Saturday, November 10, 2012
Friday, September 11, 2009
Memorial Service @ GZ 9-11-08
September 11th Memorial Service
Honoring and Remembering
By Sunland Productions
Music by Lloyd Marcus
"This is Uncle Billy from the NY Rotary and the First NY Rotarian to volunteer at Ground Zero to feed the Fire and Police and Volunteers in the Salvation Army tent. Thank you for posting this memorial on youtube. I was there.
God Bless America! World Peace!"
We Can Not Forget --- those who died and those whose lives were changed forever!
WARNING some of the 9/11 videos may show graphic images and or people falling or jumping out the World Trade Center.
Honoring and Remembering
By Sunland Productions
Music by Lloyd Marcus
"This is Uncle Billy from the NY Rotary and the First NY Rotarian to volunteer at Ground Zero to feed the Fire and Police and Volunteers in the Salvation Army tent. Thank you for posting this memorial on youtube. I was there.
God Bless America! World Peace!"
We Can Not Forget --- those who died and those whose lives were changed forever!
WARNING some of the 9/11 videos may show graphic images and or people falling or jumping out the World Trade Center.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
United We Stand by Lloyd Marcus
We Can Not Forget --- those who died and those whose lives were changed forever!
WARNING some of the 9/11 videos may show graphic images and or people falling or jumping out the World Trade Center.
WARNING some of the 9/11 videos may show graphic images and or people falling or jumping out the World Trade Center.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Mike Huckabee: MY Report From Israel
August 17, 2009 03:01 PM
It's nearly 10pm here in Jerusalem and I've been up since 3:30 am, preparing radio commentaries, being in the Fox Bureau at 4:30am to do Geraldo, then spending a long day of touring and meetings in Israel with government officials.
From the first event, I've been shadowed by about 25 media outlets ranging from AP to Time Magazine and almost all the Israeli press. My visit was on the front page of the local papers and has stirred a significant controversy. Tonight, when I attended a reception at the disputed Shepherd Hotel, there was a large crowd of poster carrying, loud protesters and then another large crowd of counter-protesters who came to show their support of my position for a united Jerusalem and the freedom for Jews and Arabs alike to live anywhere they want in their own country.
The day has been intense and exhausting. The next two days will be similar. I'm amazed at the interest in my trip and the attempt by some to justify a policy that would force Jewish settlers to not live in some areas of their own nation. I can only imagine what an American would say if someone suggested that Baptists wouldn't be allowed to live in some neighborhoods, while Catholics would be banned in others.
More from Israel soon!
Click here to find out more about "Team Huck."
It's nearly 10pm here in Jerusalem and I've been up since 3:30 am, preparing radio commentaries, being in the Fox Bureau at 4:30am to do Geraldo, then spending a long day of touring and meetings in Israel with government officials.
From the first event, I've been shadowed by about 25 media outlets ranging from AP to Time Magazine and almost all the Israeli press. My visit was on the front page of the local papers and has stirred a significant controversy. Tonight, when I attended a reception at the disputed Shepherd Hotel, there was a large crowd of poster carrying, loud protesters and then another large crowd of counter-protesters who came to show their support of my position for a united Jerusalem and the freedom for Jews and Arabs alike to live anywhere they want in their own country.
The day has been intense and exhausting. The next two days will be similar. I'm amazed at the interest in my trip and the attempt by some to justify a policy that would force Jewish settlers to not live in some areas of their own nation. I can only imagine what an American would say if someone suggested that Baptists wouldn't be allowed to live in some neighborhoods, while Catholics would be banned in others.
More from Israel soon!
Click here to find out more about "Team Huck."
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
What death by bureaucratic fiat might look like.
Wall Street Journal - Opinion
AUGUST 17, 2009, 11:04 P.M. ET.The Panel
By ANDREW KLAVAN
It is very difficult to imagine the country making those decisions just through the normal political channels. And that's part of why you have to have some independent group that can give you guidance.
—President Barack Obama in a New York Times interview on how costly medical decisions should be made.
The people behind the long table do not know what they've become. The drug of power has been sugared over in their mouths with a flavoring of righteousness. Someone has to make these decisions, they tell their friends at dinner parties. It's all very difficult for us. But you can see it in their eyes: It isn't really difficult at all. It feels good to them to be the ones who decide.
..read more here
AUGUST 17, 2009, 11:04 P.M. ET.The Panel
By ANDREW KLAVAN
It is very difficult to imagine the country making those decisions just through the normal political channels. And that's part of why you have to have some independent group that can give you guidance.
—President Barack Obama in a New York Times interview on how costly medical decisions should be made.
The people behind the long table do not know what they've become. The drug of power has been sugared over in their mouths with a flavoring of righteousness. Someone has to make these decisions, they tell their friends at dinner parties. It's all very difficult for us. But you can see it in their eyes: It isn't really difficult at all. It feels good to them to be the ones who decide.
..read more here
Huckabee Slams Obama in Pro-Settlement Israel Visit
Posted on Monday, 08.17.09
By Cliff Churgin
McClatchy Newspapers
JERUSALEM — Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee slammed President Barack Obama's policies toward Israel on Monday in a visit here that underscored the tensions between the Obama administration and the Israeli government over Jewish settlements in what traditionally have been Palestinian areas.
Huckabee criticized the Obama administration's calls for ending such settlements and said Obama's position had only encouraged the Palestinian government not to negotiate with Israel.
...read more here
By Cliff Churgin
McClatchy Newspapers
JERUSALEM — Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee slammed President Barack Obama's policies toward Israel on Monday in a visit here that underscored the tensions between the Obama administration and the Israeli government over Jewish settlements in what traditionally have been Palestinian areas.
Huckabee criticized the Obama administration's calls for ending such settlements and said Obama's position had only encouraged the Palestinian government not to negotiate with Israel.
