Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) is being organized in pursuance of General Assembly Resolution 64/236 (A/RES/64/236). The Conference will take place in Brazil on 20-22 June 2012 to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro, and the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg. It is envisaged as a Conference at the highest possible level, including Heads of State and Government or other representatives. The Conference will result in a focused political document.
June 20-22, 2012
The UN Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20, will be a landmark event in international discussions on sustainable development. Rio+20 will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 20-22, 2012.
Rio+20 Themes and Objectives: The UN General Assembly identified two principal themes for Rio+20: The Green Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication; and the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development. It also identified three objectives for the Conference: Securing a Renewed Political Commitment for Sustainable Development; Assessing Progress and Remaining Gaps in Implementation of Sustainable Development Efforts; and Addressing New and Emerging Challenges.
US respresentatives attending the Rio20+:
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson
White House Council on Environmental Quality chair Nancy Sutley
Assistant Secretary of State Kerri-Ann Jones
State Department special climate envoy Todd Ster
RIO+2.0: Bridging Connection Technologies and Sustainable Development
State Dept. Remarks/Releases
State Dept. Links
Watch live webcasts
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
All Times Eastern
President Obama holds meetings at the White House
7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
1:30 PM
Vice President Joe Biden attends a breakfast campaign event
Sunset Center
Local Event Time: 10:30 AM PDT
Carmel, CA
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
3:30 PM
First Lady Michelle Obama attends a campaign event
Arapahoe County, CO
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
6:40 PM
First Lady Michelle Obama attends a campaign event
Pueblo, CO
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
Vice President Joe Biden addresses the 37th Annual Convention and Career Fair of the National Association of Black Journalists.
New Orleans, LA
Local Event Time: 7:00 PM CDT
Open Press
9:00 PM
10:00 PM
June 20, 2012
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
2:00 PM ET
Council on Women and Girls will be hosting an event to mark the 40th Anniversary of Title IX
8:00 PM ET
Vice President Joe Biden addresses the 37th Annual Convention and Career Fair of the National Association of Black Journalists.
—-
CNN http://live.cnn.com
9:30 AM ET
DEA oversight hearing
Drug Enforcement Administrator Michele Leonhart testifies before a House judiciary subcommittee on oversight of her agency.
9:30 AM ET
IPO process hearing
A Senate banking subcommittee looks at initial public offerings and whether they work for ordinary investors.
10:00 AM ET
House Committee Oversight and Government Reform
Contempt of Congress Report for Attorney General Holder Markup Hearing
10:30 AM ET
Pentagon briefing on Afghanistan
An ISAF Joint Command official will brief reporters on the current situation in war-torn Afghanistan.
2:00 PM ET
Afghan security forces readiness hearing
A House armed services subcommittee looks at the resorces and strategy for Afghanistan’s National Security Forces, along with when they would be able to lead security in the country.
2:15 PM ET
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke News Conference on Fed Open Market Meeting
8:00 PM ET
Vice President Joe Biden addresses the 37th Annual Convention and Career Fair of the National Association of Black Journalists.
—-
CSPAN http://www.cspan.org/
9:30 AM ET
DEA oversight hearing
Drug Enforcement Administrator Michele Leonhart testifies before a House judiciary subcommittee on oversight of her agency. http://www.c-span.org/Events/DEA-Administrator-Testifies-at-House-Judiciary-Oversight-Hearing/10737431736/
9:30 AM ET
IPO process hearing
A Senate banking subcommittee looks at initial public offerings and whether they work for ordinary investors. http://www.c-span.org/Events/Senate-Banking-Cmte-Looks-at-Facebook-IPO-Process/10737431754/
10:00 AM ET
House Committee Oversight and Government Reform
Contempt of Congress Report for Attorney General Holder Markup Hearing http://www.c-span.org/Events/Meeting-to-Consider-Attorney-General-Holder-Contempt-Citation/10737431716/
10:00 AM ET
White House Science Adviser Discusses Policy Priorities
http://www.c-span.org/Events/Senate-Banking-Cmte-Looks-at-Facebook-IPO-Process/10737431754/
10:15 AM ET
House Committee Holds Fifth Hearing in Series on Islamic Radicalization
The House Homeland Security Committee holds a hearing on the American Muslim response to radicalization in their communities, the fifth in a series on Islamic radicalization in the United States.http://www.c-span.org/Events/House-Committee-Holds-Fifth-Hearing-in-Series-on-Islamic-Radicalization/10737431735/
10:30 AM ET
Pentagon briefing on Afghanistan
An ISAF Joint Command official will brief reporters on the current situation in war-torn Afghanistan.
2:00 PM ET
Afghan security forces readiness hearing
A House armed services subcommittee looks at the resorces and strategy for Afghanistan’s National Security Forces, along with when they would be able to lead security in the country. http://www.c-span.org/Events/House-Committee-Hears-Testimony-on-Afghan-National-Security-Forces/10737431737/
2:15 PM ET
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke News Conference on Fed Open Market Meeting http://www.c-span.org/Events/Fed-Chair-to-Meet-with-Press-After-FOMC-Meeting/10737431714/
UN Conference on Sustainable Development 2012 – Rio+20
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) is being organized in pursuance of General Assembly Resolution 64/236 (A/RES/64/236). The Conference will take place in Brazil on 20-22 June 2012 to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro, and the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg. It is envisaged as a Conference at the highest possible level, including Heads of State and Government or other representatives. The Conference will result in a focused political document. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, White House Council on Environmental Quality chair Nancy Sutley, Assistant Secretary of State Kerri-Ann Jones and State Department special climate envoy Todd Ster will attend the summit.
Read more
June 20-22, 2012
The UN Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20, will be a landmark event in international discussions on sustainable development. Rio+20 will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 20-22, 2012.
Rio+20 Themes and Objectives: The UN General Assembly identified two principal themes for Rio+20: The Green Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication; and the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development. It also identified three objectives for the Conference: Securing a Renewed Political Commitment for Sustainable Development; Assessing Progress and Remaining Gaps in Implementation of Sustainable Development Efforts; and Addressing New and Emerging Challenges.
RIO+2.0: Bridging Connection Technologies and Sustainable Development
State Dept. Remarks/Releases
State Dept. Links
In the lead-up to the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in June 2012, the Obama Administration is challenging America’s youth to lend their voices to tell the world what they are doing to foster sustainable communities and help create an America built to last.
America’s youth and young adults have unlimited potential to generate innovative solutions to environment and energy challenges, and make an impact in their homes, schools, communities and beyond. As countries around the world prepare to gather at Rio+20 for a global conversation on sustainable development, this is an important time to highlight the link between economic, social, and environmental progress here at home. We need your energy, innovation, and expertise to create and advance the sustainability solutions of the 21st century. Share your story, mobilize others, and demonstrate how all Americans have the power to impact health and quality of life in their communities.
