Obama: GOP Senators ‘Using Their Power To Hold This Relief Hostage’
In this weekend’s YouTube address, President Obama announced the funding of two solar energy companies by the Department of Energy, with nearly $2 billion. He also attacked Republican leaders for blocking his economic relief proposals.
“In the short term, we’re fighting to speed up this recovery and keep the economy growing by all means possible. That means extending unemployment insurance for workers who lost their job. That means getting small businesses the loans they need to keep their doors open and hire new workers. And that means sending relief to states so they don’t have to lay off thousands of teachers and firefighters and police officers,” said Obama. “Still, at a time when millions of Americans feel a deep sense of urgency in their own lives, Republican leaders in Washington just don’t get it. While a majority of Senators support taking these steps to help the American people, some are playing the same old Washington games and using their power to hold this relief hostage – a move that only ends up holding back our recovery. It doesn’t make sense.”
Chambliss: ‘America Is Vulnerable’ From National Debt
In this weekend’s Republican address, Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) recognized the Independence Day weekend, and declared that President Obama’s fiscal policies present a new danger to American independence.
“As the Declaration’s parchment has yellowed with age, America has become a rich nation whose ideals and economy have been the envy of the world. We have faced down many enemies at home and abroad. But one of the most dangerous threats confronting America today doesn’t come from without, but from within. And I’m talking about our national debt,” said Chambliss, also adding: “Just as with our energy and food supplies, America is vulnerable when we disproportionately rely on other nations. It is a matter of great concern that we are in deep debt to countries that often don’t share our values or positions.”
Joe And Jill Biden In Iraq
The Office of the Vice President has announced: “Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden have arrived in Iraq to celebrate the Fourth of July with U.S. troops. During this visit, the Vice President will meet with Iraqi political leaders to reaffirm the U.S. long-term commitment to Iraq and to discuss recent developments. The Vice President will meet with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, leader of Iraqiyya Ayad Allawi, and other political leaders. He will also meet with the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Representative for Iraq Ad Melkert. The Vice President and Dr. Biden will attend a naturalization ceremony for members of the United States Armed Forces and the Vice President will participate in a Fourth of July event for Iraqi officials hosted by Ambassador Hill.”
Gates Tightens Rules For Military And The Media
The New York Times reports that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has issued a new order limiting the interaction of military officials with the media, in response to the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal: “The memorandum requires top-level Pentagon and military leaders to notify the office of the Defense Department’s assistant secretary for public affairs ‘prior to interviews or any other means of media and public engagement with possible national or international implications.’ Just as the removal of Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal from command in Afghanistan was viewed as President Obama’s reassertion of civilian control of the military, so Mr. Gates’s memo on ‘Interaction With the Media’ was viewed as a reassertion by civilian public affairs specialists of control over the military’s contacts with the news media.”
Petraeus: Civilian And Military Cooperation ‘Not Optional’
Gen. David Petraeus told an audience at the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan civilian and military officials would have to work together closely. “In this important endeavor, cooperation is not optional,” said Petraeus, also adding: “Civilian and military, Afghanistan and international, we are part of one team with one mission.”
Clinton Says ‘Steel Vise’ Crushing Global Activists
Speaking at an international conference in Poland on human rights, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton denounced the “steel vise” of governments that were suppressing civil liberties and domestic activists, including such countries as Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Venezuela, China and Russia. “Some of the countries engaging in these behaviors still claim to be democracies,” said Clinton. “Democracies don’t fear their own people. They recognize that citizens must be free to come together, to advocate and agitate.”
North Dakota GOP Chairman Prepares To Challenge Steele
The Washington Times reports that North Dakota Republican Party Chairman Gary Emineth has announced that he is preparing to challenge RNC Chairman Michael Steele, in response to poor performance with major GOP donors. “I was shocked at the last RNC meeting to learn how little money we got from our major donors,” said Emineth, who is resigning his current post in order to better campaign for the RNC after November 2.
Liz Cheney Calls For Steele’s Resignation
Liz Cheney, daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney and a former State Department official, has called upon RNC Chairman Michael Steele to resign in the wake of his comments criticizing the war in Afghanistan: “The chairman of the Republican Party must be unwavering in his support for American victory in the war on terror — a victory that cannot be accomplished if we do not prevail in Afghanistan.”
