The Obama Administrations decision to invest in the nation’s auto industry has paid off in a big way. Bucking opponents to his plan, Obama forged forward with the investment in American car companies pulling both GM and Chrysler Motors Corporation out of bankruptcy and turning a profit.

The auto industry has added 55,000 jobs, the strongest growth in over 10 years, and for the first time since 2004 all three major automakers are turning a profit.

Turning to the nations Small Business sector, the President remarked, “That isn’t right. And I’m calling on the Republican leaders in the Senate to stop holding America’s small businesses hostage to politics, and allow an up-or-down vote on this small business jobs bill.”

In an attempt to provide a leg-up to small businesses in the nation, Senate Republicans continue to block attempts by the Democratic Leadership to provide, “[sic] additional tax breaks and badly-needed lending assistance to America’s small business owners so they can grow and hire.”

The heart of the nations economy is small business, with efforts being stymied regarding assistance, small business are not able to provide the growth, and funding for new hires in order to stimulate the economy.

The Small Business Jobs Act is a bill that has support of groups such as, the Chamber of Commerce, and the National Federation of Independent Business. Both Democrats and Repbulicans authored the provisions in the bill; however, Republican Leaders in the Senate continue to use parliamentary procedures to block any forward movement on the bill.

Regarding the Republican Leadership’s refusal to provide aid to Main Street, and maintain their focus on Wall Street, the President had this to say, “At a time when America is just starting to move forward again, we can’t afford the do-nothing policies and partisan maneuvering that will only take us backward.”

In his closing statement, the President had the highest praise for American workers in the auto industry that played a major role in the resurrection, of both a failing industry, and an icon of American Industrialism.

Washington, D.C. (Jul 6) – President Obama lashing out at Senate Republicans regarding unemployment extensions on Saturday, referred to the situation as “using their power to hold this relief hostage.”  The President also mentioned the jobs report released last Friday as a somewhat positive sign being, the economy is actually creating jobs, just not enough to cover the more than 8 million unemployed Americans that are currently receiving unemployment extension compensation.

Currently, a new unemployment extension package lies in wait in the Senate with hopes of swift action next Monday, when Congress returns from the Fourth of July recess. The package, a much scaled down version of the Jobs Creation and Tax Loophole Act of 2010, H.R. 4213, the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2010, H.R. 5618 will not include the additional $25 per week employment compensation created with the Stimulus Package almost two years ago.

Also, removed from the bill, the end of the Tax Loopholes that allowed rich business owners to whom the Republican Party will defend to the end, that would end tax breaks that sent millions of American jobs overseas. Overseas jobs much needed here in the U.S. to stem the tide of the long-term unemployed.

The sponsors of the new bill, H.R. 5618 Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) a long time supporter of the nation’s workforce along with, House Ways and Means Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI) worked hard to get a bill that would bring much needed relief to America’s unemployed workers.

President Obama referencing the unemployment emergency stated, “Still, at a time when millions of Americans feel a deep sense of urgency in their own lives, Republican leaders in Washington just don’t get it.  While a majority of Senators support taking these steps to help the American people, some are playing the same old Washington games and using their power to hold this relief hostage – a move that only ends up holding back our recovery.  It doesn’t make sense.”

In addition to remarks regarding the Republican Party’s cold-hearted efforts to block relief for unemployed Americans, President Obama announced the awarding of a nearly $2 billion in additional commitments to the Department of Energy for solar energy projects.

Abengoa Solar has agreed to build one of the largest solar plants in the world in Arizona, which will create about 1,600 construction jobs. Abound Solar Manufacturing will be included in this project building two Solar Arrays in both Colorado and Indiana. In all, over 1,500 permanent jobs, and 3,500 construction jobs should be created by this investment.

Remarking about the economy, President Obama stated, “Well, on Friday, we learned that after 22 straight months of job loss, our economy has now created jobs in the private sector for 6 months in a row.  That’s a positive sign.  But the truth is, the recession from which we’re emerging has left us in a hole that’s about 8 million jobs deep.  And as I’ve said from the day I took office, it’s going to take months, even years, to dig our way out – and it’s going to require an all-hands-on-deck effort.”

