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Obama: 'Time to turn the page' as Iraq combat mission ends

Tuesday, August 31, 2010



(CNN) -- Marking the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq, President Obama said Tuesday night that America would continue supporting Iraq's government while also looking to refocus its energies on the U.S. economy and the war in Afghanistan.
"The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people," Obama said in an address from the Oval Office. "... Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now, it is time to turn the page."
The U.S. combat mission in Iraq officially ended at 5 p.m. ET Tuesday, more than seven years after the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Roughly 50,000 U.S. troops will remain in Iraq until the end of 2011 to train, assist and advise Iraqi troops; such troops could remain beyond that if Iraq requests it and the United States agrees.
Obama praised American troops for their "enormous sacrifices in Iraq" and said the country "spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets at home." Though attacks across Iraq continue and leaders are struggling to form a coalition government after recent elections, Obama said attacks are at "near the lowest level on record" since the war began, and Iraq is in position to shape its own future.
"We have persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people -- a belief that out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization," Obama said.
Ahead of Obama's speech, some Republicans had urged him to acknowledge that the 2007 U.S. troop surge in Iraq ordered by then-President George W. Bush had worked. Obama, as a U.S. senator and candidate for the presidency, had opposed it.
Obama, who spoke with Bush in a phone call earlier in the day, did mention Bush, but not in relation to the surge.
"It's well known that he and I disagreed about the war from its outset. Yet no one could doubt President Bush's support for our troops, or his love of country and commitment to our security," Obama said. "As I have said, there were patriots who supported this war, and patriots who opposed it. And all of us are united in appreciation for our servicemen and women, and our hope for Iraq's future."
Obama said the winding down of the war in Iraq means it's time for U.S. citizens to tackle what he said was now America's No. 1 challenge: the economy.
"Our most urgent task is to restore our economy and put the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs back to work," Obama said. 
"...We must jumpstart industries that create jobs, and end our dependence on foreign oil. We must unleash the innovation that allows new products to roll off our assembly lines, and nurture the ideas that spring from our entrepreneurs.
Ahead of Obama's speech, some Republicans had urged him to acknowledge that the 2007 U.S. troop surge in Iraq ordered by then-President George W. Bush had worked. Obama, as a U.S. senator and candidate for the presidency, had opposed it.
Obama, who spoke with Bush in a phone call earlier in the day, did mention Bush, but not in relation to the surge.
"It's well known that he and I disagreed about the war from its outset. Yet no one could doubt President Bush's support for our troops, or his love of country and commitment to our security," Obama said. "As I have said, there were patriots who supported this war, and patriots who opposed it. And all of us are united in appreciation for our servicemen and women, and our hope for Iraq's future."

Obama said the winding down of the war in Iraq means it's time for U.S. citizens to tackle what he said was now America's No. 1 challenge: the economy.
"Our most urgent task is to restore our economy and put the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs back to work," Obama said. "...We must jumpstart industries that create jobs, and end our dependence on foreign oil. We must unleash the innovation that allows new products to roll off our assembly lines, and nurture the ideas that spring from our entrepreneurs.

"This will be difficult. But in the days to come, it must be our central mission as a people, and my central responsibility as president."

Obama's emphasis on the economy appears to dovetail with the mood of the American public. In a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll earlier this month, 56 percent of respondents said the economy would be extremely important to their vote for Congress this year. Fewer than four in 10 said that the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan were extremely important to them.

The president also said America must focus on its fight against al Qaeda and the war in Afghanistan, the country in which America has waged its longest war, now approaching 10 years. Obama last year ordered 30,000 additional U.S. troops there, a move that eventually will raise the U.S. total to 100,000.

"As we speak, al Qaeda continues to plot against us, and its leadership remains anchored in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan. We will disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda, while preventing Afghanistan from again serving as a base for terrorists," Obama said. "And because of our drawdown in Iraq, we are now able to apply the resources necessary to go on offense. In fact, over the last 19 months, nearly a dozen al Qaeda leaders -- and hundreds of al Qaeda's extremist allies -- have been killed or captured around the world.

Obama only briefly mentioned a controversial issue surrounding the Afghan war -- America's plans to start withdrawing some troops from the country by July 2011.

