Days 81-90
- Day 81: President Obama Meets with Economic Team and Sees
“Glimmer of Hope” in Economy - Day 82: President Obama’s Weekly Address Reflects Progress on Common Issues of Global Financial Rescue and Climate Change
- Day 83: President Obama Garners Commendations for his European Visit at G-20
- Day 84: President Obama Highlights the 2000th Stimulus Project for Transportation Infrastructure
- Day 85: President Obama says "The Economy is moving in the right direction."
- Day 86: Obama Wants Americans to have a Simpler Tax Code and a Shot at the American Dream
- Day 87: President Obama and President Calderon Announce U.S./Mexico Bilateral Framework on Climate Change and Plans to Fight Drug Cartels
- Day 88: President Obama and Cuban Leader Raul Castro Agree to Historic Talks
- Day 89: President Obama appoints new Drug Czar to Help Reduce
Demand for Illegal Drugs - Day 90: President Obama in Latin America Today Says U.S. a
‘leader not a lecturer’
- Obama Says International Diplomacy “strengthens our hands”
President Barack Obama said today that opening relations with countries long deemed U.S. enemies, “strengthens our hand" on the world stage so that the country is seen as a ‘leader, not a lecturer, of democracy.’
Obama's foreign policy was demonstrated at every turn on the four day trip to Latin America. Obama’s genuine diplomacy earned him a smile and a handshake from leftist leader Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. Chavez endorsed any move to ‘embrace overtures’ of new relations with Cuba.
Republicans chastised the President for his friendly overtures with Hugo Chavez. Senator John Ensign, R-Nev was ready with his comments before Obama landed back in Washington on Air Force One: "I think it was irresponsible for the President to be seen kind of laughing and joking with Hugo Chavez.”
Obama was swift to respond to critics: "The whole notion was that if we showed courtesy or opened up dialogue with governments that had previously been hostile to us, that that somehow would be a sign of weakness. The American people didn't buy it. And there's a good reason the American people didn't buy it -- because it doesn't make sense."
Specifically on Cuba, he said Castro should release political prisoners, empower democratic freedoms and eliminate fees on the remittances that Cuban-Americans send back to their families. Obama has lifted some restrictions on Cuba and in return Castro suggested it is time to relook at contentious matters such as human rights and the plight of political prisoners.
The President said: "The fact that you had Raul Castro say he's willing to have his government discuss with ours not just issues of lifting the embargo, but issues of human rights, political prisoners, that's a sign of progress. And so we're going to explore and see if we can make some further steps."
In Washington, both Democrats and Republicans said today that they want to see more action and less talk from Cuba.
Day 89: 18th April, 2009
- Obama’s New Drug Czar to Rehabilitate the Nation’s Addicted
President Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon agreed last week to cooperate in ridding the country of the cartels that propagate the deadly drug war. It is obvious at home in the U.S. the strategies in the battle against illegal narcotics are changing already.
Obama picked new "drug czar," Gil Kerlikowske who emphasized that the new approach includes creating better programs to treat addicts so that the demand for narcotics is decreased. As drug czar, Kerlikowske is the head of the agency that sets the nation’s drug-control strategy.
The Obama Administration did consider the opinions of those who promote the feasibility of legalizing marijuana. But that issue seems to be set aside for the moment. Janet Napolitano, Home Land Security Chief was clear in her message that legalizing marijuana for the revenues it could provide was not an option.
Obama’s plan fulfills a campaign promise he made on revising punishment for non-violent offenders. Posted on the White House Website the plan provides nonviolent offenders "a chance to serve their sentence, where appropriate, in the type of drug rehabilitation programs that have proven to work better than a prison term in changing bad behaviour."
Kerlikowske said he was committed to reforming the country’s drug problem but said unquestionably it would take a "coordinated and multifaceted effort." "It requires prosecutors and law enforcement, courts, treatment providers and prevention programs to exchange information and to work together. And our priority should be a seamless, comprehensive approach.”