For more information: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sustainability-challenge
RIO+2.0: Bridging Connection Technologies and Sustainable Development
2/2/12 state.gov
The Department of State, in close collaboration with the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University, held a three day conference, Rio+2.0: Bridging Connection Technologies and Sustainable Development, at Stanford, from February 2-4, 2012. This unique gathering of more than 400 global policymakers, development practitioners and technology innovators was the principal U.S. Government event to prepare for the June United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20.
Rio+2.0 explored ways we can apply existing and cutting edge connection technologies, including the web, SMS and mobile phones, to advance sustainable development in the fields of health, the environment, agriculture and sustainable economic growth. Panel sessions examined the innovation culture, and the role of governments and civil society, in fostering innovation. As the source of many of the technologies and new ideas that have powered Silicon Valley for decades, Stanford was an ideal environment in which to explore innovations that will drive sustainable development.
For more: http://www.state.gov/e/oes/sus/rio20/c49853.htm
UN Environmental Summit Opens in Rio
June 20, 2012 VOA News
Leaders from more than 100 nations are meeting in Rio de Janeiro Wednesday for the first day of a three-day United Nations environmental summit.
The leaders are expected to put the finishing touches on a draft document approved by diplomats from more than 190 nations that spells out a number of goals aimed at lifting billions of people out of poverty through sustainable development.
Opening the conference Wednesday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said officials are now in sight of a “historic agreement.” He said, “The world is watching to see if words will translate into action” and called on those at the summit not to “waste this opportunity.”
In a podcast this week, the Asian Development Bank’s Vice President for Knowledge Management Bindu Lohani spoke about the importance of the so-called “Sustainable Development Goals” for Asia.
“Asia is growing fast economically,” said Lohani. “We project by 2050, more than 50 percent of global economy will be in Asia. Asia is also rich in ecosystems, and therefore, very vulnerable. So with the sustainable development goals in mind, we would be able to develop Asia, still have growth, but we’d also be able to take care of the social and the environmental concerns at the same time.”
For more: http://www.voanews.com/content/un-environmental-summit-opens-in-rio/1215947.html
Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Stern at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Special Briefing
Todd Stern
Special Envoy for Climate Change
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
June 19, 2012 state.gov
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SPECIAL ENVOY STERN: Hi everybody and welcome. I’m just going to make a few quick opening remarks. And we are obviously still in the middle of this overall process. We did finish today on a so-called ad ref basis, an agreement among this level, the negotiating level of the conference on the text that has been under discussion for quite some time now.
First of all, I would like to thank the Brazilians for hosting this conference and for the enormous amount of work that they have done. I said in the plenary today, and I mean it, the Brazilian diplomatic team is an extraordinarily talented group. I figured that out in 1997 at my first international conference. They were good then, and they are even better now. And I’ve had the pleasure to work and privilege of working with them in a lot of contexts now over the last several years. And even when it is tough, they are great people to work with.
And just one other preliminary point, which is that sustainable development means a lot to the United States. The President and Secretary Clinton elevated development to one of the three pillars of U.S. national security policy, along with diplomacy and defense. It has been an important issue. We’ve put a lot of time, effort and money into it. And we care a lot about getting sustainable development right. And we do believe that sustainable development is really nothing more than development itself in the 21st century at a time when the pressure on resources, on food and water, and oceans, and many other things just becomes greater and greater with growing economies and growing population.
I think the outcome that we finish today will help advance goals in this area. It is a negotiated outcome, a negotiated document with a lot of different views from a lot of different players. So, it obviously isn’t everything to everybody. I think everybody here — I think Minister Patriota mentioned this — everybody had things they were more pleased about and less pleased about, and certainly some things could have been improved, but I think it was a good strong step forward.Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Stern at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Special Briefing
Todd Stern
Special Envoy for Climate Change
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
June 19, 2012
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SPECIAL ENVOY STERN: Hi everybody and welcome. I’m just going to make a few quick opening remarks. And we are obviously still in the middle of this overall process. We did finish today on a so-called ad ref basis, an agreement among this level, the negotiating level of the conference on the text that has been under discussion for quite some time now.
First of all, I would like to thank the Brazilians for hosting this conference and for the enormous amount of work that they have done. I said in the plenary today, and I mean it, the Brazilian diplomatic team is an extraordinarily talented group. I figured that out in 1997 at my first international conference. They were good then, and they are even better now. And I’ve had the pleasure to work and privilege of working with them in a lot of contexts now over the last several years. And even when it is tough, they are great people to work with.
And just one other preliminary point, which is that sustainable development means a lot to the United States. The President and Secretary Clinton elevated development to one of the three pillars of U.S. national security policy, along with diplomacy and defense. It has been an important issue. We’ve put a lot of time, effort and money into it. And we care a lot about getting sustainable development right. And we do believe that sustainable development is really nothing more than development itself in the 21st century at a time when the pressure on resources, on food and water, and oceans, and many other things just becomes greater and greater with growing economies and growing population.
I think the outcome that we finish today will help advance goals in this area. It is a negotiated outcome, a negotiated document with a lot of different views from a lot of different players. So, it obviously isn’t everything to everybody. I think everybody here — I think Minister Patriota mentioned this — everybody had things they were more pleased about and less pleased about, and certainly some things could have been improved, but I think it was a good strong step forward.
For more: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/06/193538.htmhttp://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/06/193538.htm
Development Banks to Fund Sustainable Transport
June 21, 2012 12:45 PM Joe DeCapua – VOAnews
The world’s eight largest development banks say they’ll invest 175 billion dollars to finance sustainable urban transportation systems. The announcement came at the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development, also known as Rio plus 20.
The banks will invest the funds over the next 10 years, saying better transportation will spur development and protect the environment and public health.
“I think this is a real breakthrough for sustainable transport and sustainable development. It heralds a move away from massive road building, which we’ve seen in past decades from the development banks, and a move towards more investment in urban public transportation, safer roads for walking and bicycling and more efficient freight systems that can help build a green economy,” said Michael Replogle, founder of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, who was in Rio de Janeiro for the announcement. He said such transportation systems are vital as populations shift toward urban areas.
“We have half the world’s population now living in cities and another billion people will move to the world’s cities over the next 20 years. So the pattern that’s determined by transportation of how those cities are built will really make a huge difference in how sustainable our world is 20 years from now,” he said.
For more: http://www.voanews.com/content/decapua-rio-banks-transport-21jun12/1216513.html
[Ha! I just posted this on the previous thread, before I noticed a new one - just like the old days!]