...read more here
“PUBLIC OPTION” BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE
Monday, August 17, 2009
By Any Other Name- Reports Of Public Option’s Demise
Greatly Exaggerated
“PUBLIC OPTION” BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE
Sen. Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) Says Co-Ops Another Form Of Government-Run Health Care. “‘We’re going to have some type of public option, call it “co-op,” call it what you want,’ Reid said, adding that Democrats are working on ‘some version of a co-op that may satisfy everyone.’” (Trish Turner, “Reid Says Co-Ops Might Be Public Option,” Fox News’s “The Speaker’s Lobby” Blog, 7/9/09)
Open To Co-Ops, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) Doesn’t Care What Government-Run Health Care Is Called. “’We don't care what it's called. We need something that's going to keep the insurance companies honest,’ Schumer said, adding that any co-op plan must also ‘be available right at the beginning, have competition ... and have the strength to bargain.’” (Trish Turner, “Reid Says Co-Ops Might Be Public Option,” Fox News’s “The Speaker’s Lobby” Blog, 7/9/09)
...read more here
this article includes:
SO WHAT IS A “CO-OP”?
Co-Ops Would Be Funded By Federal Government.
Co-Ops Would Be Regulated By Federal Government.
Co-Ops Would Force Individuals Who Want To Join To Go Through State Governments.
Federal Government Would Use Co-Ops To Monopolize Health Insurance.
WHY WHITE HOUSE IS FAKING CENTER-RIGHT
White House Open Up To Co-Ops To Fool Dem Senators Into Government-Run Health Care Compromise.
House Dems Admit Co-Ops Being Used In Desperate Attempt To Pass Government-Run Health Care Through Senate.
By Any Other Name- Reports Of Public Option’s Demise
Greatly Exaggerated
“PUBLIC OPTION” BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE
Sen. Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) Says Co-Ops Another Form Of Government-Run Health Care. “‘We’re going to have some type of public option, call it “co-op,” call it what you want,’ Reid said, adding that Democrats are working on ‘some version of a co-op that may satisfy everyone.’” (Trish Turner, “Reid Says Co-Ops Might Be Public Option,” Fox News’s “The Speaker’s Lobby” Blog, 7/9/09)
Open To Co-Ops, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) Doesn’t Care What Government-Run Health Care Is Called. “’We don't care what it's called. We need something that's going to keep the insurance companies honest,’ Schumer said, adding that any co-op plan must also ‘be available right at the beginning, have competition ... and have the strength to bargain.’” (Trish Turner, “Reid Says Co-Ops Might Be Public Option,” Fox News’s “The Speaker’s Lobby” Blog, 7/9/09)
...read more here
this article includes:
SO WHAT IS A “CO-OP”?
Co-Ops Would Be Funded By Federal Government.
Co-Ops Would Be Regulated By Federal Government.
Co-Ops Would Force Individuals Who Want To Join To Go Through State Governments.
Federal Government Would Use Co-Ops To Monopolize Health Insurance.
WHY WHITE HOUSE IS FAKING CENTER-RIGHT
White House Open Up To Co-Ops To Fool Dem Senators Into Government-Run Health Care Compromise.
House Dems Admit Co-Ops Being Used In Desperate Attempt To Pass Government-Run Health Care Through Senate.
Orlando Lake Eola Band Shell -- TEA PARTY!!!!! SATURDAY, AUGUST 22nd (this Saturday!)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Orlando Lake Eola Band Shell -- TEA PARTY!!!!! SATURDAY, AUGUST 22nd (this Saturday!)
TIME: 6-8 pm with pre-show starting at 5:30 (sound checks earlier).
This is about freedom!!!
This is expected to be one of the largest turn outs -- bringing tea party groups from Tampa, Jacksonville, etc., to Central Florida. If the weather holds out, it should be incredible!!! We are simply amazed that out of all the people in the state, and in the national effort, we were called, AGAIN!!!
This time, they want ALL of us (various combinations of the five of us) -- to participate/perform during the PRE-SHOW, SING various selected numbers, PLUS join in with a performing artist for the GRAND FINALE`!!!!
The performing artist is Lloyd Marcus. He is a precious, personal friend and wonderful Christian. He arrived in FL in 1999, too!. Interestingly, he traveled with John McCain and Sarah Palin in their travel bus and helped in the campaign out west. He has some really great stories!!
We are rehearsing every other day.
ALSO: Military and service people and their families will be coming up to the stage/band shell to either represent their loved ones or be there (maybe uniform--don't know for sure) themselves!!!
Please join us, if you can! Arrive early so that you can be seated. Let us know if you are there--it would mean so much! -- Mainly PRAY!! My family and I are counting on you!!!
Jan McPherson
836-734-9011
Orlando Lake Eola Band Shell -- TEA PARTY!!!!! SATURDAY, AUGUST 22nd (this Saturday!)
TIME: 6-8 pm with pre-show starting at 5:30 (sound checks earlier).
This is about freedom!!!
This is expected to be one of the largest turn outs -- bringing tea party groups from Tampa, Jacksonville, etc., to Central Florida. If the weather holds out, it should be incredible!!! We are simply amazed that out of all the people in the state, and in the national effort, we were called, AGAIN!!!
This time, they want ALL of us (various combinations of the five of us) -- to participate/perform during the PRE-SHOW, SING various selected numbers, PLUS join in with a performing artist for the GRAND FINALE`!!!!
The performing artist is Lloyd Marcus. He is a precious, personal friend and wonderful Christian. He arrived in FL in 1999, too!. Interestingly, he traveled with John McCain and Sarah Palin in their travel bus and helped in the campaign out west. He has some really great stories!!
We are rehearsing every other day.
ALSO: Military and service people and their families will be coming up to the stage/band shell to either represent their loved ones or be there (maybe uniform--don't know for sure) themselves!!!
Please join us, if you can! Arrive early so that you can be seated. Let us know if you are there--it would mean so much! -- Mainly PRAY!! My family and I are counting on you!!!