"The success of our efforts to reduce the flow of drugs is largely dependent on our ability to reduce demand for them, describing the nation's drug problem one of ‘human suffering’."
- Obama and Castro Forge New Relationship
President Barack Obama and Cuban Leader Raul Castro made history today at a meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad. For the first time in over 50 years the United States and Cuba made progress towards bridging the gap that has polarized the countries since Fidel Castro came to power in 1959. The initiative was hailed by the head of the Organization of American States who says he will petition to invite Cuba back after 47 years.
Cuban President Raúl Castro said yesterday at a summit of leftist Latin American leaders in Venezuela: We've told the North American government, in private and in public, that we are prepared, wherever they want, to discuss everything -- human rights, freedom of the press, political prisoners -- everything, everything, everything that they want to discuss."
Castro’s comments followed Obama’s move to lift all restrictions on the ability of U.S. citizens to visit relatives in Cuba and to allow the families to send money home to Cuba to help relatives. Travel restrictions for Americans of non-Cuban descent remain unchanged.
Obama remains adamant on the U.S. position saying: “What we're looking for is some signal that there are going to be changes in how Cuba operates that assures that political prisoners are released, that people can speak their minds freely, that they can travel, that they can write and attend church and do the things that people throughout the hemisphere can do and take for granted.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton responded to Castro’s rhetoric today saying: "We welcome his comments, the overture they represent and we are taking a very serious look at how we intend to respond."
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said U.S. officials were caught off guard by Raul Castro’s candid comments that “change might be needed”. Gibbs emphasized that Cuba must also demonstrate the need “to start making concrete moves toward freedom”.
- Obama says the U.S. Joins Mexico as a Full Partner Against Drug Crimes
- Obama Administration Announces U.S. /Mexico Framework on Clean Climate
Obama says the U.S. Joins Mexico as a Full Partner against Drug Crimes
President Obama said in Mexico City today that it is "absolutely critical" that the United States and Mexico work together to eradicate deadly drug-related violence, an issue for both countries.
The President’s overnight stay in Mexico en route to the Summit of the Americas underscores the escalating need for action to be taken against Mexico’s drug cartels and U.S. supplied heavy ammunitions. It was also a signal to Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon of respect and sincerity from President Obama
Standing alongside President Calderon, at a ceremony in Mexico City, Obama said: "At a time when the Mexican government has so courageously taken on the drug cartels that have plagued both sides of the borders, it is absolutely critical that the United States joins as a full partner in dealing with this issue, both through initiatives like the Merida Initiative but also on our side of the border in dealing with the flow of guns and cash south.”
The Merida Initiative is a three year plan to spend $1.4 billion for helping Mexico agents fight the drug cartels with new military and intelligence equipment, law enforcement training and an improved communications system devoted to the project.
Obama Administration Announces U.S. /Mexico Framework on Clean Climate
The White House announced late today plans to "strengthen and deepen bilateral cooperation" by establishing the U.S./Mexico Bilateral Framework on Clean Energy and Climate Change.
Obama and Calderon expressed the importance of promoting clean energy and moderating climate change. Both leaders agree on the value of joint and practical collaboration in achieving these goals, said a White House aide.
The Bilateral Framework is a comprehensive initiative to focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, adaptation, market mechanisms, forestry and land use, green jobs, low carbon energy technology development and capacity building.
Obama reiterated the need for cooperation among countries to tackle the challenges of a changed world: "At a time where all of us are dealing with an extraordinary global recession ... it is more important than ever that we work together, not only to restore economic growth, in Mexico and the United States, but also to make sure that growth is sustainable and to make sure that growth is from the bottom up." President Calderon agreed that cooperation is vital for progress to be achieved.
- President Obama Reaches Out to Help Reward Working Families
President Obama met today at the White House with several working families to note the most dreaded deadline for most Americans- April 15; the date income tax is due from the populace. Obama wanted to reassure the public that he intends to make the tax code less cumbersome.
