Saturday, September 10, 2011

President Obama's speech in Richmond, Virginia yesterday: "I'm an eternal optimist."

 (Here is the transcript.)

According The Atlantic this Jobs Bill might be the best possible legislation that the President can get passed right now.

President Obama's $450 billion stimulus revolves around a plan to extend and expand the payroll tax cut. It also includes incentives for businesses to hire workers -- with a separate tax credit for hiring long-term unemployed workers -- and it extends unemployment benefits for another year. And it's all offset with a plan to reduce our long-term deficit. 

This is a tax-side stimulus to encourage business to hire and put more money in the pockets of both the employed and the unemployed. 

Expanding immediate tax stimulus for an economy with struggling demand is smart. And $450 billion is a big number. And the ideas in the speech are boldly, even pugnaciously, presented. But the heart of this plan is an extension of current policies plus a moderate expansion of certain policies. For example, we already have a payroll tax stimulus. We already have unemployment benefits. Companies already have incentives to hire. Still, the economy is growing at less than one percent and job creation is, literally, zero. 

Extending and expanding current policies is a necessary thing with economic and labor growth falling to lows since the recession. In the current political climate, this is probably as bold as the president can go. But to borrow a metaphor from football (which followed minutes the president stopped talking), this is neither a 40-yard bomb nor a straight draw for the running back. It's a checkdown pass. Carefully diagrammed, measured to bypass the defense, and just enough to move the ball downfield. 

There is much more to this article, including the details that a certain Grizzled Mama claimed were not present in the plan, so go ahead and click the link to learn more.

However even during this time of strife, and as the President prepares to wade into the Republican lion's den again to push through this legislation, he still took time to demonstrate his humanity while visiting the Arlington Cemetery. (Photos courtesy of The Obama Diary.)



40 comments:

  1. Anonymous1:01 PM

    Barak Obama is a good man. Sad that he seems to be the exception these days.

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  2. I have been Washington DC all week. Today I saw President Obama's motorcade going down Pennsylvania Ave. All the streets shut down. It started with lots of police motorcycles, then all the big black SUV's, some with guys and machine guns. At the tale end of the group was an ambulance.

    I was on my way to the Martin Luther King Memorial. It was soooo cool.

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  3. laprofesora1:09 PM

    Those pictures made me cry.

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  4. Anonymous1:15 PM

    and I cried........he is so loving and human and connected....

    This man is so wonderful so full of ideas to fix it all and no back up.... so sad..... the Damned R's should be ashamed of themselves....

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  5. re: latter half of your post

    Unspeakably sad. Those young people in the cemetery, the thousands of lives lost and unalterably changed for the worse because of 9.11.2001.

    What a decade. Now, 10 years later, political gridlock/polarization; what an abysmal response by the loudmouths of this nation.

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  6. Dis Gusted1:40 PM

    I just love this man.

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  7. Anonymous1:41 PM

    I don't remember another President in my lifetime who has shown the measure of heartfelt compassion this man has.

    He connects with people on a deep personal level that demonstrates his intelligence and caring.

    He is a man with a great heart and the First Lady has shown an equal concern for the citizens of this country, especially for those suffering from hunger, poverty and lack of opportunity.

    This is a couple I am proud to have in the White House and representing the United States around the world.

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  8. Anonymous1:46 PM

    President Obama is such a wonderful man!! And, I could not be happier that I voted for him and will again.

    He is doing a good job and fighting the horrible battle w/those jerks in the House that call themselves Republicans.

    Limbaugh is having a shit fit about President Obama's plan. How does that man (Limbaugh) live w/such anger and hate every day - his heart must be so black and ready for a heart attack AGAIN.

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  9. Anonymous1:49 PM

    That last picture says it all. I'm also bawling like a baby.

    Side Topic ... the most appropriate soon to be bumper sticker for these times.

    http://juanitajean.com/2011/09/10/can-i-get-an-amen/#comments

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  10. Anonymous1:54 PM

    1:09 I was amazed to hear what is with President Obama as to protection when he travels (even an ambulance?) I don't recall ever seeing an ambulance w/any other president's detail. It must have to do w/the increase in death threats. How very sad! Have you noticed that the Republicans are beginning to 'play' nicer due to the upcoming elections? It's about time!