"By next August, we will begin a transition to Afghan responsibility," Obama said, drawing a parallel between that plan and America's transfer of security operations in Iraq to the Iraqis. "The pace of our troop reductions will be determined by conditions on the ground, and our support for Afghanistan will endure.


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Transcript of Obama's Speech on Iraq - From the Oval Office

The following is a transcript of President Obama's Tuesday night speech to the nation about the official end of the U.S. combat role in Iraq:

Good evening. Tonight, I'd like to talk to you about the end of our combat mission in Iraq, the ongoing security challenges we face and the need to rebuild our nation here at home.
I know this historic moment comes at a time of great uncertainty for many Americans. We've now been through nearly a decade of war. We've endured a long and painful recession. And sometimes in the midst of these storms the future that we're trying to build for our nation - a future of lasting peace and long-term prosperity - may seem beyond our reach.
But this milestone should serve as a reminder to all Americans that the future is ours to shape if we move forward with confidence and commitment. It should also serve as a message to the world that the United States of America intends to sustain and strengthen our leadership in this young century.
From this desk, seven-and-a-half years ago, President Bush announced the beginning of military operations in Iraq. Much has changed since that night. A war to disarm a state became a fight against an insurgency. Terrorism and sectarian warfare threatened to tear Iraq apart. Thousands of Americans gave their lives; tens of thousands have been wounded. Our relations abroad were strained. Our unity at home was tested.
These are the rough waters encountered during the course of one of America's longest wars. Yet there has been one constant amidst these shifting tides: At every turn, America's men and women in uniform have served with courage and resolve.
As commander-in-chief, I am incredibly proud of their service. And like all Americans, I am awed by their sacrifice and by the sacrifices of their families.
The Americans who have served in Iraq completed every mission they were given. They defeated a regime that had terrorized its people. Together with Iraqis and coalition partners who made huge sacrifices of their own, our troops fought block by block to help Iraq seize the chance for a better future.
They shifted tactics to protect the Iraqi people, trained Iraqi security forces, and took out terrorist leaders. Because of our troops and civilians - and because of the resilience of the Iraqi people - Iraq has the opportunity to embrace a new destiny, even though many challenges remain.
So tonight I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country.
This was my pledge to the American people as a candidate for this office. Last February, I announced a plan that would bring our combat brigades out of Iraq, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen Iraq's security forces and support its government and people. That's what we've done.
We've removed nearly 100,000 U.S. troops from Iraq. We've closed or transferred to the Iraqis hundreds of bases. And we have moved millions of pieces of equipment out of Iraq.
This completes a transition to Iraqi responsibility for their own security. U.S. troops pulled out of Iraq's cities last summer, and Iraqi forces have moved into the lead with considerable skill and commitment to their fellow citizens.
Even as Iraq continues to suffer terrorist attacks, security incidents have been near the lowest on record since the war began. And Iraqi forces have taken the fight to al Qaeda, removing much of its leadership in Iraqi-led operations.
This year also saw Iraq hold credible elections that drew a strong turnout. A caretaker administration is in place as Iraqis form a government based on the results of that election.
Tonight, I encourage Iraq's leaders to move forward with a sense of urgency to form an inclusive government that is just, representative, and accountable to the Iraqi people.
And when that government is in place, there should be no doubt: The Iraqi people will have a strong partner in the United States. Our combat mission is ending, but our commitment to Iraq's future is not.
Going forward, a transitional force of U.S. troops will remain in Iraq with a different mission: advising and assisting Iraq's security forces; supporting Iraqi troops in targeted counterterrorism missions; and protecting our civilians. Consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi government, all U.S. troops will leave by the end of next year.
As our military draws down, our dedicated civilians - diplomats, aid workers, and advisers - are moving into the lead to support Iraq as it strengthens its government, resolves political disputes, resettles those displaced by war and builds ties with the region and the world. That's a message that Vice President Biden is delivering to the Iraqi people through his visit there today.
This new approach reflects our long-term partnership with Iraq, one based upon mutual interests and mutual respect.
Of course, violence will not end with our combat mission. Extremists will continue to set off bombs, attack Iraqi civilians, and try to spark sectarian strife. But ultimately, these terrorists will fail to achieve their goals.
Iraqis are a proud people. They have rejected sectarian war, and they have no interest in endless destruction. They understand that, in the end, only Iraqis can resolve their differences and police their streets. Only Iraqis can build a democracy within their borders. What America can do - and will do - is provide support for the Iraqi people as both a friend and a partner.
Ending this war is not only in Iraq's interest; it's in our own. The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people. We have sent our young men and women to make enormous sacrifices in Iraq and spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets at home.
We've persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people, a belief that, out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization. Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibilities. Now it's time to turn the page.
As we do, I'm mindful that the Iraq war has been a contentious issue at home. Here, too, it's time to turn the page. This afternoon, I spoke to former President George W. Bush. It's well-known that he and I disagreed about the war from its outset. Yet no one can doubt President Bush's support for our troops or his love of country and commitment to our security.
As I've said, there were patriots who supported this war and patriots who opposed it. And all of us are united in appreciation for our servicemen and women and our hopes for Iraqis' future.
The greatness of our democracy is grounded in our ability to move beyond our differences and to learn from our experience as we confront the many challenges ahead. And no challenge is more essential to our security than our fight against al Qaeda.
Americans across the political spectrum supported the use of force against those who attacked us on 9/11. Now, as we approach our 10th year of combat in Afghanistan, there are those who are understandably asking tough questions about our mission there. But we must never lose sight of what's at stake.
