http://odeo.com/channels/31723-Republican-National-Convention-Blog Sookietex no The successor to politics will be propaganda. Propaganda, not in the sense of a message or ideology, but as the impact of the whole technology of the times.* The successor to politics will be propaganda. Propaganda, not in the sense of a message or ideology, but as the impact of the whole technology of the times.* The successor to politics will be propaganda. Propaganda, not in the sense of a message or ideology, but as the impact of the whole technology of the times. en 40 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:53:06 -0800 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:53:06 -0800 Politics http://odeo.com/episodes/25443161-Let-Your-Voice-Be-Heard-A-Message-From-Congressman-Mike-Pence-VIDEO Congressman Mike Pence released the following video, urging all Americans to rise up and let their voices be heard in opposition to the Pelosi health care plan. "This Is Your Moment, Now Is Your Time, Let Your Voice Be Heard." FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: "As President Ronald Reagan said: ‘Since the American founding, we have been a people with a government, not the other way around.'" "Now comes the Pelosi plan for a government takeover of health care. It is a freight train of runaway spending, bloated bureaucracy, mandates and higher taxes. "If the liberals in Washington have their way, they will forever change the relationship between the government and ‘we the people.' "If the Pelosi plan for a government takeover of health care passes, we will each become dependent on the political class in Washington for the provision of services of the most urgent and personal nature. "Illness, our own, or more importantly the illness of a parent, or a spouse, or a child, has the capacity to suspend... Congressman Mike Pence released the following video, urging all Americans to rise up and let their voices be heard in opposition to the Pelosi health care plan. "This Is Your Moment, Now Is Your Time, Let Your Voice Be Heard." FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: "As President Ronald Reagan said: ‘Since the American founding, we have been a people with a government, not the other way around.'" "Now comes the Pelosi plan for a government takeover of health care. It is a freight train of runaway spending, bloated bureaucracy, mandates and higher taxes. "If the liberals in Washington have their way, they will forever change the relationship between the government and ‘we the people.' "If the Pelosi plan for a government takeover of health care passes, we will each become dependent on the political class in Washington for the provision of services of the most urgent and personal nature. "Illness, our own, or more importantly the illness of a parent, or a spouse, or a child, has the capacity to suspend our priorities. "What was important before the crisis grows dim in the harsh light of disease affecting a loved one. "The Pelosi health care plan targets us when we are most vulnerable. "The Pelosi health care plan makes us dependent on the state at the most urgent moment in the life of our family. "Their hope: that little by little, we'll yield our freedoms and our resources to the ever-growing appetite of the federal government. "After years of runaway federal spending, borrowing, bailouts and takeovers, it's easy to give way to despair; but I assure you: there is a remnant that still cherishes freedom, personal responsibility and limited government all across this land. "I have seen it in the faces of ordinary Americans who have traveled to rallies, town halls and tea parties. I have read it in my mail. I have heard it from friends and neighbors who have lost their jobs but not lost their faith in America. "The time has come for those who still cherish our ideals-the ideals of our founding: life, liberty and the pursuit of the American dream-to arise. "Wherever you are, whoever you are, let your voice be heard. "Republicans in Congress who are standing in the gap, cannot do this alone. "I often tell my colleagues that a minority in Congress plus the American people equals a majority."‘We the people' have the power to stop out-of-control spending at the federal level. "‘We the people' have to power to stop the Pelosi health care plan, in its effort to take over one-sixth of the American economy. "And ‘we the people' have the ability to protect the finest health care system this world has ever known and demand real health care reform that will reduce the cost of health care without growing government. "I appeal to you not as Republicans or Democrats, liberals or conservatives, but as Americans. "You cherish freedom, you fear the crushing weight of big government and debt that Congress and this Administration are leaving to our posterity, and you still believe that the strength of this nation is in the character and courage and ingenuity of the American people, and not the politicians and the bureaucrats. "This is your moment, now is your time, let your voice be heard." Congressman Mike Pence released the following video, urging all Americans to rise up and let their voices be heard in opposition to the Pelosi health care plan. "This Is Your Moment, Now Is Your Time, Let Your Voice Be Heard." FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: "As President Ronald Reagan said: ‘Since the American founding, we have been a people with a government, not the other way around.'" "Now comes the Pelosi plan for a government takeover of health care. It is a freight train of runaway spending, bloated bureaucracy, mandates and higher taxes. "If the liberals in Washington have their way, they will forever change the relationship between the government and ‘we the people.' "If the Pelosi plan for a government takeover of health care passes, we will each become dependent on the political class in Washington for the provision of services of the most urgent and personal nature. "Illness, our own, or more importantly the illness of a parent, or a spouse, or a child, has the capacity to suspend our priorities. "What was important before the crisis grows dim in the harsh light of disease affecting a loved one. "The Pelosi health care plan targets us when we are most vulnerable. "The Pelosi health care plan makes us dependent on the state at the most urgent moment in the life of our family. "Their hope: that little by little, we'll yield our freedoms and our resources to the ever-growing appetite of the federal government. "After years of runaway federal spending, borrowing, bailouts and takeovers, it's easy to give way to despair; but I assure you: there is a remnant that still cherishes freedom, personal responsibility and limited government all across this land. "I have seen it in the faces of ordinary Americans who have traveled to rallies, town halls and tea parties. I have read it in my mail. I have heard it from friends and neighbors who have lost their jobs but not lost their faith in America. "The time has come for those who still cherish our ideals-the ideals of our founding: life, liberty and the pursuit of the American dream-to arise. "Wherever you are, whoever you are, let your voice be heard. "Republicans in Congress who are standing in the gap, cannot do this alone. "I often tell my colleagues that a minority in Congress plus the American people equals a majority."‘We the people' have the power to stop out-of-control spending at the federal level. "‘We the people' have to power to stop the Pelosi health care plan, in its effort to take over one-sixth of the American economy. "And ‘we the people' have the ability to protect the finest health care system this world has ever known and demand real health care reform that will reduce the cost of health care without growing government. "I appeal to you not as Republicans or Democrats, liberals or conservatives, but as Americans. "You cherish freedom, you fear the crushing weight of big government and debt that Congress and this Administration are leaving to our posterity, and you still believe that the strength of this nation is in the character and courage and ingenuity of the American people, and not the politicians and the bureaucrats. "This is your moment, now is your time, let your voice be heard." tag:odeo.com,2009-11-12,25443161 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:53:06 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25443162-Congressman-Peter-Roskam-If-Healthcare-Bill-Is-So-Fabulous-Why-Criminalize-Those-Who-Want-To-Opt-Out-VIDEO Congressman Peter Roskam: Pelosi's Version of Law & Order, Government Mandate or Jail November 11, 2009 -"We've heard from the majority all afternoon, and not one of them have told us why you need to criminalize people to coax them into a plan that's fabulous? It makes no sense." - Roskam Condemns Passage of Pelosi Healthcare Overhaul. Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL) issued the following statement following the U.S. House of Representative’s narrow passage of H.R. 3692, Speaker Pelosi’s healthcare bill, 220-215: “Tonight’s vote is incredibly disappointing, though just the latest example that Democrats simply aren’t listening to Americans. The Pelosi healthcare overhaul will not only cost $1.3 trillion, adding to our debt and bankrupting future generations, but the resulting policy will mean increased health costs for families, deep cuts for seniors in Medicare, new taxes and more jobs lost. With super majorities in both houses and the presidency, the Democrats could have made ea... Congressman Peter Roskam: Pelosi's Version of Law & Order, Government Mandate or Jail November 11, 2009 -"We've heard from the majority all afternoon, and not one of them have told us why you need to criminalize people to coax them into a plan that's fabulous? It makes no sense." - Roskam Condemns Passage of Pelosi Healthcare Overhaul. Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL) issued the following statement following the U.S. House of Representative’s narrow passage of H.R. 3692, Speaker Pelosi’s healthcare bill, 220-215: “Tonight’s vote is incredibly disappointing, though just the latest example that Democrats simply aren’t listening to Americans. The Pelosi healthcare overhaul will not only cost $1.3 trillion, adding to our debt and bankrupting future generations, but the resulting policy will mean increased health costs for families, deep cuts for seniors in Medicare, new taxes and more jobs lost. With super majorities in both houses and the presidency, the Democrats could have made easy work of health reform legislation. Instead, Speaker Pelosi lost 39 Democrat votes, struggling to send this misguided legislation limping out of the House, and demonstrating just how bad this bill is. Democrats missed an incredible opportunity to work with Republicans toward implementing bipartisan reforms that would lower cost and increase access without seriously increasing taxes and our national debt.” ### Congressman Peter Roskam: Pelosi's Version of Law & Order, Government Mandate or Jail November 11, 2009 -"We've heard from the majority all afternoon, and not one of them have told us why you need to criminalize people to coax them into a plan that's fabulous? It makes no sense." - Roskam Condemns Passage of Pelosi Healthcare Overhaul. Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL) issued the following statement following the U.S. House of Representative’s narrow passage of H.R. 3692, Speaker Pelosi’s healthcare bill, 220-215: “Tonight’s vote is incredibly disappointing, though just the latest example that Democrats simply aren’t listening to Americans. The Pelosi healthcare overhaul will not only cost $1.3 trillion, adding to our debt and bankrupting future generations, but the resulting policy will mean increased health costs for families, deep cuts for seniors in Medicare, new taxes and more jobs lost. With super majorities in both houses and the presidency, the Democrats could have made easy work of health reform legislation. Instead, Speaker Pelosi lost 39 Democrat votes, struggling to send this misguided legislation limping out of the House, and demonstrating just how bad this bill is. Democrats missed an incredible opportunity to work with Republicans toward implementing bipartisan reforms that would lower cost and increase access without seriously increasing taxes and our national debt.” ### tag:odeo.com,2009-11-12,25443162 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:25:13 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25433114-Anita-Dunn-Fox-News-wing-of-the-Republican-Party-will-step-down-VIDEO Anita Dunn, the White House Director of Communications, to President Obama has announced today that she’ll be leaving her post at the end of the month, her deputy, Dan Pfeiffer is to replace her. "Fox News...wing of the Republican Party" "opinion journalism masquerading as news." "The reality of it is, fox news often operates as either the research arm or the communications arm of the Republican party," Dunn began her career in the Carter White House, first as an intern for White House Communications Director Gerald Rafshoon and then worked for chief of staff Hamilton Jordan. She worked on the campaign of Senator John Glenn (D-OH), and on Capitol Hill before joining the firm founded by Bob Squier and Bill Knapp in 1993. She has been the top adviser to Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ), including serving as the chief strategist for his presidential campaign, Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD). She was hired by then Senator Barack Obama in 2006 to... Anita Dunn, the White House Director of Communications, to President Obama has announced today that she’ll be leaving her post at the end of the month, her deputy, Dan Pfeiffer is to replace her. "Fox News...wing of the Republican Party" "opinion journalism masquerading as news." "The reality of it is, fox news often operates as either the research arm or the communications arm of the Republican party," Dunn began her career in the Carter White House, first as an intern for White House Communications Director Gerald Rafshoon and then worked for chief of staff Hamilton Jordan. She worked on the campaign of Senator John Glenn (D-OH), and on Capitol Hill before joining the firm founded by Bob Squier and Bill Knapp in 1993. She has been the top adviser to Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ), including serving as the chief strategist for his presidential campaign, Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD). She was hired by then Senator Barack Obama in 2006 to direct communications and strategy for his political action committee, The Hopefund. This move signaled to many that Obama was nearing a run for the presidency. While advising Hopefund and Obama in 2006, she was instrumental in the preparations for the launch of Obama for America, and brought many key staffers to the Obama campaign with whom she had worked in Bayh's and Daschle's offices. Video Credit: CNN's Reliable Sources and PoliticsNewsPolitics Image Credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza Biography from: Anita Dunn From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Anita Dunn, the White House Director of Communications, to President Obama has announced today that she’ll be leaving her post at the end of the month, her deputy, Dan Pfeiffer is to replace her. "Fox News...wing of the Republican Party" "opinion journalism masquerading as news." "The reality of it is, fox news often operates as either the research arm or the communications arm of the Republican party," Dunn began her career in the Carter White House, first as an intern for White House Communications Director Gerald Rafshoon and then worked for chief of staff Hamilton Jordan. She worked on the campaign of Senator John Glenn (D-OH), and on Capitol Hill before joining the firm founded by Bob Squier and Bill Knapp in 1993. She has been the top adviser to Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ), including serving as the chief strategist for his presidential campaign, Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD). She was hired by then Senator Barack Obama in 2006 to direct communications and strategy for his political action committee, The Hopefund. This move signaled to many that Obama was nearing a run for the presidency. While advising Hopefund and Obama in 2006, she was instrumental in the preparations for the launch of Obama for America, and brought many key staffers to the Obama campaign with whom she had worked in Bayh's and Daschle's offices. Video Credit: CNN's Reliable Sources and PoliticsNewsPolitics Image Credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza Biography from: Anita Dunn From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia tag:odeo.com,2009-11-10,25433114 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:54:09 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25423463-Health-Care-Reform-Chart Health Care Reform: 31 New Federal Programs, Agencies, Commissions & Mandates. House Republicans, led by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) and House Republicans on the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), have created the chart below detailing the bureaucratic nightmare of the House Democrats’ $1.5 trillion health care plan that relies on massive tax hikes on small businesses and job creators in the midst of a deepening economic recession - and will cause as many as 114 million Americans to lose their current coverage. The chart identifies at least 31 new federal programs, agencies, commissions and mandates that accompany the unprecedented government takeover of health care in America. Americans want health care reform - and House Republicans agree - but the Democrats’ go-it-alone, tax and spend attitude isn’t the way to improve the best health care system in the world. House Republicans have a plan that will reduce costs, expand access and increase the quality of care in a way we can afford -... Health Care Reform: 31 New Federal Programs, Agencies, Commissions & Mandates. House Republicans, led by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) and House Republicans on the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), have created the chart below detailing the bureaucratic nightmare of the House Democrats’ $1.5 trillion health care plan that relies on massive tax hikes on small businesses and job creators in the midst of a deepening economic recession - and will cause as many as 114 million Americans to lose their current coverage. The chart identifies at least 31 new federal programs, agencies, commissions and mandates that accompany the unprecedented government takeover of health care in America. Americans want health care reform - and House Republicans agree - but the Democrats’ go-it-alone, tax and spend attitude isn’t the way to improve the best health care system in the world. House Republicans have a plan that will reduce costs, expand access and increase the quality of care in a way we can afford - without raising taxes on small businesses or middle class families. Health Care Reform: 31 New Federal Programs, Agencies, Commissions & Mandates. House Republicans, led by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) and House Republicans on the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), have created the chart below detailing the bureaucratic nightmare of the House Democrats’ $1.5 trillion health care plan that relies on massive tax hikes on small businesses and job creators in the midst of a deepening economic recession - and will cause as many as 114 million Americans to lose their current coverage. The chart identifies at least 31 new federal programs, agencies, commissions and mandates that accompany the unprecedented government takeover of health care in America. Americans want health care reform - and House Republicans agree - but the Democrats’ go-it-alone, tax and spend attitude isn’t the way to improve the best health care system in the world. House Republicans have a plan that will reduce costs, expand access and increase the quality of care in a way we can afford - without raising taxes on small businesses or middle class families. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-08,25423463 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:24:11 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25423464-Ron-Paul-Healthcare-Reform-Will-Make-a-Flawed-System-Immeasurably-Worse-VIDEO Congressman Ron Paul's Texas Straight Talk for November 9, 2009. Congressman Ron Paul's Texas Straight Talk for November 9, 2009. Congressman Ron Paul's Texas Straight Talk for November 9, 2009. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-08,25423464 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:18:02 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25418399-Governor-Haley-Barbour-Weekly-Republican-Address-11-10-09-VIDEO-FULL-TEXT-TRANSCRIPT Governor Haley Barbour Weekly Republican Address 11/10/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Weekly Remarks by Gov. Haley Barbour of Mississippi, as provided by the Republican National Committee. Hi, I’m Haley Barbour, governor of Mississippi, and I’m pleased to give the weekly Republican address. This past week’s been a momentous one in American politics. It marked the first anniversary of President Obama’s election. This week also saw the first big elections since this administration and its Democrat majority in Congress took control of our federal government. The results made clear the American people don’t like where the Democrats are trying to take our country. Virginia and New Jersey elected new governors Tuesday, and in both cases, voters chose Republican governors to succeed the Democrats elected four years ago. Both are states that President Obama carried by large margins last year. Virginia’s Bob McDonnell, a conservative who focused his campaign on jobs and economic growth – the ... Governor Haley Barbour Weekly Republican Address 11/10/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Weekly Remarks by Gov. Haley Barbour of Mississippi, as provided by the Republican National Committee. Hi, I’m Haley Barbour, governor of Mississippi, and I’m pleased to give the weekly Republican address. This past week’s been a momentous one in American politics. It marked the first anniversary of President Obama’s election. This week also saw the first big elections since this administration and its Democrat majority in Congress took control of our federal government. The results made clear the American people don’t like where the Democrats are trying to take our country. Virginia and New Jersey elected new governors Tuesday, and in both cases, voters chose Republican governors to succeed the Democrats elected four years ago. Both are states that President Obama carried by large margins last year. Virginia’s Bob McDonnell, a conservative who focused his campaign on jobs and economic growth – the issues that concern most Virginia voters – won by nearly 20 points, as Republicans swept all statewide offices. In New Jersey, moderate Republican Chris Christie defeated incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine, despite several campaign visits by the president. Independents voted overwhelmingly for the Republican in both states. Independents, most of whom voted for President Obama only a year ago, are concerned where his policies are taking our country. Don’t take my word for it. Rep. Jim Cooper, senior Democrat in Tennessee’s congressional delegation, called the election result "a wake-up call for Congress." "A tidal wave could be coming," he said. Democratic Congressman Dan Boren of Oklahoma made his views plain when he told the Wall Street Journal: "Voters sent a clear message that the administration and the Congress need to focus on the economy. We need to focus on creating jobs right now, and you don’t do that by raising taxes on small businesses." The Washington Post’s David Broder, dean of American political writers, identified a crucial factor in Tuesday’s voting. Broder wrote, "The more worried voters were about keeping or finding a job, the more likely they were to vote Republican." Americans think economic growth and job creation are priorities 1, 2, 3 and 4. Despite all the trillions of dollars in spending by this administration and Congress, voters see little progress on jobs. And, these elections came before it was announced that the unemployment rate had risen to 10.2%, the highest in 26 years. Americans’ concerns are greatly increased because Washington hasn’t been focused on economic growth and creating jobs. Instead, all the talk and attention has been on healthcare reform. And now that the Democrat leadership has settled on a healthcare bill, what have Americans learned? This healthcare bill will cost another trillion-plus dollars. The bill will increase your health insurance premiums. It will cut Medicare spending for seniors by $500 billion, and it will clobber small businesses, which create most new jobs. Indeed, the National Federation of Independent Business, the organization of small businesses, projects the healthcare reform proposal pending in the House will mean 1.6 million fewer jobs – that’s right, it would cost 1.6 million people their jobs. Isn’t it easy to see why Americans sent that wake-up call on Tuesday? Now, the question is, did Democrats in Washington hear it? Will they listen to folks like Democratic Rep. Michael Michaud of Maine, who said after the elections, "People want jobs. We have to start focusing on jobs and the economy"? The best time to start’s now. The House Democrats’ healthcare bill should be withdrawn and reworked. There are many reforms that enjoy overwhelming bipartisan support in both houses of Congress. Great improvements can be made without a government-run healthcare system; without gigantic tax increases that fall primarily on small businesses; without a $500-billion cut in Medicare spending; without higher insurance premiums; and without costing 1.6 million people their jobs. Governors, including many Democrats, also realize this Democrat plan will result in tens of billions of dollars of state tax increases because it would greatly expand Medicaid and make state governments pay more than $30 billion that our states don’t have. Americans are a whole lot smarter than politicians give them credit for. Americans want and need jobs. Congress has been focused on health and energy legislation that will cost millions of jobs. Hopefully, Tuesday’s fire alarm will get Washington’s eye back on the ball: back on job creation and economic growth. I’m Governor Haley Barbour. Thanks for listening. ### Governor Haley Barbour Weekly Republican Address 11/10/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Weekly Remarks by Gov. Haley Barbour of Mississippi, as provided by the Republican National Committee. Hi, I’m Haley Barbour, governor of Mississippi, and I’m pleased to give the weekly Republican address. This past week’s been a momentous one in American politics. It marked the first anniversary of President Obama’s election. This week also saw the first big elections since this administration and its Democrat majority in Congress took control of our federal government. The results made clear the American people don’t like where the Democrats are trying to take our country. Virginia and New Jersey elected new governors Tuesday, and in both cases, voters chose Republican governors to succeed the Democrats elected four years ago. Both are states that President Obama carried by large margins last year. Virginia’s Bob McDonnell, a conservative who focused his campaign on jobs and economic growth – the issues that concern most Virginia voters – won by nearly 20 points, as Republicans swept all statewide offices. In New Jersey, moderate Republican Chris Christie defeated incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine, despite several campaign visits by the president. Independents voted overwhelmingly for the Republican in both states. Independents, most of whom voted for President Obama only a year ago, are concerned where his policies are taking our country. Don’t take my word for it. Rep. Jim Cooper, senior Democrat in Tennessee’s congressional delegation, called the election result "a wake-up call for Congress." "A tidal wave could be coming," he said. Democratic Congressman Dan Boren of Oklahoma made his views plain when he told the Wall Street Journal: "Voters sent a clear message that the administration and the Congress need to focus on the economy. We need to focus on creating jobs right now, and you don’t do that by raising taxes on small businesses." The Washington Post’s David Broder, dean of American political writers, identified a crucial factor in Tuesday’s voting. Broder wrote, "The more worried voters were about keeping or finding a job, the more likely they were to vote Republican." Americans think economic growth and job creation are priorities 1, 2, 3 and 4. Despite all the trillions of dollars in spending by this administration and Congress, voters see little progress on jobs. And, these elections came before it was announced that the unemployment rate had risen to 10.2%, the highest in 26 years. Americans’ concerns are greatly increased because Washington hasn’t been focused on economic growth and creating jobs. Instead, all the talk and attention has been on healthcare reform. And now that the Democrat leadership has settled on a healthcare bill, what have Americans learned? This healthcare bill will cost another trillion-plus dollars. The bill will increase your health insurance premiums. It will cut Medicare spending for seniors by $500 billion, and it will clobber small businesses, which create most new jobs. Indeed, the National Federation of Independent Business, the organization of small businesses, projects the healthcare reform proposal pending in the House will mean 1.6 million fewer jobs – that’s right, it would cost 1.6 million people their jobs. Isn’t it easy to see why Americans sent that wake-up call on Tuesday? Now, the question is, did Democrats in Washington hear it? Will they listen to folks like Democratic Rep. Michael Michaud of Maine, who said after the elections, "People want jobs. We have to start focusing on jobs and the economy"? The best time to start’s now. The House Democrats’ healthcare bill should be withdrawn and reworked. There are many reforms that enjoy overwhelming bipartisan support in both houses of Congress. Great improvements can be made without a government-run healthcare system; without gigantic tax increases that fall primarily on small businesses; without a $500-billion cut in Medicare spending; without higher insurance premiums; and without costing 1.6 million people their jobs. Governors, including many Democrats, also realize this Democrat plan will result in tens of billions of dollars of state tax increases because it would greatly expand Medicaid and make state governments pay more than $30 billion that our states don’t have. Americans are a whole lot smarter than politicians give them credit for. Americans want and need jobs. Congress has been focused on health and energy legislation that will cost millions of jobs. Hopefully, Tuesday’s fire alarm will get Washington’s eye back on the ball: back on job creation and economic growth. I’m Governor Haley Barbour. Thanks for listening. ### tag:odeo.com,2009-11-07,25418399 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:23:18 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25415418-Ron-Paul-on-The-Glenn-Beck-Show-VIDEO div align="center" No Compromise, On Friday, Congressman Ron Paul and Dr. Rand Paul appeared on The Glenn Beck Show with guest host Andrew Napolitano to discuss the Republican Party's future, third parties, and the important of putting principle over politics. Ron Paul and his son Rand chat with Judge Andrew Napolitano on the growing rift between libertarians and Republicans. div align="center" No Compromise, On Friday, Congressman Ron Paul and Dr. Rand Paul appeared on The Glenn Beck Show with guest host Andrew Napolitano to discuss the Republican Party's future, third parties, and the important of putting principle over politics. Ron Paul and his son Rand chat with Judge Andrew Napolitano on the growing rift between libertarians and Republicans. div align="center" No Compromise, On Friday, Congressman Ron Paul and Dr. Rand Paul appeared on The Glenn Beck Show with guest host Andrew Napolitano to discuss the Republican Party's future, third parties, and the important of putting principle over politics. Ron Paul and his son Rand chat with Judge Andrew Napolitano on the growing rift between libertarians and Republicans. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-06,25415418 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:09:29 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25413735-Club-for-Growth-Charlie-Crist-Federal-Stimulus-Bill-TV-Ad-VIDEO Day After Crist Says He “Didn’t Endorse” Stimulus, TV Spot Corrects the Record. WASHINGTON - The Club for Growth today released a TV advertisement encouraging Florida Governor Charlie Crist to set aside his big government record and embrace pro-growth policies to revive Florida's economy. The ad, which will air soon on Florida television stations, details the consequences of Crist's embrace of big government spending, and comes one day after Crist told CNN that he never endorsed the $787 federal stimulus bill this year. The ad states: "Since Charlie Crist helped pass Barack Obama's spending program, nearly two hundred thousand Floridians have lost their jobs. Unemployment is the highest in decades. Personal income's down. And the deficit in Washington is three times larger." "Yesterday, Charlie Crist said he never endorsed the stimulus, but that's simply not true," said Club President Chris Chocola. "Crist embraced the stimulus, and Florida's economy has suffered for it. The Club fo... Day After Crist Says He “Didn’t Endorse” Stimulus, TV Spot Corrects the Record. WASHINGTON - The Club for Growth today released a TV advertisement encouraging Florida Governor Charlie Crist to set aside his big government record and embrace pro-growth policies to revive Florida's economy. The ad, which will air soon on Florida television stations, details the consequences of Crist's embrace of big government spending, and comes one day after Crist told CNN that he never endorsed the $787 federal stimulus bill this year. The ad states: "Since Charlie Crist helped pass Barack Obama's spending program, nearly two hundred thousand Floridians have lost their jobs. Unemployment is the highest in decades. Personal income's down. And the deficit in Washington is three times larger." "Yesterday, Charlie Crist said he never endorsed the stimulus, but that's simply not true," said Club President Chris Chocola. "Crist embraced the stimulus, and Florida's economy has suffered for it. The Club for Growth's ad sets the record straight, and we encourage Floridians to remind their governor that jobs are created by free markets and competition, not big government spending and debt." Club for Growth® and Club for Growth® PAC - 2001 L Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036 202-955-5500 Attribute work as: "This information reproduced from Club for Growth ". Day After Crist Says He “Didn’t Endorse” Stimulus, TV Spot Corrects the Record. WASHINGTON - The Club for Growth today released a TV advertisement encouraging Florida Governor Charlie Crist to set aside his big government record and embrace pro-growth policies to revive Florida's economy. The ad, which will air soon on Florida television stations, details the consequences of Crist's embrace of big government spending, and comes one day after Crist told CNN that he never endorsed the $787 federal stimulus bill this year. The ad states: "Since Charlie Crist helped pass Barack Obama's spending program, nearly two hundred thousand Floridians have lost their jobs. Unemployment is the highest in decades. Personal income's down. And the deficit in Washington is three times larger." "Yesterday, Charlie Crist said he never endorsed the stimulus, but that's simply not true," said Club President Chris Chocola. "Crist embraced the stimulus, and Florida's economy has suffered for it. The Club for Growth's ad sets the record straight, and we encourage Floridians to remind their governor that jobs are created by free markets and competition, not big government spending and debt." Club for Growth® and Club for Growth® PAC - 2001 L Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036 202-955-5500 Attribute work as: "This information reproduced from Club for Growth ". tag:odeo.com,2009-11-06,25413735 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:03:14 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25408144-RNC-MICHAEL-STEELE-STATEMENT-ON-GOP-VIRGINIA-BOB-McDONNELL-VIDEO November 3, 2009 CONTACT: Press Office 202-863-8614 WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Tonight, Republicans made history in Virginia. In a state that had been in the Democrats’ column after the 2008 election – and in DNC Chairman Tim Kaine’s own backyard – Republicans swept all three top state offices in Virginia for the first time since 1997. These significant victories speak to the fantastic campaigns run by Republicans across the Commonwealth and the voters’ clear rejection of liberal tax and spend policies that Washington Democrats are trying to force on Americans. “Governor-elect Bob McDonnell’s common-sense conservative message of less spending, lower taxes and more responsible government clearly resonated with voters. His opposition to the Democrats’ plans for higher taxes, government-run health care and a job-killing ‘cap and trade’ bill was rewarded by Virginia voters with a victory tonight. “Lt.... November 3, 2009 CONTACT: Press Office 202-863-8614 WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Tonight, Republicans made history in Virginia. In a state that had been in the Democrats’ column after the 2008 election – and in DNC Chairman Tim Kaine’s own backyard – Republicans swept all three top state offices in Virginia for the first time since 1997. These significant victories speak to the fantastic campaigns run by Republicans across the Commonwealth and the voters’ clear rejection of liberal tax and spend policies that Washington Democrats are trying to force on Americans. “Governor-elect Bob McDonnell’s common-sense conservative message of less spending, lower taxes and more responsible government clearly resonated with voters. His opposition to the Democrats’ plans for higher taxes, government-run health care and a job-killing ‘cap and trade’ bill was rewarded by Virginia voters with a victory tonight. “Lt. Governor Bill Bolling was reelected tonight to be Virginia’s chief job creation officer and continue promoting a legislative agenda that focuses on the things we Republicans believe in – keeping government small, improving the quality of health care for Virginians, and keeping taxes low for families and businesses to make certain that Virginia remains a great place to do business. “Virginia voters’ selection of Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli to be Virginia’s top law enforcement officer ensures that public safety will be a top priority in the Commonwealth, Virginia’s second amendment rights will be protected and small businesses will be sheltered from excessive regulation. “This is the first time since 1997 that the Republican Party has swept all three top state offices in Virginia and I believe that it highlights the desire of Virginians to have strong Republican leadership guiding their Commonwealth. “The Republican Party’s overwhelming victory in Virginia is a blow to President Obama and the Democrat Party. It sends a clear signal that voters have had enough of the president’s liberal agenda. The Republican Party and our grassroots supporters have renewed strength in Virginia, and I look forward to working with Governor-elect McDonnell and Republicans across the state to build on our momentum.” RELATED: Michael Steele GOP victories Virginia and New Jersey VIDEO FULL PRESS CONFERENCE Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele gave remarks in reaction to the GOP victories in the Virginia and New Jersey Gubernatorial elections. November 3, 2009 CONTACT: Press Office 202-863-8614 WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Tonight, Republicans made history in Virginia. In a state that had been in the Democrats’ column after the 2008 election – and in DNC Chairman Tim Kaine’s own backyard – Republicans swept all three top state offices in Virginia for the first time since 1997. These significant victories speak to the fantastic campaigns run by Republicans across the Commonwealth and the voters’ clear rejection of liberal tax and spend policies that Washington Democrats are trying to force on Americans. “Governor-elect Bob McDonnell’s common-sense conservative message of less spending, lower taxes and more responsible government clearly resonated with voters. His opposition to the Democrats’ plans for higher taxes, government-run health care and a job-killing ‘cap and trade’ bill was rewarded by Virginia voters with a victory tonight. “Lt. Governor Bill Bolling was reelected tonight to be Virginia’s chief job creation officer and continue promoting a legislative agenda that focuses on the things we Republicans believe in – keeping government small, improving the quality of health care for Virginians, and keeping taxes low for families and businesses to make certain that Virginia remains a great place to do business. “Virginia voters’ selection of Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli to be Virginia’s top law enforcement officer ensures that public safety will be a top priority in the Commonwealth, Virginia’s second amendment rights will be protected and small businesses will be sheltered from excessive regulation. “This is the first time since 1997 that the Republican Party has swept all three top state offices in Virginia and I believe that it highlights the desire of Virginians to have strong Republican leadership guiding their Commonwealth. “The Republican Party’s overwhelming victory in Virginia is a blow to President Obama and the Democrat Party. It sends a clear signal that voters have had enough of the president’s liberal agenda. The Republican Party and our grassroots supporters have renewed strength in Virginia, and I look forward to working with Governor-elect McDonnell and Republicans across the state to build on our momentum.” RELATED: Michael Steele GOP victories Virginia and New Jersey VIDEO FULL PRESS CONFERENCE Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele gave remarks in reaction to the GOP victories in the Virginia and New Jersey Gubernatorial elections. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-05,25408144 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:18:53 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25403429-Michael-Steele-GOP-victories-Virginia-and-New-Jersey-VIDEO Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele gave remarks in reaction to the GOP victories in the Virginia and New Jersey Gubernatorial elections. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele gave remarks in reaction to the GOP victories in the Virginia and New Jersey Gubernatorial elections. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele gave remarks in reaction to the GOP victories in the Virginia and New Jersey Gubernatorial elections. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-04,25403429 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:36:48 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25403430-Ann-Coulter-Keith-Olbermann-VIDEO Ann Coulter and the Red Eye team on Keith Olbermann. Ann Coulter and the Red Eye team on Keith Olbermann. Ann Coulter and the Red Eye team on Keith Olbermann. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-04,25403430 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:00:59 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25394483-RNC-MICHAEL-STEELE-STATEMENT-ON-GOP-VIRGINIA-BOB-McDONNELL-VIDEO November 3, 2009 CONTACT: Press Office 202-863-8614 WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Tonight, Republicans made history in Virginia. In a state that had been in the Democrats’ column after the 2008 election – and in DNC Chairman Tim Kaine’s own backyard – Republicans swept all three top state offices in Virginia for the first time since 1997. These significant victories speak to the fantastic campaigns run by Republicans across the Commonwealth and the voters’ clear rejection of liberal tax and spend policies that Washington Democrats are trying to force on Americans. “Governor-elect Bob McDonnell’s common-sense conservative message of less spending, lower taxes and more responsible government clearly resonated with voters. His opposition to the Democrats’ plans for higher taxes, government-run health care and a job-killing ‘cap and trade’ bill was rewarded by Virginia voters with a victory tonight. “Lt.... November 3, 2009 CONTACT: Press Office 202-863-8614 WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Tonight, Republicans made history in Virginia. In a state that had been in the Democrats’ column after the 2008 election – and in DNC Chairman Tim Kaine’s own backyard – Republicans swept all three top state offices in Virginia for the first time since 1997. These significant victories speak to the fantastic campaigns run by Republicans across the Commonwealth and the voters’ clear rejection of liberal tax and spend policies that Washington Democrats are trying to force on Americans. “Governor-elect Bob McDonnell’s common-sense conservative message of less spending, lower taxes and more responsible government clearly resonated with voters. His opposition to the Democrats’ plans for higher taxes, government-run health care and a job-killing ‘cap and trade’ bill was rewarded by Virginia voters with a victory tonight. “Lt. Governor Bill Bolling was reelected tonight to be Virginia’s chief job creation officer and continue promoting a legislative agenda that focuses on the things we Republicans believe in – keeping government small, improving the quality of health care for Virginians, and keeping taxes low for families and businesses to make certain that Virginia remains a great place to do business. “Virginia voters’ selection of Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli to be Virginia’s top law enforcement officer ensures that public safety will be a top priority in the Commonwealth, Virginia’s second amendment rights will be protected and small businesses will be sheltered from excessive regulation. “This is the first time since 1997 that the Republican Party has swept all three top state offices in Virginia and I believe that it highlights the desire of Virginians to have strong Republican leadership guiding their Commonwealth. “The Republican Party’s overwhelming victory in Virginia is a blow to President Obama and the Democrat Party. It sends a clear signal that voters have had enough of the president’s liberal agenda. The Republican Party and our grassroots supporters have renewed strength in Virginia, and I look forward to working with Governor-elect McDonnell and Republicans across the state to build on our momentum.” November 3, 2009 CONTACT: Press Office 202-863-8614 WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Tonight, Republicans made history in Virginia. In a state that had been in the Democrats’ column after the 2008 election – and in DNC Chairman Tim Kaine’s own backyard – Republicans swept all three top state offices in Virginia for the first time since 1997. These significant victories speak to the fantastic campaigns run by Republicans across the Commonwealth and the voters’ clear rejection of liberal tax and spend policies that Washington Democrats are trying to force on Americans. “Governor-elect Bob McDonnell’s common-sense conservative message of less spending, lower taxes and more responsible government clearly resonated with voters. His opposition to the Democrats’ plans for higher taxes, government-run health care and a job-killing ‘cap and trade’ bill was rewarded by Virginia voters with a victory tonight. “Lt. Governor Bill Bolling was reelected tonight to be Virginia’s chief job creation officer and continue promoting a legislative agenda that focuses on the things we Republicans believe in – keeping government small, improving the quality of health care for Virginians, and keeping taxes low for families and businesses to make certain that Virginia remains a great place to do business. “Virginia voters’ selection of Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli to be Virginia’s top law enforcement officer ensures that public safety will be a top priority in the Commonwealth, Virginia’s second amendment rights will be protected and small businesses will be sheltered from excessive regulation. “This is the first time since 1997 that the Republican Party has swept all three top state offices in Virginia and I believe that it highlights the desire of Virginians to have strong Republican leadership guiding their Commonwealth. “The Republican Party’s overwhelming victory in Virginia is a blow to President Obama and the Democrat Party. It sends a clear signal that voters have had enough of the president’s liberal agenda. The Republican Party and our grassroots supporters have renewed strength in Virginia, and I look forward to working with Governor-elect McDonnell and Republicans across the state to build on our momentum.” tag:odeo.com,2009-11-04,25394483 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:35:24 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25390728-RNC-RELEASES-NEW-RADIO-AD-ENTITLED-%E2%80%9CECHO%E2%80%9D-ON-ELECTIONS-IN-NEW-YORK-PODCAST FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2, 2009. CONTACT: Press Office. 202-863-8614 WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced a new radio ad entitled “Echo” on the elections in New York. The ad encourages New York voters to vote for conservative candidates on Election Day. The RNC is supporting Doug Hoffman in New York 23 and local Republican candidates. The radio ad will run Monday and Tuesday in North Country media markets. Listen to the audio of the radio ad here: “ECHO” ON ELECTIONS IN NEW YORK. MP3 for PODCAST FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Time: 00:60 Voice: “The eyes of the nation are on the North Country.” Voice: “What we decide on Tuesday, will echo from Albany to Washington.” Voice: “Whose side are you on?” Voice: “The Pelosi/ Paterson tax and spend train wreck?” Voice: “Or do you believe in Republican conservative values, like thrift, personal responsibility, and family.” Voice: “Let’s tell the liberals, enough is enough.” Voice: “No more bailouts, taxes and bud... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2, 2009. CONTACT: Press Office. 202-863-8614 WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced a new radio ad entitled “Echo” on the elections in New York. The ad encourages New York voters to vote for conservative candidates on Election Day. The RNC is supporting Doug Hoffman in New York 23 and local Republican candidates. The radio ad will run Monday and Tuesday in North Country media markets. Listen to the audio of the radio ad here: “ECHO” ON ELECTIONS IN NEW YORK. MP3 for PODCAST FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Time: 00:60 Voice: “The eyes of the nation are on the North Country.” Voice: “What we decide on Tuesday, will echo from Albany to Washington.” Voice: “Whose side are you on?” Voice: “The Pelosi/ Paterson tax and spend train wreck?” Voice: “Or do you believe in Republican conservative values, like thrift, personal responsibility, and family.” Voice: “Let’s tell the liberals, enough is enough.” Voice: “No more bailouts, taxes and budget busting spending.” Voice: “It’s time to create jobs, with proven conservative ideas like lower taxes.” Voice: “Let your voice be heard, join the movement to bring real conservative change.” Voice: “Tell the politicians, no more, we won’t let you bankrupt America.” Voice: “We need conservative leaders who stand up for our values.” Voice: “Fight Back! Vote conservative, it matters like never before.” Voice: The Republican National Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Paid for by the Republican National Committee. www.gop.com. AD FACTS The Ad Voice: The eyes of the nation are on the North Country. What we decide on Tuesday will echo from Albany to Washington. The Facts Special Election In New York’s 23rd Congressional District “Taking On National Importance.” “The Nov. 3 contest in upstate New York's 23rd Congressional District, a sprawling, 11-county area … a possible gauge of Obama’s coattails. Obama, who carried the district by 5 percentage points in his landslide victory in New York last year, forced the special election when he named the incumbent, Republican John McHugh, his Army secretary.” (“23rd District Race Taking On National Importance,” The Associated Press, 10/18/09) The Ad Voice: Whose side are you on? The Pelosi/Patterson tax and spend train wreck? The Facts Since Pelosi Passed $787 Billion Stimulus In February, Over 2.6 Million Americans Have Lost Their Jobs. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 11/1/09) * Since Pelosi Passed Stimulus In February, Nearly 130,000 People Have Lost Their Jobs And Unemployment Has Risen Over 14 Percent In New York. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 11/1/09) Pelosi’s Government-Run Health Care Experiment Will Be Paid For By Hitting Americans, Small Businesses With $734 Billion In Tax Increases On Income, Payroll, Medical Devices, And Over-The-Counter Drugs. (“Estimated Revenue Effects Of Possible Modifications To The Revenue Provisions Of H.R. 3962, The ‘Affordable Health Care For America Act’,” Joint Committee On Taxation Publication, 10/29/09) Pelosi Passed National Energy Tax That Could Mean Nearly 1 Million Jobs Lost Per Year. “Overall, a cap-and-trade system that reduces annual GDP by 0.34 percent per year can be expected to reduce U.S. employment by roughly 964,900 jobs per year, reduce household earnings by $37.8 billion, and reduce total U.S. economic output by $136.1 billion.” (Andrew Chamberlain, “Who Pays For Climate Policy? New Estimates Of The Household Burden And Economic Impact Of A U.S. Cap-And-Trade System,” Tax Foundation, 3/09) Under Paterson, New York’s State/Local Tax Burden Second-Highest In Nation, Business Friendliness Ranks 49th Out Of 50 States. “Currently estimated at 11.7% of income, New York's state/local tax burden percentage is the 2nd highest nationwide, well above the national average of 9.7% … New York ranks 49th in the Tax Foundation's State Business Tax Climate Index.” (“Research Areas: New York,” Tax Foundation, Accessed 11/1/09) In December, Gov. Paterson Proposed “The Biggest Tax Hike In State History” With 137 Tax Increases Totaling $121.1 Billion. “Gov. Paterson yesterday socked New Yorkers with a mind-boggling 137 proposed new and hiked taxes on everything from beer to cab rides to iTunes downloads and movie tickets. The doomsday, $121.1 billion plan represents the biggest tax hike in state history and slashes services across the board - while still increasing spending by $1.4 billion.” (Brendan Scott, “Gov’s Tax & Spend Shocker,” The New York Post, 12/17/09) Paterson’s Proposed Tax Hikes Target Specific Products With High Tax Rates. “Many of the negative components of the Paterson plan fall into two categories: provisions that make the tax code more complicated, and provisions that single out disfavored goods or activities for punishment. Paterson would impose new, special taxes on sugary drinks, beer, wine, cigars, luxury cars, yachts, furs and airplanes.” (Josh Barro, “New York Governor David Paterson’s Tax And Fee Proposals A Mixed Bag,” Tax Foundation, 1/22/09) The Ad Voice: Or do you believe in Republican conservative values, like thrift, personal responsibility, and family. The Facts Republicans Offers Solutions To Balance The Budget. “Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement after the RSC introduced a responsible, solutions-based budget proposal that counters President Obama’s radical, big-government agenda. The RSC proposal provides for a balanced budget that reduces national debt by more than $6 trillion compared to the President’s plan. It also provides $1.2 trillion in tax relief, ends bailouts, reduces non-defense discretionary spending each year, and takes an honest look at the biggest challenge to our financial stability: health entitlements.” (Republican Study Committee, “RSC Offers Responsible Budget Solution: Less Debt, Less Government, More Freedom,” Press Release, 4/2/09) Republicans Use “Conservative Check Card” To Review Legislation For “Lower Taxes,” “Personal Responsibility” And “Stronger Families.” “The RSC reviews each piece of legislation under consideration on the House floor using six guiding principles, printed on our ‘Conservative Check Card’ and listed below: … Lower Taxes - Does the bill promote individual responsibility in spending, or reduce taxes or fees? Personal Responsibility - Does the bill encourage responsible behavior by individuals and families and encourage them to provide for their own health, safety, education, moral fortitude, or general welfare? … Stronger Families - Does the bill enhance the traditional American family and its power to rear children without excessive interference from the government?” (“What Is RSC?” Republican Study Committee, Accessed 11/1/09) The Ad Voice: Let’s tell the liberals, enough is enough. No more bailouts, taxes and budget busting spending. The Facts Democrats Take “Unprecedented Role In Reshaping The Auto Industry” With 60% Government Ownership In General Motors. “It will be the largest industrial bankruptcy in U.S. history and the fourth-largest overall and comes as smaller rival Chrysler won approval to sell most of its assets to Italy's Fiat, moving Chrysler closer to a quick exit from court protection. A New York dealership owned by General Motors Corp. filed for bankruptcy protection early Monday, beginning the wave of court filings expected in Manhattan bankruptcy court as the automaker starts a complex reorganization that the government insists can be completed within three months. The government will end up with a 60 percent ownership stake and an unprecedented role in reshaping the auto industry.” (“General Motors Files For Bankruptcy Protection,” The Associated Press, 6/1/09) * But GM Remains “Challenged” With “Relatively Weak” Recovery Plans. “General Motors … fresh out of bankruptcy, will remain challenged in the United States by relatively weak plans to bring new cars and trucks to market, according to an annual competitive analysis released Wednesday by Banc of America Securities-Merrill Lynch. The report -- called Car Wars -- predicts: GM's market share losses ‘are likely to be greater than expected’ because the company is not replacing its lineup as fast as the industry and key rivals … Less than a week after the new General Motors emerged from bankruptcy, the report says GM’s business assumptions are overly optimistic and further restructuring might be required.” (Tim Higgins, “Analysis Finds GM, Chrysler's Plans Weak,” Detroit Free Press, 7/16/09) House Dems’ Bill Will Impose $460 Billion Income Tax Increase, That Will Hit Many Small Businesses, Killing Jobs. “This [surtax] would hit job creators especially hard because more than six of every 10 who earn that much are small business owners, operators or investors, according to a 2007 Treasury study... America’s successful small businesses would pay higher tax rates than the Fortune 500, and for that matter than most companies around the world ...” (“Estimated Revenue Effects Of Possible Modifications To The Revenue Provisions Of H.R. 3962, The ‘Affordable Health Care For America Act’,” Joint Committee On Taxation Publication, 10/29/09; Editorial, “The Small Business Surtax,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09) * High Taxes Discourage The Hiring Of New Workers. “The lack of U.S. job creation is a big problem, but the quickest way Washington could help would be to stop imposing more financial burdens on hiring. And if Democrats really want to reduce taxes on labor, the cleanest way would be to reduce the payroll tax rate. They could finance a permanent payroll cut by using the $300-$400 billion or more in unspent stimulus money, rather than continuing with the transfer payments and pork barrel spending that have failed so miserably to create jobs.” (Editorial, “Job Creation 101,” The Wall Street Journal, 10/12/09) Democrats’ Budget Will Create Historic $9 Trillion Deficit Over Next Decade, Nearly As Much Debt As America Has Taken In Entire Nation’s History Up To July 2008 ($9.5 Trillion). (“An Analysis of the President’s Budgetary Proposals for Fiscal Year 2010,” Congressional Budget Office, June 2009; Public Debt, www.treasurydirect.gov, Accessed 7/20/09) * Increasing Debt Places “Fate Of Our Economy” On America’s Debtors, Making Nation Vulnerable To Another Large Financial Crisis. “[W]e are paying an increasing proportion of this interest to foreigners rather than to our own citizens. A little more than half our debt is owned by people in other countries, primarily the Japanese and the Chinese ... the present state of affairs perches the fate of our economy rather precariously on the opinion of other nations. If the Chinese decided, for economic or political reasons, to curtail their financing of our debt, our financial markets would be spooked, and a stock-market crash and recession might not be far behind.” (Isabel V. Sawhill, “Ignoring Debt Makes It Get Worse,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, 4/30/06) The Ad Voice: It’s time to create jobs, with proven conservative ideas like lower taxes. The Facts Tax Cuts Lead To Job Creation. “Dependable lower tax rates are the only policy that allows businesses to plan ahead and invest in expansion and hiring. The expansion of private business is the only way to increase economic growth and create jobs. … Tax cuts are a far superior way to unleash the productive forces in the economy and expand job growth.” (Guinevere Nell, “The ‘American Option’ Is Good For Small Business,” The Heritage Foundation, 2/2/09) The Ad Voice: Let your voice be heard, join the movement to bring real conservative change. Tell the politicians, no more, we won’t let you bankrupt America. The Facts Democrats’ Budget Will Create Historic $9 Trillion Deficit Over Next Decade, Nearly As Much Debt As America Has Taken In Entire Nation’s History Up To July 2008 ($9.5 Trillion). (“An Analysis of the President’s Budgetary Proposals for Fiscal Year 2010,” Congressional Budget Office, June 2009; Public Debt, www.treasurydirect.gov, Accessed 7/20/09) * Increasing Debt Places “Fate Of Our Economy” On America’s Debtors, Making Nation Vulnerable To Another Large Financial Crisis. “[W]e are paying an increasing proportion of this interest to foreigners rather than to our own citizens. A little more than half our debt is owned by people in other countries, primarily the Japanese and the Chinese ... the present state of affairs perches the fate of our economy rather precariously on the opinion of other nations. If the Chinese decided, for economic or political reasons, to curtail their financing of our debt, our financial markets would be spooked, and a stock-market crash and recession might not be far behind.” (Isabel V. Sawhill, “Ignoring Debt Makes It Get Worse,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, 4/30/06) The Ad Voice: We need conservative leaders who stand up for our values. Fight back! Vote conservative, it matters like never before. The Facts Republicans Leaders Stand Up For Conservative Values By Review Legislation For “Lower Taxes,” “Personal Responsibility” And “Stronger Families.” “The RSC reviews each piece of legislation under consideration on the House floor using six guiding principles, printed on our ‘Conservative Check Card’ and listed below: … Lower Taxes - Does the bill promote individual responsibility in spending, or reduce taxes or fees? Personal Responsibility - Does the bill encourage responsible behavior by individuals and families and encourage them to provide for their own health, safety, education, moral fortitude, or general welfare? … Stronger Families - Does the bill enhance the traditional American family and its power to rear children without excessive interference from the government?” (“What Is RSC?” Republican Study Committee, Accessed 11/1/09) Disclaimer Voice: The Republican National Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Paid for by the Republican National Committee. www.gop.com ### Paid for by the Republican National Committee Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee www.GOP.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2, 2009. CONTACT: Press Office. 202-863-8614 WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced a new radio ad entitled “Echo” on the elections in New York. The ad encourages New York voters to vote for conservative candidates on Election Day. The RNC is supporting Doug Hoffman in New York 23 and local Republican candidates. The radio ad will run Monday and Tuesday in North Country media markets. Listen to the audio of the radio ad here: “ECHO” ON ELECTIONS IN NEW YORK. MP3 for PODCAST FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Time: 00:60 Voice: “The eyes of the nation are on the North Country.” Voice: “What we decide on Tuesday, will echo from Albany to Washington.” Voice: “Whose side are you on?” Voice: “The Pelosi/ Paterson tax and spend train wreck?” Voice: “Or do you believe in Republican conservative values, like thrift, personal responsibility, and family.” Voice: “Let’s tell the liberals, enough is enough.” Voice: “No more bailouts, taxes and budget busting spending.” Voice: “It’s time to create jobs, with proven conservative ideas like lower taxes.” Voice: “Let your voice be heard, join the movement to bring real conservative change.” Voice: “Tell the politicians, no more, we won’t let you bankrupt America.” Voice: “We need conservative leaders who stand up for our values.” Voice: “Fight Back! Vote conservative, it matters like never before.” Voice: The Republican National Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Paid for by the Republican National Committee. www.gop.com. AD FACTS The Ad Voice: The eyes of the nation are on the North Country. What we decide on Tuesday will echo from Albany to Washington. The Facts Special Election In New York’s 23rd Congressional District “Taking On National Importance.” “The Nov. 3 contest in upstate New York's 23rd Congressional District, a sprawling, 11-county area … a possible gauge of Obama’s coattails. Obama, who carried the district by 5 percentage points in his landslide victory in New York last year, forced the special election when he named the incumbent, Republican John McHugh, his Army secretary.” (“23rd District Race Taking On National Importance,” The Associated Press, 10/18/09) The Ad Voice: Whose side are you on? The Pelosi/Patterson tax and spend train wreck? The Facts Since Pelosi Passed $787 Billion Stimulus In February, Over 2.6 Million Americans Have Lost Their Jobs. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 11/1/09) * Since Pelosi Passed Stimulus In February, Nearly 130,000 People Have Lost Their Jobs And Unemployment Has Risen Over 14 Percent In New York. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 11/1/09) Pelosi’s Government-Run Health Care Experiment Will Be Paid For By Hitting Americans, Small Businesses With $734 Billion In Tax Increases On Income, Payroll, Medical Devices, And Over-The-Counter Drugs. (“Estimated Revenue Effects Of Possible Modifications To The Revenue Provisions Of H.R. 3962, The ‘Affordable Health Care For America Act’,” Joint Committee On Taxation Publication, 10/29/09) Pelosi Passed National Energy Tax That Could Mean Nearly 1 Million Jobs Lost Per Year. “Overall, a cap-and-trade system that reduces annual GDP by 0.34 percent per year can be expected to reduce U.S. employment by roughly 964,900 jobs per year, reduce household earnings by $37.8 billion, and reduce total U.S. economic output by $136.1 billion.” (Andrew Chamberlain, “Who Pays For Climate Policy? New Estimates Of The Household Burden And Economic Impact Of A U.S. Cap-And-Trade System,” Tax Foundation, 3/09) Under Paterson, New York’s State/Local Tax Burden Second-Highest In Nation, Business Friendliness Ranks 49th Out Of 50 States. “Currently estimated at 11.7% of income, New York's state/local tax burden percentage is the 2nd highest nationwide, well above the national average of 9.7% … New York ranks 49th in the Tax Foundation's State Business Tax Climate Index.” (“Research Areas: New York,” Tax Foundation, Accessed 11/1/09) In December, Gov. Paterson Proposed “The Biggest Tax Hike In State History” With 137 Tax Increases Totaling $121.1 Billion. “Gov. Paterson yesterday socked New Yorkers with a mind-boggling 137 proposed new and hiked taxes on everything from beer to cab rides to iTunes downloads and movie tickets. The doomsday, $121.1 billion plan represents the biggest tax hike in state history and slashes services across the board - while still increasing spending by $1.4 billion.” (Brendan Scott, “Gov’s Tax & Spend Shocker,” The New York Post, 12/17/09) Paterson’s Proposed Tax Hikes Target Specific Products With High Tax Rates. “Many of the negative components of the Paterson plan fall into two categories: provisions that make the tax code more complicated, and provisions that single out disfavored goods or activities for punishment. Paterson would impose new, special taxes on sugary drinks, beer, wine, cigars, luxury cars, yachts, furs and airplanes.” (Josh Barro, “New York Governor David Paterson’s Tax And Fee Proposals A Mixed Bag,” Tax Foundation, 1/22/09) The Ad Voice: Or do you believe in Republican conservative values, like thrift, personal responsibility, and family. The Facts Republicans Offers Solutions To Balance The Budget. “Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement after the RSC introduced a responsible, solutions-based budget proposal that counters President Obama’s radical, big-government agenda. The RSC proposal provides for a balanced budget that reduces national debt by more than $6 trillion compared to the President’s plan. It also provides $1.2 trillion in tax relief, ends bailouts, reduces non-defense discretionary spending each year, and takes an honest look at the biggest challenge to our financial stability: health entitlements.” (Republican Study Committee, “RSC Offers Responsible Budget Solution: Less Debt, Less Government, More Freedom,” Press Release, 4/2/09) Republicans Use “Conservative Check Card” To Review Legislation For “Lower Taxes,” “Personal Responsibility” And “Stronger Families.” “The RSC reviews each piece of legislation under consideration on the House floor using six guiding principles, printed on our ‘Conservative Check Card’ and listed below: … Lower Taxes - Does the bill promote individual responsibility in spending, or reduce taxes or fees? Personal Responsibility - Does the bill encourage responsible behavior by individuals and families and encourage them to provide for their own health, safety, education, moral fortitude, or general welfare? … Stronger Families - Does the bill enhance the traditional American family and its power to rear children without excessive interference from the government?” (“What Is RSC?” Republican Study Committee, Accessed 11/1/09) The Ad Voice: Let’s tell the liberals, enough is enough. No more bailouts, taxes and budget busting spending. The Facts Democrats Take “Unprecedented Role In Reshaping The Auto Industry” With 60% Government Ownership In General Motors. “It will be the largest industrial bankruptcy in U.S. history and the fourth-largest overall and comes as smaller rival Chrysler won approval to sell most of its assets to Italy's Fiat, moving Chrysler closer to a quick exit from court protection. A New York dealership owned by General Motors Corp. filed for bankruptcy protection early Monday, beginning the wave of court filings expected in Manhattan bankruptcy court as the automaker starts a complex reorganization that the government insists can be completed within three months. The government will end up with a 60 percent ownership stake and an unprecedented role in reshaping the auto industry.” (“General Motors Files For Bankruptcy Protection,” The Associated Press, 6/1/09) * But GM Remains “Challenged” With “Relatively Weak” Recovery Plans. “General Motors … fresh out of bankruptcy, will remain challenged in the United States by relatively weak plans to bring new cars and trucks to market, according to an annual competitive analysis released Wednesday by Banc of America Securities-Merrill Lynch. The report -- called Car Wars -- predicts: GM's market share losses ‘are likely to be greater than expected’ because the company is not replacing its lineup as fast as the industry and key rivals … Less than a week after the new General Motors emerged from bankruptcy, the report says GM’s business assumptions are overly optimistic and further restructuring might be required.” (Tim Higgins, “Analysis Finds GM, Chrysler's Plans Weak,” Detroit Free Press, 7/16/09) House Dems’ Bill Will Impose $460 Billion Income Tax Increase, That Will Hit Many Small Businesses, Killing Jobs. “This [surtax] would hit job creators especially hard because more than six of every 10 who earn that much are small business owners, operators or investors, according to a 2007 Treasury study... America’s successful small businesses would pay higher tax rates than the Fortune 500, and for that matter than most companies around the world ...” (“Estimated Revenue Effects Of Possible Modifications To The Revenue Provisions Of H.R. 3962, The ‘Affordable Health Care For America Act’,” Joint Committee On Taxation Publication, 10/29/09; Editorial, “The Small Business Surtax,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09) * High Taxes Discourage The Hiring Of New Workers. “The lack of U.S. job creation is a big problem, but the quickest way Washington could help would be to stop imposing more financial burdens on hiring. And if Democrats really want to reduce taxes on labor, the cleanest way would be to reduce the payroll tax rate. They could finance a permanent payroll cut by using the $300-$400 billion or more in unspent stimulus money, rather than continuing with the transfer payments and pork barrel spending that have failed so miserably to create jobs.” (Editorial, “Job Creation 101,” The Wall Street Journal, 10/12/09) Democrats’ Budget Will Create Historic $9 Trillion Deficit Over Next Decade, Nearly As Much Debt As America Has Taken In Entire Nation’s History Up To July 2008 ($9.5 Trillion). (“An Analysis of the President’s Budgetary Proposals for Fiscal Year 2010,” Congressional Budget Office, June 2009; Public Debt, www.treasurydirect.gov, Accessed 7/20/09) * Increasing Debt Places “Fate Of Our Economy” On America’s Debtors, Making Nation Vulnerable To Another Large Financial Crisis. “[W]e are paying an increasing proportion of this interest to foreigners rather than to our own citizens. A little more than half our debt is owned by people in other countries, primarily the Japanese and the Chinese ... the present state of affairs perches the fate of our economy rather precariously on the opinion of other nations. If the Chinese decided, for economic or political reasons, to curtail their financing of our debt, our financial markets would be spooked, and a stock-market crash and recession might not be far behind.” (Isabel V. Sawhill, “Ignoring Debt Makes It Get Worse,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, 4/30/06) The Ad Voice: It’s time to create jobs, with proven conservative ideas like lower taxes. The Facts Tax Cuts Lead To Job Creation. “Dependable lower tax rates are the only policy that allows businesses to plan ahead and invest in expansion and hiring. The expansion of private business is the only way to increase economic growth and create jobs. … Tax cuts are a far superior way to unleash the productive forces in the economy and expand job growth.” (Guinevere Nell, “The ‘American Option’ Is Good For Small Business,” The Heritage Foundation, 2/2/09) The Ad Voice: Let your voice be heard, join the movement to bring real conservative change. Tell the politicians, no more, we won’t let you bankrupt America. The Facts Democrats’ Budget Will Create Historic $9 Trillion Deficit Over Next Decade, Nearly As Much Debt As America Has Taken In Entire Nation’s History Up To July 2008 ($9.5 Trillion). (“An Analysis of the President’s Budgetary Proposals for Fiscal Year 2010,” Congressional Budget Office, June 2009; Public Debt, www.treasurydirect.gov, Accessed 7/20/09) * Increasing Debt Places “Fate Of Our Economy” On America’s Debtors, Making Nation Vulnerable To Another Large Financial Crisis. “[W]e are paying an increasing proportion of this interest to foreigners rather than to our own citizens. A little more than half our debt is owned by people in other countries, primarily the Japanese and the Chinese ... the present state of affairs perches the fate of our economy rather precariously on the opinion of other nations. If the Chinese decided, for economic or political reasons, to curtail their financing of our debt, our financial markets would be spooked, and a stock-market crash and recession might not be far behind.” (Isabel V. Sawhill, “Ignoring Debt Makes It Get Worse,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, 4/30/06) The Ad Voice: We need conservative leaders who stand up for our values. Fight back! Vote conservative, it matters like never before. The Facts Republicans Leaders Stand Up For Conservative Values By Review Legislation For “Lower Taxes,” “Personal Responsibility” And “Stronger Families.” “The RSC reviews each piece of legislation under consideration on the House floor using six guiding principles, printed on our ‘Conservative Check Card’ and listed below: … Lower Taxes - Does the bill promote individual responsibility in spending, or reduce taxes or fees? Personal Responsibility - Does the bill encourage responsible behavior by individuals and families and encourage them to provide for their own health, safety, education, moral fortitude, or general welfare? … Stronger Families - Does the bill enhance the traditional American family and its power to rear children without excessive interference from the government?” (“What Is RSC?” Republican Study Committee, Accessed 11/1/09) Disclaimer Voice: The Republican National Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Paid for by the Republican National Committee. www.gop.com ### Paid for by the Republican National Committee Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee www.GOP.com tag:odeo.com,2009-11-02,25390728 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:17:25 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25390729-Dana-Perino-Obama-s-heavy-handed-tactics-reminiscent-of-Hugo-Chavez-VIDEO (10.25.09) -- Former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino says that Team Obama's heavy-handed tactics are somewhat reminiscent of those employed by Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez. She also goes on to say that such methods are destructive to emerging democracies around the world who look towards the United States for guidance on how to run a free press. ConservativeNewMedia RELATED: Dana M. Perino Biography (10.25.09) -- Former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino says that Team Obama's heavy-handed tactics are somewhat reminiscent of those employed by Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez. She also goes on to say that such methods are destructive to emerging democracies around the world who look towards the United States for guidance on how to run a free press. ConservativeNewMedia RELATED: Dana M. Perino Biography (10.25.09) -- Former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino says that Team Obama's heavy-handed tactics are somewhat reminiscent of those employed by Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez. She also goes on to say that such methods are destructive to emerging democracies around the world who look towards the United States for guidance on how to run a free press. ConservativeNewMedia RELATED: Dana M. Perino Biography tag:odeo.com,2009-11-01,25390729 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:17:28 -0800 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25390730-House-Republican-Leader-John-Boehne-Weekly-Republican-Address-10-31-09-VIDEO-FULL-TEXT-TRANSCRIPT House Republican Leader John Boehne Weekly Republican Address 10/31/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT I’m House Republican Leader John Boehner. At the beginning of this year, I told President Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi that Republicans would be ready to work with them whenever possible to address the nation’s biggest challenges. I also said that where there are differences, it was our obligation as a party to explain to the American people how we would do things better. And on the "stimulus," the budget, the energy bill and healthcare, we have done exactly that. As a matter of fact, only Republicans have offered solutions to lower healthcare costs and make it easier to obtain quality, affordable coverage without imposing a massive burden on the American people. We first released our healthcare plan in June, and over the last six months, we have introduced at least eight bills that, taken together, would implement this blueprint. You can go right now to healthcare.gop.gov and get all... House Republican Leader John Boehne Weekly Republican Address 10/31/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT I’m House Republican Leader John Boehner. At the beginning of this year, I told President Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi that Republicans would be ready to work with them whenever possible to address the nation’s biggest challenges. I also said that where there are differences, it was our obligation as a party to explain to the American people how we would do things better. And on the "stimulus," the budget, the energy bill and healthcare, we have done exactly that. As a matter of fact, only Republicans have offered solutions to lower healthcare costs and make it easier to obtain quality, affordable coverage without imposing a massive burden on the American people. We first released our healthcare plan in June, and over the last six months, we have introduced at least eight bills that, taken together, would implement this blueprint. You can go right now to healthcare.gop.gov and get all the details, but for now, I just want to share with you four ideas Republicans have proposed: Number 1: Let families and businesses buy health insurance across state lines. Number 2: Allow individuals, small businesses and trade associations to pool together and acquire health insurance at lower prices, the same way large corporations and labor unions do today. Number 3: Give states the tools to create their own innovative reforms that lower healthcare costs; and Number 4: End junk lawsuits that contribute to higher healthcare costs by increasing the number of tests and procedures that physicians sometimes order not because they think it's good medicine, but because they are afraid of being sued. These are four smart, fiscally responsible reforms that we can implement today to lower costs and expand access at a price our nation can afford. Again, you can learn more about these and all the healthcare initiatives Republicans have supported by visiting healthcare.gop.gov. The best way to get a sense of what Speaker Pelosi’s takeover of healthcare looks like is to ...actually look at it. Just shy of 2,000 pages, it runs more than 620 pages longer than the government-run plan Hillary Clinton proposed in 1993. This 1,990 pages of bureaucracy will centralize healthcare decision-making in Washington, D.C. It’ll require thousands of new federal employees. It’ll put unelected boards, bureaus and commissions in charge of who gets access to what drug and what potentially life-saving treatment. And it won’t come cheap. Speaker Pelosi’s healthcare bill will raise the cost of Americans’ health insurance premiums; it will kill jobs with tax hikes and new mandates; and it will cut seniors’ Medicare benefits. We now have a choice: We can come together to implement smart, fiscally responsible reforms to improve Americans’ healthcare, or we can recklessly pursue this government takeover that creates far more problems than it solves. It’s clear where the American people stand on this issue. They‘re frustrated and fed up. The "stimulus" bill isn’t working. Unemployment is rising. The debt to be paid by our kids and grandkids is exploding. And now, Speaker Pelosi’s 1,990-page government takeover of healthcare? Enough is enough. Breaking the bank and taking away the freedoms Americans cherish is not the answer to the challenges we face. This coming week, Republicans will continue to stand on principle, defend freedom, and fight for our better solutions to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for American families. Thank you for listening. ### House Republican Leader John Boehne Weekly Republican Address 10/31/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT I’m House Republican Leader John Boehner. At the beginning of this year, I told President Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi that Republicans would be ready to work with them whenever possible to address the nation’s biggest challenges. I also said that where there are differences, it was our obligation as a party to explain to the American people how we would do things better. And on the "stimulus," the budget, the energy bill and healthcare, we have done exactly that. As a matter of fact, only Republicans have offered solutions to lower healthcare costs and make it easier to obtain quality, affordable coverage without imposing a massive burden on the American people. We first released our healthcare plan in June, and over the last six months, we have introduced at least eight bills that, taken together, would implement this blueprint. You can go right now to healthcare.gop.gov and get all the details, but for now, I just want to share with you four ideas Republicans have proposed: Number 1: Let families and businesses buy health insurance across state lines. Number 2: Allow individuals, small businesses and trade associations to pool together and acquire health insurance at lower prices, the same way large corporations and labor unions do today. Number 3: Give states the tools to create their own innovative reforms that lower healthcare costs; and Number 4: End junk lawsuits that contribute to higher healthcare costs by increasing the number of tests and procedures that physicians sometimes order not because they think it's good medicine, but because they are afraid of being sued. These are four smart, fiscally responsible reforms that we can implement today to lower costs and expand access at a price our nation can afford. Again, you can learn more about these and all the healthcare initiatives Republicans have supported by visiting healthcare.gop.gov. The best way to get a sense of what Speaker Pelosi’s takeover of healthcare looks like is to ...actually look at it. Just shy of 2,000 pages, it runs more than 620 pages longer than the government-run plan Hillary Clinton proposed in 1993. This 1,990 pages of bureaucracy will centralize healthcare decision-making in Washington, D.C. It’ll require thousands of new federal employees. It’ll put unelected boards, bureaus and commissions in charge of who gets access to what drug and what potentially life-saving treatment. And it won’t come cheap. Speaker Pelosi’s healthcare bill will raise the cost of Americans’ health insurance premiums; it will kill jobs with tax hikes and new mandates; and it will cut seniors’ Medicare benefits. We now have a choice: We can come together to implement smart, fiscally responsible reforms to improve Americans’ healthcare, or we can recklessly pursue this government takeover that creates far more problems than it solves. It’s clear where the American people stand on this issue. They‘re frustrated and fed up. The "stimulus" bill isn’t working. Unemployment is rising. The debt to be paid by our kids and grandkids is exploding. And now, Speaker Pelosi’s 1,990-page government takeover of healthcare? Enough is enough. Breaking the bank and taking away the freedoms Americans cherish is not the answer to the challenges we face. This coming week, Republicans will continue to stand on principle, defend freedom, and fight for our better solutions to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for American families. Thank you for listening. ### tag:odeo.com,2009-10-31,25390730 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:15:09 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25390733-Joe-Lieberman-will-support-Republican-filibuster-to-block-health-bill-public-option-candidates-in-2010-VIDEO Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.). Senator Lieberman told ABCs Jonathan Karl that he would support some Republican candidates in the 2010 election and join Republican filibuster to block health bill public option. Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.). Senator Lieberman told ABCs Jonathan Karl that he would support some Republican candidates in the 2010 election and join Republican filibuster to block health bill public option. Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.). Senator Lieberman told ABCs Jonathan Karl that he would support some Republican candidates in the 2010 election and join Republican filibuster to block health bill public option. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-30,25390733 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:52:06 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25390734-NRSC-Launches-Web-Ad-%E2%80%9CParanormal-Taxivity%E2%80%9D-VIDEO WASHINGTON - With Halloween fast approaching this weekend, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) released a scarier-than-fiction new Web ad video today entitled "Paranormal Taxivity." The video highlights the terrifying reality that Americans face as they find themselves trapped in a real life horror film, falling victim to President Obama and Senate Democrats’ uncontrollable spending, higher taxes, and government-run health care proposals. FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Title: "Paranormal Taxivity" WEB (1:10) TEXT: the following preview has been approved for All americans By the national republican senatorial committee If this were a real film, it would be ratedBG: big government. some scenes may be too scary for taxpayers taxes, spending, czars(Relax it’s just a parody) TEXT: Obama Reid Pelosi TAX SPEND PRESIDENT OBAMA: "I happen to be a proponent of a single-payer universal health care plan. But as all of you know, we may not get there immediately." (President Obama, Remarks... WASHINGTON - With Halloween fast approaching this weekend, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) released a scarier-than-fiction new Web ad video today entitled "Paranormal Taxivity." The video highlights the terrifying reality that Americans face as they find themselves trapped in a real life horror film, falling victim to President Obama and Senate Democrats’ uncontrollable spending, higher taxes, and government-run health care proposals. FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Title: "Paranormal Taxivity" WEB (1:10) TEXT: the following preview has been approved for All americans By the national republican senatorial committee If this were a real film, it would be ratedBG: big government. some scenes may be too scary for taxpayers taxes, spending, czars(Relax it’s just a parody) TEXT: Obama Reid Pelosi TAX SPEND PRESIDENT OBAMA: "I happen to be a proponent of a single-payer universal health care plan. But as all of you know, we may not get there immediately." (President Obama, Remarks At AFL-CIO, Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights Conference, Illinois, 6/30/2003) TEXT: The scariest movie of all time SEN. HARRY REID: "We’re talking about two trillion dollars." (Sen. Harry Reid, Congressional Record, 10/15/09) TEXT: We have to make judgments very fast SEN. ARLEN SPECTER: "We have to make judgments very fast." (Sen. Arlen Specter, Remarks At Town Hall, Lebanon, PA, 8/3/09) TEXT: A movie that cost $3.5 trillion to make...so far (Carl Hulse, "Budget Passes but Critics Say the Deficit Is in the Details" New York Times, 4/30/09) PRESIDENT OBAMA: "I've proposed an American recovery and reinvestment plan." (President Obama, Weekly YouTube Address, 1/24/09) JOHN ROBERTS: "AIG bonuses" (CNN's "American Morning," 10/14/09) PRESIDENT OBAMA: "cap-and-trade system" (President Obama, Remarks At Interview With The San Francisco Chronicle, 1/17/09) SEN. HARRY REID: "and get card check passed" (Union Rally, Washington, DC, 6/19/07) TEXT: a movie so "powerful" ... (Politico, 9/4/09) LOU DOBBS: "More than 30 czars already appointed in the Obama Administration." (CNN’s "Lou Dobbs Tonight," 10/8/09) TEXT: so "expensive"... (CNNMoney.com, Bailout Tracker, Accessed 10/22/09) KEN STRICKLAND: "higher premiums, higher taxes." (MSNBC, 10/8/09) SUSAN LISOVICZ: "higher taxes." (CNN, 10/22/09) MARIA BARTIROMO: "higher taxes." (CNBC Interview with Nancy Pelosi, 10/21/09) TEXT: and so "arrogant"... (Denver Post, 8/13/09) SEN. BARBARA BOXER: "Could you say Senator instead of ma’am? It’s just a thing. I worked so hard to get that title." (Sen. Barbara Boxer, Senate Environment And Public Works Committee, Interview With Brigadier General Michael Walsh, 6/16/09) TEXT: it will "vaporize" you (Manu Raju and John Bresnahan, "Reid plan: ‘Vaporize’ GOP Opponent," Politico, 10/20/09) DYLAN RATIGAN: "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wants to vaporize his opponents." (MSNBC's "Morning Meeting with Dylan Ratigan," 10/21/09) THEN-SENATOR JOE BIDEN: "Time to be patriotic. Time to be part of a deal." (Senator Joe Biden, ABC’s "Good Morning America", 9/18/09) THEN-SENATOR OBAMA: "I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody." (Senator Obama to Joe Wurzelbacher, ABC News, 10/12/08) TEXT: this Halloween... TEXT: you’d call it paranormal... TEXT: ...if it wasn’t so REAL TEXT: Paranormal Taxivity SINGING CHILD: "We’re gonna spread happiness.... Obama’s gonna change it. Obama’s gonna lead 'em." TEXT: Paranormal Taxivity plaguing your area? Donate now! Stop this nightmare by visiting nrsc.org The National Republican Senatorial Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising. Paid for by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.nrsc.org Paid for by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.NRSC.org WASHINGTON - With Halloween fast approaching this weekend, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) released a scarier-than-fiction new Web ad video today entitled "Paranormal Taxivity." The video highlights the terrifying reality that Americans face as they find themselves trapped in a real life horror film, falling victim to President Obama and Senate Democrats’ uncontrollable spending, higher taxes, and government-run health care proposals. FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Title: "Paranormal Taxivity" WEB (1:10) TEXT: the following preview has been approved for All americans By the national republican senatorial committee If this were a real film, it would be ratedBG: big government. some scenes may be too scary for taxpayers taxes, spending, czars(Relax it’s just a parody) TEXT: Obama Reid Pelosi TAX SPEND PRESIDENT OBAMA: "I happen to be a proponent of a single-payer universal health care plan. But as all of you know, we may not get there immediately." (President Obama, Remarks At AFL-CIO, Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights Conference, Illinois, 6/30/2003) TEXT: The scariest movie of all time SEN. HARRY REID: "We’re talking about two trillion dollars." (Sen. Harry Reid, Congressional Record, 10/15/09) TEXT: We have to make judgments very fast SEN. ARLEN SPECTER: "We have to make judgments very fast." (Sen. Arlen Specter, Remarks At Town Hall, Lebanon, PA, 8/3/09) TEXT: A movie that cost $3.5 trillion to make...so far (Carl Hulse, "Budget Passes but Critics Say the Deficit Is in the Details" New York Times, 4/30/09) PRESIDENT OBAMA: "I've proposed an American recovery and reinvestment plan." (President Obama, Weekly YouTube Address, 1/24/09) JOHN ROBERTS: "AIG bonuses" (CNN's "American Morning," 10/14/09) PRESIDENT OBAMA: "cap-and-trade system" (President Obama, Remarks At Interview With The San Francisco Chronicle, 1/17/09) SEN. HARRY REID: "and get card check passed" (Union Rally, Washington, DC, 6/19/07) TEXT: a movie so "powerful" ... (Politico, 9/4/09) LOU DOBBS: "More than 30 czars already appointed in the Obama Administration." (CNN’s "Lou Dobbs Tonight," 10/8/09) TEXT: so "expensive"... (CNNMoney.com, Bailout Tracker, Accessed 10/22/09) KEN STRICKLAND: "higher premiums, higher taxes." (MSNBC, 10/8/09) SUSAN LISOVICZ: "higher taxes." (CNN, 10/22/09) MARIA BARTIROMO: "higher taxes." (CNBC Interview with Nancy Pelosi, 10/21/09) TEXT: and so "arrogant"... (Denver Post, 8/13/09) SEN. BARBARA BOXER: "Could you say Senator instead of ma’am? It’s just a thing. I worked so hard to get that title." (Sen. Barbara Boxer, Senate Environment And Public Works Committee, Interview With Brigadier General Michael Walsh, 6/16/09) TEXT: it will "vaporize" you (Manu Raju and John Bresnahan, "Reid plan: ‘Vaporize’ GOP Opponent," Politico, 10/20/09) DYLAN RATIGAN: "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wants to vaporize his opponents." (MSNBC's "Morning Meeting with Dylan Ratigan," 10/21/09) THEN-SENATOR JOE BIDEN: "Time to be patriotic. Time to be part of a deal." (Senator Joe Biden, ABC’s "Good Morning America", 9/18/09) THEN-SENATOR OBAMA: "I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody." (Senator Obama to Joe Wurzelbacher, ABC News, 10/12/08) TEXT: this Halloween... TEXT: you’d call it paranormal... TEXT: ...if it wasn’t so REAL TEXT: Paranormal Taxivity SINGING CHILD: "We’re gonna spread happiness.... Obama’s gonna change it. Obama’s gonna lead 'em." TEXT: Paranormal Taxivity plaguing your area? Donate now! Stop this nightmare by visiting nrsc.org The National Republican Senatorial Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising. Paid for by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.nrsc.org Paid for by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.NRSC.org tag:odeo.com,2009-10-30,25390734 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:07:39 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25390738-In-New-Ad-%E2%80%9CHope-%E2%80%9D-Bob-McDonnell-Speaks-Directly-with-Virginians-VIDEO Positive Spot Highlights McDonnell’s Vision to Create New Jobs, Keep Taxes Low, Control Spending RICHMOND- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, released his latest positive television ad today. In “Hope” McDonnell lays out his innovative vision for Virginia, details his commitment to keeping taxes low and getting spending under control, notes his service as an Army Officer and Attorney General, and asks Virginians for their vote next Tuesday. In “Hope” Bob McDonnell Says: “Our family shares the concerns and hopes for the future that you do. I’ve outlined specific plans and innovative solutions to grow our economy and create jobs by promoting small business and keeping taxes low. We’ll control spending and make state government more user-friendly and more accountable to you. As an Army Officer I’ve served our country. As Attorney General I implemented bipartisan solutions. As your governor I’ll provide the leadership to create jobs ... Positive Spot Highlights McDonnell’s Vision to Create New Jobs, Keep Taxes Low, Control Spending RICHMOND- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, released his latest positive television ad today. In “Hope” McDonnell lays out his innovative vision for Virginia, details his commitment to keeping taxes low and getting spending under control, notes his service as an Army Officer and Attorney General, and asks Virginians for their vote next Tuesday. In “Hope” Bob McDonnell Says: “Our family shares the concerns and hopes for the future that you do. I’ve outlined specific plans and innovative solutions to grow our economy and create jobs by promoting small business and keeping taxes low. We’ll control spending and make state government more user-friendly and more accountable to you. As an Army Officer I’ve served our country. As Attorney General I implemented bipartisan solutions. As your governor I’ll provide the leadership to create jobs and opportunity for all Virginians. I’d appreciate your vote.” Authorized by Bob McDonnell. Paid for by McDonnell for Governor Positive Spot Highlights McDonnell’s Vision to Create New Jobs, Keep Taxes Low, Control Spending RICHMOND- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, released his latest positive television ad today. In “Hope” McDonnell lays out his innovative vision for Virginia, details his commitment to keeping taxes low and getting spending under control, notes his service as an Army Officer and Attorney General, and asks Virginians for their vote next Tuesday. In “Hope” Bob McDonnell Says: “Our family shares the concerns and hopes for the future that you do. I’ve outlined specific plans and innovative solutions to grow our economy and create jobs by promoting small business and keeping taxes low. We’ll control spending and make state government more user-friendly and more accountable to you. As an Army Officer I’ve served our country. As Attorney General I implemented bipartisan solutions. As your governor I’ll provide the leadership to create jobs and opportunity for all Virginians. I’d appreciate your vote.” Authorized by Bob McDonnell. Paid for by McDonnell for Governor tag:odeo.com,2009-10-28,25390738 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:40:48 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25390742-Tired-of-Choosing-Between-Two-Liberals-for-Congress-NY-23-VIDEO Club and Club PAC Launch TV Ad in NY-23 Washington - Club for Growth and Club for Growth PAC will launch a $300,000 television ad campaign tomorrow in the special election for New York's 23rd Congressional District. The campaign follows the Club for Growth PAC's Sept. 28 endorsement of Doug Hoffman, a Republican running on the Conservative ticket, over liberal Republican Dede Scozzafava and Democrat Bill Owens. The television ad (seen below) will run in all three of the principle TV markets in NY-23 (Watertown, Burlington, and Syracuse). The ad asks, "Tired of choosing between two liberals for Congress?" Both Scozzafava and Owens support big government policies like Obama's stimulus plan, Cash for Clunkers, and "card check." Thankfully, there is a better choice in conservative Doug Hoffman, who is an Army veteran, financial expert, and small business owner. "There's a stark contrast in the three candidates running in this race," said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. "The two... Club and Club PAC Launch TV Ad in NY-23 Washington - Club for Growth and Club for Growth PAC will launch a $300,000 television ad campaign tomorrow in the special election for New York's 23rd Congressional District. The campaign follows the Club for Growth PAC's Sept. 28 endorsement of Doug Hoffman, a Republican running on the Conservative ticket, over liberal Republican Dede Scozzafava and Democrat Bill Owens. The television ad (seen below) will run in all three of the principle TV markets in NY-23 (Watertown, Burlington, and Syracuse). The ad asks, "Tired of choosing between two liberals for Congress?" Both Scozzafava and Owens support big government policies like Obama's stimulus plan, Cash for Clunkers, and "card check." Thankfully, there is a better choice in conservative Doug Hoffman, who is an Army veteran, financial expert, and small business owner. "There's a stark contrast in the three candidates running in this race," said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. "The two liberals, Dede Scozzafava and Bill Owens, support the Pelosi tax and spend agenda, while Doug Hoffman offers a fiscally conservative alternative based on lower taxes and limited government. Hoffman is the only candidate in the race who will fight for less wasteful spending, no more bailouts, and no tax hikes on hard working Americans." PAID FOR BY CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE. 202-955-5500. Club and Club PAC Launch TV Ad in NY-23 Washington - Club for Growth and Club for Growth PAC will launch a $300,000 television ad campaign tomorrow in the special election for New York's 23rd Congressional District. The campaign follows the Club for Growth PAC's Sept. 28 endorsement of Doug Hoffman, a Republican running on the Conservative ticket, over liberal Republican Dede Scozzafava and Democrat Bill Owens. The television ad (seen below) will run in all three of the principle TV markets in NY-23 (Watertown, Burlington, and Syracuse). The ad asks, "Tired of choosing between two liberals for Congress?" Both Scozzafava and Owens support big government policies like Obama's stimulus plan, Cash for Clunkers, and "card check." Thankfully, there is a better choice in conservative Doug Hoffman, who is an Army veteran, financial expert, and small business owner. "There's a stark contrast in the three candidates running in this race," said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. "The two liberals, Dede Scozzafava and Bill Owens, support the Pelosi tax and spend agenda, while Doug Hoffman offers a fiscally conservative alternative based on lower taxes and limited government. Hoffman is the only candidate in the race who will fight for less wasteful spending, no more bailouts, and no tax hikes on hard working Americans." PAID FOR BY CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE. 202-955-5500. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-27,25390742 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:43:54 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25367426-Senator-Mike-Johanns-Weekly-Republican-Address-10-24-09-VIDEO-FULL-TEXT-TRANSCRIPT Senator Mike Johanns Weekly Republican Address 10/24/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hi, I'm Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska. My Republican colleagues and I have a simple test for reforming health care: Will this legislation improve your life? Here's what I mean: Americans face rising health care costs, and it's increasingly difficult to get access to health care. True health care reform should decrease what you're paying, and make it easier for you to receive care. That should be a no-brainer. Yet current proposals in Congress don't accomplish this goal, and could even have the opposite effect, negatively impacting each and every one of us. To the working mother with a disabled child who uses a Flexible Spending Account and those pre-tax dollars for treatment, medicine, and therapy for your child: this plan will end these accounts as we know them today, and result in increased out of pocket costs. To the factory worker, who has forgone pay raises for the promise of better insurance ... Senator Mike Johanns Weekly Republican Address 10/24/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hi, I'm Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska. My Republican colleagues and I have a simple test for reforming health care: Will this legislation improve your life? Here's what I mean: Americans face rising health care costs, and it's increasingly difficult to get access to health care. True health care reform should decrease what you're paying, and make it easier for you to receive care. That should be a no-brainer. Yet current proposals in Congress don't accomplish this goal, and could even have the opposite effect, negatively impacting each and every one of us. To the working mother with a disabled child who uses a Flexible Spending Account and those pre-tax dollars for treatment, medicine, and therapy for your child: this plan will end these accounts as we know them today, and result in increased out of pocket costs. To the factory worker, who has forgone pay raises for the promise of better insurance benefits for you and your family: your health insurance will be taxed and your premiums will go up. To the recent college graduate burdened with student loans: you'll be forced to buy health insurance the government mandates, and if you refuse, you'll be hit with a penalty. To our seniors, who wish to receive care in the comfort of their homes: funding for hospice care and home health care services would be cut. My state, Nebraska, stands to lose $126 million for home health services, and many of the 38 Nebraska hospices would be in danger of literally shutting their doors. Nearly $500 billion will be cut from Medicare nationwide. The bottom line is this: we're nearing 10 percent unemployment. We have a record budget deficit, and many families are working hard just to put food on the table and to pay the bills. Yet, there's no doubt about it: these proposals will negatively impact pocketbooks and paychecks across America. President Obama has promised open deliberations in front of C-SPAN cameras for all Americans to learn how reform will impact them. However, a 1,500 page bill, full of carve-outs and backroom deals, is currently being brokered behind closed doors. We're about to significantly alter one-sixth of our economy—now is not the time to shut Americans out. Reports of this deal-making are shameful. Why do Michigan, Rhode Island, Oregon and Nevada get special deals on Medicaid costs? Why do New Yorkers with Cadillac plans get a pass on paying the tax? It is shameful. So now, as a select few deliberate over legislation that will mean higher premiums across the board; higher taxes for hard-working families; and cuts to Medicare for senior citizens; I ask: will this improve your life? Republicans are in favor of lowering costs, reforming insurance so Americans can get care when they need it, and providing assistance for those who can't afford insurance. See, we stand ready with ideas to tackle those challenges. But hundreds of pages filled with backroom deals, higher insurance premiums, higher taxes, and cuts to Medicare are not the answer. I am Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska. Thank you for your time. ### Senator Mike Johanns Weekly Republican Address 10/24/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hi, I'm Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska. My Republican colleagues and I have a simple test for reforming health care: Will this legislation improve your life? Here's what I mean: Americans face rising health care costs, and it's increasingly difficult to get access to health care. True health care reform should decrease what you're paying, and make it easier for you to receive care. That should be a no-brainer. Yet current proposals in Congress don't accomplish this goal, and could even have the opposite effect, negatively impacting each and every one of us. To the working mother with a disabled child who uses a Flexible Spending Account and those pre-tax dollars for treatment, medicine, and therapy for your child: this plan will end these accounts as we know them today, and result in increased out of pocket costs. To the factory worker, who has forgone pay raises for the promise of better insurance benefits for you and your family: your health insurance will be taxed and your premiums will go up. To the recent college graduate burdened with student loans: you'll be forced to buy health insurance the government mandates, and if you refuse, you'll be hit with a penalty. To our seniors, who wish to receive care in the comfort of their homes: funding for hospice care and home health care services would be cut. My state, Nebraska, stands to lose $126 million for home health services, and many of the 38 Nebraska hospices would be in danger of literally shutting their doors. Nearly $500 billion will be cut from Medicare nationwide. The bottom line is this: we're nearing 10 percent unemployment. We have a record budget deficit, and many families are working hard just to put food on the table and to pay the bills. Yet, there's no doubt about it: these proposals will negatively impact pocketbooks and paychecks across America. President Obama has promised open deliberations in front of C-SPAN cameras for all Americans to learn how reform will impact them. However, a 1,500 page bill, full of carve-outs and backroom deals, is currently being brokered behind closed doors. We're about to significantly alter one-sixth of our economy—now is not the time to shut Americans out. Reports of this deal-making are shameful. Why do Michigan, Rhode Island, Oregon and Nevada get special deals on Medicaid costs? Why do New Yorkers with Cadillac plans get a pass on paying the tax? It is shameful. So now, as a select few deliberate over legislation that will mean higher premiums across the board; higher taxes for hard-working families; and cuts to Medicare for senior citizens; I ask: will this improve your life? Republicans are in favor of lowering costs, reforming insurance so Americans can get care when they need it, and providing assistance for those who can't afford insurance. See, we stand ready with ideas to tackle those challenges. But hundreds of pages filled with backroom deals, higher insurance premiums, higher taxes, and cuts to Medicare are not the answer. I am Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska. Thank you for your time. ### tag:odeo.com,2009-10-24,25367426 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:11:57 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25361973-Dick-Cheney-Obama-Putting-Politics-Over-Security-VIDEO-TEXT "Signals of indecision out of Washington hurt our allies and embolden our adversaries" “We cannot protect this country by putting politics over security, and turning the guns on our own guys” FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Thank you all very much. It’s a pleasure to be here, and especially to receive the Keeper of the Flame Award in the company of so many good friends. I’m told that among those you’ve recognized before me was my friend Don Rumsfeld. I don’t mind that a bit. It fits something of a pattern. In a career that includes being chief of staff, congressman, and secretary of defense, I haven’t had much that Don didn’t get first. But truth be told, any award once conferred on Donald Rumsfeld carries extra luster, and I am very proud to see my name added to such a distinguished list. To Frank Gaffney and all the supporters of Center for Security Policy, I thank you for this honor. And I thank you for the great energy and high intelligence you bring to as vital a cause as there is – the ... "Signals of indecision out of Washington hurt our allies and embolden our adversaries" “We cannot protect this country by putting politics over security, and turning the guns on our own guys” FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Thank you all very much. It’s a pleasure to be here, and especially to receive the Keeper of the Flame Award in the company of so many good friends. I’m told that among those you’ve recognized before me was my friend Don Rumsfeld. I don’t mind that a bit. It fits something of a pattern. In a career that includes being chief of staff, congressman, and secretary of defense, I haven’t had much that Don didn’t get first. But truth be told, any award once conferred on Donald Rumsfeld carries extra luster, and I am very proud to see my name added to such a distinguished list. To Frank Gaffney and all the supporters of Center for Security Policy, I thank you for this honor. And I thank you for the great energy and high intelligence you bring to as vital a cause as there is – the advance of freedom and the uncompromising defense of the United States. Most anyone who is given responsibility in matters of national security quickly comes to appreciate the commitments and structures put in place by others who came before. You deploy a military force that was planned and funded by your predecessors. You inherit relationships with partners and obligations to allies that were first undertaken years and even generations earlier. With the authority you hold for a little while, you have great freedom of action. And whatever course you follow, the essential thing is always to keep commitments, and to leave no doubts about the credibility of your country’s word. So among my other concerns about the drift of events under the present administration, I consider the abandonment of missile defense in Eastern Europe to be a strategic blunder and a breach of good faith. It is certainly not a model of diplomacy when the leaders of Poland and the Czech Republic are informed of such a decision at the last minute in midnight phone calls. It took a long time and lot of political courage in those countries to arrange for our interceptor system in Poland and the radar system in the Czech Republic. Our Polish and Czech friends are entitled to wonder how strategic plans and promises years in the making could be dissolved, just like that – with apparently little, if any, consultation. Seventy years to the day after the Soviets invaded Poland, it was an odd way to mark the occasion. You hardly have to go back to 1939 to understand why these countries desire – and thought they had – a close and trusting relationship with the United States. Only last year, the Russian Army moved into Georgia, under the orders of a man who regards the collapse of the Soviet Union as the greatest geopolitical disaster of the 20th century. Anybody who has spent much time in that part of the world knows what Vladimir Putin is up to. And those who try placating him, by conceding ground and accommodating his wishes, will get nothing in return but more trouble. What did the Obama Administration get from Russia for its abandonment of Poland and the Czech Republic, and for its famous “Reset” button? Another deeply flawed election and continued Russian opposition to sanctioning Iran for its pursuit of nuclear weapons. In the short of it, President Obama’s cancellation of America’s agreements with the Polish and Czech governments was a serious blow to the hopes and aspirations of millions of Europeans. For twenty years, these peoples have done nothing but strive to move closer to us, and to gain the opportunities and security that America offered. These are faithful friends and NATO allies, and they deserve better. The impact of making two NATO allies walk the plank won’t be felt only in Europe. Our friends throughout the world are watching and wondering whether America will abandon them as well. Big events turn on the credibility of the United States – doing what we said we would do, and always defending our fundamental security interests. In that category belong the ongoing missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the need to counter the nuclear ambitions of the current regime in Iran. Candidate Obama declared last year that he would be willing to sit down with Iran's leader without preconditions. As President, he has committed America to an Iran strategy that seems to treat engagement as an objective rather than a tactic. Time and time again, he has outstretched his hand to the Islamic Republic's authoritarian leaders, and all the while Iran has continued to provide lethal support to extremists and terrorists who are killing American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Islamic Republic continues to provide support to extremists in Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories. Meanwhile, the regime continues to spin centrifuges and test missiles. And these are just the activities we know about. I have long been skeptical of engagement with the current regime in Tehran, but even Iran experts who previously advocated for engagement have changed their tune since the rigged elections this past June and the brutal suppression of Iran's democratic protestors. The administration clearly missed an opportunity to stand with Iran's emocrats, whose popular protests represent the greatest challenge to the Islamic Republic since its founding in 1979. Instead, the resident has been largely silent about the violent crackdown on Iran's protestors, and has moved blindly forward to engage Iran's authoritarian regime. Unless the Islamic Republic fears real consequences from the United States and the international community, it is hard to see how diplomacy will work. Next door in Iraq, it is vitally important that President Obama, in his rush to withdraw troops, not undermine the progress we’ve made in recent years. Prime Minister Maliki met yesterday with President Obama, who began his press availability with an extended comment about Afghanistan. When he finally got around to talking bout Iraq, he told the media that he reiterated to Maliki his intention to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq. Former President Bush's bold decision to change strategy in Iraq and surge U.S. forces there set the stage for success in that country. Iraq has the potential to be a strong, democratic ally in the war on terrorism, and an example of economic and democratic reform in the heart of the Middle East. The Obama Administration has an obligation to protect this young democracy and build on the strategic success we have achieved in Iraq. We should all be concerned as well with the direction of policy on Afghanistan. For quite a while, the cause of our military in that country went pretty much unquestioned, even on the left. The effort was routinely praised by way of contrast to Iraq, which many wrote off as a failure until the surge proved them wrong. Now suddenly – and despite our success in Iraq – we’re hearing a drumbeat of defeatism over Afghanistan. These criticisms carry the same air of hopelessness, they offer the same short-sighted arguments for walking away, and they should be summarily rejected for the same reasons of national security. Having announced his Afghanistan strategy last March, President Obama now seems afraid to make a decision, and unable to provide his commander on the ground with the troops he needs to complete his mission. President Obama has said he understands the stakes for America. When he announced his new strategy he couched the need to succeed in the starkest possible terms, saying, quote, “If the Afghan government falls to the Taliban – or allows al-Qaeda to go unchallenged – that country will again be a base for terrorists who want to kill as many of our people as they possibly can.” End quote. Five months later, in August of this year, speaking at the VFW, the President made a promise to America’s armed forces. “I will give you a clear mission,” he said, “defined goals, and the equipment and support you need to get the job done. That’s my commitment to you.” It’s time for President Obama to make good on his promise. The White House must stop dithering while America’s armed forces are in danger. Make no mistake, signals of indecision out of Washington hurt our allies and embolden our adversaries. Waffling, while our troops on the ground face an emboldened enemy, endangers them and hurts our cause. Recently, President Obama’s advisors have decided that it’s easier to blame the Bush Administration than support our troops. This weekend they leveled a charge that cannot go unanswered. The President’s chief of staff claimed that the Bush Administration hadn’t asked any tough questions about Afghanistan, and he complained that the Obama Administration had to start from scratch to put together a strategy. In the fall of 2008, fully aware of the need to meet new challenges being posed by the Taliban, we dug into every aspect of Afghanistan policy, assembling a team that repeatedly went into the country, reviewing options and recommendations, and briefing President-elect Obama’s team. They asked us not to announce our findings publicly, and we agreed, giving them the benefit of our work and the benefit of the doubt. The new strategy they embraced in March, with a focus on counterinsurgency and an increase in the numbers of troops, bears a striking resemblance to the strategy we passed to them. They made a decision – a good one, I think – and sent a commander into the field to implement it. Now they seem to be pulling back and blaming others for their failure to implement the strategy they embraced. It’s time for President Obama to do what it takes to win a war he has repeatedly and rightly called a war of necessity. It’s worth recalling that we were engaged in Afghanistan in the 1980’s, supporting the Mujahadeen against the Soviets. That was a successful policy, but then we pretty much put Afghanistan out of our minds. While no one was watching, what followed was a civil war, the takeover by the Taliban, and the rise of bin Laden and al-Qaeda. All of that set in motion the events of 9/11. When we deployed forces eight years ago this month, it was to make sure Afghanistan would never again be a training ground for the killing of Americans. Saving untold thousands of lives is still the business at hand in this fight. And the success of our mission in Afghanistan is not only essential, it is entirely achievable with enough troops and enough political courage. Then there’s the matter of how to handle the terrorists we capture in this ongoing war. Some of them know things that, if shared, can save a good many innocent lives. When we faced that problem in the days and years after 9/11, we made some basic decisions. We understood that organized terrorism is not just a law-enforcement issue, but a strategic threat to the United States. At every turn, we understood as well that the safety of the country required collecting information known only to the worst of the terrorists. We had a lot of blind spots – and that’s an awful thing, especially in wartime. With many thousands of lives potentially in the balance, we didn’t think it made sense to let the terrorists answer questions in their own good time, if they answered them at all. The intelligence professionals who got the answers we needed from terrorists had limited time, limited options, and careful legal guidance. They got the baddest actors we picked up to reveal things they really didn’t want to share. In the case of Khalid Sheik Muhammed, by the time it was over he was not was not only talking, he was practically conducting a seminar, complete with chalkboards and charts. It turned out he had a professorial side, and our guys didn’t mind at all if classes ran long. At some point, the mastermind of 9/11 became an expansive briefer on the operations and plans of al-Qaeda. It happened in the course of enhanced interrogations. All the evidence, and common sense as well, tells us why he started to talk. The debate over intelligence gathering in the seven years after 9/11 involves much more than historical accuracy. What we’re really debating are the means and resolve to protect this country over the next few years, and long after that. Terrorists and their state sponsors must be held accountable, and America must remain on the offensive against them. We got it right after 9/11. And our government needs to keep getting it right, year after year, president after president, until the danger is finally overcome. Our administration always faced its share of criticism, and from some quarters it was always intense. That was especially so in the later years of our term, when the dangers were as serious as ever, but the sense of general alarm after 9/11 was a fading memory. Part of our responsibility, as we saw it, was not to forget the terrible harm that had been done to America … and not to let 9/11 become the prelude to something much bigger and far worse. Eight years into the effort, one thing we know is that the enemy has spent most of this time on the defensive – and every attempt to strike inside the United States has failed. So you would think that our successors would be going to the intelligence community saying, “How did you did you do it? What were the keys to preventing another attack over that period of time?” Instead, they’ve chosen a different path entirely – giving in to the angry left, slandering people who did a hard job well, and demagoguing an issue more serious than any other they’ll face in these four years. No one knows just where that path will lead, but I can promise you this: There will always be plenty of us willing to stand up for the policies and the people that have kept this country safe. On the political left, it will still be asserted that tough interrogations did no good, because this is an article of faith for them, and actual evidence is unwelcome and disregarded. President Obama himself has ruled these methods out, and when he last addressed the subject he filled the air with vague and useless platitudes. His preferred device is to suggest that we could have gotten the same information by other means. We’re invited to think so. But this ignores the hard, inconvenient truth that we did try other means and techniques to elicit information from Khalid Sheikh Muhammed and other al-Qaeda operatives, only turning to enhanced techniques when we failed to produce the actionable intelligence we knew they were withholding. In fact, our intelligence professionals, in urgent circumstances with the highest of stakes, obtained specific information, prevented specific attacks, and saved American lives. In short, to call enhanced interrogation a program of torture is not only to disregard the program’s legal underpinnings and safeguards. Such accusations are a libel against dedicated professionals who acted honorably and well, in our country’s name and in our country’s cause. What’s more, to completely rule out enhanced interrogation in the future, in favor of half-measures, is unwise in the extreme. In the fight against terrorism, there is no middle ground, and half-measures keep you half exposed. For all that we’ve lost in this conflict, the United States has never lost its moral bearings – and least of all can that be said of our armed forces and intelligence personnel. They have done right, they have made our country safer, and a lot of Americans are alive today because of them. Last January 20th, our successors in office were given the highest honors that the voters of this country can give any two citizens. Along with that, George W. Bush and I handed the new president and vice president both a record of success in the war on terror, and the policies to continue that record and ultimately prevail. We had been the decision makers, but those seven years, four months, and nine days without another 9/11 or worse, were a combined achievement: a credit to all who serve in the defense of America, including some of the finest people I’ve ever met. What the present administration does with those policies is their call to make, and will become a measure of their own record. But I will tell you straight that I am not encouraged when intelligence officers who acted in the service of this country find themselves hounded with a zeal that should be reserved for America’s enemies. And it certainly is not a good sign when the Justice Department is set on a political mission to discredit, disbar, or otherwise persecute the very people who helped protect our nation in the years after 9/11. There are policy differences, and then there are affronts that have to be answered every time without equivocation, and this is one of them. We cannot protect this country by putting politics over security, and turning the guns on our own guys. We cannot hope to win a war by talking down our country and those who do its hardest work – the men and women of our military and intelligence services. They are, after all, the true keepers of the flame. Thank you very much. "Signals of indecision out of Washington hurt our allies and embolden our adversaries" “We cannot protect this country by putting politics over security, and turning the guns on our own guys” FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Thank you all very much. It’s a pleasure to be here, and especially to receive the Keeper of the Flame Award in the company of so many good friends. I’m told that among those you’ve recognized before me was my friend Don Rumsfeld. I don’t mind that a bit. It fits something of a pattern. In a career that includes being chief of staff, congressman, and secretary of defense, I haven’t had much that Don didn’t get first. But truth be told, any award once conferred on Donald Rumsfeld carries extra luster, and I am very proud to see my name added to such a distinguished list. To Frank Gaffney and all the supporters of Center for Security Policy, I thank you for this honor. And I thank you for the great energy and high intelligence you bring to as vital a cause as there is – the advance of freedom and the uncompromising defense of the United States. Most anyone who is given responsibility in matters of national security quickly comes to appreciate the commitments and structures put in place by others who came before. You deploy a military force that was planned and funded by your predecessors. You inherit relationships with partners and obligations to allies that were first undertaken years and even generations earlier. With the authority you hold for a little while, you have great freedom of action. And whatever course you follow, the essential thing is always to keep commitments, and to leave no doubts about the credibility of your country’s word. So among my other concerns about the drift of events under the present administration, I consider the abandonment of missile defense in Eastern Europe to be a strategic blunder and a breach of good faith. It is certainly not a model of diplomacy when the leaders of Poland and the Czech Republic are informed of such a decision at the last minute in midnight phone calls. It took a long time and lot of political courage in those countries to arrange for our interceptor system in Poland and the radar system in the Czech Republic. Our Polish and Czech friends are entitled to wonder how strategic plans and promises years in the making could be dissolved, just like that – with apparently little, if any, consultation. Seventy years to the day after the Soviets invaded Poland, it was an odd way to mark the occasion. You hardly have to go back to 1939 to understand why these countries desire – and thought they had – a close and trusting relationship with the United States. Only last year, the Russian Army moved into Georgia, under the orders of a man who regards the collapse of the Soviet Union as the greatest geopolitical disaster of the 20th century. Anybody who has spent much time in that part of the world knows what Vladimir Putin is up to. And those who try placating him, by conceding ground and accommodating his wishes, will get nothing in return but more trouble. What did the Obama Administration get from Russia for its abandonment of Poland and the Czech Republic, and for its famous “Reset” button? Another deeply flawed election and continued Russian opposition to sanctioning Iran for its pursuit of nuclear weapons. In the short of it, President Obama’s cancellation of America’s agreements with the Polish and Czech governments was a serious blow to the hopes and aspirations of millions of Europeans. For twenty years, these peoples have done nothing but strive to move closer to us, and to gain the opportunities and security that America offered. These are faithful friends and NATO allies, and they deserve better. The impact of making two NATO allies walk the plank won’t be felt only in Europe. Our friends throughout the world are watching and wondering whether America will abandon them as well. Big events turn on the credibility of the United States – doing what we said we would do, and always defending our fundamental security interests. In that category belong the ongoing missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the need to counter the nuclear ambitions of the current regime in Iran. Candidate Obama declared last year that he would be willing to sit down with Iran's leader without preconditions. As President, he has committed America to an Iran strategy that seems to treat engagement as an objective rather than a tactic. Time and time again, he has outstretched his hand to the Islamic Republic's authoritarian leaders, and all the while Iran has continued to provide lethal support to extremists and terrorists who are killing American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Islamic Republic continues to provide support to extremists in Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories. Meanwhile, the regime continues to spin centrifuges and test missiles. And these are just the activities we know about. I have long been skeptical of engagement with the current regime in Tehran, but even Iran experts who previously advocated for engagement have changed their tune since the rigged elections this past June and the brutal suppression of Iran's democratic protestors. The administration clearly missed an opportunity to stand with Iran's emocrats, whose popular protests represent the greatest challenge to the Islamic Republic since its founding in 1979. Instead, the resident has been largely silent about the violent crackdown on Iran's protestors, and has moved blindly forward to engage Iran's authoritarian regime. Unless the Islamic Republic fears real consequences from the United States and the international community, it is hard to see how diplomacy will work. Next door in Iraq, it is vitally important that President Obama, in his rush to withdraw troops, not undermine the progress we’ve made in recent years. Prime Minister Maliki met yesterday with President Obama, who began his press availability with an extended comment about Afghanistan. When he finally got around to talking bout Iraq, he told the media that he reiterated to Maliki his intention to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq. Former President Bush's bold decision to change strategy in Iraq and surge U.S. forces there set the stage for success in that country. Iraq has the potential to be a strong, democratic ally in the war on terrorism, and an example of economic and democratic reform in the heart of the Middle East. The Obama Administration has an obligation to protect this young democracy and build on the strategic success we have achieved in Iraq. We should all be concerned as well with the direction of policy on Afghanistan. For quite a while, the cause of our military in that country went pretty much unquestioned, even on the left. The effort was routinely praised by way of contrast to Iraq, which many wrote off as a failure until the surge proved them wrong. Now suddenly – and despite our success in Iraq – we’re hearing a drumbeat of defeatism over Afghanistan. These criticisms carry the same air of hopelessness, they offer the same short-sighted arguments for walking away, and they should be summarily rejected for the same reasons of national security. Having announced his Afghanistan strategy last March, President Obama now seems afraid to make a decision, and unable to provide his commander on the ground with the troops he needs to complete his mission. President Obama has said he understands the stakes for America. When he announced his new strategy he couched the need to succeed in the starkest possible terms, saying, quote, “If the Afghan government falls to the Taliban – or allows al-Qaeda to go unchallenged – that country will again be a base for terrorists who want to kill as many of our people as they possibly can.” End quote. Five months later, in August of this year, speaking at the VFW, the President made a promise to America’s armed forces. “I will give you a clear mission,” he said, “defined goals, and the equipment and support you need to get the job done. That’s my commitment to you.” It’s time for President Obama to make good on his promise. The White House must stop dithering while America’s armed forces are in danger. Make no mistake, signals of indecision out of Washington hurt our allies and embolden our adversaries. Waffling, while our troops on the ground face an emboldened enemy, endangers them and hurts our cause. Recently, President Obama’s advisors have decided that it’s easier to blame the Bush Administration than support our troops. This weekend they leveled a charge that cannot go unanswered. The President’s chief of staff claimed that the Bush Administration hadn’t asked any tough questions about Afghanistan, and he complained that the Obama Administration had to start from scratch to put together a strategy. In the fall of 2008, fully aware of the need to meet new challenges being posed by the Taliban, we dug into every aspect of Afghanistan policy, assembling a team that repeatedly went into the country, reviewing options and recommendations, and briefing President-elect Obama’s team. They asked us not to announce our findings publicly, and we agreed, giving them the benefit of our work and the benefit of the doubt. The new strategy they embraced in March, with a focus on counterinsurgency and an increase in the numbers of troops, bears a striking resemblance to the strategy we passed to them. They made a decision – a good one, I think – and sent a commander into the field to implement it. Now they seem to be pulling back and blaming others for their failure to implement the strategy they embraced. It’s time for President Obama to do what it takes to win a war he has repeatedly and rightly called a war of necessity. It’s worth recalling that we were engaged in Afghanistan in the 1980’s, supporting the Mujahadeen against the Soviets. That was a successful policy, but then we pretty much put Afghanistan out of our minds. While no one was watching, what followed was a civil war, the takeover by the Taliban, and the rise of bin Laden and al-Qaeda. All of that set in motion the events of 9/11. When we deployed forces eight years ago this month, it was to make sure Afghanistan would never again be a training ground for the killing of Americans. Saving untold thousands of lives is still the business at hand in this fight. And the success of our mission in Afghanistan is not only essential, it is entirely achievable with enough troops and enough political courage. Then there’s the matter of how to handle the terrorists we capture in this ongoing war. Some of them know things that, if shared, can save a good many innocent lives. When we faced that problem in the days and years after 9/11, we made some basic decisions. We understood that organized terrorism is not just a law-enforcement issue, but a strategic threat to the United States. At every turn, we understood as well that the safety of the country required collecting information known only to the worst of the terrorists. We had a lot of blind spots – and that’s an awful thing, especially in wartime. With many thousands of lives potentially in the balance, we didn’t think it made sense to let the terrorists answer questions in their own good time, if they answered them at all. The intelligence professionals who got the answers we needed from terrorists had limited time, limited options, and careful legal guidance. They got the baddest actors we picked up to reveal things they really didn’t want to share. In the case of Khalid Sheik Muhammed, by the time it was over he was not was not only talking, he was practically conducting a seminar, complete with chalkboards and charts. It turned out he had a professorial side, and our guys didn’t mind at all if classes ran long. At some point, the mastermind of 9/11 became an expansive briefer on the operations and plans of al-Qaeda. It happened in the course of enhanced interrogations. All the evidence, and common sense as well, tells us why he started to talk. The debate over intelligence gathering in the seven years after 9/11 involves much more than historical accuracy. What we’re really debating are the means and resolve to protect this country over the next few years, and long after that. Terrorists and their state sponsors must be held accountable, and America must remain on the offensive against them. We got it right after 9/11. And our government needs to keep getting it right, year after year, president after president, until the danger is finally overcome. Our administration always faced its share of criticism, and from some quarters it was always intense. That was especially so in the later years of our term, when the dangers were as serious as ever, but the sense of general alarm after 9/11 was a fading memory. Part of our responsibility, as we saw it, was not to forget the terrible harm that had been done to America … and not to let 9/11 become the prelude to something much bigger and far worse. Eight years into the effort, one thing we know is that the enemy has spent most of this time on the defensive – and every attempt to strike inside the United States has failed. So you would think that our successors would be going to the intelligence community saying, “How did you did you do it? What were the keys to preventing another attack over that period of time?” Instead, they’ve chosen a different path entirely – giving in to the angry left, slandering people who did a hard job well, and demagoguing an issue more serious than any other they’ll face in these four years. No one knows just where that path will lead, but I can promise you this: There will always be plenty of us willing to stand up for the policies and the people that have kept this country safe. On the political left, it will still be asserted that tough interrogations did no good, because this is an article of faith for them, and actual evidence is unwelcome and disregarded. President Obama himself has ruled these methods out, and when he last addressed the subject he filled the air with vague and useless platitudes. His preferred device is to suggest that we could have gotten the same information by other means. We’re invited to think so. But this ignores the hard, inconvenient truth that we did try other means and techniques to elicit information from Khalid Sheikh Muhammed and other al-Qaeda operatives, only turning to enhanced techniques when we failed to produce the actionable intelligence we knew they were withholding. In fact, our intelligence professionals, in urgent circumstances with the highest of stakes, obtained specific information, prevented specific attacks, and saved American lives. In short, to call enhanced interrogation a program of torture is not only to disregard the program’s legal underpinnings and safeguards. Such accusations are a libel against dedicated professionals who acted honorably and well, in our country’s name and in our country’s cause. What’s more, to completely rule out enhanced interrogation in the future, in favor of half-measures, is unwise in the extreme. In the fight against terrorism, there is no middle ground, and half-measures keep you half exposed. For all that we’ve lost in this conflict, the United States has never lost its moral bearings – and least of all can that be said of our armed forces and intelligence personnel. They have done right, they have made our country safer, and a lot of Americans are alive today because of them. Last January 20th, our successors in office were given the highest honors that the voters of this country can give any two citizens. Along with that, George W. Bush and I handed the new president and vice president both a record of success in the war on terror, and the policies to continue that record and ultimately prevail. We had been the decision makers, but those seven years, four months, and nine days without another 9/11 or worse, were a combined achievement: a credit to all who serve in the defense of America, including some of the finest people I’ve ever met. What the present administration does with those policies is their call to make, and will become a measure of their own record. But I will tell you straight that I am not encouraged when intelligence officers who acted in the service of this country find themselves hounded with a zeal that should be reserved for America’s enemies. And it certainly is not a good sign when the Justice Department is set on a political mission to discredit, disbar, or otherwise persecute the very people who helped protect our nation in the years after 9/11. There are policy differences, and then there are affronts that have to be answered every time without equivocation, and this is one of them. We cannot protect this country by putting politics over security, and turning the guns on our own guys. We cannot hope to win a war by talking down our country and those who do its hardest work – the men and women of our military and intelligence services. They are, after all, the true keepers of the flame. Thank you very much. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-23,25361973 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:08:35 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25341783-Republican-Leadership-Press-Conference-10-21-09-VIDEO Full Text Transcript: Republican Leadership Press Conference 10/21/09 VIDEO Conference Chairman Pence: Good morning. We just completed our weekly meeting of the House Republican Conference. Now that health care reform has moved out of the public eye and into the smoke-filled rooms here on Capitol Hill, Republicans are more determined than ever to make sure the American people know exactly what the impact of the Democrats' plan to launch a government takeover of health care will mean to Americans in every sector of our society. This week, particularly, Republicans are focusing on the impact on small businesses. Today the President of the United States will head to Maryland to announce the plan to use a portion of the Wall Street bailout to support additional loans to small business America. Judging from the impact that the Democrats' health care plan will have on small business, it sounds like small businesses are going to need the help. The facts are that small businesses today repr... Full Text Transcript: Republican Leadership Press Conference 10/21/09 VIDEO Conference Chairman Pence: Good morning. We just completed our weekly meeting of the House Republican Conference. Now that health care reform has moved out of the public eye and into the smoke-filled rooms here on Capitol Hill, Republicans are more determined than ever to make sure the American people know exactly what the impact of the Democrats' plan to launch a government takeover of health care will mean to Americans in every sector of our society. This week, particularly, Republicans are focusing on the impact on small businesses. Today the President of the United States will head to Maryland to announce the plan to use a portion of the Wall Street bailout to support additional loans to small business America. Judging from the impact that the Democrats' health care plan will have on small business, it sounds like small businesses are going to need the help. The facts are that small businesses today represent 99 percent of all businesses in this country and have created more than 72 percent of all the jobs in this country in recent years. Nevertheless, the Democrats' health care plan includes $820 billion in higher taxes, including a $544 billion so-called ‘surtax on the rich.' But a careful examination of that definition shows that more than half of the Americans who are included in the Democrats' planned "surtax" are actually small business owners filing as individuals. Two hundred billion dollars plus in the Democrats' plan will also be new taxes on businesses that can't afford to pay for their employee health care plans. The reality is, when you look at the extraordinary impact of the tax increases on small business America in this country, I just have to feel that the president offering bailout funds to small businesses while pushing a government takeover of health care is like getting a Christmas bonus right before you get a pink slip. Republicans have a better plan. The Republican plan will create more jobs and more opportunity and more choices in health care while containing cost and increasing access. We look forward to Democrats bringing health care reform out of the back rooms, out of the smoke-filled rooms, and engage in a truly bipartisan process that will put the interests of our economy, including our small businesses, in the forefront. Rep. Sam Graves: Thanks, Mike. I'm Sam Graves, the ranking Member on the Small Business Committee. Unquestionably, health care coverage for employees is a small business' number one concern and unfortunately small businesses aren't the number one concern when it comes to health care reform here in Congress. H.R. 3200 has employer mandates in it; it has tax increases in it. Small businesses are our job creators and history has proven that they will be the ones who will lead us out of this recession. Uncertainly is looming out there for small businesses. They don't know whether to hire new workers or wait and see how much taxes are going to be increased. Today, Speaker Pelosi is going to hold an economic forum to discuss job creation. Bringing a whole bunch of economists into a room is not how you discuss job creation. The way you do it is to talk to small businesses because they're the ones that have actually balanced a budget. Small businesses are the ones that have actually made a payroll. Small businesses are the ones that have actually created a job. Republican Whip Cantor: Good morning, the President today is going to go and speak to small businesses and going to announce yet another program to try and stimulate job creation at the small business level. And that intention behind that certainly is something that all of us want to see is the creation of more jobs. But the contrast is so stark if you look at what's going on with the Democrats here on the Hill. While the rhetoric is all about trying to create jobs, Speaker Pelosi and her Members are trying desperately to ram through a health care bill that is paid for on the backs of small businesses and working families. It just does not make sense and is not consistent. As Sam just spoke, we see that the Speaker is going to host a group of individuals to talk yet again about what they can do to try and resurrect their attempt to stimulate the economy. Let's face it, the stimulus bill didn't create jobs, it simply left a lot of debt. And that's where we are right now, and the individuals she's bringing in are the same individuals that she brought who indicated that the stimulus bill was going to stave off unemployment and keep it a rate below eight percent, which utterly did not happen. So we Republicans are going to continue to advocate that which we have been advocating since January in our stimulus plan. We believe very strongly we ought to create an environment in which taxes are low and incentives are in place for folks to put investment capital to work again. Our Economic Recovery Solutions Group, that the Leader has appointed, will be meeting again this week to make sure that we continue to posit the alternatives that we believe can result in putting Americans back to work. Conference Vice Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers: Good morning. It's almost the end of October, and as I was home talking to small business owners and individuals, I was talking to one individual in particular who was laid off last November. He's a skilled employee who can't find a job and people are concerned and they're frustrated right now and rightfully so because as we all are aware, unemployment is at 9.8 percent and rising. We've lost 3 million jobs in this country since the stimulus bill was signed into law, and we can do better. The Republicans at the beginning of this year said that the key to economic recovery in this country was going to be helping our small business owners, helping our job creators in this country. And we believe it is time now more than ever to enact policies that will provide relief to our small business owners and help them create jobs. And that's going to be the way that the economy is recovered. We can, in one stroke of the pen, make a big change for small business, and change the cycle right now of layoffs and deficit spending by simply helping our small businesses and getting this economy going. Republican Leader Boehner: American small businesses and families continue to struggle and they continue to ask the question, ‘where are the jobs?' As you've heard, Speaker Pelosi is convening a panel of economists - the same economists who gave them advice on their stimulus bill. Maybe they'll actually look at what's happened and realize that it hasn't worked because American families are still asking, ‘where are the jobs?' This problem that we have is being exacerbated by the Democrat Majority. Put yourself in the shoes of a small business person. They're looking at a national energy tax being proposed by the Democrats. They're looking at this government takeover of health care that's going to tax small employers who don't provide health care for their employees - that many of them can't afford to. And, there's no real clear vision about they are going to do in terms of raising taxes. Yes, there's this major tax increase in their health care bill. But how about the 15 percent capital gains rate that is supposed to go to 20 next year? How about the top rate that is expected to go up three and a half points next year? How about the tax on dividends that's going up next year? So, what's happening is, you've got small business people in America who are already struggling and here they look at what Washington's doing and it's causing them to sit on their hands. Why? Because of all the uncertainty about the policies coming out of Washington D.C. At the end of the day, until we get small businesses working again, we're not going to get the economy working again. That's why we ought to be promoting policies that would help small businesses invest new equipment [and create] more jobs in their communities. But I'm telling you, it will not happen until there is more certainty about a better direction here in Washington. Republicans have offered better solutions on the stimulus, better solutions on the budget, better solutions on energy, and I think we've got a much better solution on health care to make the current system work better for more Americans. This is the kind of reasonable direction that Americans want us to go in and they want to see us do this in a bipartisan way. Full Text Transcript: Republican Leadership Press Conference 10/21/09 VIDEO Conference Chairman Pence: Good morning. We just completed our weekly meeting of the House Republican Conference. Now that health care reform has moved out of the public eye and into the smoke-filled rooms here on Capitol Hill, Republicans are more determined than ever to make sure the American people know exactly what the impact of the Democrats' plan to launch a government takeover of health care will mean to Americans in every sector of our society. This week, particularly, Republicans are focusing on the impact on small businesses. Today the President of the United States will head to Maryland to announce the plan to use a portion of the Wall Street bailout to support additional loans to small business America. Judging from the impact that the Democrats' health care plan will have on small business, it sounds like small businesses are going to need the help. The facts are that small businesses today represent 99 percent of all businesses in this country and have created more than 72 percent of all the jobs in this country in recent years. Nevertheless, the Democrats' health care plan includes $820 billion in higher taxes, including a $544 billion so-called ‘surtax on the rich.' But a careful examination of that definition shows that more than half of the Americans who are included in the Democrats' planned "surtax" are actually small business owners filing as individuals. Two hundred billion dollars plus in the Democrats' plan will also be new taxes on businesses that can't afford to pay for their employee health care plans. The reality is, when you look at the extraordinary impact of the tax increases on small business America in this country, I just have to feel that the president offering bailout funds to small businesses while pushing a government takeover of health care is like getting a Christmas bonus right before you get a pink slip. Republicans have a better plan. The Republican plan will create more jobs and more opportunity and more choices in health care while containing cost and increasing access. We look forward to Democrats bringing health care reform out of the back rooms, out of the smoke-filled rooms, and engage in a truly bipartisan process that will put the interests of our economy, including our small businesses, in the forefront. Rep. Sam Graves: Thanks, Mike. I'm Sam Graves, the ranking Member on the Small Business Committee. Unquestionably, health care coverage for employees is a small business' number one concern and unfortunately small businesses aren't the number one concern when it comes to health care reform here in Congress. H.R. 3200 has employer mandates in it; it has tax increases in it. Small businesses are our job creators and history has proven that they will be the ones who will lead us out of this recession. Uncertainly is looming out there for small businesses. They don't know whether to hire new workers or wait and see how much taxes are going to be increased. Today, Speaker Pelosi is going to hold an economic forum to discuss job creation. Bringing a whole bunch of economists into a room is not how you discuss job creation. The way you do it is to talk to small businesses because they're the ones that have actually balanced a budget. Small businesses are the ones that have actually made a payroll. Small businesses are the ones that have actually created a job. Republican Whip Cantor: Good morning, the President today is going to go and speak to small businesses and going to announce yet another program to try and stimulate job creation at the small business level. And that intention behind that certainly is something that all of us want to see is the creation of more jobs. But the contrast is so stark if you look at what's going on with the Democrats here on the Hill. While the rhetoric is all about trying to create jobs, Speaker Pelosi and her Members are trying desperately to ram through a health care bill that is paid for on the backs of small businesses and working families. It just does not make sense and is not consistent. As Sam just spoke, we see that the Speaker is going to host a group of individuals to talk yet again about what they can do to try and resurrect their attempt to stimulate the economy. Let's face it, the stimulus bill didn't create jobs, it simply left a lot of debt. And that's where we are right now, and the individuals she's bringing in are the same individuals that she brought who indicated that the stimulus bill was going to stave off unemployment and keep it a rate below eight percent, which utterly did not happen. So we Republicans are going to continue to advocate that which we have been advocating since January in our stimulus plan. We believe very strongly we ought to create an environment in which taxes are low and incentives are in place for folks to put investment capital to work again. Our Economic Recovery Solutions Group, that the Leader has appointed, will be meeting again this week to make sure that we continue to posit the alternatives that we believe can result in putting Americans back to work. Conference Vice Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers: Good morning. It's almost the end of October, and as I was home talking to small business owners and individuals, I was talking to one individual in particular who was laid off last November. He's a skilled employee who can't find a job and people are concerned and they're frustrated right now and rightfully so because as we all are aware, unemployment is at 9.8 percent and rising. We've lost 3 million jobs in this country since the stimulus bill was signed into law, and we can do better. The Republicans at the beginning of this year said that the key to economic recovery in this country was going to be helping our small business owners, helping our job creators in this country. And we believe it is time now more than ever to enact policies that will provide relief to our small business owners and help them create jobs. And that's going to be the way that the economy is recovered. We can, in one stroke of the pen, make a big change for small business, and change the cycle right now of layoffs and deficit spending by simply helping our small businesses and getting this economy going. Republican Leader Boehner: American small businesses and families continue to struggle and they continue to ask the question, ‘where are the jobs?' As you've heard, Speaker Pelosi is convening a panel of economists - the same economists who gave them advice on their stimulus bill. Maybe they'll actually look at what's happened and realize that it hasn't worked because American families are still asking, ‘where are the jobs?' This problem that we have is being exacerbated by the Democrat Majority. Put yourself in the shoes of a small business person. They're looking at a national energy tax being proposed by the Democrats. They're looking at this government takeover of health care that's going to tax small employers who don't provide health care for their employees - that many of them can't afford to. And, there's no real clear vision about they are going to do in terms of raising taxes. Yes, there's this major tax increase in their health care bill. But how about the 15 percent capital gains rate that is supposed to go to 20 next year? How about the top rate that is expected to go up three and a half points next year? How about the tax on dividends that's going up next year? So, what's happening is, you've got small business people in America who are already struggling and here they look at what Washington's doing and it's causing them to sit on their hands. Why? Because of all the uncertainty about the policies coming out of Washington D.C. At the end of the day, until we get small businesses working again, we're not going to get the economy working again. That's why we ought to be promoting policies that would help small businesses invest new equipment [and create] more jobs in their communities. But I'm telling you, it will not happen until there is more certainty about a better direction here in Washington. Republicans have offered better solutions on the stimulus, better solutions on the budget, better solutions on energy, and I think we've got a much better solution on health care to make the current system work better for more Americans. This is the kind of reasonable direction that Americans want us to go in and they want to see us do this in a bipartisan way. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-21,25341783 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:17:20 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25314255-TEA-PARTY-EXPRESS-LAUNCHES-TV-AD-CAMPAIGN-VIDEO Tea Party Express II Releases New TV Ad! The Tea Party Express national tour 'TeaPartyExpress.org' has just released a new ad topromote their upcoming 38-city tour, entitled "Tea Party Express II: Countdown to Judgement Day." The latest ad features an image of one of the Tea Party Express buses crossing the country, and announces the message to politicians who refuse to supportconservative values, "Come election day we're going to hand you apink slip and take our country back!" To obtain more information about joining the "Tea Party Express" or to schedule an interview with a representative from the tour please contact Levi Russell at (509) 979-6615 or via email at: Levi@FrontLineStrat.com Tea Party Express II Releases New TV Ad! The Tea Party Express national tour 'TeaPartyExpress.org' has just released a new ad topromote their upcoming 38-city tour, entitled "Tea Party Express II: Countdown to Judgement Day." The latest ad features an image of one of the Tea Party Express buses crossing the country, and announces the message to politicians who refuse to supportconservative values, "Come election day we're going to hand you apink slip and take our country back!" To obtain more information about joining the "Tea Party Express" or to schedule an interview with a representative from the tour please contact Levi Russell at (509) 979-6615 or via email at: Levi@FrontLineStrat.com Tea Party Express II Releases New TV Ad! The Tea Party Express national tour 'TeaPartyExpress.org' has just released a new ad topromote their upcoming 38-city tour, entitled "Tea Party Express II: Countdown to Judgement Day." The latest ad features an image of one of the Tea Party Express buses crossing the country, and announces the message to politicians who refuse to supportconservative values, "Come election day we're going to hand you apink slip and take our country back!" To obtain more information about joining the "Tea Party Express" or to schedule an interview with a representative from the tour please contact Levi Russell at (509) 979-6615 or via email at: Levi@FrontLineStrat.com tag:odeo.com,2009-10-19,25314255 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:13 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25307749-President-Barack-Obama-Weekly-Address-10-17-09-PODCAST-VIDEO-TEXT Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday,October 17, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 5.66 mb MP4 VIDEO (212 MB) Over the better part of the past year, a great debate has taken place in Washington and across America, about how to reform our health care system to provide security for people with insurance, coverage for those without insurance, and lower costs for everyone. From the halls of Congress to the homes of ordinary Americans, this debate has helped us to forge consensus and find common ground. That’s a good thing. That’s what America is all about. Now, as the debate draws to a close, we can point to a broad and growing coalition of doctors and nurses, workers and businesses, hospitals and even drug companies – folks who represent different parties and perspectives, including leading Democrats and many leading Republicans – who recognize the urgency of action. Just this week, the Senate Finance Committee approved a reform proposal that... Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday,October 17, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 5.66 mb MP4 VIDEO (212 MB) Over the better part of the past year, a great debate has taken place in Washington and across America, about how to reform our health care system to provide security for people with insurance, coverage for those without insurance, and lower costs for everyone. From the halls of Congress to the homes of ordinary Americans, this debate has helped us to forge consensus and find common ground. That’s a good thing. That’s what America is all about. Now, as the debate draws to a close, we can point to a broad and growing coalition of doctors and nurses, workers and businesses, hospitals and even drug companies – folks who represent different parties and perspectives, including leading Democrats and many leading Republicans – who recognize the urgency of action. Just this week, the Senate Finance Committee approved a reform proposal that has both Democratic and Republican support. For the first time ever, all five committees in Congress responsible for health reform have passed a version of legislation. As I speak to you today, we are closer to reforming the health care system than we have ever been in history. But this is not the time to pat ourselves on the back. This is not the time to grow complacent. There are still significant details and disagreements to be worked out in the coming weeks. And there are still those who would try to kill reform at any cost. The history is clear: for decades rising health care costs have unleashed havoc on families, businesses, and the economy. And for decades, whenever we have tried to reform the system, the insurance companies have done everything in their considerable power to stop us. We know that this inaction has carried a terrible toll. In the past decade, premiums have doubled. Over the past few years, total out of pocket costs for people with insurance rose by a third. And we know that if we do not reform the system, this will only be a preview of coming attractions. A new report for the Business Roundtable – a non-partisan group that represents the CEOs of major companies – found that without significant reform, health care costs for these employers and their employees will well more than double again over the next decade. The cost per person for health insurance will rise by almost $18,000. That’s a huge amount of money. That’s going to mean lower salaries and higher unemployment, lower profits and higher rolls of uninsured. It is no exaggeration to say, that unless we act, these costs will devastate the US economy. This is the unsustainable path we’re on, and it’s the path the insurers want to keep us on. In fact, the insurance industry is rolling out the big guns and breaking open their massive war chest – to marshal their forces for one last fight to save the status quo. They’re filling the airwaves with deceptive and dishonest ads. They’re flooding Capitol Hill with lobbyists and campaign contributions. And they’re funding studies designed to mislead the American people. Of course, like clockwork, we’ve seen folks on cable television who know better, waving these industry-funded studies in the air. We’ve seen industry insiders – and their apologists – citing these studies as proof of claims that just aren’t true. They’ll claim that premiums will go up under reform; but they know that the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office found that reforms will lower premiums in a new insurance exchange while offering consumer protections that will limit out-of-pocket costs and prevent discrimination based on pre-existing conditions. They’ll claim that you’ll have to pay more out of pocket; but they know that this is based on a study that willfully ignores whole sections of the bill, including tax credits and cost savings that will greatly benefit middle class families. Even the authors of one of these studies have now admitted publicly that the insurance companies actually asked them to do an incomplete job. It’s smoke and mirrors. It’s bogus. And it’s all too familiar. Every time we get close to passing reform, the insurance companies produce these phony studies as a prescription and say, "Take one of these, and call us in a decade." Well, not this time. The fact is, the insurance industry is making this last-ditch effort to stop reform even as costs continue to rise and our health care dollars continue to be poured into their profits, bonuses, and administrative costs that do nothing to make us healthy – that often actually go toward figuring out how to avoid covering people. And they’re earning these profits and bonuses while enjoying a privileged exception from our anti-trust laws, a matter that Congress is rightfully reviewing. Now, I welcome a good debate. I welcome the chance to defend our proposals and to test our ideas in the fires of this democracy. But what I will not abide are those who would bend the truth – or break it – to score political points and stop our progress as a country. And what we all must oppose are the same old cynical Washington games that have been played for decades even as our problems have grown and our challenges have mounted. Last November, the American people went to the polls in historic numbers and demanded change. They wanted a change in our policies; but they also sought a change in our politics: a politics that too often has fallen prey to the lobbyists and the special interests; that has fostered division and sustained the status quo. Passing health insurance reform is a great test of this proposition. Yes, it will make a profound and positive difference in the lives of the American people. But it also now represents something more: whether or not we as a nation are capable of tackling our toughest challenges, if we can serve the national interest despite the unrelenting efforts of the special interests; if we can still do big things in America. I believe we can. I believe we will. And I urge every member of Congress to stand against the power plays and political ploys – and to stand up on behalf the American people who sent us to Washington to do their business. Thank you. Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday,October 17, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 5.66 mb MP4 VIDEO (212 MB) Over the better part of the past year, a great debate has taken place in Washington and across America, about how to reform our health care system to provide security for people with insurance, coverage for those without insurance, and lower costs for everyone. From the halls of Congress to the homes of ordinary Americans, this debate has helped us to forge consensus and find common ground. That’s a good thing. That’s what America is all about. Now, as the debate draws to a close, we can point to a broad and growing coalition of doctors and nurses, workers and businesses, hospitals and even drug companies – folks who represent different parties and perspectives, including leading Democrats and many leading Republicans – who recognize the urgency of action. Just this week, the Senate Finance Committee approved a reform proposal that has both Democratic and Republican support. For the first time ever, all five committees in Congress responsible for health reform have passed a version of legislation. As I speak to you today, we are closer to reforming the health care system than we have ever been in history. But this is not the time to pat ourselves on the back. This is not the time to grow complacent. There are still significant details and disagreements to be worked out in the coming weeks. And there are still those who would try to kill reform at any cost. The history is clear: for decades rising health care costs have unleashed havoc on families, businesses, and the economy. And for decades, whenever we have tried to reform the system, the insurance companies have done everything in their considerable power to stop us. We know that this inaction has carried a terrible toll. In the past decade, premiums have doubled. Over the past few years, total out of pocket costs for people with insurance rose by a third. And we know that if we do not reform the system, this will only be a preview of coming attractions. A new report for the Business Roundtable – a non-partisan group that represents the CEOs of major companies – found that without significant reform, health care costs for these employers and their employees will well more than double again over the next decade. The cost per person for health insurance will rise by almost $18,000. That’s a huge amount of money. That’s going to mean lower salaries and higher unemployment, lower profits and higher rolls of uninsured. It is no exaggeration to say, that unless we act, these costs will devastate the US economy. This is the unsustainable path we’re on, and it’s the path the insurers want to keep us on. In fact, the insurance industry is rolling out the big guns and breaking open their massive war chest – to marshal their forces for one last fight to save the status quo. They’re filling the airwaves with deceptive and dishonest ads. They’re flooding Capitol Hill with lobbyists and campaign contributions. And they’re funding studies designed to mislead the American people. Of course, like clockwork, we’ve seen folks on cable television who know better, waving these industry-funded studies in the air. We’ve seen industry insiders – and their apologists – citing these studies as proof of claims that just aren’t true. They’ll claim that premiums will go up under reform; but they know that the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office found that reforms will lower premiums in a new insurance exchange while offering consumer protections that will limit out-of-pocket costs and prevent discrimination based on pre-existing conditions. They’ll claim that you’ll have to pay more out of pocket; but they know that this is based on a study that willfully ignores whole sections of the bill, including tax credits and cost savings that will greatly benefit middle class families. Even the authors of one of these studies have now admitted publicly that the insurance companies actually asked them to do an incomplete job. It’s smoke and mirrors. It’s bogus. And it’s all too familiar. Every time we get close to passing reform, the insurance companies produce these phony studies as a prescription and say, "Take one of these, and call us in a decade." Well, not this time. The fact is, the insurance industry is making this last-ditch effort to stop reform even as costs continue to rise and our health care dollars continue to be poured into their profits, bonuses, and administrative costs that do nothing to make us healthy – that often actually go toward figuring out how to avoid covering people. And they’re earning these profits and bonuses while enjoying a privileged exception from our anti-trust laws, a matter that Congress is rightfully reviewing. Now, I welcome a good debate. I welcome the chance to defend our proposals and to test our ideas in the fires of this democracy. But what I will not abide are those who would bend the truth – or break it – to score political points and stop our progress as a country. And what we all must oppose are the same old cynical Washington games that have been played for decades even as our problems have grown and our challenges have mounted. Last November, the American people went to the polls in historic numbers and demanded change. They wanted a change in our policies; but they also sought a change in our politics: a politics that too often has fallen prey to the lobbyists and the special interests; that has fostered division and sustained the status quo. Passing health insurance reform is a great test of this proposition. Yes, it will make a profound and positive difference in the lives of the American people. But it also now represents something more: whether or not we as a nation are capable of tackling our toughest challenges, if we can serve the national interest despite the unrelenting efforts of the special interests; if we can still do big things in America. I believe we can. I believe we will. And I urge every member of Congress to stand against the power plays and political ploys – and to stand up on behalf the American people who sent us to Washington to do their business. Thank you. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-18,25307749 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:12:50 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25307750-Congressman-Kevin-Brady-Weekly-Republican-Address-10-17-09-VIDEO-FULL-TEXT-TRANSCRIPT Congressman Kevin Brady Weekly Republican Address 10/17/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hi, I’m Congressman Kevin Brady. I’m proud to represent southeast Texas in Congress, and serve as the lead House Republican on the Joint Economic Committee, which keeps tabs on America’s economic health. There are three big myths hurtling around Washington these days: no jobs equals an economic recovery, government-run health care will make it more affordable and deficits don’t matter. The American public – to their credit – isn’t buying any of these. Start with the economy. We’re all pleased to see the stock market go up, but middle class America knows hundreds of thousands of jobs are disappearing each month. Many of them may never reappear. As families in my communities and across the country watch the national unemployment.... ...rate close to topping double digits -- with very few real signs of relief ahead -- they have one question for the White House: ‘Mr. President, where are the jobs?’ Las... Congressman Kevin Brady Weekly Republican Address 10/17/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hi, I’m Congressman Kevin Brady. I’m proud to represent southeast Texas in Congress, and serve as the lead House Republican on the Joint Economic Committee, which keeps tabs on America’s economic health. There are three big myths hurtling around Washington these days: no jobs equals an economic recovery, government-run health care will make it more affordable and deficits don’t matter. The American public – to their credit – isn’t buying any of these. Start with the economy. We’re all pleased to see the stock market go up, but middle class America knows hundreds of thousands of jobs are disappearing each month. Many of them may never reappear. As families in my communities and across the country watch the national unemployment.... ...rate close to topping double digits -- with very few real signs of relief ahead -- they have one question for the White House: ‘Mr. President, where are the jobs?’ Last January, the White House promised us all that if Congress passed the massive trillion-dollar ‘stimulus’ bill, jobs would be created immediately and the unemployment rate would stay under eight percent. Well, since then, nearly 3 million more Americans have lost their private sector jobs. Over 2 million have simply quit looking for work because they are so discouraged. And that’s frightening. And over 9 million Americans are working part time because they can't find a full time job. And those who do worry if they’ll be the next person standing in the unemployment line. The truth is: no jobs, no recovery. Let’s finally admit America’s recovery can’t be built on the unsteady Democratic doctrine of spending more, borrowing more and higher taxes. It’s failing our families. The second myth, that government-run health care will make it more affordable? Americans inherently know government interference drives costs up, not down. The massive health care plans being crafted behind closed doors in Washington will ultimately allow the government to decide what doctors we can see, what treatments the government thinks you deserve and what medicines you can receive. The Democrats’ plans are loaded with new federal mandates and higher taxes on insurance plans, treatments and equipment – all of which will be passed down to patients. New taxes on professionals and small businesses will drive jobs out of our economy and push more families into a government-run plan. At a time when families and workers want more choices and more options, Democrats in Washington are bent on creating a one-size fits all plan that Americans can just take or leave. By the way, these same Democratic members of Congress are making sure they and their families aren’t included in the plan. That should tell you something. The third myth: deficits don’t matter? Tell that to your kids and grandkids and see what they have to say thirty years down the road. Whether it’s wasteful stimulus spending, a cap-and-trade national energy tax that will put millions more out of work, or the trillion dollar health care experiment, congressional Democrats in Washington are boring new holes in our economic ship at a time when employers throughout America need a life preserver to help them stay afloat. Liberal policies that will keep people out of work longer will only make the deficit worse. Americans know that deficits matter to our dollar, to our economy, to our future. The federal budget deficit tripled to a record 1.4 trillion dollars this year. The government spent 199 billion dollars on interest alone -- or almost 10 times the entire budget for NASA. Under the Obama Administration’s budget, our country is set to rack up 6.7 trillion dollars in debt over the next decade -- almost equal to all the federal debt accumulated in our nation’s history. Democrats in Washington continue to pursue costly policies that tax too much, spend too much and borrow too much, all of which are discouraging small businesses from job creation and innovation while launching our national debt into the stratosphere. Make no mistake, our children and grandchildren will end up buried under a mountain of debt if we continue down this dangerous path of taxing, spending and borrowing. Let’s set aside the myths. Let’s get real. Real economic growth starts when the people who have taken the hardest hit in this recession -- our small businesses -- get back to creating jobs. It's what these businesses that employ more than half our nation's workforce do best. Republicans want to give them new tax relief tools and get out of their way. Republicans remain hopeful that this deep and painful recession will soon run its course, but Americans deserve better than a jobless recovery, which is no real recovery at all for American workers and families. Americans deserve affordable health care. And they deserve a nation that can pay its debt and live within its means. That’s what Republicans believe. That’s what will create the jobs that will grow our economy and put our nation back on the path to long-term prosperity. This is Congressman Kevin Brady. Thanks for listening. ### Congressman Kevin Brady Weekly Republican Address 10/17/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hi, I’m Congressman Kevin Brady. I’m proud to represent southeast Texas in Congress, and serve as the lead House Republican on the Joint Economic Committee, which keeps tabs on America’s economic health. There are three big myths hurtling around Washington these days: no jobs equals an economic recovery, government-run health care will make it more affordable and deficits don’t matter. The American public – to their credit – isn’t buying any of these. Start with the economy. We’re all pleased to see the stock market go up, but middle class America knows hundreds of thousands of jobs are disappearing each month. Many of them may never reappear. As families in my communities and across the country watch the national unemployment.... ...rate close to topping double digits -- with very few real signs of relief ahead -- they have one question for the White House: ‘Mr. President, where are the jobs?’ Last January, the White House promised us all that if Congress passed the massive trillion-dollar ‘stimulus’ bill, jobs would be created immediately and the unemployment rate would stay under eight percent. Well, since then, nearly 3 million more Americans have lost their private sector jobs. Over 2 million have simply quit looking for work because they are so discouraged. And that’s frightening. And over 9 million Americans are working part time because they can't find a full time job. And those who do worry if they’ll be the next person standing in the unemployment line. The truth is: no jobs, no recovery. Let’s finally admit America’s recovery can’t be built on the unsteady Democratic doctrine of spending more, borrowing more and higher taxes. It’s failing our families. The second myth, that government-run health care will make it more affordable? Americans inherently know government interference drives costs up, not down. The massive health care plans being crafted behind closed doors in Washington will ultimately allow the government to decide what doctors we can see, what treatments the government thinks you deserve and what medicines you can receive. The Democrats’ plans are loaded with new federal mandates and higher taxes on insurance plans, treatments and equipment – all of which will be passed down to patients. New taxes on professionals and small businesses will drive jobs out of our economy and push more families into a government-run plan. At a time when families and workers want more choices and more options, Democrats in Washington are bent on creating a one-size fits all plan that Americans can just take or leave. By the way, these same Democratic members of Congress are making sure they and their families aren’t included in the plan. That should tell you something. The third myth: deficits don’t matter? Tell that to your kids and grandkids and see what they have to say thirty years down the road. Whether it’s wasteful stimulus spending, a cap-and-trade national energy tax that will put millions more out of work, or the trillion dollar health care experiment, congressional Democrats in Washington are boring new holes in our economic ship at a time when employers throughout America need a life preserver to help them stay afloat. Liberal policies that will keep people out of work longer will only make the deficit worse. Americans know that deficits matter to our dollar, to our economy, to our future. The federal budget deficit tripled to a record 1.4 trillion dollars this year. The government spent 199 billion dollars on interest alone -- or almost 10 times the entire budget for NASA. Under the Obama Administration’s budget, our country is set to rack up 6.7 trillion dollars in debt over the next decade -- almost equal to all the federal debt accumulated in our nation’s history. Democrats in Washington continue to pursue costly policies that tax too much, spend too much and borrow too much, all of which are discouraging small businesses from job creation and innovation while launching our national debt into the stratosphere. Make no mistake, our children and grandchildren will end up buried under a mountain of debt if we continue down this dangerous path of taxing, spending and borrowing. Let’s set aside the myths. Let’s get real. Real economic growth starts when the people who have taken the hardest hit in this recession -- our small businesses -- get back to creating jobs. It's what these businesses that employ more than half our nation's workforce do best. Republicans want to give them new tax relief tools and get out of their way. Republicans remain hopeful that this deep and painful recession will soon run its course, but Americans deserve better than a jobless recovery, which is no real recovery at all for American workers and families. Americans deserve affordable health care. And they deserve a nation that can pay its debt and live within its means. That’s what Republicans believe. That’s what will create the jobs that will grow our economy and put our nation back on the path to long-term prosperity. This is Congressman Kevin Brady. Thanks for listening. ### tag:odeo.com,2009-10-18,25307750 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 06:38:08 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25299020-Kevin-Jennings-NAMBLA-Safe-School-Czar-VIDEO King, 52 House Republicans Call on Obama to Fire Kevin Jennings Congressman Steve King (R-IA) and 52 other House Republicans today sent a letter to the White House calling on President Barack Obama to fire "safe schools" czar Kevin Jennings. King, the first member of Congress to ask for the dismissal of Jennings, initially called for President Obama to fire Jennings on October 5. "Support is growing in Congress and across America for President Obama to fire Kevin Jennings and replace him with someone possessing the appropriate qualifications and ethical standards to serve in a presidential administration," King said. "Despite serving as the ‘safe schools' czar, Jennings has no experience keeping students safe or keeping our schools drug free. Jennings is committed to the ‘safety' of only a narrow portion of American students, while expressing disdain for religion and traditional values. President Obama should fire Kevin Jennings immediately." Text of the letter follows: October 15, ... King, 52 House Republicans Call on Obama to Fire Kevin Jennings Congressman Steve King (R-IA) and 52 other House Republicans today sent a letter to the White House calling on President Barack Obama to fire "safe schools" czar Kevin Jennings. King, the first member of Congress to ask for the dismissal of Jennings, initially called for President Obama to fire Jennings on October 5. "Support is growing in Congress and across America for President Obama to fire Kevin Jennings and replace him with someone possessing the appropriate qualifications and ethical standards to serve in a presidential administration," King said. "Despite serving as the ‘safe schools' czar, Jennings has no experience keeping students safe or keeping our schools drug free. Jennings is committed to the ‘safety' of only a narrow portion of American students, while expressing disdain for religion and traditional values. President Obama should fire Kevin Jennings immediately." Text of the letter follows: October 15, 2009 President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President, We respectfully request that you remove Kevin Jennings, the Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools, from your Administration. It is clear that Mr. Jennings lacks the appropriate qualifications and ethical standards to serve in this capacity. As the founder of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Mr. Jennings has played an integral role in promoting homosexuality and pushing a pro-homosexual agenda in America's schools-an agenda that runs counter to the values that many parents desire to instill in their children. As evidence of this, Mr. Jennings wrote the foreword for a book titled Queering Elementary Education: Advancing the Dialogue About Sexualities and Schooling. Throughout his career, Mr. Jennings has made it his mission to establish special protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students to the exclusion of all other students. The totality of Mr. Jennings' career has been to advocate for public affirmation of homosexuality. There is more to safe and drug free schools than can be accomplished from the narrow view of Mr. Jennings who has, for more than 20 years, almost exclusively focused on promoting the homosexual agenda. Equally troubling is Mr. Jennings' self-described history of ignoring the sexual abuse of a child. In his book, One Teacher in Ten, Mr. Jennings recounts a 15-year old student confiding in him that he had a sexual relationship with a much older man. Mr. Jennings' only response was to ask if the underage boy used a condom. As a mandatory reporter, Mr. Jennings was required by law to report child abuse, including sex crimes. Mr. Jennings cannot serve as the "safe schools" czar when his record demonstrates a willingness to overlook the sexual abuse of a child. As the "safe schools" czar, Mr. Jennings is also charged with ensuring our schools and students are drug free. It is clear that Mr. Jennings is unfit to serve in this capacity, as well. His own history of unrepentant drug and alcohol abuse indicates that he is of the opinion that getting drunk and high as a young person is acceptable. In his memoir, Mama's Boy, Preacher's Son, Mr. Jennings describes his use of illegal drugs, without expressing regret or acknowledging the devastating effects illegal drug use can have on a person's life. Everyone that deals with the education of the most vulnerable must be a positive role model. Our children are not blessed with the wisdom to discern and reject. Children presume the adults who educate them are approved by the larger society and their parents. Kevin Jennings cannot gain the approval of parents who want their children safe and their schools drug free. You should replace him with someone who has a record of educating children in a safe and moral environment. Given these very serious issues with Mr. Jennings' record, we urge you to remove him immediately. Sincerely, King, 52 House Republicans Call on Obama to Fire Kevin Jennings Congressman Steve King (R-IA) and 52 other House Republicans today sent a letter to the White House calling on President Barack Obama to fire "safe schools" czar Kevin Jennings. King, the first member of Congress to ask for the dismissal of Jennings, initially called for President Obama to fire Jennings on October 5. "Support is growing in Congress and across America for President Obama to fire Kevin Jennings and replace him with someone possessing the appropriate qualifications and ethical standards to serve in a presidential administration," King said. "Despite serving as the ‘safe schools' czar, Jennings has no experience keeping students safe or keeping our schools drug free. Jennings is committed to the ‘safety' of only a narrow portion of American students, while expressing disdain for religion and traditional values. President Obama should fire Kevin Jennings immediately." Text of the letter follows: October 15, 2009 President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President, We respectfully request that you remove Kevin Jennings, the Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools, from your Administration. It is clear that Mr. Jennings lacks the appropriate qualifications and ethical standards to serve in this capacity. As the founder of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Mr. Jennings has played an integral role in promoting homosexuality and pushing a pro-homosexual agenda in America's schools-an agenda that runs counter to the values that many parents desire to instill in their children. As evidence of this, Mr. Jennings wrote the foreword for a book titled Queering Elementary Education: Advancing the Dialogue About Sexualities and Schooling. Throughout his career, Mr. Jennings has made it his mission to establish special protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students to the exclusion of all other students. The totality of Mr. Jennings' career has been to advocate for public affirmation of homosexuality. There is more to safe and drug free schools than can be accomplished from the narrow view of Mr. Jennings who has, for more than 20 years, almost exclusively focused on promoting the homosexual agenda. Equally troubling is Mr. Jennings' self-described history of ignoring the sexual abuse of a child. In his book, One Teacher in Ten, Mr. Jennings recounts a 15-year old student confiding in him that he had a sexual relationship with a much older man. Mr. Jennings' only response was to ask if the underage boy used a condom. As a mandatory reporter, Mr. Jennings was required by law to report child abuse, including sex crimes. Mr. Jennings cannot serve as the "safe schools" czar when his record demonstrates a willingness to overlook the sexual abuse of a child. As the "safe schools" czar, Mr. Jennings is also charged with ensuring our schools and students are drug free. It is clear that Mr. Jennings is unfit to serve in this capacity, as well. His own history of unrepentant drug and alcohol abuse indicates that he is of the opinion that getting drunk and high as a young person is acceptable. In his memoir, Mama's Boy, Preacher's Son, Mr. Jennings describes his use of illegal drugs, without expressing regret or acknowledging the devastating effects illegal drug use can have on a person's life. Everyone that deals with the education of the most vulnerable must be a positive role model. Our children are not blessed with the wisdom to discern and reject. Children presume the adults who educate them are approved by the larger society and their parents. Kevin Jennings cannot gain the approval of parents who want their children safe and their schools drug free. You should replace him with someone who has a record of educating children in a safe and moral environment. Given these very serious issues with Mr. Jennings' record, we urge you to remove him immediately. Sincerely, tag:odeo.com,2009-10-16,25299020 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:58:50 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25286037-Republican-Leadership-Stakeout-Economy-and-Health-Care-VIDEO House Republicans discuss the economy and health care after their weekly conference meeting. 10/14/09 Republican Leadership Stakeout October 14, 2009. GOP.gov House Republicans discuss the economy and health care after their weekly conference meeting. 10/14/09 Republican Leadership Stakeout October 14, 2009. GOP.gov House Republicans discuss the economy and health care after their weekly conference meeting. 10/14/09 Republican Leadership Stakeout October 14, 2009. GOP.gov tag:odeo.com,2009-10-14,25286037 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:46:08 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25286038-Republicans-Higher-Premiums-and-Medicare-Cuts-Are-Not-Health-Care-Reform-VIDEO At a press conference in the U.S. Capitol, Senate Republicans emphasize that the Democrats' health care bill which would hike premiums, raise taxes, and cut Medicare is not a solution to our current health care challenges. Republican.Senate.Gov At a press conference in the U.S. Capitol, Senate Republicans emphasize that the Democrats' health care bill which would hike premiums, raise taxes, and cut Medicare is not a solution to our current health care challenges. Republican.Senate.Gov At a press conference in the U.S. Capitol, Senate Republicans emphasize that the Democrats' health care bill which would hike premiums, raise taxes, and cut Medicare is not a solution to our current health care challenges. Republican.Senate.Gov tag:odeo.com,2009-10-14,25286038 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:12:07 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25268774-Senator-George-LeMieux-Weekly-Republican-Address-10-10-09-VIDEO-FULL-TEXT-TRANSCRIPT Senator George LeMieux Weekly Republican Address 10/11/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hello, I’m Senator George LeMieux of Florida. It’s an honor and privilege to be serving the people of the Sunshine State in the United States Senate. We’ve all seen the headlines and know that one of the biggest issues pending before Congress is health care. Families in Florida and across America are struggling with the increasing costs of health insurance, and tens of millions Americans have no health insurance at all. We in the Congress have a duty to tackle this problem, but the solution we settle upon should not be rushed, and the solution should not be worse than the problem we are trying to solve. Right now, Senate Democrats and White House officials are behind closed doors crafting their final health care overhaul proposal. While the Democrats in Congress have not yet provided the actual language of their proposed law, we do know enough for Americans to be concerned. So far, according to the ... Senator George LeMieux Weekly Republican Address 10/11/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hello, I’m Senator George LeMieux of Florida. It’s an honor and privilege to be serving the people of the Sunshine State in the United States Senate. We’ve all seen the headlines and know that one of the biggest issues pending before Congress is health care. Families in Florida and across America are struggling with the increasing costs of health insurance, and tens of millions Americans have no health insurance at all. We in the Congress have a duty to tackle this problem, but the solution we settle upon should not be rushed, and the solution should not be worse than the problem we are trying to solve. Right now, Senate Democrats and White House officials are behind closed doors crafting their final health care overhaul proposal. While the Democrats in Congress have not yet provided the actual language of their proposed law, we do know enough for Americans to be concerned. So far, according to the Senate Budget Committee, we know the true cost of this proposal is at least $1.8 trillion over 10 years. We know it takes nearly $500 billion out of Medicare funding for seniors, and requires our states to shoulder billions more in health care costs, which they can ill-afford to do. The Democrat-sponsored proposal in the Senate cuts nearly $135 billion from Medicare Advantage, over $150 billion from hospitals that care for seniors, more than $51 billion from home health agencies and hospices, and nearly $70 billion in additional cuts or fee increases. These cuts would arrive at a time when projections show the Medicare program will be insolvent in less than 8 years. Taking money from a program already in financial trouble is not responsible; it’s not fair to our seniors who paid into the program, and it’s not fair to our children and grandchildren who will be burdened with massive debt obligations. Another part of this plan would deny millions of people the choice of health plans that best suit their needs by forcing them onto Medicaid. This is contrary to the President’s promise to give the American people choice. Not to mention, dramatically expanding Medicaid adds a huge burden to state governments at a time when they can least afford it. Over the last two years in Florida, we had to cut nearly $8 billion from state programs to meet our state’s balanced budget requirement. Unlike the federal government, our states have to balance their budgets, and they can’t print more money to pay for programs they can’t afford. Piling on additional obligations would mean even more severe cuts to roads, schools, law enforcement and other essential state services. Budget neutral doesn’t mean forcing states to cut vital programs to make up what the federal government isn’t willing to pay. That is why America’s governors, both Democrat and Republican alike, have voiced their opposition to this plan. The plan being pushed by Democrats in Congress also adds a new tax burden to our families. President Obama said families earning less than $250,000 a year would not be subject to any tax increases; but this proposal contains a mandate for families to buy insurance. Failing to comply would mean every adult would have to pay a $750 penalty. The President says this isn’t a tax; I don’t buy it. The penalty is paid directly to the IRS when you pay your taxes, and it’s certainly not optional. If it looks like a tax, and it’s paid like a tax, then it is a tax, plain and simple. There are also new taxes on health insurance providers, manufacturers and importers of medicine, and medical device manufacturers. Two non-partisan groups unequivocally state that these taxes will be passed on to consumers in the form of higher insurance premiums. It is likely that the current proposal will increase your health insurance costs, not reduce them. Republicans in Congress are willing to work toward targeted steps to broaden health care access and affordability, but we should take some more time get it right, rather than move quickly and get it wrong. Real reform ought to focus on stopping the estimated $60 billion in Medicare waste, fraud and abuse, and using those funds to care for seniors. Real reform ought to address portability – allowing people to keep their health insurance whether they change jobs or move to a different state. Real reform ought to reduce the incidence of doctors having to practice defensive medicine – ordering a litany of unnecessary and expensive tests in order to avoid frivolous lawsuits. President Obama has said he wants a budget-neutral, bipartisan bill. Republicans welcome that effort. As we prepare to debate the plan in the United States Senate, I remain hopeful we can reach consensus on a proposal that will reduce costs and increase access to health care for those who are uninsured, while protecting the quality of care for all Americans. I’m Senator George LeMieux. Thank you for listening. (UPDATE: Sen. Mitch McConnell, noting the president's remarks here this morning, sends the following postscript:Since the President mentioned Sen. Dole, Sen. Frist, Gov. Schwarzenegger, Sec. Thompson and others in his weekly address this morning, I thought it might be instructive to show some more recent quotes that the White House hasn’t cited (though I can’t imagine why…): • Former Majority Leader Bob Dole: "Well, I think I agree with everything Mitch (McConnell) said. They’re not going to buy on to all the excise taxes that Senator Baucus put on the bill. It’s going to drive insurance companies out of business. We believe in the private sector. I do. Mitch McConnell does… everybody is for health care reform. Mitch McConnell is. Bob Dole is…" • Former Majority Leader Bill Frist: “I wouldn’t vote for any of them (Democrat health bills)” • Former HHS Sec. Tommy Thompson: “Clearly, there are some issues that remain troublesome and unresolved.”• Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: “It is absolutely unaffordable for states” Citations:1) SEN. BOB DOLE, (“Your World with Neil Cavuto,” Fox News, 10/9/09)2) BILL FRIST: “We’ve got five bills on the Senate…” CNBC’s JOE KERNEN: “You wouldn’t vote for any of them?” BILL FRIST: “Right now, in the shape that each of those are in I wouldn’t vote for any of them.” (CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” 10/6/09)3) FORMER HHS SECRETARY TOMMY THOMPSON: "Clearly, there are some issues that remain troublesome and unresolved in the Senate Finance Committee’s bill, but there are opportunities to debate these issues further as Congress moves in both Houses toward enactment of health reform this session.” (“Tommy Thompson Pushes For Health Reform,” Politico, 10/05/09)4) GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R-CA): “I Cannot And Will Not Support Federal Health Care Reform Proposals That Impose Billions Of Dollars In New Costs On California Each Year.” (“Gov. Schwarzenegger Sends Letter On Health Care Reform To Capitol Hill,” 07/31/09)GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R-CA): “I will be clear on this particular proposal: if Congress thinks the Medicaid expansion is too expensive for the federal government, it is absolutely unaffordable for states.” (Republican Governors Association, Press Release, 9/30/09)“California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), For One, Estimated That The Medicaid Expansion Could Cost His State $8 Billion A Year.” (“States Resist Medicaid Growth,” The Washington Post, 10/5/09) ### Senator George LeMieux Weekly Republican Address 10/11/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hello, I’m Senator George LeMieux of Florida. It’s an honor and privilege to be serving the people of the Sunshine State in the United States Senate. We’ve all seen the headlines and know that one of the biggest issues pending before Congress is health care. Families in Florida and across America are struggling with the increasing costs of health insurance, and tens of millions Americans have no health insurance at all. We in the Congress have a duty to tackle this problem, but the solution we settle upon should not be rushed, and the solution should not be worse than the problem we are trying to solve. Right now, Senate Democrats and White House officials are behind closed doors crafting their final health care overhaul proposal. While the Democrats in Congress have not yet provided the actual language of their proposed law, we do know enough for Americans to be concerned. So far, according to the Senate Budget Committee, we know the true cost of this proposal is at least $1.8 trillion over 10 years. We know it takes nearly $500 billion out of Medicare funding for seniors, and requires our states to shoulder billions more in health care costs, which they can ill-afford to do. The Democrat-sponsored proposal in the Senate cuts nearly $135 billion from Medicare Advantage, over $150 billion from hospitals that care for seniors, more than $51 billion from home health agencies and hospices, and nearly $70 billion in additional cuts or fee increases. These cuts would arrive at a time when projections show the Medicare program will be insolvent in less than 8 years. Taking money from a program already in financial trouble is not responsible; it’s not fair to our seniors who paid into the program, and it’s not fair to our children and grandchildren who will be burdened with massive debt obligations. Another part of this plan would deny millions of people the choice of health plans that best suit their needs by forcing them onto Medicaid. This is contrary to the President’s promise to give the American people choice. Not to mention, dramatically expanding Medicaid adds a huge burden to state governments at a time when they can least afford it. Over the last two years in Florida, we had to cut nearly $8 billion from state programs to meet our state’s balanced budget requirement. Unlike the federal government, our states have to balance their budgets, and they can’t print more money to pay for programs they can’t afford. Piling on additional obligations would mean even more severe cuts to roads, schools, law enforcement and other essential state services. Budget neutral doesn’t mean forcing states to cut vital programs to make up what the federal government isn’t willing to pay. That is why America’s governors, both Democrat and Republican alike, have voiced their opposition to this plan. The plan being pushed by Democrats in Congress also adds a new tax burden to our families. President Obama said families earning less than $250,000 a year would not be subject to any tax increases; but this proposal contains a mandate for families to buy insurance. Failing to comply would mean every adult would have to pay a $750 penalty. The President says this isn’t a tax; I don’t buy it. The penalty is paid directly to the IRS when you pay your taxes, and it’s certainly not optional. If it looks like a tax, and it’s paid like a tax, then it is a tax, plain and simple. There are also new taxes on health insurance providers, manufacturers and importers of medicine, and medical device manufacturers. Two non-partisan groups unequivocally state that these taxes will be passed on to consumers in the form of higher insurance premiums. It is likely that the current proposal will increase your health insurance costs, not reduce them. Republicans in Congress are willing to work toward targeted steps to broaden health care access and affordability, but we should take some more time get it right, rather than move quickly and get it wrong. Real reform ought to focus on stopping the estimated $60 billion in Medicare waste, fraud and abuse, and using those funds to care for seniors. Real reform ought to address portability – allowing people to keep their health insurance whether they change jobs or move to a different state. Real reform ought to reduce the incidence of doctors having to practice defensive medicine – ordering a litany of unnecessary and expensive tests in order to avoid frivolous lawsuits. President Obama has said he wants a budget-neutral, bipartisan bill. Republicans welcome that effort. As we prepare to debate the plan in the United States Senate, I remain hopeful we can reach consensus on a proposal that will reduce costs and increase access to health care for those who are uninsured, while protecting the quality of care for all Americans. I’m Senator George LeMieux. Thank you for listening. (UPDATE: Sen. Mitch McConnell, noting the president's remarks here this morning, sends the following postscript:Since the President mentioned Sen. Dole, Sen. Frist, Gov. Schwarzenegger, Sec. Thompson and others in his weekly address this morning, I thought it might be instructive to show some more recent quotes that the White House hasn’t cited (though I can’t imagine why…): • Former Majority Leader Bob Dole: "Well, I think I agree with everything Mitch (McConnell) said. They’re not going to buy on to all the excise taxes that Senator Baucus put on the bill. It’s going to drive insurance companies out of business. We believe in the private sector. I do. Mitch McConnell does… everybody is for health care reform. Mitch McConnell is. Bob Dole is…" • Former Majority Leader Bill Frist: “I wouldn’t vote for any of them (Democrat health bills)” • Former HHS Sec. Tommy Thompson: “Clearly, there are some issues that remain troublesome and unresolved.”• Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: “It is absolutely unaffordable for states” Citations:1) SEN. BOB DOLE, (“Your World with Neil Cavuto,” Fox News, 10/9/09)2) BILL FRIST: “We’ve got five bills on the Senate…” CNBC’s JOE KERNEN: “You wouldn’t vote for any of them?” BILL FRIST: “Right now, in the shape that each of those are in I wouldn’t vote for any of them.” (CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” 10/6/09)3) FORMER HHS SECRETARY TOMMY THOMPSON: "Clearly, there are some issues that remain troublesome and unresolved in the Senate Finance Committee’s bill, but there are opportunities to debate these issues further as Congress moves in both Houses toward enactment of health reform this session.” (“Tommy Thompson Pushes For Health Reform,” Politico, 10/05/09)4) GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R-CA): “I Cannot And Will Not Support Federal Health Care Reform Proposals That Impose Billions Of Dollars In New Costs On California Each Year.” (“Gov. Schwarzenegger Sends Letter On Health Care Reform To Capitol Hill,” 07/31/09)GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R-CA): “I will be clear on this particular proposal: if Congress thinks the Medicaid expansion is too expensive for the federal government, it is absolutely unaffordable for states.” (Republican Governors Association, Press Release, 9/30/09)“California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), For One, Estimated That The Medicaid Expansion Could Cost His State $8 Billion A Year.” (“States Resist Medicaid Growth,” The Washington Post, 10/5/09) ### tag:odeo.com,2009-10-11,25268774 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:41:21 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25268773-President-Barack-Obama-Weekly-Address-10-10-09-PODCAST-VIDEO-TEXT Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday,October 10, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 3.56 mb MP4 VIDEO (78 MB) The historic movement to bring real, meaningful health insurance reform to the American people gathered momentum this week as we approach the final days of this debate. Having worked on this issue for the better part of a year, the Senate Finance Committee is finishing deliberations on their version of a health insurance reform bill that will soon be merged with other reform bills produced by other Congressional committees. After evaluating the Finance Committee’s bill, the Congressional Budget Office – an office that provides independent, nonpartisan analysis – concluded that the legislation would make coverage affordable for millions of Americans who don’t have it today. It will bring greater security to Americans who have coverage, with new insurance protections. And, by attacking waste and fraud within the system, it will slow t... Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday,October 10, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 3.56 mb MP4 VIDEO (78 MB) The historic movement to bring real, meaningful health insurance reform to the American people gathered momentum this week as we approach the final days of this debate. Having worked on this issue for the better part of a year, the Senate Finance Committee is finishing deliberations on their version of a health insurance reform bill that will soon be merged with other reform bills produced by other Congressional committees. After evaluating the Finance Committee’s bill, the Congressional Budget Office – an office that provides independent, nonpartisan analysis – concluded that the legislation would make coverage affordable for millions of Americans who don’t have it today. It will bring greater security to Americans who have coverage, with new insurance protections. And, by attacking waste and fraud within the system, it will slow the growth in health care costs, without adding a dime to our deficits. This is another milestone on what has been a long, hard road toward health insurance reform. In recent months, we’ve heard every side of every argument from both sides of the aisle. And rightly so – health insurance reform is a complex and critical issue that deserves a vigorous national debate, and we’ve had one. The approach that is emerging includes the best ideas from Republicans and Democrats, and people across the political spectrum. In fact, what’s remarkable is not that we’ve had a spirited debate about health insurance reform, but the unprecedented consensus that has come together behind it. This consensus encompasses everyone from doctors and nurses to hospitals and drug manufacturers. And earlier this week, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg came out in support of reform, joining two former Republican Senate Majority Leaders: Bob Dole and Dr. Bill Frist, himself a cardiac surgeon. Dr. Louis Sullivan, Secretary of Health and Human Services under President George H.W. Bush, supports reform. As does Republican Tommy Thompson, a former Wisconsin governor and Secretary of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush. These distinguished leaders understand that health insurance reform isn’t a Democratic issue or a Republican issue, but an American issue that demands a solution. Still, there are some in Washington today who seem determined to play the same old partisan politics, working to score political points, even if it means burdening this country with an unsustainable status quo. A status quo of rising health care costs that are crushing our families, our businesses, and our government. A status quo of diminishing coverage that is denying millions of hardworking Americans the insurance they need. A status quo that gives big insurance companies the power to make arbitrary decisions about your health care. That is a status quo I reject. And that is a status quo the American people reject. The distinguished former Congressional leaders who urged us to act on health insurance reform spoke of the historic moment at hand and reminded us that this moment will not soon come again. They called on members of both parties seize this opportunity to finally confront a problem that has plagued us for far too long. That is what we are called to do at this moment. That is the spirit of national purpose that we must summon right now. Now is the time to rise above the politics of the moment. Now is the time to come together as Americans. Now is the time to meet our responsibilities to ourselves and to our children, and secure a better, healthier future for generations to come. That future is within our grasp. So, let’s go finish the job. Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday,October 10, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 3.56 mb MP4 VIDEO (78 MB) The historic movement to bring real, meaningful health insurance reform to the American people gathered momentum this week as we approach the final days of this debate. Having worked on this issue for the better part of a year, the Senate Finance Committee is finishing deliberations on their version of a health insurance reform bill that will soon be merged with other reform bills produced by other Congressional committees. After evaluating the Finance Committee’s bill, the Congressional Budget Office – an office that provides independent, nonpartisan analysis – concluded that the legislation would make coverage affordable for millions of Americans who don’t have it today. It will bring greater security to Americans who have coverage, with new insurance protections. And, by attacking waste and fraud within the system, it will slow the growth in health care costs, without adding a dime to our deficits. This is another milestone on what has been a long, hard road toward health insurance reform. In recent months, we’ve heard every side of every argument from both sides of the aisle. And rightly so – health insurance reform is a complex and critical issue that deserves a vigorous national debate, and we’ve had one. The approach that is emerging includes the best ideas from Republicans and Democrats, and people across the political spectrum. In fact, what’s remarkable is not that we’ve had a spirited debate about health insurance reform, but the unprecedented consensus that has come together behind it. This consensus encompasses everyone from doctors and nurses to hospitals and drug manufacturers. And earlier this week, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg came out in support of reform, joining two former Republican Senate Majority Leaders: Bob Dole and Dr. Bill Frist, himself a cardiac surgeon. Dr. Louis Sullivan, Secretary of Health and Human Services under President George H.W. Bush, supports reform. As does Republican Tommy Thompson, a former Wisconsin governor and Secretary of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush. These distinguished leaders understand that health insurance reform isn’t a Democratic issue or a Republican issue, but an American issue that demands a solution. Still, there are some in Washington today who seem determined to play the same old partisan politics, working to score political points, even if it means burdening this country with an unsustainable status quo. A status quo of rising health care costs that are crushing our families, our businesses, and our government. A status quo of diminishing coverage that is denying millions of hardworking Americans the insurance they need. A status quo that gives big insurance companies the power to make arbitrary decisions about your health care. That is a status quo I reject. And that is a status quo the American people reject. The distinguished former Congressional leaders who urged us to act on health insurance reform spoke of the historic moment at hand and reminded us that this moment will not soon come again. They called on members of both parties seize this opportunity to finally confront a problem that has plagued us for far too long. That is what we are called to do at this moment. That is the spirit of national purpose that we must summon right now. Now is the time to rise above the politics of the moment. Now is the time to come together as Americans. Now is the time to meet our responsibilities to ourselves and to our children, and secure a better, healthier future for generations to come. That future is within our grasp. So, let’s go finish the job. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-11,25268773 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:40:22 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25261239-The-Dollar-is-in-Serious-Trouble-Michele-Bachmann-VIDEO "The agenda of spend now, someone else will pay later pursued by this President and his Democrat allies in Congress is not only handing record high debts and deficits to our children. It is also handing them a legacy of a weakened dollar. But, the majority here in Washington seems entirely unmotivated to do anything about it." Published: 10/8/2009 Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. 6th District of Minnesota: "The agenda of spend now, someone else will pay later pursued by this President and his Democrat allies in Congress is not only handing record high debts and deficits to our children. It is also handing them a legacy of a weakened dollar. But, the majority here in Washington seems entirely unmotivated to do anything about it." Published: 10/8/2009 Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. 6th District of Minnesota: "The agenda of spend now, someone else will pay later pursued by this President and his Democrat allies in Congress is not only handing record high debts and deficits to our children. It is also handing them a legacy of a weakened dollar. But, the majority here in Washington seems entirely unmotivated to do anything about it." Published: 10/8/2009 Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. 6th District of Minnesota: tag:odeo.com,2009-10-09,25261239 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:46:23 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25249910-Acorn-Bertha-Lewis-GOP-Attacks-Modern-Day-McCarthyism-VIDEO We should be unfaithful to ourselves if we should ever lose sight of the danger to our liberties if anything partial or extraneous should infect the purity of our free, fair, virtuous, and independent elections.President John Adams, Inaugural Address, 1797 Is ACORN Intentionally Structured As a Criminal Enterprise? Staff Report U.S. House of Representatives 111th Congress Committee on Oversight and Government Reform July 23, 2009. The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) has repeatedlyand deliberately engaged in systemic fraud. Both structurally and operationally, ACORN hides behind a paper wall of nonprofit corporate protections to conceal a criminal conspiracy on the part of its directors, to launder federal money in order to pursue a partisan political agenda and to manipulate the American electorate. Emerging accounts of widespread deceit and corruption raise the need for a criminalinvestigation of ACORN. By intentionally blurring the legal distinctions ... We should be unfaithful to ourselves if we should ever lose sight of the danger to our liberties if anything partial or extraneous should infect the purity of our free, fair, virtuous, and independent elections.President John Adams, Inaugural Address, 1797 Is ACORN Intentionally Structured As a Criminal Enterprise? Staff Report U.S. House of Representatives 111th Congress Committee on Oversight and Government Reform July 23, 2009. The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) has repeatedlyand deliberately engaged in systemic fraud. Both structurally and operationally, ACORN hides behind a paper wall of nonprofit corporate protections to conceal a criminal conspiracy on the part of its directors, to launder federal money in order to pursue a partisan political agenda and to manipulate the American electorate. Emerging accounts of widespread deceit and corruption raise the need for a criminalinvestigation of ACORN. By intentionally blurring the legal distinctions between 361tax-exempt and non-exempt entities, ACORN diverts taxpayer and tax-exempt moniesinto partisan political activities. Since 1994, more than $53 million in federal funds have been pumped into ACORN, and under the Obama administration, ACORN stands to receive a whopping $8.5 billion in available stimulus funds. Operationally, ACORN is a shell game played in 120 cities, 43 states and the District of Columbia through a complex structure designed to conceal illegal activities, to use taxpayer and tax-exempt dollars for partisan political purposes, and to distract investigators. Structurally, ACORN is a chess game in which senior management is shielded from accountability by multiple layers of volunteers and compensated employees who serve as pawns to take the fall for every bad act. The report that follows presents evidence obtained from former ACORN insiders thatcompletes the picture of a criminal enterprise. Complete Report Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in PDF format. We should be unfaithful to ourselves if we should ever lose sight of the danger to our liberties if anything partial or extraneous should infect the purity of our free, fair, virtuous, and independent elections.President John Adams, Inaugural Address, 1797 Is ACORN Intentionally Structured As a Criminal Enterprise? Staff Report U.S. House of Representatives 111th Congress Committee on Oversight and Government Reform July 23, 2009. The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) has repeatedlyand deliberately engaged in systemic fraud. Both structurally and operationally, ACORN hides behind a paper wall of nonprofit corporate protections to conceal a criminal conspiracy on the part of its directors, to launder federal money in order to pursue a partisan political agenda and to manipulate the American electorate. Emerging accounts of widespread deceit and corruption raise the need for a criminalinvestigation of ACORN. By intentionally blurring the legal distinctions between 361tax-exempt and non-exempt entities, ACORN diverts taxpayer and tax-exempt moniesinto partisan political activities. Since 1994, more than $53 million in federal funds have been pumped into ACORN, and under the Obama administration, ACORN stands to receive a whopping $8.5 billion in available stimulus funds. Operationally, ACORN is a shell game played in 120 cities, 43 states and the District of Columbia through a complex structure designed to conceal illegal activities, to use taxpayer and tax-exempt dollars for partisan political purposes, and to distract investigators. Structurally, ACORN is a chess game in which senior management is shielded from accountability by multiple layers of volunteers and compensated employees who serve as pawns to take the fall for every bad act. The report that follows presents evidence obtained from former ACORN insiders thatcompletes the picture of a criminal enterprise. Complete Report Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in PDF format. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-07,25249910 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:54:10 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25239702-Cuccinelli-calls-on-Steve-Shannon-to-return-ACORN-contributor-campaign-funds-VIDEO The SEIU funds ACORN and Steve Shannon. That's a trio Virginia can't afford to put into power. Releases Web Ad RICHMOND -- State Senator Ken Cuccinelli, Republican Nominee for Attorney General called on his Democrat opponent today to return any and all campaign contributions to his campaign from the Service Employees International Union or SEIU and condemn all ACORN activity. "Steve Shannon has received tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from the SEIU - whose link and close working relationship with the renegade organization ACORN is well documented" said Senator Ken Cuccinelli. "SEIU's long standing financial support and its affiliation as an allied organization of ACORN across the country requires a repudiation of the relationship" added Cuccinelli. "I applaud the United States Congress for moving to de-fund ACORN of any tax payer dollars, a move that should have occurred years ago. ACORN's well documented illegal activities, including voter fraud, should give ... The SEIU funds ACORN and Steve Shannon. That's a trio Virginia can't afford to put into power. Releases Web Ad RICHMOND -- State Senator Ken Cuccinelli, Republican Nominee for Attorney General called on his Democrat opponent today to return any and all campaign contributions to his campaign from the Service Employees International Union or SEIU and condemn all ACORN activity. "Steve Shannon has received tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from the SEIU - whose link and close working relationship with the renegade organization ACORN is well documented" said Senator Ken Cuccinelli. "SEIU's long standing financial support and its affiliation as an allied organization of ACORN across the country requires a repudiation of the relationship" added Cuccinelli. "I applaud the United States Congress for moving to de-fund ACORN of any tax payer dollars, a move that should have occurred years ago. ACORN's well documented illegal activities, including voter fraud, should give all Americans pause. Voters have a right to know that ACORN affiliated and allied organizations are funding Democrat campaigns this year in Virginia, and what do they expect in return?" concluded Cuccinelli. A quick fact sheet on ACORN: ACORN-SEIU "Allied Organizations" 1. ACORN's biggest union backer, the Service Employees International Union, gave more than $4 million to the community organization and its affiliates from 2006-07, according to Dept. of Labor filings. 2. The President of the SEIU sits on ACORN's advisory council. 3. One SEIU local union, the Illinois Homecare Workers and Home Childcare Providers, sprouted from ACORN's organizing efforts and pays rent to ACORN. 4. SEIU Locals 100 and 880 are identified as allied organizations on ACORN's website. 5. U.S. Department of Labor LM-2's (financial disclosure forms) point to over $600,000 in transactions between SEIU Locals 100 and 880 locals and other ACORN operations 6. ACORN founder S. Wade Rathke referred to mega-union SEIU 880 as "one of the pillars of the ACORN Family." 7. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President Andy Stern hand picked ACORN's Rathke to direct SEIU's nationwide organizing projects. SEIU-Shannon Contributions$1,500 SEIU Local 32BJ NY/NJ American Dream Fund PAC 6/1/09$5,000 SEIU Local 32BJ NY/NJ American Dream Fund PAC 8/28/09$5,000 SEIU in DC 5/29/09$10,000 SEIU in DC 8/28/09$21,500 Total for Shannon direct from all SEIU entities SEIU-other Democrat Contributions$100,000 Deeds for Governor - SEIU in DC 6/30/09$100,000 Deeds for Governor - SEIU in DC 8/31/09$35,000 DPV-Virginia House Caucus - SEIU in DC 8/31/09$75,000 Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee - SEIU in DC -10/28/08$75,000 Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee - SEIU in DC -7/02/08$35,000 Democratic Party - Virginia House Caucus 8/31/09$4,000 Wagner for LG - SEIU-PEA International 8/31/09$1,000 Wagner for LG - SEIU Local 32 BJ NY/NJ American Dream Fund 8/31/09 All told, in 2008/2009 the SEIU and its affiliated "American Dream Fund PAC" have contributed nearly $400,000 in contributions to Democrat Party Committees and Candidates (Source: VPAP). Paid for and Authorized by Cuccinelli for Attorney General 703-766-0635 © Ken Cuccinelli for Attorney General The SEIU funds ACORN and Steve Shannon. That's a trio Virginia can't afford to put into power. Releases Web Ad RICHMOND -- State Senator Ken Cuccinelli, Republican Nominee for Attorney General called on his Democrat opponent today to return any and all campaign contributions to his campaign from the Service Employees International Union or SEIU and condemn all ACORN activity. "Steve Shannon has received tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from the SEIU - whose link and close working relationship with the renegade organization ACORN is well documented" said Senator Ken Cuccinelli. "SEIU's long standing financial support and its affiliation as an allied organization of ACORN across the country requires a repudiation of the relationship" added Cuccinelli. "I applaud the United States Congress for moving to de-fund ACORN of any tax payer dollars, a move that should have occurred years ago. ACORN's well documented illegal activities, including voter fraud, should give all Americans pause. Voters have a right to know that ACORN affiliated and allied organizations are funding Democrat campaigns this year in Virginia, and what do they expect in return?" concluded Cuccinelli. A quick fact sheet on ACORN: ACORN-SEIU "Allied Organizations" 1. ACORN's biggest union backer, the Service Employees International Union, gave more than $4 million to the community organization and its affiliates from 2006-07, according to Dept. of Labor filings. 2. The President of the SEIU sits on ACORN's advisory council. 3. One SEIU local union, the Illinois Homecare Workers and Home Childcare Providers, sprouted from ACORN's organizing efforts and pays rent to ACORN. 4. SEIU Locals 100 and 880 are identified as allied organizations on ACORN's website. 5. U.S. Department of Labor LM-2's (financial disclosure forms) point to over $600,000 in transactions between SEIU Locals 100 and 880 locals and other ACORN operations 6. ACORN founder S. Wade Rathke referred to mega-union SEIU 880 as "one of the pillars of the ACORN Family." 7. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President Andy Stern hand picked ACORN's Rathke to direct SEIU's nationwide organizing projects. SEIU-Shannon Contributions$1,500 SEIU Local 32BJ NY/NJ American Dream Fund PAC 6/1/09$5,000 SEIU Local 32BJ NY/NJ American Dream Fund PAC 8/28/09$5,000 SEIU in DC 5/29/09$10,000 SEIU in DC 8/28/09$21,500 Total for Shannon direct from all SEIU entities SEIU-other Democrat Contributions$100,000 Deeds for Governor - SEIU in DC 6/30/09$100,000 Deeds for Governor - SEIU in DC 8/31/09$35,000 DPV-Virginia House Caucus - SEIU in DC 8/31/09$75,000 Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee - SEIU in DC -10/28/08$75,000 Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee - SEIU in DC -7/02/08$35,000 Democratic Party - Virginia House Caucus 8/31/09$4,000 Wagner for LG - SEIU-PEA International 8/31/09$1,000 Wagner for LG - SEIU Local 32 BJ NY/NJ American Dream Fund 8/31/09 All told, in 2008/2009 the SEIU and its affiliated "American Dream Fund PAC" have contributed nearly $400,000 in contributions to Democrat Party Committees and Candidates (Source: VPAP). Paid for and Authorized by Cuccinelli for Attorney General 703-766-0635 © Ken Cuccinelli for Attorney General tag:odeo.com,2009-10-05,25239702 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:14:50 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25232204-Karl-Rove-On-Obama-s-Olympic-Failure-He-Got-What-He-Deserved-VIDEO Karl Rove on with Juan Williams hosting the O'Reilly Factor. President Obama speaking to the International Olympic Committee. Karl Rove on with Juan Williams hosting the O'Reilly Factor. President Obama speaking to the International Olympic Committee. Karl Rove on with Juan Williams hosting the O'Reilly Factor. President Obama speaking to the International Olympic Committee. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-04,25232204 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:57:53 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25228280-President-Barack-Obama-Weekly-Address-10-03-09-PODCAST-VIDEO-TEXT Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday,October 03, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 4.98 mb MP4 VIDEO (108 MB) When I took office eight months ago, our nation was in the midst of an economic crisis unlike any we’d seen in generations. While I was confident that our economy would recover, we know that employment is often the last thing to come back after a recession. Our task is to do everything we possibly can to accelerate that process. And we’ve certainly made progress on this front since the period last winter when we were losing an average of 700,000 jobs each month. But yesterday’s report on September job losses was a sobering reminder that progress comes in fits and starts, and that we will need to grind out this recovery step by step. That’s why I’m working closely with my economic team to explore additional options to promote job creation. And I won’t let up until those who seek jobs can find them; until businesses that seek capital... Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday,October 03, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 4.98 mb MP4 VIDEO (108 MB) When I took office eight months ago, our nation was in the midst of an economic crisis unlike any we’d seen in generations. While I was confident that our economy would recover, we know that employment is often the last thing to come back after a recession. Our task is to do everything we possibly can to accelerate that process. And we’ve certainly made progress on this front since the period last winter when we were losing an average of 700,000 jobs each month. But yesterday’s report on September job losses was a sobering reminder that progress comes in fits and starts, and that we will need to grind out this recovery step by step. That’s why I’m working closely with my economic team to explore additional options to promote job creation. And I won’t let up until those who seek jobs can find them; until businesses that seek capital and credit can thrive; and until all responsible homeowners can stay in their homes. It won’t be easy. It will require us to lay a new foundation for our economy – one that gives our workers the skills and education they need to compete; that invests in renewable energy and the jobs of the future; and that makes health care affordable for families and businesses – particularly small businesses, many of which have been overwhelmed by rising health care costs. This is something I hear about from entrepreneurs I meet – people who’ve got a good idea, and the expertise and determination to build it into a thriving business. But many can’t take that leap because they can’t afford to lose the health insurance they have at their current job. I hear about it from small business owners who want to grow their companies and hire more people, but they can’t, because they can barely afford to insure the employees they have. One small business owner wrote to me that health care costs are – and I quote – "stifling my business growth." He said that the money he wanted to use for research and development, and to expand his operations, has instead been "thrown into the pocket of healthcare insurance carriers." These small businesses are the mom and pop stores and restaurants, beauty shops and construction companies that support families and sustain communities. They’re the small startups with big ideas, hoping to be the next Google, or Apple, or HP. Altogether, they create roughly half of all new jobs. And right now, they are paying up to 18 percent more for the very same insurance plans as larger businesses because they have higher administrative costs and less bargaining power. Many have been forced to cut benefits or drop coverage. Some have shed jobs or shut their doors entirely. And recent studies show that if we fail to act now, employers will pay six percent more to insure their employees next year – and more than twice as much over the next decade. Rising health care costs are undermining our businesses, exploding our deficits, and costing our nation more jobs with each passing month. So we know that reforming our health insurance system will be a critical step in rebuilding our economy so that our entrepreneurs can pursue the American Dream again, and our small businesses can grow and expand and create new jobs again. That is precisely what the reform legislation before Congress right now will do. Under these proposals, small businesses will be able to purchase health insurance through an insurance exchange, a marketplace where they can compare the price, quality and services of a wide variety of plans, many of which will provide better coverage at lower costs than the plans they have now. Small businesses won’t be required to cover their employees, but many that do will receive a tax credit to help them pay for it. If a small business chooses not to provide coverage, its employees will receive tax credits to help them purchase health insurance on their own through the insurance exchange. And no matter how you get your insurance, insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny your coverage because of a pre-existing condition. They won’t be able to drop your coverage if you get too sick, or lose your job, or change jobs. And we’ll limit the amount your insurance company can force you to pay out of your own pocket. By now, the urgency of these reforms is abundantly clear. And after long hours of thoughtful deliberation and tough negotiation, the Senate Finance Committee – the final congressional committee involved in shaping health care legislation – has finished the process of crafting their reform proposal. As we move forward in the coming weeks, I understand that members of Congress from both parties will want to engage in a vigorous debate and contribute their own ideas. And I welcome those contributions. I welcome any sincere attempts to improve legislation before it reaches my desk. But what I will not accept are attempts to stall, or drag our feet. I will not accept partisan efforts to block reform at any cost. Instead, I expect us to move forward with a spirit of civility, a seriousness of purpose, and a willingness to compromise that characterizes our democratic process at its very best. If we do that, I am confident that we will pass reform this year, and help ensure that our entrepreneurs, our businesses, and our economy can thrive in the years ahead. Thank you. Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday,October 03, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 4.98 mb MP4 VIDEO (108 MB) When I took office eight months ago, our nation was in the midst of an economic crisis unlike any we’d seen in generations. While I was confident that our economy would recover, we know that employment is often the last thing to come back after a recession. Our task is to do everything we possibly can to accelerate that process. And we’ve certainly made progress on this front since the period last winter when we were losing an average of 700,000 jobs each month. But yesterday’s report on September job losses was a sobering reminder that progress comes in fits and starts, and that we will need to grind out this recovery step by step. That’s why I’m working closely with my economic team to explore additional options to promote job creation. And I won’t let up until those who seek jobs can find them; until businesses that seek capital and credit can thrive; and until all responsible homeowners can stay in their homes. It won’t be easy. It will require us to lay a new foundation for our economy – one that gives our workers the skills and education they need to compete; that invests in renewable energy and the jobs of the future; and that makes health care affordable for families and businesses – particularly small businesses, many of which have been overwhelmed by rising health care costs. This is something I hear about from entrepreneurs I meet – people who’ve got a good idea, and the expertise and determination to build it into a thriving business. But many can’t take that leap because they can’t afford to lose the health insurance they have at their current job. I hear about it from small business owners who want to grow their companies and hire more people, but they can’t, because they can barely afford to insure the employees they have. One small business owner wrote to me that health care costs are – and I quote – "stifling my business growth." He said that the money he wanted to use for research and development, and to expand his operations, has instead been "thrown into the pocket of healthcare insurance carriers." These small businesses are the mom and pop stores and restaurants, beauty shops and construction companies that support families and sustain communities. They’re the small startups with big ideas, hoping to be the next Google, or Apple, or HP. Altogether, they create roughly half of all new jobs. And right now, they are paying up to 18 percent more for the very same insurance plans as larger businesses because they have higher administrative costs and less bargaining power. Many have been forced to cut benefits or drop coverage. Some have shed jobs or shut their doors entirely. And recent studies show that if we fail to act now, employers will pay six percent more to insure their employees next year – and more than twice as much over the next decade. Rising health care costs are undermining our businesses, exploding our deficits, and costing our nation more jobs with each passing month. So we know that reforming our health insurance system will be a critical step in rebuilding our economy so that our entrepreneurs can pursue the American Dream again, and our small businesses can grow and expand and create new jobs again. That is precisely what the reform legislation before Congress right now will do. Under these proposals, small businesses will be able to purchase health insurance through an insurance exchange, a marketplace where they can compare the price, quality and services of a wide variety of plans, many of which will provide better coverage at lower costs than the plans they have now. Small businesses won’t be required to cover their employees, but many that do will receive a tax credit to help them pay for it. If a small business chooses not to provide coverage, its employees will receive tax credits to help them purchase health insurance on their own through the insurance exchange. And no matter how you get your insurance, insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny your coverage because of a pre-existing condition. They won’t be able to drop your coverage if you get too sick, or lose your job, or change jobs. And we’ll limit the amount your insurance company can force you to pay out of your own pocket. By now, the urgency of these reforms is abundantly clear. And after long hours of thoughtful deliberation and tough negotiation, the Senate Finance Committee – the final congressional committee involved in shaping health care legislation – has finished the process of crafting their reform proposal. As we move forward in the coming weeks, I understand that members of Congress from both parties will want to engage in a vigorous debate and contribute their own ideas. And I welcome those contributions. I welcome any sincere attempts to improve legislation before it reaches my desk. But what I will not accept are attempts to stall, or drag our feet. I will not accept partisan efforts to block reform at any cost. Instead, I expect us to move forward with a spirit of civility, a seriousness of purpose, and a willingness to compromise that characterizes our democratic process at its very best. If we do that, I am confident that we will pass reform this year, and help ensure that our entrepreneurs, our businesses, and our economy can thrive in the years ahead. Thank you. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-03,25228280 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:06:49 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25228281-Congresswoman-Candice-Miller-Weekly-Republican-Address-10-03-09-VIDEO-FULL-TEXT-TRANSCRIPT Congresswoman Candice Miller Weekly Republican Address 10/03/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hello, I’m Congresswoman Candice Miller and I am very proud to represent Michigan’s Tenth Congressional District. Yesterday, the federal government reported that hundreds of thousands of Americans were laid off during the month of September. Congresswoman Candice Miller All told, our economy has lost roughly 3 million private-sector jobs since President Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trillion-dollar ‘stimulus’ plan became law. At the time, the people of Michigan were told this so-called ‘stimulus’ would create jobs in our state immediately, more than 100,000 of them. Well, now local economists say we are on track to lose 300,000 jobs just this year alone. And while the American people were promised that the ‘stimulus’ would prevent unemployment from rising above 8 percent, it’s now teetering on the verge of 10%. And in Michigan, our unemployment rate is the nation’s highest at 15.2%. It didn... Congresswoman Candice Miller Weekly Republican Address 10/03/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hello, I’m Congresswoman Candice Miller and I am very proud to represent Michigan’s Tenth Congressional District. Yesterday, the federal government reported that hundreds of thousands of Americans were laid off during the month of September. Congresswoman Candice Miller All told, our economy has lost roughly 3 million private-sector jobs since President Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trillion-dollar ‘stimulus’ plan became law. At the time, the people of Michigan were told this so-called ‘stimulus’ would create jobs in our state immediately, more than 100,000 of them. Well, now local economists say we are on track to lose 300,000 jobs just this year alone. And while the American people were promised that the ‘stimulus’ would prevent unemployment from rising above 8 percent, it’s now teetering on the verge of 10%. And in Michigan, our unemployment rate is the nation’s highest at 15.2%. It didn’t have to be this way. Republicans offered better ideas to help working families and small businesses across our country weather this storm. In fact, according to a formula created by one of President Obama’s senior economic advisers, our economic recovery plan would have created twice the jobs at half the cost. Our plan is based on the belief that fast-acting tax relief is the most effective way to put our economy back on track. It focuses on helping small businesses create jobs, not spending more taxpayer dollars to expand government. And now, at a time when both parties should be squarely focused on getting Americans back to work, Democrats are actually redoubling their efforts to implement job-killing policies that will stretch family budgets even further and pile more debt on our children and grandchildren. Making its way through Congress is a ‘cap-and-trade’ national energy tax that would increase electricity bills, raise gasoline prices, and ship more American jobs overseas. According to the Obama Administration’s own estimates, this national energy tax would cost American households an extra $1,700 per year. There could not be a worse time to heap additional pain on families struggling to make ends meet. Of course, a costly government takeover of healthcare remains the centerpiece of Democrats’ domestic agenda. And when I say ‘costly,’ I mean for you and for your families. Washington Democrats intend to fund their government-run health care plan with cuts to Medicare benefits for seniors and massive new taxes on small business owners. Republicans have offered fiscally-responsible solutions that address these serious challenges head-on while protecting American jobs instead of putting them at risk. You know, Washington Democrats’ job-killing agenda makes me think they are living on a different planet from the families living in America’s suffering heartland. In Macomb County, Michigan, where I am from, you can feel the anxiety. Our seniors have had no choice but to put off long-planned retirements and continue working while our children – our very future – are moving away in search of a job, any job. This isn’t the change the American people were promised. Republicans hope that the President and Speaker Pelosi will put aside their job-killing agenda and help promote policies to get Americans working again. I’m Congresswoman Candice Miller. Thanks for listening. ### Congresswoman Candice Miller Weekly Republican Address 10/03/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hello, I’m Congresswoman Candice Miller and I am very proud to represent Michigan’s Tenth Congressional District. Yesterday, the federal government reported that hundreds of thousands of Americans were laid off during the month of September. Congresswoman Candice Miller All told, our economy has lost roughly 3 million private-sector jobs since President Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trillion-dollar ‘stimulus’ plan became law. At the time, the people of Michigan were told this so-called ‘stimulus’ would create jobs in our state immediately, more than 100,000 of them. Well, now local economists say we are on track to lose 300,000 jobs just this year alone. And while the American people were promised that the ‘stimulus’ would prevent unemployment from rising above 8 percent, it’s now teetering on the verge of 10%. And in Michigan, our unemployment rate is the nation’s highest at 15.2%. It didn’t have to be this way. Republicans offered better ideas to help working families and small businesses across our country weather this storm. In fact, according to a formula created by one of President Obama’s senior economic advisers, our economic recovery plan would have created twice the jobs at half the cost. Our plan is based on the belief that fast-acting tax relief is the most effective way to put our economy back on track. It focuses on helping small businesses create jobs, not spending more taxpayer dollars to expand government. And now, at a time when both parties should be squarely focused on getting Americans back to work, Democrats are actually redoubling their efforts to implement job-killing policies that will stretch family budgets even further and pile more debt on our children and grandchildren. Making its way through Congress is a ‘cap-and-trade’ national energy tax that would increase electricity bills, raise gasoline prices, and ship more American jobs overseas. According to the Obama Administration’s own estimates, this national energy tax would cost American households an extra $1,700 per year. There could not be a worse time to heap additional pain on families struggling to make ends meet. Of course, a costly government takeover of healthcare remains the centerpiece of Democrats’ domestic agenda. And when I say ‘costly,’ I mean for you and for your families. Washington Democrats intend to fund their government-run health care plan with cuts to Medicare benefits for seniors and massive new taxes on small business owners. Republicans have offered fiscally-responsible solutions that address these serious challenges head-on while protecting American jobs instead of putting them at risk. You know, Washington Democrats’ job-killing agenda makes me think they are living on a different planet from the families living in America’s suffering heartland. In Macomb County, Michigan, where I am from, you can feel the anxiety. Our seniors have had no choice but to put off long-planned retirements and continue working while our children – our very future – are moving away in search of a job, any job. This isn’t the change the American people were promised. Republicans hope that the President and Speaker Pelosi will put aside their job-killing agenda and help promote policies to get Americans working again. I’m Congresswoman Candice Miller. Thanks for listening. ### tag:odeo.com,2009-10-03,25228281 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:57:50 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25213584-Americans-Congress-Need-72-Hours-to-Read-Health-Care-Bill-Before-Vote-VIDEO Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) argue that health care reform legislation should be posted online for 72 hours before it is voted on, to give members of Congress and the public a chance to know what is in the bill and how much it will cost and to allow time for public input. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) argue that health care reform legislation should be posted online for 72 hours before it is voted on, to give members of Congress and the public a chance to know what is in the bill and how much it will cost and to allow time for public input. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) argue that health care reform legislation should be posted online for 72 hours before it is voted on, to give members of Congress and the public a chance to know what is in the bill and how much it will cost and to allow time for public input. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-30,25213584 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:14:22 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25200755-RNC-Statement-on-National-Hispanic-Heritage-Month-VIDEO WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: "Today, I am proud to join with my fellow Americans in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. Between September 15th and October 15th the Republican National Committee will partner with the Hispanic American community to honor their past, present, and future contributions to our great nation. I hope all Americans will join me in celebrating the cultural richness the Hispanic American community has brought to America throughout the years." DECLARACIÓN DEL COMITÉ REPUBLICANO NACIONAL SOBRE EL MES DE LA HERENCIA HISPÁNICA WASHINGTON – El Presidente del Comité Republicano Nacional (RNC), Michael Steele, emitió hoy la siguiente declaración: “Hoy, me enorgullece unirme a mis compatriotas estadounidenses para celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispánica. Del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, el Comité Republicano Nacional se unirá a la comunidad hispánica para celebrar y hon... WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: "Today, I am proud to join with my fellow Americans in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. Between September 15th and October 15th the Republican National Committee will partner with the Hispanic American community to honor their past, present, and future contributions to our great nation. I hope all Americans will join me in celebrating the cultural richness the Hispanic American community has brought to America throughout the years." DECLARACIÓN DEL COMITÉ REPUBLICANO NACIONAL SOBRE EL MES DE LA HERENCIA HISPÁNICA WASHINGTON – El Presidente del Comité Republicano Nacional (RNC), Michael Steele, emitió hoy la siguiente declaración: “Hoy, me enorgullece unirme a mis compatriotas estadounidenses para celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispánica. Del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, el Comité Republicano Nacional se unirá a la comunidad hispánica para celebrar y honrar sus contribuciones pasadas, presentes y futuras a nuestra gran nación. Espero que todos los estadounidenses me acompañen en celebrar la riqueza cultural que la comunidad hispánica norteamericana ha traído a los Estados Unidos.” Paid for by the Republican National Committee. Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee www.GOP.com WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: "Today, I am proud to join with my fellow Americans in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. Between September 15th and October 15th the Republican National Committee will partner with the Hispanic American community to honor their past, present, and future contributions to our great nation. I hope all Americans will join me in celebrating the cultural richness the Hispanic American community has brought to America throughout the years." DECLARACIÓN DEL COMITÉ REPUBLICANO NACIONAL SOBRE EL MES DE LA HERENCIA HISPÁNICA WASHINGTON – El Presidente del Comité Republicano Nacional (RNC), Michael Steele, emitió hoy la siguiente declaración: “Hoy, me enorgullece unirme a mis compatriotas estadounidenses para celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispánica. Del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, el Comité Republicano Nacional se unirá a la comunidad hispánica para celebrar y honrar sus contribuciones pasadas, presentes y futuras a nuestra gran nación. Espero que todos los estadounidenses me acompañen en celebrar la riqueza cultural que la comunidad hispánica norteamericana ha traído a los Estados Unidos.” Paid for by the Republican National Committee. Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee www.GOP.com tag:odeo.com,2009-09-28,25200755 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:09:09 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25200756-Dictionary-on-President-Obama%E2%80%99s-Health-Care-Taxes-Web-VIDEO “Dictionary” on President Obama’s Health Care Taxes, Written on September 28, 2009 by Republican National Committee WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee announced a new web video today on President Obama’s health care taxes. “For months, President Obama has tried to convince the American people that his government-run health care experiment will be all gain and no pain, but they aren’t buying it. The fact is, his plan contains huge new taxes that will harm the economy and cost more jobs. Democrats are paying for their dangerous experiment with higher taxes on small business owners, charitable giving, and even middle-class families who can least afford it. I encourage President Obama to abandon these health care taxes and set a course for a truly bipartisan bill that embraces reforms Americans actually want and need.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele “DICTIONARY” SCRIPT Time: 1:39 Voice: “Barack Obama and Democrats promise that healthcare reform will lower costs.” Voice: “But ... “Dictionary” on President Obama’s Health Care Taxes, Written on September 28, 2009 by Republican National Committee WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee announced a new web video today on President Obama’s health care taxes. “For months, President Obama has tried to convince the American people that his government-run health care experiment will be all gain and no pain, but they aren’t buying it. The fact is, his plan contains huge new taxes that will harm the economy and cost more jobs. Democrats are paying for their dangerous experiment with higher taxes on small business owners, charitable giving, and even middle-class families who can least afford it. I encourage President Obama to abandon these health care taxes and set a course for a truly bipartisan bill that embraces reforms Americans actually want and need.