true.
15. The Romney campaign said of Obama, “He promised he would cut the debt, and he has not done that.”
Obama made no such promise. He promised to cut the deficit, not the debt — presidential campaigns really should know the difference if it’s going to talk about these issues — and Obama has cut the deficit.
16. Romney said of his controversial private-sector background, “We were able to help create over 100,000 jobs.”
This is one of the more important lies Romney will tell this year.
17. On the president’s watch, about 100,000 jobs were lost in the auto industry and auto dealers and auto manufacturers, so he’s hardly one to point a finger.”
First, the comparison is absurd. Second, the claim about the auto industry is demonstrably ridiculous.
18. On GST Steel, Romney said of his critics, “They said, ‘Oh, gosh, Governor Romney at Bain Capital closed down a steel factory.’ But their problem, of course, is that the steel factory closed down two years after I left Bain Capital. I was no longer there, so that’s hardly something which is on my watch.”
Actually, Romney retained full, sole ownership of the firm at the time GST collapsed.
19. Romney’s campaign said yesterday that it’s “clear” that the Obama campaign “is running a campaign of character assassination.”
Asked for an example of Obama engaging in character assassination, the Romney campaign so far hasn’t come up with anything.
I continue to think about something Fox News’ Brit Hume said a few months ago. Reflecting on Romney’s flip-flops, said, “You’re only allowed a certain number of flips before people begin to doubt your character.”
I’m curious — is Romney also allowed a certain number of falsehoods before people begin to doubt his character? And if so, what is that number?
Steve Benen’s epic chronicle of Mitt Romney’s is a great contribution to journalism.
Happy Saturday Kat!
Good and HOPEful Saturday, CR and all friends!
>^..^<
Now streaming…
12:25 PM ET
President Obama and other G-8 leaders attend a Food Security Lunch
Camp David, MD
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
President Obama Speaks on Food Security at G8 Meeting
Published on May 19, 2012 by whitehouse
President Obama speaks before a meeting with other G8, African, and business leaders to discuss a new approach to ending hunger. May 19, 2012.
First Lady Michelle Obama hosts NATO leader’s spouses for a tour of the White House
First Lady Michelle Obama hosts a luncheon for NATO leader’s spouses spouses
White House
First Lady Michelle Obama Hosts White House Luncheon For G8 Leaders Spouses
MAY 19, 2012 /obamafoodorama.blogspot
On Saturday, as President Obama discussed the global economy at the G8 Summit at Camp David, the foreign leaders’ spouses were treated to a White House visit with First Lady Michelle Obama. Clad in a deep purple sleeveless sundress with a floral brooch, Mrs. Obama welcomed her six special guests at 11:45 AM. They had a tour of the mansion led by White House curator Bill Allman before enjoying an intimate luncheon in the Blue Room, made with produce from Mrs. Obama’s Kitchen Garden. One of the First Lady’s favorite DC chefs, the renowned José Andrés, was invited to cook. The three-course menu, anchored by Maryland Rockfish, was “celebrating Americas history, wines, farmers!,” Andrés wrote on Twitter.
Mrs. Obama’s companions got a first-hand look at where their lunch originated: They walked through the First Lady’s Kitchen Garden, too. Standing in the East Room mid-tour, Mrs. Obama pointed out a window.
“The South Lawn is like the backyard,” Mrs. Obama. “You’ll get to see the garden after this.”
Thanks to recent transitions in power in the G8 countries, Mrs. Obama was hosting three of her guests for the first time: Mrs. Valerié Trierweiler, a journalist and the partner of newly elected French President Francois Hollande; Mrs. Elsa Antonioli Monti, wife of the Prime Minister of Italy, who took over last year; and Mrs. Hitomi Noda, wife of the newly minted Prime Minister of Japan. The First Lady has met her other guests, Mrs. Laureen Harper, wife of Canada’s Prime Minister, Mrs. Geertrui Windels Van Rompuy, wife of the President of the European Council, and Mrs. Margarida Barroso, wife of the President of the European Commission, on prior occasions.
For more: http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2012/05/first-lady-michelle-obama-hosts-white.html
Please join me in lighting a candle for our President, First Family and the Nation.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=PBO
May 19, 2012
Statement by G-8 Leaders on the Global Economy
Our imperative is to promote growth and jobs.
The global economic recovery shows signs of promise, but significant headwinds persist.
Against this background, we commit to take all necessary steps to strengthen and reinvigorate our economies and combat financial stresses, recognizing that the right measures are not the same for each of us.
We welcome the ongoing discussion in Europe on how to generate growth, while maintaining a firm commitment to implement fiscal consolidation to be assessed on a structural basis. We agree on the importance of a strong and cohesive Eurozone for global stability and recovery, and we affirm our interest in Greece remaining in the Eurozone while respecting its commitments. We all have an interest in the success of specific measures to strengthen the resilience of the Eurozone and growth in Europe. We support Euro Area Leaders’ resolve to address the strains in the Eurozone in a credible and timely manner and in a manner that fosters confidence, stability and growth.
We agree that all of our governments need to take actions to boost confidence and nurture recovery including reforms to raise productivity, growth and demand within a sustainable, credible and non-inflationary macroeconomic framework. We commit to fiscal responsibility and, in this context, we support sound and sustainable fiscal consolidation policies that take into account countries’ evolving economic conditions and underpin confidence and economic recovery.
