Days 1-10
- Day 1: Obama: A Clean Break From Business as usual
- Day 2: Guantanamo Bay Prison to Close
- Day 3: Hillary Clinton named Secretary of State
- Day 4: Bipartisan Support Sought for Stimulus Plan
- Day 5: States to Set Standards for auto emissions
- Day 6: Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil
- Day 7: Obama tells Republicans Economic Overhaul Urgent
- Day 8: Stimulus Proposal Passes House of Representatives
- Day 9: Obama says No to Foreign Steel and Iron
- Day 10: The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
- President Obama Takes Quick Action for Equal Pay Rights
President Obama paved the way yesterday by signing a bill that shores up the rights of workers in cases of discrimination. In signing the equal pay for equal work bill President Obama said "that there are no second class citizens in our workplaces, and that it's not just unfair and illegal -- but bad for business-- to pay someone less because of their gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion or disability.
Known as The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, it essentially extends the period an employee can file a claim of discrimination when a worker makes less money than a worker of similar standing for doing the same job. Lilly Ledbetter worked for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber company out of Ohio. She discovered that she had been paid far less than her male counterparts for doing the same work. A 2007 Supreme Court decision on the Ledbetter case upheld the existing law at that time of giving workers only 180 days to file a pay discrimination claim.
Obama’s measure states that with each pay check issued, the time allowed for a claim extends an additional 180 days.
While Ledbetter’s case was clearly gender discrimination, President Obama made it clear that the entire issue of discrimination in the workplace affects not only women but American families at large.
"It's about parents who find themselves with less money for tuition or child care; couples who wind up with less to retire on; households where, when one breadwinner is paid less than she deserves, that's the difference between affording the mortgage or not; between keeping the heat on, or paying the doctor's bills or not," he said.
The new law also applies to any type of discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, disability or age. The new bill did not change limiting back pay for claimants to two years.
- Buy American: US Says No to foreign iron and steel
- Pakistan says No to US in its Borders
- Wall Street Wallop
President Obama’s stimulus package that passed in the House yesterday contains a clause that prohibits the importation of iron and steel on infrastructure development projects in the U.S. When the bill reaches the Senate it is expected that the measure will be made even stricter by extending U.S. trade rules to exclude importation of all products and equipment for which stimulus dollars are allotted. While this domestic policy change is welcomed by many, especially labor unions, it has our neighbour to the north in a tizzy.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his worry in a statement in the House of Commons: “This is obviously a serious matter and a serious concern to us. We will be having these discussions with our friends in the United States and we expect the United States to respect its international obligations.”
The problem for Obama and his team is that the new measure is in contravention of the North American Free Trade Act. Canadian Trade Minister Stockwell Day says this could lead the way for Canada and other countries to take legal action against what is being called protectionism by the U.S. Said Day: ``Clearly...you can`t fall back into protectionist measures.”
The last time that happened in the U.S. was during the depression in the 1930s when Republicans invoked protectionism and that `measure was blamed on deepening the economic woes of America. When Franklin Roosevelt took office in 1933, he immediately began to make policy changes to open up trade and that decision ended up putting the U.S. economy back on track.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry has refused to allow the U.S. to strike suspected al Qaeda targets within its borders with unmanned aircraft, a Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday. "There is no understanding between Pakistan and the United States on Predator attacks.”
But U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates stated: “President Bush and President Obama have made clear that we will go after al Qaeda wherever al Qaeda is. And we will continue to pursue this."
The Pakistan government, while saying no to drone attacks, has come out with a statement that would appear to convey cooperation with the U.S. in the fight against terrorism: “"We want closer cooperation at the operational level to deal with militancy," the Foreign Ministry said.”As far as al Qaeda is concerned, Pakistan has done more than any other country. We look forward to working closely with the new U.S. administration on all issues, including in the fight against terrorism."
The hottest issue of Day 9 for President Obama’s first 100 Days in office came from a new report from Wall Street: $18.4 billion of bonuses found its way into the pockets of the already rich on Wall Street. These are the same companies that are begging Washington for bailouts at a point in the country’s financial crisis for which taxpayers are footing the bill.
