President Obama Sings Some Al Green

Obama Campaign Ad Touts 2.7 Million Clean Energy Jobs

and dependence on foreign energy dropping below 50%.

Defense, State Agree to Pursue Conduct Code for Outer Space

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2012 – The departments of Defense and State have agreed an international code of conduct should govern activities in outer space, and officials announced plans to work with the European Union to develop it.

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little yesterday issued a statement saying DOD “supports the concept” of an international code of conduct for outer space activities.

“An international code of conduct can enhance U.S. national security by encouraging responsible space behavior by reducing the risk of mishaps, misperceptions and mistrust,” he said.

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=66833

President Obama Statement on Keystone XL Pipeline

Earlier today, I received the Secretary of State’s recommendation on the pending application for the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline.  As the State Department made clear last month, the rushed and arbitrary deadline insisted on by Congressional Republicans prevented a full assessment of the pipeline’s impact, especially the health and safety of the American people, as well as our environment.  As a result, the Secretary of State has recommended that the application be denied.  And after reviewing the State Department’s report, I agree.

This announcement is not a judgment on the merits of the pipeline, but the arbitrary nature of a deadline that prevented the State Department from gathering the information necessary to approve the project and protect the American people.  I’m disappointed that Republicans in Congress forced this decision, but it does not change my Administration’s commitment to American-made energy that creates jobs and reduces our dependence on oil.  Under my Administration, domestic oil and natural gas production is up, while imports of foreign oil are down.  In the months ahead, we will continue to look for new ways to partner with the oil and gas industry to increase our energy security –including the potential development of an oil pipeline from Cushing, Oklahoma to the Gulf of Mexico – even as we set higher efficiency standards for cars and trucks and invest in alternatives like biofuels and natural gas.  And we will do so in a way that benefits American workers and businesses without risking the health and safety of the American people and the environment.

Happy Birthday Michelle Obama

Happy Birthday Michelle Obama! What an amazing First Lady. When I’m not disgusted with the immaturity of this nation, I’m mostly sad that we aren’t rejoicing in what an amazing First Family we have.  Michelle Obama is such a classy first lady, full of enthusiasm and passion, smart and stylish, and totally down to earth. The example she sets as a working mom and the genuine respect and love the family has for each other is something very special in this day and age.

Anyhoo, TheGrio.com has put together a fantastic collection of 48 memorable moments in the life of Michelle Obama to celebrate her 48th birthday.  Take a look.

President, Vice President and Administration Officials Mark MLK Day of Service

The White House released information regarding the activities that will be taken to honor the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service. The President and Mrs. Obama, the Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden, Cabinet Secretaries, and other senior administration officials are participating in community service projects and events throughout the country, led by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the King Center,.

“Today, we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  And we should honor that legacy by acting as drum majors for service and lifting up those less fortunate – not just today, but every day,” President Obama said. “All of us can find a way to give back to our communities, to gain new skills, and to pull together, even when times are hard.  That’s what Dr. King believed in, and that’s what will make our country stronger.”

The First Family participated in a community service project sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service in conjunction with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Greater DC Cares at the Browne Education Campus in Washington, DC. In the evening, the President and First Lady will attend the Let Freedom Ring concert in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Kennedy Center.

The Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden are participating in the 17th annual Greater Philadelphia Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and a service project at Girard College.

Cabinet Secretaries and Senior Administration Officials

• Agriculture:  Secretary Vilsack addressed Rainbow PUSH in Chicago to highlight USDA advancements on Civil Rights and the Obama administration’s settlement of the Pigford lawsuit.

• CNCS:  The Corporation for National and Community Service CEO Robert Velasco volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of D.C. Senior staff also served at We Feed Our People, a signature event that serves hundreds of homeless District residents with a hot meals and warm clothing, and at Montgomery County Volunteer Center in Bethesda. Read more…

Beyonce Reveals Obama 2012 Campaign t-shirt

Beyonce, along with her mom Tina Knowles, has teamed up with a slew of famous fashion designers for the 2012 Runway To Win campaign.  Beyonce, now a mom herself, has been a long time advocate and admirer of the President and First Family and has said she will campaign for him this year to make sure he is re-elected. The shirt is pretty cool too, and one of the more affordable of the Runway To Win selections which can be pre-ordered for delivery beginning Feb 7.

President Obama New Year’s Weekly Address 2011 Full Text

Hello, everybody.  As 2011 comes to an end and we look ahead to 2012, I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year.

The last year has been a time of great challenge and great progress for our country.  We ended one war and began to wind down another.  We dealt a crippling blow to al-Qaeda and made America more secure.  We stood by our friends and allies around the world through natural disasters and revolutions.  And we began to see signs of economic recovery here at home, even as too many Americans are still struggling to get ahead.

There’s no doubt that 2012 will bring even more change.  And as we head into the New Year, I’m hopeful that we have what it takes to face that change and come out even stronger – to grow our economy, create more jobs, and strengthen the middle class.

Read more…

Health Care Act Progress in 2011

Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, rings in the New Year with a White House blog lauding the progress made in health care in 2011. Sebelius says she is proud of the progress made, “From strengthening Medicare to expanding access to preventive services to holding insurance companies accountable”.

Specifically, she highlights the eight most important ways Americans are benefiting from the new health care law.

Making Sure More Americans Have Health Coverage – 2.5 million more young adults have health insurance coverage thanks to a provision in the health law allowing young adults to remain on their parents’ health insurance until age 26.

Shedding Light on Insurance Companies – Prior to the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies in too many states were able to raise their rates without explaining their actions. But now, insurers who want to hike their rates by 10%or more have to explain and justify those increases in writing.

Giving You More Value for Your Dollar – The new 80/20 rule makes sure at least 80% of your premium dollars are being spent on health care and improving your care – not on advertising and executive salaries. If your insurer fails this test, you get a rebate, starting this summer.

Expanding Access to Free Preventive Care and Services – Under the Affordable Care Act, you and your family may be eligible for free preventive services. You may now have access to free preventive services such as:

• Blood pressure readings, cholesterol tests, and nutrition counseling
• Many cancer screenings, including mammograms and colonoscopies
• Flu and pneumonia shots
• Routine vaccinations against diseases such as measles, hepatitis, and meningitis

Read more…

Obama Christmas Eve Holiday Tribute To Military Youtube