Barack Obama: We cannot afford to waste money on things we don't need

"This is a moment of challenge for our country. But we've experienced great trials before. And with every test, each generation has found the capacity to not only endure, but to prosper -- to discover great opportunity in the midst of great crisis. That is what we can and must do today. And I am absolutely confident that is what we will do. I'm confident that at this defining moment, we will prove ourselves worthy of the sacrifice of those who came before us, and the promise of those who will come after." - President Barack Obama



From the day I took office, I knew that solving this crisis would not be easy, nor would it happen overnight. And we will continue to face difficult days in the months ahead. But I also believe that we will get through this – that if we act swiftly and boldly and responsibly, the United States of America will emerge stronger and more prosperous than it was before.

Of course, like every family going through hard times, our country must make tough choices. In order to pay for the things we need, we cannot waste money on the things we don't.

My administration inherited a $1.3 trillion budget deficit, the largest in history. And we've inherited a budgeting process as irresponsible as it is unsustainable. For years, as Wall Street used accounting tricks to conceal costs and avoid responsibility, Washington did, too. These kinds of irresponsible budgets – and inexcusable practices – are now in the past. For the first time in many years, my administration has produced a budget that represents an honest reckoning of where we are and where we need to go.

It's also a budget that begins to make the hard choices that we've avoided for far too long – a strategy that cuts where we must and invests where we need. That's why it includes $2trn in deficit reduction while making historic investments in America's future. That's why it reduces discretionary spending for non-defense programs as a share of the economy by more than 10 per cent over the next decade - to the lowest level since they began keeping these records nearly half a century ago. And that's why on Wednesday I signed a presidential memorandum to end unnecessary no-bid contracts and to dramatically reform the way contracts are awarded – reforms that will save the American people up to $40bn each year.
Finally, because we cannot bring our deficit down or grow our economy without tackling the skyrocketing cost of health care, I held a health care summit on Thursday to begin the long-overdue process of reform.

Our ideas and opinions about how to achieve this reform will vary, but our goal must be the same: quality, affordable health care for every American that no longer overwhelms the budgets of families, businesses and of our government.

Taken from the US President Barack Obama's weekly address to the nation
- 7th March 2009

Barack Obama: We cannot afford to waste money on things we don't need

"This is a moment of challenge for our country. But we've experienced great trials before. And with every test, each generation has found the capacity to not only endure, but to prosper -- to discover great opportunity in the midst of great crisis. That is what we can and must do today. And I am absolutely confident that is what we will do. I'm confident that at this defining moment, we will prove ourselves worthy of the sacrifice of those who came before us, and the promise of those who will come after." - President Barack Obama



From the day I took office, I knew that solving this crisis would not be easy, nor would it happen overnight. And we will continue to face difficult days in the months ahead. But I also believe that we will get through this – that if we act swiftly and boldly and responsibly, the United States of America will emerge stronger and more prosperous than it was before.

Of course, like every family going through hard times, our country must make tough choices. In order to pay for the things we need, we cannot waste money on the things we don't.

My administration inherited a $1.3 trillion budget deficit, the largest in history. And we've inherited a budgeting process as irresponsible as it is unsustainable. For years, as Wall Street used accounting tricks to conceal costs and avoid responsibility, Washington did, too. These kinds of irresponsible budgets – and inexcusable practices – are now in the past. For the first time in many years, my administration has produced a budget that represents an honest reckoning of where we are and where we need to go.

It's also a budget that begins to make the hard choices that we've avoided for far too long – a strategy that cuts where we must and invests where we need. That's why it includes $2trn in deficit reduction while making historic investments in America's future. That's why it reduces discretionary spending for non-defense programs as a share of the economy by more than 10 per cent over the next decade - to the lowest level since they began keeping these records nearly half a century ago. And that's why on Wednesday I signed a presidential memorandum to end unnecessary no-bid contracts and to dramatically reform the way contracts are awarded – reforms that will save the American people up to $40bn each year.
Finally, because we cannot bring our deficit down or grow our economy without tackling the skyrocketing cost of health care, I held a health care summit on Thursday to begin the long-overdue process of reform.