As we speak, al Qaeda continues to plot against us, and its leadership remains anchored in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan. We will disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda, while preventing Afghanistan from again serving as a base for terrorists. And because of our drawdown in Iraq, we are now able to apply the resources necessary to go on offense. In fact, over the last 19 months, nearly a dozen al Qaeda leaders - and hundreds of al Qaeda's extremist allies - have been killed or captured around the world.
Within Afghanistan, I have ordered the deployment of additional troops who - under the command of Gen. David Petraeus - are fighting to break the Taliban's momentum. As with the surge in Iraq, these forces will be in place for a limited time to provide space for the Afghans to build their capacity and secure their own future. But, as was the case in Iraq, we cannot do for Afghans what they must ultimately do for themselves.
That's why we are training Afghan Security Forces and supporting a political resolution to Afghanistan's problems. And, next July, we will begin a transition to Afghan responsibility. The pace of our troop reductions will be determined by conditions on the ground, and our support for Afghanistan will endure. But make no mistake: this transition will begin - because open-ended war serves neither our interests nor the Afghan people's.
Indeed, one of the lessons of our effort in Iraq is that American influence around the world is not a function of military force alone. We must use all elements of our power - including our diplomacy, our economic strength, and the power of America's example - to secure our interests and stand by our allies. And we must project a vision of the future that is based not just on our fears, but also on our hopes, a vision that recognizes the real dangers that exist around the world, but also the limitless possibility of our time.
Today, old adversaries are at peace, and emerging democracies are potential partners. New markets for our goods stretch from Asia to the Americas. A new push for peace in the Middle East will begin here tomorrow. Billions of young people want to move beyond the shackles of poverty and conflict. As the leader of the free world, America will do more than just defeat on the battlefield those who offer hatred and destruction - we will also lead among those who are willing to work together to expand freedom and opportunity for all people.
That effort must begin within our own borders. Throughout our history, America has been willing to bear the burden of promoting liberty and human dignity overseas, understanding its link to our own liberty and security. But we have also understood that our nation's strength and influence abroad must be firmly anchored in our prosperity at home. And the bedrock of that prosperity must be a growing middle class.
Unfortunately, over the last decade, we have not done what is necessary to shore up the foundation of our own prosperity. We have spent a trillion dollars at war, often financed by borrowing from overseas. This, in turn, has short-changed investments in our own people, and contributed to record deficits. For too long, we have put off tough decisions on everything from our manufacturing base to our energy policy to education reform. As a result, too many middle-class families find themselves working harder for less, while our nation's long-term competitiveness is put at risk.
And so at this moment, as we wind down the war in Iraq, we must tackle those challenges at home with as much energy, and grit, and sense of common purpose as our men and women in uniform who have served abroad. They have met every test that they faced. Now, it is our turn. Now, it is our responsibility to honor them by coming together, all of us, and working to secure the dream that so many generations have fought for - the dream that a better life awaits anyone who is willing to work for it and reach for it.
Our most urgent task is to restore our economy, and put the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs back to work. To strengthen our middle class, we must give all our children the education they deserve, and all our workers the skills that they need to compete in a global economy.
We must jumpstart industries that create jobs, and end our dependence on foreign oil. We must unleash the innovation that allows new products to roll off our assembly lines, and nurture the ideas that spring from our entrepreneurs. This will be difficult. But in the days to come, it must be our central mission as a people, and my central responsibility as president.
Part of that responsibility is making sure that we honor our commitments to those who have served our country with such valor. As long as I am president, we will maintain the finest fighting force that the world has ever known, and do whatever it takes to serve our veterans as well as they have served us. This is a sacred trust.
That is why we have already made one of the largest increases in funding for veterans in decades. We are treating the signature wounds of today's wars, post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, while providing the health care and benefits that all of our veterans have earned.
And we are funding a post-9/11 G.I. Bill that helps our veterans and their families pursue the dream of a college education. Just as the G.I. Bill helped those who fought World War II - including my grandfather - become the backbone of our middle class, so today's servicemen and women must have the chance to apply their gifts to expand the American economy. Because part of ending a war responsibly is standing by those who have fought it.
Two weeks ago, America's final combat brigade in Iraq - the Army's Fourth Stryker Brigade - journeyed home in the pre-dawn darkness. Thousands of soldiers and hundreds of vehicles made the trip from Baghdad, the last of them passing into Kuwait in the early morning hours. Over seven years before, American troops and coalition partners had fought their way across similar highways, but this time no shots were fired. It was just a convoy of brave Americans, making their way home.
Of course, the soldiers left much behind. Some were teenagers when the war began. Many have served multiple tours of duty, far from their families who bore a heroic burden of their own, enduring the absence of a husband's embrace or a mother's kiss.
Most painfully, since the war began 55 members of the Fourth Stryker Brigade made the ultimate sacrifice, part of over 4,400 Americans who have given their lives in Iraq.
As one staff sergeant said, "I know that to my brothers in arms who fought and died, this day would probably mean a lot."
Those Americans gave their lives for the values that have lived in the hearts of our people for over two centuries. Along with nearly 1.5 million Americans who have served in Iraq, they fought in a faraway place for people they never knew. They stared into the darkest of human creations - war - and helped the Iraqi people seek the light of peace.
In an age without surrender ceremonies, we must earn victory through the success of our partners and the strength of our own nation. Every American who serves joins an unbroken line of heroes that stretches from Lexington to Gettysburg; from Iwo Jima to Inchon; from Khe Sanh to Kandahar - Americans who have fought to see that the lives of our children are better than our own.
Our troops are the steel in our ship of state. And though our nation may be traveling through rough waters, they give us confidence that our course is true, and that beyond the pre-dawn darkness, better days lie ahead.
Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America, and all who serve her.