Hi, CR and Kat and my other friends! Every now and then, I remind myself to come visit – and finally, finally, I am also posting to say hello during “our” re-election campaign! Hope y’all are doing well. Of course, we absolutely MUST get our President and Vice President re-elected … we MUST! I see you guys are doing your part, as usual. Have a happy Obama evening!
Hey Ms Oboomer!!!!
Yes, America needs to re-elect President Obama and to elect more Democrats into Congress so that the additional steps can be taken to protect all the essential programs to help America’s most vunerable!
An Obama eveing is the BEST kind!
*evening*
Good grief.
Yes, it is! We need four more years of them!
Bob Shrum: How Romney is like Dewey, “the little man on the wedding cake”
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/06/18/mitt-romney-is-a-lot-like-thomas-e-dewey-the-equivocating-loser-to-truman.html
The poor have it too darn easy! More comedy, with serious implications for the country, from GOP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell:
Vice President Joe Biden to Address the National Association of Black Journalists at Annual Convention
6/12/12 finanznachrichten.de
Vice President Joe Biden will address members of the National Association of Black Journalists, (NABJ) at the 37th Annual NABJ Convention & Career Fair next week in New Orleans, La.
With more than 2,500 journalists and media professionals expected to attend, the NABJ convention is the largest annual gathering of journalists of color in the nation. The Vice President will address NABJ Convention attendees on Wednesday, June 20, the first day of the five-day gathering.
For more: http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2012-06/23766376-vice-president-joe-biden-to-address-the-national-association-of-black-journalists-at-annual-convention-004.htm
MBA: FHA Mortgage Refinance Applications increase sharply
6/20/2012 07:00:00 AM by CalculatedRisk
The Refinance Index increased 1 percent from the previous week. The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index fell 9 percent from one week earlier.
“Refinance volume increased again last week, but the composition of activity changed markedly. Despite rates remaining near all-time lows, conventional refinance application volume declined, and the HARP share of refinance activity dropped to 20 percent,” said Michael Fratantoni, MBA’s Vice President of Research and Economics. “On the other hand, FHA refinance volume exploded to an all-time high, more than doubling over the week. New, lower FHA premiums on streamlined refinance loans came fully into effect, and borrowers seized the opportunity to lower their mortgage rates without increasing their FHA premiums. Purchase activity fell off last week, but this is likely only a recalibration following the Memorial Day holiday, as the level of activity remains within the narrow band seen for the past 3 years.”
For more: http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2012/06/mba-fha-mortgage-refinance-applications.html
Title IX
Title IX is a portion of the Education Amendments of 1972, Public Law No. 92-318, 86 Stat. 235 (June 23, 1972), codified at 20 U.S.C. sections 1681 through 1688, U.S. legislation also identified by the name of its principal author as the Patsy T. Mink (Hawaiian Congresswoman) Equal Opportunity in Education Act . It states (in part) that
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity.
For more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_IX
Title IX and Sex Discrimination
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
Washington, D.C.20202-1328
Revised August 1998
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities which receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX states that:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
The United States Department of Education (ED) maintains an Office for Civil Rights, with 12 enforcement offices throughout the nation and a headquarters office in Washington, D.C., to enforce Title IX.
* Education Programs and Activities Covered by Title IX
* The Office for Civil Rights Enforces Title IX
* How to File a Discrimination Complaint with OCR
* Where to Request Additional Information or File a Complaint
For the entire article: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/tix_dis.html
President Obama Talks Title IX
Matt Compton March 26, 2012 03:48 PM EDT
In June, Title IX, the federal law that mandates gender equality in school sports, will celebrate its 40th anniversary. There’s no denying its impact: Since 1972, the number of female athletes in college has climbed by more than 450 percent.
In a discussion with ESPN’s Andy Katz, President Obama talks about why that’s so important:
Studies show that girls who are involved in athletics often do better in school; they are more confident in terms of dealing with boys. And, so, for those of us who grew up just as Title IX was taking off, to see the development of women’s role models in sports, and for girls to know they excelled in something, there would be a spot for them in college where they weren’t second-class, I think has helped to make our society more equal in general.
The President also discussed one of his favorite weekend responsibilities — helping to coach his daughter Sasha’s basketball team.
The whole interview is worth a watch. Take some time to check it out.
Obama: It’s time for Augusta golf club to admit women members
4/05/12 By Alicia M. Cohn – TheHill
President Obama thinks women should be allowed membership in the Georgia golf club that is hosting the Masters tournament this week, according to the White House.
“His personal opinion is women should be admitted,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said in a press briefing on Thursday .
The Augusta National Golf Club, where the Master’s golf tournament began on Thursday morning, only accepts male members, and is considered sacred ground in the world of professional golf.
Carney said he spoke to Obama, an avid golfer, about the club’s controversial rule and the president expressed his opinion that women should be allowed to join.
“It’s obviously up to the club to decide,” Carney noted. “But his personal opinion is that women should be admitted to the club.”
The debate over the club’s exclusive membership has recurred numerous times since the club’s founding in 1933. This year, technology company IBM, one of the tournament’s corporate sponsors, appointed a woman, Virginia M. Rometty, as new chief executive. The CEOs of the tournament’s corporate sponsors have traditionally been offered a complimentary membership in the club, but that tradition was waived for Rometty because of her gender.
“We’ve kind of passed the time that women should be excluded from anything,” Carney said.
Celebrating a Landmark Anniversary for Women and Girls
Avra Siegel June 19, 2012 01:49 PM EDT
This week marks the 40th anniversary of Title IX, the landmark legislation that changed the playing field for girls across the nation. By banning sex discrimination in schools, Title IX opened up a world of new opportunities ranging from athletic participation to access to education in science, technology, engineering, and math. Since 1972, athletic participation has increased over 1000%, creating more confident, empowered, and inspiring women. The Obama Administration is dedicated to furthering the 40 years of progress that Title IX has paved for us, from the $4.25 billion Race to the Top competition to close the STEM gap for girls, to honoring hardworking student-athletes like the Texas A&M University Women’s Basketball Team at the White House.
This Wednesday, June 20, the Council on Women and Girls will be hosting an event to mark the 40th Anniversary of Title IX. The event will be livestreamed on http://www.whitehouse.gov/live starting tomorrow at 2 pm. Tune in to hear from notable advocates and leaders in the field, including Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama & Chair of the Council on Women & Girls, Tina Tchen, Chief of Staff to the First Lady and Executive Director of the Council on Women and Girls, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and former Senator Birch Bayh, who co-authored the legislation.
