WATCH:
President's Weekly Address:
Protecting the Middle Class
& the Economy

The President strongly urges both parties in Congress to pass the compromise on tax cuts, unemployment insurance, and job creation. Not doing so would hurt the middle class, those struggling to find work, and the economy itself.

WATCH:

B4B NOTE: As American families STRUGGLE to simply
SURVIVE...Time to start CARING about more than just ourselves...or the
(imaginary) concept that we'll 'punish the rich' at the expense of
THOSE IN NEED !

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Bill Clinton Backs President's Tax Deal
Calls it " A Good Deal "
Says President " Got the BEST deal he could "

(The Oval) President Obama has just added a very big name to the growing list of Democrats backing him on the tax deal he struck with Congress this week: Former president Bill Clinton, a man who Obama said "presided over as good an economy as we've seen in our lifetime."

"This will be a significant net plus for the country," Clinton said of during a surprise joint appearance with Obama in the press briefing room.

The unusual session followed a private meeting between the two presidents in the Oval Office to discuss the economy and other issues.

"This is a good bill and I hope my fellow Democrats will approve it," Clinton said of the agreement to extend the Bush-era tax cuts for all taxpayers for two years, continue jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed and cut Social Security payroll taxes next year.

Many Democrats have opposed the deal, complaining that Obama didn't fight hard enough to cut off the tax breaks for top earners.

Clinton said Obama got the best deal he could, given Republicans' insistence on extending the tax cuts for all. He said the deal will "maximize the chances the economic recovery will accelerate and create jobs and minimize the chance it will slip."

After a quick opening statement from the two presidents, Obama said he had to rush off to a holiday party but that Clinton would stay and take questions.

"I feel awkward being here and now you're going to leave me all by myself?" Clinton said.

Whatever awkwardness he felt must have washed away fast. The former president stuck around and fielded questions on a host of subjects from taxes and the economy to Haiti and health care.

B4B NOTE: This major endorsement might put a damper on those who are Obama bashing out of still being disgruntle­d that Hillary lost....ha­ting on him so she can resurrect in '12 (you know who you are). Think again...no­w what ? Bottom line: The O hating only helps the OTHER side. Time to Wake Up...FOR America !

UNITY !

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Focused on THE PEOPLE !

Q&A: What does the Obama tax deal mean ?

Learn the MAJOR benefits to Middle America

instead of JUST Whining

L.A. Times

The extension of Bush-era tax cuts negotiated Monday by the White House and Republican leaders would affect taxpayers, economic growth and even the political hot potato of federal deficits.

The agreement must still work its way through Congress. Here is a primer on how it would work:

Question: On what did President Obama and the Republicans agree?

Answer: The parties agreed to extend the Bush-era income tax cuts for everyone, regardless of annual income, for the next two years. In addition, they agreed to keep the top tax rate of 15% on dividends and capital gains during the period and to adjust the alternative minimum tax so that 21 million households would not be pushed into higher tax brackets.

Q: What does that mean for taxpayers?

A: Tax cuts and related deductions worth more than $3,000 a year to a typical working family would continue after Jan. 1 rather than expire as originally scheduled. More than 100 million middle-class families would save about $2,000 a year, the White House said.

Q: Are tax credits included?

A: The agreement would renew for two years the credit for students seeking college degrees. The maximum credit remains $2,500.

The $1,000 credit for each child also would be extended for two years.

Q: What happens to the estate tax?

A: Under the proposal, estates of up to $5 million would transfer free of federal taxes. After that, the maximum tax rate of 35% would kick in.

Q: Economists describe the agreement as an economic stimulus. How does that work?

A: There are two broad areas, aside from specific business taxes, that are expected to have a stimulative effect. The first is a payroll tax cut and the second is the extension of unemployment benefits.

Q: What happens with payroll deductions?

A: The current payroll tax would be decreased by two percentage points to 4.2% from 6.2% for one year. The government estimates that would put about $1,000 into the paychecks of a family earning $50,000. For those in the top bracket, earning $106,800 or more annually, that would be savings of $2,136.

The administration said the money saved, about $120 billion for 155 million workers, probably would be spent rather than saved, providing a significant economic boost. Some economists disagree on the effect.

Q: What is happening with jobless benefits?