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Obama's ratings are falling. People in fear of more lost jobs and government spending

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The jobs issue appears to be a very major issue now for the voters. Most Americans now seem to disapprove of President Obama as high unemployment and very high government spending seem to be on the rise these days. Almost 75% of the people polled are very concerned about joblessness and almost as much are concerned about the high government spending these days. The presidents popularity seems to be dwindling because people seem to be giving up hope on his ability to turn around the economy. Another bad indicator for the economy for President Obama is the fact that the National Association of Realtors now reports that sales of existing home have plunged in July and now at thier slowest pace in 15 years. More and more people are loosing their homes, and there seems to be a lack in a number for people who are still qualified to purchase a home. It is not easy to secure a loan these days, even with mediocre credit. Most lending institutions are weary of giving out loans to people unless they are almost certain that the borrower can repay.
The presidents approval rating has now dropped to 45% compared to the same time last month when it was at 48%. More than half of the people now seem that the country is going in the wrong direction. But it is a proven fact that the massive 2009 stimulus package did help keep the economy afloat. This would have never happened if the government didn't take the route that it did, and President Obama was very instrumental in getting the package passed. But now people seem to be loosing hope as they seem to be tired of waiting for a turn around in the economy and jobs.
The stock market today took another plunge when it dropped over 100 points.
Still, President Obama is promoting his policies and he is hopeful that the Democrats can keep control of the House and the Senate. His future in policy making and his re-election run very high on the ability to keep Democrats in control of the Congress.