    Hey, Palin, I suggest your shut your mouthpiece, get on the private jet that you rent and head back to Alaska (and stay put!) even though the majority of their population would prefer you not reside there.

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  11. Dinky P. -- I hear ya! Isn't that experience the greatest?

    The President was in my city on the 3rd or 4th of July this summer.

    It happened that the motorcade passed along the street on which I live. It was so damn exciting! The whole neighborhood was out, cheering and clapping like crazy.

    And... there were police officers on every corner, helicopters all over the place and the vehicles as you describe.

    Very cool!

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  12. Anonymous2:02 PM

    Thanks, Jesse, for posting these pictures, and the Obama Diary website. What a great president and first lady we have . . . kind, considerate, intelligent and very caring. These pictures truly show their caring nature. This really touched my heart.

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  13. Anonymous2:18 PM

    I'm with Dis Gusted: I just love this man, too.

    I was there to hear him speak in Richmond yesterday...I'm still giddy. It was a wonderful, diverse crowd and the event had a great vibe.

    History will treat him well.

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  14. What a treat to log in and see those pictures. And to see the positive comments about our President and First Lady. I agree with all of you. President Obama will go down as one of the great presidents this country has had. And, when the history books are written (NOT by the Texas School Board Commission or whatever that foolish body down there is) I hope they are hard on the Rs and their noise machine. They've been absolutely disgusting.

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  15. Wolfbitch2:29 PM

    Count me in as one of the people who cried when I saw these pictures.

    Those on the right wing who cannot both recognize and respect the compassion and humanity of the Obamas have small minds and smaller dreams.

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  16. Anonymous2:32 PM

    I really hope enough media attention is focused on the Republicans, so that they can't do their nasty dance of voting NO even on stuff they initially proposed, just to make Obama look bad, and at the expense of millions of Americans.

    We know that FOX won't be showing anything, and will continue to deceive the public, but hopefully every other tv channel, blog, and comedian will lay bare the plot to destroy the President, even if it also destroys the entire country.

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  17. Anonymous2:57 PM

    That's our President and First Lady!! Class and compassion, intelligence and grace. How lucky we are.

    I hope every single person who voted for him votes for him again and then those who are disillusioned and disgusted with the GOP/TP should also crossover and support this gem of a man.

    When the world sees him as our leader, how can they help from thinking better of us - and in doing so, the world becomes a little more safe.

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  18. Anonymous3:06 PM

    These pictures brought tears to my eyes. I have so much pride in our first couple. They really are good people.

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  19. Anonymous3:08 PM

    Thank God Barak Obama is our President!

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  20. Anonymous3:11 PM

    I just love this man and his beautiful family...I'll do whatever i can to help him get re-elected..we really need a calm head during these difficult times...

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  21. Anonymous3:12 PM

    Gryphen:

    Here is a link to a story and video that I hope you consider posting.

    The youtube video (11:57 length) is called 'Boatlift'. It's narrated by Tom Hanks and pays tribute to the many who responded with their boats, ferries, tugs, to evacuate the people from Manhattan on 9/11. A story we don't hear about and I don't recall seeing or reading much about beyond the people running from the area. It's like this water rescue adds a piece to a puzzle that we never thought about.

    I watched it with tears remembering and with pride to remember the days of 'becoming one'. These people were in some way first responders.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eddie-rosenstein/tom-hanks-narrates-boatlift_b_956529.html

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  22. I wish I could write well enough to express my admiration for our president. He makes me proud to be an American.


    Contrast these pictures with those of Perry intimidating Ron Paul.

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  23. Anonymous3:46 PM

    The man has soul.