Our ideas and opinions about how to achieve this reform will vary, but our goal must be the same: quality, affordable health care for every American that no longer overwhelms the budgets of families, businesses and of our government.

Taken from the US President Barack Obama's weekly address to the nation
- 7th March 2009

Lest we forget!

As we approach the 44th President's Inauguration let us not forget the person who above all others made it possible. Step forward and take a bow, Governor of the Great State of Alaska, (The one next door to Russia), The Honorable Sarah Palin!



PS. Who was the guy she used to run with?

Lest we forget!

As we approach the 44th President's Inauguration let us not forget the person who above all others made it possible. Step forward and take a bow, Governor of the Great State of Alaska, (The one next door to Russia), The Honorable Sarah Palin!



PS. Who was the guy she used to run with?

The Inauguration of Barack Obama

Next Tuesday will be a unique day for America and the World as the 44th President takes office!

http://daithaic.blogspot.com/2009/01/obama-nation-change-is-coming-in-7-days.html

General Colin Powell Announces Renew America Together Initiative



'What I Want for You — and Every Child
in America'

By President-elect Barack Obama

Dear Malia and Sasha,



I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country-but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free-that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.



That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better-and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad

The Inauguration of Barack Obama

Next Tuesday will be a unique day for America and the World as the 44th President takes office!

http://daithaic.blogspot.com/2009/01/obama-nation-change-is-coming-in-7-days.html

General Colin Powell Announces Renew America Together Initiative



'What I Want for You — and Every Child
in America'

By President-elect Barack Obama

Dear Malia and Sasha,



I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country-but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free-that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.



That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better-and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad

Latest Poll Reveals 430 New Demographics That Will Decide Election

Latest Poll Reveals 430 New Demographics That Will Decide Election

Bush watch Update - Only 152 Days to go America - Hang in there!

"You see not only did the attacks help accelerate a recession, the attacks reminded us that we are at war."

Washington D.C. ; June 8, 2005.

"I'm the decider, and I decide what is best. And what's best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the Secretary for Defense."

Washington D.C.; April 18, 2006.

"I believe we are called to do the hard work to make our communities and quality of life a better place."

Collinsville, Illinois; January 5 2005.

"I'm honored to shake the hand of a brave Iraqi citizen who had his hand cut off by Saddam Hussein."

Washington D.C.; May 25, 2005.

"For every fatal shooting, there are roughly three non-fatal shootings. And, folks, this is unacceptable in America. And we're going to do something about it."

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; May 14, 2001.

"Rarely is the question asked, is our children learning?"

Florence, South Carolina; January 11, 2000.

"One thing is clear, is relations between America and Russia are good, and they're important that they be good."

Strelna, Russia; July 15, 2006.

"There's a huge trust. I see it all the time when people come up to me and say, "I don't want you to let me down again.'"

Boston, Massachusetts; October 3, 2000.

"You never know what your history is going to be like until long after you are gone."

Washington D.C.; May 5, 2006.

Latest Poll Reveals 430 New Demographics That Will Decide Election

Latest Poll Reveals 430 New Demographics That Will Decide Election

Bush watch Update - Only 152 Days to go America - Hang in there!

"You see not only did the attacks help accelerate a recession, the attacks reminded us that we are at war."

Washington D.C. ; June 8, 2005.

"I'm the decider, and I decide what is best. And what's best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the Secretary for Defense."

Washington D.C.; April 18, 2006.

"I believe we are called to do the hard work to make our communities and quality of life a better place."

Collinsville, Illinois; January 5 2005.

"I'm honored to shake the hand of a brave Iraqi citizen who had his hand cut off by Saddam Hussein."

Washington D.C.; May 25, 2005.

"For every fatal shooting, there are roughly three non-fatal shootings. And, folks, this is unacceptable in America. And we're going to do something about it."

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; May 14, 2001.

"Rarely is the question asked, is our children learning?"

Florence, South Carolina; January 11, 2000.

"One thing is clear, is relations between America and Russia are good, and they're important that they be good."

Strelna, Russia; July 15, 2006.

"There's a huge trust. I see it all the time when people come up to me and say, "I don't want you to let me down again.'"

Boston, Massachusetts; October 3, 2000.

"You never know what your history is going to be like until long after you are gone."