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Prime Time Speech to be Scheduled Next Week

As reported from the CNN Senior White House Correspondent Ed Henry, President Obama hopes to deliver an Oval office speech during prime time next week. The President is asking that the major networks set time aside time for his address. The topic will be ending the combat operations in Iraq. The President plans on using the Oval office as his speaking point, as this is a very noted place that Presidents choose to make major speeches. In this address, the President will also layout the strategy of U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, and in what ways it may affect Iraq. The President is receiving lots of controversial opinions from people on both sides of the isle, namely the Republicans and the Democrats, but President Obama has set a deadline for withdrawal and plans on sticking to his plan.

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New Credit Card Restrictions take effect TODAY

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Today marks the end for "unreasonable late payment and other penalty fees" because of the passage of the Wall Street reform bill. Now, credit card companies will not be able to charge more than $25 for late payments except in extreme circumstances. Some credit card companies even charge their customers if they do not use their cards. Now they will have to think twice before considering rate increases that were imposed even as early as January of 2009.They are the final provisions of federal legislation that placed new restrictions on credit card interest rates and fees, completing the most comprehensive overhaul of the credit card industry in history.
The Fed's rules could result in lower interest rates for consumers.

Banks will have to reduce rates if the reasons for increases imposed in the last 20 months no longer exist, and regulators will review and enforce such cuts.

Consumers will most immediately notice the new penalty fee limit of $25. Reducing penalty fees was a central provision of the credit card law, but Congress left it to the Fed to determine how to do it.

The Fed leaves room for larger penalty fees to be charged if a consumer has shown a pattern of "repeated" violations or if a card issuer can show that a higher fee reasonably offsets its own costs in dealing with the violation that spurred the penalty.

Among other new rules, penalty fees can't exceed the dollar amount incurred by the consumer's violation that spurred the fee.

For example, if a customer is late making a $20 minimum payment, the fee can't exceed $20. A consumer who exceeds her credit limit by $5 cannot be charged an over-the-limit fee of more than $5.

Consumers will no longer face multiple penalty fees if the violation was based on a single late payment.

The provisions, which were announced in June, complement previous rules of the 2009 credit card law that are already in effect.

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President Obama supports the Mosque, Against Popular Opinion

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

What turned out to be a 'no brainer' for the President somehow has backfired on him. His recent statements to support building a mosque in the shadow of ground zero has given his opponents and the conservative party ammunition to use and continue their campaign for political benefit in November. President Obama has stated publicly that he supports the Muslims right to build their mosque next to 'Ground Zero', but the opponents as does most people across the nation believe that no religious group should build near ground zero. Many people believe that the only thing that should be placed at ground zero would be a memorial to the people who died in the Twin Towers when they fell due to terrorist attacks and should not have to be neared to any religious house of worship, especially Muslim.
But President Obama goes by the law, which states that ALL AMERICANS regardless of race have rights in this country and are free to practice them, including the right to religious freedom. Working as an attorney in the past, it would be easy to understand his reasoning, but his comments on the Muslim Mosque right next to 'ground zero'  could not be of worse timing. Most of the Democratic leaders believe that he didn't need to make such a statement, in light that even many of the Democrats support the idea that a mosque at that location would be the wrong thing to do.
President Obama appears to let nothing influence him on his ideology and beliefs, and stands by what he believes is right, regardless of what other people think in some cases, and this is one of those cases.
As from the start, I support President Obama in his quest to make this country better, and the Federal governments abilities to help citizens of this country. As an individual voter and one who takes his rights seriously, I must also state that I also have my own opinions regarding the issues. I may not totally agree with the President's reasoning here, but the one thing that you cannot call President Obama is a 'do nothing' President. His administration has been helping the country, even on the hills of November's elections and a possibility of loosing key Democratic representation in both the House and the Senate.
A recent CNN report includes a statement by the vice chairman of the Core Strategy Group David Morey, claim that "the danger here is an incoherent presidency."  To me, it is amazing that anyone could make such a statement. Take a look at what President Bush handed him when Obama became President. For starters, how about two wars, a failing economy, a country on the brink of a depression, and a health care system that people cannot afford, not to mention that people were loosing work by the thousands each and every day. President Obama had a plan of attack right from the start, and he truly has never rested doing his job, except for a brief vacation here and there.
The Republicans or Conservatives have almost never supported his ideals or the bills that he has passed. But what did these 'do nothing' conservatives do for the country when they were in power? Of course the answer could be 'almost nothing' as the conservative belief is for the people to do things for themselves, with little or no governmental interaction. Has anyone thought that the reason why the economy fell almost to 'hell' is because the past President did nothing to stop it. But what President Bush did was to set up his Democratic successor by initiating the stimulus money for the financial institutions which led to future stimulus money and eventually a health care reform bill that no other President in 100 years has had the ability to pass. Does this sound like the marks of an incoherent President? I think not !
At least he doesn't just read books while at Camp David, like President Bush has done. Now that may be a mark of an incoherent President. President Bush led this country for 8 years, and how did the country benefit from his service as President? How about a few wars, 911, and the results of an ineffective President Bush during Hurricane Katrina.