Even the President showed a moment of anger and outrage when he heard the report saying: “That is the height of irresponsibility. It is shameful," Obama told reporters and that "there will be time for them to make profits and there will be time for them to get bonuses. Now is not that time."
In a recent TV interview Vice-President Biden said: "I mean, it just offends the sensibilities ... I do know what they're thinking. And they're thinking the same old thing that got us here -- greed."
Citigroup executives were no doubt disappointed that they would not be getting a new $50 million executive jet after a White House spokesman said Obama did not believe using private jets was "the best use of money" by companies receiving taxpayer assistance. For the record executives from Citigroup and other Wall Street mega-giants showed up in private planes when asking Washington for bailout money.
VP Biden was absolutely right – greed is the operative word in this crushing scandal.
- Stimulus Bill is Okayed in the House
- Goes to the Senate Next Week
President Barack Obama had reason to be confident today on Day 8 of his administration that his $819 billion stimulus package would pass the House of Representatives. With a collective sigh of relief for most Democrats, the law passed although all voting Republicans did so with a ‘no’.
The vote count heavily favoured the Democrats in the House of Representatives since they hold the majority of seats. However, sending the $819 billion bill to the Senate next week will be a tougher challenge for President Obama. Senate Republicans are expected to demand review of their two main arguments against the bill - spending and tax cuts.
"I hope that we can continue to strengthen this plan before it gets to my desk," Obama said after the vote. "We must move swiftly and boldly to put Americans back to work and that is exactly what this plan begins to do."
Earlier today Obama also met with some of the top corporate executives in the U.S. looking for their support saying: “The country cannot afford inaction or delay" in this economic environment when people are desperate for answers and “are looking to Washington for action -- bold and swift."
Obama told the group the federal government can "help create a favorable climate in which workers can prosper, businesses can thrive, and our economy can grow. And that is exactly what the recovery plan I've proposed is intended to do."
"Most of the money we're investing as part of this plan will get out the door immediately and go directly to job creation, generating or saving 3 to 4 million new jobs. And the vast majority of these jobs will be created in the private sector -- because, as these CEOs well know, business, not government, is the engine of growth in this country," The President said.
The plan is scheduled for a vote in the Senate next week and it is anticipated that it will seek a more costly comprehensive spending plan. When the Senate does approve the measures, the House and the Senate will have to work together in Obama’s new era of bi-partisanship.
Meanwhile, the GOP is hoping that before the Senate approves the bill they will be able to influence the President to have some of their ideas included such as more tax cuts.
On Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, described the bill as "the most important piece of legislation Congress will vote on this year.” Pelosi fully supports the bill for its ability to supports jobs, provide tax cuts and demonstrates a new accountability to taxpayers.
- Obama’s First Week and What A Week
- Obama Meets with Republicans on Capitol Hill
- GOP wants Less Spending and More Tax Cuts
Just one week after taking office President Obama met on Tuesday with House and Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill. Obama’s message was one of absolute urgency in passing legislation to spurn the economy back to action.
"The main message I have is that the statistics every day underscore the urgency of the economic situation. The American people expect action," Obama said.
It is well known in Washington that House Minority Leader John Boehner has been outspoken about his plan to vote against the bill and he has been encouraging other Republicans to follow suit. In general, Republicans are looking for changes in the bill that would see more tax cuts and less government spending.
The bill due in the House on Wednesday January 28 was crafted by Democrats who control the chamber. The huge price tag includes $275 billion in temporary tax cuts to spark spending and business investment and many billions more for job-creating investment projects, health care initiatives and expanded programs in education and help for the poor and unemployed.
President Obama urged Republican House leaders Tuesday afternoon to set aside differing political ideologies so that the nation could come together to in saving the nation from economic collapse. Later in the day President Obama described the meeting as “constructive”.
"The American people expect action," he said. "They want us to put together a recovery package that puts people back to work, that creates investments that assure our long-term energy independence, an effective health care system, an education system that works; they want our infrastructure rebuilt, and they want it done wisely, so that we're not wasting taxpayer money."
In his comments, Obama said he is "absolutely confident" that the country can find ways to resolve the current state of the economy adding “...the key right now is to make sure that we keep politics to a minimum."