A: Extended unemployment benefits began expiring last month. The agreement would continue the extended benefits for 13 months, through the end of 2011. The White House said that the 2 million jobless Americans who would have lost their payments this month — and 7 million who could have lost their assistance next year — would keep getting benefits.

The administration said this provision, costing some $56 billion, also would help create 600,000 jobs next year.

Q: How would the package be financed?

A: The agreement does not include any spending cuts, so the costs for unemployment benefits and the lost revenue from payroll deductions probably would be made up by borrowing, increasing the federal budget deficit.

Knowledge is Power

Pass It On !

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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

---

December 7, 2010

Statement by the President on the

Passing of Elizabeth Edwards

Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. This afternoon I spoke to Cate Edwards and John Edwards, and offered our family’s condolences. I came to know and admire Elizabeth over the course of the presidential campaign. She was a tenacious advocate for fixing our health care system and fighting poverty, and our country has benefited from the voice she gave to the cause of building a society that lifts up all those left behind.

In her life, Elizabeth Edwards knew tragedy and pain. Many others would have turned inward; many others in the face of such adversity would have given up. But through all that she endured, Elizabeth revealed a kind of fortitude and grace that will long remain a source of inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

###

RIP Elizabeth Edwards

You Will Be Missed.

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WATCH:
President Lashes Out At
'Hostage-Taking' Republicans
( Sends Message to Whiny Dems)

WATCH:


President Obama: (to whiny, self-destructive Dems) " This is the public option debate all over again. So I pass a signature piece of legislation where we finally get health care for all Americans, something that Democrats have been fighting for for a hundred years, but because there was a provision in there that they didn't get that would have affected maybe a couple million people, even though we got health insurance for 30 million people, and the potential for lower premiums for 100 million people, that somehow that was a sign of weakness and compromise.

Now, if that's the standard by which we are measuring success or core principles, then let's face it, we will never get anything done. People will have the satisfaction of having a purist position and no victories for the American people. And we will be able to feel good about ourselves and sanctimonious about how pure our intentions are and how tough we are, and in the meantime the American people are still seeing themselves not able to get health insurance because of a preexisting condition. Or not being able to pay their bills because their unemployment insurance ran out.

That can't be the measure of how we think about our public service. That can't be the measure of what it means to be a Democrat. This is a big, diverse country. Not everybody agrees with us. I know that shocks people. Now, the New York Times editorial page does not permeate all across America. Neither does the Wall Street Journal editorial page. Most Americans, they're just trying to figure out how to go about their lives and how can we make sure that our elected officials are looking out for us."

Well Said Mr. President !

B4B NOTE...NEWSFLASH ! (to my fellow ignorant Dems) He is NOT a dictator or just The President of so-called Progressiv­es (should be called RE-gressiv­es). He is President of ALL....whi­ch believe it or not includes the Pubs, Blue Dogs, Baggers, etc. THAT at times forces compromise­. In this case it was the only way to help 4 million struggling Americans to SURVIVE. ANYONE who finds that unimportant is a sad, pathetic, selfish-mi­nded person who needs SERIOUS self-evaluation­ and needs to Google the word 'karma'.

CLICK B4B MAIN PAGE for VIDEO

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President Reaches Deal on

Unemployment Extension, Tax Cuts

Benefits to Extend 13 Months Instead of Just 3 !

State Column

President Obama and congressional Republicans have reached a tentative deal concerning an extension of unemployment benefits and the Bush-era tax cuts.

Mr. Obama and congressional Republicans agreed Monday to a tentative deal that would extend for two years the Bush-era tax cuts, continue unemployment benefits for an additional 13 months.

The deal will also cut payroll taxes for workers, part of an effort to encourage employers to start hiring.

The deal was announced late Monday afternoon after having been in the works for several weeks. The announcement follows political wrangling that saw proposals from both sides of the aisle fail.

The White House said the deal will likely result in an average saving of $3,000 for the average family. The deal will also revive the Estate Tax. Under the current proposal it would exempt inheritances of up to $5 million for individuals and $10 million for couples.

Mr. Obama said that he was disappointed with having to extend tax cuts to those making more than $250,000, but he said that millions of Americans will receive extended unemployment benefits in the coming months due to the deal.

The deal follows a weekend in which Senate Republicans expressed interest in reaching a deal, often noting that a deal was currently in the works.