Jan McPherson
836-734-9011
Monday, August 17, 2009
PRESS GAGGLE BY PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS - August 17, 2009
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release August 17, 2009
PRESS GAGGLE BY PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS
Aboard Air Force One - En route Andrews Air Force Base
4:50 P.M. EDT
MR. GIBBS: Good morning.
Q Morning?
MR. GIBBS: I know, it's not really morning. I'm pretty sure my schedule will be completely messed up by the time we get home.
Q Public option -- is it dead or not?
MR. GIBBS: I got to tell you, this is one of the more curious things I've ever seen in my life. I was on a Sunday show, I said the same thing about a public option that I've said for I don't know how many weeks. The Secretary reiterated what the President said the day before, and you'd think there was some new policy.
Q The language appeared to be --
MR. GIBBS: The language "appeared" to be?
Q Well, the language on Saturday -- the President made -- saying that the public option was only a sliver, and whether it's in it or it isn't in it seems to move the ball a little bit from where you guys were. No?
MR. GIBBS: No. I think you can go back and find the President saying -- look, the President has said that's his preference, but the President has also said I don't know how many times if the goals are choice and competition, right, the reason you have a public option is because you have an insurance market that doesn't have choice or competition. If somebody is trying to seek private insurance on -- private health insurance on a private market and only has -- because this happens in some areas or in some states where there's one insurance company that does business in that region, that that is -- that doesn't ensure the type of affordability and quality that you'd want to see in a health insurance system.
So you have some competition that provides some choice, so that if a family of four might have different insurance needs than a single person or a couple that's married with no children or what have you. The goals are choice and competition. His preference is a public option. If there are other ideas, he's happy to look at them. Because I think his -- I think this is true not only for the issue of health care, but for virtually every other issue that he'll ever deal with in public life is he has goals about what he wants to accomplish and he's not necessarily wedded to one -- only one way of getting there. I think he's said that a hundred times.
Q Just to be completely clear, has anything changed on the public option?
MR. GIBBS: No. I challenge you guys all to go back and see what we've said about this over the course of many, many, many, many months, and you'll find a boring consistency to our rhetoric.
Q The rhetoric, as you say, might be consistent, but the movement on the ground, so to speak, toward legislation hasn't been. Is there any recognition now that a public option is looking less likely to be part of a final deal?
MR. GIBBS: Let me make sure I understand your question, because I want to know if it's -- is this predicated on legislative developments since Congress has been out of session, or are we trying to match the stampede of a series of stories to if not the consistent language that we've all been saying to some now legislative vote?
Q It's just looking more and more likely that a public option is not going to be part of the final bill. I'm wondering if the White House is --
MR. GIBBS: I do think -- can I just -- I want to point out the -- how do I phrase this -- massive irony that I don't know that I saw any of your stories denote the fact that this might be -- that you're surmising now this was a political reality rather than --
Q That's what we're asking.
MR. GIBBS: I understand, but did you think from the phrasing of Julianna's question that we might be coming to justify a series of stampeding stories in one direction based on something different than what we've always said?
Q But you guys have -- you haven't exactly come out publicly since Sebelius' statement yesterday, come in front of the cameras to speak to us, to downplay --
MR. GIBBS: Because nothing has changed.
Q But you haven't downplayed the remarks and the coverage either.
MR. GIBBS: No, no, I think many people talked to you all yesterday. I think people sent e-mails. David Axelrod called people.
Q (Inaudible.)
MR. GIBBS: I didn't get an e-mail from you. Nothing has changed. I mean, we can go out and say nothing has changed, but that seems sort of silly since nothing has changed.
Look, in terms of the political realities, obviously there's a public plan -- or public option in the House bill. There is a public option in the HELP bill. I don't know what the Senate Finance Committee will come out with.
Q When the President talks about the special interests and railing against the special interests on health care, who is he referring to -- criticized special interests, lobbyists, and --
MR. GIBBS: Well --
Q Specifically, those you're referring to. What constituencies?
MR. GIBBS: Interest groups that are aligned to keep the status quo either because it benefits them or they have a vested interest in -- or because they have a vested interest in it not changing.
Q So he would include drug makers in that, or not?
MR. GIBBS: Drug makers, if you're a member of PhRMA, you've come to an agreement about health care reform happening this year.
Q So he's referring to special interests who are not on board with reform?
MR. GIBBS: Well, I mean, to be critical of somebody who's not for reform, you typically would have to be opposed to the President's plan.
Q Right, but it seems that there are actually a lot of special interests that are in favor of reform. So --
MR. GIBBS: I guess I'm confused at where you're heading here.
Q Well, I'm -- he gets up there, he rails against special interests, but yet there are special interests who are allies of the White House, as well.
MR. GIBBS: But let's be clear. You can rail against special interests that are for -- it'd be sort of odd to go to a town hall meeting and rail against interest groups that are supporting reform -- right -- who have acknowledged that it's time for health care reform; acknowledged that the system as we currently have it either isn't working for patients or doctors or nurses or seniors or young people or budgets or the government.
Q Well, then, specifically, who? Can you give me a couple examples of --
MR. GIBBS: I think the President mentioned the other day that there are insurance companies that are for the status quo.
Q Like?
MR. GIBBS: Well, I think we've produced a list. I'll try to find that for you. There's groups that have run commercials, right? Dick Armey's group has been out there. I'd point you to Dick Armey's comments on Medicare today, as well. But Dick Armey's group is out there actively getting people to go to town halls and yell at members of Congress. The Conservatives for Patients' Rights, the gentleman who has in his list of lifetime accomplishments, "receiving the largest Medicare fine in the history of the entire program," who spent millions of dollars to go on TV and criticize health care reform. I think that's a list of people that are special interests who oppose a change and reform in health care.
Q Switching topics --
Q Wait, can I ask one more health care question?
Q Sure.
Q What was the President's message to Chairman Baucus regarding the public option during their meetings on Friday?