Republican Senator Charles Grassley criticized the Obama’s approach to the talks saying: "But let no one be mistaken that this bill is the result of bipartisan negotiations. While Republicans were courteously consulted at the member and staff level, we were never at the negotiating table.”
"I don't expect a hundred percent agreement from my Republican colleagues," he said, "but I do hope that we can all put politics aside and do the American people's business right now."
It has only been a week in the executive office for Barack Obama and his list of accomplishments are truly impressive. With week one down and 47 more to go until the end of his first term, Barack Obama has already completed reversal of several Bush policies that have been thorns in the collective side of Americans for the past eight years. Most of all, he has caught the attention of U.S. friends and foes as he puts forward the new “era” of foreign policy and shores up the crumbling domestic economy with words and action.
- Obama Gives Green Light for Climate Change Measures
- Auto Makers Struggle to Stay Afloat
- Energy independence from foreign Oil
- Todd Stern named Envoy on Climate Change
As expected, on Day 6 of his new administration, President Obama first turned his attention to the environmental policies of the Bush administration.
Under President Bush, the Republican administration had quashed California’s request to take ownership of enforcing its own reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and it and other states launched a lawsuit against the government. However, Obama said today that: "The federal government must work with, not against states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, California has shown bold and bipartisan leadership through its effort to 21st century standards. And over a dozen states have followed its lead."
Governor Arnold Schwzenegger was obviously pleased saying: "It is clear that California and the environment now have a strong ally in the White House," he said. "Allowing California and other states to aggressively reduce their own harmful vehicle tailpipe emissions would be a historic win for clean air and for millions of Americans who want more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly cars."
On Day 6, the President today also instructed the Department of Transportation to begin regulating fuel efficiency standards for model year 2011 by March. This marks a significant change for auto makers who will have to manufacture vehicles that are both more fuel efficient and less polluting.
There was mixed reaction to the change in emissions standards with environmentalists giving the move a heads up; but, labor unions are already upset about the loss of jobs in the auto sector. Obama believes the policy change will assist car manufacturers survive in the 21st century.
"Our goal is not to further burden an already struggling industry, it is to help America's automakers prepare for the future," he said. Obama laid out broad principles that he said his administration would follow. It was “time for the United States to lead on climate change”, he said, “And reduce its dependence on foreign oil”.
"It will be the policy of my administration to reverse our dependence on foreign oil," he said. We need more than the same old empty promises. We need to show that this time it will be different," he said.
General Motors Corporation reaction has been to issue a statement: "We're ready to engage the Obama administration and Congress on policies that support meaningful and workable solutions and targets. GMC further stated it is "working aggressively" to develop better hybrids and electric cars to reduce emissions and improve mileage. At the same time, the big auto makers say the politicians must consider a broad spectrum of economic factors.
The U.S. State Department has chosen Todd Stern, a senior White House official under former President Bill Clinton, as its climate change envoy, Stern was instrumental on the Clinton administration's Initiative on Global Climate Change from 1997 to 1999 and was the senior White House negotiator in the Kyoto negotiations on climate change.
- Stimulus Plan & Environment
It came as no surprise to President Barack Obama when, on his 5th day in the Oval Office, the GOP was sent a loud message that they would not support his stimulus package as it currently stands. The plan is due for a vote on Wednesday, January 28th.
A group of leading conservative intellectuals support the ‘nay’ opinions of House Minority Leader John Boehner and Senator John McCain to the stimulus plan. Today the news TV talk shows aired comments from politicians and pundits alike, as the stimulus package is seen by virtually everyone on both sides and including independents as Job One for the U.S.
Turning his attention also to domestic energy reform on Sunday President Obama gave the nod for his administration to draw up a plan that would allow California to monitor its own already tight auto emissions standards. Under the Bush government, an environmental policy banned the state from taking control of its own emissions control standards. In the first few days of the new administration Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had urgently requested the Obama administration to reconsider the existing rules on controlling pollution emissions in California.
