Obama Promotes Trade With Latin America
In this weekend’s YouTube address, President Obama promoted trade with Latin American countries, heading into his trip to the region.
“Latin America is a part of the world where the economy is growing very quickly. And as these markets grow, so does their demand for goods and services,” said Obama. “The question is, Where are those goods and services going to come from? As President, I want to make sure these products are made in America. I want to open more markets around the world so that American companies can do more business and hire more of our people.”
GOPer Herrera Beutler Tells ‘Tale Of Two Washingtons’
In this weekend’s Republican address, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), who picked up an open Democratic-held House seat this past November, criticized Democrats on the issues of taxes, spending and regulation.
“I’d just like to begin by saying, on behalf of the people I represent, that we are thinking of the people of Japan and praying for them as they continue to deal with the devastation following last week’s earthquake and tsunami.
“I’ve only been in Congress about two months now, and I like to think about my job as a tale of two Washingtons,” said Herrera Beutler “In the hard-working communities of southwest Washington state, families are scraping to save more than they spend as they cope with double-digit unemployment, rising costs of gas and health care, and other challenges. Small business owners are working hard to stay afloat while struggling with fear and uncertainty over what new regulation or tax hike the government’s going to hand down to them next.
“Meanwhile, here in Washington, D.C., the powers-that-be have enlisted an ‘army of lobbyists’ to try and block even the modest efforts to address our $14 trillion debt. They’re also throwing a wrench into the gears of job creation with regulation after regulation that, just by entering the pipeline, breed more fear and uncertainty. As a result, our economy isn’t producing enough jobs. It’s struggling.”
Obama: Gaddafi Facing Action Unless Violence Stops
Reuters reports: “President Barack Obama warned Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on Saturday that the international community would act with urgency to shield Libyan rebels from his aggression unless the violence stopped. ‘The international community demanded an immediate ceasefire in Libya, including an end to all attacks against civilians,’ Obama said during an appearance with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. ‘Our consensus was strong and our resolve is clear. The people of Libya must be protected and in the absence of an immediate end to the violence against civilians, our coalition is prepared to act and act with urgency,’ he said”
Once The Anti-War Candidate, Obama Strikes Military Posture
The Hill reports: “President Obama, who won the White House by capturing the anti-war vote, struck an aggressive military posture Friday in dealing with Libya. But both the president’s words and orders reflect the lessons he learned as he stood in opposition to President George W. Bush’s run-up to the war in Iraq.”
Obama, In Brazil, Seeks To Deepen Latin America Ties
Reuters reports: “President Barack Obama met with his Brazilian counterpart on Saturday as he sought to ensure a bigger U.S. share in Latin America’s robust growth while grappling with deadly crises in Japan and Libya. Anxious to boost jobs back home before the 2012 U.S. presidential election, his visit to the region’s economic powerhouse is part of an effort to re-engage with neighbors where the United States faces rising competition from China.”
Warren Christopher, U.S. Negotiator, Dies At 85
Reuters reports: “Former U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher, who helped bring peace to Bosnia and negotiated the release of American hostages in Iran, died in California at age 85. Christopher ‘passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles’ late on Friday of complications from kidney and bladder cancer, his family said in a statement. As the top U.S. statesman under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1997, Christopher was a behind-the-scenes negotiator. Often called the ‘stealth’ secretary of state, he was known for his understated, self-effacing manner.”
Obama’s Support For Nuclear Power Faces A Test
The Washington Post reports: “As the deepening crisis in Japan presents the nuclear power industry with its gravest test in years, President Obama has emerged as a critical ally and defender. Repeatedly in recent days, Obama has peppered public remarks on Japan with assurances that U.S. reactors are safe and that nuclear energy remains a key component of his energy agenda. The president’s stance again puts him in direct opposition to many in his political base, with some environmentalists and a plurality of Democratic voters in a new survey saying that nuclear power is not safe.”
House Republicans To Use Recess To Tout Job Creation
Roll Call reports: “House Republican leaders are urging their rank-and-file Members to use next week’s recess to tout their efforts to bolster job creation and get the federal government back in the black. The push comes as GOP leaders try to recast the party’s message to focus it more squarely on the economy.”
