First Lady Calls for United Effort to
Fight Childhood Obesity

THE WHITE HOUSE

"It’s done, honey," President Obama said to The First Lady earlier today as he signed a Presidential Memorandum establishing a task force on childhood obesity to address the growing health epidemic. "Now we work," she responded.

The new task force is charged with developing an interagency action plan to solve the problem of obesity among our Nation's children as part of the First Lady’s Let’s Move campaign. The campaign will take a comprehensive approach to engage both public and private sectors to help children become more active and eat healthier within a generation, so that children born today will reach adulthood at a healthy weight.

Within 90 days, the task force will develop and submit to the President a comprehensive interagency plan that details a coordinated strategy, identifies key benchmarks, and outlines an action plan. The President applauded all those involved:

I am so proud of the work that the First Lady, along with the Cabinet Secretaries behind me, has done in trying to tackle one of the most urgent health issues that we face in this country, and that is the increase of childhood obesity. And because of the outstanding planning that they've done, they are going to be rolling out a terrific plan of action that involves the private sector as well as government agencies coordinating much more effectively a lot of public information out there to help parents make good decisions about allowing their children to be active and eating healthier.

Members of the task force include: the Secretary of the Interior; the Secretary of Agriculture; Secretary of Health and Human Services; Secretary of Education; Director of the Office of Management and Budget; Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the First Lady; Assistant to the President for Economic Policy; and heads of other executive departments, agencies, or offices as the Chair may designate.

Speaking at an event later, the First Lady explained what motivated her to take this on: "These words – 'overweight' and 'obese' – they don’t tell the full story. This isn’t just about inches and pounds or how our kids look. It’s about how our kids feel, and how they feel about themselves. It’s about the impact we’re seeing on every aspect of their lives."

You'll find lots more information, such as the introductory video below, at LetsMove.gov.

WATCH: First Lady Michelle Obama

We Are SO PROUD of Our First Lady !

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Sarah Caught CHEATING !

Closer inspection of a photo of Sarah Palin, during a speech in which she mocked President Obama for his use of a teleprompter, reveals several notes written on her left hand. The words "Energy", "Tax" and "Lift American Spirits" are clearly visible.

WATCH:
Sarah Reads from her 'Alaskan Palm Pilot '

B4B NOTE: No my friends this is not a joke. This is not only true, but if the media continues to even SLIGHTLY insinuate that Sarah Palin has the qualities to become President of Our Country, they will prove themselves to actually be AGAINST the Future of America. p.s. I've never seen someone have to cross words off their hand before cheating. And they have the nerve to complain about The President using a teleprompter while she's using a tele-PALM-ter. Ha !

And where's our great media....they should be all over this. PATHETIC !

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ACTION TIME !

We need 75 people to send this (or a similar) message TODAY
to The Meet The Press Show:

Dear MTP: THIS should be a headline on Meet The Press tomorrow:

President Obama YESTERDAY at DNC Winter Meeting:
" Let Me Be Clear. I am NOT going to walk away from Health Care Reform.
I am NOT going to walk away from The... American People "

Click to send message:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6872152/

RELATED ARTICLE:

President's Address at DNC Winter Meeting

Thank You Warriors !

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B4B
Photo of the Week !


A Particularly Beautiful Snow -- The White House is pictured in the morning after a night of snow, February 3, 2010.
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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WATCH:
President Obama Discusses Budget

A Short History of Deficit Reductions

Peter R. Orszag, Director

It’s been a day since the 2011 Budget was released, and analysts and journalists have written about what it means for individual agencies, specific issues, and states. But let’s not lose sight of the big picture. The President’s Budget represents an important step towards fiscal sustainability: it put forward $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction over the next ten years, even excluding savings from the assumed ramp-down in war funding over time. Including these war savings, the deficit reduction proposed in the President’s Budget rises to $2.1 trillion.

How does this compare with recent efforts at deficit reduction? As a share of the economy, this represents more deficit reduction than proposed in a President’s budget in over a decade. In fact, the previous Administration never submitted a budget that reduced the deficit, and this is the most deficit reduction in a budget as a share of the economy since President Clinton’s budget for 1997.

Let’s be clear: even with the substantial—and historic—deficit reduction proposed in this year’s Budget, we will still face unsustainable medium- and long-term deficits. And the Administration knows that more will need to be done to restore the nation to a fiscally sustainable path.

That’s why the President has called for the creation of a bipartisan Fiscal Commission to identify policies to improve the fiscal situation in the medium term and to achieve fiscal sustainability over the long run. The only way to solve the remainder of our fiscal challenge is to solve it together, in a bipartisan fashion, and that’s what the Fiscal Commission will help to achieve. And over the long term, it’s imperative that we pass fiscally responsible health insurance reform that reduces the rate of health care cost growth over time.

All in all, this Budget spurs jobs creation, invests for future economic growth, and to support both goals over time, takes important steps toward fiscal sustainability.

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On This First Day of
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
We Salute

PRESIDENT
BARACK OBAMA

and thank everyone of all walks of life for working in Unity for America....The Beautiful.

Ray Charles says it best...watch/listen:

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WATCH:
President Obama Commentates
At Duke-Georgetown Basketball Game

President Obama attended today's college basketball matchup between No. 7 Georgetown and No. 8 Duke. Among his companions were Joe Biden, David Axelrod, Robert Gibbs and Reggie Love.

The president also offered commentary during part of the CBS broadcast of the game. He said that he typically does not have time to watch entire college basketball games, but stays up to date by watching SportsCenter. He'll make an exception for the Final Four and watch all of the games.


The home team prevailed, as Georgetown beat Duke, 89-77. Scroll down for video and photos. Love when The President is asked the basketball question "...does he go to his right ".

WATCH:
President Commentates Game

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WATCH: Incredible !

GOP Invites President to GOP
Meeting-aka Lion's Den.
President Surprisingly Attends.
President LITERALLY SCHOOLS GOP !!!

From WHITE HOUSE: Today the President did something unusual in American politics – initiated an open dialogue with members of the opposite party. Visiting the House Republican retreat, he took questions on anything they wanted to talk about. He heard them out, acknowledged where they were right, and gave a genuine explanation where he felt they were wrong.

MUST SEE !
COMPLETE HISTORIC
GOP Q&A SPANKING

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B4B NOTE: This was an incredible first ! NEVER before in modern day history has a President gone to the opposing party's 'den' for the purpose of addressing and discussing the issues of America (and getting them straight) on national TV. I get the feeling that the GOP did not expect The President to accept their invitation...and he gave them such a dissecting that I'm SURE they're sorry he came ! Sorry, but while watching this LIVE !, I couldn't help picturing Bush trying to do something like this. (or coming across half as intelligently)

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It's A NEW, New Day !
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B4B Photo of the Week !


President Barack Obama kisses First Lady Michelle Obama in a holding room at the Capitol after delivering his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, Jan. 27, 2010.
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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WATCH BELOW
State of the Nation Speech:

President Obama NAILS IT...Again !

READ HIGHLIGHTS

In his State of the Union Address, the President laid out an agenda attempting to attack one problem from every conceivable angle: the terrible squeeze felt by America’s middle class. Fundamentally, that means prying government away from special interests and dedicating it to measures that put Americans to work and lay the foundation for a stronger economy for our country – lowering health care and tuition costs, spurring creation of the next generation of clean energy jobs. It also means putting a cop on the beat on Wall Street, so major banks can no longer take advantage of families and taxpayers.

To do all that, though, we need to change the way Washington works. Already the President has taken unprecedented steps in this direction, from releasing the names of all visitors to the White House for the first time ever to clamping down on the revolving door between government and lobbying. But as much progress was made on this front in this first year, it was still only the first year, and the President will keep pushing forward, whether that’s shining sunlight on any contact between lobbyists and the White House, or pushing Congress to disclose all earmark requests in one place for Americans to see.

This was the vision that shaped the President's address, but this is not just a matter of rhetoric. The President made clear that there is tremendously busy agenda ahead for his second year – the policies and proposals below are just examples of the plans the President laid out in his address to put government to work for the middle class.

Here are a few initiatives you might have missed in the course of the speech:

• The President called on the Senate to pass a financial reform package. “A strong, healthy financial market makes it possible for businesses to access credit and create new jobs. It channels the savings of families into investments that raise incomes. And that can only happen if we guard against the same recklessness that nearly brought down our entire economy.” Essential reforms include measures to protect consumers and investors from financial abuse; close loopholes, raise standards, and create accountability for supervision of major financial firms; restrict the size and scope of financial institutions to reign in excesses and protect taxpayers and address the ‘too big to fail’ problem; and establish comprehensive supervision of financial markets.
• A vision for a clean energy economy. “…to create more of these clean energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, and more incentives.” We will build on the historic $80 billion investment made through the Recovery Act. The President’s vision includes investments in important technologies to diversity our energy sources and reduce our dependence on foreign oil, including: the renewal of our nation’s nuclear energy industry after a 30-year hiatus, cutting edge biofuel and clean coal technologies, and additional offshore oil and gas drilling. To fully transition to a clean energy economy and create millions of new American jobs, we must pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation to promote energy independence and address climate change.
• The President will continue his push to invest in the skills and education of our people. “This year, we have broken through the stalemate between left and right by launching a national competition to improve our schools. The idea here is simple: instead of rewarding failure, we only reward success. In this country, the success of our children cannot depend more on where they live than their potential.” The Obama Administration supports a new vision for increasing student achievement, delivering opportunity, and supporting excellence in America’s public schools. The President’s 2011 budget supports a new framework for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that will foster innovation, reward excellence, and promote reform in our schools, as well as invests an additional $1.35 billion to continue the historic Race to the Top program to open it up to districts in order to spur innovation and additional progress. At the same time, the Administration is moving to consolidate ineffective policies and practices. The President’s Budget eliminates six programs and consolidates 38 others into 11 new programs that emphasize using competition to allocate funds, giving communities more choices around activities, and using rigorous evidence to fund what works.
• The President is committed to making college affordable for all Americans. “(I)n this economy, a high school diploma no longer guarantees a good job.” To increase college access and completion, the Administration will make student loans more affordable by limiting a borrower’s payments to 10 percent of his/her income and forgives remaining debt after 20 years – 10 years for public service works. We will also make permanent the American Opportunity Tax Credit. The President urges the Senate to pass the American Graduation Initiative, which invests more than $10 billion over the next decade in reforming our nation’s community colleges, promoting college completion, and moving toward the President’s goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020. The President is also asking colleges and universities to do their share to make college affordable for all Americans cutting their own costs.
• The President is making investments to ensure that the middle class benefits from this economic recovery. “(T)he price of college tuition is just one of the burdens facing middle-class families. That’s why last year I asked Vice President Biden to chair a task force on Middle Class Families.” The President has outlined immediate steps to reduce the strain on family budgets and help middle class families manage their child and elder care responsibilities, save for retirement and pay for college. He will double the child tax credit this year, make it easier to save for retirement with automatic IRAs for workers without access to existing retirement plans, provide larger tax credits to match retirement savings for millions of additional workers, and provide new safeguards to protect retirement savings.
• Changing the way we do business. “To close that credibility gap, we must take action on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue to end the outsized influence of lobbyists; to do our work more openly; and to give our people the government they deserve.” The President has called for additional new lobbyist reforms, including enhanced disclosure of lobbyist contacts, strict campaign contribution limits by lobbyists, and a single earmark database, so American taxpayers find out what earmarks are being requested, and where their money is going.
• Countering Citizens United. “I don’t think American elections should be bankrolled by America’s most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities.” Last week’s Supreme Court Citizen’s United decision opens the floodgates to special interests and foreign countries and companies bankrolling national campaigns. The President called for bipartisan support for legislation that will remedy the Supreme Court’s unprecedented and troubling decision.
• The President stands by military families. “Tonight, all of our men and women in uniform … must know that they have our respect, our gratitude, and our full support.” The President’s 2011 budget announces significant new investments, totaling more than $8 billion, and protections for our nation’s military families, including increased military pay and housing allowances, increased funding for family support programs, expanded availability of affordable, high-quality child care, the renovation or replacement of schools, and expanded and improved care for wounded, ill and injured service members.
• The President is establishing a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force. “We are going to crack down on violations of equal pay laws – so that women get equal pay for an equal day’s work.” To make sure we uphold our nation’s core commitment to equality of opportunity, the Obama Administration is implementing an Equal Pay initiative to improve compliance, public education, and enforcement of equal pay laws. The Task Force will ensure that the agencies with responsibility for equal pay enforcement are coordinating efforts and limiting potential gaps in enforcement. The Administration also continues to support the Paycheck Fairness Act, and is increasing funding for the agencies enforcing equal pay laws and other key civil rights statutes.
• Immigration reform. “And we should continue the work of fixing our broken immigration system – to secure our borders , enforce our laws so that everyone who plays by the rules can contribute to our economy and enrich our nation.” The President is pleased Congress is taking steps forward on immigration reform that includes effective border security measures with a path for legalization for those who are willing to pay taxes and abide by the law. He is committed to confronting this problem in practical, effective ways, using the current tools at our disposal while we work with Congress to enact comprehensive reform.

And here are still more initiatives the President spoke to:

• The President will fight to recover the money American taxpayers spent to bailout the banks. “To recover the rest, I have proposed a fee on the biggest banks. I know Wall Street isn’t keen on this idea, but if these firms can afford to hand out big bonuses again, they can afford a modest fee to pay back the taxpayers who rescued them in their time of need.” The President has proposed the Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee, which will require the largest and most highly leveraged Wall Street firms to pay back taxpayers and provide a deterrent against excessive leverage for the largest firms. The conservative estimate for the cost of TARP in the budget is $117 billion, but the Treasury Department expects it to be much less and the fee will be in place for a minimum of ten years or however long it takes to recoup every last penny to the American taxpayer.
• The President recognizes that Small Businesses will be key to our nation’s economic recovery. “I’m proposing that we take $30 billion of the money Wall Street banks have repaid and use it to help community banks give small businesses the credit they need to stay afloat. I am also proposing a new small business tax credit – one that will go to over one million small businesses who hire new workers or raise wages.” To get small businesses growing again, and growing our economy, the President has proposed a range of provisions that include tax incentives to spur investment; expanded access to capital and growth opportunities to create jobs; and increased support for entrepreneurship to foster innovation. He is proposing an employment tax credit for small businesses to encourage hiring, eliminating capital gains taxes on small business investments, extending enhanced small business expensing, and transferring $30 billion in resources from TARP to a new program to help community and smaller banks give small businesses the credit they need. The President and members of his Administration will announce additional details in the coming weeks.
• The President reiterates his support for continued investment in our nation’s infrastructure. “Tomorrow, I’ll visit Tampa, Florida, where workers will soon break ground on a new high-speed rail road funded by the Recovery Act. There are projects like that all across this country that will create jobs and help our nation move goods, services, and information.” Through the Recovery Act, we made the largest investment in our nation’s infrastructure since President Eisenhower called for the creation of our national highway system over half a century ago. In his speech, the President announced funding to make a down-payment on a new nationwide high-speed rail system being built in-part with ARRA dollars.
• Tax breaks to keep jobs at home. “(I)t’s time to finally slash the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas and give those tax breaks to companies that create jobs in the United States of America.” The President has called for an end for tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas to help fund tax cuts – like making the R & E credit permanent – that reward companies for investing and creating jobs in the United States.
• The President also called on the Senate to pass a jobs bill that he can sign.“The House has passed a jobs bill…. As the first order of business this year, I urge the Senate to do the same. People are out of work. They are hurting. They need our help. And I want a jobs bill on my desk without delay.” The bold and difficult steps the President took to stabilize the financial system have reduced the cost of TARP by more than $200 billion, providing additional resources for job creation and for deficit reduction. In December, the President outlined a package of targeted measures to help further stimulate private sector hiring, including measures to facilitate small business growth, green jobs and infrastructure. The House has passed strong legislation - it is time for the Senate to do the same.
• We must invest in American ingenuity and innovation. “We need to encourage American innovation.” The Obama Innovation Agenda will get us closer to the President’s long-term goal of increasing combined private and public R&D investment to three percent of GDP. The Obama 2011 budget will move us closer to restoring America to first in the world in college completion; and invest in the next generation of scientists so we will not lag behind countries like China in science and engineering graduates. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
• We need to export more of our goods around the world. “We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support two million new jobs in America.” To meet this goal, we’re launching a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports and expand their markets. Details will be announced in the coming weeks, but the NEI includes the creation of the President’s Export Promotion Cabinet and an enhancement of funding for key export promotion programs. We will work to shape a Doha trade agreement that opens markets and will continue to work with key allies like South Korea, Panama, and Colombia on trade agreements that provide real benefits to our workers. The President and members of his Administration will announce additional details in the coming week.
• The President remains committed to helping Americans stay in their homes and help their homes retain their value. “… we’re working to lift the value of a family’s single largest investment – their home.” Last year, we took steps allowing millions of Americans to take out new loans and save an average of $1,500 per family on mortgage payments. This year, we will step up programs that encourage re-financing so that homeowners can move into more affordable and sustainable mortgages. In addition to the changes proposed last week to ensure sound risk management, the FHA is continuing to evaluate its mortgage insurance underwriting standards and its measures to help distressed and underwater borrowers through other FHA initiatives going forward. In order to ensure American families receive the same consideration American corporations do, the Obama Administration remains supportive of efforts to allow bankruptcy proceedings to renegotiate all debts, including home mortgages.
• As Americans are getting their budgets in order, the President is getting the nation’s financial house in order. “Like any cash-strapped family, we will work within a budget to invest in what we need and sacrifice what we don’t.” The President has announced the three year, non-security discretionary spending freeze, and also called for a bipartisan Fiscal Commissionto identify policies to improve the fiscal situation in the medium term and to achieve fiscal sustainability over the long run. The President and members of his Administration will announce additional details in the coming weeks.
• The President’s focus on national security includes rooting out terrorists where they hide. “Since the day I took office, we have renewed our focus on the terrorists who threaten our nation.” In the last year, hundreds of Al Qaeda’s fighters and affiliates have been captured or killed – far more than in 2008.
• The President’s commitment to Non-Proliferation results. “Even as we prosecute two wars, we are also confronting the greatest danger to the American people – the threat of nuclear weapons.” The United States and Russia are completing negotiations on the farthest-reaching arms control treaty in nearly twenty years. He will also host a Nuclear Security Summit in April, which will bring forty-four nations together behind a clear goal: to secure all loose nuclear materials around the world in four years, so that they never fall into the hands of terrorists.
• The President is launching a bioterror and pandemic threat initiative. “We are launching a new initiative that will give us the capacity to respond faster and more effectively to bio-terrorism or an infectious disease – a plan that will counter threats at home, and strengthen public health abroad.” The President called to action key U.S. Government leaders to re-design our medical countermeasure enterprise to protect Americans from bioterror or infectious health threats. We will pursue a business model that leverages market forces and reduces risk to attract pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry collaboration with the U.S. Government.
• The President announced that he will work this year to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” “I will work with Congress and the military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.”

Mona Sutphen is Deputy Chief of Staff

WATCH COMPLETE SPEECH

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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_______________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 27, 2010

EXCERPTS OF THE PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

We face big and difficult challenges. And what the American people hope – what they deserve – is for all of us, Democrats and Republicans, to work through our differences; to overcome the numbing weight of our politics. For while the people who sent us here have different backgrounds and different stories and different beliefs, the anxieties they face are the same. The aspirations they hold are shared. A job that pays the bill. A chance to get ahead. Most of all, the ability to give their children a better life.

You know what else they share? They share a stubborn resilience in the face of adversity. After one of the most difficult years in our history, they remain busy building cars and teaching kids; starting businesses and going back to school. They are coaching little league and helping their neighbors. As one woman wrote to me, “We are strained but hopeful, struggling but encouraged.”

It is because of this spirit – this great decency and great strength – that I have never been more hopeful about America’s future than I am tonight. Despite our hardships, our union is strong. We do not give up. We do not quit. We don’t allow fear or division to break our spirit. In this new decade, it’s time the American people get a government that matches their decency; that embodies their strength. And tonight, I’d like to talk about how together, we can deliver on that promise.