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele “DICTIONARY” SCRIPT Time: 1:39 Voice: “Barack Obama and Democrats promise that healthcare reform will lower costs.” Voice: “But their plans deliver increased taxes.” Chyron: THEIR PLANS DELIVER INCREASED TAXES Chyron: TAXES ON Voice: “Taxes on tests, scans and x-rays.” Chyron: NEW TAXES ON Voice: “New taxes on charities and small businesses.” Chyron: CHARITIES AND SMALL BUSINESSES Voice: “A doctor’s tax.” Chyron: A DOCTOR’S TAX Voice: “Taxes on your health insurance.” Chyron: TAXES ON YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE Voice: “Even a tax on medical supplies.” Chyron: EVEN A TAX ON MEDICAL SUPPLIES Voice: “Hundreds of billions in new taxes.” Chyron: HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS IN NEW TAXES Voice: “All of it passed right back to the consumer.” Chyron: PASSED BACK TO YOU Voice: “And if you think you can’t afford it.” Chyron: IF YOU THINK YOU CAN’T AFFORD IT Voice: “You can’t afford not to.” Chyron: YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO Voice: “Because they’ve even proposed a tax for not having health insurance.” Chyron: A TAX FOR NOT HAVING HEALTH INSURANCE Voice: “With at least 8 new taxes.” Chyron: WITH AT LEAST 8 NEW TAXES Voice: “Your health insurance costs will skyrocket.” Chyron: YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS WILL SKYROCKET Voice: “Of course it’s easy to raise taxes when you live in denial about the very meaning of the word.” Chyron: WHEN YOU LIVE IN DENIAL ABOUT THE VERY MEANING OF THE WORD George Stephanopoulos: “Under this mandate, the government is forcing people to spend money, fining you if you don’t. How is that not a tax?” President Obama: “No. That’s not true George. For us to say that you’ve got to take a responsibility to get health insurance, is absolutely not a tax increase.” George Stephanopoulos: “Webster’s dictionary: ‘tax: a charge, usually of money, imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes.’” Chyron: TAX: a charge usually of money imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes Voice: “Obama health care taxes.” Chyron: OBAMA HEALTH CARE TAXES Voice: “Wrong for health care.” Chyron: WRONG FOR HEALTH CARE Voice: “Wrong for our economy.” Chyron: WRONG FOR OUR ECONOMY Voice: “Learn more at barackobamaexperiment.com .” Chyron: BARACKOBAMAEXPERIMENT.COM Paid for by the Republican National Committee, Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee www.GOP.com “Dictionary” on President Obama’s Health Care Taxes, Written on September 28, 2009 by Republican National Committee WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee announced a new web video today on President Obama’s health care taxes. “For months, President Obama has tried to convince the American people that his government-run health care experiment will be all gain and no pain, but they aren’t buying it. The fact is, his plan contains huge new taxes that will harm the economy and cost more jobs. Democrats are paying for their dangerous experiment with higher taxes on small business owners, charitable giving, and even middle-class families who can least afford it. I encourage President Obama to abandon these health care taxes and set a course for a truly bipartisan bill that embraces reforms Americans actually want and need.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele “DICTIONARY” SCRIPT Time: 1:39 Voice: “Barack Obama and Democrats promise that healthcare reform will lower costs.” Voice: “But their plans deliver increased taxes.” Chyron: THEIR PLANS DELIVER INCREASED TAXES Chyron: TAXES ON Voice: “Taxes on tests, scans and x-rays.” Chyron: NEW TAXES ON Voice: “New taxes on charities and small businesses.” Chyron: CHARITIES AND SMALL BUSINESSES Voice: “A doctor’s tax.” Chyron: A DOCTOR’S TAX Voice: “Taxes on your health insurance.” Chyron: TAXES ON YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE Voice: “Even a tax on medical supplies.” Chyron: EVEN A TAX ON MEDICAL SUPPLIES Voice: “Hundreds of billions in new taxes.” Chyron: HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS IN NEW TAXES Voice: “All of it passed right back to the consumer.” Chyron: PASSED BACK TO YOU Voice: “And if you think you can’t afford it.” Chyron: IF YOU THINK YOU CAN’T AFFORD IT Voice: “You can’t afford not to.” Chyron: YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO Voice: “Because they’ve even proposed a tax for not having health insurance.” Chyron: A TAX FOR NOT HAVING HEALTH INSURANCE Voice: “With at least 8 new taxes.” Chyron: WITH AT LEAST 8 NEW TAXES Voice: “Your health insurance costs will skyrocket.” Chyron: YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS WILL SKYROCKET Voice: “Of course it’s easy to raise taxes when you live in denial about the very meaning of the word.” Chyron: WHEN YOU LIVE IN DENIAL ABOUT THE VERY MEANING OF THE WORD George Stephanopoulos: “Under this mandate, the government is forcing people to spend money, fining you if you don’t. How is that not a tax?” President Obama: “No. That’s not true George. For us to say that you’ve got to take a responsibility to get health insurance, is absolutely not a tax increase.” George Stephanopoulos: “Webster’s dictionary: ‘tax: a charge, usually of money, imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes.’” Chyron: TAX: a charge usually of money imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes Voice: “Obama health care taxes.” Chyron: OBAMA HEALTH CARE TAXES Voice: “Wrong for health care.” Chyron: WRONG FOR HEALTH CARE Voice: “Wrong for our economy.” Chyron: WRONG FOR OUR ECONOMY Voice: “Learn more at barackobamaexperiment.com .” Chyron: BARACKOBAMAEXPERIMENT.COM Paid for by the Republican National Committee, Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee www.GOP.com tag:odeo.com,2009-09-28,25200756 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:53:15 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25190953-President-Barack-Obama-Weekly-Address-09-26-09-PODCAST-VIDEO-TEXT Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday, Sepyember 26, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 4.43 mb MP4 VIDEO (79 MB) This week, I joined leaders from around the world at the United Nations and the G-20 economic summit in Pittsburgh. Today, I can report on what we achieved—a new commitment to meet common challenges, and real progress in advancing America’s national security and economic prosperity. As I said at the U.N., over the past nine months my administration has renewed American leadership, and pursued a new era of engagement in which we call upon all nations to live up to their responsibilities. This week, our engagement produced tangible results in several areas. In Pittsburgh, the world’s major economies agreed to continue our effort to spur global demand to put our people back to work. We committed ourselves to economic growth that is balanced and sustained— so that we avoid the booms and busts of the past. We reached an historic agree... Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday, Sepyember 26, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 4.43 mb MP4 VIDEO (79 MB) This week, I joined leaders from around the world at the United Nations and the G-20 economic summit in Pittsburgh. Today, I can report on what we achieved—a new commitment to meet common challenges, and real progress in advancing America’s national security and economic prosperity. As I said at the U.N., over the past nine months my administration has renewed American leadership, and pursued a new era of engagement in which we call upon all nations to live up to their responsibilities. This week, our engagement produced tangible results in several areas. In Pittsburgh, the world’s major economies agreed to continue our effort to spur global demand to put our people back to work. We committed ourselves to economic growth that is balanced and sustained— so that we avoid the booms and busts of the past. We reached an historic agreement to reform the global financial system—to promote responsibility and prevent abuse so that we never face a crisis like this again. And we reformed our international economic architecture, so that we can better coordinate our effort to meet the challenges of the 21st century. We also established American leadership in the global pursuit of the clean energy of the 21st century. I am proud that the G-20 nations agreed to phase out $300 billion worth of fossil fuel subsidies. This will increase our energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat the threat of climate change, and help create the new jobs and industries of the future. In New York, we advanced the cause of peace and security. I joined the first meeting between Israeli and Palestinian leaders in nearly a year—a meeting that even nine months ago did not seem possible. And we resolved to move forward in the journey toward a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. We also took unprecedented steps to secure loose nuclear materials; to stop the spread of nuclear weapons; and to seek a world without them. As the first U.S. president to ever chair a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, I was proud that the Council passed an historic and unanimous resolution embracing the comprehensive strategy I outlined this year in Prague. To prevent nuclear weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists, the Security Council endorsed our global effort to lock down all vulnerable material within four years. We reaffirmed the basic compact of the global nonproliferation regime: all nations have the right to peaceful nuclear energy; nations with nuclear weapons have the responsibility to move toward disarmament; and nations without them have the responsibility to forsake them. The United States is meeting our responsibilities by pursuing an agreement with Russia to reduce our strategic warheads and launchers. And just as we meet our responsibilities, so must other nations, including Iran and North Korea. Earlier this year, we imposed tough, new, sanctions on North Korea to stop their efforts to develop weapons of mass destruction. And we will continue to stand with our allies and partners to press North Korea to move in a new direction. This week, we joined with the United Kingdom and France in presenting evidence that Iran has been building a secret nuclear facility to enrich uranium. This is a serious challenge to the global nonproliferation regime, and continues a disturbing pattern of Iranian evasion. That is why international negotiations with Iran scheduled for October 1st now take on added urgency. My offer of a serious, meaningful dialogue to resolve this issue remains open. But Iran must now cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and take action to demonstrate its peaceful intentions. On this, the international community is more united than ever before. Yesterday, I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our European allies in condemning Iran’s program. In our meetings and public statements, President Medvedev of Russia and I agreed that Iran must pursue a new course or face consequences. All of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and Germany, have made it clear that Iran must fulfill its responsibilities. Iran’s leaders must now choose – they can live up to their responsibilities and achieve integration with the community of nations. Or they will face increased pressure and isolation, and deny opportunity to their own people. These are the urgent threats of our time. And the United States is committed to a new chapter of international cooperation to meet them. This new chapter will not be written in one week or even one year. But we have begun. And for the American people and the people of the world, it will mean greater security and prosperity for years to come. Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday, Sepyember 26, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 4.43 mb MP4 VIDEO (79 MB) This week, I joined leaders from around the world at the United Nations and the G-20 economic summit in Pittsburgh. Today, I can report on what we achieved—a new commitment to meet common challenges, and real progress in advancing America’s national security and economic prosperity. As I said at the U.N., over the past nine months my administration has renewed American leadership, and pursued a new era of engagement in which we call upon all nations to live up to their responsibilities. This week, our engagement produced tangible results in several areas. In Pittsburgh, the world’s major economies agreed to continue our effort to spur global demand to put our people back to work. We committed ourselves to economic growth that is balanced and sustained— so that we avoid the booms and busts of the past. We reached an historic agreement to reform the global financial system—to promote responsibility and prevent abuse so that we never face a crisis like this again. And we reformed our international economic architecture, so that we can better coordinate our effort to meet the challenges of the 21st century. We also established American leadership in the global pursuit of the clean energy of the 21st century. I am proud that the G-20 nations agreed to phase out $300 billion worth of fossil fuel subsidies. This will increase our energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat the threat of climate change, and help create the new jobs and industries of the future. In New York, we advanced the cause of peace and security. I joined the first meeting between Israeli and Palestinian leaders in nearly a year—a meeting that even nine months ago did not seem possible. And we resolved to move forward in the journey toward a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. We also took unprecedented steps to secure loose nuclear materials; to stop the spread of nuclear weapons; and to seek a world without them. As the first U.S. president to ever chair a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, I was proud that the Council passed an historic and unanimous resolution embracing the comprehensive strategy I outlined this year in Prague. To prevent nuclear weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists, the Security Council endorsed our global effort to lock down all vulnerable material within four years. We reaffirmed the basic compact of the global nonproliferation regime: all nations have the right to peaceful nuclear energy; nations with nuclear weapons have the responsibility to move toward disarmament; and nations without them have the responsibility to forsake them. The United States is meeting our responsibilities by pursuing an agreement with Russia to reduce our strategic warheads and launchers. And just as we meet our responsibilities, so must other nations, including Iran and North Korea. Earlier this year, we imposed tough, new, sanctions on North Korea to stop their efforts to develop weapons of mass destruction. And we will continue to stand with our allies and partners to press North Korea to move in a new direction. This week, we joined with the United Kingdom and France in presenting evidence that Iran has been building a secret nuclear facility to enrich uranium. This is a serious challenge to the global nonproliferation regime, and continues a disturbing pattern of Iranian evasion. That is why international negotiations with Iran scheduled for October 1st now take on added urgency. My offer of a serious, meaningful dialogue to resolve this issue remains open. But Iran must now cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and take action to demonstrate its peaceful intentions. On this, the international community is more united than ever before. Yesterday, I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our European allies in condemning Iran’s program. In our meetings and public statements, President Medvedev of Russia and I agreed that Iran must pursue a new course or face consequences. All of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and Germany, have made it clear that Iran must fulfill its responsibilities. Iran’s leaders must now choose – they can live up to their responsibilities and achieve integration with the community of nations. Or they will face increased pressure and isolation, and deny opportunity to their own people. These are the urgent threats of our time. And the United States is committed to a new chapter of international cooperation to meet them. This new chapter will not be written in one week or even one year. But we have begun. And for the American people and the people of the world, it will mean greater security and prosperity for years to come. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-26,25190953 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:21:55 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25189446-Senator-Johnny-Isakson-Weekly-Republican-Address-09-26-09-VIDEO-FULL-TEXT-TRANSCRIPT Senator Johnny Isakson Weekly Republican Address 09/26/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hello, I'm Senator Johnny Isakson from Georgia. First, I want to send my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the floods that have devastated my home state this past week. I am working with Senator Saxby Chambliss, Governor Sonny Perdue and the administration to bring federal assistance to those who have suffered damages. I’d like to now discuss the healthcare debate in Washington that folks in my state and people all across this country have been watching very closely. Americans have been calling us and e-mailing us. They’ve packed our town hall meetings. They’ve even marched on the National Mall in Washington. Their message has been loud, and it has been clear: They don't like the direction this healthcare debate is headed in. They get anxious when they see the President and the Democrats in such a rush to pass a 1,000-page bill to overhaul our healthcare system. They ... Senator Johnny Isakson Weekly Republican Address 09/26/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hello, I'm Senator Johnny Isakson from Georgia. First, I want to send my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the floods that have devastated my home state this past week. I am working with Senator Saxby Chambliss, Governor Sonny Perdue and the administration to bring federal assistance to those who have suffered damages. I’d like to now discuss the healthcare debate in Washington that folks in my state and people all across this country have been watching very closely. Americans have been calling us and e-mailing us. They’ve packed our town hall meetings. They’ve even marched on the National Mall in Washington. Their message has been loud, and it has been clear: They don't like the direction this healthcare debate is headed in. They get anxious when they see the President and the Democrats in such a rush to pass a 1,000-page bill to overhaul our healthcare system. They get anxious when they see the word billions and trillions to describe... ...the cost because they know Washington doesn't have that kind of extra cash lying around. They know that can only mean one thing – more debt and higher taxes. They get anxious when they hear Democrats want to cut hundreds of billions from Medicare because they know you can't cut costs without cutting benefits for our seniors. They get anxious when they hear public option, trigger or co-op because they know those are just different labels that can lead to the same thing -- government control of our healthcare system. They know government-run healthcare doesn't work in Canada or in England, and it won’t work in America either. How did the Democrats respond to all these concerns this week when they unveiled their latest version of this bill? They didn’t. They ignored them altogether. The Senate Finance Committee took up yet another healthcare bill that looks an awful lot like the Democrats' earlier proposals. It would still result in a major expansion of government into our healthcare, and the cost will be $1 trillion, $700 billion over 10 years when the bill is fully implemented. It would still cut Medicare benefits for our seniors.It would still expand Medicaid dramatically, forcing my state and states across the country to pay billions for their share of the expansion. And it would still impose taxes on virtually every American and small business. If you have insurance, you get taxed. If you don’t have insurance, you get taxed. If you’re an employer who cannot afford to provide health insurance to your employees, you get taxed. Manufacturers of medical devices such as hearing aids will get taxed. That means anyone who needs these devices will pay higher prices. I ran a small business in Georgia for 22 years, and I know what it’s like to have to make payroll during tough times. The kind of massive tax increases proposed by the Democrats is exactly the wrong approach for our families, our small businesses and our economy, especially in a recession. Republicans believe the key to reforming healthcare is strengthening the doctor-patient relationship by using choice and competition – rather than rationing and restrictions – to contain costs and ensure access to affordable healthcare.And Republicans want common-sense medical liability reform to eliminate frivolous lawsuits against doctors and hospitals. This latest proposal from the Democrats calls for only a non-binding ‘Sense of the Senate’ on medical liability. This is lip service that will do nothing to lower healthcare costs. Americans are rightly concerned about the rush to pass a massive overhaul that will raise their taxes, lower their quality of care and put government between them and their doctor. They also are concerned about the heavy-handed approach the Democrats have taken, such as demonizing regular citizens for asking questions about their plans and imposing a gag order on insurers for suggesting anyone might lose benefits under the Democrats’ plan. The American people expect us to get this right and to do it in an open, honest and bipartisan debate. That’s what they deserve. But, that’s not what they’re getting from the Democrats on Capitol Hill. Thank you and God bless you and God bless the United States of America. ### Senator Johnny Isakson Weekly Republican Address 09/26/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hello, I'm Senator Johnny Isakson from Georgia. First, I want to send my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the floods that have devastated my home state this past week. I am working with Senator Saxby Chambliss, Governor Sonny Perdue and the administration to bring federal assistance to those who have suffered damages. I’d like to now discuss the healthcare debate in Washington that folks in my state and people all across this country have been watching very closely. Americans have been calling us and e-mailing us. They’ve packed our town hall meetings. They’ve even marched on the National Mall in Washington. Their message has been loud, and it has been clear: They don't like the direction this healthcare debate is headed in. They get anxious when they see the President and the Democrats in such a rush to pass a 1,000-page bill to overhaul our healthcare system. They get anxious when they see the word billions and trillions to describe... ...the cost because they know Washington doesn't have that kind of extra cash lying around. They know that can only mean one thing – more debt and higher taxes. They get anxious when they hear Democrats want to cut hundreds of billions from Medicare because they know you can't cut costs without cutting benefits for our seniors. They get anxious when they hear public option, trigger or co-op because they know those are just different labels that can lead to the same thing -- government control of our healthcare system. They know government-run healthcare doesn't work in Canada or in England, and it won’t work in America either. How did the Democrats respond to all these concerns this week when they unveiled their latest version of this bill? They didn’t. They ignored them altogether. The Senate Finance Committee took up yet another healthcare bill that looks an awful lot like the Democrats' earlier proposals. It would still result in a major expansion of government into our healthcare, and the cost will be $1 trillion, $700 billion over 10 years when the bill is fully implemented. It would still cut Medicare benefits for our seniors.It would still expand Medicaid dramatically, forcing my state and states across the country to pay billions for their share of the expansion. And it would still impose taxes on virtually every American and small business. If you have insurance, you get taxed. If you don’t have insurance, you get taxed. If you’re an employer who cannot afford to provide health insurance to your employees, you get taxed. Manufacturers of medical devices such as hearing aids will get taxed. That means anyone who needs these devices will pay higher prices. I ran a small business in Georgia for 22 years, and I know what it’s like to have to make payroll during tough times. The kind of massive tax increases proposed by the Democrats is exactly the wrong approach for our families, our small businesses and our economy, especially in a recession. Republicans believe the key to reforming healthcare is strengthening the doctor-patient relationship by using choice and competition – rather than rationing and restrictions – to contain costs and ensure access to affordable healthcare.And Republicans want common-sense medical liability reform to eliminate frivolous lawsuits against doctors and hospitals. This latest proposal from the Democrats calls for only a non-binding ‘Sense of the Senate’ on medical liability. This is lip service that will do nothing to lower healthcare costs. Americans are rightly concerned about the rush to pass a massive overhaul that will raise their taxes, lower their quality of care and put government between them and their doctor. They also are concerned about the heavy-handed approach the Democrats have taken, such as demonizing regular citizens for asking questions about their plans and imposing a gag order on insurers for suggesting anyone might lose benefits under the Democrats’ plan. The American people expect us to get this right and to do it in an open, honest and bipartisan debate. That’s what they deserve. But, that’s not what they’re getting from the Democrats on Capitol Hill. Thank you and God bless you and God bless the United States of America. ### tag:odeo.com,2009-09-26,25189446 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:21:25 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25184792-President-Obama-Addresses-the-UN-General-Assembly-TEXT-VIDEO THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary. For Immediate Release. September 23, 2009. REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, United Nations Headquarters. New York, New York. 10:10 A.M. EDT. THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, fellow delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to address you for the first time as the 44th President of the United States. (Applause.) I come before you humbled by the responsibility that the American people have placed upon me, mindful of the enormous challenges of our moment in history, and determined to act boldly and collectively on behalf of justice and prosperity at home and abroad. I have been in office for just nine months -- though some days it seems a lot longer. I am well aware of the expectations that accompany my presidency around the world. These expectations are not about me. Rather, they are rooted, I believe, in a discontent with a status quo that has allowed us to be increa... THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary. For Immediate Release. September 23, 2009. REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, United Nations Headquarters. New York, New York. 10:10 A.M. EDT. THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, fellow delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to address you for the first time as the 44th President of the United States. (Applause.) I come before you humbled by the responsibility that the American people have placed upon me, mindful of the enormous challenges of our moment in history, and determined to act boldly and collectively on behalf of justice and prosperity at home and abroad. I have been in office for just nine months -- though some days it seems a lot longer. I am well aware of the expectations that accompany my presidency around the world. These expectations are not about me. Rather, they are rooted, I believe, in a discontent with a status quo that has allowed us to be increasingly defined by our differences, and outpaced by our problems. But they are also rooted in hope -- the hope that real change is possible, and the hope that America will be a leader in bringing about such change. I took office at a time when many around the world had come to view America with skepticism and distrust. Part of this was due to misperceptions and misinformation about my country. Part of this was due to opposition to specific policies, and a belief that on certain critical issues, America has acted unilaterally, without regard for the interests of others. And this has fed an almost reflexive anti-Americanism, which too often has served as an excuse for collective inaction. Now, like all of you, my responsibility is to act in the interest of my nation and my people, and I will never apologize for defending those interests. But it is my deeply held belief that in the year 2009 -- more than at any point in human history -- the interests of nations and peoples are shared. The religious convictions that we hold in our hearts can forge new bonds among people, or they can tear us apart. The technology we harness can light the path to peace, or forever darken it. The energy we use can sustain our planet, or destroy it. What happens to the hope of a single child -- anywhere -- can enrich our world, or impoverish it. In this hall, we come from many places, but we share a common future. No longer do we have the luxury of indulging our differences to the exclusion of the work that we must do together. I have carried this message from London to Ankara; from Port of Spain to Moscow; from Accra to Cairo; and it is what I will speak about today -- because the time has come for the world to move in a new direction. We must embrace a new era of engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and our work must begin now. We know the future will be forged by deeds and not simply words. Speeches alone will not solve our problems -- it will take persistent action. For those who question the character and cause of my nation, I ask you to look at the concrete actions we have taken in just nine months. On my first day in office, I prohibited -- without exception or equivocation -- the use of torture by the United States of America. (Applause.) I ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed, and we are doing the hard work of forging a framework to combat extremism within the rule of law. Every nation must know: America will live its values, and we will lead by example. We have set a clear and focused goal: to work with all members of this body to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies -- a network that has killed thousands of people of many faiths and nations, and that plotted to blow up this very building. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, we and many nations here are helping these governments develop the capacity to take the lead in this effort, while working to advance opportunity and security for their people. In Iraq, we are responsibly ending a war. We have removed American combat brigades from Iraqi cities, and set a deadline of next August to remove all our combat brigades from Iraqi territory. And I have made clear that we will help Iraqis transition to full responsibility for their future, and keep our commitment to remove all American troops by the end of 2011. I have outlined a comprehensive agenda to seek the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. In Moscow, the United States and Russia announced that we would pursue substantial reductions in our strategic warheads and launchers. At the Conference on Disarmament, we agreed on a work plan to negotiate an end to the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons. And this week, my Secretary of State will become the first senior American representative to the annual Members Conference of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Upon taking office, I appointed a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, and America has worked steadily and aggressively to advance the cause of two states -- Israel and Palestine -- in which peace and security take root, and the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians are respected. To confront climate change, we have invested $80 billion in clean energy. We have substantially increased our fuel-efficiency standards. We have provided new incentives for conservation, launched an energy partnership across the Americas, and moved from a bystander to a leader in international climate negotiations. To overcome an economic crisis that touches every corner of the world, we worked with the G20 nations to forge a coordinated international response of over $2 trillion in stimulus to bring the global economy back from the brink. We mobilized resources that helped prevent the crisis from spreading further to developing countries. And we joined with others to launch a $20 billion global food security initiative that will lend a hand to those who need it most, and help them build their own capacity. We've also re-engaged the United Nations. We have paid our bills. We have joined the Human Rights Council. (Applause.) We have signed the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We have fully embraced the Millennium Development Goals. And we address our priorities here, in this institution -- for instance, through the Security Council meeting that I will chair tomorrow on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and through the issues that I will discuss today. This is what we have already done. But this is just a beginning. Some of our actions have yielded progress. Some have laid the groundwork for progress in the future. But make no mistake: This cannot solely be America's endeavor. Those who used to chastise America for acting alone in the world cannot now stand by and wait for America to solve the world's problems alone. We have sought -- in word and deed -- a new era of engagement with the world. And now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges. Now, if we are honest with ourselves, we need to admit that we are not living up to that responsibility. Consider the course that we're on if we fail to confront the status quo: Extremists sowing terror in pockets of the world; protracted conflicts that grind on and on; genocide; mass atrocities; more nations with nuclear weapons; melting ice caps and ravaged populations; persistent poverty and pandemic disease. I say this not to sow fear, but to state a fact: The magnitude of our challenges has yet to be met by the measure of our actions. This body was founded on the belief that the nations of the world could solve their problems together. Franklin Roosevelt, who died before he could see his vision for this institution become a reality, put it this way -- and I quote: "The structure of world peace cannot be the work of one man, or one party, or one nation…. It cannot be a peace of large nations -- or of small nations. It must be a peace which rests on the cooperative effort of the whole world." The cooperative effort of the whole world. Those words ring even more true today, when it is not simply peace, but our very health and prosperity that we hold in common. Yet we also know that this body is made up of sovereign states. And sadly, but not surprisingly, this body has often become a forum for sowing discord instead of forging common ground; a venue for playing politics and exploiting grievances rather than solving problems. After all, it is easy to walk up to this podium and point figures -- point fingers and stoke divisions. Nothing is easier than blaming others for our troubles, and absolving ourselves of responsibility for our choices and our actions. Anybody can do that. Responsibility and leadership in the 21st century demand more. In an era when our destiny is shared, power is no longer a zero-sum game. No one nation can or should try to dominate another nation. No world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will succeed. No balance of power among nations will hold. The traditional divisions between nations of the South and the North make no sense in an interconnected world; nor do alignments of nations rooted in the cleavages of a long-gone Cold War. The time has come to realize that the old habits, the old arguments, are irrelevant to the challenges faced by our people. They lead nations to act in opposition to the very goals that they claim to pursue -- and to vote, often in this body, against the interests of their own people. They build up walls between us and the future that our people seek, and the time has come for those walls to come down. Together, we must build new coalitions that bridge old divides -- coalitions of different faiths and creeds; of north and south, east, west, black, white, and brown. The choice is ours. We can be remembered as a generation that chose to drag the arguments of the 20th century into the 21st; that put off hard choices, refused to look ahead, failed to keep pace because we defined ourselves by what we were against instead of what we were for. Or we can be a generation that chooses to see the shoreline beyond the rough waters ahead; that comes together to serve the common interests of human beings, and finally gives meaning to the promise embedded in the name given to this institution: the United Nations. That is the future America wants -- a future of peace and prosperity that we can only reach if we recognize that all nations have rights, but all nations have responsibilities as well. That is the bargain that makes this work. That must be the guiding principle of international cooperation. Today, let me put forward four pillars that I believe are fundamental to the future that we want for our children: non-proliferation and disarmament; the promotion of peace and security; the preservation of our planet; and a global economy that advances opportunity for all people. First, we must stop the spread of nuclear weapons, and seek the goal of a world without them. This institution was founded at the dawn of the atomic age, in part because man's capacity to kill had to be contained. For decades, we averted disaster, even under the shadow of a superpower stand-off. But today, the threat of proliferation is growing in scope and complexity. If we fail to act, we will invite nuclear arms races in every region, and the prospect of wars and acts of terror on a scale that we can hardly imagine. A fragile consensus stands in the way of this frightening outcome, and that is the basic bargain that shapes the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. It says that all nations have the right to peaceful nuclear energy; that nations with nuclear weapons have a responsibility to move toward disarmament; and those without them have the responsibility to forsake them. The next 12 months could be pivotal in determining whether this compact will be strengthened or will slowly dissolve. America intends to keep our end of the bargain. We will pursue a new agreement with Russia to substantially reduce our strategic warheads and launchers. We will move forward with ratification of the Test Ban Treaty, and work with others to bring the treaty into force so that nuclear testing is permanently prohibited. We will complete a Nuclear Posture Review that opens the door to deeper cuts and reduces the role of nuclear weapons. And we will call upon countries to begin negotiations in January on a treaty to end the production of fissile material for weapons. I will also host a summit next April that reaffirms each nation's responsibility to secure nuclear material on its territory, and to help those who can't -- because we must never allow a single nuclear device to fall into the hands of a violent extremist. And we will work to strengthen the institutions and initiatives that combat nuclear smuggling and theft. All of this must support efforts to strengthen the NPT. Those nations that refuse to live up to their obligations must face consequences. Let me be clear, this is not about singling out individual nations -- it is about standing up for the rights of all nations that do live up to their responsibilities. Because a world in which IAEA inspections are avoided and the United Nation's demands are ignored will leave all people less safe, and all nations less secure. In their actions to date, the governments of North Korea and Iran threaten to take us down this dangerous slope. We respect their rights as members of the community of nations. I've said before and I will repeat, I am committed to diplomacy that opens a path to greater prosperity and more secure peace for both nations if they live up to their obligations. But if the governments of Iran and North Korea choose to ignore international standards; if they put the pursuit of nuclear weapons ahead of regional stability and the security and opportunity of their own people; if they are oblivious to the dangers of escalating nuclear arms races in both East Asia and the Middle East -- then they must be held accountable. The world must stand together to demonstrate that international law is not an empty promise, and that treaties will be enforced. We must insist that the future does not belong to fear. That brings me to the second pillar for our future: the pursuit of peace. The United Nations was born of the belief that the people of the world can live their lives, raise their families, and resolve their differences peacefully. And yet we know that in too many parts of the world, this ideal remains an abstraction -- a distant dream. We can either accept that outcome as inevitable, and tolerate constant and crippling conflict, or we can recognize that the yearning for peace is universal, and reassert our resolve to end conflicts around the world. That effort must begin with an unshakeable determination that the murder of innocent men, women and children will never be tolerated. On this, no one can be -- there can be no dispute. The violent extremists who promote conflict by distorting faith have discredited and isolated themselves. They offer nothing but hatred and destruction. In confronting them, America will forge lasting partnerships to target terrorists, share intelligence, and coordinate law enforcement and protect our people. We will permit no safe haven for al Qaeda to launch attacks from Afghanistan or any other nation. We will stand by our friends on the front lines, as we and many nations will do in pledging support for the Pakistani people tomorrow. And we will pursue positive engagement that builds bridges among faiths, and new partnerships for opportunity. Our efforts to promote peace, however, cannot be limited to defeating violent extremists. For the most powerful weapon in our arsenal is the hope of human beings -- the belief that the future belongs to those who would build and not destroy; the confidence that conflicts can end and a new day can begin. And that is why we will support -- we will strengthen our support for effective peacekeeping, while energizing our efforts to prevent conflicts before they take hold. We will pursue a lasting peace in Sudan through support for the people of Darfur and the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, so that we secure the peace that the Sudanese people deserve. (Applause.) And in countries ravaged by violence -- from Haiti to Congo to East Timor -- we will work with the U.N. and other partners to support an enduring peace. I will also continue to seek a just and lasting peace between Israel, Palestine, and the Arab world. (Applause.) We will continue to work on that issue. Yesterday, I had a constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas. We have made some progress. Palestinians have strengthened their efforts on security. Israelis have facilitated greater freedom of movement for the Palestinians. As a result of these efforts on both sides, the economy in the West Bank has begun to grow. But more progress is needed. We continue to call on Palestinians to end incitement against Israel, and we continue to emphasize that America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. (Applause.) The time has come -- the time has come to re-launch negotiations without preconditions that address the permanent status issues: security for Israelis and Palestinians, borders, refugees, and Jerusalem. And the goal is clear: Two states living side by side in peace and security -- a Jewish state of Israel, with true security for all Israelis; and a viable, independent Palestinian state with contiguous territory that ends the occupation that began in 1967, and realizes the potential of the Palestinian people. (Applause.) As we pursue this goal, we will also pursue peace between Israel and Lebanon, Israel and Syria, and a broader peace between Israel and its many neighbors. In pursuit of that goal, we will develop regional initiatives with multilateral participation, alongside bilateral negotiations. Now, I am not naïve. I know this will be difficult. But all of us -- not just the Israelis and the Palestinians, but all of us -- must decide whether we are serious about peace, or whether we will only lend it lip service. To break the old patterns, to break the cycle of insecurity and despair, all of us must say publicly what we would acknowledge in private. The United States does Israel no favors when we fail to couple an unwavering commitment to its security with an insistence that Israel respect the legitimate claims and rights of the Palestinians. (Applause.) And -- and nations within this body do the Palestinians no favors when they choose vitriolic attacks against Israel over constructive willingness to recognize Israel's legitimacy and its right to exist in peace and security. (Applause.) We must remember that the greatest price of this conflict is not paid by us. It's not paid by politicians. It's paid by the Israeli girl in Sderot who closes her eyes in fear that a rocket will take her life in the middle of the night. It's paid for by the Palestinian boy in Gaza who has no clean water and no country to call his own. These are all God's children. And after all the politics and all the posturing, this is about the right of every human being to live with dignity and security. That is a lesson embedded in the three great faiths that call one small slice of Earth the Holy Land. And that is why, even though there will be setbacks and false starts and tough days, I will not waver in my pursuit of peace. (Applause.) Third, we must recognize that in the 21st century, there will be no peace unless we take responsibility for the preservation of our planet. And I thank the Secretary General for hosting the subject of climate change yesterday. The danger posed by climate change cannot be denied. Our responsibility to meet it must not be deferred. If we continue down our current course, every member of this Assembly will see irreversible changes within their borders. Our efforts to end conflicts will be eclipsed by wars over refugees and resources. Development will be devastated by drought and famine. Land that human beings have lived on for millennia will disappear. Future generations will look back and wonder why we refused to act; why we failed to pass on -- why we failed to pass on an environment that was worthy of our inheritance. And that is why the days when America dragged its feet on this issue are over. We will move forward with investments to transform our energy economy, while providing incentives to make clean energy the profitable kind of energy. We will press ahead with deep cuts in emissions to reach the goals that we set for 2020, and eventually 2050. We will continue to promote renewable energy and efficiency, and share new technologies with countries around the world. And we will seize every opportunity for progress to address this threat in a cooperative effort with the entire world. And those wealthy nations that did so much damage to the environment in the 20th century must accept our obligation to lead. But responsibility does not end there. While we must acknowledge the need for differentiated responses, any effort to curb carbon emissions must include the fast-growing carbon emitters who can do more to reduce their air pollution without inhibiting growth. And any effort that fails to help the poorest nations both adapt to the problems that climate change have already wrought and help them travel a path of clean development simply will not work. It's hard to change something as fundamental as how we use energy. I know that. It's even harder to do so in the midst of a global recession. Certainly, it will be tempting to sit back and wait for others to move first. But we cannot make this journey unless we all move forward together. As we head into Copenhagen, let us resolve to focus on what each of us can do for the sake of our common future. And this leads me to the final pillar that must fortify our future: a global economy that advances opportunity for all people. The world is still recovering from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. In America, we see the engine of growth beginning to churn, and yet many still struggle to find a job or pay their bills. Across the globe, we find promising signs, but little certainty about what lies ahead. And far too many people in far too many places live through the daily crises that challenge our humanity -- the despair of an empty stomach; the thirst brought on by dwindling water supplies; the injustice of a child dying from a treatable disease; or a mother losing her life as she gives birth. In Pittsburgh, we will work with the world's largest economies to chart a course for growth that is balanced and sustained. That means vigilance to ensure that we do not let up until our people are back to work. That means taking steps to rekindle demand so that global recovery can be sustained. And that means setting new rules of the road and strengthening regulation for all financial centers, so that we put an end to the greed and the excess and the abuse that led us into this disaster, and prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again. At a time of such interdependence, we have a moral and pragmatic interest, however, in broader questions of development -- the questions of development that existed even before this crisis happened. And so America will continue our historic effort to help people feed themselves. We have set aside $63 billion to carry forward the fight against HIV/AIDS, to end deaths from tuberculosis and malaria, to eradicate polio, and to strengthen public health systems. We are joining with other countries to contribute H1N1 vaccines to the World Health Organization. We will integrate more economies into a system of global trade. We will support the Millennium Development Goals, and approach next year's summit with a global plan to make them a reality. And we will set our sights on the eradication of extreme poverty in our time. Now is the time for all of us to do our part. Growth will not be sustained or shared unless all nations embrace their responsibilities. And that means that wealthy nations must open their markets to more goods and extend a hand to those with less, while reforming international institutions to give more nations a greater voice. And developing nations must root out the corruption that is an obstacle to progress -- for opportunity cannot thrive where individuals are oppressed and business have to pay bribes. That is why we support honest police and independent judges; civil society and a vibrant private sector. Our goal is simple: a global economy in which growth is sustained, and opportunity is available to all. Now, the changes that I've spoken about today will not be easy to make. And they will not be realized simply by leaders like us coming together in forums like this, as useful as that may be. For as in any assembly of members, real change can only come through the people we represent. That is why we must do the hard work to lay the groundwork for progress in our own capitals. That's where we will build the consensus to end conflicts and to harness technology for peaceful purposes, to change the way we use energy, and to promote growth that can be sustained and shared. I believe that the people of the world want this future for their children. And that is why we must champion those principles which ensure that governments reflect the will of the people. These principles cannot be afterthoughts -- democracy and human rights are essential to achieving each of the goals that I've discussed today, because governments of the people and by the people are more likely to act in the broader interests of their own people, rather than narrow interests of those in power. The test of our leadership will not be the degree to which we feed the fears and old hatreds of our people. True leadership will not be measured by the ability to muzzle dissent, or to intimidate and harass political opponents at home. The people of the world want change. They will not long tolerate those who are on the wrong side of history. This Assembly's Charter commits each of us -- and I quote -- "to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women." Among those rights is the freedom to speak your mind and worship as you please; the promise of equality of the races, and the opportunity for women and girls to pursue their own potential; the ability of citizens to have a say in how you are governed, and to have confidence in the administration of justice. For just as no nation should be forced to accept the tyranny of another nation, no individual should be forced to accept the tyranny of their own people. (Applause.) As an African American, I will never forget that I would not be here today without the steady pursuit of a more perfect union in my country. And that guides my belief that no matter how dark the day may seem, transformative change can be forged by those who choose to side with justice. And I pledge that America will always stand with those who stand up for their dignity and their rights -- for the student who seeks to learn; the voter who demands to be heard; the innocent who longs to be free; the oppressed who yearns to be equal. Democracy cannot be imposed on any nation from the outside. Each society must search for its own path, and no path is perfect. Each country will pursue a path rooted in the culture of its people and in its past traditions. And I admit that America has too often been selective in its promotion of democracy. But that does not weaken our commitment; it only reinforces it. There are basic principles that are universal; there are certain truths which are self-evident -- and the United States of America will never waver in our efforts to stand up for the right of people everywhere to determine their own destiny. (Applause.) Sixty-five years ago, a weary Franklin Roosevelt spoke to the American people in his fourth and final inaugural address. After years of war, he sought to sum up the lessons that could be drawn from the terrible suffering, the enormous sacrifice that had taken place. "We have learned," he said, "to be citizens of the world, members of the human community." The United Nations was built by men and women like Roosevelt from every corner of the world -- from Africa and Asia, from Europe to the Americas. These architects of international cooperation had an idealism that was anything but naïve -- it was rooted in the hard-earned lessons of war; rooted in the wisdom that nations could advance their interests by acting together instead of splitting apart. Now it falls to us -- for this institution will be what we make of it. The United Nations does extraordinary good around the world -- feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, mending places that have been broken. But it also struggles to enforce its will, and to live up to the ideals of its founding. I believe that those imperfections are not a reason to walk away from this institution -- they are a calling to redouble our efforts. The United Nations can either be a place where we bicker about outdated grievances, or forge common ground; a place where we focus on what drives us apart, or what brings us together; a place where we indulge tyranny, or a source of moral authority. In short, the United Nations can be an institution that is disconnected from what matters in the lives of our citizens, or it can be an indispensable factor in advancing the interests of the people we serve. We have reached a pivotal moment. The United States stands ready to begin a new chapter of international cooperation -- one that recognizes the rights and responsibilities of all nations. And so, with confidence in our cause, and with a commitment to our values, we call on all nations to join us in building the future that our people so richly deserve. Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.) END 10:48 A.M. EDT THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary. For Immediate Release. September 23, 2009. REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, United Nations Headquarters. New York, New York. 10:10 A.M. EDT. THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, fellow delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to address you for the first time as the 44th President of the United States. (Applause.) I come before you humbled by the responsibility that the American people have placed upon me, mindful of the enormous challenges of our moment in history, and determined to act boldly and collectively on behalf of justice and prosperity at home and abroad. I have been in office for just nine months -- though some days it seems a lot longer. I am well aware of the expectations that accompany my presidency around the world. These expectations are not about me. Rather, they are rooted, I believe, in a discontent with a status quo that has allowed us to be increasingly defined by our differences, and outpaced by our problems. But they are also rooted in hope -- the hope that real change is possible, and the hope that America will be a leader in bringing about such change. I took office at a time when many around the world had come to view America with skepticism and distrust. Part of this was due to misperceptions and misinformation about my country. Part of this was due to opposition to specific policies, and a belief that on certain critical issues, America has acted unilaterally, without regard for the interests of others. And this has fed an almost reflexive anti-Americanism, which too often has served as an excuse for collective inaction. Now, like all of you, my responsibility is to act in the interest of my nation and my people, and I will never apologize for defending those interests. But it is my deeply held belief that in the year 2009 -- more than at any point in human history -- the interests of nations and peoples are shared. The religious convictions that we hold in our hearts can forge new bonds among people, or they can tear us apart. The technology we harness can light the path to peace, or forever darken it. The energy we use can sustain our planet, or destroy it. What happens to the hope of a single child -- anywhere -- can enrich our world, or impoverish it. In this hall, we come from many places, but we share a common future. No longer do we have the luxury of indulging our differences to the exclusion of the work that we must do together. I have carried this message from London to Ankara; from Port of Spain to Moscow; from Accra to Cairo; and it is what I will speak about today -- because the time has come for the world to move in a new direction. We must embrace a new era of engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and our work must begin now. We know the future will be forged by deeds and not simply words. Speeches alone will not solve our problems -- it will take persistent action. For those who question the character and cause of my nation, I ask you to look at the concrete actions we have taken in just nine months. On my first day in office, I prohibited -- without exception or equivocation -- the use of torture by the United States of America. (Applause.) I ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed, and we are doing the hard work of forging a framework to combat extremism within the rule of law. Every nation must know: America will live its values, and we will lead by example. We have set a clear and focused goal: to work with all members of this body to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies -- a network that has killed thousands of people of many faiths and nations, and that plotted to blow up this very building. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, we and many nations here are helping these governments develop the capacity to take the lead in this effort, while working to advance opportunity and security for their people. In Iraq, we are responsibly ending a war. We have removed American combat brigades from Iraqi cities, and set a deadline of next August to remove all our combat brigades from Iraqi territory. And I have made clear that we will help Iraqis transition to full responsibility for their future, and keep our commitment to remove all American troops by the end of 2011. I have outlined a comprehensive agenda to seek the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. In Moscow, the United States and Russia announced that we would pursue substantial reductions in our strategic warheads and launchers. At the Conference on Disarmament, we agreed on a work plan to negotiate an end to the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons. And this week, my Secretary of State will become the first senior American representative to the annual Members Conference of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Upon taking office, I appointed a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, and America has worked steadily and aggressively to advance the cause of two states -- Israel and Palestine -- in which peace and security take root, and the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians are respected. To confront climate change, we have invested $80 billion in clean energy. We have substantially increased our fuel-efficiency standards. We have provided new incentives for conservation, launched an energy partnership across the Americas, and moved from a bystander to a leader in international climate negotiations. To overcome an economic crisis that touches every corner of the world, we worked with the G20 nations to forge a coordinated international response of over $2 trillion in stimulus to bring the global economy back from the brink. We mobilized resources that helped prevent the crisis from spreading further to developing countries. And we joined with others to launch a $20 billion global food security initiative that will lend a hand to those who need it most, and help them build their own capacity. We've also re-engaged the United Nations. We have paid our bills. We have joined the Human Rights Council. (Applause.) We have signed the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We have fully embraced the Millennium Development Goals. And we address our priorities here, in this institution -- for instance, through the Security Council meeting that I will chair tomorrow on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and through the issues that I will discuss today. This is what we have already done. But this is just a beginning. Some of our actions have yielded progress. Some have laid the groundwork for progress in the future. But make no mistake: This cannot solely be America's endeavor. Those who used to chastise America for acting alone in the world cannot now stand by and wait for America to solve the world's problems alone. We have sought -- in word and deed -- a new era of engagement with the world. And now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges. Now, if we are honest with ourselves, we need to admit that we are not living up to that responsibility. Consider the course that we're on if we fail to confront the status quo: Extremists sowing terror in pockets of the world; protracted conflicts that grind on and on; genocide; mass atrocities; more nations with nuclear weapons; melting ice caps and ravaged populations; persistent poverty and pandemic disease. I say this not to sow fear, but to state a fact: The magnitude of our challenges has yet to be met by the measure of our actions. This body was founded on the belief that the nations of the world could solve their problems together. Franklin Roosevelt, who died before he could see his vision for this institution become a reality, put it this way -- and I quote: "The structure of world peace cannot be the work of one man, or one party, or one nation…. It cannot be a peace of large nations -- or of small nations. It must be a peace which rests on the cooperative effort of the whole world." The cooperative effort of the whole world. Those words ring even more true today, when it is not simply peace, but our very health and prosperity that we hold in common. Yet we also know that this body is made up of sovereign states. And sadly, but not surprisingly, this body has often become a forum for sowing discord instead of forging common ground; a venue for playing politics and exploiting grievances rather than solving problems. After all, it is easy to walk up to this podium and point figures -- point fingers and stoke divisions. Nothing is easier than blaming others for our troubles, and absolving ourselves of responsibility for our choices and our actions. Anybody can do that. Responsibility and leadership in the 21st century demand more. In an era when our destiny is shared, power is no longer a zero-sum game. No one nation can or should try to dominate another nation. No world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will succeed. No balance of power among nations will hold. The traditional divisions between nations of the South and the North make no sense in an interconnected world; nor do alignments of nations rooted in the cleavages of a long-gone Cold War. The time has come to realize that the old habits, the old arguments, are irrelevant to the challenges faced by our people. They lead nations to act in opposition to the very goals that they claim to pursue -- and to vote, often in this body, against the interests of their own people. They build up walls between us and the future that our people seek, and the time has come for those walls to come down. Together, we must build new coalitions that bridge old divides -- coalitions of different faiths and creeds; of north and south, east, west, black, white, and brown. The choice is ours. We can be remembered as a generation that chose to drag the arguments of the 20th century into the 21st; that put off hard choices, refused to look ahead, failed to keep pace because we defined ourselves by what we were against instead of what we were for. Or we can be a generation that chooses to see the shoreline beyond the rough waters ahead; that comes together to serve the common interests of human beings, and finally gives meaning to the promise embedded in the name given to this institution: the United Nations. That is the future America wants -- a future of peace and prosperity that we can only reach if we recognize that all nations have rights, but all nations have responsibilities as well. That is the bargain that makes this work. That must be the guiding principle of international cooperation. Today, let me put forward four pillars that I believe are fundamental to the future that we want for our children: non-proliferation and disarmament; the promotion of peace and security; the preservation of our planet; and a global economy that advances opportunity for all people. First, we must stop the spread of nuclear weapons, and seek the goal of a world without them. This institution was founded at the dawn of the atomic age, in part because man's capacity to kill had to be contained. For decades, we averted disaster, even under the shadow of a superpower stand-off. But today, the threat of proliferation is growing in scope and complexity. If we fail to act, we will invite nuclear arms races in every region, and the prospect of wars and acts of terror on a scale that we can hardly imagine. A fragile consensus stands in the way of this frightening outcome, and that is the basic bargain that shapes the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. It says that all nations have the right to peaceful nuclear energy; that nations with nuclear weapons have a responsibility to move toward disarmament; and those without them have the responsibility to forsake them. The next 12 months could be pivotal in determining whether this compact will be strengthened or will slowly dissolve. America intends to keep our end of the bargain. We will pursue a new agreement with Russia to substantially reduce our strategic warheads and launchers. We will move forward with ratification of the Test Ban Treaty, and work with others to bring the treaty into force so that nuclear testing is permanently prohibited. We will complete a Nuclear Posture Review that opens the door to deeper cuts and reduces the role of nuclear weapons. And we will call upon countries to begin negotiations in January on a treaty to end the production of fissile material for weapons. I will also host a summit next April that reaffirms each nation's responsibility to secure nuclear material on its territory, and to help those who can't -- because we must never allow a single nuclear device to fall into the hands of a violent extremist. And we will work to strengthen the institutions and initiatives that combat nuclear smuggling and theft. All of this must support efforts to strengthen the NPT. Those nations that refuse to live up to their obligations must face consequences. Let me be clear, this is not about singling out individual nations -- it is about standing up for the rights of all nations that do live up to their responsibilities. Because a world in which IAEA inspections are avoided and the United Nation's demands are ignored will leave all people less safe, and all nations less secure. In their actions to date, the governments of North Korea and Iran threaten to take us down this dangerous slope. We respect their rights as members of the community of nations. I've said before and I will repeat, I am committed to diplomacy that opens a path to greater prosperity and more secure peace for both nations if they live up to their obligations. But if the governments of Iran and North Korea choose to ignore international standards; if they put the pursuit of nuclear weapons ahead of regional stability and the security and opportunity of their own people; if they are oblivious to the dangers of escalating nuclear arms races in both East Asia and the Middle East -- then they must be held accountable. The world must stand together to demonstrate that international law is not an empty promise, and that treaties will be enforced. We must insist that the future does not belong to fear. That brings me to the second pillar for our future: the pursuit of peace. The United Nations was born of the belief that the people of the world can live their lives, raise their families, and resolve their differences peacefully. And yet we know that in too many parts of the world, this ideal remains an abstraction -- a distant dream. We can either accept that outcome as inevitable, and tolerate constant and crippling conflict, or we can recognize that the yearning for peace is universal, and reassert our resolve to end conflicts around the world. That effort must begin with an unshakeable determination that the murder of innocent men, women and children will never be tolerated. On this, no one can be -- there can be no dispute. The violent extremists who promote conflict by distorting faith have discredited and isolated themselves. They offer nothing but hatred and destruction. In confronting them, America will forge lasting partnerships to target terrorists, share intelligence, and coordinate law enforcement and protect our people. We will permit no safe haven for al Qaeda to launch attacks from Afghanistan or any other nation. We will stand by our friends on the front lines, as we and many nations will do in pledging support for the Pakistani people tomorrow. And we will pursue positive engagement that builds bridges among faiths, and new partnerships for opportunity. Our efforts to promote peace, however, cannot be limited to defeating violent extremists. For the most powerful weapon in our arsenal is the hope of human beings -- the belief that the future belongs to those who would build and not destroy; the confidence that conflicts can end and a new day can begin. And that is why we will support -- we will strengthen our support for effective peacekeeping, while energizing our efforts to prevent conflicts before they take hold. We will pursue a lasting peace in Sudan through support for the people of Darfur and the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, so that we secure the peace that the Sudanese people deserve. (Applause.) And in countries ravaged by violence -- from Haiti to Congo to East Timor -- we will work with the U.N. and other partners to support an enduring peace. I will also continue to seek a just and lasting peace between Israel, Palestine, and the Arab world. (Applause.) We will continue to work on that issue. Yesterday, I had a constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas. We have made some progress. Palestinians have strengthened their efforts on security. Israelis have facilitated greater freedom of movement for the Palestinians. As a result of these efforts on both sides, the economy in the West Bank has begun to grow. But more progress is needed. We continue to call on Palestinians to end incitement against Israel, and we continue to emphasize that America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. (Applause.) The time has come -- the time has come to re-launch negotiations without preconditions that address the permanent status issues: security for Israelis and Palestinians, borders, refugees, and Jerusalem. And the goal is clear: Two states living side by side in peace and security -- a Jewish state of Israel, with true security for all Israelis; and a viable, independent Palestinian state with contiguous territory that ends the occupation that began in 1967, and realizes the potential of the Palestinian people. (Applause.) As we pursue this goal, we will also pursue peace between Israel and Lebanon, Israel and Syria, and a broader peace between Israel and its many neighbors. In pursuit of that goal, we will develop regional initiatives with multilateral participation, alongside bilateral negotiations. Now, I am not naïve. I know this will be difficult. But all of us -- not just the Israelis and the Palestinians, but all of us -- must decide whether we are serious about peace, or whether we will only lend it lip service. To break the old patterns, to break the cycle of insecurity and despair, all of us must say publicly what we would acknowledge in private. The United States does Israel no favors when we fail to couple an unwavering commitment to its security with an insistence that Israel respect the legitimate claims and rights of the Palestinians. (Applause.) And -- and nations within this body do the Palestinians no favors when they choose vitriolic attacks against Israel over constructive willingness to recognize Israel's legitimacy and its right to exist in peace and security. (Applause.) We must remember that the greatest price of this conflict is not paid by us. It's not paid by politicians. It's paid by the Israeli girl in Sderot who closes her eyes in fear that a rocket will take her life in the middle of the night. It's paid for by the Palestinian boy in Gaza who has no clean water and no country to call his own. These are all God's children. And after all the politics and all the posturing, this is about the right of every human being to live with dignity and security. That is a lesson embedded in the three great faiths that call one small slice of Earth the Holy Land. And that is why, even though there will be setbacks and false starts and tough days, I will not waver in my pursuit of peace. (Applause.) Third, we must recognize that in the 21st century, there will be no peace unless we take responsibility for the preservation of our planet. And I thank the Secretary General for hosting the subject of climate change yesterday. The danger posed by climate change cannot be denied. Our responsibility to meet it must not be deferred. If we continue down our current course, every member of this Assembly will see irreversible changes within their borders. Our efforts to end conflicts will be eclipsed by wars over refugees and resources. Development will be devastated by drought and famine. Land that human beings have lived on for millennia will disappear. Future generations will look back and wonder why we refused to act; why we failed to pass on -- why we failed to pass on an environment that was worthy of our inheritance. And that is why the days when America dragged its feet on this issue are over. We will move forward with investments to transform our energy economy, while providing incentives to make clean energy the profitable kind of energy. We will press ahead with deep cuts in emissions to reach the goals that we set for 2020, and eventually 2050. We will continue to promote renewable energy and efficiency, and share new technologies with countries around the world. And we will seize every opportunity for progress to address this threat in a cooperative effort with the entire world. And those wealthy nations that did so much damage to the environment in the 20th century must accept our obligation to lead. But responsibility does not end there. While we must acknowledge the need for differentiated responses, any effort to curb carbon emissions must include the fast-growing carbon emitters who can do more to reduce their air pollution without inhibiting growth. And any effort that fails to help the poorest nations both adapt to the problems that climate change have already wrought and help them travel a path of clean development simply will not work. It's hard to change something as fundamental as how we use energy. I know that. It's even harder to do so in the midst of a global recession. Certainly, it will be tempting to sit back and wait for others to move first. But we cannot make this journey unless we all move forward together. As we head into Copenhagen, let us resolve to focus on what each of us can do for the sake of our common future. And this leads me to the final pillar that must fortify our future: a global economy that advances opportunity for all people. The world is still recovering from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. In America, we see the engine of growth beginning to churn, and yet many still struggle to find a job or pay their bills. Across the globe, we find promising signs, but little certainty about what lies ahead. And far too many people in far too many places live through the daily crises that challenge our humanity -- the despair of an empty stomach; the thirst brought on by dwindling water supplies; the injustice of a child dying from a treatable disease; or a mother losing her life as she gives birth. In Pittsburgh, we will work with the world's largest economies to chart a course for growth that is balanced and sustained. That means vigilance to ensure that we do not let up until our people are back to work. That means taking steps to rekindle demand so that global recovery can be sustained. And that means setting new rules of the road and strengthening regulation for all financial centers, so that we put an end to the greed and the excess and the abuse that led us into this disaster, and prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again. At a time of such interdependence, we have a moral and pragmatic interest, however, in broader questions of development -- the questions of development that existed even before this crisis happened. And so America will continue our historic effort to help people feed themselves. We have set aside $63 billion to carry forward the fight against HIV/AIDS, to end deaths from tuberculosis and malaria, to eradicate polio, and to strengthen public health systems. We are joining with other countries to contribute H1N1 vaccines to the World Health Organization. We will integrate more economies into a system of global trade. We will support the Millennium Development Goals, and approach next year's summit with a global plan to make them a reality. And we will set our sights on the eradication of extreme poverty in our time. Now is the time for all of us to do our part. Growth will not be sustained or shared unless all nations embrace their responsibilities. And that means that wealthy nations must open their markets to more goods and extend a hand to those with less, while reforming international institutions to give more nations a greater voice. And developing nations must root out the corruption that is an obstacle to progress -- for opportunity cannot thrive where individuals are oppressed and business have to pay bribes. That is why we support honest police and independent judges; civil society and a vibrant private sector. Our goal is simple: a global economy in which growth is sustained, and opportunity is available to all. Now, the changes that I've spoken about today will not be easy to make. And they will not be realized simply by leaders like us coming together in forums like this, as useful as that may be. For as in any assembly of members, real change can only come through the people we represent. That is why we must do the hard work to lay the groundwork for progress in our own capitals. That's where we will build the consensus to end conflicts and to harness technology for peaceful purposes, to change the way we use energy, and to promote growth that can be sustained and shared. I believe that the people of the world want this future for their children. And that is why we must champion those principles which ensure that governments reflect the will of the people. These principles cannot be afterthoughts -- democracy and human rights are essential to achieving each of the goals that I've discussed today, because governments of the people and by the people are more likely to act in the broader interests of their own people, rather than narrow interests of those in power. The test of our leadership will not be the degree to which we feed the fears and old hatreds of our people. True leadership will not be measured by the ability to muzzle dissent, or to intimidate and harass political opponents at home. The people of the world want change. They will not long tolerate those who are on the wrong side of history. This Assembly's Charter commits each of us -- and I quote -- "to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women." Among those rights is the freedom to speak your mind and worship as you please; the promise of equality of the races, and the opportunity for women and girls to pursue their own potential; the ability of citizens to have a say in how you are governed, and to have confidence in the administration of justice. For just as no nation should be forced to accept the tyranny of another nation, no individual should be forced to accept the tyranny of their own people. (Applause.) As an African American, I will never forget that I would not be here today without the steady pursuit of a more perfect union in my country. And that guides my belief that no matter how dark the day may seem, transformative change can be forged by those who choose to side with justice. And I pledge that America will always stand with those who stand up for their dignity and their rights -- for the student who seeks to learn; the voter who demands to be heard; the innocent who longs to be free; the oppressed who yearns to be equal. Democracy cannot be imposed on any nation from the outside. Each society must search for its own path, and no path is perfect. Each country will pursue a path rooted in the culture of its people and in its past traditions. And I admit that America has too often been selective in its promotion of democracy. But that does not weaken our commitment; it only reinforces it. There are basic principles that are universal; there are certain truths which are self-evident -- and the United States of America will never waver in our efforts to stand up for the right of people everywhere to determine their own destiny. (Applause.) Sixty-five years ago, a weary Franklin Roosevelt spoke to the American people in his fourth and final inaugural address. After years of war, he sought to sum up the lessons that could be drawn from the terrible suffering, the enormous sacrifice that had taken place. "We have learned," he said, "to be citizens of the world, members of the human community." The United Nations was built by men and women like Roosevelt from every corner of the world -- from Africa and Asia, from Europe to the Americas. These architects of international cooperation had an idealism that was anything but naïve -- it was rooted in the hard-earned lessons of war; rooted in the wisdom that nations could advance their interests by acting together instead of splitting apart. Now it falls to us -- for this institution will be what we make of it. The United Nations does extraordinary good around the world -- feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, mending places that have been broken. But it also struggles to enforce its will, and to live up to the ideals of its founding. I believe that those imperfections are not a reason to walk away from this institution -- they are a calling to redouble our efforts. The United Nations can either be a place where we bicker about outdated grievances, or forge common ground; a place where we focus on what drives us apart, or what brings us together; a place where we indulge tyranny, or a source of moral authority. In short, the United Nations can be an institution that is disconnected from what matters in the lives of our citizens, or it can be an indispensable factor in advancing the interests of the people we serve. We have reached a pivotal moment. The United States stands ready to begin a new chapter of international cooperation -- one that recognizes the rights and responsibilities of all nations. And so, with confidence in our cause, and with a commitment to our values, we call on all nations to join us in building the future that our people so richly deserve. Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.) END 10:48 A.M. EDT tag:odeo.com,2009-09-25,25184792 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:00:22 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25172934-Tort-reform-medical-malpractice-insurance-rates-fall-for-fourth-consecutive-year-VIDEO Governor Barbour spoke at Heritage last week on the need for tort reform. The Foundry sat down with him for a few minutes afterward. GOVERNOR BARBOUR PRAISES RATE REDUCTIONS FOR MAJORITY OF MISSISSIPPI PHYSICIANS Medical malpractice insurance rates fall for fourth consecutive year. This image is a work of a Federal Emergency Management Agency employee, taken or made during the course of an employee's official duties. As works of the U.S. federal government, FEMA images are in the public domain. Author: George Armstrong/FEMA Governor Haley Barbour announced earlier this year that the state’s largest provider of medical malpractice insurance has lowered its rates once again, further proof that tort reform continues to benefit the citizens of Mississippi. Ridgeland-based Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi (MACM) reduced its medical liability insurance rates across the board by 20 percent for 2009. This is the fourth consecutive annual rate reduction and returns the premiums that ... Governor Barbour spoke at Heritage last week on the need for tort reform. The Foundry sat down with him for a few minutes afterward. GOVERNOR BARBOUR PRAISES RATE REDUCTIONS FOR MAJORITY OF MISSISSIPPI PHYSICIANS Medical malpractice insurance rates fall for fourth consecutive year. This image is a work of a Federal Emergency Management Agency employee, taken or made during the course of an employee's official duties. As works of the U.S. federal government, FEMA images are in the public domain. Author: George Armstrong/FEMA Governor Haley Barbour announced earlier this year that the state’s largest provider of medical malpractice insurance has lowered its rates once again, further proof that tort reform continues to benefit the citizens of Mississippi. Ridgeland-based Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi (MACM) reduced its medical liability insurance rates across the board by 20 percent for 2009. This is the fourth consecutive annual rate reduction and returns the premiums that Mississippi physicians pay for malpractice insurance to rates comparable to those paid in 2002. “Once again, Mississippi doctors are seeing relief from high insurance bills thanks to meaningful tort reform in 2004,” Governor Barbour said. “I thank MACM for their continued efforts to help make malpractice insurance affordable so doctors will keep their doors open and provide access to health care for all Mississippians.” In addition to a reduction in rates, tort reform has opened the door for better accessibility to healthcare through an increase in the number of physicians insured by MACM. “MACM saw a five percent increase in the number of physicians insured by the company between the end of 2002 and the end of 2008,” Governor Barbour said. “These additional physicians are now living and practicing in Mississippi and helping provide the health care that is so essential to a better quality of life for all Mississippians." Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney praised the rate reduction. “Mississippi physicians are now paying 42.2 percent less in premium for their professional liability insurance than they did in 2004, after tort reform was enacted through special sessions of the Mississippi Legislature,” Commissioner Chaney said. “Additional, and much stronger, tort reform was passed during a special session in the spring of 2004. As a result of this combined legislation, Mississippi healthcare has benefited. As an example, if a physician paid $10,000 in premium in 2004, that same physician would pay just $5,780 today as a result of fours years of rate reductions by MACM. In addition, this physician would have received refunds of premium totaling almost $7,000 during this same time period.” When tort reform was first considered, MACM promised that if the legislation were passed, the company would respond by passing monetary savings to its customers. Through rate reductions and premium refunds for the past four years, MACM has honored this commitment. “We are very pleased to announce a rate reduction for our insureds for the fourth straight year,” Michael D. Houpt, President and Chief Executive Officer of MACM, said. “As was the case in previous years, the driving force behind this reduction was continued decreases in losses and loss adjustment expenses. In addition to reduced rates at renewal of their policies, physicians have also received premium refunds in December of every year since 2005.” Founded in 1976, Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi is an organization of physicians and non-physician staff members dedicated to providing sound, stable insurance products and quality related services to physicians and other health care providers practicing in the state of Mississippi. Governor Barbour spoke at Heritage last week on the need for tort reform. The Foundry sat down with him for a few minutes afterward. GOVERNOR BARBOUR PRAISES RATE REDUCTIONS FOR MAJORITY OF MISSISSIPPI PHYSICIANS Medical malpractice insurance rates fall for fourth consecutive year. This image is a work of a Federal Emergency Management Agency employee, taken or made during the course of an employee's official duties. As works of the U.S. federal government, FEMA images are in the public domain. Author: George Armstrong/FEMA Governor Haley Barbour announced earlier this year that the state’s largest provider of medical malpractice insurance has lowered its rates once again, further proof that tort reform continues to benefit the citizens of Mississippi. Ridgeland-based Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi (MACM) reduced its medical liability insurance rates across the board by 20 percent for 2009. This is the fourth consecutive annual rate reduction and returns the premiums that Mississippi physicians pay for malpractice insurance to rates comparable to those paid in 2002. “Once again, Mississippi doctors are seeing relief from high insurance bills thanks to meaningful tort reform in 2004,” Governor Barbour said. “I thank MACM for their continued efforts to help make malpractice insurance affordable so doctors will keep their doors open and provide access to health care for all Mississippians.” In addition to a reduction in rates, tort reform has opened the door for better accessibility to healthcare through an increase in the number of physicians insured by MACM. “MACM saw a five percent increase in the number of physicians insured by the company between the end of 2002 and the end of 2008,” Governor Barbour said. “These additional physicians are now living and practicing in Mississippi and helping provide the health care that is so essential to a better quality of life for all Mississippians." Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney praised the rate reduction. “Mississippi physicians are now paying 42.2 percent less in premium for their professional liability insurance than they did in 2004, after tort reform was enacted through special sessions of the Mississippi Legislature,” Commissioner Chaney said. “Additional, and much stronger, tort reform was passed during a special session in the spring of 2004. As a result of this combined legislation, Mississippi healthcare has benefited. As an example, if a physician paid $10,000 in premium in 2004, that same physician would pay just $5,780 today as a result of fours years of rate reductions by MACM. In addition, this physician would have received refunds of premium totaling almost $7,000 during this same time period.” When tort reform was first considered, MACM promised that if the legislation were passed, the company would respond by passing monetary savings to its customers. Through rate reductions and premium refunds for the past four years, MACM has honored this commitment. “We are very pleased to announce a rate reduction for our insureds for the fourth straight year,” Michael D. Houpt, President and Chief Executive Officer of MACM, said. “As was the case in previous years, the driving force behind this reduction was continued decreases in losses and loss adjustment expenses. In addition to reduced rates at renewal of their policies, physicians have also received premium refunds in December of every year since 2005.” Founded in 1976, Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi is an organization of physicians and non-physician staff members dedicated to providing sound, stable insurance products and quality related services to physicians and other health care providers practicing in the state of Mississippi. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-23,25172934 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:47:01 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25152303-President-Barack-Obama-Weekly-Address-09-19-09-PODCAST-VIDEO-TEXT Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday, Sepyember 19, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 5.2 mb MP4 VIDEO (100 MB) Leaders of the world’s largest economies will gather next week in Pittsburgh for the second time this year. The first meeting of the G-20 nations in April came at the height of the global financial crisis – a crisis that required unprecedented international cooperation to jumpstart the world’s economies and help break the downward spiral that enveloped all our nations. At next week’s summit, we’ll have, in effect, a five-month checkup to review the steps each nation has taken – separately and together – to break the back of this economic crisis. And the good news is that we’ve made real progress since last time we met – here at home and around the world. In February, we enacted a Recovery Act, providing relief to Americans who need it, preventing layoffs, and putting Americans back to work. We’ve worked to unlock frozen credit ma... Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday, Sepyember 19, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 5.2 mb MP4 VIDEO (100 MB) Leaders of the world’s largest economies will gather next week in Pittsburgh for the second time this year. The first meeting of the G-20 nations in April came at the height of the global financial crisis – a crisis that required unprecedented international cooperation to jumpstart the world’s economies and help break the downward spiral that enveloped all our nations. At next week’s summit, we’ll have, in effect, a five-month checkup to review the steps each nation has taken – separately and together – to break the back of this economic crisis. And the good news is that we’ve made real progress since last time we met – here at home and around the world. In February, we enacted a Recovery Act, providing relief to Americans who need it, preventing layoffs, and putting Americans back to work. We’ve worked to unlock frozen credit markets, spurring lending to Americans looking to buy homes or cars, take out student loans, or finance small businesses. And we’ve challenged other nations to join us not only to spur global demand, but to address the underlying problems that caused such a deep global recession in the first place. Because of the steps taken by our nation and all nations, we can now say that we have stopped our economic freefall. But we also know that stopping the bleeding isn’t nearly enough. Our work is far from over. We know we still have a lot to do here at home to build an economy that is producing good jobs for all those who are looking for work today. And we know we still have a lot to do, in conjunction with nations around the world, to strengthen the rules governing financial markets and ensure that we never again find ourselves in the precarious situation we found ourselves in just one year ago. As I told leaders of our financial community in New York City earlier this week, a return to normalcy can’t breed complacency. To protect our economy and people from another market meltdown, our government needs to fundamentally reform the rules governing financial firms and markets to meet the challenges of the 21st century. We cannot allow the thirst for reckless schemes that produce quick profits and fat executive bonuses to override the security of our entire financial system and leave taxpayers on the hook for cleaning up the mess. And as the world’s largest economy, we must lead, not just by word, but by example, understanding that in the 21st century, financial crises know no borders. All of us need to act more responsibly on behalf of a better economic future. That is why, at next week’s G20 summit, we’ll discuss some of the steps that are required to safeguard our global financial system and close gaps in regulation around the world – gaps that permitted the kinds of reckless risk-taking and irresponsibility that led to the crisis. And that’s why I’ve called on Congress to put in place a series of tough, common-sense rules of the road that will protect consumers from abuse, let markets function fairly and freely, and help prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again. Central to these reforms is a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Part of what led to this crisis were not just decisions made on Wall Street, but also unsustainable mortgage loans made across the country. While many folks took on more than they knew they could afford, too often folks signed contracts they didn’t fully understand offered by lenders who didn’t always tell the truth. That’s why we need clear rules, clearly enforced. And that’s what this agency will do. Consumers shouldn’t have to worry about loan contracts written to confuse, hidden fees attached to their mortgages, and financial penalties – whether through a credit card or debit card – that appear without a clear warning on their statements. And responsible lenders, including community banks, trying to do the right thing shouldn’t have to worry about ruinous competition from unregulated and unscrupulous competitors. Not surprisingly, lobbyists for big Wall Street banks are hard at work trying to stop reforms that would hold them accountable and they want to keep things just the way they are. But we cannot let politics as usual triumph so business as usual can reign. We cannot let the narrow interests of a few come before the interests of all of us. We cannot forget how close we came to the brink, and perpetuate the broken system and breakdown of responsibility that made it possible. In the weeks and months ahead, we have an opportunity to build on the work we’ve already done. An opportunity to rebuild our global economy stronger that before. An opportunity not only to protect the American people and America’s economy, but to promote sustained and balanced growth and prosperity for our nation and all nations. And that’s an opportunity I am determined to seize. So, thanks for listening and thanks for watching, and to our Jewish friends, who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah, have a happy and healthy New Year. Shanah Tovah. Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday, Sepyember 19, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 5.2 mb MP4 VIDEO (100 MB) Leaders of the world’s largest economies will gather next week in Pittsburgh for the second time this year. The first meeting of the G-20 nations in April came at the height of the global financial crisis – a crisis that required unprecedented international cooperation to jumpstart the world’s economies and help break the downward spiral that enveloped all our nations. At next week’s summit, we’ll have, in effect, a five-month checkup to review the steps each nation has taken – separately and together – to break the back of this economic crisis. And the good news is that we’ve made real progress since last time we met – here at home and around the world. In February, we enacted a Recovery Act, providing relief to Americans who need it, preventing layoffs, and putting Americans back to work. We’ve worked to unlock frozen credit markets, spurring lending to Americans looking to buy homes or cars, take out student loans, or finance small businesses. And we’ve challenged other nations to join us not only to spur global demand, but to address the underlying problems that caused such a deep global recession in the first place. Because of the steps taken by our nation and all nations, we can now say that we have stopped our economic freefall. But we also know that stopping the bleeding isn’t nearly enough. Our work is far from over. We know we still have a lot to do here at home to build an economy that is producing good jobs for all those who are looking for work today. And we know we still have a lot to do, in conjunction with nations around the world, to strengthen the rules governing financial markets and ensure that we never again find ourselves in the precarious situation we found ourselves in just one year ago. As I told leaders of our financial community in New York City earlier this week, a return to normalcy can’t breed complacency. To protect our economy and people from another market meltdown, our government needs to fundamentally reform the rules governing financial firms and markets to meet the challenges of the 21st century. We cannot allow the thirst for reckless schemes that produce quick profits and fat executive bonuses to override the security of our entire financial system and leave taxpayers on the hook for cleaning up the mess. And as the world’s largest economy, we must lead, not just by word, but by example, understanding that in the 21st century, financial crises know no borders. All of us need to act more responsibly on behalf of a better economic future. That is why, at next week’s G20 summit, we’ll discuss some of the steps that are required to safeguard our global financial system and close gaps in regulation around the world – gaps that permitted the kinds of reckless risk-taking and irresponsibility that led to the crisis. And that’s why I’ve called on Congress to put in place a series of tough, common-sense rules of the road that will protect consumers from abuse, let markets function fairly and freely, and help prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again. Central to these reforms is a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Part of what led to this crisis were not just decisions made on Wall Street, but also unsustainable mortgage loans made across the country. While many folks took on more than they knew they could afford, too often folks signed contracts they didn’t fully understand offered by lenders who didn’t always tell the truth. That’s why we need clear rules, clearly enforced. And that’s what this agency will do. Consumers shouldn’t have to worry about loan contracts written to confuse, hidden fees attached to their mortgages, and financial penalties – whether through a credit card or debit card – that appear without a clear warning on their statements. And responsible lenders, including community banks, trying to do the right thing shouldn’t have to worry about ruinous competition from unregulated and unscrupulous competitors. Not surprisingly, lobbyists for big Wall Street banks are hard at work trying to stop reforms that would hold them accountable and they want to keep things just the way they are. But we cannot let politics as usual triumph so business as usual can reign. We cannot let the narrow interests of a few come before the interests of all of us. We cannot forget how close we came to the brink, and perpetuate the broken system and breakdown of responsibility that made it possible. In the weeks and months ahead, we have an opportunity to build on the work we’ve already done. An opportunity to rebuild our global economy stronger that before. An opportunity not only to protect the American people and America’s economy, but to promote sustained and balanced growth and prosperity for our nation and all nations. And that’s an opportunity I am determined to seize. So, thanks for listening and thanks for watching, and to our Jewish friends, who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah, have a happy and healthy New Year. Shanah Tovah. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-19,25152303 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:40:15 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25152304-Congresswoman-Sue-Myrick-Weekly-Republican-Address-09-19-09-VIDEO-FULL-TEXT-TRANSCRIPT Congresswoman Sue Myrick Weekly Republican Address 09/19/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hi, I’m Congresswoman Sue Myrick from North Carolina’s Ninth District. Nine years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew something was wrong with my body – but it took six doctors, three mammograms and one ultrasound before they finally they found my cancer. This process took only a few weeks. Congresswoman Sue Myrick Under the government-run healthcare system they have in Canada and the United Kingdom, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get those tests so quickly. One international study found that three times as many citizens in those countries wait longer than a month to see a specialist. When it comes to life-threatening diseases like cancer, delay could mean death. Every family that confronts a serious illness should have access to the highest-quality care at the lowest possible cost – with no delays. Replacing your current healthcare with a government-run system is not the answe... Congresswoman Sue Myrick Weekly Republican Address 09/19/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hi, I’m Congresswoman Sue Myrick from North Carolina’s Ninth District. Nine years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew something was wrong with my body – but it took six doctors, three mammograms and one ultrasound before they finally they found my cancer. This process took only a few weeks. Congresswoman Sue Myrick Under the government-run healthcare system they have in Canada and the United Kingdom, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get those tests so quickly. One international study found that three times as many citizens in those countries wait longer than a month to see a specialist. When it comes to life-threatening diseases like cancer, delay could mean death. Every family that confronts a serious illness should have access to the highest-quality care at the lowest possible cost – with no delays. Replacing your current healthcare with a government-run system is not the answer. These so-called healthcare reform bills have different names: a public option, a co-op, a trigger. Make no mistake, these are all gateways to government-run healthcare. For small business owners, these proposals mean higher taxes at a time when unemployment is nearing 10% and analysts are predicting that any kind of recovery will be a jobless one. As a former small-business owner, I can tell you from experience, that this is the worst possible time to be imposing new, job-killing taxes. In fact, the nation’s largest small business association found the health care tax increases being proposed would lead to the elimination of more than 1.6 million jobs. And for seniors, expect massive cuts to Medicare; which is unacceptable under any circumstances. Doing this now, without implementing significant reforms to make the program more efficient, would leave seniors susceptible to the rationing of care. All of this comes at a price tag of roughly $1 trillion in the midst of a year in which the government continues to set new records for red ink. It’s time we heed the American people’s frustrations with the increased spending and big government growth going on in Washington. There is another way to reform healthcare – and options we can agree on to move forward. Please go to healthcare.gop.gov to learn more. I’m Congresswoman Sue Myrick. Thank you for listening. ### Congresswoman Sue Myrick Weekly Republican Address 09/19/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Hi, I’m Congresswoman Sue Myrick from North Carolina’s Ninth District. Nine years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew something was wrong with my body – but it took six doctors, three mammograms and one ultrasound before they finally they found my cancer. This process took only a few weeks. Congresswoman Sue Myrick Under the government-run healthcare system they have in Canada and the United Kingdom, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get those tests so quickly. One international study found that three times as many citizens in those countries wait longer than a month to see a specialist. When it comes to life-threatening diseases like cancer, delay could mean death. Every family that confronts a serious illness should have access to the highest-quality care at the lowest possible cost – with no delays. Replacing your current healthcare with a government-run system is not the answer. These so-called healthcare reform bills have different names: a public option, a co-op, a trigger. Make no mistake, these are all gateways to government-run healthcare. For small business owners, these proposals mean higher taxes at a time when unemployment is nearing 10% and analysts are predicting that any kind of recovery will be a jobless one. As a former small-business owner, I can tell you from experience, that this is the worst possible time to be imposing new, job-killing taxes. In fact, the nation’s largest small business association found the health care tax increases being proposed would lead to the elimination of more than 1.6 million jobs. And for seniors, expect massive cuts to Medicare; which is unacceptable under any circumstances. Doing this now, without implementing significant reforms to make the program more efficient, would leave seniors susceptible to the rationing of care. All of this comes at a price tag of roughly $1 trillion in the midst of a year in which the government continues to set new records for red ink. It’s time we heed the American people’s frustrations with the increased spending and big government growth going on in Washington. There is another way to reform healthcare – and options we can agree on to move forward. Please go to healthcare.gop.gov to learn more. I’m Congresswoman Sue Myrick. Thank you for listening. ### tag:odeo.com,2009-09-19,25152304 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:27:40 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25136023-Republican-Leadership-Stakeout-Health-Care-9-15-09-TEXT-PODCAST-VIDEO HouseConference, September 15, 2009. House Republican leaders discuss health care after their weekly conference meeting. Download mp3 for PODCAST Republican Leadership Press Conference Category: News & Politics FULL TEXT Transcript: Conference Chairman Pence: Image Attribution: www.flickr.com/photos/republicanconference/ / CC BY-NC 2.0 Good morning, all. We just completed our meeting of the House Republican Conference and had a good discussion about the issues before the House this week and before the country. I was home in Indiana yesterday - our state was rocked with the news that one of our leading employers, Eli Lilly and Company, was going to lay off more than 5,000 employees. Projections include upwards to 2,000 Hoosiers will lose their jobs by the year 2011. When I was in Evansville, Indiana, just a few weeks ago in August, we received word that the Whirlpool plant, a plant that had been there for more than half of a century, was closing permanently, ending 1,100 jobs fro... HouseConference, September 15, 2009. House Republican leaders discuss health care after their weekly conference meeting. Download mp3 for PODCAST Republican Leadership Press Conference Category: News & Politics FULL TEXT Transcript: Conference Chairman Pence: Image Attribution: www.flickr.com/photos/republicanconference/ / CC BY-NC 2.0 Good morning, all. We just completed our meeting of the House Republican Conference and had a good discussion about the issues before the House this week and before the country. I was home in Indiana yesterday - our state was rocked with the news that one of our leading employers, Eli Lilly and Company, was going to lay off more than 5,000 employees. Projections include upwards to 2,000 Hoosiers will lose their jobs by the year 2011. When I was in Evansville, Indiana, just a few weeks ago in August, we received word that the Whirlpool plant, a plant that had been there for more than half of a century, was closing permanently, ending 1,100 jobs from Southwestern Indiana. Our economy is struggling, families are hurting. And yet, this Congress is poised to demand an apology from a man who has already apologized. It's a disappointment to millions of Americans. Last week the Speaker of the House said, ‘It's time to talk about health care.' I say Speaker Pelosi was half right. The American people want less politics and more jobs. They want this Congress to put aside petty, partisan politics. To put aside this plan for a government takeover of health care and focus on what we know has always worked to get this economy moving again. That's fiscal discipline in Washington, D.C. and immediate tax relief for working families, small businesses and family farms. Less politics, more jobs. That's what Republicans will continue to fight for. Rep. Cynthia Lummis: In August, we heard how frustrated and fed up the American people are with government takeovers of businesses like health care, like the automobile industry, like the financial services industry. And yet, this week, we are going to talk about the takeover of the student loan industry? These are private American jobs that are going to be lost once again to the government. At the same time that government wants to take over healthcare. My constituents are fed up; the American people are fed up. We saw it over the weekend and we saw it during August. It's time for us to address these issues and not spend our time spinning our wheels on matters that are not of importance to the American people. I call on my colleagues to spend our time wisely for the remainder of this year. And that means undoing much of the damage that we have done in the first eight months of this calendar year. Republican Whip Cantor: We've reached a critical juncture in this session of Congress, and I believe a very momentous time in terms of public debate in this country. The President came to the hill last week, and admonished Congress to set aside partisan bickering and get to work for the American people. As all of us have seen over the last several weeks, perhaps months, there is a real fear out there across this country that somehow we are losing the grip on the America that we all know and love. Whether it is the takeover of the auto industry, whether it is the continued meddling in the capital markets, and now is it going to be that Washington will actually replace the decision making power by the government, instead of having the individuals and their doctors do so in the arena of health care. We have an opportunity, I think all of us, to really step up to the plate, respond to the people on this. The people of this country are looking to Washington to demonstrate some responsible behavior and finally take on the issues. This president has made it his priority to affect health care reform. All of us on our side of the aisle reject the status quo. We have put forward plans and ideas on how we can best do that. And instead of continuing the speechmaking, instead of engaging in party politics, we should begin to talk about where we can agree. We've set forward many of those areas. We ought to be guaranteeing to the people that we are not going to break the bank in this health care program. That we understand we can address the pre-existing conditions issue and we can address the issue of portability, so that when you lose your job you don't necessarily lose your health care. These are areas where we can agree, and I know that all of us want to call upon this President and the Speaker of the House to work in a bipartisan way, to set aside just the name calling and the blaming and put some meaning behind the claims of bipartisanship. Rep. Mary Fallin: I'm Mary Fallin from Oklahoma. The people of America want us to listen to them, and they feel like Congress has not been listening to their concerns. They're very concerned about the future of our country, they're very concerned about the big spending, the regulation, the mandates, the government takeover of so many different industries, and now they're very concerned about the government proposing to take over their personal health care. The people of America have, I believe, sent a very clear signal that they do not want the federal government taking over their personal decisions about their health care, and what kind of health care they can have. They're tired of the bickering that's going on here in Washington, D.C. They want us to sit down and work together. There are common issues which Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike can support to help lower health care costs. Americans have made it very clear they want health care reform that lowers their costs, creates better access to care, helps them stabilize their costs in their businesses for health care expenses, and provides families the access to care that they desperately need. It's time for us in Congress to sit down and work together to show the American people that we can lead this nation and that we can put aside partisan issues and bickering to really address the concerns that they have. That's why we saw so many people come together this past weekend here on Capitol Hill. Millions of people that came from across the nation saying, "We're concerned about the future of our nation. We want you to listen to us. It's time for Congress to pay attention and address our concerns." Republican Leader Boehner: While Democrats want to change the subject, the American people are concerned about the costly government takeover of our health care system. What I think what the American people are saying is, "stop." Let's hit the reset button, and let's start over. Republicans have offered what we think are better solutions: to fix the problems in our current health care system without replacing it with this big government-run program. And I believe that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are hearing the same message, because if they had the votes to move this costly government takeover of health care, we'd see it on the floor this week. It's not on the floor this week, and so we're going to continue to have a debate here in Washington about how we can fix the current system, not replace it. I think we've got very good ideas, and I would just hope that the President and Democrat leaders here in Congress would work with us to fix those problems. They've been outlined before, whether it's those with preexisting conditions, with portability of taking your health care with you from job to job, medical malpractice reform and the defensive medicine that doctors practice. All of these things could help bring down the cost of health care in America and make it more affordable for millions more Americans. HouseConference, September 15, 2009. House Republican leaders discuss health care after their weekly conference meeting. Download mp3 for PODCAST Republican Leadership Press Conference Category: News & Politics FULL TEXT Transcript: Conference Chairman Pence: Image Attribution: www.flickr.com/photos/republicanconference/ / CC BY-NC 2.0 Good morning, all. We just completed our meeting of the House Republican Conference and had a good discussion about the issues before the House this week and before the country. I was home in Indiana yesterday - our state was rocked with the news that one of our leading employers, Eli Lilly and Company, was going to lay off more than 5,000 employees. Projections include upwards to 2,000 Hoosiers will lose their jobs by the year 2011. When I was in Evansville, Indiana, just a few weeks ago in August, we received word that the Whirlpool plant, a plant that had been there for more than half of a century, was closing permanently, ending 1,100 jobs from Southwestern Indiana. Our economy is struggling, families are hurting. And yet, this Congress is poised to demand an apology from a man who has already apologized. It's a disappointment to millions of Americans. Last week the Speaker of the House said, ‘It's time to talk about health care.' I say Speaker Pelosi was half right. The American people want less politics and more jobs. They want this Congress to put aside petty, partisan politics. To put aside this plan for a government takeover of health care and focus on what we know has always worked to get this economy moving again. That's fiscal discipline in Washington, D.C. and immediate tax relief for working families, small businesses and family farms. Less politics, more jobs. That's what Republicans will continue to fight for. Rep. Cynthia Lummis: In August, we heard how frustrated and fed up the American people are with government takeovers of businesses like health care, like the automobile industry, like the financial services industry. And yet, this week, we are going to talk about the takeover of the student loan industry? These are private American jobs that are going to be lost once again to the government. At the same time that government wants to take over healthcare. My constituents are fed up; the American people are fed up. We saw it over the weekend and we saw it during August. It's time for us to address these issues and not spend our time spinning our wheels on matters that are not of importance to the American people. I call on my colleagues to spend our time wisely for the remainder of this year. And that means undoing much of the damage that we have done in the first eight months of this calendar year. Republican Whip Cantor: We've reached a critical juncture in this session of Congress, and I believe a very momentous time in terms of public debate in this country. The President came to the hill last week, and admonished Congress to set aside partisan bickering and get to work for the American people. As all of us have seen over the last several weeks, perhaps months, there is a real fear out there across this country that somehow we are losing the grip on the America that we all know and love. Whether it is the takeover of the auto industry, whether it is the continued meddling in the capital markets, and now is it going to be that Washington will actually replace the decision making power by the government, instead of having the individuals and their doctors do so in the arena of health care. We have an opportunity, I think all of us, to really step up to the plate, respond to the people on this. The people of this country are looking to Washington to demonstrate some responsible behavior and finally take on the issues. This president has made it his priority to affect health care reform. All of us on our side of the aisle reject the status quo. We have put forward plans and ideas on how we can best do that. And instead of continuing the speechmaking, instead of engaging in party politics, we should begin to talk about where we can agree. We've set forward many of those areas. We ought to be guaranteeing to the people that we are not going to break the bank in this health care program. That we understand we can address the pre-existing conditions issue and we can address the issue of portability, so that when you lose your job you don't necessarily lose your health care. These are areas where we can agree, and I know that all of us want to call upon this President and the Speaker of the House to work in a bipartisan way, to set aside just the name calling and the blaming and put some meaning behind the claims of bipartisanship. Rep. Mary Fallin: I'm Mary Fallin from Oklahoma. The people of America want us to listen to them, and they feel like Congress has not been listening to their concerns. They're very concerned about the future of our country, they're very concerned about the big spending, the regulation, the mandates, the government takeover of so many different industries, and now they're very concerned about the government proposing to take over their personal health care. The people of America have, I believe, sent a very clear signal that they do not want the federal government taking over their personal decisions about their health care, and what kind of health care they can have. They're tired of the bickering that's going on here in Washington, D.C. They want us to sit down and work together. There are common issues which Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike can support to help lower health care costs. Americans have made it very clear they want health care reform that lowers their costs, creates better access to care, helps them stabilize their costs in their businesses for health care expenses, and provides families the access to care that they desperately need. It's time for us in Congress to sit down and work together to show the American people that we can lead this nation and that we can put aside partisan issues and bickering to really address the concerns that they have. That's why we saw so many people come together this past weekend here on Capitol Hill. Millions of people that came from across the nation saying, "We're concerned about the future of our nation. We want you to listen to us. It's time for Congress to pay attention and address our concerns." Republican Leader Boehner: While Democrats want to change the subject, the American people are concerned about the costly government takeover of our health care system. What I think what the American people are saying is, "stop." Let's hit the reset button, and let's start over. Republicans have offered what we think are better solutions: to fix the problems in our current health care system without replacing it with this big government-run program. And I believe that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are hearing the same message, because if they had the votes to move this costly government takeover of health care, we'd see it on the floor this week. It's not on the floor this week, and so we're going to continue to have a debate here in Washington about how we can fix the current system, not replace it. I think we've got very good ideas, and I would just hope that the President and Democrat leaders here in Congress would work with us to fix those problems. They've been outlined before, whether it's those with preexisting conditions, with portability of taking your health care with you from job to job, medical malpractice reform and the defensive medicine that doctors practice. All of these things could help bring down the cost of health care in America and make it more affordable for millions more Americans. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-16,25136023 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:28:26 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25126688-The-Senate-Doctors-Show-Episode-15-09-10-2009-VIDEO The Senate Doctors Show, Episode 15, 09/01/09 VIDEO Tuesday, September 1, 2009, Senator John Barrasso, M.D., and Senator Tom Coburn, M.D., visited Omaha, Nebraska to answer questions as Congress debates health care reform. Republicans are working for health care reform that gives all Americans access to health insurance and empowers patients and their doctors instead of Washington bureaucrats. Senator John Barrasso, M.D., and Senator Tom Coburn, M.D., are seeking your questions as Congress debates health care reform. We want you to be a part of this important debate. Send us your questions and comments by e-mail , Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter . Senators Barrasso and Coburn will respond to some of them in future episodes, which air every Tuesday and Thursday at 5 pm EST. Senate Doctors Show - Republican.Senate.Gov The Senate Doctors Show, Episode 15, 09/01/09 VIDEO Tuesday, September 1, 2009, Senator John Barrasso, M.D., and Senator Tom Coburn, M.D., visited Omaha, Nebraska to answer questions as Congress debates health care reform. Republicans are working for health care reform that gives all Americans access to health insurance and empowers patients and their doctors instead of Washington bureaucrats. Senator John Barrasso, M.D., and Senator Tom Coburn, M.D., are seeking your questions as Congress debates health care reform. We want you to be a part of this important debate. Send us your questions and comments by e-mail , Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter . Senators Barrasso and Coburn will respond to some of them in future episodes, which air every Tuesday and Thursday at 5 pm EST. Senate Doctors Show - Republican.Senate.Gov The Senate Doctors Show, Episode 15, 09/01/09 VIDEO Tuesday, September 1, 2009, Senator John Barrasso, M.D., and Senator Tom Coburn, M.D., visited Omaha, Nebraska to answer questions as Congress debates health care reform. Republicans are working for health care reform that gives all Americans access to health insurance and empowers patients and their doctors instead of Washington bureaucrats. Senator John Barrasso, M.D., and Senator Tom Coburn, M.D., are seeking your questions as Congress debates health care reform. We want you to be a part of this important debate. Send us your questions and comments by e-mail , Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter . Senators Barrasso and Coburn will respond to some of them in future episodes, which air every Tuesday and Thursday at 5 pm EST. Senate Doctors Show - Republican.Senate.Gov tag:odeo.com,2009-09-14,25126688 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:51:23 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25126689-Joe-Wilson-Speaks-On-House-Floor-Does-Not-Apologize-VIDEO South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson Speaks On House Floor Does Not Apologize For His "You Lie" Outburst - 09/14/09 South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson Speaks On House Floor Does Not Apologize For His "You Lie" Outburst - 09/14/09 South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson Speaks On House Floor Does Not Apologize For His "You Lie" Outburst - 09/14/09 tag:odeo.com,2009-09-14,25126689 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:33:00 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25118866-President-Barack-Obama-Back-to-School-Event-09-08-09-LIVE-VIDEO-PODCAST-TEXT Arlington, Virginia September 8, 2009 The President's Message LIVE 09/08/09 We have posted the President's prepared remarks below. When Tuesday, September 8th, at 12:00 PM (EDT) How to Watch The President's message will be streamed live on this page with feeds from WhiteHouse.gov/live and the LIVE C-SPAN FEED Downloadable video and mp3 for PODCAST of the speech Obama Back school Enemt download in MP3 format 8.69 MB Obama Back school Enemt dowonload in Ogg Vorbis format 6.36 MB For school districts hoping to access the satellite feed, it will be available beginning at 11:00 AM (EDT) using the following coordinates: Galaxy 28/Transponder 17, Slot C (9 MHz), Uplink Frequency 14344.5 Horizontal, Downlink Frequency 12044.5 Vertical Download President Barack Obama Back to School Event in .mp4 format (203 MB) The President: Hello everyone – how’s everybody doing today? I’m here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we’ve got students tuning in from all across A... Arlington, Virginia September 8, 2009 The President's Message LIVE 09/08/09 We have posted the President's prepared remarks below. When Tuesday, September 8th, at 12:00 PM (EDT) How to Watch The President's message will be streamed live on this page with feeds from WhiteHouse.gov/live and the LIVE C-SPAN FEED Downloadable video and mp3 for PODCAST of the speech Obama Back school Enemt download in MP3 format 8.69 MB Obama Back school Enemt dowonload in Ogg Vorbis format 6.36 MB For school districts hoping to access the satellite feed, it will be available beginning at 11:00 AM (EDT) using the following coordinates: Galaxy 28/Transponder 17, Slot C (9 MHz), Uplink Frequency 14344.5 Horizontal, Downlink Frequency 12044.5 Vertical Download President Barack Obama Back to School Event in .mp4 format (203 MB) The President: Hello everyone – how’s everybody doing today? I’m here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we’ve got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I’m glad you all could join us today. I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it’s your first day in a new school, so it’s understandable if you’re a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you’re in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer, and you could’ve stayed in bed just a little longer this morning. I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn’t have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday – at 4:30 in the morning. Now I wasn’t too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I’d fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I’d complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no picnic for me either, buster." So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But I’m here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I’m here because I want to talk with you about your education and what’s expected of all of you in this new school year. Now I’ve given a lot of speeches about education. And I’ve talked a lot about responsibility. I’ve talked about your teachers’ responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn. I’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox. I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve. But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed. And that’s what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself. Every single one of you has something you’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide. Maybe you could be a good writer – maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper – but you might not know it until you write a paper for your English class. Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor – maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or a new medicine or vaccine – but you might not know it until you do a project for your science class. Maybe you could be a mayor or a Senator or a Supreme Court Justice, but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team. And no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can’t drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to work for it and train for it and learn for it. And this isn’t just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you’re learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future. You’ll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment. You’ll need the insights and critical thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free. You’ll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy. We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don’t do that – if you quit on school – you’re not just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country. Now I know it’s not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork. I get it. I know what that’s like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn’t always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn’t fit in. So I wasn’t always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I’m not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse. But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams. My wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, has a similar story. Neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn’t have much. But they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country. Some of you might not have those advantages. Maybe you don’t have adults in your life who give you the support that you need. Maybe someone in your family has lost their job, and there’s not enough money to go around. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don’t feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren’t right. But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life – what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you’ve got going on at home – that’s no excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude. That’s no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That’s no excuse for not trying. Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future. That’s what young people like you are doing every day, all across America. Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas. Jazmin didn’t speak English when she first started school. Hardly anyone in her hometown went to college, and neither of her parents had gone either. But she worked hard, earned good grades, got a scholarship to Brown University, and is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to being Dr. Jazmin Perez. I’m thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who’s fought brain cancer since he was three. He’s endured all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer – hundreds of extra hours – to do his schoolwork. But he never fell behind, and he’s headed to college this fall. And then there’s Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods, she managed to get a job at a local health center; start a program to keep young people out of gangs; and she’s on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college. Jazmin, Andoni and Shantell aren’t any different from any of you. They faced challenges in their lives just like you do. But they refused to give up. They chose to take responsibility for their education and set goals for themselves. And I expect all of you to do the same. That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book. Maybe you’ll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you’ll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn. Maybe you’ll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn. And along those lines, I hope you’ll all wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don’t feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter. Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it. I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances are, you’re not going to be any of those things. But the truth is, being successful is hard. You won’t love every subject you study. You won’t click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won’t necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try. That’s OK. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who’ve had the most failures. JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter book was rejected twelve times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, and he lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said, "I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." These people succeeded because they understand that you can’t let your failures define you – you have to let them teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time. If you get in trouble, that doesn’t mean you’re a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to behave. If you get a bad grade, that doesn’t mean you’re stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying. No one’s born being good at things, you become good at things through hard work. You’re not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don’t hit every note the first time you sing a song. You’ve got to practice. It’s the same with your schoolwork. You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right, or read something a few times before you understand it, or do a few drafts of a paper before it’s good enough to hand in. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new. So find an adult you trust – a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or counselor – and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals. And even when you’re struggling, even when you’re discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you – don’t ever give up on yourself. Because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country. The story of America isn’t about people who quit when things got tough. It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best. It’s the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other. So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country? Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you’ve got to do your part too. So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America. Arlington, Virginia September 8, 2009 The President's Message LIVE 09/08/09 We have posted the President's prepared remarks below. When Tuesday, September 8th, at 12:00 PM (EDT) How to Watch The President's message will be streamed live on this page with feeds from WhiteHouse.gov/live and the LIVE C-SPAN FEED Downloadable video and mp3 for PODCAST of the speech Obama Back school Enemt download in MP3 format 8.69 MB Obama Back school Enemt dowonload in Ogg Vorbis format 6.36 MB For school districts hoping to access the satellite feed, it will be available beginning at 11:00 AM (EDT) using the following coordinates: Galaxy 28/Transponder 17, Slot C (9 MHz), Uplink Frequency 14344.5 Horizontal, Downlink Frequency 12044.5 Vertical Download President Barack Obama Back to School Event in .mp4 format (203 MB) The President: Hello everyone – how’s everybody doing today? I’m here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we’ve got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I’m glad you all could join us today. I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it’s your first day in a new school, so it’s understandable if you’re a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you’re in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer, and you could’ve stayed in bed just a little longer this morning. I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn’t have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday – at 4:30 in the morning. Now I wasn’t too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I’d fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I’d complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no picnic for me either, buster." So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But I’m here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I’m here because I want to talk with you about your education and what’s expected of all of you in this new school year. Now I’ve given a lot of speeches about education. And I’ve talked a lot about responsibility. I’ve talked about your teachers’ responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn. I’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox. I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve. But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed. And that’s what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself. Every single one of you has something you’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide. Maybe you could be a good writer – maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper – but you might not know it until you write a paper for your English class. Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor – maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or a new medicine or vaccine – but you might not know it until you do a project for your science class. Maybe you could be a mayor or a Senator or a Supreme Court Justice, but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team. And no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can’t drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to work for it and train for it and learn for it. And this isn’t just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you’re learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future. You’ll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment. You’ll need the insights and critical thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free. You’ll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy. We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don’t do that – if you quit on school – you’re not just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country. Now I know it’s not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork. I get it. I know what that’s like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn’t always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn’t fit in. So I wasn’t always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I’m not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse. But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams. My wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, has a similar story. Neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn’t have much. But they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country. Some of you might not have those advantages. Maybe you don’t have adults in your life who give you the support that you need. Maybe someone in your family has lost their job, and there’s not enough money to go around. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don’t feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren’t right. But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life – what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you’ve got going on at home – that’s no excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude. That’s no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That’s no excuse for not trying. Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future. That’s what young people like you are doing every day, all across America. Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas. Jazmin didn’t speak English when she first started school. Hardly anyone in her hometown went to college, and neither of her parents had gone either. But she worked hard, earned good grades, got a scholarship to Brown University, and is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to being Dr. Jazmin Perez. I’m thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who’s fought brain cancer since he was three. He’s endured all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer – hundreds of extra hours – to do his schoolwork. But he never fell behind, and he’s headed to college this fall. And then there’s Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods, she managed to get a job at a local health center; start a program to keep young people out of gangs; and she’s on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college. Jazmin, Andoni and Shantell aren’t any different from any of you. They faced challenges in their lives just like you do. But they refused to give up. They chose to take responsibility for their education and set goals for themselves. And I expect all of you to do the same. That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book. Maybe you’ll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you’ll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn. Maybe you’ll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn. And along those lines, I hope you’ll all wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don’t feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter. Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it. I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances are, you’re not going to be any of those things. But the truth is, being successful is hard. You won’t love every subject you study. You won’t click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won’t necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try. That’s OK. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who’ve had the most failures. JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter book was rejected twelve times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, and he lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said, "I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." These people succeeded because they understand that you can’t let your failures define you – you have to let them teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time. If you get in trouble, that doesn’t mean you’re a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to behave. If you get a bad grade, that doesn’t mean you’re stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying. No one’s born being good at things, you become good at things through hard work. You’re not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don’t hit every note the first time you sing a song. You’ve got to practice. It’s the same with your schoolwork. You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right, or read something a few times before you understand it, or do a few drafts of a paper before it’s good enough to hand in. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new. So find an adult you trust – a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or counselor – and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals. And even when you’re struggling, even when you’re discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you – don’t ever give up on yourself. Because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country. The story of America isn’t about people who quit when things got tough. It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best. It’s the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other. So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country? Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you’ve got to do your part too. So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-13,25118866 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:04:20 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog http://odeo.com/episodes/25114026-President-Barack-Obama-Weekly-Address-09-12-09-PODCAST-VIDEO-TEXT Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday, Sepyember 12, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 5.83 mb MP4 VIDEO (114 MB) On Wednesday, I addressed a joint session of Congress and the American people about why we need health insurance reform and what it will take to do it. Since then, I’ve continued to hear from many Americans across the country about why this is so urgent and important. I’ve heard from Americans who can’t get health coverage; men and women who worry that one accident or illness could drive them into bankruptcy. President Barack Obama Weekly Address 09/12/09 And I’ve heard from Americans with insurance who thought that "the uninsured" always referred to someone else – but between skyrocketing costs and insurance company practices; they’re beginning to worry that they could find themselves uninsured too. It’s an anxiety that’s keeping more and more Americans awake at night. Over the last twelve months, nearly six million more Americ... Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday, Sepyember 12, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 5.83 mb MP4 VIDEO (114 MB) On Wednesday, I addressed a joint session of Congress and the American people about why we need health insurance reform and what it will take to do it. Since then, I’ve continued to hear from many Americans across the country about why this is so urgent and important. I’ve heard from Americans who can’t get health coverage; men and women who worry that one accident or illness could drive them into bankruptcy. President Barack Obama Weekly Address 09/12/09 And I’ve heard from Americans with insurance who thought that "the uninsured" always referred to someone else – but between skyrocketing costs and insurance company practices; they’re beginning to worry that they could find themselves uninsured too. It’s an anxiety that’s keeping more and more Americans awake at night. Over the last twelve months, nearly six million more Americans lost their health coverage – that’s 17,000 men and women every single day. We’re not just talking about Americans in poverty, either – we’re talking about middle-class Americans. In other words, it can happen to anyone. And based on a brand-new report from the Treasury Department, we can expect that about half of all Americans under 65 will lose their health coverage at some point over the next ten years. If you’re under the age of 21 today, chances are more than half that you’ll find yourself uninsured at some point in that time. And more than one-third of Americans will go without coverage for longer than one year. I refuse to allow that future to happen. In the United States of America, no one should have to worry that they’ll go without health insurance – not for one year, not for one month, not for one day. And once I sign my health reform plan into law – they won’t. My plan will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance; offer quality, affordable choices to those who currently don’t; and bring health care costs for our families, our businesses, and our government under control. First of all, if you are among the hundreds of millions of Americans who already have insurance through your job, or Medicare, or Medicaid, or the VA, nothing in my plan will require you or your employer to change the coverage or the doctor you have. What my plan will do is make the insurance you have work better for you. We’ll make it illegal for insurance companies to deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition, drop your coverage when you get sick, or water it down when you need it most. They’ll no longer be able to place some arbitrary cap on the amount of coverage you can receive in a given year or over a lifetime, and we will place a limit on how much you can be charged for out-of-pocket expenses – because no one should go broke just because they get sick. Second, if you’re one of the more than thirty million American citizens who can’t get coverage, you’ll finally have quality, affordable choices. If you lose your job, change your job, or start your own business, you will be able to get coverage. And as I have said over and over again, I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficits – period. This plan will be paid for. The middle-class will realize greater security, not higher taxes. And if we can successfully slow the growth of health care costs by just one-tenth of one percent each year, it will actually reduce the deficit by $4 trillion over the long term. Affordable, quality care within reach for the tens of millions of Americans who don’t have it today. Stability and security for the hundreds of millions who do. That’s the reform we seek. We have had a long and important debate. But now is the time for action. Because every day we wait, more Americans will lose their health care, their businesses, and their homes – but also the dreams they’ve worked for and the peace of mind they deserve. They are why we have to succeed. So if you’re willing to put country before party and the interests of our children above our own; if you refuse to settle for a politics where scoring points is more important than solving problems; and if you believe, as I do, that America can still come together to do great things – then join us. Give us your help. And we will finally get health insurance reform done this year. Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Saturday, Sepyember 12, 2009 Washington, DC PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE Download MP3 5.83 mb MP4 VIDEO (114 MB) On Wednesday, I addressed a joint session of Congress and the American people about why we need health insurance reform and what it will take to do it. Since then, I’ve continued to hear from many Americans across the country about why this is so urgent and important. I’ve heard from Americans who can’t get health coverage; men and women who worry that one accident or illness could drive them into bankruptcy. President Barack Obama Weekly Address 09/12/09 And I’ve heard from Americans with insurance who thought that "the uninsured" always referred to someone else – but between skyrocketing costs and insurance company practices; they’re beginning to worry that they could find themselves uninsured too. It’s an anxiety that’s keeping more and more Americans awake at night. Over the last twelve months, nearly six million more Americans lost their health coverage – that’s 17,000 men and women every single day. We’re not just talking about Americans in poverty, either – we’re talking about middle-class Americans. In other words, it can happen to anyone. And based on a brand-new report from the Treasury Department, we can expect that about half of all Americans under 65 will lose their health coverage at some point over the next ten years. If you’re under the age of 21 today, chances are more than half that you’ll find yourself uninsured at some point in that time. And more than one-third of Americans will go without coverage for longer than one year. I refuse to allow that future to happen. In the United States of America, no one should have to worry that they’ll go without health insurance – not for one year, not for one month, not for one day. And once I sign my health reform plan into law – they won’t. My plan will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance; offer quality, affordable choices to those who currently don’t; and bring health care costs for our families, our businesses, and our government under control. First of all, if you are among the hundreds of millions of Americans who already have insurance through your job, or Medicare, or Medicaid, or the VA, nothing in my plan will require you or your employer to change the coverage or the doctor you have. What my plan will do is make the insurance you have work better for you. We’ll make it illegal for insurance companies to deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition, drop your coverage when you get sick, or water it down when you need it most. They’ll no longer be able to place some arbitrary cap on the amount of coverage you can receive in a given year or over a lifetime, and we will place a limit on how much you can be charged for out-of-pocket expenses – because no one should go broke just because they get sick. Second, if you’re one of the more than thirty million American citizens who can’t get coverage, you’ll finally have quality, affordable choices. If you lose your job, change your job, or start your own business, you will be able to get coverage. And as I have said over and over again, I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficits – period. This plan will be paid for. The middle-class will realize greater security, not higher taxes. And if we can successfully slow the growth of health care costs by just one-tenth of one percent each year, it will actually reduce the deficit by $4 trillion over the long term. Affordable, quality care within reach for the tens of millions of Americans who don’t have it today. Stability and security for the hundreds of millions who do. That’s the reform we seek. We have had a long and important debate. But now is the time for action. Because every day we wait, more Americans will lose their health care, their businesses, and their homes – but also the dreams they’ve worked for and the peace of mind they deserve. They are why we have to succeed. So if you’re willing to put country before party and the interests of our children above our own; if you refuse to settle for a politics where scoring points is more important than solving problems; and if you believe, as I do, that America can still come together to do great things – then join us. Give us your help. And we will finally get health insurance reform done this year. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-12,25114026 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:50:05 -0700 no Republican National Convention Blog