As the Senate returns to business on July 12, millions of unemployed American’s in desperate need of assistance can only pray that the Republican Party will make the right choice, to help American’s suffering due to the lack of employment by no fault of their own.

In reference to the Congressional hearings, and the testimony given by the executives of the three principals involved in the financial side of this disaster, Obama stated, “I know BP has committed to pay for the response effort, and we will hold them to their obligation.  I have to say, though, I did not appreciate what I considered to be a ridiculous spectacle during the congressional hearings into this matter.  You had executives of BP and Transocean and Halliburton falling over each other to point the finger of blame at somebody else.”   

The President outline his proposal regarding reshaping the Minerals Management Service by creating to separate departments within the agency one to deal directly with issuing of permits and collection of royalties, and a separate department to handle inspection and the safety of oil rigs and platforms along with law enforcement. The President remarked,” For too long, for a decade or more, there has been a cozy relationship between the oil companies and the federal agency that permits them to drill.  It seems as if permits were too often issued based on little more than assurances of safety from the oil companies.  That cannot and will not happen anymore.  To borrow an old phrase, we will trust but we will verify.”

Earlier in the week, the White House released an emergency spending bill sent to the House for which, the administration is seeking swift action. “This week, we also sent to Congress legislation that would provide us with the additional resources to mitigate the damage caused by this spill.  And I ask for prompt action on this legislation.  That would help with cleanup efforts, it would provide unemployment assistance and job training to folks whose jobs are affected by this crisis, and it would help with the region’s economic recovery.”

The President closed his remarks referencing clean and renewable energy sources, “Now, as I’ve said before, domestic oil drilling continues to be one part of an overall energy strategy that now includes more clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency than at any other time in our history.” Concluding, “The people of the Gulf Coast need our help, and they deserve nothing less than for us to stand up and do whatever is necessary to stop this spill, prevent further damage, and compensate all those who’ve been harmed already.  That’s our job.”

Washington, D.C. (May 13) – The White House has asked Congress to increase taxes on oil companies to extend the existing emergency cleanup fund. The proposal will likely have pieces of H.R. 4213 Tax Extenders bill which contains unemployment extensions already earmarked as emergency spending along with H.R. 4899 the War Supplemental bill containing emergency spending for recent flooding in the in the nation as well.

According to sources, administration officials introduced a proposal that would raise the per incident cap on claims stemming from oil spills from $1 billion to $1.5 billion along with a measure to increase the $500 million dollar cap on natural resource damage to $750 million.

A retroactive raise of the $75 million cap on economic damages is being requested to ensure that BP foots the bill for the current damages caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The plan would support a one-cent-per barrel tax increase on fees paid by the oil industry, The fees would finance a government fund used to cover claims caused by damages resulting from oil spills. This increase would raise the tax to 9 cents per barrel scheduled to take place in 2017.

An agreement to the proposed bill is expected to be on the House floor by next week. The White House is asking for $118 million in emergency spending stating the White House is adamant that BP will repay the government for most of the emergency spending.

The Vice-President spoke first reminiscing about the days sitting around his grandfather’s kitchen table in Scranton, PA hearing stories of brave men they knew that lost their lives in the regions mines. Biden acknowledges those that lost their lives, as men that knew the risks and dangers remarking many loved the job, others simply dreaded it. However, noted all of them approached it with dignity, resolve and strength.

Vice-President Biden referenced a communion hymn from his church, giving his wishes to all, and their families: May He raise you up on eagle’s wings and bear you on the breadth of dawn, and make the sun to shine upon you.  And until you’re reunited with those you lost, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.  For you know this band of 29 roughneck angels watching over you are doing that just now, as they sit at the right hand of the Lord today — and they’re wondering, is all that fuss about me?

Afterwards, President Obama spoke with those in attendance giving condolences to all families that lose loved ones in the disaster. The President stated, “Let me begin by saying that we have been mourning with you throughout these difficult days.  Our hearts have been aching with you.  We keep our thoughts with the survivors who are recovering and resting at the hospital and at the homes.  We’re thankful for the rescue teams.  But our hearts ache alongside you.”