The White House noted that it expects major opposition from congressional Democrats. Vice President Joe Biden is expected to travel to Capitol Hill tomorrow in an effort to pitch the bill to key figures.

B4B NOTE....GREAT JOB MR. PRESIDENT ! As the Dem and Pub Senators held UI benefits as RANSOM...The President has shown HIS commitment to middle America AND wants the UI extension for 13 MONTHS (!!!) instead of just 3 months ! Ignorant pro-left-follower Obama haters are more dangerous to America than the Tea Baggers....so pay them NO MIND ! They're more concerned with 'winning' (whining) than what is best for THE PEOPLE/AMERICA !

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President Obama:

U.S. faces new ' Sputnik Moment '

Discusses economy, tax cuts and unemployment benefits

(WRAL) Winston-Salem, N.C. — President Barack Obama said Monday during a visit to a North Carolina community college that the U.S. needs to put more emphasis on math and science education and worker training.

Obama also told a select group of students and faculty at Forsyth Technical Community College and Winston-Salem business leaders that he was confident that Congress would agree on legislation to extend income tax cuts that are set to expire at the end of the month.

"A middle-class tax hike would be very tough not only on working families but would also be a drag on our economy," he said.

Any compromise needs to include extending jobless benefits to millions of unemployed Americans, he said.

"It's the smart thing to do," he said. "If millions of Americans who aren't getting unemployment benefits stop spending money, that slows down business. That slows down hiring. That slows down our recovery."

Earlier Monday, Obama and Gov. Beverly Perdue toured two biotechnology classrooms at Forsyth Tech and talked with students and faculty.

During his speech, he noted that the U.S. has fallen from first to ninth place worldwide in terms of the percentage of its population with college degrees. He also cited studies that show the U.S. lags in math and science education.

"The most important contest we face is not between Democrats and Republicans. It's between America and our economic competitors around the world," he said. "In the race for the future, America is in danger of falling behind."

China, India and other countries are now investing more in education and infrastructure than the U.S., Obama said. He compared the global economic challenge to the space race of the 1960s between the U.S. and the Soviet Union and said the U.S. must take action to meet a new "Sputnik moment."

"If the recession has taught us anything, it's that we cannot go back to an economy that's driven by too much spending, too much borrowing (and) running up credit cards," he said. "We've got to rebuild on a new and stronger foundation for economic growth.

"We need to do what America's always been known for – building, innovating, educating, making things," he continued. "We don't want to be a nation that simply buys and consumes things from other countries. We want to create and sell products all over the world that are stamped with three simple words: Made in America."

Vowing to return the U.S. to the top position worldwide by 2020 in the percentage of college graduates, he called for more spending on education while trimming other spending to cut the federal deficit, saying the U.S. cannot afford to cut back on programs that affect future economic growth. He noted that Forsyth Tech students are learning on equipment bought with federal stimulus funds.

"The best antidote to a growing deficit is a growing economy," he said. "Cutting the deficit by cutting investments in areas like education (and) innovation is like trying to reduce the weight of an overloaded aircraft by removing the engine. It's not a good idea."

Obama also called for investing 3 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product in scientific research in areas like renewable energy to produce new industries and jobs. He said tax credits for research and entrepreneurial investment are needed, and he suggested allowing businesses to be able to write off all capital investments they make in 2011 to jump-start the economy.

The U.S. also needs to work to expand its exports – Obama has set a goal of doubling exports within five years – and to invest in infrastructure, he said.

"We're the nation that built the transcontinental railroad. We're the nation that took the first airplane into flight. We constructed a massive interstate highway system. We introduced the world to the Internet. America's always been built to compete," he said. "If we want to attract the best jobs and businesses to our shores, we've got to be that nation again."