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Binoculars - Helping with Long Range vision

Monday, August 16, 2010

An outdoor device that helps with long range vision is the binocular. There are at least 20 different types available, including rifle scopes, tactical gear, gun accessories and apparel that can be found on one website. Binocular manufactures such as Kowa, Alpen, Audubon are varied in price. After you search for the correct binoculars for you and make a purchase, there are no shipping charges or sales tax. Be assured that the price paid was the lowest that could be found anywhere for any particular item.

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Assassination fears for Obama

Hate groups believe assassinating Barack Obama can match the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre, an expert in political terrorism says.
Grim fears about the safety of America's first black president-elect continue to build, with the country's most reviled racist group the Ku Klux Klan warning of a "race war".
Monash University's Greg Barton said: "Obama is such an iconic figure that in the perverse logic of political assassination or terror he is an immensely attractive target."
Professor Barton said the fears for Obama are justified.
"You can imagine in the minds of some, killing President Barack Obama would be just as powerful, if not more powerful, than bringing down the World Trade Center towers," he told ninemsn.
"Yes, we have to be really concerned — but I think there are a lot of people on the job [to prevent it] … but he will never again have an ordinary life."
Obama received the highest level of security ever afforded to a candidate during the election campaign.
Throughout the 22-month campaign the secret service investigated more than 500 death threats against the 47-year-old African-American.
Two white supremacist skinheads were arrested last month over plans to shoot Obama and kill other blacks.
Twenty-year-old Daniel Cowart and 18-year-old Paul Schlesselman have been indicted on charges of possessing a sawn-off shotgun, planning to rob a licensed gun dealer and threatening a presidential candidate.
The Ku Klux Klan on its website "welcomed" Obama's election because "it could mean an awakening of our spirit and blood".
But the site also claimed that "this is a race war — a culture war — being waged against white people".
The US government has already started testing new designs for a presidential limousine equipped to withstand most bomb blasts and terror attacks.
While Obama's wife Michelle — a corporate lawyer — has expressed her concern over the threats facing their family, Obama has previously said it's "not something that I'm spending time thinking about day to day."
"I think anybody who decides to run for president recognises that there are some risks involved," he said.
Four US presidents have been assassinated — Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKinley and John Kennedy.
Another eight presidents have survived "credible" attempts of their lives.
Obama has paid tribute thoughtout his campaign to Martin Luther King — the leader of the American civil rights movement who was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968.
Newspapers all over the world yesterday reported that Obama's elect had achieved King's dream.
But many Americans are fearful the election could ignite racist resentment.
"It a great thing but a scary thing," said 28-year-old Cincinnati nurse Natasha Johnson.
"There have already been two failed [publicised] assassination plots… there are still a lot of people who don't agree with this."

As well as the KKK reaction, "Impeach Barack Obama" Facebook groups have already surfaced on the internet, with one attracting more than 700 members.

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Spirometer Detecting Air Flow Volume In and Out of the Lungs

There is a breathing apparatus called a spirometer that is used for measuring the volume of air going into and out of the lungs. It measures respiration flow rates and records the amount of air and the rate of air that is breathed in and out over a specified period of time. When mom was home, this apparatus helped her with her breathing exercises, because she had difficult breathing on her own. Indications from a spirometer will help determine the efficiency and health of the lungs. Smokers who eventually have trouble breathing may be using this device. Just like President Obama has been warned about smoking, others should know that continued smoking habits can eventually lead into problems with breathing, then sooner or later you may need such a breathing apparatus to help you breathe.