To raise productivity and growth potential in our economies, we support structural reforms, and investments in education and in modern infrastructure, as appropriate. Investment initiatives can be financed using a range of mechanisms, including leveraging the private sector. Sound financial measures, to which we are committed, should build stronger systems over time while not choking off near-term credit growth. We commit to promote investment to underpin demand, including support for small businesses and public-private partnerships.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/19/statement-g-8-leaders-global-economy
May 19, 2012
Statement by the G-8 on Global Oil Markets
“There have been increasing disruptions in the supply of oil to the global market over the past several months, which pose a substantial risk to global economic growth. In response, major producers have increased their output while drawing prudently on excess capacity. Looking ahead to the likelihood of further disruptions in oil sales and the expected increased demand over the coming months, we are monitoring the situation closely and stand ready to call upon the International Energy Agency to take appropriate action to ensure that the market is fully and timely supplied.”
Next Up…
5:45 PM ET
President Obama holds a press conference
Camp David
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CNN http://live.cnn.com
CSPAN http://www.c-span.org/Events/President-Obama-Closes-G8-Summit/10737430824/
http://www.c-span.org/Events/President-Obama-Closes-G8-Summit/10737430824/
May 19, 2012
Statement by President Obama at Closing of G8 Summit
Aspen Cabin
Camp David, Maryland
6:04 P.M. EDT
Good afternoon, everybody. It has been a great pleasure to host the leaders of some of the world’s largest economies here at Camp David. I think the surroundings gave us an opportunity to hold some intimate discussions and make some genuine progress.
For the past three years, our nations have worked together and with others first to rescue a global economy from freefall, then to wrestle it back to a path of recovery and growth. Our progress has been tested at times by shocks like the disaster in Japan, for example. Today it’s threatened once again by the serious situation in the eurozone.
As all the leaders here today agreed, growth and jobs must be our top priority. A stable, growing European economy is in everybody’s best interests — including America’s. Europe is our largest economic partner. Put simply, if a company is forced to cut back in Paris or Madrid, that might mean less business for manufacturers in Pittsburgh or Milwaukee. And that might mean a tougher time for families and communities that depend on that business.
And that’s why, even as we’ve confronted our own economic challenges over the past few years, we’ve collaborated closely with our European allies and partners as they’ve confronted theirs. And today, we discussed ways they can promote growth and job creation right now, while still carrying out reforms necessary to stabilize and strengthen their economies for the future.
We know it is possible — in part, based on our own experience here. In my earliest days in office, we took decisive steps to confront our own financial crisis — from making banks submit to stress tests to rebuilding their capital — and we put in place some of the strongest financial reforms since the Great Depression.
At the same time, we worked to get our own fiscal house in order in a responsible way. And through it all, even as we worked to stabilize the financial sector and bring down our deficits and debt over the longer term, we stayed focused on growing the economy and creating jobs in the immediate term.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/19/statement-president-obama-closing-g8-summit
Sunday, May 20, 2012
All Times Eastern
First Lady Michelle Obama hosts a NATO Leaders’ spouses to the Art Institute of Chicago for a private dinner.
7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
10:45 AM
President Obama holds a bilateral meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Pool Spray at the Bottom
11:00 AM
11:30 AM
First Lady Michelle Obama greets and invites the NATO leaders’ spouses to a tour of the Gary Comer Youth Center; the center helps prepare young people to graduate from high school and to pursue college and meaningful careers
South Side of Chicago.
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
1:35 PM
President Obama meets with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Pool Spray at the Top
2:00 PM
2:30 PM
President Obama hold an official greeting of the North Atlantic Council Leaders
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Pooled Press
3:00 PM
3:15 PM
President Obama participates in opening session of the North Atlantic Council with NATO leaders
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Pool Coverage at the top
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
Press Briefing
Chicago, Illinois
8:00 PM
8:40 PM
President Obama takes part in a NATO family photo
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Pooled Press
9:00 PM
President Obama and other NATO leaders attend a working dinner
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Closed Press
10:00 PM
May 20, 2012
WhiteHouse.http://www.7wm4js9kw.com/press/feeds/webcast_english.php
10:45 AM ET
President Obama holds a bilateral meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
1:35 PM ET
President Obama meets with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
2:30 PM ET
President Obama hold an official greeting of the North Atlantic Council Leaders
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
3:15 PM ET
President Obama participates in opening session of the North Atlantic Council with NATO leaders
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
7:00 PM ET
Press Briefing (Audio Only)
Chicago, Illinois
8:40 PM ET
President Obama takes part in a NATO family photo
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
9:00 PM ET
President Obama and other NATO leaders attend a working dinner
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
—-
CNN http://live.cnn.com
—-
CSPAN http://www.cspan.org/
2:30 PM ET
President Obama hold an official greeting of the North Atlantic Council Leaders
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL http://www.c-span.org/Events/World-Leaders-Gather-for-NATO-Summit/10737430825/
—-
The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
10:45 AM ET
President Obama holds a bilateral meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
1:35 PM ET
President Obama meets with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
2:30 PM ET
President Obama hold an official greeting of the North Atlantic Council Leaders
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
3:15 PM ET
President Obama participates in opening session of the North Atlantic Council with NATO leaders
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
7:00 PM EDT
White House Press Briefing
Chicago, Illinois
8:40 PM ET
President Obama takes part in a NATO family photo
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
9:00 PM ET
President Obama and other NATO leaders attend a working dinner
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Michelle Obama taking NATO spouses to Chicago’s South Side: Her old neighborhood
March 21, 2012 By Lynn Sweet – runtimes
WASHINGTON–First Lady Michelle Obama will take the spouses of global leaders in Chicago for the NATO summit next May to her native South Side for a visit to the Gary Comer Youth Center, not far from where she was raised, the White House is announcing Wednesday.