Highlights of the event include two panel discussions. The first, which will be streamed starting at 2:20 pm, features a conversation with Billie Jean King, WNBA President Laurel J. Richie and others on “Intergenerational Views on the Impact of Title IX in Athletics” moderated by Bonnie Bernstein, ESPN broadcaster and former All-American gymnast. Later, Benita Fitzgerald-Mosley, Olympian, U.S. Track & Field, Engineer, and Chief of Sport Performance for USA Track & Field moderates a panel on “Advancing Our Commitment to Title IX in Education” which includes Astronaut Mae Jemison, Jared L. Cohon, President of Carnegie Mellon and Gabriela Farfan, a winner of Intel’s Science Talent Search, among others, and which starts at 3:15 pm.
We hope you’ll tune in on Wednesday, June 20 at 2:00 p.m. at http://www.whitehouse.gov/live to participate in our event and join the discussion live on Twitter at #WHTitleIX!
Next Up…
2:00 PM ET
Council on Women and Girls will be hosting an event to mark the 40th Anniversary of Title IX
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
CNN http://live.cnn.com
Celebrating 40 Years of Title IX – Part 1
Published on Jun 21, 2012 by whitehouse
The White House Council on Women and Girls hosts an event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Title IX, featuring panels that focus on the Administration’s support for Title IX in athletics and education, led by notable women and men from the fields that have been greatly impacted by this landmark legislation. June 20, 2012.
Celebrating 40 Years of Title IX – Part 2
Published on Jun 21, 2012 by whitehouse
The White House Council on Women and Girls hosts an event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Title IX, featuring panels that focus on the Administration’s support for Title IX in athletics and education, led by notable women and men from the fields that have been greatly impacted by this landmark legislation. June 20, 2012.
Title IX at 40
Published on Jun 20, 2012 by whitehouse
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Pat Summitt, Professional Basketball Player and 2011 WNBA MVP Tamika Catchings and Author and Chief Sponsor of the Title IX legislation, former Senator Birch Bayh talk on the 40th Anniversary of Title IX and the monumental impact that piece of legislation had on furthering equal rights for women in America.
June 23, 2012
Op-ed by President Obama: President Obama Reflects on the Impact of Title IX
The full text of the op-ed by President Barack Obama is printed below. The piece was published today in Newsweek .
President Obama Reflects on the Impact of Title IX
By President Obama
Coaching my daughter Sasha’s basketball team is one of those times when I just get to be “Dad.” I snag rebounds, run drills, and have a little fun. More importantly, I get to watch Sasha and her teammates improve together, start thinking like a team, and develop self-confidence.
Any parent knows there are few things more fulfilling than watching your child discover a passion for something. And as a parent, you’ll do anything to make sure he or she grows up believing she can take that ambition as far as she wants; that your child will embrace that quintessentially American idea that she can go as far as her talents will take her.
But it wasn’t so long ago that something like pursuing varsity sports was an unlikely dream for young women in America. Their teams often made do with second-rate facilities, hand-me-down uniforms, and next to no funding.
What changed? Well, 40 years ago, committed women from around the country, driven by everyone who said they couldn’t do something, worked with Congress to ban gender discrimination in our public schools. Title IX was the result of their efforts, and this week, we celebrated its 40th anniversary—40 years of ensuring equal education, in and out of the classroom, regardless of gender.
I was reminded of this milestone last month, when I awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Pat Summitt. When she started out as a basketball coach, Pat drove the team van to away games. She washed the uniforms in her own washing machine. One night she and her team even camped out in an opponent’s gym because they had no funding for a hotel. But she and her players kept their chins up and their heads in the game. And in 38 years at the University of Tennessee, Pat won eight national championships and tallied more than 1,000 wins—the most by any college coach, man or woman. More important, every single woman who ever played for Pat has either graduated or is on her way to a degree.
Today, thanks in no small part to the confidence and determination they developed through competitive sports and the work ethic they learned with their teammates, girls who play sports are more likely to excel in school. In fact, more women as a whole now graduate from college than men. This is a great accomplishment—not just for one sport or one college or even just for women but for America. And this is what Title IX is all about.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/23/op-ed-president-obama-president-obama-reflects-impact-title-ix
Romney campaign can’t say if he supports equal-pay law
4/11/12 11:29 AM ET By Josh Lederman – TheHill
Mitt Romney’s economic and policy aides were caught off guard on Wednesday when asked whether the former Massachusetts governor supports equal-pay legislation signed into law by President Obama.
Fresh off of a great day for Mitt Romney on Tuesday, when his main rival for the GOP nomination dropped out, the Romney campaign dispatched surrogates to knock Obama’s proposed “Buffet Rule” and to double down on their arguments that Obama’s policies have led to massive job losses for women.
On a conference call with reporters Wednesday was Romney’s policy director, Lanhee Chen, and Kevin Hassett, one of his economic policy advisers. The aides accused Obama of setting women back 20 years and promoting policies that led to the hemorrhaging of women in the workforce.
But asked by a reporter whether Romney supported the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which Obama signed in 2009 barely a week after taking office, the aides weren’t so sure.
“We’ll get back to you on that,” said one of the Romney surrogates.
The campaign had no immediate response to The Hill’s inquiry seeking clarification on Romney’s position on the law, which expands workers’ ability to sue over equal-pay discrimination claims.
Ledbetter, in a statement released by Obama’s reelection campaign, criticized Romney for not having an answer.
“I was shocked and disappointed to hear that Mitt Romney is not willing to stand up for women and their families. If he is truly concerned about women in this economy, he wouldn’t have to take time to ‘think’ about whether he supports the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act,” she said. “Anyone who wants to be President of the United States shouldn’t have to think about whether they support pursuing every possible avenue to ensuring women get the same pay for the same work as men.”
Both campaigns have made a priority of winning female voters, with polls showing a significant gender gap between Obama and Romney.
Source; http://thehill.com/blos/ballot-box/house-races/220971-romney-aides-on-equal-pay-law-well-get-back-to-you
Mitt Romney is not going to stand up for anything except the power of corporations and billionaires to profit at the expense of America.
Religious right lobbies against (VAWA) Violence Against Women Act
Apr 25, 2012 2:45 PM EDT By Steve Benen – maddowblog
As the Violence Against Women Act gets ready to move in the Senate, no one seems to be lobbying against it as aggressively as the religious right.
While the Southern Baptist Convention’s political arm, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, is mired in scandal resulting from ERLC head Richard Land’s repeated plagiarism and inflammatory remarks on race, it has found time to criticize the Violence Against Women Act. Doug Carlson, manager for administration and policy communications for the ERLC, voiced the group’s opposition to the highly successful law because of new provisions that ensure that LGBT victims of domestic violence do not encounter discrimination while seeking help.
Carlson quoted a letter Richard Land signed along with Mathew Staver of Liberty Counsel, Jim Garlow of Renewing American Leadership Action, Tom McClusky of Family Research Council Action, C. Preston Noell of Tradition, Family, Property Inc., Phyllis Schlafly of Eagle Forum and Penny Nance and Janice Shaw Crouse of Concerned Women for America.