…

By the time I’m finished speaking tonight, more Americans will have lost their health insurance. Millions will lose it this year. Our deficit will grow. Premiums will go up. Co-pays will go up. Patients will be denied the care they need. Small business owners will continue to drop coverage altogether. I will not walk away from these Americans. And neither should the people in this chamber.

…

Rather than fight the same tired battles that have dominated Washington for decades, it’s time for something new. Let’s try common sense. Let’s invest in our people without leaving them a mountain of debt. Let’s meet our responsibility to the people who sent us here.

To do that, we have to recognize that we face more than a deficit of dollars right now. We face a deficit of trust – deep and corrosive doubts about how Washington works that have been growing for years. To close that credibility gap we must take action on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue to end the outsized influence of lobbyists; to do our work openly; and to give our people the government they deserve.

That’s what I came to Washington to do. That’s why – for the first time in history – my Administration posts our White House visitors online. And that’s why we’ve excluded lobbyists from policy-making jobs or seats on federal boards and commissions.

But we cannot stop there. It’s time to require lobbyists to disclose each contact they make on behalf of a client with my Administration or Congress. And it’s time to put strict limits on the contributions that lobbyists give to candidates for federal office. Last week, the Supreme Court reversed a century of law to open the floodgates for special interests – including foreign companies – to spend without limit in our elections. Well I don’t think American elections should be bankrolled by America’s most powerful interests, and worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people, and that’s why I’m urging Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to right this wrong.

I’m also calling on Congress to continue down the path of earmark reform. You have trimmed some of this spending and embraced some meaningful change. But restoring the public trust demands more. For example, some members of Congress post some earmark requests online. Tonight, I’m calling on Congress to publish all earmark requests on a single website before there’s a vote so that the American people can see how their money is being spent.

##

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B4B News SpotLight !

Teabagger 'Convention' Plans

on Verge of Collapse.
Baggers Upset that ticket price set at $549.
PLUS Also hate that Sarah Palin was paid $100,000 to attend.
They're falling apart ! I Love It !
Click to read

***

President Obama Rather Be Really Good One-Term President Than Mediocre Two-Term Pres

President Obama: "There's a tendency in Washington to think that our job description, of elected officials, is to get reelected. That's not our job description," Finally...a Servant of the People committed to DOING THE JOB...not just KEEPING the job ! Quite refreshing.
Click to read/Watch interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer

***


House and Senate Discussing Passing Health Care Through Reconciliation

We reported this yesterday on our Greg Jones Facebook page-looks like it is materializing: Reports are eeking out that the House will pass the Senate version of the health care reform bill AS IS under the agreement that the bill will be fine-tuned/tweeked after PASSAGE through Reconciliation-needing only 51 votes in the Senate to pass. To convince the House that the Senate will comply, 52 Senators have reportedly signed a pledge that they will vote yes for the Recon version.
Click to read

***

Fox News Hero,
Anti-ACORN, Fake Pimp Filmmaker

Arrested by FBI
Click to read

***
President To Urge Partial Spending Freeze'

This plan is designed to actually allow the President to boost spending in certain categories while 'freezing' or reducing spending in categories declared wasteful. Plan will save $250B over 10 years. We were part of a White House conference call with Chief Economist and Economic Policy Advisor to the Vice President Jared Bernstein Monday in which he discussed a number of programs to be initiated in the Feb. 1st budget which will be revealed in the State of the Union speech Wednesday...and they sound good. Now, watch the right-wing start complaining about how terrible it is that The President wants to CONTROL SPENDING !
Click to read

***
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President Recruits Former Campaign Manager
David Plouffe to Head White House ' Department of FIGHT '

David Plouffe To Democrats: Time to..
" FIGHT LIKE HELL...And Do What the American People
sent us to Washington to do ! "

From: OFA

In today's Washington Post, Obama for America campaign manager David Plouffe penned an op-ed in which he admits that the Democratic Party received a resounding "wake-up call" from the Massachusetts special election on Tuesday, but he argues that the way forward is to continue to fight, and to show American people that they are capable of doing the hard things that voters sent them to Washington to do.

[The 2010 midterms] will be a tough election for our party and for many Republican incumbents as well. Instead of fearing what may happen, let's prove that we have more than just the brains to govern -- that we have the guts to govern. Let's fight like hell, not because we want to preserve our status, but because we sincerely believe too many everyday Americans will continue to lose if Republicans and special interests win.

Plouffe also outlines a few key principles the Democrats can use to be successful in this November, the first of which is passing a meaningful health insurance reform package without delay. He also urges Democrats to focus on job creation, and to do a better job articulating the positive impact American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on the economy.

Finally, Plouffe urges Democratic candidates to "run great campaigns," citing many of the same core organizing principles that proved to be so effective during the Obama campaign:

Our campaigns can leave no stone unturned, from believing in the power of grass-roots volunteers and voter registration, to using technology and data innovatively, to raising money -- especially with big corporate interests now freed up to dump hundreds of millions of dollars to elect those who will do their bidding. Democratic candidates must do everything well. Each one must make sure that the first-time voters from 2008 living in your state or district -- more than 15 million nationwide -- are in their sights. Build a relationship with those voters, organize them and educate them. On Nov. 3, many races are sure to be decided by just a few thousand if not a few hundred votes. These voters can make the difference. We have to show them that their 2008 votes mattered, and passing health insurance reform is one way to start.

...If Democrats will show the country we can lead when it's hard, we may not have perfect election results, but November will be nothing like the nightmare that talking heads have forecast.

Read the full op-ed...

B4B NOTE: Despite right-wing/media spinning otherwise (actually bold face lies)...since day one President Obama has tried to keep a campaign promise to govern in a bi-partisan manner with what has been determined to be The Party of No. Many feel that The President tried for too long...but now...

It's A New Day...Again !

The Time Is NOW...

TO FIGHT !

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Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi Work Over Weekend

to Save HCR

Through RECONCILIATION !

By: Chris Frates

Politico

Struggling to salvage health reform, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have begun considering a list of changes to the Senate bill in hopes of making it acceptable to liberal House members, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The changes could be included in separate legislation that, if passed, would pave the way for House approval of the Senate bill — a move that would preserve President Barack Obama's vision of a sweeping health reform plan.

But the move comes with political risk, because it would open Democrats up to charges that they pressed ahead with roughly the same health care bill that voters appeared to reject in the Massachusetts Senate race Tuesday. Republican Scott Brown won on a pledge to try to block Obama-style health reform.

The effort also puts Reid and Pelosi on the side of giving a sweeping reform bill one more try, instead of adopting a course being floated by some Democrats in Congress and at the White House of adopting a scaled-back bill including popular reform provisions.

The changes are being worked on this weekend with plans for Pelosi to present them to her caucus next week, according to sources familiar with the situation. But, sources stressed, neither Reid nor Pelosi know if this strategy can win the support of their members, but they are attempting it because it is the quickest path to passage.

Earlier this week, Pelosi said she did not have the votes to pass the Senate bill unchanged through the House. And Reid, who lost his 60-vote majority Tuesday, does not have the votes to make wholesale changes to legislation his chamber passed last month.

So, leaders are considering making limited changes that can be passed using a budget process called reconciliation, which only requires 51 votes in the Senate.

The changes being considered track closely with the agreements House and Senate leaders made in White House meetings last week, according to a source. They include the deal with labor unions to ease the tax on high-end insurance plans, additional Medicare cuts and taxes, the elimination of a special Medicaid funding deal for Nebraska and a move to help cover the gap in seniors' prescription-drug coverage. Pelosi is also working to change the Senate provision that sets up state insurance exchanges. The House prefers a single, national exchange.

Reid spokesman Jim Manley declined to comment on whether a list of changes was being drawn up.

"We have still not decided what we are going to do," Manley said. "We remain confident we will pass health reform this year. We are working with the White House and the House to identify our options for doing so. We anticipate further conversations with the administration, the House and our caucus."

Pelosi spokesman Nadeam Elshami said, "Discussions are ongoing, and options are being examined on the best way to move ahead on health insurance reform, but no final decisions have been made. It is premature to conclude anything except that staff is continuing to work on various options."

There is great uncertainty around both the politics and policy of the reconciliation strategy. Under the budget reconciliation process, the bill's changes would have to be germane to the budget, so there is a real question about how many of the proposed tweaks could be included.

Politically, Democrats, shell-shocked from Tuesday's election, may be wary of using procedural maneuvers to pass the bill in place before Brown's election, which cost Democrats their 60-seat majority.

Some Democrats have viewed the election results as a sign that their party should change direction and scale back its ambitions, not move ahead on the same course.

But progressive groups and leading labor unions are pushing their Democratic allies not to shy from the fight, but to push ahead with the bill that was just days from possible passage before Brown's election. These groups have rejected the idea of passing a scaled-back bill.

Also, a Democratic source defended reconciliation as a legitimate legislative tool used in the past by both Democrats and Republicans. For instance, President George W. Bush's 2003 tax cuts were passed with 51 votes.

Carrie Budoff Brown and Patrick O'Connor contributed to this report.

B4B NOTE: Great to hear that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are in meetings right now (this weekend) working on a Plan to pass HCR through RECONCILIATION (which we have been screaming for for months) ! Also encouraging to hear that Pelosi is pushing for a single, NATIONAL EXCHANGE (that's a strong Public Option !!!) Things to keep in mind: First of all...The "We Need 60-Votes" was ALWAYS A LIE !!!! Also, keep in mind that the insurance cartel wants/needs some kind of health care plan PASSED...they WANT THE MANDATE !!! Stocks had SERIOUS drop this past week. Now they'll be lobbying (bribing) FOR HCR to PASS ! WE MUST FIGHT and steer for a good, strong, affordable, accessible Plan. Get ready for a good, productive FIGHT !

Be Inspired...Be Informed...
Be Involved...BE STRONG !!!