It is traditional for the first ladies of a host county to plan a program for spouses; Mrs. Obama entertained spouses of global leaders when the G-20 met in Pittsburgh for a summit in 2009.
In Chicago, however, Mrs. Obama wants to throw a spotlight near her old community– with a May 20 visit to the youth center, 7200 S. Ingleside. Mrs. Obama often speaks of growing up in a small apartment at 7436 S. Euclid.
President Obama will host what is being billed as a “working dinner” with the NATO leaders on May 20 at Soldier Field, not far from the McCormick Place complex which is the headquarters for the the summit.
Mrs. Obama will also be throwing a spouse dinner that night–with one possible location the Symphony Center complex associated with the Chicago Symphony.
The White House said McCormick Place “will be the venue for Leader, Ministerial, and Senior Official events, as well as house the international press file center for the duration of the Summit on May 19-21.”
Meanwhile, at NATO headquarters in Brussels, an exhibit on Chicago opens on Thursday, with a delegation from Chicago on hand led by Amy Rule, the wife of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is marking her first major public event with the trip to Belgium.
The kick-off the the Chicago exhibit will feature, besides Rule–who will make her speaking debut–NATO Secretary General Andres Rasmussen; Ambassador Ivo Daalder, United States Permanent Representative to NATO; Gov. Pat Quinn; Don Welch, the President & CEO of the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau and Lori Healey, the Executive Director of the Chicago NATO Host committee.
Gary Comer Youth Center Welcomes First Lady Michelle Obama and Spouses of Foreign Leaders
Gary Comer Youth Center – Fri, May 18, 2012
CHICAGO, May 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via PRWEB – First Lady Michelle Obama and the spouses of the NATO Summit and G8 foreign leaders will visit Gary Comer Youth Center this Sunday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. Guests will learn about the Youth Center’s innovative educational and extracurricular programs, view dance and cultural performances by Chicago-area youth, and enjoy a private lunch created by Chef Paul Kahan, who has worked with Youth Center culinary students in preparing the meal.
First Lady Michelle Obama will provide guests with a full tour of the Youth Center facility, highlighting the Youth Urban Agriculture Program held at the rooftop garden, recording studio, visual arts studio, dance and fitness studio, the culinary program and more. Performances will be conducted by the South Shore Drill Team, the Muntu Dance Theater and the Soul Children of Chicago.
“Our goal is to provide programs and resources that ensure our youth members succeed in school and are empowered to seek their full potential in life,” said Greg Mooney, Gary Comer Youth Center’s Executive Director. “We are honored to welcome First Lady Michelle Obama and her distinguished guests and to demonstrate how we have been able to make a difference on Chicago’s South Side.”
For more: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/gary-comer-youth-center-welcomes-102411502.html;_ylt=A2KJjaguMLlP9QMAHSTQtDMD
Sunday talk show tip sheet
5/18/12 By LEIGH MUNSIL – POLITICO
This Sunday’s television talk shows are packed with congressional leaders, headlined by House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on ABC’s “This Week.”
“Fox News Sunday” bills its weekend lineup as a “debate” on the economy between House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and President Barack Obama’s former economic adviser, Austan Goolsbee.
Ryan also stops by NBC’s “Meet the Press,” along with Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).
CBS’s “Face the Nation” has Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Budget Committee members Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.).
And CNN’s “State of the Union” has Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), as well as Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and David Axelrod, a senior adviser to the president’s reelection campaign.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen also stops by as the president hosts the allies at a summit in Chicago.
C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers” has Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank, the ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, interviewed by Binyamin Appelbaum of The New York Times and Major Garrett of National Journal.
And Bloomberg TV’s “Political Capital” has Staples founder Tom Stemberg, a surrogate for presumed Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, along with Lawrence Fish, retired chairman and CEO of Citizens Financial Group and an Obama campaign surrogate.
Solar Eclipse over the USA
Jan. 27, 2012: Mark your calendar. On Sunday, May 20th, the sun is going to turn into a ring of fire. It’s an annular solar eclipse–the first one in the USA in almost 18 years.
An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly in front of the sun, but the lunar disk is not quite wide enough to cover the entire star. At maximum, the Moon forms a “black hole” in the center of the sun.
The “path of annularity” is a strip about 300 km wide and thousands of km long. It stretches from China and Japan, across the Pacific Ocean, to the middle of North America. In the United States, the afternoon sun will become a luminous ring in places such as Medford, Oregon; Chico, California; Reno, Nevada; St. George, Utah; Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Lubbock, Texas.
Outside of this relatively narrow zone, the eclipse will be partial. Observers almost everywhere west of the Mississippi will see a crescent-shaped sun as the Moon passes by off-center.