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Garmin GPS using voices to include President Obama

Garmin GPS is a hi-tech device that delivers speech-enabled navigation: it has the ability to announce the names of streets vocally, so the user does not have to keep an eye on the GPS screen while on the move. To make usage of the device more interesting, there are a wide selection of voices are available for users to choose from. To install voices into Garmin GPS, the device has to be connected to a computer first. You can then download different voices directly from the internet, including Yeti, Dr. Nightmare, Squirrely the Squirrel, Piggly Porker, Sergeant Hartman, Gollum, and Captain Jack, as well as celebrity voices such as: President Obama, Elvis, Clint Eastwood, Sean Connery, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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South Korea and United States to Begin Joint Military Exercises - North Korea Threatens the United States

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Tensions appear to be rising in Korea. Why? Apparently the North Korean's despise the idea the the United States will now take part in a joint military exercise that would begin on Monday and last for 11 days. In response, North Korea vows 'merciless counter-blow' to U.S., and South Korea. The military counteraction group called the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea, claims that a military response to the exercises is a strong threat to the United States and South Korea. Tensions have escalated between North Korea against the United States and South Korea ever since May, when the South Korean's blamed the North in sinking a South Korean warship in March. North Korea's statement on Sunday took direct aim at President Barack Obama as the spokesman for the General Staff of the Korean People's Army said, "The Obama Administration would be well advised to cool its head heated with the moves to isolate and stifle the DPRK".

I highly doubt that anything the North Korean's say would stop the exercises, scheduled to be started tomorrow. North Korea may cause trouble within their own region, but the United States would protect the South Korean Country in an event that North Korea would attack across its southern border into South Korea.

If North Korea is trying to play scare tactics, they must know that they truly failed, but instead is showing the world how dangerous a country they could be to the rest of the world.

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President Supports Mosque at 'ground zero' Critics Fire Back

Saturday, August 14, 2010

In support behind the controversial proposal to build an Islamic center and mosque near New York's ground zero, the President said "Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country." "That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances." The President made these statements at a White House dinner celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Mayor Bloomberg of New York praised his statements in defense of the freedom of religion. But he also said " We must all recognize and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development of lower Manhattan," " The 9/11 attacks were a deeply traumatic event for our country." "The pain and suffering experienced by those who lost loved ones is unimaginable, " So I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground." "This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable," Obama said. "The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are. The writ of our Founders must endure."

Now who should dispute his statements made above? He is displaying what the critics call 'Political Correctness', but in their eyes, what he has just said doesn't make it right. Never the less, a difference of opinion on this issue will continue and people who oppose everything President Obama stands for will make statements against the President, regardless of what he states. An example would be from the son of former vice President Dan Quayle, Ben Quayle who is seeking a House seat in Arizona, making statements for political gain. So, What did he say? He said that President Obama is the worst President in U.S. History. With that statement, he may have lost his election. How can he make such a claim about a President who has only been in office for less than 2 years, a President who has not been afraid to institute legislation in that short period of time that other Presidents haven't been able to do in 8 years.

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$600 Million - To help Protect the U.S. Southern Borders

Thursday, August 12, 2010

$600 Million..  How many people will that amount of money feed? Regardless of how many, this money has been approved by Congress to use for border security, helping to secure the U.S. - Mexico border. All that must be done now is for the President to sign the measure. He will sign the bill by the end of the week.
It was a unanimous vote, and has the full backing of the GOP leaders. Here is what the money will be used for...

+ Roughly 1,500 new law enforcement agents
+ New unmanned aerial vehicles
+ New forwarding operatiing bases
+ 14 Million in new communications equipment
+ Crackdown on transnational criminal organizations
+ Help reduce trafficking of people, drugs, currency and weapons

Security on the Southwest border of the United States has been a major complaint from leaders on both the Democratic and Republican parties. But with these funds available, measures can now be taken to help secure the borders. It is not know how long the money would last, and if more money would be needed. The bill is funded in part by imposing higher fees on personnel companies that bring foreign workers into the United States. Companies now and into the future should think twice before attempting to bring foreign workers into the United States.

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Online Reviews - Important Prior to Buying a Computer

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Before purchasing a computer, it surely should be important to go on-line and checkout the reviews on a specific brand of interest. For example, you may be interested in purchasing a desktop computer, so you may decide to checkout the desktop computer reviews. In some cases, you just do not have to just read about them. Instead, you can checkout the desktop demos that can actually show highlights of a computer to help you best understand. Desktop hardware varies from one brand to another, and depending on the installed computer software and hardware, one brand may seem easier to use than another. Laptop PC reviews are also very beneficial, when you definitely need to know as much as possible before the actual purchase. Learn what others think that could definitely influence your decision on purchasing specific computer equipment.