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  24. Anonymous4:13 PM

    I'm not American, but I've lived in the U.S. and I have close personal ties to the country. I don't believe in American "exceptionalism" any more than I believe in an other fairy tale (though I do enjoy the entertainment value of a good yarn). There is a lot that needs to be fixed, and President Obama is the man of the hour. He is a wonderful human being and an astute leader. Though I don't believe in any nation's special status, including my own, the nicest people I have ever met are Americans. When I visit the U.S. I always enjoy the company of my American friends. Traveling in the U.S. is always a positive experience. If the U.S. can get over the special status propaganda once and for all, and realize her true potential through the strength and innate intelligence of her people (Yes, the education system has been busted, but Americans are smart and flexible, and will overcome it), and as a nation reflect the true compassion of the majority, she will be a great nation, even as she stops measuring the breadth of her greatness.

    Sorry. Preaching's done.

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  25. Smirnonn4:18 PM

    President Obama has class. He's a very reasonable man governing in extremely unreasonable times.

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  26. @ 1:54 and A. Said

    What a wonderful experience to have the President come through your neighborhood. And right on the street you live on. WOW!

    Obama and his family are the REAL Americans.

    As I toured the Capitol and Supreme Court I saw statues of past Presidents. I could not imagine one of Palin. I LMAO just at the thought.

    And when I toured the building that holds pictures and info on the White House I came across the first lady section. Started busting up thinking that Todd would be the first dude. No way in HELL!!!

    Sarah Palin is NOT DC material or has the compassion and expression as President Obama. As Gryphen always points out Obama has a presence like none other.

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  27. Anonymous @ 4:13...thank you for your thoughtful comments. It's good to hear you have had a positive in our country. As an American, I'm proud my country elected President Obama. After the disaster and embarrassment of the Bush Administration, I wasn't sure we'd ever have the respect of the world again. And, I agree with you. We need to get over ourselves and this exceptionalism stuff. We sound like the stuck up junior high school crowd with that, "we're better than everyone else" crap. Every man and woman is created equal.

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  28. Anonymous5:01 PM

    Anon @ 4:13

    As an American I welcome your opinion, and I agree that we need to give up the 'exceptionalism' bravado. We are as great as the actions we take, the community we create, and for the care we both express and share for one another here and around the world. We don't arrive at exceptionalism, you have to continaully strive for it, in an ever changing world. It is the human journey, past, present and future.

    I am glad, as well that you feel welcomed and comfortable here. I think it's wonderful to welcome visitors to America, and I think it's important that Americans travel and visit other countries and cultures.

    I am an Obamabot....at least to those on the right, and those on the left. But I don't need them to inform my opinions, nor can they demean me with their labels. I think for myself, I'm well informed, I accept reality with all it's imperfections and it's opportunities, and I recognize change happens incrementally. And that being an American is both an individual and a collective experience. We have at all times responsiblity to both. I make no apologies for supporting a remarkable human being and a gifted leader.

    Please be sure to do as the President requested, call/write/fax/e-mail/twitter your elected officials, multiple times if you are able, telling them you support the JOBS PLAN and it needs to get passed NOW.

    And whoever thought it was unusual for the President to have an ambulance amongst he's motorcade....you haven't been paying very close attention. Standard operating procedure. Not a "Chicago mafioso" thing like one of the regualr trolls here likes to imply. LOL!

    Namsate

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  29. Anonymous5:42 PM

    First and above all, has anyone noticed that Barak and Michelle Obama work as a team? I've never seen another president in my fifty plus years on this blue marble treat his spouse as an equal, with mutual love, honor and respect as the cornerstone of their relationship.

    What an amazing man, and a great article, everyone, please read the entire thing, it's well worth the time!

    The photos show he's genuinely engaged with everyday people who are suffering.

    And to my foreign friend at 4:13. I'm an American who doesn't buy into the whole "American exceptionalism" meme being pushed by the Right Wing. Most of my friends also feel the same way. We're Americans, and we're proud of what's possible in America, but we're by no means "exceptional" to the citizens of other coutries. We're ALL citizens of the World.

    I see so many Americans not take advantage of what America has to offer, or take too much for granted. I see people throw up their arms and not vote, then complain endlessly about who's in office, and then speak of "American Exceptionalism" as if it's something that's given, and not earned.