“April 15 isn't exactly everyone's favorite date on the calendar." But he added that it is also an appropriate date to remind leaders in government that theirs is a large responsibility to those who voted for them.
The President had a back to basics message saying he is aiming to have: "...a simpler tax code that rewards work and the pursuit of the American dream.”
"For too long, we've seen taxes used as a wedge to scare people into supporting policies that increased the burden on working people instead of helping them live their dreams. That has to change, and that's the work that we've begun."
"We need to simplify a monstrous tax code that is far too complicated for most Americans to understand, but just complicated enough for the insiders who know how to work the system.”
Obama was optimistic and realistic in telling the audience: "It will take time to undo the damage of years of carve-outs and loopholes. But I want every American to know that we will rewrite the tax code so that it puts your interests over any special interest. And we will make it quicker, easier, and less expensive for you to file a return, so that April 15 is not a date that is approached with dread each year."
Already the President’s economic advisors are looking for ways to simplify the tax code and they will report back to the President by the end of the year.
- Obama Tempers Optimism With Reality on Economy
President Obama gave a speech at Georgetown University today saying the economy is moving in the right direction but also cautioned that the country is not in the clear yet.
Obama cited greed and irresponsibility for the current recession. This period of depression goes far deeper than many young American have seen before. He reminded the audience that this recession is not a normal downturn in the business cycle.
"There is no doubt that times are still tough," Obama said. "But from where we stand for the very first time, we are beginning to see glimmers of hope. And beyond that, way off in the distance, we can see a vision of an America's future that is far different than our troubled economic past."
Although retail sales were down in March, April has a better forecast. But wholesale prices dropped dramatically as gas and other energy sources also declined – a sign of the turnaround.
The President outlined that a complete recovery depends on two things: reforming the foundation for the U.S. economy and making changes in the political arena. It was Obama’s intention to demonstrate the larger picture and he did not make any new policy announcements.
"When a crisis hits there's all too often a lurch from shock to trance, with everyone responding to the tempest of the moment until the furor has died away and the media coverage has moved on, instead of confronting the major challenges that will shape our future in a sustained and focused way."
Obama stressed: "This can't be one of those times." Obama stressed.
- Obama Confident that $48.1 billion for transportation infrastructure will help stimulate economy
President Barack Obama remarked today that there are two ways to describe how his administration is spending billions of dollars of stimulus money on roads and transportation infrastructure: "ahead of schedule" and "under budget."
Today the President, Vice President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood touted the administration's 2000th project funded through the $48.1 billion allocated for transportation infrastructure in the stimulus package. According to White House aides, the law signed only six weeks ago is already producing jobs nationwide, particularly in Kalamazoo County, Michigan.
Vice President Biden said: "The Recovery Act is being implemented with speed, transparency and accountability. Don't take my word for it -- just look at what's happening today. We have the 2000th transportation project now under way -- that's going to help create jobs, make it easier for folks to get to the jobs they have and improve our nation's infrastructure all at the same time."
The White House is more than aware of the frustration of many Americans who have not seen much change in their lives but believes projects are moving with ‘quick progress and efficiency’.
Transportation department officials say that competition for some of the rescue money is creating bringing costs down between 15% and 20%. Obamas commented: “Just 41 days ago we announced funding for the first transportation project under (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) and today we're approving the 2000th project. I am proud to utter the two rarest phrases in the English language -- projects are being approved ahead of schedule, and they are coming in under budget."
- Obama demonstrates ‘skills of negotiation, patience, rhetoric’
President Obama had remarkable success under the spotlight on his initial international mission at the G-20 meeting this month in London and his visits to Europe and the Middle East. He reached out to the world’s leaders at the G- 20 as well as individually with the leaders of Iraq, China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia and others. Obama went on to attend the 60th anniversary NATO celebration in Strasbourg, France, and he travelled to Prague for a U.S./European session. He wrapped up his eight day tour with a diplomatic visit to Turkey and he ‘dropped in’ on troops at a military camp in Baghdad.
