Days 41-50
- Day 41: President Obama to Work with Mexican
President Calderon on Drug Wars - Day 42: Obama Shores up Health and Human Services with
Office of Health Reform - Day 43: President Obama Picks Nominee for Chair of the Federal Communications Commission
- Day 44: FEMA and Government Contracting on the Agenda for Obama’s 44th Day
- Day 45: President Obama Holds White House Summit to Deal with
Health Care Costs - Day 46: President Obama Announces $2 Billion for Law Enforcement at Police Graduation Ceremony in Ohio
- Day 47: President’s Obama Hope for Truce with Afghanistan and
Pakistani Insurgents - Day 48: President Obama to Lift Ban on Embryonic Stem Cell Research Giving Hope to Many with Serious Medical Conditions
- Day 49: President Obama Signs Bill for Federal Funding of Stem Cell Research but Not for Cloning
- Day 50: Outlines Educational Reform to Prepare U.S. Students
for the 21st Century
- President Obama’s Plan to Change the education system from
'cradle through career'
President Obama today announced his plan for a major conversion of the nation’s education system. It had been one of the campaign promises Obama made coining the phrase "from the cradle up through a career."
Officials at the White House described President Obama’s speech today as an introduction to the nation of his broad agenda on change in American schools. White House aides noted that Obama has been outspoken about his plan to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by the year 2020. To ensure that children are given every opportunity at an early age to learn the knowledge and skills that will make the transition to school a natural for them, pre-kindergarten programs will be funded so that children will be better prepared to learn.
In an address to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce today President Obama told the group that the decline of education is "unacceptable for our children. We have let our grades slip, our schools crumble, our teacher quality fall short and other nations outpace us," Obama said. "The relative decline of American education is untenable for our economy, unsustainable for our democracy and unacceptable for our children, and we cannot afford to let it continue.”
Obama described a five-tier reform plan which includes these major elements:
- Increased investments in early childhood initiatives;
- An end to “ lower testing standards” that have dropped off significantly as states have been "low-balling expectations" for students;
- Focus on teacher training and recruitment and preventing teacher lay-offs with funds set aside from the stimulus bill;
- Federal support of educational "innovation and excellence" in charter schools, as promised during his campaign. The President asked that the states cooperate with this effort.
- Focus on higher education by increasing the maximum Pell Grant award and providing tax credits on tuition for students from working families.
President Obama also said he would change funding in the No Child Left Behind law to support only efforts aimed at positive outcomes. The President was confident that the Education Department would "back up this commitment to higher standards with a fund to invest in innovation in our school districts."
Obama dealt with critics of his emphasis on issues such as education and energy at a time when the economy is crumbling, saying: "I know there are some who believe we can only handle one challenge at a time. But we don't have the luxury of choosing between getting our economy moving now and rebuilding it over the long term."
- Obama says Funding for Stem Cell Research Ban Lifted
As expected President Obama signed an order today opening the way for federal research funds to be used for embryonic stem cell research. But he emphatically stated that cloning is absolutely out of the question. His goal in reversing the Bush decision is to help scientists develop better treatments and cures for a range of debilitating diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
The President said in signing the new bill: “We cannot ever tolerate misuse or abuse. And we will ensure that our government never opens the door to the use of cloning for human reproduction. It is dangerous, profoundly wrong, and has no place in our society, or any society."
“Medical miracles do not happen simply by accident. They result from painstaking and costly research," Obama said. “When government fails to make these investments, opportunities are missed. Promising avenues go unexplored. Some of our best scientists leave for other countries that will sponsor their work. And those countries may surge ahead of ours in the advances that transform our lives. But in recent years, when it comes to stem cell research, rather than furthering discovery, our government has forced what I believe is a false choice between sound science and moral values. In this case, I believe the two are not inconsistent."
The rules do not allow creation of new stem cell lines but now federally funded scientists have the green light to proceed with research on existing embryonic stem cells that previously were not permitted under the Bush administration.
Since the day embryonic stem cell research first showed its promise, critics have said that stem cells can be used to produce cloned humans. Obama has reassured the nation that “strict guidelines” will be in place prohibiting use of government funds for any research into human cloning.