51 Votes...Get It Done !

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WATCH:
President Obama's Weekly Address

President SLAMS Supreme Court Decision
Legalizing Corporate Take-Over of U.S. Politics

(Excerpt from Address) " This ruling opens the floodgates for an unlimited amount of special interest money into our democracy. It gives the special interest lobbyists new leverage to spend millions on advertising to persuade elected officials to vote their way – or to punish those who don’t. That means that any public servant who has the courage to stand up to the special interests and stand up for the American people can find himself or herself under assault come election time. Even foreign corporations may now get into the act.

I can’t think of anything more devastating to the public interest. The last thing we need to do is hand more influence to the lobbyists in Washington, or more power to the special interests to tip the outcome of elections.

All of us, regardless of party, should be worried that it will be that much harder to get fair, common-sense financial reforms, or close unwarranted tax loopholes that reward corporations from sheltering their income or shipping American jobs off-shore.

It will make it more difficult to pass commonsense laws to promote energy independence because even foreign entities would be allowed to mix in our elections.

It would give the health insurance industry even more leverage to fend off reforms that would protect patients.

We don’t need to give any more voice to the powerful interests that already drown out the voices of everyday Americans.

And we don’t intend to. When this ruling came down, I instructed my administration to get to work immediately with Members of Congress willing to fight for the American people to develop a forceful, bipartisan response to this decision. We have begun that work, and it will be a priority for us until we repair the damage that has been done.

A hundred years ago, one of the great Republican Presidents, Teddy Roosevelt, fought to limit special interest spending and influence over American political campaigns and warned of the impact of unbridled, corporate spending. His message rings as true as ever today, in this age of mass communications, when the decks are too often stacked against ordinary Americans. And as long as I’m your President, I’ll never stop fighting to make sure that the most powerful voice in Washington belongs to you."

WATCH WEEKLY ADDRESS:

B4B NOTE: If ever there was a time for ALL Americans, Democrats, Republicans and Independents to rise up in Unity to FIGHT for that which is right for Democracy,
THIS IS THE TIME !

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To visit B4B Site if video did not appear through email server

B4B

NEWSFLASH:

Supreme Court Removes Limits on

Corporate Campaign Spending !

PATHETIC ! Supreme Court just overturned a 100-year law by handing down a 5-4 decision to remove limits on corporate political spending. NOW a corporation can literally spend millions for ads either for or against a politician(s) starting with the 2010 midterm elections. The corporations have just LITERALLY taken control over our entire political system ! If we thought lobbying has been bad up until now...we haven't seen anything yet ! The Supreme Court has basically approved the buying of elections !

"Unlimited corporate spending on campaigns means that the government is up for sale to the highest bidder, and that the law itself will be bought and sold. It would be political bribery on the largest scale imaginable." -Rep. Alan Grayson

ABSOLUTELY

PATHETIC !!!

Read More

B4B

B4B Special:
Historic Quote of the Week !

“If the Democrats run for cover, if we become pale carbon copies of the opposition, we will lose — and deserve to lose.
The last thing this country needs is two Republican parties.”
Teddy Kennedy, 1980

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From THE WHITE HOUSE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 20, 2010

United States Government

Haiti Earthquake Disaster Response Update

On January 12, a massive earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, causing catastrophic damage inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince. President Obama has said, “at this moment, we are moving forward with one of the largest relief efforts in our history -- to save lives and to deliver relief that averts an even larger catastrophe. In these difficult hours, America stands united. We stand united with the people of Haiti, who have shown such incredible resilience, and we will help them to recover and to rebuild.”

The United States Government has mobilized resources and people to aid in the relief effort. At the direction of President Obama, this is a whole-of-government effort, and USAID has the lead in this swift, aggressive and coordinated response. Military personnel are playing an indispensable role in supporting this humanitarian effort, including making the logistics chain possible and distributing life-saving assistance. Aid workers are working around the clock to deliver more aid more quickly and more effectively to more people in need.

Below, please find some key facts and examples of government actions to date. All numbers below are accurate as of 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 20.

INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION

At the request of the Haitian government, the U.S. continues to coordinate America’s relief efforts with the United Nations and the international community. We are coordinating closely with more than 30 nations and hundreds of NGOs to deliver food and water quickly throughout the country.

· Tuesday evening, the President’s National Security Advisor convened a Principals Committee meeting with the Vice President, Secretaries of State, Defense, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, our Ambassador to the UN, the Administrators of USAID and FEMA, and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to discuss ongoing efforts and coordination.

· Afterwards, Dr. Shah said the meeting was an opportunity “to take stock of the performance and to make sure we were doing everything we possibly could to accelerate our efforts and do even better by reaching more people in Haiti with needed and critical supplies of food, water, shelter, and other critically needed items like medical kids and access to medical services.”

· Secretary Clinton spoke with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President Moreno on January 19 about ongoing relief efforts.

HEALTH/MEDICAL

· The USNS Comfort arrived in Haiti today. The Comfort brings a hospital with a capacity for over 1,000 beds on board and has already started to receive patients by helicopter.

· Department of Defense personnel have treated over 200 patients and supported the movement of more than 29,000 lbs of medical supplies to date.

· As of January 20, more than 5,000 patients have been treated by Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) from the Department of Health and Human Services. .

AIRPORTS & PORTS

· The airfield is open for 24/7 operations – 153 flights were expected for today. The U.S. was using 38 of those slots.

o U.S. Transportation Command reports that since commencing air operations, a total of 136 missions have been flown that have carried more than 2,400 tons of equipment and more than 1,900 passengers into Haiti.

· U.S. Army/Navy dive teams with underwater construction teams continued to assess port structural damage with the goal of reopening as quickly as possible.

· As of today, there are 20 U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels and 51 helicopters deployed.

· The San Isidro airfield in the Dominican Republic is now open for C-130 operations to assist in the Haiti relief effort.

SAFETY & SECURITY

· The major focus of military efforts is establishing water distribution sites, and delivering fuel, food, and medicine.

· As of January 20, approximately 11,500 military personnel (2,000 ashore and 9,500 afloat) are a part of the relief effort.

o The BATAAN Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG)/22^nd Marine Expeditionary Unit with 1,960 Marines and Sailors arrived and began moving forces ashore yesterday. The Marines began relief operations in the vicinity of Leogane.

· The Coast Guard has approximately 516 service members on site assisting with the Haiti recovery effort (24 ashore, 422 afloat, and 70 aircrew). On January 19, Secretary Napolitano authorized the activation of up to 900 reserve U.S. Coast Guard service men and women in to (mission: replace those deployed on the Comfort? And to assist with port security?) .

EVACUATION & RESCUES

· Evacuations: The U.S. is conducting evacuations 24 hours a day. 88 American evacuees departed Port-Au-Prince this morning (1/20). On January 19, 1328 were evacuated. To date, more than 6,174 Americans have been evacuated.

· Search and Rescue: On January 19, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from Virginia Beach and New York rescued two children. And a USAR team from Fairfax worked with locals as well a French USAR team to rescue a female Haitian who had been trapped for seven days without food or water in a supermarket in the Bois Verna neighborhood of Port-au-Prince.

· Currently, 43 international USAR teams, comprised of 1,739 rescue workers, with 161 dogs, are working in Haiti. 6 of those teams are from the United States – with 511 rescue workers from Fairfax County, Los Angeles County, Miami, Miami-Dade, Virginia Beach, and New York.

o To date, U.S. USAR teams have rescued 43 people from collapsed buildings, while international and U.S. USAR teams together have rescued a total of 122 people.

FOOD & WATER

· U.S. military aircraft, helicopters, and vessels are giving the highest priority to the shipment of water.

o 152,000 liters bulk water and more than 165,000 water bottles were delivered yesterday (1/19).

o The USS Carl Vinson is producing 100,000 gallons of potable water daily – 2,000 gallons were distributed yesterday.

o Water tanks are being installed in each zone of the city. Potable water is now available at 45 distribution points.

· There are currently four established food and water distribution hubs and 190 distribution sites active and serving 96,000 people.

· The U.S. Coast Guard has distributed a total of 38.5 tons of water (62,880 bottles ) to date.

· Over the past several days, JTF-Haiti has distributed more than 400,000 meals/humanitarian rations and more than 600,000 bottles of water.

· C-17 air delivery of food and water will resume Thursday (1/21) -- approximately 15,000 water bottles and 14,500 MREs/Humanitarian Rations are slated for delivery.

o The first C-17 air delivery was conducted Monday, consisting of 14,000 1-liter bottles and 14,000 packages of daily rations.

· The vessel Americas departed Port Everglades today with 500,000 MREs, 290,000 liters of drinking water, 8,400 cots, 19,500 blankets, 41,800 tarps, 560 rolls of sheeting, and 70,000 comfort kits provided by FEMA, as well as medical supplies provided by USAID.

· On January 19, two USAID/OFDA funded flights carrying emergency relief supplies arrived in Port-au-Prince. Commodities included:

o 40,200 water containers that provide water for 80,400 people,

o 13,056 hygiene kits, which will serve 65,280 people,

o 200 rolls of plastic sheeting that will provide shelter for 10,000 people,

o 5 U.N. World Health Organization medical kits,

o 8 water bladders,

o 6 water purification units – each unit produces 100,000 liters of water per day and will provide water to a total of 60,000 people,

o 3 industrial air-conditioning units, and

o 1 generator.

· As of January 19, total USAID/OFDA commodities delivered to Port-au-Prince included:

o 9 water treatment units to provide 900,000 liters of safe drinking water for 90,000 individuals per day;

o 71,000 ten-liter water containers to benefit 142,000 people;

o nearly 24,500 hygiene kits to serve more than 121,000 beneficiaries;

o 700 rolls of plastic sheeting to support the shelter needs of approximately 35,000 people;

o 18 water bladders, each with a capacity of 10,000 liters, and

o five U.N. World Health Organization (WHO) medical kits capable of supplying medical supplies for up to 10,000 individuals for a two-month period.

ADOPTIONS

· As Secretary Clinton said today at the State Department, “We are coordinating closely with the Haitian government, the United Nations, our other international partners, and NGOs on the ground to ensure that aid reaches Haiti’s orphanages and that newly orphaned children are accounted for and cared for…We will also do everything we can to reunite the many children and families who have become separated in the aftermath of the earthquake. And this is a crucial point: we have to be very careful not to exacerbate this difficult situation by removing children from Haiti who might have surviving family members. We will not let red tape stand in the way of helping those in need, but we will ensure that international adoption procedures to protect children and families are followed.”