Notably, the letter was also signed by conservative activist Timothy Johnson, who was convicted of a felony domestic violence charge and was arrested a second time for putting his wife in a wrist lock and choking his son, as reported by Sarah Posner.
The lobbying efforts don’t appear to be having much of an impact. The Hill reports today that Senate Republicans “will let legislation on domestic violence pass the upper chamber despite having concerns about its constitutionality.”
The focus will shift quickly to the House. A Senate Democratic leadership aide added, “We will be happy to point out as long as it takes the inability of the House to act on the Violence Against Women Act. We won’t let a day go by where we don’t put pressure on the House to move forward. Republicans would be wise to let this go through the Senate and not count on House GOP counterparts to hold it up and strip out provisions.”
Source: http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/25/11393803-religious-right-lobbies-against-vawa?lite
Happy Summer Everyone!
I HOPE that you have a good day!
1:30 PM ET
Vice President Joe Biden attends a breakfast campaign event
Sunset Center
Carmel, CA
FLOTUS does Jeopardy!
6/20/12 1:20 PM EDT POLITICO44
The clue: First Lady Michelle Obama will present quiz contestants on Wednesday’s episode of this popular quiz show.
The correct response: “What is Jeopardy?”
The show announced in a video that the first lady would be a guest on the program — but did not say what category she would read to contestants. Obama, however, has been on a tour promoting her new book “American Grown” — and a gardening or food-related category wouldn’t be surprising.
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
52 now!
3:30 PM ET
First Lady Obama attends a campaign event
Arapahoe County, CO
June 20, 2012
Remarks by the First Lady at a Campaign Event
Arapahoe High School
Centennial, Colorado
10:29 A.M. MDT
MRS. OBAMA: Wow! (Applause.) You know, this feels like four more years, right? (Applause.) Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how proud and thrilled I am to be here today.
Before I get started, on behalf of myself and my husband, I just want to say that our hearts and our prayers are with all of the families affected by the fires here in this state and in other states out west. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Thank you!
MRS. OBAMA: And I also want to say a special thank-you to the brave firefighters and first responders — (applause) — those men and women who are putting themselves in harm’s way every day to put flames out to protect our communities. We are so grateful for their heroic service. Let’s give them a round of applause. (Applause.)
And it’s also wonderful to see how communities here are coming together to support each other as you continue to respond and begin the work of recovery. It’s a wonderful example, and I want you all to know that America stands behind you every step of the way. So I just wanted to say that. (Applause.)
I also have to thank Stacy — and Max — for that wonderful introduction and for sharing that story. We are so glad that kids like Max can get the care that they need, because that’s what we want for all of our kids. And there are a lot of beautiful little faces out here. We’re doing this for you, yes. (Laughter and applause.)
And I also got a chance to see Susan Daggett, Maggie Fox — hey, you guys! Thank you so much for being here, for having our backs, for joining us here today.
And I have to recognize — although I haven’t seen her yet — your former First Lady and my dear friend, Jennie Ritter, who is here, somewhere out there. (Applause.) And your Deputy Mayor, Cary Kennedy, who is here as well. (Applause.) And I understand that Dana did some firing up out here. I want to thank here and Reverend Riley-Duval for her good words and her prayers. (Applause.) And to Suzy, who also got us fired up and ready to go, right? Did she do good? (Applause.)
But finally, I want to thank all of you, our extraordinary volunteers and organizers. You guys are doing it all, you’re out here standing in the heat — I love that. (Laughter.) Thank you for everything that you do, day in and day out. I cannot say this enough: The work that you do makes this campaign possible. All the work that you’re doing — knocking on those doors, making those phone calls, registering those voters — I just want you to know that doing what you’re doing, giving folks the information they need, as Stacy says, about the issues we care about is critical. And this kind of grassroots work that you all are doing to get people focused and fired up -– that work is the core of this campaign. It means absolutely everything. And that’s how we won not just this state but this presidency four years ago, and that’s how we’re going to do it again today. So, thank you. Thank you. (Applause.)
But one thing that I do know is that the work that you’re doing is not easy. And I know that you’re putting in a lot of long hours. I’ve seen you in action before. I know that you all have your own busy lives to lead — you’ve got your families to raise; you’ve got school coursework — I hope many of you are focused; you’ve got jobs and careers you’re trying to build. But I also know that there’s a reason why all of us are in this school right now, today.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Michelle, we love you!
MRS. OBAMA: I love you, too! (Applause.)
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/20/remarks-first-lady-campaign-event
We love our FLOTUS!
June 20, 2012
Statement by the President on World Refugee Day
On this World Refugee Day, the United States joins the international community in recognizing the nearly 15 million refugees worldwide, and millions more internally displaced people. We honor the dignity, courage, and determination of these men, women and children who have fled persecution and violence in their homelands and the commitment and generosity of the countries and organizations that provide them protection and assistance during this difficult time.
While we work to promote lasting peace and stability and human rights around the world, so that these refugees may one day return to their countries in safety and dignity, we know that for some voluntary return may not be possible. For these refugees social, economic, and legal integration in their country of asylum not only provides opportunities for them to begin rebuilding their lives, but also for the contribution of their knowledge, talents, and skills to be fully realized. Americans know the benefits of these valuable contributions firsthand. Since 1975, we have welcomed more than 3 million refugees from all over the world and continue to lead the world in refugee resettlement.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/20/statement-president-world-refugee-day
June 20, 2012
Readout of the President’s Call with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia
President Obama called King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia today to offer his personal condolences, and those of the American people, on the death of Crown Prince Nayif bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud. The President expressed his appreciation for Crown Prince Nayif’s many contributions over decades of service, particularly his leadership in building the strong counterterrorism cooperation that is an important part of the enduring partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The President informed King Abdullah that a senior delegation, led by Secretary of Defense Panetta, has traveled to Jeddah to pay condolences in person during the official mourning period. The President also congratulated King Abdullah on the appointment of Prince Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud as Crown Prince.
6:40 PM ET
First Lady Obama attends a campaign event
Pueblo, CO
June 20, 2012
Remarks by the First Lady at a Campaign Event
Creative Arts Center
Pueblo, Colorado
1:52 P.M. MDT
MRS. OBAMA: Wow! (Applause.) Yeah, Pueblo! Wow! (Applause.) Thank you all. Thank you so much. (Applause.) Oh, my goodness. This is awesome. Oh, let me tell you, this is amazing. Look back. Just look at you all. This is good stuff. (Applause.) I am beyond thrilled. We love you, too, and we’re going to work so hard — so hard.
