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Showing posts with label Speech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Speech. Show all posts
4/13/11
In Case You Missed It-President Obama's deficit speech
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9/9/10
The America I Believe In
President Obama: Sept. 08-10-Cleveland
A few weeks ago, the Republican leader of the House came here to Cleveland and offered his party’s answer to our economic challenges. Now, it would be one thing if he had admitted his party’s mistakes during the eight years that they were in power, if they had gone off for a while and meditated, and come back and offered a credible new approach to solving our country’s problems. (Video Included)
8/28/10
6/18/10
Barack Obama’s Oil Speech Rewritten to a Seventh Grade Level
Posted by Chauncey DeVega at 4:58 pm
June 17, 2010
June 17, 2010
Are the masses asses?
There is a deep tension in American politics between so-called “elites” and “real Americans.” As a complement, there is a long tradition of anti-intellectualism in American life. The popularity of Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, and the rise of the New Right all in some part speak to this cynicism and disdain–especially among the most populist conservatives–for the educated, “liberal classes.”
In connecting the dots, the amateurish assault on higher education by the Texas and Arizona school boards, with their Orwellian whitewashing of American history, is also part of this populist disdain for expert knowledge. As detailed by Lee Harris in The Next American Civil War, much of the faux Right populism of the tea baggers and their enablers is based on some sense that Washington and “the godless liberals” are too far removed from the values and beliefs of “real” “everyday” Americans.
To turn a phrase, it would seem that stupid is the new (old) black and where the Idiocracy want to reign supreme.
The calls for Obama to be “angry” and to “show some emotion” are a cousin to this phenomenon. According to the pundit classes Obama is hamstrung by a crisis in communication. As opposed to being more like Adlai Stevenson, Obama ought to connect with the people as a “regular guy” cut from the same mold as George W. Bush and Joe the Plumber. Ultimately, education is a liability, for as smeared by Sarah Palin, Obama’s credentials as a “constitutional lawyer” make him too much of a technocrat–an egghead and nerd of sorts–to relate to “real Americans.”
From this worldview, solutions to the challenges faced by America overseas and abroad are best met with moxie, passion, and moral certitude. Not surprisingly, there would seem to be little room here for a nuanced approach to policy making either at home or abroad.
In keeping with this narrative, President Obama’s speech on the Gulf Coast oil disaster is being greeted by some as too sophisticated and complicated for the “average” American to understand. As noted by experts featured on CNN, Obama’s oil speech was written at a 10th grade level: What is apparently a pitch thrown too high for a public that (perhaps) has been dumbed down by a failed educational system, which views their role as citizens in a manner indistinguishable from that of consumers, and that has embraced a mantra that government is always a problem and never a solution.
It would seem that the public wants simple answers to complex problems. They want moral appeals, heroes and villains, and cut and dry solutions. If Paul J.J. Payack, president of Global Language Monitor is to be believed, the American people would like to be spoken to as though they are in the 7th grade–with few syllables, and in short sentences.
In keeping with his suggestions, what follows is my rewriting of President Barack Obama’s speech on the Gulf Coast oil disaster at a grade level appropriate for the American people to understand. In closing, I must ask once more: Are the masses indeed asses?
****
President Obama’s (Now Made Grade Level Appropriate) Oil Speech to the American People
Hello,
The U.S. is in big trouble right now. People need jobs and more money. We are fighting bad guys who hate us in other countries. Our soldiers are doing a good job killing the bad people.
Now, I want to talk to you about the oil in the ocean down South. On April 20th an oil rig blew up. Too many people were killed. There was a big hole dug deep in the ground by the oil rig people. It started to leak oil out into the water. The water is really deep.
We have never had a hole dug that deep into the ground to get the oil out. BP, the big company that dug the hole doesn’t know how to plug it up. I got scared. I then got on the phone and called up some smart people.
One of them is so smart he won a prize for his ideas. His name is Doctor Steven Chu. He works for me. He runs the Department of Energy. He is very bright.
The oil is like a big monster. It is evil. It is hard to cleanup. The oil is killing fish and birds. People who work on boats in the water can’t make money. To fight the monster I told the navy to help. The smart people are going to dig another hole in the ground. With the BP folks they are going to soak up the mess like a big paper towel. I hope that the hole in the ocean will stop leaking in a few weeks.