· The State Department is heading up a joint task force with the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to streamline this process and ensure that these families are united as quickly as possible while still ensuring that proper safeguards are in place to protect children in our care.

· An interagency working group has been established to focus on the humanitarian needs of highly vulnerable children. And the Administration is also working closely with the many Members of Congress who are understandably very concerned about this process.

ASSISTANCE

· As of today, in FY 2010, the U.S. Government has provided nearly $171 million in humanitarian assistance for the Haiti earthquake:

o Secretary of Defense Gates signed the Haiti Disaster Relief Execution Order authorizing up to $20 million in humanitarian, disaster and civic aids funds,

o USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) contribution of nearly $82 million,

o USAID’s Office of Food for Peace (USAID/FFP) assistance valued at $68 million, and

o USAID Dominican Republic (USAID/DR) health assistance valued at $1 million.

HOW TO SUPPORT RELIEF EFFORTS

We are all deeply affected by the devastation in Haiti. Our common humanity demands that we act, as does America’s leadership and deep ties with Haiti. At the request of President Obama, former Presidents Bush and Clinton are coordinating private assistance and urging Americans to help at www.clintonbushhaitifund.org

· Funding raised through Text Message Program (keyword "Haiti", and short code number "90999"): $25 million from over 2.5 million people.

· You can also contribute online through ClintonBushHaitiFund.org.

o Text “QUAKE” to 20222 to charge a $10 donation to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (the donation will be added to your cell phone bill).

· Find more ways to help through the Center for International Disaster Information (www.cidi.org).

Get Information about Friends or Family

· The State Department has set up a web page that will serve as a clearinghouse for information on Haiti: state.gov/haitiquake, including a new tool, the “Person Finder,” to allow people to find and share information on missing loved ones in Haiti.

· The State Department Operations Center has set up the following phone number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747 (due to heavy volume, some callers may receive a recording). You can also send an email to the State Department. Please be aware that communications within Haiti are very difficult at this time.

· The State Department has also partnered with the tech community to launch a free SMS relief information service to help people in Haiti. The text message program allows people with service from Digetel and Voila to text their location and needs to a free short code: "4636." Since the initiative was launched on January 18, NGO partners have received over 2,000 messages, including on food distribution, missing persons, water.

· Whitehouse.gov — The White House website continues to serve as a focal point for information for about the relief effort, including accounting for family and friends in Haiti and contributing to the relief effort.

B4B NOTE: Although the UN coordination has been less than sufficient, President Obama has certainly been busy working toward saving the victims of the horrific catastrophe. It was also reported that The Obamas donated $15,000 of personal money to aid Haiti.

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Happy Inaugural Anniversary
MR. PRESIDENT !

Thank You for rescuing Our Country from near collapse !
I can't begin to imagine where we would be
today if McPalin had won.

Thank You
MR. PRESIDENT !

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“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow
confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all
humanity.”

~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
To Our First Lady !

MICHELLE OBAMA !

WE ARE SO PROUD
OF OUR 1ST LADY !

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WATCH:

Sen. Ted Kennedy's Wife Victoria

Makes Last Minute Plea to Mass. Voters

HuffPo

The widow of former Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy appears in a new campaign ad for Attorney General Martha Coakley, the Democratic candidate locked in an increasingly tight Senate race.

"It's not the Kennedy seat, It's the people's seat," Vicki Kennedy says, using a phrase repeated by Scott Brown, her GOP opponent. "The mother struggling to make ends meet, the father trying to find a job. My husband fought for them, and so does Martha Coakley. Cracking down on Wall Street and insurance company abuses. Fighting for working families. That's what Martha Coakley stands for, and I'm proud to stand with her."

In the past few days, outside groups have poured millions of dollars into the race, the outcome of which will have huge implications for the future of health care reform.

*********

WATCH:

RELATED ARTICLE: President Obama to Campaign in Mass. on Sunday

Visit: Martha Coakley Site

ACTION TIME...YOU CAN HELP !!

CLICK HERE TO:

" Make Calls From Home " for Martha Coakley

B4B NOTE: Scott Brown has Promised to KILL HEALTH CARE REFORM

(Kennedy's Dream) If He Wins...

BROWN MUST LOSE !

****

CLICK HERE TO VISIT

B4B Site

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How You Can Help Haiti

From THE WHITE HOUSE:

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

ON RESCUE EFFORTS IN HAITI

Diplomatic Reception Room

10:20 A.M. EST


THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody. This morning I want to extend to the people of Haiti the deep condolences and unwavering support of the American people following yesterday's terrible earthquake.

We are just now beginning to learn the extent of the devastation, but the reports and images that we've seen of collapsed hospitals, crumbled homes, and men and women carrying their injured neighbors through the streets are truly heart-wrenching. Indeed, for a country and a people who are no strangers to hardship and suffering, this tragedy seems especially cruel and incomprehensible. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the many Haitian Americans around our country who do not yet know the fate of their families and loved ones back home.

I have directed my administration to respond with a swift, coordinated, and aggressive effort to save lives. The people of Haiti will have the full support of the United States in the urgent effort to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble, and to deliver the humanitarian relief -- the food, water and medicine -- that Haitians will need in the coming days. In that effort, our government, especially USAID and the Departments of State and Defense are working closely together and with our partners in Haiti, the region, and around the world.

Right now our efforts are focused on several urgent priorities. First, we're working quickly to account for U.S. embassy personnel and their families in Port-au-Prince, as well as the many American citizens who live and work in Haiti. Americans trying to locate family members in Haiti are encouraged to contact the State Department at 888/407-4747. I'm going to repeat that – 888/407-4747.

Second, we've mobilized resources to help rescue efforts. Military overflights have assessed the damage, and by early afternoon our civilian disaster assistance team are beginning to arrive. Search and rescue teams from Florida, Virginia and California will arrive throughout today and tomorrow, and more rescue and medical equipment and emergency personnel are being prepared.

Because in disasters such as this the first hours and days are absolutely critical to saving lives and avoiding even greater tragedy, I have directed my teams to be as forward-leaning as possible in getting the help on the ground and coordinating with our international partners as well.

Third, given the many different resources that are needed, we are taking steps to ensure that our government acts in a unified way. My national security team has led an interagency effort overnight. And to ensure that we coordinate our effort, going forward, I've designated the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Dr. Rajiv Shah, to be our government's unified disaster coordinator.

Now, this rescue and recovery effort will be complex and challenging. As we move resources into Haiti, we will be working closely with partners on the ground, including the many NGOs from Haiti and across Haiti, the United Nations Stabilization Mission, which appears to have suffered its own losses, and our partners in the region and around the world. This must truly be an international effort.

Finally, let me just say that this is a time when we are reminded of the common humanity that we all share. With just a few hundred miles of ocean between us and a long history that binds us together, Haitians are neighbors of the Americas and here at home. So we have to be there for them in their hour of need.

Despite the fact that we are experiencing tough times here at home, I would encourage those Americans who want to support the urgent humanitarian efforts to go to whitehouse.gov where you can learn how to contribute. We must be prepared for difficult hours and days ahead as we learn about the scope of the tragedy. We will keep the victims and their families in our prayers. We will be resolute in our response, and I pledge to the people of Haiti that you will have a friend and partner in the United States of America today and going forward.

May God bless the people of Haiti and those working on their behalf.

Thank you very much. (end)


You can also help immediately by donating to the Red
Cross to assist the relief effort. Contribute online here, or donate
$10 to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999."

Anyone searching for American family members in Haiti can call 888-407-4747.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by this earthquake. We are closely monitoring the situation and we stand ready to assist the people of Haiti.”
President Barack Obama

RELATED ARTICLES: Thousands Believed Dead in Haiti Quake

Quake Stunned Haitians Pile Bodies by Fallen Homes

Wyclef Jean

Donations are also being coordinated by Hip-Hop recording artist Wyclef Jean-a native son of Haiti-who is urging people to donate $5 to his Haitian charity, Yele Haiti, by texting "Yele" to 501501. The $5 donation will automatically be charged to your phone. To follow Wyclef Jean LIVE! from Haiti on Twitter CLICK HERE.

Please Help in Anyway You Can

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BREAKING NEWS !

President Obama Pushing For

NATIONAL Health Insurance Exchange !

( Shhhh...THAT's a Strong Public Option !!)

From HuffPo

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has indicated support for a national clearinghouse where consumers could shop for health coverage and an end to the decades-old antitrust exemption enjoyed by insurance companies, Democratic officials said Tuesday.

In signaling his preferences, Obama is siding with House Democrats over their Senate counterparts on issues crucial to negotiations on his health care overhaul.

House Democrats are pressing for both provisions to be included in the final measure, now that their proposal for a government-run insurance option appears dead due to opposition from key Senate moderates. Obama has sided with the Senate to support a new tax on high-value insurance plans opposed in the House.

Obama met with House Democratic leaders last week as they sought support from the president on other priorities. He is now indicating support for creation of a national exchange rather than the state-based structure in the Senate bill, and for revoking the antitrust exemption, which the Senate bill does not do, the officials said.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the negotiations were private.

The maneuvering came as House Democrats returned Tuesday from their holiday break prepared to step up negotiations with the Senate to get a final health overhaul bill to Obama's desk in time for his State of the Union address sometime early next month.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., planned to meet with Obama at the White House on Wednesday as the pace of negotiations quickened, officials said.

The legislation passed by both chambers before Christmas is similar in many respects, including expanding the federal-state Medicaid insurance program for the poor and imposing a first-time requirement for almost everyone to purchase insurance. Both bills would extend health coverage to more than 30 million uninsured Americans over the next decade. (Read rest of article)

B4B Note: The anticipation of the future development of a National Exchange (which is equivalent to a strong public option) is exactly would prompted me to write the piece entitled "My Health Care Flip-Flop...I Feel Good ! "

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B4B's Response
To the Senator Harry Reid (non)-Issue

The first thing I noticed about, then, Senator Barack Obama, was that he had the look and articulate speech which would enable him (combined with his capabilities) to become the first Black President of the United States...thus, I started an organization in February 2007 to help stimulate and invigorate others to agree.