Before I get started, on behalf of Barack and myself, I just wanted to say that — and I said this earlier — that our hearts and our prayers are going out to all of the families affected by the fires here in this state and in other states throughout the west. And I want to give a special thanks to all of the brave firefighters and first responders — (applause) — who, not just in this situation but in every situation, they put themselves in harm’s way to make sure that our lives and our communities are safe. So we are so grateful for their heroic efforts.
And we’re also proud of how communities here in this state are coming together as you continue to support each other to respond, and begin to do the hard work of recovering. I just want you to know that you have a country that is standing behind you every step of the way, so — (applause.)
And with that, I want to thank Carla for that very kind introduction. Let’s give her another round of applause. (Applause.)
And I want to thank a few more people as well. I want to thank our National Campaign Co-Chairs: Secretary Federico Peña, who’s a dear, dear friend of ours — (applause) — State Senator Giron, who is here, I know, with her husband; she’s been amazing — City Councilwoman — City Councilman Leroy Garcia — (applause) — Pastor Kimal James, who is here as well — (applause) — and Democratic Party Chair Rick Palacio, who has just been amazing every step of the way. (Applause.) And I just got to meet the Regional Field Director here, Eva Siepersad, who — she’s been doing phenomenal work, so I got to meet her. (Applause.) And to all the Pueblo County Commissioners, all the City Councilmembers who have taken time out to be here today, thank you all. Thank you for your service. Thank you to your families. We are just so grateful.
And finally, I want to thank all of you — (applause) — yes! — our extraordinary volunteers and organizers, our team leaders. (Applause.) Thank you for everything you do, day in and day out, to make this campaign possible. We could not do what we do with you. And you should know that all of the hard work that you do — that tough work knocking on people’s doors that you don’t know, right? That’s not always easy. The work that you do registering voters, making calls, giving people here in this area the information they need about the issues they care about.
And you have to know that that kind of grassroots work that you all are doing to get people focused and fired up -– that is the work that is at the core of this campaign. It makes all the difference. That’s how we did it four years ago, and that’s how we’re going to do it again today — with your help. (Applause.) So, thank you. Thank you so much.
And one thing I’ve learned, being married to my husband, is that the work you all are doing, it’s not easy. And I know that so many of you are putting in such long hours, and I know you’re doing it even though you all have busy lives of your own — you have your own families to take care of; you’ve got your jobs to do; many young people are still getting their education, which we want you to continue to do. (Applause.)
But I also know that there’s a reason why all of us are here today doing this kind of work. And it’s not just because we all support an outstanding President, my husband. (Applause.) I’m a little biased. I might just be a little biased. There may be other biased people in the room, but I think our President is awesome. (Applause.) And we’re not just doing this because we want to win an election — which we do, and we will. (Applause.) What I like to remind folks around the country — and I even remind myself — we’re doing this because of the values we believe in. That’s really it. We’re doing this because of the vision for this country that we all share. I don’t care who we are, we believe and want so much of the same things.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/20/remarks-first-lady-campaign-event-0
8:00 PM ET
Vice President Joe Biden addresses the 37th Annual Convention and Career Fair of the National Association of Black Journalists.
Remarks to follow
Thursday, June 21, 2012
All Times Eastern
7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
President Obama and Vice President Biden receive the presidential daily briefing.
Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index
10:30 AM
President Obama meets with senior advisors.
Oval Office
Closed Press
11:00 AM
11:30 AM
The Vice President will host an event to launch a new Public Service Announcement
The White House
Open Press
12:00 PM
White House Press secretary Jay Carney briefs the press.
Press Briefing Room
12:30 PM
President Obama and Biden meet for lunch.
Private Dining Room
Closed Press
1:00 PM
1:40 PM
President Obama delivers remarks where he will continue to call on Congress to stop interest rates on student loans from doubling on July 1.
East Room
Open Press
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
9:00 PM
10:00 PM
June 21, 2012
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
11:30 AM ET
Vice President Biden Speaks at Launch of new White House Public Service Announcement about Dating Violence
12:00 PM ET
White House Press secretary Jay Carney briefs the press.
1:40 PM ET
President Obama delivers remarks where he will continue to call on Congress to stop interest rates on student loans from doubling on July 1.
—-
CNN http://live.cnn.com
9:00 AM ET
Future of Social Security hearing
A House ways and means subcommittee holds a hearing on the annual report of the Social Security Board of Trustees and the fiscal challenges facing Social Security.
10:45 AM ET
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi holds her weekly briefing with reporters. Topics expected to be discussed include the Eric Holder controversy.
11:30 AM ET
Vice President Biden makes remarks at a White House event launching a new public service announcement about dating violence.
12:00 PM ET
White House Press secretary Jay Carney briefs the press.
1:00 PM ET
Pentagon briefing
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little holds a briefing with reporters at the Defense Department. Topics expected to be discussed include Afghanistan.
1:40 PM ET
President Obama delivers remarks where he will continue to call on Congress to stop interest rates on student loans from doubling on July 1.
—-
CSPAN http://www.cspan.org/
9:00 AM ET
Future of Social Security hearing
A House ways and means subcommittee holds a hearing on the annual report of the Social Security Board of Trustees and the fiscal challenges facing Social Security. http://www.c-span.org/Events/House-Ways-amp-Means-Subcommittee-Holds-Hearing-on-Social-Security/10737431785/
10:00 AM ET
Senate Cmte. Holds Confirmation Hearing for FAA Administrator
The Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration Michael P. Huerta will testify before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee http://www.c-span.org/Events/Senate-Cmte-Holds-Confirmation-Hearing-for-FAA-Administrator/10737431787/
10:00 AM ET
SEC Head Testifies on Regulation of Money Market Mutual Funds
Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Schapiro will testify before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee on money market funds and proposed regulations. http://www.c-span.org/Events/SEC-Head-Testifies-on-Regulation-of-Money-Market-Mutual-Funds/10737431790/
10:00 AM ET
Court Releases Decisions; Health Care & Immigration Rulings Possible http://www.c-span.org/Events/Court-Releases-Decisions-Health-Care-Immigration-Rulings-Possible/10737431797/
10:45 AM ET
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi holds her weekly briefing with reporters. Topics expected to be discussed include the Eric Holder controversy. http://www.c-span.org/Events/House-Minority-Leader-on-Legislative-Agenda/10737431799/
11:30 AM ET
Vice President Biden makes remarks at a White House event launching a new public service announcement about dating violence.
12:00 PM ET
White House Press secretary Jay Carney briefs the press.
1:00 PM ET
Pentagon briefing
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little holds a briefing with reporters at the Defense Department. Topics expected to be discussed include Afghanistan.