For the entire article: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2012/27jan_annulareclipse/
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May 20, 2012 Eclipse Map: http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2012May20Agoogle.html
Sunday, May 20th Eclipse
Outdoor Viewing Advisory
Looking directly at the photosphere of the Sun (the bright disk of the Sun itself), even for just a few seconds, can cause permanent damage to the retina of the eye, because of the intense visible and invisible radiation that the photosphere emits. This damage can result in permanent impairment of vision, up to and including blindness. The retina has no sensitivity to pain, and the effects of retinal damage may not appear for hours, so there is no warning that injury is occurring.
Under normal conditions, the Sun is so bright that it is difficult to stare at it directly. However, during an eclipse, with so much of the Sun covered, it is easier and more tempting to stare at it. Unfortunately, looking at the Sun during an eclipse is as dangerous as looking at it outside an eclipse, except during the brief period of totality, when the Sun’s disk is completely covered (totality occurs only during a total eclipse and only very briefly; it does not occur during a partial or annular eclipse). Viewing the Sun’s disk through any kind of optical aid (binoculars, a telescope, or even an optical camera viewfinder) is extremely hazardous and can cause irreversible eye damage in a fraction of a second.
The safest way to view the Sun’s disk is by indirect projection. This can be done by projecting an image of the disk onto a white piece of paper or card using a pair of binoculars (with one of the lenses covered), a telescope, or another piece of cardboard with a small hole in it (about 1 mm diameter), often called a pinhole camera. The projected image of the Sun can then be safely viewed; this technique can be used to observe sunspots, as well as eclipses. Care must be taken, however, to ensure that no one looks through the projector (telescope, pinhole, etc.) directly.Viewing the Sun’s disk on a video display screen (provided by a video camera or digital camera) is safe, although the camera itself may be damaged by direct exposure to the Sun. The optical viewfinders provided with some video and digital cameras are not safe. Securely mounting #14 welder’s glass in front of the lens and viewfinder protects the equipment and makes viewing possible. Professional workmanship is essential because of the dire consequences any gaps or detaching mountings will have. In the partial eclipse path one will not be able to see the corona or nearly complete darkening of the sky, however, depending on how much of the Sun’s disk is obscured, some darkening may be noticeable. If three-quarters or more of the sun is obscured, then an effect can be observed by which the daylight appears to be dim, as if the sky were overcast, yet objects still cast sharp shadows.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse#Viewing
No view of anything here — it’s cloudy and raining!
Good Sunday morning everyone! I HOPE that you have a good day!
Good and HOPEful Sunday, CR and all friends!
>^..^<
Good and HOPEful Sunday Kat!
Next Up…
10:45 AM ET
President Obama holds a bilateral meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.7wm4js9kw.com/press/feeds/webcast_english.php
The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
May 20, 2012
Remarks by President Obama and President Karzai of Afghanistan After Bilateral Meeting
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois
11:57 A.M. CDT
PRESIDENT OBAMA: All right. Good morning, everybody. It is a great pleasure to welcome President Karzai to my hometown of Chicago after he extended hospitality to me during my visit to to Kabul recently. During that trip to Afghanistan, we were able to finalize the Strategic Partnership Agreement that reflects a future in which two sovereign nations — the United States and Afghanistan — are operating as partners, to the benefit of our countries’ citizens, but also for the benefit of peace and security and stability in the region and around the world.
I want to thank President Karzai for his cooperation, and his delegation’s hard work in helping us to achieve the Strategic Partnership Agreement. And the NATO Summit is going to be largely devoted to ratifying and reflecting the broad consensus that so many of our partners and ISAF members have agreed to — one in which we are working with the Afghans over the next several years to achieve a complete transition to Afghan lead for Afghan security; one in which we continue to provide support for the Afghan National Security Forces that have made excellent progress over the last several years; and also painting a vision post-2014 in which we have ended our combat role, the Afghan war as we understand it is over, but our commitment to friendship and partnership with Afghanistan continues.
And so the Strategic Partnership Agreement, this NATO Summit, are all part and parcel of a shared vision that we have in which Afghanistan is able to transition from decades of war to a transformational decade of peace and stability and development. And so I just want to stress my appreciation for the hard work that President Karzai has done. I think he recognizes the enormous sacrifices that have been made by the American people and, most profoundly, by American troops, as well as the troops of our other coalition partners. We recognize the hardship that the Afghan people have been through during these many, many years of war. Both of us recognize that we still have a lot of work to do, and there will be great challenges ahead. The loss of life continues in Afghanistan; there will be hard days ahead. But we’re confident that we are on the right track, and what this NATO Summit reflects is that the world is behind the strategy that we’ve laid out.
Now it’s our task to implement it effectively. And I believe that we can do so, in part because of the tremendous strength and resilience of the Afghan people. I think they desperately want peace and security and development. And so long as they’re reflecting that resilience and that hope for a better future, they will have a friend in the United States of America.
So, President Karzai, welcome. I am confident this will be a productive NATO Summit, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work to implement the plans that we’ve laid out.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/20/remarks-president-obama-and-president-karzai-afghanistan-after-bilateral
11:30 AM ET
First Lady Michelle Obama greets and invites the NATO leaders’ spouses to a tour of the Gary Comer Youth Center; the center helps prepare young people to graduate from high school and to pursue college and meaningful careers
South Side of Chicago.