Greg Jones
National Director
Blacks4Barack

Although 'inartfully' expressed...there was absolutely NOTHING wrong with Senator Reid's assessment....which is evident by the historic outcome.

BUT NOW...Despite this new, extremely weak right-wing 'strategy' designed to upset/dissuade Black Dem support...the media/GOP are not only making the fake issue out of Reid's statement...but more importantly...they are literally HIDING what SHOULD be the major headline. Where's the 'expert analysis' on this recent (truly pathetic) admission ?

" Newt Gingrich: Michael Steele's Race Scares Some GOPers ".

Imagine if this had been Howard Dean admitting this as the Dem's sentiment toward an entire group/race of Americans....the Jews...or Hispanics...or Blacks...or fill-in the blank. Would be non-stop news. Where's the coverage ? That's the REAL news story !

P.s. We thank the supporters of ALL walks
who worked in Unity toward the historic election of
President Barack Obama.

Click to read:
Newt Gingrich's 'Shocking' Admission

B4B

WATCH:
Senator Chris Dodd
" Health Care Reform
Hanging By A Thread "

There is STILL Much Work Ahead !

CLICK HERE
to visit B4B Site if video did not appear through email server

WATCH:
President Obama's Weekly Address
Discusses health reform benefits that kick-in in 2010,
the unemployment numbers and more.

From THE WHITE HOUSE – In his weekly address, President Barack Obama discussed the benefits of health reform that Americans will receive in the first year, and how reform will help build a new foundation for American families. After reform becomes law, uninsured Americans with a pre-existing condition will be able to purchase affordable coverage, insurance companies will be prohibited from imposing lifetime and annual limits on care, small business will receive tax credits to purchase coverage for their employees, along with many other changes. In short, patients and doctors will have more control over health care decisions, and insurance company bureaucrats will have less.

CLICK HERE
to visit B4B Site if video did not appear through email server

B4B

RNC Chairman Michael Steele
GOES ROGUE !
Steele Lashes Out: Critics Should " Get a Life",
" Shut Up ", " Fire Me" or " Get Out Of The Way "

ABC News

ABC News’ Aaron Katersky and Rick Klein report: RNC Chairman Michael Steele is lashing out his critics, with a series of blunt messages for prominent Republicans who have blasted him over his leadership for the Republican Party.

“I tell them to get a life. That’s old Washington, that’s old ways, and I don’t represent that, and that kills them,” Steele told ABC News Radio in an interview today.

“I’m telling them and I’m looking them in the eye and say I’ve had enough of it. If you don’t want me in the job, fire me. But until then, shut up. Get with the program or get out of the way.”

Steele was responding to a series of reports -- most recently in today’s Washington Times -- where prominent GOP operatives and fund-raisers have criticized Steele for seeming to focus more on his own image (and pocketbook) rather than the good of the party.
HEAR STEELE'S COMMENTS/Read rest of article

* * *

Is Michael Steele Getting Fired ?
Steele Abruptly Cancels Appearance;
Cites ' Emergency ' RNC Meeting

HuffPo

Yesterday, a defiant RNC Chairman Michael Steele shot back at his critical colleagues by saying, "I'm telling them and I'm looking them in the eye and say I've had enough of it. If you don't want me in the job, fire me. But until then, shut up. Get with the program or get out of the way."

Is the RNC taking Steele up on the whole "fire me" offer? All eyes on Rick Klein's Twitter feed, where he reports today that Steele abruptly canceled a scheduled appearance on ABC's "Top Line", thirty minutes before air time: Read rest of article

* * *

Newt Gingrich:

" Michael Steele's Race

Scares Some GOPers ! "

HuffPo

ATLANTA — Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is praising Michael Steele in his first year as chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Gingrich, who served as speaker from 1995 to 1999, says Steele is off to a good start, citing successes in fundraising and GOP victories in governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey.

"I'm a fan of Steele's," Gingrich said on Thursday in a meeting with reporters about healthcare reform. "I think he is learning, he is smart and he will be an important part of where we're going."

Steele came under fire earlier this week for saying he thinks Republicans have "screwed up" in the years since Ronald Reagan was president and for raising doubt that the GOP can win back the U.S. House in the fall elections.

Gingrich said the party should "relax and focus on winning elections and not on inside-the-party cannibalism."

"Michael Steele makes a number of old-time Republicans very nervous," Gingrich said. "He comes out of a different background. He went to seminary ... he's African-American ... But I think he's pretty close to what we need. He's different, he's gutsy and he's going to make a number of Republicans mad." Read rest of article

* * *

B4B NOTE: This should be headline news ! Imagine if Howard Dean proclaimed that Democrats don't like the Jews...or Hispanics or fill in the blank. Newt Gingrich's admission that many in the GOP are against an entire race of Americans is astounding ! May also answer the question of why the GOP has become simply The Party of NO. Hope Black Republicans are paying attention.

So the Republicans (not just Bush) don't care about Black People !

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What Has President Obama Done
In Just ONE YEAR ?
A LOT !!!

and HERE'S THE LIST !

1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending

2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices

3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women

4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB

6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information

7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family

8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act

9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible

10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House

11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration

12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date

13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan

14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research

15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research

16. New federal funding for science and research labs

17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards

18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect

19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools

20. New funds for school construction

21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out

22. US Auto industry rescue plan

23. Housing rescue plan

24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan

25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying

26. US financial and banking rescue plan

27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed

28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards

29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops

30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010

31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols

32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic

33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions

34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office

35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job

36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast

37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles

38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales

39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government

40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children

41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program

42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones

43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions

44. Expanding vaccination programs

45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters

46. Closed offshore tax safe havens

47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals

48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back

49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices

50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources

51. Lower drug costs for seniors

52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings

53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel

54. Improved housing for military personnel

55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses

56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals

57. Increasing student loans

58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program

59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy

60. Established a new cyber security office

61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.

62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts

63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness

64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient

65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced

66. Improving benefits for veterans

67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration

68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud

69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco

70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules

71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports

72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons

73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive

74. Making more loans available to small businesses

75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare

76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court

77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans

78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000

79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel

80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan

81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan

82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans

83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production

84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters

85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket

86. Held first Seder in White House

87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured

88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform

89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform

90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform

Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office!

Please Share Everywhere !

Credit: Original list compiled by Prof. Robert P. Watson,
Ph.D.Coordinator of American Studies
Lynn University

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WATCH: President Obama
U.S. " failed to connect the dots " in airline terror plot

He's On It !

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Next Step for Health Care Reform ?
As I had reported a while back (and many disputed)
Get Ready for some PING-PONG !
***

Dems Will Bypass Conference Committee
To Get Health Care Passed

Article by Sam Stein

HuffPo

Both chambers of Congress will skip a formal "conference committee" and instead negotiate informally on their respective health care bills, confirm Congressional aides and sources outside of government.

In what one health care reform activist calls a "quasi ping-pong" strategy, House and Senate leaders will each have a set of negotiators bounce variations of health care legislation back and forth until the disagreements between the two chambers are hammered out.

"Absent a stunning turn of events, it's true," said one Senate aide. "All of the motions that we need to go into conference with the House are amendable and debatable."

The basis for negotiations will be the Senate bill (which lacks a public option for insurance coverage and contains a tax on expensive health care plans), to which the House can add amendments.

"It doesn't preclude us from making major changes," explained one House Democratic aide. "We would basically be voting on the 'amendment'. But the amendment wouldn't be a two-page bill. It could be the entire bill itself." The House will hold a caucus meeting this week (with out-of-town members calling in over the phone) to begin discussing priorities for these negotiations.

The decision to skip formal conference negotiations -- which was first reported by The New Republic's Jonathan Cohn -- is not, it should be noted, the rarest of parliamentary maneuvers. Hill aides say it often happens with major or contentious pieces of legislation (though not apparently in this current Congress). "This is what we normally do," said one Hill aide, "it is pretty standard."

The goal, in the end, is to expedite the congressional process by keeping it removed from Republican procedural shenanigans. By skipping a formal conference committee, for example, Democrats can avoid dealing with motions to recommit on contentious issues (whether they be Medicare cuts, late-life consultation, abortion or anything else). This, in turn, provides a narrower window for the GOP to turn the bill into a series of wedge issues and means that there is less of a potential for moderate and conservative Democrats to grow skittish about supporting the legislation.

There are ample opportunities for Republican leadership to draw out the legislative process if it goes to conference committee. The Congressional Research Service, in a report published in April 2003, identified three steps that the Congress has to take simply to send a bill to conference.
READ REST OF ARTICLE

Getting It Done !

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HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM B4B !

A worker vacuums pine needles after a Christmas tree was removed
from the Oval Office, December 30, 2009.
(Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

WATCH:
President Obama's New Year Message



There's Much Work Ahead.
Through Unity...Yes We WILL !

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Merry Christmas
To All B4B Warriors !

WATCH:
President and 1st Lady's Holiday Weekly Address

For the first time in a weekly address, the President is joined by the First Lady as they celebrate Christmas. They both honor those serving overseas, those who have sacrificed for their country, and the families that stand by them.

WATCH: Holiday Weekly Address

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Senate Passes The Holiday Gift

of Health Care Reform Bill

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
WATCH President's Response

Although it's Christmas Eve, I wanted to share some exciting news: The Senate just passed a historic health reform bill.

In all the back and forth, it's easy to lose sight of what this incredible breakthrough really means. But consider this: This Christmas, there are millions of Americans without health insurance who risk losing everything if they get sick.

There are mothers and fathers who wonder how they'll provide for their children because an illness has wiped out their savings. There are small business owners who worry that they'll have to lay off a long-time employee because the cost of insurance is rapidly rising.

If we finish the job, all this can change. We will have beaten back the special interests who have for so long perpetuated the status quo. We will have enacted the most important piece of social policy since the Social Security Act in the 1930s, and the most important health reform since Medicare in the 1960s.

