The President Refuses to Let America Fail

Presidential Address to Congress


Tonight, Obama was successful at reassuring Americans that he will not let us down. Between the long applauds and standing ovations Obama's words were very strong and I could tell that he truly cares about the state of our economy and his dedication to the recovery of the current recession.

He stated that he cared more about the well being of his people as opposed to spending billions on the war. He promised to raise the pay of active military and to give full medical benefits to war veterans. He will also end the tax breaks for the wealthiest two percent. If you make less than $250,000 a year, your taxes will not be heightened a "single cent." Obama has seen how a small percent of people have benefited from the tax cuts and bailouts. On top of these bailouts the banks still have not distributed the money to the streets. Instead they are giving their CEO's bonuses and sending them on extravagant vacations. Instead of giving these corrupt individuals bailouts, we should be bailing out the people who are getting their homes foreclosed on, or the people who are receiving less than minimum wage. What about these people who need it the most.

Regarding education, he plans to draw seven million more Americans into higher education if they promise to volunteer in their community. "By 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world." Being that the economy has a vested interest in the university and higher education, Obama's idea is excellent. Imagine the quality of life that people will enjoy if they were given a chance to pursue their interests more while not having to worry how they will eat of afford books. Why didn't we see this before?

As inspiration he put the spotlight on a banker who received a hefty bonus and instead of keeping the money he gave it to the people who worked for him as well as the people who worked for him in the past. He said that he "didn't feel right keeping it." He also pointed out a young 8th grader who wrote a letter to congress asking them to help repair her school. She said that she and her peers want to aspire to be doctors, lawyers and one day president. She went on to say that "we are not quitters."

Along with these inspiring people, Obama said that he will put more money into energy and health care. Hopefully this will consist of "going green" and pushing people to quit smoking by giving money to smoke free ad campaigns!

The President's Economic Stimulus has passed and now it is time to see the results. He said that the stimulus checks on their way. Please let us know when you receive that check. We want to make sure he is delivering.

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In Collaboration With...

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Activists Meet to Discuss Race and the Economy.

Concerned citizens from all walks of life spoke today about how they can implement policies into the economic stimulus that will not leave out low income communities and people of color.
As a call to action, the Applied Research Center, organized a conference call that took place today at 1pm. As a first of seven bi-weekly meetings that will take place in order to assess the first 100 days of the Obama Presidency, moderator Tammy Johnson asked the question, "Is the economic stimulus package a real solution or illusion?"

Here are the facts:

The $275 billion in tax cuts that will go towards business and homebuyer tax credits recieved a low score from panelist Andrea Batista Schlesinger, Exec. Dir. of the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy. "This is not going to help our community because the majority of people rent houses and do not own businesses."

$30 billion dollars for highway projects and $12 billion for transit and rail projects is a good start but it must focus on people on communities of color in order to benefit. We need to be able to get the word out to communities of color that these jobs will benefit them. Instead of hiring outside contractors, hire contractors with in the community.

An extra 33 weeks of unemployment benefits to single mothers will help communities of color recieved a thumbs up.

$80 billion to state schools
$13 billion in Title 1 funds which are dedicated to improving the academic achievement of the "disadvantaged" recieved a thumbs up as well.

$20 million to health information technology recieved a thumbs down.

The stimulus bill has passed in the House of Representatives and a similar version is now being debated in the Senate. The GOP along with 11 democrats were not in agreeance of the package but Obama hopes to have the legislation on his desk by the middle of this month.

Question from The Explainer:

How is the stimulus package supposed to stimulate the economy and create jobs?

President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats say that government spending on infrastructure projects, law enforcement, research and development, schools and other areas will pump money into the economy through increased public sector hiring, government contracting and grants to private companies. The plan also includes direct payments to individuals through tax credits, unemployment benefits and welfare programms, for example, and assumes people will spend much of the money.

The package includes tax breaks intended to put more money in people's pockets.

What would you suggest that Obama include in his stimulus package? Please respond.

Please refer to www.arc.org for more information on their bi-weekly sessions.

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