The water is really sick. We may not be able to get it better for a long time. This is very bad for all of us. BP made this mess. They are going to pay to fix it. I am ordering them to give money to people who can’t work because of the oil. BP is very bad. They did not act like they cared about making a big mess.
The BP people killed the nice people that worked for them. We need to make sure we know why the oil rig blew up. They dug a deep hole in the ground. They didn’t even think about plugging it up. Now, we need to make a rule so that does not happen again. No more messes!
America uses too much oil. This is why BP dug a deep hole in the ground. America needs to get new energy. We will get smart people in a room who can figure out how to do this. I will talk to anyone who will be fair and play nice on this issue. I want good ideas. I do not care where they come from.
Each year the people who fish and live near the messed up water get together to pray for good luck. That is a good idea. The U.S. has God on its side. We will pray that this mess gets fixed.
Remember, we are a great country. We have lots of bad things going on now. But, the U.S. always wins. We will soak up the oil. We will kill the bad guys in those other places where they pray to the wrong God and want to blow us up. The economy will get fixed. God bless America.
6/16/10
Divine Intervention
The topic this morning all over the Internet seems to be about the President invoking divine intervention. I have to say that I find the topic being drudged up by the left a bit maddening and really petty!
I do NOT believe in Religion because it is man made. I do believe in God or a higher power. I also give others the right NOT to believe in God. I also believe in separation of Church and State.
He is being torn apart by the media and the left because he asked based on his beliefs for guidance and strength? For the President to act like we are not in dire need of help would have been deceitful. I know that sometimes the Democrats would rather not hear how bad things are and keep their heads hidden in the sand but that is not going to solve anything. The right love to preach fear and invoke that into the Country and the Left doesn’t want to deal with fear. There has to be a balance and we are fortunate to have a man in office that is calm and will ride out the storm with a steady hand if he has the support of those who voted for him.
I say to the left, STOP acting like spoiled children who have to have everything and have it NOW! If the left does not get behind our President then we will end up with someone like the dim wit from Alaska and the old man from AZ who doesn’t have a clue living in the WH come 2012. If that happens then the left better just suck it up and shut up because you helped them get there with your actions and non-actions.
As for the Prayer, I would rather have a man in the WH who believes in something then a man who believes in nothing! ~Mem
President Obama's stance on prayer and national prayer day for those on the left or right who question his faith and how he believes or how he betrayed himself during the election. This President has never denied his faith or beliefs nor did he run on a progressive or liberal stance. He ran down the middle and this should not be stated otherwise or it is a false statement in my opinion. ~Mem
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
----------------------------------------------
For Immediate Release May 7, 2009
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have come together in moments of great challenge and uncertainty to humble themselves in prayer. In 1775, as the Continental Congress began the task of forging a new Nation, colonists were asked to observe a day of quiet humiliation and prayer. Almost a century later, as the flames of the Civil War burned from north to south, President Lincoln and the Congress once again asked the American people to pray as the fate of their Nation hung in the balance.
It is in that spirit of unity and reflection that we once again designate the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. Let us remember those who came before us, and let us each give thanks for the courage and compassion shown by so many in this country and around the world.
On this day of unity and prayer, let us also honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. We celebrate their commitment to uphold our highest ideals, and we recognize that it is because of them that we continue to live in a Nation where people of all faiths can worship or not worship according to the dictates of their conscience.
Let us also use this day to come together in a moment of peace and goodwill. Our world grows smaller by the day, and our varied beliefs can bring us together to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make peace where there is strife; and to lift up those who have fallen on hard times. As we observe this day of prayer, we remember the one law that binds all great religions together: the Golden Rule, and its call to love one another; to understand one another; and to treat with dignity and respect those with whom we share a brief moment on this Earth.
The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a "National Day of Prayer."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2009, as a National Day of Prayer. I call upon Americans to pray in thanksgiving for our freedoms and blessings and to ask for God's continued guidance, grace, and protection for this land that we love.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA
I do NOT believe in Religion because it is man made. I do believe in God or a higher power. I also give others the right NOT to believe in God. I also believe in separation of Church and State.