May 20, 2012
Remarks by the First Lady at Gary Comer Youth Center
Gary Comer Youth Center
Chicago, Illinois
12:56 P.M. CDT
MRS. OBAMA: Wow. Well, hello. (Laughter.) And thank you all so much. Let me tell you, it is more than a pleasure for me to be here with all of you today at the Gary Comer Youth Center. As Greg mentioned, as you know, I was born and raised right here on the South Side. And I have to tell you, it really feels good to be home.
And I want to start by thanking Greg for that very kind introduction and for his outstanding work as executive director for the center. I remember when we first met, and he has been just rock solid from the very beginning, and you all are lucky to have him.
I also want to give a special thank you to Mrs. Francie Comer, and to Guy Comer, for being with us today and for carrying on Gary Comer’s extraordinary legacy of service to this community. (Applause.) Thank you all so much.
And I also want to give a special hello, recognize 6 very special guests whom I’ve brought with me here today, my counterparts and distinguished women in their own right from Albania, Croatia, France, Norway, Turkey and the NATO headquarters. They are visiting Chicago this weekend, as you know, for this year’s NATO summit. And I am obviously thrilled and proud to host them here in my hometown and in my backyard. So let’s give them a round of applause and a warm welcome. (Applause.)
And most of all, I want to recognize all of the extraordinary young people joining us today. You all are amazingly impressive. But we will also hear from the Soul Children of Chicago, who are here today. We’ve got the South Shore Drill Team who’s going to perform, as well as Mantu Dance Company in the house — and I used to be on the board of Mantu, so I’ve got a little connection to some of everybody here today.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/20/remarks-first-lady-gary-comer-youth-center
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First Lady Michelle Obama hosts the NATO leaders’ spouses to a tour of the Gary Comer Youth Center
Published on May 21, 2012 by cumhurbaskani
Now Streaming…
1:35 PM ET
President Obama meets with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.7wm4js9kw.com/press/feeds/webcast_english.php
The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
May 20, 2012
Remarks by President Obama and NATO Secretary General Rasmussen Before Bilateral Meeting
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois
12:52 P.M. CDT
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, I just want to not only welcome Secretary General Rasmussen to my hometown of Chicago — my understanding is he’s already enjoyed some of the sights, and we were hearing about him jogging along the lake and appreciating the outstanding views and the skyline — but more importantly, I want to thank him for his extraordinary leadership.
Secretary General Rasmussen arrived in this post during one of most challenging times that NATO has faced. He has guided us through some very rocky times. And I think the results of this NATO Summit are reflective of his extraordinary leadership.
At this summit, we anticipate not only ratifying the plan for moving forward in Afghanistan — a transition process that will bring the war to an end at the end of 2014 and put Afghans in the lead for their own security — but we’re also going to be talking about the progress that we’ve made in expanding NATO’s defense capabilities — ensuring that every NATO member has a stake and is involved and integrated in our mutual defense efforts.
And we’re going to have an opportunity to talk about the partnerships that NATO has been able to set up with like-minded countries around the world, and find ways that we can deepen and engage those partners to help to promote security and peace around the world.
All this has happened because of Secretary General Rasmussen’s leadership. I’m very proud of the work that he’s done. I think it’s going to be reflected in the success of this summit. And on behalf of the American people, we want to say thank you.
SECRETARY GENERAL RASMUSSEN: Thank you very much. Mr. President, I would like to thank very much for your strong leadership, for your dedication to our alliance. America has always been a source of strength and inspiration in NATO, and I’m very pleased that we can hold our 25th summit in your home city, Chicago.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/20/remarks-president-obama-and-nato-secretary-general-rasmussen-bilateral-m
Please join me in lighting a candle for our President, First Family and our Nation.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=PBO
18 now.
Next Up…
2:30 PM ET
President Obama hold an official greeting of the North Atlantic Council Leaders
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.7wm4js9kw.com/press/feeds/webcast_english.php
CSPAN http://www.c-span.org/Events/World-Leaders-Gather-for-NATO-Summit/10737430825/
The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
May 20, 2012
Remarks by the President at Opening NAC Meeting
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois
2:15 P.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary General. Anders, I want to take this opportunity on behalf of all of us to thank you for your outstanding leadership over these past three years. And I want to begin by welcoming each and every one of you to my hometown. I hope everybody has enjoyed themselves. I understand some took a architectural boat tour, some have run along the lakefront. Chicago is a great place, and we look forward to having you back again.
As Anders mentioned, so many people here in Chicago trace their roots back to NATO countries. So it’s especially fitting that Chicago is the first American city outside of Washington, D.C. ever to host a NATO Summit. Given the moment of silence we just observed, I also want to take the opportunity to salute Admiral Stavidris, General Abrial, General Allen, and all of our men and women who are serving in uniform on our behalf, and especially those who are serving today in Afghanistan.
For over 65 years, our alliance has been the bedrock of our common security, of freedom and of prosperity. And though the times may have changed, the fundamental reason for our alliance has not. Our nations are stronger and more prosperous when we stand together. In good times and in bad, our alliance has endured; in fact, it has thrived — because we share an unbreakable commitment to the freedom and security of our citizens.