Embryonic stem cells have the ability to replicate any type of cell in the body. It is why scientists have placed so much emphasis on their potential to relieve suffering and pain for millions of Americans struggling with life threatening illnesses. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that scientists can create replacement tissues to treat a variety of diseases.
Dr. Curt Civin is the researcher who led the way in isolating stem cells and he is now the founding director of the University of Maryland Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Civin says he disagrees with critics who say embryonic stem cell research is morally wrong. This was already life that was going to be destroyed," he said. "The choice is throw them away or use them for research."
- President Obama to Reverse Bush Policy on Embryonic Stem Cell Research
President Obama today indicated his intention to reverse the Bush administration's limits on embryonic stem-cell research. Scientists say stem cells could lead the way for cures to devastating illnesses such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and spinal injuries. Obama's move marks the end of a long struggle over the debate on stem cell research. Federal regulators have given researchers the opportunity to lead the way for the first for stem cell treatment for human trials. The trials will determine if the cells can repair damage in spinal injury patients.
Obama's decision is a clear signal that he intends to separate scientific advances from politics and “restore scientific integrity in governmental decision-making”, said White House domestic policy adviser Melody Barnes. "Advances with regard to science and technology help advance our overall national goals around economic growth and job creation. I think anytime you make an effort to try and separate these pieces of the puzzle, you're missing the entire picture."
Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri was pleased with the decision telling reporters that the move would "once again say to the rest of the world that we will be the beacon for cures and for hope." "I think it's a great moment, and I'm proud of [Obama] for reversing that executive order," McCaskill said.
On the GOP side of the House Representatives, Eric Cantor sharply criticized President Obama’s decision saying: “Why are we going and distracting ourselves from the economy? This is job No. 1. Let's focus on what needs to be done.” Cantors’ other concern is that Obama’s new policy could lead to embryo harvesting, which in his opinion "shouldn't be done."
Obama’s formal announcement on Monday is expected to draw both commendations and criticism on this divisive issue.
President Obama expressed hope today that U.S. troops can work with moderate elements of the Taliban for a more peaceful future for Afghanistan. The President conveyed that while there has been some success in Iraq in bringing warring factions together he reminded the nation that reaching any consensus in Afghanistan is more complicated. Obama is far more cautious in his statements on Afghanistan because it is “a less-governed region with a history of fierce independence among tribes”.
Obama admitted that the fight against terrorism is far from won but said "our troops are doing an extraordinary job in a very difficult situation. But you've seen conditions deteriorate over the last couple of years. The Taliban is bolder than it was. I think ... in the southern regions of the country, you're seeing them attack in ways that we have not seen previously.”
General David Petraeus has long suggested that a move toward cooperation with some moderates in the Taliban has been talked about for many months by American military commanders. President Obama said: "If you talk to General Petraeus, I think he would argue that part of the success in Iraq involved reaching out to people that we would consider to be Islamic fundamentalists, but who were willing to work with us. There may be some comparable opportunities in Afghanistan and the Pakistani region, but the situation in Afghanistan is, if anything, more complex.”
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said recently that Washington would be willing to work with moderate members of the Taliban group if the insurgents commit to ending the violence and accept a reconciliation proposal.
- President Obama Addresses Police Cadets at Graduation Ceremony
- Obama’s Stimulus Funds to Reduce Highest Unemployment Rate in Decades
President Obama Addresses Police Cadets at Graduation Ceremony in Ohio
President Obama today addressed 25 graduating police cadets in Columbus, Ohio whose jobs were secured until at least the end of this year by money from the stimulus funds. In January, the cadets were told that city funding could not support the salaries for the new police. However, shortly after the city made that dreary announcement, Columbus received $1.2 million in funds from the government to help secure those jobs and others.
Obama told the cadets: "We've got big challenges ahead of us." But Obama was optimistic about the future when he announced $2 billion in new law enforcement grants. The President re-emphasized his message that the stimulus plan will re-direct the economic downturn when the funds are distributed at local and state levels. In particular, the plan will help create new jobs.
"I don't need to tell this graduating class what it's like to know that your job might be next because, up until a few weeks ago, that is precisely the future that this class faced, a future that millions of Americans still face right now," said the President.