He is being torn apart by the media and the left because he asked based on his beliefs for guidance and strength? For the President to act like we are not in dire need of help would have been deceitful. I know that sometimes the Democrats would rather not hear how bad things are and keep their heads hidden in the sand but that is not going to solve anything. The right love to preach fear and invoke that into the Country and the Left doesn’t want to deal with fear. There has to be a balance and we are fortunate to have a man in office that is calm and will ride out the storm with a steady hand if he has the support of those who voted for him.
I say to the left, STOP acting like spoiled children who have to have everything and have it NOW! If the left does not get behind our President then we will end up with someone like the dim wit from Alaska and the old man from AZ who doesn’t have a clue living in the WH come 2012. If that happens then the left better just suck it up and shut up because you helped them get there with your actions and non-actions.
As for the Prayer, I would rather have a man in the WH who believes in something then a man who believes in nothing! ~Mem
President Obama's stance on prayer and national prayer day for those on the left or right who question his faith and how he believes or how he betrayed himself during the election. This President has never denied his faith or beliefs nor did he run on a progressive or liberal stance. He ran down the middle and this should not be stated otherwise or it is a false statement in my opinion. ~Mem
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
----------------------------------------------
For Immediate Release May 7, 2009
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have come together in moments of great challenge and uncertainty to humble themselves in prayer. In 1775, as the Continental Congress began the task of forging a new Nation, colonists were asked to observe a day of quiet humiliation and prayer. Almost a century later, as the flames of the Civil War burned from north to south, President Lincoln and the Congress once again asked the American people to pray as the fate of their Nation hung in the balance.
It is in that spirit of unity and reflection that we once again designate the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. Let us remember those who came before us, and let us each give thanks for the courage and compassion shown by so many in this country and around the world.
On this day of unity and prayer, let us also honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. We celebrate their commitment to uphold our highest ideals, and we recognize that it is because of them that we continue to live in a Nation where people of all faiths can worship or not worship according to the dictates of their conscience.
Let us also use this day to come together in a moment of peace and goodwill. Our world grows smaller by the day, and our varied beliefs can bring us together to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make peace where there is strife; and to lift up those who have fallen on hard times. As we observe this day of prayer, we remember the one law that binds all great religions together: the Golden Rule, and its call to love one another; to understand one another; and to treat with dignity and respect those with whom we share a brief moment on this Earth.
The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a "National Day of Prayer."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2009, as a National Day of Prayer. I call upon Americans to pray in thanksgiving for our freedoms and blessings and to ask for God's continued guidance, grace, and protection for this land that we love.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA
9/7/09
Obama exhorts kids to pay attention in school
By ANN SANNER (AP)
WASHINGTON — In a speech that drew fire even before he delivered it, President Barack Obama is telling the nation's schoolchildren he "expects great things from each of you."
"At the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world," Obama said. "And none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities."
The White House posted Obama's remarks on its Web site at midday Monday. He's scheduled to deliver the talk from Wakefield High School in suburban Arlington, Va., Tuesday. It will be broadcast live on C-SPAN and on the White House Web site.
Obama's planned talk has proven controversial, with several conservative organizations and individuals accusing him of trying to pitch his arguments too aggressively in a local-education setting. White House officials, including Education Secretary Arne Duncan, have said the allegations are silly.
In a Labor Day speech in Cincinnati, Obama mentioned his upcoming address. "I'm going to have something to say tomorrow to our children telling them to stay in school and work hard 'cause that's the right message to send."
"It's a sad state of affairs that many in this country politically would rather start an "Animal House" food fight rather than inspire kids to stay in school, to work hard, to engage parents to stay involved, and to ensure that the millions of teachers that are making great sacrifices continue to be the best in the world," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Monday. "It's a sad state of affairs."
In the prepared remarks, Obama tells young people that all the work of parents, educators and others won't matter "unless you show up for those schools, pay attention to those teachers."
Obama made no reference in his prepared remarks to the uproar surrounding his speech. Nor did he make an appeal for support of tough causes like health care reform. He used the talk to tell kids about his at-times clumsy ways as a child and to urge them to identify an area of interest, set goals and work hard to achieve them.
