Friday, October 9, 2009

Robert Reich's Blog

 Reich picture

The following is Mr. Reich’s statement  from his  October 9, 2009 blog.
Why Obama Should Not Have Received the Peace Prize -- Yet

President Obama's only real diplomatic accomplishment so far has been to change the direction and tone of American foreign policy from unilateral bullying to multilateral listening and cooperating. That's important, to be sure, but not nearly enough. The Prize is really more of Booby Prize for Obama's predecessor. Had the world not suffered eight years of George W. Bush, Obama would not be receiving the Prize. He's prizeworthy and praiseworthy only by comparison.

I'd rather Obama had won it after Congress agreed to substantial cuts in greenhouse gases comparable to what Europe is proposing, after he brought Palestinians and Israelis together to accept a two-state solution, after he got the United States out of Afghanistan and reduced the nuclear arm's threat between Pakistan and India, or after he was well on the way to eliminating the world's stockpile of nuclear weapons. Any one of these would have been worthy of global praise. Perhaps the Nobel committee can give him half the prize now and withhold the other half until he accomplishes one or more of these crucial missions.

Giving the Peace Prize to the President before any of these goals has been attained only underscores the paradox of Obama at this early stage of his presidency. He has demonstrated mastery in both delivering powerful rhetoric and providing the nation and the world with fresh and important ways of understanding current challenges. But he has not yet delivered. To the contrary, he often seems to hold back from the fight -- temporizing, delaying, or compromising so much that the rhetoric and insight he offers seem strangely disconnected from what he actually does. Yet there's time. He may yet prove to be one of the best presidents this nation has ever had -- worthy not only of the Peace Prize but of every global accolade he could possibly summon. Just not yet.

Click on the following to view this and other of Mr. Reich’s blog postingsRobert Reich's Blog

Republican National Chairman uses Obama’s Nobel Prize as reason to solicit campaign funds.

From:
Michael S. Steele, RNC Chairman

To:
BPYSSON XXXXXXXXXX

Subject:
Nobel Peace Prize for Awesomeness


Dear William ,
I'm sure you've heard the news -- Barack Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It's a stunning, if not truly surprising, indication of just how meaningless a once honorable and respected award has become.
What has President Obama actually accomplished? It is unfortunate that the president's star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights.
Even the normally fawning media have expressed shock at the clearly political and unmerited award. But the Democrats clearly see it differently, with DNC spokesman Brad Woodhouse stating "the Republican Party has thrown in its lot with the terrorists -- the Taliban and Hamas this morning -- in criticizing the President for receiving the Nobel Peace Prize."
Like most Americans, the DNC can't think of one achievement that the president has accomplished, so they resort to their predictable response and standard playbook of demonizing anyone who disagrees with them.
First they call Americans concerned over health care "rabid extremists" and "angry mobs." Now, when challenged to answer the question of what the president has accomplished, Democrats are lashing out calling Republicans terrorists. That type of political rhetoric is shameful.
William , the Democrats and their international leftist allies want America made subservient to the agenda of global redistribution and control. And truly patriotic Americans like you and our Republican Party are the only thing standing in their way.
Help our Party spread the word about the Obama Democrats' dangerous naivete and power grab. Please support GOP elected officials as they work to hold the Democrats accountable to the American people for their failed policies and irresponsible rhetoric by making a contribution of $25, $50, $100, $500 or $1,000 to the Republican National Committee today.
Your gift will also help support the recruitment and election of principled candidates who will defeat the Democrats in 2009 and 2010 and promote policies that put America first.

National group challenges Wheaton council over prayer

The Freedom From Religion Foundation and one of its members from Wheaton this week notified Mayor Mike Gresk that the council is violating federal law by opening regular meetings with a prayer. The organization is urging the council to discontinue the practice

the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that prayers during government meetings must be nondenominational and nonsectarian. The foundation's review of invocations given before Wheaton council meetings between March and September found the prayers "rarely, if ever," met that legal requirement.

in DuPage County …. The county board and forest preserve commission both have similar invocations.

Click on the following for more on this story:  Daily Herald | National group challenges Wheaton council over prayer

US-mortgage-backer-may-need-bailout

Is the mortgage crisis over?

Federal Housing Administration, which guarantees mortgages with low down payments, are becoming so acute that some experts warn the agency might need a federal bailout.

some 20 percent of F.H.A. loans insured last year — and as many as 24 percent of those from 2007

the agency now insures roughly 5.4 million single-family home mortgages, with a combined value of $675 billion.

The government is giving as many people as it possibly can the chance to buy a house or, if they are in financial difficulty, refinance it. The F.H.A. is insuring about 6,000 loans a day, four times the amount in 2006. Its portfolio is growing so fast that even F.H.A. backers express amazement

US-mortgage-backer-may-need-bailout: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance

Obama’s email to supporters regarding the Nobel Peace Prize

Friday, October 9, 2009 5:42 PM

From: "President Barack Obama" <info@barackobama.com>

To: "bill pysson" xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

bill --
This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.
To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.
But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.
That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.
This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.
So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama

SanDiego, Baja officials working on tourist-friendly police force

The hope is to create a stronger sense of security for tourists, business visitors and others who travel to the region, officials said, and restore Baja California's battered tourist economy in the wake of drug violence that has caused many businesses dependent on visitors to close.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  S.D., Baja officials working on tourist-friendly police force - SignOnSanDiego.com

77-Cent Increase Per Gallon of Gas? | FactCheck.org

Q: Will the House cap-and-trade bill raise the cost of a gallon of gasoline by 77 cents?

A: That extreme estimate comes from the oil and gas industry’s lobby. Nonpartisan government experts project a lower increase, most likely between 12 and 67 cents per gallon in 2020.

Click on the following to read the full answer: 77-Cent Increase Per Gallon of Gas? | FactCheck.org

Northwest Herald | Cary set to hit the road

Cary uses federal Bond Program. 

The McHenry County Board voted in August to give the village $5 million in economic stimulus bonding power.

The bonds were made available under the federal Build America Bond program and is the first time in Cary’s history that the village has issued general obligation bonds, which contributed to the village’s rating.

“All taxpayers should be very happy about the improved bond rating,” Village President Tom Kierna said.

The bonds would be paid back through existing funding mechanisms such as motor fuel tax, and would not require additional taxes.

Northwest Herald | Cary set to hit the road

Surprised, humbled Obama awarded Nobel Peace Prize

Obama, 48, is the third U.S. president to win the prize while in office, after Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Former President Jimmy Carter won the prize in 2002, more than two decades after he left office.

Members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee said their choice could be seen as an early vote of confidence in Obama intended to build global support for his policies. They lauded the change in global mood wrought by Obama's calls for peace and cooperation, and praised his pledges to reduce the world stock of nuclear arms, ease American conflicts with Muslim nations and strengthen the U.S. role in combating climate change.

Click on the following for more details:  Surprised, humbled Obama awarded Nobel Peace Prize - Yahoo! News