President Obama’s change in policy applies to any state that can demonstrate the ability and resources to go it alone on car vehicle emissions control. To expedite the handover of responsibility Obama is not invoking Bush government’s rule which required a waiver from the Environmental Protection Administration. The change in policy means further opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide area with big industry, a large population and a love for cars.
The Obama policy on state environment issues sends a message, especially to California, that instead of looking for ways to say no to states taking on more responsibility in many areas, the federal government will work with individual states to help bring in more effective controls to help reduce global warming.
Speculation on Sunday is that President Obama is probably going to instruct the Transportation Department to develop new and expedient methods for how auto makers can improve the fuel efficiency of their late model vehicles.
- Bi Partisan Support
At his first White House meeting with congressional leaders, President Obama emphasized the importance of bipartisan support for his economic stimulus plan. He admits there is still much to be done but it can only succeed if compromise and constructive debate are the underpinnings of the rebuilding strategy on the nation’s economy.
"I recognize that there are still some differences around the table and between the administration and members of Congress about particular details of the plan," said the President.
Day 4 for the 44th President of the United States was every bit as busy as the first three and Obama is wasting no time in getting down to the issues. President Obama’s agenda on Day 4 included:
- Executing an order to allow U.S. funds for international agencies that promote or offer counsel on abortion. This is in direct contrast to the Bush position that prohibited such funding.
- Several calls were made to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Saudi Arabian King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
- Met with newly appointed Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.
- Presided over a closed meeting with his National Security Council.
- Spoke with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to discuss his upcoming economic stimulus package. Obama made room for Republican concerns but made it clear that he is the guy in the driver’s seat. It was later reported that Obama felt the meeting was successful and a recent Reuters report suggests that Obama’s tact and diplomacy within the White House will help him move his agendas forward in a constructive fashion.
- Taped his first weekly radio address to the country.
- Gaza and CIA torture Top Priorities
President Obama shakes hands with Hillary Clinton at a celebratory reception from her staff 
as the new Secretary of State.
President Barack Obama called on Israel Friday to open its borders with Gaza for humanitarian relief efforts to begin and to pave the way for a diplomatic end to the conflict in the region.
The President also disclosed plans to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay within a year. He further banned "enhanced interrogation" used by the CIA under the former White House administration calling it torture. Obama says such practices go against the grain of American values.
In an effort to smooth relations with the Arab countries, Obama’s comments are intended to send a message that diplomacy is the order of the day and that the ‘old’ way of dealing with international relations is over. Obama recommitted his administration’s plans to ensure that actions of the U.S. within the international community reflect basic “core values” and guarantee human rights across the globe.
Hillary Rodham Clinton, the newly appointed Secretary of State received a resounding show of support from staff when she arrived in her new office. Clinton encouraged staff to come forward with new ideas and left the door open for debate on critical issues.
Clinton told the group: "The President is committed to making diplomacy and development the partners in our foreign policy, along with defense. And we must be smarter about how we exercise our power.”
President Obama’s statements on Gaza conveyed his balanced view of the conflict, making concessions on the desperate struggle for both sides. This is a wide departure from the Bush administration position which strongly supported the Israeli actions in Gaza and charged Hamas for creating the turmoil and hardships brought on its citizens. Nor was the Bush government a proponent of ceasefire talks, although he often alluded to his support, it was clearly an insincere approach.
Said President Obama: "Just as the terror of rocket fire aimed at innocent Israelis is intolerable, so too is a future without hope for the Palestinians. I was deeply concerned by the loss of Palestinian and Israeli life in recent days, and by the substantial suffering and humanitarian needs in Gaza. Our hearts go out to Palestinian civilians who are in need of immediate food, clean water and basic medical care, and who've faced suffocating poverty for far too long. Now we must extend a hand of opportunity to those who seek peace. As part of a lasting ceasefire, Gaza's border crossings should be open to allow the flow of aid and commerce, with an appropriate monitoring regime with the international and Palestinian Authority participating."
In his word’s Obama said the US would "actively and aggressively" pursue peace and prosperity between Israel and the Palestinians. "The outline for a durable ceasefire is clear: Hamas must end its rocket fire; Israel will complete the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza; the US and our partners will support a credible anti-smuggling and interdiction regime, so that Hamas cannot re-arm." the President said.