The President also gave great credits for the bravery for all those working the mines stating, “These men -– these husbands, fathers, grandfathers, brothers sons, uncles, nephews -– they did not take on their job unaware of the perils.  Some of them had already been injured; some of them had seen a friend get hurt.  So they understood there were risks.  And their families did, too.  They knew their kids would say a prayer at night before they left.  They knew their wives would wait for a call when their shift ended saying everything was okay.  They knew their parents felt a pang of fear every time a breaking news alert came on, or the radio cut in.”

President Obama mentioned the hundreds of emails, and letters that poured into the White House the days following the disaster mentioning they all had one common message, “And then in these letters, they make a simple plea:  Don’t let this happen again.”

The President has already committed to investigate this tragedy and to find a resolve to help make certain a tragedy like this could be adverted in the future.

He ended his remarks at the memorial with a psalm, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me,” followed by, “God bless our miners.  God bless their families.  God bless West Virginia.  And God bless the United States of America.”

source: White House Press Release

In between questions concerning the Republican parties constant obstructionism with the administration over issues ranging from Senate nominations to Financial Reform, a FOX News reporter at the briefing once again tossed out the question to draw the conclusion that President Obama may still secretly be a “plant” from the outside as “birthers” continue their conspiracy campaign questioning the Presidents actual place of birth.

Beginning with an almost ridiculous bit of rhetoric from a relatively small group of right-wing whacko’s, rumors which began long before Obama took office, the issue seems to be alive and well possibly being fueled by this year’s upcoming Congressional elections.

Secretary Gibbs gave it his best to keep a straight face while answering this question making remarks suggesting the insanity of this whole situation, the FOX news reporter had to chime in with, “I hope you’re not accusing me?”

The issue brought up with as much subtly of a bull in a china shop, the FOX reporter began his introduction to the “birther” issue by mentioning whether President Obama was in fact in agreement with John Brennan, his chief counterterrorism adviser regarding whether these rumors, complicate matters while dealing with the Muslim community.

Take a look and see what you think.

[embeded: src="http://worldnewsvine.tv/whpb/foxnews.swf" width="435" height="326"]  

White House Briefing – Full Screen

Ala-Too Square - wikipedia

Washington, D.C. (Apr 11) – Yesterday Kyrgyzstan’ interim leader Ms. Roza Otunbayeva had a chance to speak with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding the still unfolding developments in the Kyrgyz Republic.

According to a press release from the State Department, Secretary Clinton spoke with the interim leadership to support efforts of a peaceful resolution to the current political situation. Offers of humanitarian aid and support to stabilize the political and economic situation were offered.

Discussions regarding regional security in referrence to the Manas Airport to which the United States was given permissions to use as a “supply” waypoint for troop support in Afghanistan to which Ms. Otunbayeva had mentioned would remain status quo.

Assistant Secretary Robert Blake is being dispatched to Kyrgyzstan to follow-up on their discussions.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts from a wide range of sources continue to work the situation seeking a resolve. The ousted President Bakiyev is holed up in his home town region defying any efforts to replace him. The President has remarked he has done nothing wrong, and therefore refuses to step down.

Accusations leading up to this week’s coup included allegations of the president installing corrupt relatives, and cronies into positions of power. Bakiyev enjoys strong support in southern regions where he is accredited with improving the lives of the many impoverished people in the region during his five year rule.

President Bakiyev claims he not positioning the military to forcefully re-take, Bishkek the nation’s capital.

Kabul, Afghanistan (Apr 7) – An IED strike near an ISAF convoy in Nangarhar Province, killed one civilian and wounded more than a dozen. Afghan National Security Forces secured the scene and evacuated the wounded.

There were no ISAF or ANSF forces injured in the attack, Navy Capt. Jane Campbell released the following statement condemning the attack, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this attack and their family members,” adding “The victims of insurgent attacks are all too often innocent civilians.”

In Kabul, Afghan National Army located 170 rounds mortar ammunition hidden behind a high school in the Shaker Darreh district. The ammunition was removed by an EOD team.