MR. GIBBS: I don't know the degree which that particularly came up. I think they were talking more about the global process, about trying to get consensus in the Finance Committee.
Q Would that have to involve public option of some sort?
MR. GIBBS: Well, I mean, obviously they'll make a decision about it. He didn't talk to me about whether or not that specifically came up.
Q Swapping topics a little bit to tomorrow. What does the President hope to achieve with his meeting with Mubarak?
MR. GIBBS: Look, again, I think this is continuing our outreach in the Middle East. Again, I don't want to get ahead of what the President will tell Mubarak. But I think obviously each country in the region on either side of this issue has certain responsibilities to uphold as we make progress toward a lasting peace in the Middle East. And without a recognition of those responsibilities it's going to be hard to move forward. So I think the President will take some time to talk through that.
Q Anything else specifically that he wants to discuss?
MR. GIBBS: Well, let me -- let me just leave at that, then we'll have -- you guys will have a chance to talk to them tomorrow afternoon.
Q More broadly, sort of six months from sort of starting his Middle East peace push, how does the President feel things are sort of developing? It seems we've gone to a situation now where the Arabs are telling the Israelis, you've got to go first, and the Israelis are telling the Arabs, you've got to go first. Is there any way you can sort of unblock that situation?
MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I think -- I think most Middle East observers will tell you that progress on this issue is not going to be made unless or until there's sustained involvement by the United States; that if we look back at progress that has been made, it's generally been with the involvement of the United States, because we all understand it's in our national interest.
I think the President talked throughout -- has talked throughout his time in public life as saying that most of all, what we have to have is have that sustained engagement that allows the two parties to work with each other and make progress. And without it, what happens, we tend to see -- we tend to see the absence of that progress.
And I think instead of -- instead of waiting until the end of a certain term or a certain time to have that engagement, the President's plan is to -- was to do that from the very beginning, and I think you saw that in the phone calls that he made the very first full day -- his very first full day in office. We'll continue to do that.
Q Has he spoken to Mubarak since the June meeting?
MR. GIBBS: I don't believe he has but I will double-check. I don't believe he has since then. They haven't -- I mean, they haven't spoken on the phone, I should say.
Q How else --
MR. GIBBS: Well, they could communicate.
Q He's got the e-mail address.
Q Yes.
MR. GIBBS: You could write a letter.
Q Does he have the BlackBerry --
Q Does he have the e-mail address?
MR. GIBBS: Not that I'm aware of, no. Just by letter.
Q So you'll let us know if any communication has --
MR. GIBBS: Yes, well, I'll double check with those guys.
Q Is there a change in the schedule for the rest of the week?
MR. GIBBS: Not that I'm aware of, though I have to admit, having been out West, I'm a bit out of the -- I'm happily out of the scheduling loop for a couple days. But we'll try to update you tomorrow morning or tomorrow afternoon in the briefing if any events have been added. I'm sure there have, just as they have been fleshed out.
Q And the reason that we moved the schedule up earlier today -- was there any special reason?
MR. GIBBS: No, just he was -- he was up a little earlier, and the VFW could take us a little earlier, and I think he's probably anxious to get back over -- to get back out East, much to our chagrin.
Q What's the format for tomorrow, is it -- with Mubarak? Is it the usual one-on-one, expanded delegations, lunch, that kind of thing?
MR. GIBBS: I believe so. I don't -- I have not seen the full itinerary, but I don't know why that would be different. And then I don't know where we're doing the spray with the questions, but we'll have all that information out for you guys either in tonight's guidance or first thing tomorrow morning.
Q With the budget mid-session review coming out in the next few weeks, are you guys expecting good news or bad news?
MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I think obviously the biggest driver in a budget right now is the state of the economy. I think it's pretty safe to assume that the economy over the course of the first six months, particularly that first three months that the President was in office, we've talked about numerous times deteriorated at a rapid pace unlike anything anybody imagined. So I think in many ways it has only sharpened our budget challenges. I've not seen the final documents or things like that, but I don't think there's any doubt the challenges remain to get our fiscal house in order.
I think you've heard the President at town hall meetings talk about the importance of making sure that health care reform is paid for. I think he, at the end of -- particularly at the end of the Colorado town hall meeting, you know, he talked about, you know, Congress -- and the President added an expensive drug benefit through Medicare that we didn't pay for. We went to war in Iraq that we didn't pay for. We made a lot of cognitive decisions that we knew would be expensive, and we made them knowing we weren't going to pay for them.
The President has a different idea about that -- that reform has to be something that we pay for because we have to get our fiscal house in order, we have to change the cost curve for Medicare and Medicaid. Families can't afford health care to continue to skyrocket at this rate. Neither, quite frankly, can the government.
All right, enjoy your flight home. Thanks, guys.
Q Thanks, Robert.
END
5:05 P.M. EDT
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release August 17, 2009
PRESS GAGGLE BY PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS
Aboard Air Force One - En route Andrews Air Force Base
4:50 P.M. EDT
MR. GIBBS: Good morning.
Q Morning?
MR. GIBBS: I know, it's not really morning. I'm pretty sure my schedule will be completely messed up by the time we get home.
Q Public option -- is it dead or not?
MR. GIBBS: I got to tell you, this is one of the more curious things I've ever seen in my life. I was on a Sunday show, I said the same thing about a public option that I've said for I don't know how many weeks. The Secretary reiterated what the President said the day before, and you'd think there was some new policy.
Q The language appeared to be --
MR. GIBBS: The language "appeared" to be?
Q Well, the language on Saturday -- the President made -- saying that the public option was only a sliver, and whether it's in it or it isn't in it seems to move the ball a little bit from where you guys were. No?
MR. GIBBS: No. I think you can go back and find the President saying -- look, the President has said that's his preference, but the President has also said I don't know how many times if the goals are choice and competition, right, the reason you have a public option is because you have an insurance market that doesn't have choice or competition. If somebody is trying to seek private insurance on -- private health insurance on a private market and only has -- because this happens in some areas or in some states where there's one insurance company that does business in that region, that that is -- that doesn't ensure the type of affordability and quality that you'd want to see in a health insurance system.