Obama recognized that his choice of special envoy for the region would be a major determining factor in peace negotiations. He appointed the very capable George Mitchell, who was involved in establishing peace in Northern Ireland.
Richard Holbrooke, a former US ambassador to the United Nations has been named as special envoy in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.
Both officials are eminently qualified for their assignments and their appointments were being hailed by many as a welcomed departure from Bush’s foreign policy which did not support high level peace assignments in the Middle East.
The President issued orders to begin preparations for the closure of the prison at Guantanamo Bay within a year. The orders include setting up a commission to consider terms for the release of detainees including relocation destinations. There are almost 250 prisoners still at the prison.
Presidential orders were also given for the cessation of questionable torture techniques used by the CIA in terrorist investigations. The President also signed an order saying all interrogations would adhere to the army field manual which does not allow for so-called “enhanced interrogation”, such as waterboarding.
"The message we are sending around the world is the US intends to prosecute the ongoing struggle against violence and terrorism but we are going to do so consistent with our values. We are going to win this fight but we will win it on our terms" said Obama.
The government of Afghanistan has come forward with support for the U.S. decision to close the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay. Afghan President Hamid Karzai stated: "This decision by the United States is a major step toward bringing more international support to the struggle against terrorism, and enlisting all nations in this war."
With the good comes some bad as news on the nation’s economy becomes more grim. US jobless numbers rose to their highest level since 1982. It was a big blow when Microsoft announced it was laying off 5000 workers and many other companies are expected to follow suit.
At the end of the day, the President was pleased that a Senate committee has confirmed his choice for Treasury Secretary, the former New York Federal Reserve banker Tim Geithner.
Day Two: January 22, 2009
President Barack Obama speaks to reporters in a surprise visit to the Brady Press Room on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, the second working day of his presidential first term.
- New Era of Leadership
In Washington, President Obama issued new orders intended to halt the torture of suspects and close down the Guantanamo detention center as he had pledged during his campaign. The new rules are even further reaching as they include a ban on secret CIA prisons overseas. Obama conveyed that the U.S. fight against terrorism will be conducted "in a manner that is consistent with our values and our ideals." This is in stark contrast to the position of the Bush administration on the issue.
"We intend to win this fight. We're going to win it on our terms," Obama stated. U.S. foreign policy had taken a decidedly different path with truth in diplomacy and this on his second day in office. Obama also reiterated a new direction on diplomacy and has appointed veteran troubleshooters for Middle East trouble locations.
The foreign policy of the George Bush administration was widely despised by European allies and Arab friendly states. Bush took the position that the policies were necessary to protect the country following the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. While Bush claimed he too would want to close Guantanamo at sometime in the future, it was clearly not in the cards for the near future under his command.
"A new era of American leadership is at hand," Obama said.
The new Executive orders signed by President Obama pave the way for the closure of Guantanamo Prison within one year. The orders include shutting down CIA “black site” prisons overseas and prohibit the use of physical abuse such as waterboarding, a method of torture that simulates the experience of drowning. Experts and critics in the U.S. and around the world consider the technique as torture.
President Obama was joined in the Oval Office for the signing ceremony by retired senior U.S. military leaders who had lobbied for the changes.
The orders were hailed by admirals and generals alike as a major move forward: "President Obama's actions today will restore the moral authority and strengthen the national security of the United States."
Republicans and some others were not at all pleased believing that Obama's policy changes would inhibit U.S. intelligence agencies from obtaining information relevant to planned terrorist attacks.
A group of GOP lawmakers including House Minority Leader John Boehner immediately introduced legislation that would bar federal courts from ordering that Guantanamo detainees would be released in the United States.
The destination of released detainees needs to be finalized before any decision on closure of the prison. According to Boehner, R-Ohio, “ It would be irresponsible to close this terrorist detainee facility" before deciding where the detainees would be released.
Obama staunchly believes that U.S. security is strengthened rather than diminished when the U.S. adheres to "core standards of conduct."
"We think that it is precisely our ideals that give us the strength and the moral high ground to be able to effectively deal with the unthinking violence that we see emanating from terrorist organizations around the world," he said.