1:40 PM ET
President Obama delivers remarks where he will continue to call on Congress to stop interest rates on student loans from doubling on July 1. http://www.c-span.org/Events/President-Obama-Renews-Calls-to-Stop-Student-Loan-Rate-Doubling/10737431798/
Happy first night of summer, CR and all friends! May this be a HOPEful season!
>^..^<
Good evening Kat!
Good Thursday morning everyone. I HOPE that you have a goo day.
U.S. Jobless Claims Fall 2,000 to 387,000
6/21/12 By Joseph P. Woelfel -thestreet
NEW YORK (TheStreet) — U.S. jobless claims for the week ended June 16 fell 2,000 to 387,000, the Labor Department said Thursday.
Economists were expecting new filings of 380,000.
Jobless claims for the prior week were revised to 389,000.
FHFA House Price Index Rises 0.8% Beating Expectations
6/20/12 By Mamta Badkar | Business Insider – 22 minutes ago
Headline: The FHFA house price index climbed 0.8 percent month-over-month in April.
Last month’s number was revised down to a 1.6 percent gain.
The U.S. index is 17.6 percent below its April 2007 peak. The monthly HPI Index is now at the same level it was in May 2004.
Leading economic indicators rebound in May
6/20/12 Lucia Mutikani – Reuters – 12 mins ago
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A gauge of future U.S. economic activity rebounded in May, the Conference Board said on Thursday, suggesting the economy remained on moderate growth path.
The group’s Leading Economic Index rose 0.3 percent to 95.8 after slipping 0.1 percent in April, and beating economists’ expectations for a 0.1 percent gain.
However, gains in the index last month were capped by a slight shortening of the average workweek in manufacturing, an ebb in consumer confidence and weak stock market prices.
“Economic data in general reflect a U.S. economy that is growing modestly, neither losing nor gaining momentum. The result is more of a muddle through,” said Ken Goldstein an economist at the Conference Board.
“Continued headwinds, both domestic and foreign, make further strengthening of the economy difficult.”
Data ranging from employment to manufacturing and retail sales, suggest the economy has lost steam, leading the Federal Reserve on Wednesday to offer more monetary stimulus further by extending its so-called Operation Twist program to hold down interest rates through the end of the year.
Good and HOPEful Thursday, CR and all friends!
>^..^<
Good and HOPEful Thursday Kat!
USNews.com:
Why Obama’s Economic Stimulus Worked
By Chad Stone
Everyone knows that the stimulus law didn’t work, right? Except that it did.
Congressional Budget Office Director Doug Elmendorf told Congress recently, “Our position is that the [2009] Recovery Act was not a failed program. Our position is that it created higher output and employment than would have occurred without it.”
http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/economic-intelligence/2012/06/20/why-the-economic-stimulus-worked
Great article Kat!
Next Up…
11:30 AM ET
Vice President Biden Speaks at Launch of new White House Public Service Announcement about Dating Violence
On Thursday, June 21, 2012, Vice President Biden will be joined by Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, White House Advisor on Violence Against Women Lynn Rosenthal, athletes and other sports leaders to release a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) that will air on various television and internet platforms this summer. The PSA features the President, Vice President, professional athletes and role models who deliver the message that dating violence is unacceptable.
The White House
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
CNN http://live.cnn.com
Vice President Biden Launches Dating Violence PSA
Published on Jun 21, 2012 by whitehouse
Vice President Biden introduces a new PSA that encourages men to speak up and help prevent dating violence and sexual assault as part of the 1 is 2 Many initiative to reduce violence against women. June 21, 2012
1 is 2 Many Launches Dating Violence Public Service Announcement
Posted by Cynthia Hogan on June 21, 2012 at 12:00 PM EDT
Last year, Vice President Biden launched the 1is2Many initiative to focus on a troubling fact—women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rates of relationship violence. Having worked to fight violence against women for almost two decades, the Vice President knew that overall rates of domestic violence have been falling, and he heard the numbers about young women as a call to action. He asked the Administration to focus on how we can engage young women and young men in preventing dating violence and sexual assault at their schools, where they work, where they hang out, and where they live.
As part of that initiative, the Vice President asked young men and women to share their own ideas on how to educate everyone about healthy and respectful relationships. A number of responses contained practical suggestions about improving security and accountability, and giving everyone access to the best information. The Vice President has highlighted the importance of using newer technology by sending the first official text to the recently expanded National Dating Abuse Helpline. Young people can now reach out to the Helpline via text or chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Administration also issued the “Apps Against Abuse” challenge, to spur development of mobile applications to reach young people and keep them safe. The winning apps, Circle of 6 and On Watch, make it quick and easy to check in with friends about where you are and what you need, transmit your location via GPS, and connect you to the right resources to get help.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/06/21/1-2-many-launches-dating-violence-public-service-announcement
* Watch the PSA.
* For more information on dating violence and the Administration’s effort to combat it.
* Read the latest blog post on the 1 is 2 Many website about the PSA.
Wow. What other Administration has ever shown this level of awareness and committment to America’s women?
June 21, 2012
Statement by the President
Last night I accepted the resignation of John Bryson as Secretary of the Department of Commerce. I want to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to John for his service over the past months, and wish him and his family the very best.
As Secretary, John fought tirelessly for our nation’s businesses and workers, helping to bolster our exports and promote American manufacturing and products at home and abroad. John has proven himself an effective and distinguished leader throughout his career in both the public and private sectors, from his success in the business world to his work leading on issues in the renewable energy industry. I am grateful that he brought that invaluable experience and expertise to my administration, and am pleased that he has agreed to continue supporting our efforts to strengthen the economy and create good jobs by serving as a member of my Export Council going forward.
I am confident that Dr. Rebecca Blank will serve the American people well as Acting Secretary and that the Commerce Department staff will continue their tireless work putting forward policies that help our workers and businesses compete.
And the work goes on. Good.
Next Up..
1:40 PM ET
President Obama delivers remarks where he will continue to call on Congress to stop interest rates on student loans from doubling on July 1.
East Room
WhiteHouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
CNN http://live.cnn.com
CSPAN http://www.c-span.org/Events/President-Obama-Renews-Calls-to-Stop-Student-Loan-Rate-Doubling/10737431798/
June 21, 2012
Remarks by the President on College Affordability
East Room
1:36 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you, everybody. Thank you. Everybody have a seat. (Applause.) Well, it is good to see all of you.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you!
THE PRESIDENT: I love you guys back. (Laughter.) I have to say, the — I don’t know about the choice of music coming in here, though. (Laughter.) I love my Marine Band, but this is kind of a young demographic for the piano cocktail hour. (Laughter.)
So some of the most fun I’ve had as President is when I get a chance to talk with you, college students, about the importance of earning a higher education in today’s economy. And I’ll admit that the East Room isn’t as rowdy as Carmichael Arena at UNC, or — we got any UNC folks here in the house? There we go. Coors Center at CU Boulder — any — no? Okay. (Laughter.) I have to say that most of you are much more dressed up than usually when I see you in your own natural habitats. (Laughter.)