So you have some competition that provides some choice, so that if a family of four might have different insurance needs than a single person or a couple that's married with no children or what have you. The goals are choice and competition. His preference is a public option. If there are other ideas, he's happy to look at them. Because I think his -- I think this is true not only for the issue of health care, but for virtually every other issue that he'll ever deal with in public life is he has goals about what he wants to accomplish and he's not necessarily wedded to one -- only one way of getting there. I think he's said that a hundred times.
Q Just to be completely clear, has anything changed on the public option?
MR. GIBBS: No. I challenge you guys all to go back and see what we've said about this over the course of many, many, many, many months, and you'll find a boring consistency to our rhetoric.
Q The rhetoric, as you say, might be consistent, but the movement on the ground, so to speak, toward legislation hasn't been. Is there any recognition now that a public option is looking less likely to be part of a final deal?
MR. GIBBS: Let me make sure I understand your question, because I want to know if it's -- is this predicated on legislative developments since Congress has been out of session, or are we trying to match the stampede of a series of stories to if not the consistent language that we've all been saying to some now legislative vote?
Q It's just looking more and more likely that a public option is not going to be part of the final bill. I'm wondering if the White House is --
MR. GIBBS: I do think -- can I just -- I want to point out the -- how do I phrase this -- massive irony that I don't know that I saw any of your stories denote the fact that this might be -- that you're surmising now this was a political reality rather than --
Q That's what we're asking.
MR. GIBBS: I understand, but did you think from the phrasing of Julianna's question that we might be coming to justify a series of stampeding stories in one direction based on something different than what we've always said?
Q But you guys have -- you haven't exactly come out publicly since Sebelius' statement yesterday, come in front of the cameras to speak to us, to downplay --
MR. GIBBS: Because nothing has changed.
Q But you haven't downplayed the remarks and the coverage either.
MR. GIBBS: No, no, I think many people talked to you all yesterday. I think people sent e-mails. David Axelrod called people.
Q (Inaudible.)
MR. GIBBS: I didn't get an e-mail from you. Nothing has changed. I mean, we can go out and say nothing has changed, but that seems sort of silly since nothing has changed.
Look, in terms of the political realities, obviously there's a public plan -- or public option in the House bill. There is a public option in the HELP bill. I don't know what the Senate Finance Committee will come out with.
Q When the President talks about the special interests and railing against the special interests on health care, who is he referring to -- criticized special interests, lobbyists, and --
MR. GIBBS: Well --
Q Specifically, those you're referring to. What constituencies?
MR. GIBBS: Interest groups that are aligned to keep the status quo either because it benefits them or they have a vested interest in -- or because they have a vested interest in it not changing.
Q So he would include drug makers in that, or not?
MR. GIBBS: Drug makers, if you're a member of PhRMA, you've come to an agreement about health care reform happening this year.
Q So he's referring to special interests who are not on board with reform?
MR. GIBBS: Well, I mean, to be critical of somebody who's not for reform, you typically would have to be opposed to the President's plan.
Q Right, but it seems that there are actually a lot of special interests that are in favor of reform. So --
MR. GIBBS: I guess I'm confused at where you're heading here.
Q Well, I'm -- he gets up there, he rails against special interests, but yet there are special interests who are allies of the White House, as well.
MR. GIBBS: But let's be clear. You can rail against special interests that are for -- it'd be sort of odd to go to a town hall meeting and rail against interest groups that are supporting reform -- right -- who have acknowledged that it's time for health care reform; acknowledged that the system as we currently have it either isn't working for patients or doctors or nurses or seniors or young people or budgets or the government.
Q Well, then, specifically, who? Can you give me a couple examples of --
MR. GIBBS: I think the President mentioned the other day that there are insurance companies that are for the status quo.
Q Like?
MR. GIBBS: Well, I think we've produced a list. I'll try to find that for you. There's groups that have run commercials, right? Dick Armey's group has been out there. I'd point you to Dick Armey's comments on Medicare today, as well. But Dick Armey's group is out there actively getting people to go to town halls and yell at members of Congress. The Conservatives for Patients' Rights, the gentleman who has in his list of lifetime accomplishments, "receiving the largest Medicare fine in the history of the entire program," who spent millions of dollars to go on TV and criticize health care reform. I think that's a list of people that are special interests who oppose a change and reform in health care.
Q Switching topics --
Q Wait, can I ask one more health care question?
Q Sure.
Q What was the President's message to Chairman Baucus regarding the public option during their meetings on Friday?
MR. GIBBS: I don't know the degree which that particularly came up. I think they were talking more about the global process, about trying to get consensus in the Finance Committee.
Q Would that have to involve public option of some sort?
MR. GIBBS: Well, I mean, obviously they'll make a decision about it. He didn't talk to me about whether or not that specifically came up.
Q Swapping topics a little bit to tomorrow. What does the President hope to achieve with his meeting with Mubarak?
MR. GIBBS: Look, again, I think this is continuing our outreach in the Middle East. Again, I don't want to get ahead of what the President will tell Mubarak. But I think obviously each country in the region on either side of this issue has certain responsibilities to uphold as we make progress toward a lasting peace in the Middle East. And without a recognition of those responsibilities it's going to be hard to move forward. So I think the President will take some time to talk through that.
Q Anything else specifically that he wants to discuss?
MR. GIBBS: Well, let me -- let me just leave at that, then we'll have -- you guys will have a chance to talk to them tomorrow afternoon.
Q More broadly, sort of six months from sort of starting his Middle East peace push, how does the President feel things are sort of developing? It seems we've gone to a situation now where the Arabs are telling the Israelis, you've got to go first, and the Israelis are telling the Arabs, you've got to go first. Is there any way you can sort of unblock that situation?
MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I think -- I think most Middle East observers will tell you that progress on this issue is not going to be made unless or until there's sustained involvement by the United States; that if we look back at progress that has been made, it's generally been with the involvement of the United States, because we all understand it's in our national interest.
I think the President talked throughout -- has talked throughout his time in public life as saying that most of all, what we have to have is have that sustained engagement that allows the two parties to work with each other and make progress. And without it, what happens, we tend to see -- we tend to see the absence of that progress.
And I think instead of -- instead of waiting until the end of a certain term or a certain time to have that engagement, the President's plan is to -- was to do that from the very beginning, and I think you saw that in the phone calls that he made the very first full day -- his very first full day in office. We'll continue to do that.
Q Has he spoken to Mubarak since the June meeting?
MR. GIBBS: I don't believe he has but I will double-check. I don't believe he has since then. They haven't -- I mean, they haven't spoken on the phone, I should say.
Q How else --
MR. GIBBS: Well, they could communicate.
Q He's got the e-mail address.
Q Yes.
MR. GIBBS: You could write a letter.
Q Does he have the BlackBerry --
Q Does he have the e-mail address?
MR. GIBBS: Not that I'm aware of, no. Just by letter.
Q So you'll let us know if any communication has --
MR. GIBBS: Yes, well, I'll double check with those guys.
Q Is there a change in the schedule for the rest of the week?
MR. GIBBS: Not that I'm aware of, though I have to admit, having been out West, I'm a bit out of the -- I'm happily out of the scheduling loop for a couple days. But we'll try to update you tomorrow morning or tomorrow afternoon in the briefing if any events have been added. I'm sure there have, just as they have been fleshed out.
Q And the reason that we moved the schedule up earlier today -- was there any special reason?
MR. GIBBS: No, just he was -- he was up a little earlier, and the VFW could take us a little earlier, and I think he's probably anxious to get back over -- to get back out East, much to our chagrin.
Q What's the format for tomorrow, is it -- with Mubarak? Is it the usual one-on-one, expanded delegations, lunch, that kind of thing?
MR. GIBBS: I believe so. I don't -- I have not seen the full itinerary, but I don't know why that would be different. And then I don't know where we're doing the spray with the questions, but we'll have all that information out for you guys either in tonight's guidance or first thing tomorrow morning.
Q With the budget mid-session review coming out in the next few weeks, are you guys expecting good news or bad news?
MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I think obviously the biggest driver in a budget right now is the state of the economy. I think it's pretty safe to assume that the economy over the course of the first six months, particularly that first three months that the President was in office, we've talked about numerous times deteriorated at a rapid pace unlike anything anybody imagined. So I think in many ways it has only sharpened our budget challenges. I've not seen the final documents or things like that, but I don't think there's any doubt the challenges remain to get our fiscal house in order.
I think you've heard the President at town hall meetings talk about the importance of making sure that health care reform is paid for. I think he, at the end of -- particularly at the end of the Colorado town hall meeting, you know, he talked about, you know, Congress -- and the President added an expensive drug benefit through Medicare that we didn't pay for. We went to war in Iraq that we didn't pay for. We made a lot of cognitive decisions that we knew would be expensive, and we made them knowing we weren't going to pay for them.
The President has a different idea about that -- that reform has to be something that we pay for because we have to get our fiscal house in order, we have to change the cost curve for Medicare and Medicaid. Families can't afford health care to continue to skyrocket at this rate. Neither, quite frankly, can the government.
All right, enjoy your flight home. Thanks, guys.
Q Thanks, Robert.
END
5:05 P.M. EDT
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Huckabee to Speak at East Jerusalem Hotel
Aug 12, 2009 23:39 | Updated Aug 13, 2009 9:31
By ABE SELIG
Former Arkansas governor and US presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee will take part in a reception at the Shepherd's Hotel in east Jerusalem during his visit to Israel next week, but the Fox News contributor will not be broadcasting a live show from the site, as was previously reported.
...read more here
By ABE SELIG
Former Arkansas governor and US presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee will take part in a reception at the Shepherd's Hotel in east Jerusalem during his visit to Israel next week, but the Fox News contributor will not be broadcasting a live show from the site, as was previously reported.
...read more here
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Mike Huckabee discusses the implications of Obama care on the states and Medicaid.
August 06, 2009
Mike Huckabee discusses the implications of Obama care on the states and Medicaid.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
News Release: Bob Vander Plaats Sets the Pace For GOP Primary Field
News Release: Bob Vander Plaats Sets the Pace For GOP Primary Field
July 15, 2009
Bob Vander Plaats is well on his way to becoming the GOP candidate, and the next Governor of Iowa. With 46% of Republican voters choosing Bob, and his nearest competitor at only 14%, Bob is setting the pace for others to follow.
This strong showing of support from Republicans in Iowa proves that they believe Bob can deliver on his promises. They know that Bob will stand strong for conservative principles, like lowering taxes, the sanctity of life, and traditional marriage.
Bob Vander Plaats will not attempt to circumvent the law, but he will issue an executive order upon his election giving Iowa voters the right to determine the issue of traditional marriage. He knows that the definition of marriage hasn’t changed. Bob possesses the conviction of moral clarity and moral courage.
His entire career has been about maximizing the potential of the people and institutions around him. He is a candidate Iowans can trust, and one we all should support.
...read more here
July 15, 2009
Bob Vander Plaats is well on his way to becoming the GOP candidate, and the next Governor of Iowa. With 46% of Republican voters choosing Bob, and his nearest competitor at only 14%, Bob is setting the pace for others to follow.
This strong showing of support from Republicans in Iowa proves that they believe Bob can deliver on his promises. They know that Bob will stand strong for conservative principles, like lowering taxes, the sanctity of life, and traditional marriage.
Bob Vander Plaats will not attempt to circumvent the law, but he will issue an executive order upon his election giving Iowa voters the right to determine the issue of traditional marriage. He knows that the definition of marriage hasn’t changed. Bob possesses the conviction of moral clarity and moral courage.