"We don't torture," Obama said. The Bush administration had always said they did not permit torture. It boils down to how one defines torture.
Also on Thursday President Obama presided over a welcome session for newly appointed Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Obama took the opportunity to reiterate the high priority of a new direction in foreign policy. He referred to Foreign Service officers and other department employees, saying “ they are going to be critical to our success."
A joint announcement was made by the President and the Secretary of State with regards to the appointment of former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell. This appointment of Mitchell as special envoy to the Middle East is expected to help initiate a new dialogue in that region. He was a part of the coalition that helped bring about peace in Northern Ireland. Special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan, another key post, is Former U.N. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke. Holbrooke took part in the peace process that ended Bosnia's 1992-95 war.
Despite the new administration’s insistence that a new kind of diplomacy will help strengthen ties with friend and foe alike, Obama has been considered vague by some critics on how exactly he proposes to change direction with the Mideast nations. While he appointed top level envoys to critical hot spots, some are left wondering if Obama’s Mideast policy is that much different than Bush’s.
Obama supports immediate action to achieve permanent peace between Israel and Palestine. But he also supports Israel’s "right to defend itself." He called on the nation of Israel and Hamas on the Palestinian side to take measures to secure the cease-fire that is in place in Gaza. Arab nations were addressed by Obama as he asked them to be understanding of the tribulations of President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine. The Bush administration had been saying much the same thing but its actual policies and actions spoke differently.
Obama’s immediate attention to the treatment of Guantanamo-held terror suspects, reflects his own belief and that of many others around the world that under the Bush administration the interpretation of torture and physically abusive questioning of detainees was far too broad and human rights groups had voiced their concern over some of the military methods at the prison.
Like Obama, Bush maintained that he would like to close Guantanamo where years have gone by for some detainees without direct charges or trials. The plan never materialized under Bush and he seemed decidedly unwilling to ask the tough questions: what countries will accept these men; of those not released what agency would prosecute and what direct evidence would they present to cement their cases against the prisoners? And finally, what would the fate be of the handful of prisoners considered far too dangerous to release anywhere?
President Obama knows these tough questions must be answered if his plan to close the facility within a year is to work.
A senior administration official who insisted on anonymity said "everything's on the table" as a possibility with respect to the handful of incorrigibles, including the use of military tribunals that Obama had previously criticized. A task force has been charged with presenting a report in 30 days on where the Guantanamo detainees should go, as well as a plan for future terror suspects.
Glen Gardner, the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. takes issue with Obama's action, saying: "The detention facility is a valuable tool in the fight against terrorism because it provides useful intelligence information and it keeps our enemies off the battlefield."
Senator John McCain commented with the understatement: "Numerous difficult issues remain."
U.S. citizens seem to be almost evenly split on the issue: an Associated Press poll last week revealed approximately half wanted the prison shut immediately while 42% percent did not.
Obama said that none of the detainees would be sent to countries where they might be tortured or executed. The executive orders provide that all terrorism suspects will be protected by the standards of the Geneva Conventions, something that was not enforced under George Bush.
In particular, Obama singled out the case of Ali al-Marri of Qatar ordering the Justice Department to review his case. Ali al-Marri, is the only enemy combatant now held in the U.S.
Barack Obama's First Day is a Full Day
Photo at Right: President Barack Obama meets with Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel on 
Wednesday in the Oval Office.
- The inauguration of Barack Obama on Tuesday January 20th marked an historic moment in U.S. history and resonated throughout the world.
- January 21st marks first full work day.
President Barack Obama was at his desk on Wednesday in the Oval office at 8:35 AM for his first full day of presidential business. The first thing the President did was open his top desk drawer where he knew there would be an envelope for him. In a tradition started by Ronald Regan, there was a note addressed “To: #44 from: #43." The outgoing President Bush had written a personal note to Obama but the contents of the note have not been released.
On Wednesday, January 21st President Obama set to work with his advisors to strategize on how to deal with the war, the recession and the new lobbying rules he had promised during his campaign. Obama declared it is time for "a clean break from business as usual."