But our message today is serious. Right now, the unemployment rate for Americans with a college degree or more is about half the national average. They earn twice as much as those who don’t have a high school diploma. So whether it’s at a four-year college, or a community college, or a technical program, some form of higher education, something beyond high school has never been more important. It’s the surest path to finding a good job, earning a good salary, making it into the middle class.
And at the same time, over the last two decades, the cost of college has doubled — it’s actually more than doubled. And that means — and I don’t have to tell you, because you’re probably tallying it up right now — the cost for you to take out loans has increased, and you are more likely to rack up more debt. The average student who borrows to pay for college now graduates with about $26,000 of debt from their student loans. Americans as a whole now owe more on student loans than they do on their credit cards. And that is wrong, because we cannot afford to price the middle class and folks who aspire to go into the middle class, we can’t price them out of the college education market. We can’t stand by when millions of young people are already saddled with debt just as you’re starting off.
Your parents, your grandparents, oftentimes they were in a position where when they got that first job, the first thing they’re thinking about is, how do I save to buy a home and start a family. And if you’re already dealing with a big bunch of debt before you even get started, that’s a problem. And it’s mind-boggling that we’ve had this stalemate in Washington that threatens to make the situation even worse.
So the reason you’re all here, the reason all these fine-looking young people behind me are here is that in just over a week the interest rates on federal student loans are scheduled to double. I’ve been talking about this now for what — a month and a half, two months, three months, five months — I’ve lost track. (Laughter.) We’ve been talking about it for a long time. If Congress does not get this done in a week, the average student with federal student loans will rack up an additional $1,000 in debt over the coming year. If Congress fails to act, more than 7 million students will suddenly be hit with the equivalent of a $1,000 tax hike. And that’s not something that you can afford right now.
For more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/21/remarks-president-college-affordability
Please join me in lighting a candle for our President, First Family and the our Nation.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=PBO
Done. 49 now.
Just when I was thinking Scott Brown must lead a very exciting life, his campaign said he “misspoke” when he said:
“Each and every day that I’ve been a United States senator, I’ve been either discussing issues, meeting on issues, in secret meetings — with kings and queens and prime ministers and business leaders and military leaders — talking, voting, working on issues every single day.”
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/scott-brown-campaign-he-misspoke-about-meeting-kings-and-queens.php?ref=fpnewsfeed
Apparently he doesn’t have daily secret meetings with kings and queens. Even so, his statement makes no sense.
Rep. Ron Barber (D-AZ), who succeeded former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords holds his first “Congress On Your Corner” meeting Saturday.
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/ron-barber-to-hold-first-congress-on-your-corner-after-winning-giffords-seat.php?ref=fpnewsfeed
MoveOn endorses Obama
6/21/12 12:09 PM EDT POLITICO44
The left-leaning, progressive advocacy group MoveOn has endorsed President Obama for reelection, the group announced in a statement.
“MoveOn.org’s 7 million members have spoken out in resounding support of reelecting Barack Obama and defeating Mitt Romney. With this endorsement, we will invest significant time and resources into mobilizing people power to win the election and prevent a hostile takeover by the 1%. We simply cannot allow Mitt Romney to drive a stake through the heart of the middle class,” MoveOn.org political action executive director Justin Ruben said in a statement.
“We win by fighting back against efforts to narrow the electorate through voter suppression and will work to get all eligible women, voters of color, and voters under 30 to the polls this November. We will make clear for voters the stark choice before them: an economy in which all Americans have a shot or one in which Mitt Romney raids the middle class to transfer even more wealth to the 1%, which would lead to economic disaster,” Ruben said.
The group determined its endorsement via an online poll. According to the group, 91 percent of members voted to encourage MoveOn to endorse Obama and “dedicate substantial resources to the presidential race.”
The endorsement is hardly a surprise from a left-leaning group (there was little chance that its members would endorse Mitt Romney) — but gives Obama some cover on his left where some liberals have expressed disappointment with some war on terror tactics, environmental policies and other administration actions.
Senate passes farm bill, as 16 Republicans vote with Democrats
6/21/12 02:23 PM ET By Daniel Strauss – TheHill
The Senate passed the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 on Thursday.
The vote was 64-35.
Forty-six Democrats and 16 Republicans voted for the bill. Both Independents who caucus with the Democrats, Sens. Joe Lieberman (Conn.) and Bernie Sanders (Vt.), voted for it.
Thirty Republicans voted against the measure. Democratic Sens. Mary Landrieu (La.), Frank Lautenberg (N.J.), Mark Pryor (Ark.), Jack Reed (R.I.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.) voted against it.
The bill funds agriculture, farm and nutrition programs over the next five years. It is projected to spend $969 billion over ten years.
Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), one of the co-sponsors of the bill along with Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), praised the amended version just ahead of the vote. He also highlighted the legislation’s $23 billion in deficit reduction.
“This is a good bill. Is it the best possible bill? No. It is the best bill possible,” Roberts said. “And we should move, and we should vote for it, and I urge you to vote for it.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he hoped the GOP-controlled House would pass the Senate farm bill quickly.
“I’ve managed quite a few bills in my day — this is a difficult, difficult bill to have in the position we have it in now. I hope that our friends in the House see what we have done. We’re working together; I know that they can,” Reid said.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) said he hoped members in the House were encouraged by the farm bill’s passage.
“Although there will be differences between the Senate approach and our own, I hope my colleagues are encouraged by this success when we meet on the 11th to consider our own legislation,” Lucas said in a statement. “The House Agriculture Committee will consider a balanced proposal that saves taxpayers billions of dollars, recognizes the diversity of American agriculture, respects the risks producers face, and preserves the tools necessary for food production.”
Reid also praised Roberts’s and Stabenow’s work on the bill.
“I cannot say enough, although I will try, to applaud and compliment Sen. Stabenow and Sen. Roberts. They’re both my friends, but my view of them has risen appreciably in their legislative methods of getting this done,” Reid said. “They have done this on their own. [Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)] and I have done what we can, but we’ve been bystanders to much of what’s gone on. It’s been the work of these two fine senators and the cooperation of every member.”
The vote on the bill (S.3240) came immediately after the chamber finished a two-day marathon on consideration of 73 amendments to it. The farm bill’s passage seemed all but certain after party leaders announced a deal on amendments. Recent legislation has made it through the chamber only after an agreement over how many and which amendments to the bill should be considered. On the farm bill, legislators submitted hundreds of amendments, some of them not directly related to food, agriculture or farming.
The Senate now moves on a cloture vote on a national flood insurance bill (S. 1940).
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