The president also warned students that if they quit on school, "you're not just quitting on yourself, you're quitting on your country."
Obama acknowledged that "being successful is hard," but told the students the country badly needs their best effort to cope in an increasingly competitive global economy.
"What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country," Obama says. "What you're learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future."
The president noted that he was raised by a single mother, who made him buckle down and work harder at times. He said he's glad she did.
Some conservatives have urged schools and parents to boycott the address. They say Obama is using the opportunity to promote a political agenda.
Schools don't have to show the speech. And some districts have decided not to, partly in response to concerns from parents.
Duncan's department has also taken heat for proposed lesson plans distributed to accompany the speech.
On Sunday, the secretary acknowledged that a section about writing to the president on how students can help him meet education goals was poorly worded. It has been changed.
"We just clarified that to say write a letter about your own goals and what you're going to do to achieve those goals," Duncan said on CBS' "Face the Nation."
Former Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush delivered similar speeches to students, the White House has said.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
WASHINGTON — In a speech that drew fire even before he delivered it, President Barack Obama is telling the nation's schoolchildren he "expects great things from each of you."
"At the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world," Obama said. "And none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities."
The White House posted Obama's remarks on its Web site at midday Monday. He's scheduled to deliver the talk from Wakefield High School in suburban Arlington, Va., Tuesday. It will be broadcast live on C-SPAN and on the White House Web site.
Obama's planned talk has proven controversial, with several conservative organizations and individuals accusing him of trying to pitch his arguments too aggressively in a local-education setting. White House officials, including Education Secretary Arne Duncan, have said the allegations are silly.
In a Labor Day speech in Cincinnati, Obama mentioned his upcoming address. "I'm going to have something to say tomorrow to our children telling them to stay in school and work hard 'cause that's the right message to send."
"It's a sad state of affairs that many in this country politically would rather start an "Animal House" food fight rather than inspire kids to stay in school, to work hard, to engage parents to stay involved, and to ensure that the millions of teachers that are making great sacrifices continue to be the best in the world," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Monday. "It's a sad state of affairs."
In the prepared remarks, Obama tells young people that all the work of parents, educators and others won't matter "unless you show up for those schools, pay attention to those teachers."
Obama made no reference in his prepared remarks to the uproar surrounding his speech. Nor did he make an appeal for support of tough causes like health care reform. He used the talk to tell kids about his at-times clumsy ways as a child and to urge them to identify an area of interest, set goals and work hard to achieve them.
The president also warned students that if they quit on school, "you're not just quitting on yourself, you're quitting on your country."
Obama acknowledged that "being successful is hard," but told the students the country badly needs their best effort to cope in an increasingly competitive global economy.
"What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country," Obama says. "What you're learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future."
The president noted that he was raised by a single mother, who made him buckle down and work harder at times. He said he's glad she did.
Some conservatives have urged schools and parents to boycott the address. They say Obama is using the opportunity to promote a political agenda.
Schools don't have to show the speech. And some districts have decided not to, partly in response to concerns from parents.
Duncan's department has also taken heat for proposed lesson plans distributed to accompany the speech.
On Sunday, the secretary acknowledged that a section about writing to the president on how students can help him meet education goals was poorly worded. It has been changed.
"We just clarified that to say write a letter about your own goals and what you're going to do to achieve those goals," Duncan said on CBS' "Face the Nation."
Former Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush delivered similar speeches to students, the White House has said.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
9/18/08
WHO BARACK IS THE FIRST TIME, SECOND TIME AND ALL THE TIME
Aug. 23, 2010 UPDATE: Since Faux and the teabigots are lying about Barack Obama and trying to scare people into thinking he is a Muslim (which in itself shouldn't matter) please notice that Barack talks about his Christian Faith, long before he ever knew he was going to have to defend it!~Mem
8/29/08
2008 DNC VICE PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
Beau Biden Introducing His Father at the DNC
Joe Biden’s Acceptance Speech
OBAMA CONVENTION BIO
OBAMA'S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
Joe Biden’s Acceptance Speech
OBAMA CONVENTION BIO
OBAMA'S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
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