His entire career has been about maximizing the potential of the people and institutions around him. He is a candidate Iowans can trust, and one we all should support.
...read more here
Sunday, June 28, 2009
American Tea Party Obama Lied, The Economy Died
American Tea Party Protest Obama Socialism
featuring song by Lloyd Marcus and NBRA Video
National Black Republican Association
www.NBRA.info
featuring song by Lloyd Marcus and NBRA Video
National Black Republican Association
www.NBRA.info
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Deltona Fair Tax Breakfast Meeting - June 24
Perkins Restaurant, on Saxon Blvd., near I-4, Orange City
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Join us to wave Fair Tax signs in front of the restaurant at 9:00 a.m.
(in case of rain, waving signs will be cancelled)
Charlotte Seit
Deltona Fair Tax Group
1030char@gmail.com
http://www.fairtax.org/site/Clubs?club_id=1100&pg=main&s_oo=FQca-DYXlRhubxZAC_ixow..
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Join us to wave Fair Tax signs in front of the restaurant at 9:00 a.m.
(in case of rain, waving signs will be cancelled)
Charlotte Seit
Deltona Fair Tax Group
1030char@gmail.com
http://www.fairtax.org/site/Clubs?club_id=1100&pg=main&s_oo=FQca-DYXlRhubxZAC_ixow..
WE THE PEOPLE by Lloyd Marcus, NEW Tea Party Unity Song
My fellow club (rcswv.org) member Lloyd has done it again! Here is a new song. You have to watch it, play it, and then click on the little email envelop at the bottom of this post and email it to all of your friends.
A Message from Lloyd:
Dear Fellow Patriots, No marketing firm could have started this incredible spontaneous Tea Party Movement. It is totally driven by love, passion and concern of the America people.
The passionate voice of one man, Rick Santelli, ignited a fire which spread across America. You came by the tens of thousands to tea parties. Your message was loud and clear, ENOUGH!...STOP the hijacking of our Freedom, Liberty and Culture!
In my NEW Tea Party unity song, We The People, I humbly try to be your voice. I thought, what if every patriot joined and sang together. What would it sound like and what would we say? Brothers and sisters, from my heart to yours, I give you, WE THE PEOPLE.
God Bless, Lloyd
BOOK LLOYD FOR YOUR NEXT TEA PARTY:
SINGER/SONGWRITER: Lloyd Marcus http://LloydMarcus.com
PRODUCER: Frank Starchak/ Deltona Records: http://deltonaarts.com/studio.html
ORATOR: Bud Hedinger: http://540wfla.com
BACKUP VOCALS POSSE: Jen Stackpole, Jimi Pappas, GINGER!, Steve McPherson, Rhonda McPherson & Bill Scott
VIDEO: Doug Balch
ARTWORK: Camille Bonnell
AGENT: Bob Bonnell
MANAGER: Mary Parker Marcus
SPECIAL THANKS: Aubrey Chernick PJTV, Michael Patrick Leahy (TCOT Report), Andrea Shea King (Andrea Shea King Show), Tom La Falce, Joe Wierzbicki (OurCountryDeservesBetter.com), Kelly Eustis, Bob McCarty, Chris Baker (Select-o-Hits), Steve Stone (RenewAmerica.com), Dr Rich Swier (Red County), Alan Gray (NewsBlaze), Frances Rice (National Black Republican Association), Dave Logan (ThirdWaveDave), Thomas Lifson (AmericanThinker.com), FreeRepublic.com
“We The People” by Lloyd Marcus
You work hard raising and providing for your families.
Protest is not in your nature
But when the hijacking of our freedom, liberty and culture reached a critical mass
You came...By the tens of thousands...American Patriots...
To Tea Parties across our great land
You came.
We the people
Of the United States of America
Stand for the rights of the individual
Endowed by our Creator
His great gift to you and me
The birth right of every citizen
From sea to shining sea
Extreme taxation
Like our founding fathers, we will not stand for
A strong and united majority
Silent no more
We the people, vow to
Take back America
Restore the values
That have made us great
Defeat is not an option
The stakes are far to high
For the sake of our children
We'll do much more than try
We the people
Of the United States of America
Stand for the rights
Preserve the rights
Stand for the rights of the individual
© 2009 Zephyrus Music, BMI
A Message from Lloyd:
Dear Fellow Patriots, No marketing firm could have started this incredible spontaneous Tea Party Movement. It is totally driven by love, passion and concern of the America people.
The passionate voice of one man, Rick Santelli, ignited a fire which spread across America. You came by the tens of thousands to tea parties. Your message was loud and clear, ENOUGH!...STOP the hijacking of our Freedom, Liberty and Culture!
In my NEW Tea Party unity song, We The People, I humbly try to be your voice. I thought, what if every patriot joined and sang together. What would it sound like and what would we say? Brothers and sisters, from my heart to yours, I give you, WE THE PEOPLE.
God Bless, Lloyd
BOOK LLOYD FOR YOUR NEXT TEA PARTY:
SINGER/SONGWRITER: Lloyd Marcus http://LloydMarcus.com
PRODUCER: Frank Starchak/ Deltona Records: http://deltonaarts.com/studio.html
ORATOR: Bud Hedinger: http://540wfla.com
BACKUP VOCALS POSSE: Jen Stackpole, Jimi Pappas, GINGER!, Steve McPherson, Rhonda McPherson & Bill Scott
VIDEO: Doug Balch
ARTWORK: Camille Bonnell
AGENT: Bob Bonnell
MANAGER: Mary Parker Marcus
SPECIAL THANKS: Aubrey Chernick PJTV, Michael Patrick Leahy (TCOT Report), Andrea Shea King (Andrea Shea King Show), Tom La Falce, Joe Wierzbicki (OurCountryDeservesBetter.com), Kelly Eustis, Bob McCarty, Chris Baker (Select-o-Hits), Steve Stone (RenewAmerica.com), Dr Rich Swier (Red County), Alan Gray (NewsBlaze), Frances Rice (National Black Republican Association), Dave Logan (ThirdWaveDave), Thomas Lifson (AmericanThinker.com), FreeRepublic.com
“We The People” by Lloyd Marcus
You work hard raising and providing for your families.