We’ve seen this from the Cold War to the Balkans, from Afghanistan to Libya. And that’s the spirit that we need to sustain here in Chicago, and with an alliance that is focused squarely on the future.
When we last met in Lisbon, we agreed to a bold plan of action to revitalize the alliance and ensure that we have the tools that are required to confront a changing and uncertain strategic landscape. Here, at this session, we can reaffirm our Article V commitment to our collective defense and to investing in the defense capabilities and new technologies that meet our collective security needs.
In these difficult economic times, we can work together and pull our resources. NATO is a force multiplier, and the initiatives we will endorse today will allow each of our nations to accomplish what none of us could achieve alone. We can all be proud that in Lisbon we committed, and now in Chicago we are delivering.
Over the next two days, we’ll meet — first as allies and then with President Karzai and our international partners — to chart the next phase of the transition in Afghanistan. Just as we’ve sacrificed together for our common security, we will stand together, united, in our determination to complete this mission.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/20/remarks-president-opening-nac-meeting
Next Up…
3:15 PM ET
President Obama participates in opening session of the North Atlantic Council with NATO leaders
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.7wm4js9kw.com/press/feeds/webcast_english.php
The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
Opening Session of the North Atlantic Council
Published on May 20, 2012 by whitehouse
After a ceremony honoring NATO military, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and President Obama speak before a meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the NATO Summit in Chicago. May 20, 2012
Press Briefing on NATO Defense Capabilities
Published on May 21, 2012 by whitehouse
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder and Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes brief the press after the first NATO session at the Chicago summit, a North Atlantic Council focusing on NATO defense capabilities. May 21, 2012.
L.A. Times:
In a significant political victory for President Obama, the leaders of Germany and other European nations endorsed a policy of economic growth over austerity and emphasized that Greece, which is trying to battle its way out of a crippling debt crisis, should remain in the Eurozone….
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-g8-economy-20120520,0,817522.story
GOP falling behind the learning curve as usual:
It’s official — 2,000,000 donors and counting to PBO’s re-election campaign! Handy search thing here to find out how many people from each state or of what occupation donated:
http://bit.ly/JIxhL8
YES WE CAN AGAIN!
First Lady Michelle Obama hosts a NATO Leaders’ spouses to the Art Institute of Chicago for a private dinner.
Michelle Obama, NATO spouses visit youth center
5/20/12 By JIM SUHR | Associated Press – 2 hrs 12 mins ago
CHICAGO (AP) — At the tender age of 11, Cecilia Moseley already appears versed in the virtues of fitness. But she was left star-struck Sunday after first lady Michelle Obama and an audience of global leaders reinforced the message in person.
The sixth-grader beamed after chatting about exercise with Obama at south Chicago’s Gary Comer Youth Center, where the first lady led a handful of dignitaries or significant others of European leaders here for the NATO summit on a tour. The youth center is just minutes from her childhood stomping grounds.
The first lady and her guests — from such far-flung places as Norway, Turkey, Croatia and Albania — viewed the center’s rooftop garden, watched youths practice their culinary training and took in a performance by an African-American dance troupe and a gospel group.
And they saw Cecilia and nine other kids do some hip-hop aerobics.
The 80,000-square-foot center was created by the late Gary Comer, who founded the Lands’ End clothing company, in the Chicago neighborhood where he claimed as his roots.
It’s unlikely the center has ever enjoyed this much attention. Cecilia sure hasn’t.
For more: http://news.yahoo.com/michelle-obama-nato-spouses-visit-youth-center-194349905.html
Next Up…
8:40 PM ET
President Obama takes part in a NATO family photo
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.7wm4js9kw.com/press/feeds/webcast_english.php
The Chicago Council http://www.livestream.com/thechicagocouncil
Photo to follow
9:00 PM ET
President Obama and other NATO leaders attend a working dinner
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
10:00 A.M. ET
President Obama participates in an International Security Assistance Force meeting on Afghanistan
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois
May 21, 2012
Remarks by the President at ISAF Meeting on Afghanistan
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois
9:24 A.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: Well, good morning, everyone. And for those who are joining us for the first time, welcome to Chicago. I was just hearing from a few folks who are not NATO members that they had fun on the town last night. Hopefully, no stories in the press. (Laughter.)
We come together as 50 nations — NATO allies and partners — that make up the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. I want to welcome the presence of President Karzai, as well as officials from central Asia and Russia — nations that have an important perspective and that continue to provide critical transit for ISAF supplies.
The presence of so many leaders and nations illustrates once again that this is a truly international mission, and that’s because the region and the world have a profound interest in an Afghanistan that is stable, that is secure, and that is not a source of attacks on other nations. And today, as always, our thoughts are with our brave forces who are serving in this vital mission.
Two years ago, in Lisbon, our nations agreed on a framework for transition in Afghanistan that would allow us to responsibly wind down the war. We agreed that this transition to Afghan lead for security would begin in 2011 and that it would conclude in 2014. At the same time, we said that we would seek a long-term partnership with Afghanistan and the Afghan people.
Over the past two years, we’ve made important progress. Our forces broke the Taliban’s momentum. More Afghans are reclaiming their communities. Afghan security forces have grown stronger. And the transition that we agreed to in Lisbon is well underway.