In Decembers to come, millions more will have access to affordable coverage. Parents will have the security and stability of knowing their insurance can't be revoked at a moment's notice. And the skyrocketing costs plaguing our small businesses will be brought under control.

When you make calls, write letters, organize, this is the change you're making -- a better life for your family and for men and women in every state.

There is still more to do before I can sign reform into law -- a last round of negotiations and final votes in the Senate and the House -- and I'm counting on your help every step of the way. But for now, I hope that as you celebrate this holiday season, you remember that the work you are doing is making our union more perfect, one step at a time. For that, I am grateful to you.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays,

President Barack Obama

WATCH VIDEO:

President's Response
to Historic Landmark

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Health Care Reform-
WINNING UGLY

" Progressives who argue for killing the Senate bill
and starting over should explain their position to the
30 million Americans without health insurance "...

By Eugene Robinson

Pulitzer Prize Winner

Washington Post

When all is said and done—and, yes, there is a bit more saying and doing to endure, which means that anything can happen—the health care reform legislation that President Barack Obama now seems likely to sign into law, while an unlovely mess, will be remembered as a landmark accomplishment.

The bill making its way through the Senate by the slimmest of margins is imperfect, to say the least. But before listing its many flaws, let’s consider the measure’s one great virtue: For the first time, we will enshrine the principle that all Americans deserve access to medical care regardless of their ability to pay. No longer will it be the policy and practice of our nation to ration health according to wealth.

When you blow away all the smoke, that’s what this fight is about. The Senate bill lacks a public health insurance option, the House bill is burdened by gratuitous abortion restrictions, and the final product of a House-Senate conference will probably have both those failings. But once the idea of universal health care is signed into law, it will be all but impossible to erase. Over time, that idea will be made into reality.

The loose ends are so many and varied, in fact, that it will probably be necessary to revisit the health care issue sooner rather than later. Even if it takes years to get it right, eventually is better than never. History suggests that major new social initiatives have to be perfected over time—and that basic entitlements, once established, are rarely taken away.

Progressives who argue for killing the Senate bill and starting over should explain their position to the 30 million Americans without health insurance who would be covered under this insufficiently progressive legislation. They should recall that when Obama and the Democratic leadership in Congress began this crusade, public opinion was solidly in favor of reform. With polls now showing widespread wariness, with Republicans having confused and frightened many voters who already have adequate health insurance, why would anyone think that beginning from scratch is likely to produce a more progressive result?

It surely wouldn’t. For anyone who believes it is shameful that the richest, most powerful nation in the world cares so little about the health and welfare of its citizens, this is the moment. It should be seized, not squandered.

Is it ridiculous that the Senate bill essentially bribes Sen. Ben Nelson with special Medicaid reimbursements for Nebraska alone? Yes. Is it galling that the public option and the idea of a Medicare buy-in fell victim to Sen. Joe Lieberman’s whims? Supremely so. But our eyes should be kept on the prize.

The bill has been described as a gift to the health insurance companies since it provides them with 30 million new customers and no competition from a public plan. I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that the stock prices of health insurers are soaring. But I also don’t believe the main point of this exercise was to stick it to the insurance companies, however satisfying that might be.

Someday, perhaps, we will deal with the perversity of having for-profit health insurance companies. Executives of those firms have a duty to maximize value for shareholders, which gives them the incentive to behave badly—rejecting those who are most in need of health care, denying reasonable claims, raising premiums whenever possible. If health care is a fundamental right and a societal good, then why should its allocation be mediated by the private sector? But this is not the debate we’ve just had.

Eventually, we probably will ask that question. While the reform package nearing completion bends the curve of rising health care costs, more bending is going to be needed. Ultimately, we’re going to have to take a more fundamental look at how the health industry is structured.

So this isn’t the end of a process that leads to a rational, sustainable, more efficient health care system. It’s the beginning. But when a reform bill passes, as now seems likely, Obama and congressional leaders will have achieved a goal that progressives have sought for decades. They will have established that quality health care should be for all, not just for those who can afford it.

We have a system now in which Americans go bankrupt trying to pay doctors and hospitals to keep them alive. When you have the opportunity to change this, you take it—even if it means winning ugly.

Greg Jones' B4BNOTE: I'm reminded of the imperfection of previous, now historic bills/laws that have been passed throughout our country's history. The Civil Rights Act, Womens Rights, Child Labor Laws, Fair Housing, Voters Rights Act just to name a few, all of which are still being 'tweaked' toward perfection to this day. But despite their flaws, in these monumental cases, Americans are thankful that the opposition was unable to Kill The Bill.

Although Imperfect...
Now is the time for health care reform.

B4B

My Health Care Reform FLIP-FLOP
" I FEEL GOOD !"

Greg Jones
Blacks4Barack
National Director

I, as many of you, have worked for months toward health care reform and lately some have been surprised by my lack of automatic enthusiasm of the bill as being proposed by the Senate. I have had a number of concerns since my primary objective has always been to see that the needs of the 47 million hard-working Americans who are struggling through life without the basic right to access quality health care are met. I have been very vocal about the vital urgency of affordability and how, without it there should be no mandate. I have voiced my disappointment of the secrecy of the Senate's process as well as the reports stating that the bill may not go into a full conference for amendments or changes to be made to the Senate's version, resulting in the bill being signed off basically as-is by Speaker Nancy Pelosi , then sent directly to The President for final signing.

But call it an EPIPHANY. Call it a flip-flop. Call it what you want but the more I see about what this health care reform bill will do for those in need, the more I LOVE IT ! Now don't get me wrong, there are a number of components of the bill that will need to be worked on or improved in the future, but I now truly feel that this is in fact an incredibly historic bill that will save the lives of many. One thing that prompted my transformation and makes me feel very good about the bill is certain things that I heard during last nights debate before the 1AM cloture vote. When I wrote my original draft of this piece I spelled it all out, word for word. Then, after listening to some right-wing radio today, and their declaration to ratchet up any and all obstruction they can muster to block the bill's passing, I deleted my 'breakdown' of what I feel is ahead to make certain of not supplying their much needed ammunition. And forgive my evasiveness but let's just say that I now have a clearer understanding of what Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Ia) meant when he said that the passing of the bill is "like buying the starter home; we're not done". In fact, he is now openly saying " we're going to revisit the public option...next year we can revisit it. There are other ways to get it ". (hope he's not being TOO open)

So I now see the strategy. An incredibly effective move on the part of the Democrats. They're going to push this bill through, possibly having Speaker Pelosi sign-off on the bill with minimal changes to get it to The President's desk as quickly and untouched as possible, and once signed into law, during the formulation period, they plan to slide in some of the changes reflective of what we all want. All hoopla free. Absolutely BRILLIANT.

So yes, I now see the true greatness of what is transpiring here. For the first time in seven Presidencies a health reform bill will be passed that no longer allows insurance companies to refuse coverage to someone because of having a pre-existing condition. For the first time millions of Americans will have access to truly affordable coverage erasing the embarrassing need for traveling, make-shift free clinics like a third-world country. Now, more people who fall in the lower economic bracket will be covered through Medicaid while seniors will have less burden with the so-called doughnut hole they have been forced to deal with. This bill will limit big-buck executive compensation and administrative costs of the insurance profiteers while creating an exchange that will give care seekers various options.

Through the passing of this bill , and thanks to Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) there will be a $10 BILLION investment in community health centers. Sanders has stated that this investment will "help bring about a revolution in primary health care in America and create new or expanded health centers in an additional 10,000 communities. The provision would also work toward creating an additional 20,000 primary care doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and mental health professionals for expanded mental health counseling". It is also anticipated that the community centers will save Medicaid billions of dollars by providing primary care to those in need. Sanders is also giving a significant hint of future improvements to the bill by saying, "the day after this bill passes we can improve it'.

While those are but a few of the incredible benefits of this historic health care bill, there are still elements of concern. Although many of the pre-existing clauses kick-in immediately (which is great) the start date for the majority of the plan is 2014, longer than I would like to have seen. The Medicaid costs to states could pose a future problem as states struggle financially. Here in Ohio they have just decided to stop giving prisoners coffee as a way to save money. Due to the fact that the Senate bill allows the insurance companies to charge up to 3 times the normal rate for older aged people and those with pre-existings, there will be a need for stern monitoring of this aspect to assure affordability, something that I feel The President will stay on top of due to his mother's personal experience with this issue.

One of the other issues that has been of great concern of mine has been the mandate/law which requires all individuals to purchase coverage or be penalized. My concern had always been the thought of penalizing someone for being guilty of not earning enough money. But we are now getting reports, although unconfirmed, that there is what they're calling a 'hardship clause' in the bill which will make those who truly can not afford coverage exempt from the mandate, a component of the bill that I find to be absolutely great.

One thing for sure is the fact that our current health care system has been terrible. I live in Cleveland, Ohio, home of The Cleveland Clinic, one of the finest medical facilities in all the world. But up until now, due to the lack of health care coverage, a large majority of Clevelanders could only hope for the day that they may be able to access such a fine facility. This bill creates that opportunity and serves as evidence of the Democratic idea that, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid stating during the cloture debate, "health care is a right" proven by the filibuster proof 60 votes last night which included every Democratic Senator, even those originally labeled as obstructionists like Senators Lieberman, Baucus, Lincoln, Landrieu and even the Blue Dogs, all under the powerful leadership of Senator Harry Reid; all of which-in my opinion-actually deserve a sincere hat-tip.

In my own defense, although I have been a strong supporter of President Obama since 2004, which lead me to create Blacks4Barack in February of 2007 to invigorate and stimulate support toward The Presidency, I will always study the issues to determine what is best for our country and the American people before automatically signing-on. That's just the way I am. And when it comes to this health care bill...I Feel Good !

Throughout the entire campaign and since day one in office, "Yes We Can" has been the driving motto promoted by President Barack Obama. In just 11 months in office he has achieved more than most Presidents have done in 8 years with much more yet ahead. The passing of this historic health care reform bill will not only illustrate the tenacity, vision and determination of a great Leader, but also displays 'The Power of WE'...those who have fought the good fight and will continue to do so, working together in Unity, for The Recovery of America. Very special thanks to all of The Warriors....and Thank You Mr. President. Now, it may not be perfect (yet) but let's get the bill passed !

