Weekend Address: Obama Honors Memorial Day
In this weekend’s YouTube address, President Obama honored Memorial Day weekend by recognizing the sacrifices of fallen American soldiers.
“That commitment – that willingness to lay down their lives so we might inherit the blessings of this nation – is what we honor today. But on this Memorial Day, as on every day, we are called to honor their ultimate sacrifice with more than words. We are called to honor them with deeds,” said Obama. “We are called to honor them by doing our part for the loved ones our fallen heroes have left behind and looking after our military families. By making sure the men and women serving this country around the world have the support they need to achieve their missions and come home safely. By making sure veterans have the care and assistance they need. In short, by serving all those who have ever worn the uniform of this country – and their families – as well as they have served us.”
GOP Rep. McCarthy Plugs “America Speaking Out” Website
In this weekend’s Republican address, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) promoted the GOP’s new “America Speaking Out” project of political outreach.
“The American people have committed themselves to playing an active role in their future. And in return, we will commit to creating an agenda that reflects their vision for America,” said McCarthy. “For too long, Americans have felt their voice doesn’t matter in Washington. But that’s about to change. We’re ready to listen and start a real dialogue of ideas. So log on to AmericaSpeakingOut.com, join the discussion, and make your voice heard.”
McGinniss Blasts Palin’s ‘Ability To Incite Hatred’
Journalist Joe McGinnis, who moved next door to Sarah Palin while writing a book about her, is firing back at Palin for her Facebook post against him. McGinnis told David Weigel: “If I were her, I’d be upset. I’d be annoyed. But I’d be an adult about it, and I would figure out, okay, how can we resolve this in a way that’s not going to make into something that everybody gets obsessive about? By being here I have learned things, and I’ve gotten an insight into her character, into her ability to incite hatred, that before I only knew about in the abstract.”
Gibbs On Carville: ‘I Don’t Think James Understands All Of What We’re Doing’
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs spoke to reporters Friday on Air Force One, responding to James Carville’s criticism of President Obama’s handling of the BP oil spill. “Truthfully, I think the president answered this yesterday,” said Gibbs. “I think people – I don’t think James understands all of what we’re doing. I don’t think James understood the facts.”
Immigration Rallies Drawing Crowds To Phoenix Area
Opponents of Arizona’s anti-illegal immigration law will hold a rally today at the state Capitol in Phoenix — an exception to the call for boycotting the state. Supporters of the statute will hold their own event in Tempe, calling on people to “buycott” the state by planning vacations there.
Military Faces Thorny Issues In Ending ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
The New York Times reports that with the potential repeal of the ban on gays serving in the military, new challenges could arise in the transition process. “In an idyllic world, getting rid of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ and saying ‘Everyone here is welcome’ is great,” said an anonymous 29-year-old lesbian in the Army National Guard. However, the source explained: “But the policy actually allowed for a lot of protections. Getting rid of it completely without modifying it is kind of worrisome. The number of incidents against gays in the military is going to increase.”
No Rest For K Street During Memorial Day Break
Roll Call reports: “The business community and organized labor are fanning out over the country during the Memorial Day recess, attempting to roust grass-roots support for their favorite candidates and legislative priorities in the waning months of the 111th Congress. They are squaring off on controversial issues such as immigration and free trade.”