    It's America's diversity that makes it great. It's arrogance and ignorance some Americans embrace that makes it weak.

    I've travelled to many countries, and find great people everywhere. We may not speak the same language, but most people go out of their way to help others if they show an effort to get their question across.

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  30. Anonymous6:00 PM

    Anon 1:01

    You are so right. It breaks my heart everytime I see pictures like these, instead of lifting up, the Republicans destroy and break down.

    I think of how our country has changed ,not because of 9/11, but because of Bush and wars. Wars that have changed the very basic core and values of society.The dead,wounded,and the deep sadness that will never go away.

    Instead of these heroes getting the front page, the light and the glory,they promote the haters,the dividers,those who destroy.

    President Obama is a good and decent man,yet they try everything to beat him down, and they have not succeeded.

    To all the decent,good souls with kind hearts, I lift my hat to you.

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  31. Anonymous6:00 PM

    Thanks for posting this Gryphen.

    Made me cry too. I am so thankful we have this man as our President.

    I worked on the campaign (my first one) and it was such an honor and very exciting. Great group of people who were all enthusiastic, hard workers, and just very high energy all the time. What a difference from the venom that is constantly spewed from the mouths of Palin, Limbaugh, Beck, O'Reilly, etc.

    Glad I'm on the compassionate people's side.

    And Gryphen, thanks for all that you do.

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  32. Anonymous6:33 PM

    I love the Obamas.Love them. And President Obama is a great leader facing the worst Republican obstructionists ever. They can obstruct, but they can't keep the President from touching our hearts.

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  33. I am so grateful for this family in the White House. It amazes me that we lucked out this time and terrifies me that things could have gone a different way.

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  34. Anonymous7:02 PM

    I have a very positive article about President Obama that I think you would enjoy. It was sent to me by my neice via email. How can I forward it or email it to you. I is a must read. My email address is GraceWil@msn.com.

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  35. Anonymous7:04 PM

    I really do love this beautiful man and his beautiful family. He does this nation proud!

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  36. Anonymous8:36 PM

    I read that there were 9,000 at Richmond to hear our President. The pee pond claim they were all bused in by SEIU and other "union thugs".
    Guess the 500+ bused in for Palin's Iowa fail was different...

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  37. Anonymous9:13 PM

    Anon @ 4:13 -

    I love my country and I am proud of what we are and what we have accomplished. However, how can we possibly claim to be 'exceptional' since we've strayed so far away from being the best we can be.

    We're no longer leaders in innovation, education or medicine. We no longer create the goods that the rest of the world clamors to purchase. We're trying very hard to create the 'poorest and the most malleable' instead of the best and the brightest. We're no longer the model of how to provide for our neediest citizens.

    In the last decade, we've lost so much of what made us a great nation. I know we CAN get there again. I just don't always feel confident that we will be allowed to by those who wish to bring us down for their own benefit.

    We will never be 'exceptional' in that we are better than all others. We can become exceptional in striving to be the best we can possibly be.

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  38. Anonymous4:25 AM

    Thank you, Gryphen, for the wonderful post, both text and photos. I am so proud of President and Mrs. Obama. They have worked selflessly for the American people every day since January 20, 2009.

    I wish the media would show the real face of the Republican opposition in this country instead of participating in it. We face real issues as does the entire world and wasting so much time in rancor and viciousness is only making matters worse. If only the Republican side of the aisle in Congress and the national media had the maturity of our President. . . .

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  39. Anonymous5:14 AM

    That last picture...Barack Obama is a very caring man. I would love to shake his hand one day and thank him for the exemplary model of conduct he demonstrates for this country.

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  40. Anon at 4:13, THANK YOU.
    I havent even caught up with all comments yet, but had to respond to yours. Thank you for reminding me of the unity we experienced on 9/12 and afterwards, and for having more faith in the country than I have, of late.

    also, to the poster who stated that President and Mrs. Obama have such "Class and compassion, intelligence and grace." .. you stated it better than I would have, but the photos of Mrs. Obama today, especially, touched me.

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