Obama’s Stimulus Funds to Reduce Highest Unemployment Rate in Decades
President Obama said today that the continuing dismal jobless rates can only be reversed by an injection of capital from the Stimulus Fund to create and save jobs. December's job loss was the highest in almost 60 years. The unemployment rate rose to 8.1 percent from 7.6 percent in January, a rate not seen since December, 1983. Over 3.3 million jobs have been cut over the past six months.
The demographics of the U.S. show the majority of workers with jobs today are not old enough to have endured such an abominable job market. Some 13% of workers weren't even born the last time unemployment was this high.
- President Obama`s Sets Sights Rising Costs of Health Care
President Obama convened a White House Summit today on what he called the ``biggest threat`` to economic recovery in the U.S.: the skyrocketing costs associated with medical care delivery, rising pharmaceutical costs and the millions of uninsured people in the country.
The invited Summit attendees included insurance companies, physicians, patients, and related business owners all of whom have huge stakes in the revival of the health care system. He told his guests that health care reform is critical to the country`s economic recovery saying that unaffordable health care costs are responsible for the many bankruptcies that have hit so many families.
President Obama told the assembly: "The cost of health care now causes a bankruptcy in America every 30 seconds. By the end of the year, it could cause 1.5 million Americans to lose their homes. Even for folks who are weathering this economic storm, and have health care now, all it takes is one stroke of bad luck to become one of the nearly 46 million uninsured..."
Health care costs are hurting all levels of government, family budgets and small businesses. "That's why we cannot delay this discussion any longer. Because health care reform is no longer just a moral imperative, it's a fiscal imperative``, stated The President.
In the first budget of his presidency Obama`s, he proposed $634 billion over the next year 10 years. The infusion of capital is crucial but it is a monumental task to repair the world's costliest health care system. But the President urged the group to come together on a long term resolution saying: `` The difference this time is that health care costs have become unsustainable, particularly in a sinking economy.``
Currently, the U.S. government spends $2.4 trillion a year on health care. It is President Obama`s goal to have universal health care coverage within ten years.
- President Obama Picks new FEMA Chief
- Obama Fixing the “Broken System of Government Contracting.”
President Obama Picks new FEMA Administrator
President Obama has named Craig Fugate, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, as the new administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The President said of Fugate: "From his experience as a first responder to his strong leadership as Florida's emergency manager, Craig has what it takes to help us improve our preparedness, response and recovery efforts, and I can think of no one better to lead FEMA. I'm confident that Craig is the right person for the job and will ensure that the failures of the past are never repeated."
Fugate has served as director of Florida’s Emergency Management agency since 2001. In that time Fugate has dealt with eleven major disasters in the Sunshine State. "He is imminently qualified to hold this position," said a spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Association.
Obama Fixing What’s Broken in Government Contracting
Today, the President signed a memorandum which will result in the federal government saving $40 billion per year on outsourced contracting. He intends to re-tool the "broken system of government contracting."
Obama said: "It's time for this waste and inefficiency to end. It's time for a government that only invests in what works’ and to "turn the tide on an era of fiscal irresponsibility so that we can sustain our recovery, enhance accountability and avoid leaving our children a mountain of debt."
Already, Obama’s budget director has been mandated to assist the Cabinet and agency managers in developing "tough, new guidance" for federal contracts by the start of the next fiscal year on October 1st. "We are spending money on things that we don't need, and we are paying more than we need to pay, and that's completely unacceptable," said the President.
Obama has said all along: "I can promise you that this is just the beginning of a new way of doing business here in Washington, because the American people have every right to expect and to demand a government that is more efficient, more accountable and more responsible in keeping the public's trust."
- President Obama Nominates Julius Genachowski to the FCC
- Obama Commended for Reversing Bush Decision on Endangered Species
President Obama Nominates Julius Genachowski to the FCC
President Obama named Julius Genachowski today for Chair of the Federal Communications Commission. Genachowski is a long time friend of Obama’s from Harvard and was an adviser to Obama's campaign.
Genachowski’s credentials include: senior executive at IAC Interactive Corp.; former chief counsel to the FCC Chair; and as special counsel from 1994 to 1997. Prior to that Genachowski clerked for Supreme Court Justices David Souter and William Brennan and has worked in Congress. Early indications were that Genachowski was President Obama's pick for the post. The nomination of Genachowski has now to be confirmed in the Senate.