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Kagan takes oath, prepares for several high-profile cases

Sunday, August 8, 2010


By Bill Mears, CNN Supreme Court Producer
August 7, 2010 4:19 p.m. EDT



Washington (CNN) -- Elena Kagan, building on a long, diverse legal career in government and academia, was officially sworn in as the 112th justice at the Supreme Court on Saturday, promising to "faithfully and impartially" discharge her new judicial duties.
With friends, family and four of her new colleagues looking on, the 50-year-old Kagan took the judicial oath in the court's wood-paneled West Conference Room. It was only the second time such a ceremony was televised at the court.
Chief Justice John Roberts administered the 62-word oath, required of all federal judges. In a private ceremony just moments before, Kagan took a separate constitutional oath across the hall. Both are necessary for her lifetime job to become official.
Kagan beamed as she waved to relatives and guests when walking in for the public ceremony. Among those in the ornate room were her two brothers, as well as former colleagues from the Justice Department, where she served as solicitor general before being tapped by President Obama for the high court on May 10.
The Bible used in the two-minute ceremony is owned by Justice Stephen Breyer, who was not in attendance.
Roberts told the audience of about 70 that Kagan can "assume her duties as an associate justice and begin work right away."
"Congratulations," he said afterward to rousing cheers. "On behalf of my colleagues, welcome to the court. We look forward to serving with you in our common calling."
Kagan made no statements and did not answer questions.
The newest justice can now start moving into her chambers and preparing for the upcoming fall term. The court is in the middle of a three-month recess, but Kagan must be available to handle any emergency appeals, such as a request for a stay of execution.
Kagan will soon formally hire four law clerks. She also will have two secretaries and a messenger to assist her.
Justices Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor were on hand for the swear-in ceremony. So, too, was John Paul Stevens, whom Kagan replaces on the bench.
Special guests were Cissy and Thurgood Marshall Jr., the widow and son of the late Justice Thurgood Marshall. The diminutive Kagan clerked for him in 1987-88, where she earned the affectionate nickname "Shorty" from the legal and judicial pioneer.
The Senate confirmed Kagan 63-37 on Thursday on a mostly party-line vote. Obama, who did not attend the swearing-in, hosted his nominee at a White House reception Friday, telling her that as the third woman on the current court, it "will be a little more inclusive, a little more representative, more reflective of us as a people than ever before."
Kagan in her brief remarks at the White House promised "to work my hardest and try my best to fulfill these commitments and to serve this country I love as well as I am able."

Democrats continued to praise Kagan as an accomplished, articulate lawyer who had earned support from people across the political spectrum. Many Republicans cited her lack of judicial experience, and predicted she would become a judicial "activist," reinterpreting the law to conform with her own liberal political beliefs.
Kagan was born in New York City in 1960, one of three children of a lawyer father and schoolteacher mother. She graduated from Princeton University undergraduate and Harvard Law School.
While never a judge herself, Kagan's résumé is broad: work on Michael Dukakis' 1988 presidential campaign; a lawyer in private practice for two years; stints as a law professor and later, dean; four years as a legal and policy adviser in the Clinton White House; and most recently as solicitor general in the Obama Justice Department.
She supervised every federal appeal presented to the high court during her 16 months in the administration, and personally argued six cases before the same justices she will now count as colleagues.
Kagan joins a closely divided court that often splits in favor of a shaky 5-4 conservative majority. Despite no judicial record to draw clues on the kind of justice she would become, White House officials had quietly assured allies Kagan would be a "reliable" liberal vote similar to Stevens, the well-respected unofficial leader of the left-leaning bloc of the court.
She is, therefore, not expected to tilt the current ideological balance on the high court.
Among the cases she will confront in her first term beginning in October will be disputes over noisy protests at military funerals, state bans on violent video games and the death penalty. High-profile appeals that may reach the court in the next couple of years include Arizona's sweeping immigration reform law; California's ban on same-sex marriage; and a challenge to health care mandates passed by Congress this spring.
Here are the two oaths Elena Kagan took Saturday:
Constitutional oath: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God."
Judicial oath: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me, under the Constitution and laws of the United States. So help me God."

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