The first day also delivered on other pledges Obama had made in the race for the White House: a salary freeze for top White House staff, communicating with Mideast leaders and distribution of a draft executive order that would see the closure of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay within a year.
The salary freeze affects about 100 White House employees who earn more than $100,000 a year. "Families are tightening their belts, and so should Washington," Obama said.
In an effort to deal quickly with the Mideast turmoil, Obama prepared to offer George Mitchell, the former Senate Democratic leader, the top diplomatic post for the region.
Changes to ethics rules were also on the agenda for the President who had promised changes saying "…the way to make government responsible is to hold it accountable." The rules are required "…to help restore faith in government, without which we cannot deliver the changes that we were sent here to make."
Obama's new lobbying rules will prohibit staff members from influence peddling within his administration when they terminate employment. Those already in their jobs will not be allowed to work on issues they have previously lobbied on, or to approach organizations they had once directed their energies towards.
Lobbyists are also banned from giving gifts of any type to any member of Obama’s administration. The new rules also impose a two year moratorium on anyone who leaves his administration from attempting to influence former friends and colleagues. Obama has mandated that all staff attend an ethics session such as the top level meeting he had attended the week before.
Obama cited the rules as the tightest "than under any other administration in history." "The new rules on lobbying alone, no matter how tough, are not enough to fix a broken system in Washington," he said. "That's why I'm also setting rules that govern not just lobbyists but all those who have been selected to serve in my administration."
More Government Disclosure
In an effort to establish a more open federal government as promised, Obama says he will change the way the federal government interprets the Freedom of Information Act. The point Obama was making was that the government should be focused on making information more accessible rather than looking for ways not to release information. It has been a long practice of White House administrations to look for ways to withhold information.
“Just because a government agency has the legal power to keep information private does not mean that it should”, Obama remarked. For a long time now, there's been too much secrecy in this city," the President said.
He said the orders he was issuing Wednesday will not "make government as honest and transparent as it needs to be" but he knows it’s a start.
"But these historic measures do mark the beginning of a new era of openness in our country," Obama said. "And I will, I hope, do something to make government trustworthy in the eyes of the American people, in the days and weeks, months and years to come."
Mideast Conflict
A priority on Wednesday was President Obama’s calls to the leaders of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and Jordan concerning the Israeli military assault on Gaza.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs gave a statement about the talks: “... He used this opportunity on his first day in office to communicate his commitment to active engagement in pursuit of Arab-Israeli peace from the beginning of his term, and to express his hope for their continued cooperation and leadership."
Gibbs also said "In the aftermath of the Gaza conflict, the President "emphasized his determination to work to help consolidate the cease-fire by establishing an effective anti-smuggling regime to prevent Hamas from rearming, and facilitating in partnership with the Palestinian Authority a major reconstruction effort for Palestinians in Gaza."
Michelle Obama had her own full day as she said goodbye to family and friends from Chicago who had travelled to Washington for the inauguration. She also had a chance to survey her new home and look for ways to make it more personal for her family.
On the agenda, a morning prayer service that has been a tradition for incoming presidents since George Washington’s time.
Next, The Obamas travelled by motorcade to the National Cathedral, a spectacular Gothic structure on a high point of the capital, for an ecumenical service. The service was also attended by Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill as well as former president Clinton and Hillary Clinton.
The service was presided over by Reverend Sharon Watkins who supports the efforts of President Obama to set a new standard of faith for ethical choices for the nation and including embracing the biblical commandment to love one another.
"Lead us there, Mr. President. That is a journey worth pursuing," said Reverent Watkins who is president and general minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.
Afternoon activities included an open house at the White House as a symbol of their commitment to make the White House more public-friendly. The first couple greeted visitors to a reception in the Blue Room that overlooks the Washington Monument. White House aides passed out 200 invitations on a first come, first served basis to visitors.
Quipped the President to a visitor "Welcome, enjoy yourself. Roam around. Don't break anything."
Obama's daughters, Malia and Sasha have had their own hectic schedule including the celebrations of the inauguration night party at the White House. As a surprise, their parents had arranged for teen idols the Jonas Brothers to perform for the girls. A night they will surely hold as a magical treasure throughout their lives.