This past week we saw more progress. We very much welcomed President Karzai’s announcement to the third group of areas to begin transition. This means that 75 percent of the Afghan people live in areas where Afghan forces will be moving into the lead.
Today, we’ll decide the next phase of the transition — the next milestone. We’ll set a goal for Afghan forces to take the lead for combat operations across the country in 2013 — next year — so that ISAF can move to a supporting role. This will be another step toward Afghans taking full lead for their security as agreed to by 2014 when the ISAF combat mission will end.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/21/remarks-president-isaf-meeting-afghanistan
May 21, 2012
Fact Sheet: Chicago Summit – Sufficient and Sustainable ANSF
Supporting Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) that are sufficient to the task of securing Afghanistan and financially sustainable by the Afghan government and the international community is the foundation of NATO’s transition strategy. A sufficient and sustainable ANSF will help guarantee that our hard-fought gains in Afghanistan will be preserved and is necessary for the stability and security of Afghanistan going forward. At the Chicago Summit, Afghanistan, the United States, NATO Allies, and ISAF partners announced an agreed vision for the ANSF and committed to providing adequate funding for this force.
This plan calls for the ANSF to achieve a surge strength of 352,000 by the end of 2013 and remain at that size for two full years, through the end of 2015, to allow continued progress toward a secure environment in Afghanistan. We anticipate that an improving security environment would then allow for a carefully planned, conditions-based drawdown to an enduring force over another two years, concluding at the end of 2017. The preliminary model for a future total ANSF size, defined by the international community and the Afghan Government, envisages a force of 228,500 with an estimated annual budget of $4.1 billion. We will continue to work closely with the Government of Afghanistan and our Allies and Partners to evaluate conditions on the ground and the ANSF plan, making adjustments as needed.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/21/fact-sheet-chicago-summit-sufficient-and-sustainable-ansf
May 21, 2012
Fact Sheet: Chicago Summit – Afghanistan Transition Interim Milestone
At the 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon, the United States, our NATO Allies, ISAF partners, and the Government of Afghanistan agreed to transfer responsibility for securing Afghanistan from ISAF to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in a transition process that would begin in 2011 and be completed by the end of 2014. This strategy is on track. Already more than 50 percent of Afghans live in areas where the ANSF are in the lead for security. This number will reach roughly 75 percent when the recently announced third tranche of Afghan provinces, districts, and cities begin the transition later this summer. As an Alliance, we are fully committed to the Lisbon transition strategy and timeline, and we remain committed to executing it together. This transition process will allow us to responsibly draw down our forces in Afghanistan, while preserving our hard-won gains and setting the stage for our core objectives to be achieved now and into the future.
At the Chicago NATO Summit, leaders reaffirmed this Lisbon framework for transition and agreed on an interim milestone in mid-2013 to mark our progress toward the transition goal. Concurrent with the announcement of the fifth and final tranche of Afghan provinces to enter the transition process – to be determined by the Afghan Government — the mid-2013 milestone will mark the beginning of the ANSF’s assumption of the lead for combat operations across the country. At this time, ISAF’s main effort will shift from combat to supporting the ANSF. As it shifts its primary focus from combating the enemy to training, advising, and assisting, ISAF will ensure that the Afghans have the support they need while they adjust to their new responsibilities in preparation for transition’s conclusion at the end of 2014.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/21/fact-sheet-chicago-summit-afghanistan-transition-interim-milestone
May 21, 2012
Fact Sheet: Chicago Summit – NATO’s Enduring Presence after 2014
At the 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon, NATO Heads of State and Government agreed to an enduring partnership between NATO and Afghanistan that would last beyond the transition of full security responsibility for Afghanistan from ISAF to Afghan forces by the end of 2014. At the Chicago Summit, leaders reaffirmed this partnership, sending a clear message to the Afghan people that as they stand up to take responsibility for their own country, they will not stand alone.
In Chicago, leaders discussed how we can further build the NATO-Afghanistan partnership. Allies and partners agreed on the outlines of a new NATO mission to train, advise, and assist Afghan forces after transition of full security responsibility to the Afghans is completed by the end of 2014. As transition proceeds and ISAF forces gradually return home, insurgents will continue to find a steadfast, highly capable Afghan forces standing against them, with the coalition’s active support. In addition, by publicly outlining NATO’s plans for our future presence, we are being transparent with Afghanistan’s neighbors about our efforts, and we look to them to continue to provide critical regional support to Afghanistan.
In addition to our efforts within NATO, President Obama signed the historic U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement with President Karzai in Kabul on May 2. This agreement provides a long-term political framework for relations between the United States and Afghanistan as we look beyond a responsible end to the war. Over the past six months, Afghanistan has signed other partnership agreements with numerous countries around the world, many of them NATO Allies or ISAF partners, including: the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Norway, Australia, and India. Afghanistan also is negotiating a long-term partnership agreement with the European Union. The United States supports this web of long-term partnerships alongside the NATO commitment and believes they will help support Afghanistan after the security transition, ensuring that the international community remains engaged in support of the Afghan people in the years following the conclusion of ISAF’s mission.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/21/fact-sheet-chicago-summit-nato-s-enduring-presence-after-2014
May 21, 2012
Fact Sheet: Chicago Summit – Strengthening NATO’s Partnerships
At the Chicago Summit, President Obama and the 27 leaders of the other Allied nations acted to further strengthen and deepen NATO’s ties with partner nations. Enhancing NATO’s global network of partnerships is a top priority for the United States and NATO, and leaders made important progress on this front. In addition, NATO’s meeting with four partner nations aspiring to NATO membership sent the important signal that NATO’s door remains open to new members. With the presence of a large number of NATO’s valued partners, the Chicago Summit was the biggest in NATO’s 63-year history. The United States strongly supports NATO’s cooperation with partners as a means to more effectively share burdens and act worldwide to accomplish our common security goals. Following three important Chicago Summit meetings with Partners, the Alliance is poised to strengthen its cooperation with other members of the international community on common security challenges, and to further define its role as a hub for security around the world.