In other action, a joint security force in Helmand searching for a Taliban weapons facilitator came up an automobile in which one of the occupants pointed a weapon towards the forces. The militant was engaged and killed.

Security forces searching a compound west of Ludin, in Kunduz district captured another Taliban facilitator who was a key member in the “early” warning system along with, participating in several attacks against coalition forces.

A statement released commended the Afghan National Army stating they continue to grow in proficiency and is making great strides to rid their country of the insurgent threat.

source: NATO ISAF Press Release

Washington, D.C. (Apr 6) – As mandated by Congress, President Obama has released what is termed as “concrete steps toward the goal of achieving the safety and security of a world free of nuclear weapons.”

The objectives of the nuclear policy are to prevent proliferation and nuclear terrorism. The review also strengthens regional deterrence and reassurance of U.S. allies and partners. The U.S. provides the nuclear force for NATO allies, Japan and South Korea.

The was conducted concurrently with the Quadrennial Defense Review, the Ballistic Missile Defense Review, the Space Policy Review that the START-follow on negotiations along with the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty 2010.

Other issues addressed include the examination the role of missile defense and conventional strike capabilities play in determining the size and roles of nuclear forces. Delivery systems, stockpiles, and reliable, safe and credible nuclear deterrence posture is maintained.

During today’s press conference, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also stressed the need to address both the use and possessions of both biological and chemical weapons.

President Obama will travel to Prague to sign the new strategic arms reduction treaty with Russia on April 8. This treaty will mandate further reductions to both U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals.

Washington, D.C. (Apr 2) – The Labor Department released its monthly report on job growth announcing that 162,000 new jobs were added in the month of March. On the downside unemployment figures remain unacceptably high at 9.7%.

The President today had a positive message to deliver regarding these numbers while he visited with factory workers in Charlotte, N.C. Reminding employees at Celgard today that when he entered office the economy was dropping 700,000 to 800,000 jobs per month the news of job gains showed promise.

President Obama stated, “We’ve now added an average of more than 50,000 jobs each month over the first quarter of this year.  And this month’s increase of 162,000 jobs was the best news we’ve seen on the job front in more than two years. ”

Experts being more than aware that it would take job growth of upwards to 600,000 jobs per month to begin to make solid progress the president commented, “While we’ve come a long way, we still got a ways to go.  We shouldn’t underestimate the difficulties we face as a country or the hardships that confront millions of our fellow citizens — some of your friends, some of your neighbors, some of your relatives you know are still going through a tough time,” adding that “Eight million people have lost jobs over the past two years.  That’s a staggering sum.”

The optimism could be shared by the few however, with more than 12 million unemployed and/or unemployed Americans, this would be of little comfort. Even if the 600,000 jobs were created per month it would take nearly two years to place all unemployed American workers, inclusive of those no longer counted for their benefits have expired back to work as productive members of society

As many unemployed Americans anxiously await the return of Congress this April 12^th would appear to be a long way away. The question still remains, will there be extended unemployment benefits to help the many just not the few.

Unemployed Americans are still relying on members of Congress to come up with a solution to the problem of creating permanent, stable employment to allow Americans to do what they wish to do, return to work full-time.

The unemployment extension a temporary fix needs to be in place to reflect the truth of the matter, 12 million Americans will not be hired overnight or, within the next year.

It would appear the only group of politicians that have a definitive answer for America’s unemployed worker is the republican party, and that answer is a simple on, “NO”.  They will further fill your empty wallets and stomachs with the standard rhetoric that, “this problem was created by the Democratic Party whereas, they take “NO” blame for their own actions during the last administration.”

Even though Congress is in recess, remember your elected officials should be in their respective states and districts working towards a solution for the nation’s and local economic woes, and you can still reach out to the regional offices for answers, and/or advice as to where to turn for assistance.

Until serious “windfall” taxes are levied against those in the financial industry that caused the problem, then reaped the benefits from the failures they caused the many, will “light” be seen at the end of this long tunnel.

As important as unemployment extensions, and unemployment benefits for those that have exhausted what life-line they were thrown, is the need for Financial Reform Bill to pass and be enacted law. Only then, will America’s lower and middle classes be protected from corporate greed in America dragging us down once again.