Several significant initiatives must be undertaken by Genachowski once his confirmation is concluded. At his doorstep is the issue of the shutdown of remaining analog broadcast TV signals. Initially, it was hoped that the change over to digital broadcasts would be complete by February 17; however, a new target completion date is set for June 12.
The FCC also has a role in administering the first large-scale federal funding package for expanded high-speed Internet access in rural areas. In the stimulus bill, $7.2 billion in grants and loans for broadband were set aside.
Obama Commended for Reversing Bush Decision on Endangered Species
President Obama took action today in reversing a recent Bush administration regulation that essentially endangered the Endangered Species Act. The regulation enabled federal agencies to avoid consultations with government scientists prior to initiating projects that could affect endangered wildlife.
A thrilled audience attended a reception at the Interior Department. The President said he had restored "the scientific process to its rightful place at the heart of the Endangered Species Act, a process undermined by past administrations." Environmental groups were pleased with Obama's action.
- President Obama Formally Announces Sebelius as Secretary of
Health and Human Services - Obama names director of the White House Office of Health Reform,
Nancy-Ann DeParle
President Obama today officially named Governor Kathleen Sebelius to the post of Secretary of Health and Human Services. The President also named Nancy-Ann DeParle as the director of the White House Office of Health Reform.
The two posts are expected to work together to bring about the massive changes needed in the health care sector. "I think it will be a great partnership," said DeParle at the White House, when President Obama made the announcements. Obama called DeParle "one of the nation's leading experts on health-care and regulatory issues."
Mrs. DeParle is a former Clinton administration official who has spent the last several years as a national health-care policy expert, serving on a number of health care boards and commissions, and teaching at the University of Pennsylvania.
Many experts agree that sharing the responsibilities between Sebelius and DeParle makes the giant task of reform much more attainable. The office of Health and Human Services accounts for the biggest civilian department in the Federal government. Sebelius will have a great advantage in having Mrs. DeParle head up the specific branch of health care reform.
In the formal announcement by the President, he said that the combined efforts of both posts will be "critical" to his reform efforts. President Obama also announced today that his administration will allocate $155 million from the massive stimulus bill to expand 126 community health centers around the country. The community based health centers will provide access to affordable medical care for 750,000 people who have no health coverage and will create 5,500 new jobs at the centers.
Obama emphasized: "If we are going to help families, save businesses and improve the long-term economic health of our nation, we must realize that fixing what's wrong with our health-care system is no longer just a moral imperative, but a fiscal imperative. Health-care reform that reduces costs while expanding coverage is no longer just a dream we hope to achieve -- it's a necessity we have to achieve."
- Mexico’s Drug Wars Priority for the U.S.
Amidst the hype of Obama’s pre-inauguration and the 41 hectic days of his Presidency since then, some stories get shuffled to the back pages. But even before he was president Obama met with Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon over the continuing conflicts with drug cartels and weapons importation. This early meeting of the two government heads clearly signals the mutual concern over the magnitude and human cost of the drug wars in Mexico.
Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told Congress that ending the violence and drug trafficking between the two countries is a top priority. Napolitano’s agency is already working with the Mexican government to try and stem the increasing gun wars with dangerous drug cartels.
In support of that effort, Defense Secretary Gates has suggested that U.S. military personnel play a greater role in training additional Mexican forces and providing resources to the efforts of the Mexican authorities who are trying to take on heavily armed drug cartels. Mexican authorities are out powered by the criminals who get their high-powered guns from the United States.
A recent U.S. report confirms that most artillery involved in the drug killings is illegally brought in from the U.S. to Mexico. Most illegal drugs are coming to the U.S. from Mexico. The deadly cartels are known to be some of the most ruthless and vicious killing machines anywhere in the world. It is a billion dollar empire they want to protect and do so without regard to life.
Drug related murders account for over 1000 people killed in Mexico this year. Both the U.S. and Canada consider Mexico a valuable neighbour and trading partner. But officials for both countries to the north say that with the proliferation of violence in some areas of Mexico tourism may be the hardest hit since that is a traditional source of foreign dollars in industries that employ much of the struggling population.