Obama’s contribution made strides on virtually every world issue. The consensus among political analysts is that Obama deserves credit for a number of his accomplishments abroad in helping other countries to: compromise on international agreements to battle the global recession; to negotiate settlement on the selection of NATO’s next secretary-general and to help coordinate NATO's strategy for Afghanistan.
The President also expressed strong interest in engaging Russia in more nuclear arms talks, outlined terms for a Palestinian state, urged Turkey to join the European Union and offered an olive branch of sincerity and respect to bring the U.S. and the Muslim world to a mutual understanding.
Senior White House advisor David Axelrod commented: "Part of tending to the problems at home was making this trip. It will benefit the country in the long run" and President Obama "thinks it was a good investment of time and a great success."
"The United States is re-engaged in a big way on the world stage," Axelrod said.
- Obama says world problems can be solved “acting in concert with other nations”
President Obama said in his weekly address today that as Christians and Jews celebrate important milestones in their respective religions, it is appropriate to come together to reach out to other nations of the world to face what he called the financial meltdown. "These are two very different holidays with their own very different traditions. But it seems fitting that we mark them both during the same week," Obama said. "For in a larger sense, they are both moments of reflection and renewal. They are both occasions to think more deeply about the obligations we have to ourselves and the obligations we have to one another, no matter who we are, where we come from, or what faith we practice."
In referring to his tour in Europe and the Middle East Obama stated: “No single nation can solve the problems stemming from the financial meltdown, climate change and nuclear weapons. These are challenges that no single nation, no matter how powerful, can confront alone. The United States must lead the way. But our best chance to solve these unprecedented problems comes from acting in concert with other nations."
Obama gave examples in his address about his meeting in London with leaders of the G-20 nations, who combined represent 85 per cent of the global economy. He stressed increased regulation and economic stimulus and climate change at the international gathering. He talked about his attendance at the NATO summit in France to discuss strategy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan. The President also outlined his speeches against nuclear weapons in the Czech Republic and about faith divisions in Turkey. Russia and the U.S. have agreed to resurrect talks on reducing nuclear stockpiles.
"With all that is at stake today, we cannot afford to talk past one another. We can't afford to allow old differences to prevent us from making progress in areas of common concern," Obama said. "We can't afford to let walls of mistrust stand. Instead, we have to find and build on our mutual interests. For it is only when people come together, and seek common ground, that some of that mistrust can begin to fade. And that is where progress begins."
- Obama: Cautiously Optimistic About Signs of Recovery
President Barack Obama spoke with reporters today saying: “What we're starting to see is glimmers of hope across the economy," President Obama commented while emphasizing that the economy is “...still under severe stress. Whatever we do ultimately has to translate into economic growth and job.”
Obama explained that his earlier meeting today with his economic advisors focused on the approach to banks that are withholding consumer loans because of over-extended investments in the housing market and comprehensive stability of the financial system.
The optimism conveyed by the President is predicated on a decrease in claims for unemployment benefits, an expected increase in retail sales in April and an indication from Wells Fargo of a solid profit projection.
Obama told reporters: "We're starting to see progress and if we stick with it, if we don't flinch in the face of some difficulties, then I feel absolutely convinced that we are going to get this economy back on track."
But Obama did not “flinch” away from the hard realty of high unemployment which rose to a 25-year high of 8.5 percent in March. He said frankly: “we've still got a lot of work to do."
The director of Obama’s National Economic Council said: "There has been a substantial anecdotal flow over the last six to eight weeks of things that felt a little bit better. The sense of a ball falling off a table, which is what the economy has felt like since the middle of last fall, I think we can be reasonably confident that that is going to end within the next few months, and we will no longer have that sense of a free-fall."