Protest is not in your nature
But when the hijacking of our freedom, liberty and culture reached a critical mass
You came...By the tens of thousands...American Patriots...
To Tea Parties across our great land
You came.
We the people
Of the United States of America
Stand for the rights of the individual
Endowed by our Creator
His great gift to you and me
The birth right of every citizen
From sea to shining sea
Extreme taxation
Like our founding fathers, we will not stand for
A strong and united majority
Silent no more
We the people, vow to
Take back America
Restore the values
That have made us great
Defeat is not an option
The stakes are far to high
For the sake of our children
We'll do much more than try
We the people
Of the United States of America
Stand for the rights
Preserve the rights
Stand for the rights of the individual
© 2009 Zephyrus Music, BMI
Tea Party Express
The Country Deserves Better PAC's new cross-country tour, "Tea Party Express," now has a live website: http://www.TeaPartyExpress.org.
It is being promoted around the blogosphere and traffic has reach almost 2,000 hits so far since our launch today.
You will notice we have the logos of the tour's partners on the main page.
Most impressively, the "Target Races" page has a list of the tax-and-spend liberals who the PAC will be targeting on this tour.
TEA PARTY - DELAND - JULY 4
Volusia Patriots Tea Party
DeLand, Florida
Saturday, July 4, 2009
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
DeLand City Hall Civic Plaza
120 S Florida Ave.
Tabatha Grimes (organizer)
386-738-2089 (organizer phone)
Contact Organizer | Website | Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/deland.patriots
Constitution Education You need to know!
TEA PARTY - EUSTIS - JULY 4
July 4th North Lake TEA Party
Eustis, Florida
Saturday, July 4, 2009
11am-3pm
Lake County Fairgrounds
2101 County Road 452
Patricia Sullivan (organizer)
321.277.5376 (organizer phone)
http://www.northlaketeaparty.com/
Arrive early enough to stroll through "Liberty Lane" as you enter the Fairgrounds. Signs from the April 15th and June 12th protests will line the walkways. Make your way to the pavilion where we will have a 30 minute program beginning at 11am to honor our Veterans and Active Military.
Spend the next hour gathering information in the Expo building from groups like 9.12, FairTax, American Solutions, Life's Choices, Call2Fall and more. You can register to vote, find out how to contact your Legislators, send encouragement to our Troops and become informed on current issues. Enjoy "Pull the Pork, Cut the Tax" BBQ lunch specials and cool down with ice cream, smoothies and snow cones. Marc Manieri from Americans For Fair Taxation will be presenting information on the FairTax. Monte Bateman from the Independence Caucus is flying in from Utah to share how we CAN make a difference in our country starting right where we are! Jon H. Gutmacher, an Orlando Gun, Weapon, & Self Defense Lawyer will be sharing his knowledge in the area of the 2nd Amendment.
All of these presentations will begin after lunch. We'll end the event with an open mic forum, entertainment and inspiration as we unite our voices and become the Silent Majority No More!
The kids will be sure to enjoy the bounce house and face painting. The outdoor pavilion is large enough to cover 1,500 attendees. We will provide seats for a few hundred but you are encouraged to bring chairs and a shade umbrella if you like. Together, we will Re-Declare our Independence!
Eustis, Florida
Saturday, July 4, 2009
11am-3pm
Lake County Fairgrounds
2101 County Road 452
Patricia Sullivan (organizer)
321.277.5376 (organizer phone)
http://www.northlaketeaparty.com/
Arrive early enough to stroll through "Liberty Lane" as you enter the Fairgrounds. Signs from the April 15th and June 12th protests will line the walkways. Make your way to the pavilion where we will have a 30 minute program beginning at 11am to honor our Veterans and Active Military.
Spend the next hour gathering information in the Expo building from groups like 9.12, FairTax, American Solutions, Life's Choices, Call2Fall and more. You can register to vote, find out how to contact your Legislators, send encouragement to our Troops and become informed on current issues. Enjoy "Pull the Pork, Cut the Tax" BBQ lunch specials and cool down with ice cream, smoothies and snow cones. Marc Manieri from Americans For Fair Taxation will be presenting information on the FairTax. Monte Bateman from the Independence Caucus is flying in from Utah to share how we CAN make a difference in our country starting right where we are! Jon H. Gutmacher, an Orlando Gun, Weapon, & Self Defense Lawyer will be sharing his knowledge in the area of the 2nd Amendment.
All of these presentations will begin after lunch. We'll end the event with an open mic forum, entertainment and inspiration as we unite our voices and become the Silent Majority No More!
The kids will be sure to enjoy the bounce house and face painting. The outdoor pavilion is large enough to cover 1,500 attendees. We will provide seats for a few hundred but you are encouraged to bring chairs and a shade umbrella if you like. Together, we will Re-Declare our Independence!
TEA PARTY - LONGWOOD - JULY 4
FLORIDA FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN ASSEMBILIES & Ronald Reagan Republican Assembly of Central FloridaSeminole, Osceola, Brevard, Orange, Lake and Volusia Counties
We cordially invite you to attend our Independence Day TEA PARTY
4th of July, 2009
10:00 a.m. – Noon
City of Longwood Hero’s Memorial
(Contains steel from the World Trade Center)
Speakers: Senator Carey Baker, Candidate for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Longwood Mayor, Butch Bundy, Conservative Comeback talk show host Todd Long, Jim Bomford State President Florida Federation of Republican Assemblies
Longwood Police Department
Milwee Street & West church Avenue
Longwood, Florida 32750
Call 407-865-6642 for information
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