Washington D.C.; May 5, 2006.

One Term in Paris

Shock! Horror!! Air head celebrity may not be so feather-brained after all!! The socialite Paris Hilton has now mocked John McCain with a retaliatory "campaign ad" – and it could just be funnier than its inspiration, the Republican presidential candidate's spot likening his rival Barack Obama to herself and her fellow denizen of the gossip columns Britney Spears.

Socialite Paris Hilton says her spoof election video is just a bit of fun and she would only run for president if she could take her dog Tinkerbell to the White House - which she would then repaint as the Pink House.

Hilton's online election spoof video has had more than three million hits since being posted on FunnyorDie.com this week. In it, she pokes fun at her inclusion in a recent ad campaign for Republican election candidate John McCain, announcing energy policies and plans to paint the White House pink.

"Thanks for the endorsement white-haired dude, and I want America to know I'm, like, totally ready to lead," she says.

Speaking in Copenhagen, where she is promoting a range of handbags, Paris said she made the video because she was a big fan of FunnyorDie creators Adam McKay and Will Ferrell.

"It was a lot of fun," she said.

Asked about the possibility of launching a real election campaign, Hilton said: "Only if I can bring (my dog) Tinkerbell to the White House.”

Under US law, Hilton - the 27-year-old star of an infamous sex tape - would not be eligible to hold the office of the presidency for eight more years.

Hilton's video has caught McCain's attention. His spokesman Tucker Bounds said: "Paris Hilton might not be as big a celebrity as Barack Obama, but she obviously has a better energy plan."

Hilton's mother, a McCain donor, had lambasted McCain's video as a complete waste of money.

"It is a complete waste of the country's time and attention at the very moment when millions of people are losing their homes and their jobs. And it is a completely frivolous way to choose the next President of the United States," she wrote on the political website Huffington Post.

McCain's original video mocked Democratic rival Barack Obama as a celebrity, similar to Britney Spears or Hilton.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

One Term in Paris

Shock! Horror!! Air head celebrity may not be so feather-brained after all!! The socialite Paris Hilton has now mocked John McCain with a retaliatory "campaign ad" – and it could just be funnier than its inspiration, the Republican presidential candidate's spot likening his rival Barack Obama to herself and her fellow denizen of the gossip columns Britney Spears.

Socialite Paris Hilton says her spoof election video is just a bit of fun and she would only run for president if she could take her dog Tinkerbell to the White House - which she would then repaint as the Pink House.

Hilton's online election spoof video has had more than three million hits since being posted on FunnyorDie.com this week. In it, she pokes fun at her inclusion in a recent ad campaign for Republican election candidate John McCain, announcing energy policies and plans to paint the White House pink.

"Thanks for the endorsement white-haired dude, and I want America to know I'm, like, totally ready to lead," she says.

Speaking in Copenhagen, where she is promoting a range of handbags, Paris said she made the video because she was a big fan of FunnyorDie creators Adam McKay and Will Ferrell.

"It was a lot of fun," she said.

Asked about the possibility of launching a real election campaign, Hilton said: "Only if I can bring (my dog) Tinkerbell to the White House.”

Under US law, Hilton - the 27-year-old star of an infamous sex tape - would not be eligible to hold the office of the presidency for eight more years.

Hilton's video has caught McCain's attention. His spokesman Tucker Bounds said: "Paris Hilton might not be as big a celebrity as Barack Obama, but she obviously has a better energy plan."

Hilton's mother, a McCain donor, had lambasted McCain's video as a complete waste of money.

"It is a complete waste of the country's time and attention at the very moment when millions of people are losing their homes and their jobs. And it is a completely frivolous way to choose the next President of the United States," she wrote on the political website Huffington Post.

McCain's original video mocked Democratic rival Barack Obama as a celebrity, similar to Britney Spears or Hilton.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Bush Tours America To Survey Damage Caused By His Disastrous Presidency

Bush Tours America To Survey Damage Caused By His Disastrous Presidency

Only 186 days to go and counting! Hang in there America!

Bush Tours America To Survey Damage Caused By His Disastrous Presidency

Bush Tours America To Survey Damage Caused By His Disastrous Presidency

Only 186 days to go and counting! Hang in there America!