Chicago Partnership Meeting: In an unprecedented gathering at a NATO Summit, President Obama and his Allied counterparts met with leaders of 13 of our non-Allied partners making significant financial, operational, and political contributions to NATO operations. These nations were Australia, Austria, Finland, Georgia, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, New Zealand, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. At this meeting, the United States and NATO recognized the impressive contributions and sacrifices these partners have made – and are making – in NATO-led operations worldwide. From Kosovo to Afghanistan to our recent success in Libya, the Alliance’s work alongside partners in pursuit of mutual goals has strengthened our common security. These 13 nations have exemplified this cooperative spirit. Leaders at this meeting also drew on lessons from previous joint efforts to explore how NATO can further advance interoperability and cooperation with partners. Deepened partnerships allow NATO to extend its reach and better share burdens, in a manner beneficial to Allies and partners alike.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/21/fact-sheet-chicago-summit-strengthening-nato-s-partnerships
12:55 PM ET
President Obama takes part in an International Security Assistance Force family photo.
Photo to follow..
2:20 PM ET
President Obama and NATO Secretary General host a Partners Meeting.
Remarks and video to follow.
4:00 PM ET
Press Briefing
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois
May 20, 2012
Briefing by General John Allen, General Doug Lute, and Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes
White House Press Filing Center
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois
3:00 P.M. EDT
MR. RHODES: Good afternoon, everybody. Thanks for joining us. We’re very pleased today to be joined by two guests here — General John Allen, who’s the Commanding General of ISAF; and Doug Lute, who leads our Afghanistan-Pakistan policy at the White House.
General Allen is here for a limited amount of time, so I think we’ll begin by having the General walk you through his view of the situation in Afghanistan and the summit here. And he can take questions on the security aspects of our efforts in Afghanistan.
Then later on, Doug and I can give you a readout of the President’s meeting with President Karzai and answer whatever other questions you have about Afghanistan and about the summit or other issues. But with that, I’ll turn it over to General Allen. Thanks.
GENERAL ALLEN: Thank you, Ben.
Well, it’s good to see you all. I wanted to spend just a couple of moments this afternoon just summarizing my key priorities with respect to the campaign, where we find ourselves now. Those priorities generally revolve around three key points. One is to continue the momentum of the campaign itself, continue to pressure the Taliban. The second priority is to move with all dispatch to accelerate the capacity and the role of the ANSF moving forward in assuming their role in security lead across the country. And a third is to set the conditions for, and to support the process of transition as it was envisioned as a road map in the Lisbon Summit in November of 2010.
All of those are complementary. The actions that we are undertaking with respect to the campaign in this coming campaign season are supported by the continued build of the Afghan National Security forces. We anticipate completing the recruitment of the ANSF, which will be 352,000 troops upon completion, and we expect to do that several months ahead of schedule. That date was originally 1 October; we would anticipate within the next couple of months.
We will continue to train and equip and ultimately to field the entire ANSF by the end of 2013. So we’ll be approaching a key crossover point in the campaign in 2013 — what’s known as the Milestone 2013 where the ANSF will move into security lead in the context of the counterinsurgency campaign and where ISAF forces will be supporting that move into the lead, recognizing and noting, however, that combat will continue — combat operations will continue in the country throughout the period of the remainder of the ISAF mission, which will conclude on the 31st of December 2014.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/20/briefing-general-john-allen-general-doug-lute-and-deputy-national-securi
May 21, 2012
Statement by the Press Secretary on John Brennan’s Call with President Hadi of Yemen
Today, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan called Yemeni President Abdo Rabu Mansour Hadi to convey President Obama’s deep condolences for the cowardly terrorist attack in Sana’a that brutally killed and injured more than 100 Yemeni soldiers. Mr. Brennan strongly condemned the despicable violence that struck as Yemen’s military forces were preparing to celebrate their country’s unity on Yemen’s National Day. Mr. Brennan offered U.S. assistance on the investigation into this tragic incident and said that the United States would stand by Yemen’s side at this difficult time. President Hadi thanked the United States for its support and vowed to continue his nation’s fight against al-Qa’ida so that the Yemeni people can live in a secure, stable, and prosperous environment that is free of terrorist violence. Mr. Brennan and President Hadi reaffirmed the unshakable partnership between Yemen and the United States, and President Hadi pledged not to let terrorist acts interfere with Yemen’s peaceful political transition.
Next Up…
4:30 PM ET
President Obama Press Conference
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois
Remarks and video to follow
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titled: “Joplin High School 2012 Graduation ”
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