Greg Jones

B4B

So they'll 'FIX IT'
in CONFERENCE HUH ?

NEWSFLASH: Reid PROMISES Nelson
'LIMITED CONFERENCE' !!!

Greg Jones
Blacks4Barack

As Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid gears up for the big spin, representing the Senate's supposed 'historic' health care reform bill as if it were great, giving affordable health care to 31 million, people nationwide can't help but be concerned about both the actual ineffectiveness of the bill combined with the new law/mandate that will force millions of struggling Americans to buy the already unaffordably high-priced coverage from the very insurance companies who created the need for health care reform. The massive disapproval of the inclusion of the mandate has triggered a drumbeat of protest calling for the removal of the mandate with chants such as "Just Say NO to Mandates"..."NO MANDATE or KILL THE BILL" and many others.

The problem is that since the bill does not include a method that would create truly affordable coverage like a Public Option or Medicare Buy-In, now that they have been stripped from the Senate version of the bill, most Americans are very concerned that the 47 million Americans struggling through life without health care will still be unable to afford coverage through this bill. But now, there is the mandate or law demanding that if you don't buy the insurance you will be PENALIZED, labeled as a lawbreaker and treated as such, all because of not earning enough money. That is the biggest flaw in this bill; the penalizing of those in need.

Many of the still hopeful are anticipating that once the bill passes in the Senate, positive changes/amendments will be made to the bill such as the insertion of a public option or the omission of the mandate when the bill goes into Conference; the process by which representatives from the Congress meet with Senate reps to fine tune, tweak and strengthen the bill. In fact, many Democratic politicians are stating that we need to get this bill passed in the Senate, as flawed as it is, and then it will be 'corrected' in the Conference process with almost a 'they would never pass THIS' spirit.

BUT, I have been trying to warn people for weeks now that they are NOT, I repeat NOT going to allow significant changes in Conference/Congress, stating that the bill is 'too fragile' and that they need to push it through for the sake of time.

DON'T BE HOODWINKED !!!

Here is a statement from the article we have attached below from Salon: " But Nelson also says he isn't necessarily on board for the long haul. "This cloture vote is based on a FULL UNDERSTANDING that there will be a LIMITED CONFERENCE between the Senate and House," he told reporters Saturday morning."

So as promised to Senator Nelson by Majority Leader Harry Reid, there will be a 'limited conference' which is the process known as Ping-Ponging. Through this process Speaker Nancy Pelosi will simply sign off on the Senate version of the bill as-is (maybe a weak change or two to make it look like they did something)...then the bill will go straight to the President for MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

It is of vital importance that all Americans be aware of exactly what is taking place. On Monday at 1:00AM (actually Tuesday early morning) the Senate will vote to close the debate (cloture) allowing the bill to go to the next phase toward their rushed, and frankly fake, Christmas eve deadline. So it is ACTION TIME ! This week we MUST contact our Senators/Congresspeople and The White House to demand that: 1) a full conference be allowed 2) That a truly affordable alternative to the high-priced insurance plans that currently exist such as a strong Public Option or Medicare Buy-In be implemented 3) If not, then they MUST remove the mandate or Kill The 'Unaffordable' Bill and start over creating a bill that does create true affordability.

The next few days are the key to the future of 47 million hard-working Americans, many of whom are forced to stand in long lines for as long as 8 hours while sick, at traveling, make-shift free clinics for the simple, basic right to be seen by a doctor, just like a third-world country. THEY are whom health care reform is SUPPOSED to be for...not the benefit of the insurance profiteers.

CLICK HERE TO READ SALON ARTICLE

The time is NOW to...

Call...Fight...DEMAND !!!

TRUTH NEEDS TO BE HEARD !!!!

B4B

MUST SEE/Share !
Keith Olbermann's
Powerful Special Comment

Says NO MANDATE...
or KILL THE BILL !

Olbermann: " I call on all those whose conscience urges them to fight, to use the only weapon that will be left to us if this bill becomes law. WE MUST NOT BUY FEDERALLY MANDATED INSURANCE if this cheesy counterfeit of reform is all we can buy. No single payer? No sale. No public option? No sale. No Medicare buy-in ? No sale....I hereby pledge that I will not buy this perversion of health care reform. Pass this at your peril, Senators, and sign it at yours, Mr. President. I will not buy this insurance. Brand me a lawbreaker if you choose. Fine me if you will. Jail me if you must. "

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

B4B NOTE: This MANDATE combined with unaffordability will simply create millions of uninsured LAWBREAKERS who will be PENALIZED. People with pre-existing conditions will be FORCED BY LAW, with no choice, to pay up to 3 TIMES the already high rates for coverage (which of course, they can't afford) ! ALSO: (as a further example of the Health Care Hoodwinking of America) this bill reportedly may NOT go into Conference/Congress for amendments/changes using a process called 'ping-ponging' saying that the bill is 'too fragile' to make any changes to and that we need to 'get it done fast'. Congress will sign-off as-is...then this terrible bill goes straight to The President for quick signing. Contact The White House...Contact Your Senator...

No Mandate...
or KILL THE BILL !

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NO MANDATE...or
KILL THE BILL !

By Greg Jones
Blacks4Barack

As the health care reform debate continues we are witnessing a watering-down to such a degree that the end result could actually be worse than what we have now. This has transformed from a vision of affordable health care coverage for the 47 million hard-working Americans currently struggling throughout life without the basic right to quality health care, to simply a bailout to the insurance profiteers through the mandate/law which will force all Americans to buy the expensive coverage or be PENALIZED.

Either through a well orchestrated plot or in a move to appease the obstructionists, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has gotten rid of ALL of the mechanisms that would have been enacted to create affordable health care coverage for all. First, the public option plan was taken out; and now we hear that the plan to allow people ages 55 to 64 to 'buy-in' to Medicare has been scrapped as well. In all fairness the one element of this reform debate that has remained constant throughout the debate (which could be passed as a single law/bill) is the banning of insurance company discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions, who will through this plan, be allowed to buy coverage, only if they can afford it (interestingly a problem President Obama's mother was faced with making it an issue most dear to The President's heart).

But EVERYTHING else about this plan is absolutely PATHETIC ! The majority of the 47 million struggling uncovered are doing so, not because they can't find coverage, but because they simply can not AFFORD the current high rates of coverage-which continue to rise. And this potentially 'historic' plan does absolutely nothing to make coverage even $1 cheaper. Worse yet, the Democratic politicians are now claiming what a great plan this will be because it " will give coverage to 31 million Americans". Sorry, but that's a lie. This plan isn't GIVING anything. This plan will FORCE the struggling uninsured to buy the unaffordable coverage from the insurance cartel or be PENALIZED by way of huge fines for being unable to afford it, like a penalty for being too poor ! When you combine the threat and fear of becoming labeled a lawbreaker, due to not having enough money, with the fact that the millions struggling will STILL be uncovered, STILL need to stand in long free-clinic lines while sick like a third-world country, the fact is it will actually be WORSE for millions of Americans if this 'historic' plan is passed.

You call THIS reform ? How does this plan help in any way the 47 million struggling, uncovered, hoping to NOT become one of the 44,000 that DIE each year due to the lack of access to quality health care ? Or the millions 'under-covered' like my younger sister Karen who just dropped dead on her bedroom floor a couple of months ago ? How will this plan help the thousands and thousands currently forced to stand in long lines for as long as 8 hours, while sick, at make-shift free clinics just to be seen by a doctor ? How does this plan solve the embarrassing health care needs of Americans in the richest country in the world. Not only does this plan NOT solve the true needs, but it doesn't even come close.

The ONLY thing this plan is is a blatantly obvious, stipulation-free, mandated gift to the insurance profiteers on the backs of the struggling. As evidence, if the politicians weren't so well bribed/lobbied they would have at least told the cartel they must reduce their rates 10-20-30% or so for The People in exchange for the new 30 million people being forced to buy their product or be penalized, but instead it is exactly like the stipulation-free bank bailouts which is why we say....

NO MANDATE...
or KILL THE BILL !!!

This Plan is NOT for The People therefore
The People should NOT be for this Plan !

ANYONE who says that this plan should be accepted is ONLY thinking politically (and probably HAS coverage) or on behalf of the cartel. Health Care should not be a political issue but rather a matter of life or death !

RELATED ARTICLE: Dr. Howard Dean Says KILL THE BILL

B4B

We MUST Fight for
RECONCILIATION !

Greg Jones

Blacks4Barack

As the health reform debate continues, we are hearing of the continuous watering-down of the bill for the purpose of appeasing various Democrats including Senators Joe Lieberman, Mary Landreiu, Blanche Lincoln and Ben Nelson. But there is a process available to be used by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid which would make these obstructionists absolutely meaningless.

RECONCILIATION is the process by which a bill can be passed with 51 votes instead of 60. THIS is what we must DEMAND Reid uses to pass a bill with a strong, robust, national, competitive Public Option...the ONLY way to create affordable, competitive premiums for the 47 million Americans struggling throughout life without the basic right to be seen by a doctor. It is absolutely PATHETIC that hard-working Americans are forced to stand in long lines while sick, for as long as 8 hours, at make-shift free clinics just to be seen by a doctor, as recently occurred in Kansas City; a scene reminiscent of a third-world country.

This is a 2 part FIGHT....

FIRST...we must FIGHT for a STRONG, Competitive Public Option. In the same call or email we must DEMAND that Harry Reid uses the RECONCILIATION process. As The President has said

The Time is NOW....

44,000 Americans DIE each year due to the lack of affordable health care. This must end NOW...and it can...through RECONCILIATION !!!!

Please help spread the word as if your life depended on it.

One day...it just might !!!

Contact Sen. Harry Reid/YOUR Senator/THE MEDIA...Rachel Maddow, Ed Schultz, Keith Olbermann etc. to say

WE DEMAND STRONG PUBLIC OPTION THROUGH RECONCILIATION !

CONTACT YOUR SENATOR TODAY !

B4B