B4B NOTE: WARNING ! (Major Ignorance Ahead) It is NOT The President but the DEM Senators who " will CAVE " and extend tax cuts for the rich. But the Professional Left and fellow whiny, ignorant Lefties will blame THE SENATOR'S caving on The President ! Intentional sabotage to help the evil side will lead to America's demise. Just SAD ! (and I repeat....IG-NO-RANT !!!) MEANWHILE, The President is faced with the Senate (both sides) holding the extension of unemployment benefits literally as hostage which FORCES him to go against his actual wishes of tax cuts for only $250K and under in order to help over 4 million struggling Americans. He stated from day one that he could NOT do it all on his own...that he would need OUR help. That meant demanding that our legislators (Senators and Congresspeople) do the right thing. But instead, he has only been self-destructively abandoned by many of his weak, so-called supporters and ignorantly blamed through lack of knowledge and understanding of basic 8th grade civics and the legislative process. Everyone caught using the phrase " Obama should...." needs to be reminded....this is NOT a dictatorship ! Ignorance is Dangerous ! P.S.S. After the tax cut for the rich is extended for 1 or 2 years, expect the conniving GOP, aided by corporate media, to rant that companies STILL can't hire until the cuts are permanent. (you'll hear the 'uncertainty' word over and over) They'll then use their future intentional lack of job creation as 'proof' that they need a Republican majority in the Senate and a Repub President in 2012 in order to REALLY create jobs. And unless there is a significant case of Americans waking up....they will indeed succeed. (and America will TRULY suffer.)

Related Article:

5 DEMS...Yes DEM Senators voted NO to

unemployment benefit extension. PATHETIC !

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JUST PATHETIC !

NO FIGHT ? The lack of an organized, national Call for Action from so-called Progressives and the professional Left to DEMAND that Senators vote YES to extend the middle class tax cut in TODAY'S vote (which Congress passed yesterday) proves they are more interested in SABOTAGING the Left and The President through constant complaining/whining...instead of FIGHTING and DEMANDING that our SENATORS do what is best for America. Then, when the Senators DON'T Do The Right Thing....the far Left will blame it on The President....instead of the TRUE culprits. And they say the Tea Party is bad for America. Time for a reality check. p.s. And for those who DO TRULY CARE...please contact your Senator today !

Inaction IS an action !

CLICK HERE
to Contact Your Senator TODAY !

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B4B Thought of the Day !

" He's weak "...." He'll cave "...." He Should..."...ALL statements of the lost and ignorant. Why ? Because HE CAN'T ! FACT: Senators and Congresspeople draft/write/pass ALL bills/legislation...NOT THE PRESIDENT ! And with at least 13 of 58 Dem Senators being (traitorous) Blue Dogs who side with the Party of No AGAINST The President...absolute SHAME that some so-called Progressives (should be called REgressives) and Professional Left would rather self-destructively whine than direct demands to the correct legislators to DO THE RIGHT THING ! Knowledge is Power....and Ignorance GROWS like Mold. It's WAKE UP TIME !

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Deficit Commission Finishes Report
READ: Complete Official Report

(WSJ) A 59-page proposal from the co-chairmen of the White House's deficit-reduction commission, which they labeled "The Moment of Truth," calls for sweeping changes in how the country spends money and collects taxes, the starting point for a long debate about how to tackle the U.S. debt.

Democrat Erskine Bowles and Republican Alan Simpson, who head the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, proposed in their final report changes that would affect almost everyone, from wage earners to people who put gasoline in their cars or hope one day to collect Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid. It would cut 200,000 federal-government jobs by 2020, roughly 10% of the work force, and trim defense spending.

The proposals are likely to trigger widespread resistance from the interest groups that would be directly affected, such as seniors and home builders, but the panel's co-chairmen said the tough decisions must be made to put the country on a more fiscally sustainable path.

"Throughout our nation's history, Americans have found the courage to do right by our children's future. Deep down, every American knows we face a moment of truth once again," the co-chairmen's report said. "We cannot play games or put off hard choices any longer. Without regard to party, we have a patriotic duty to keep the promise of America to give our children and grandchildren a better life."

The proposal would achieve nearly $4 trillion in deficit reduction through 2020, reduce the deficit to 2.3% of gross domestic product by 2015, overhaul the tax code, cap government revenue at 21% of GDP and reduce debt to 40% of GDP by 2035, the co-chairmen said.

The 18-member commission is set to discuss the proposal Wednesday morning and plans to hold a vote on it Friday. The chairmen are expected to come up short of the 14 votes needed to issue a formal recommendation to Congress and the White House, but the proposal is nevertheless expected to frame the debate in the next year over which budget changes are necessary to cut into the country's growing debt.

READ:

COMPLETE DEFICIT COMMISSION REPORT
(pdf)
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TRUTH TIME:

Looks like the Party of No, teamed with the traitorous (dirty) Blue Dog Dems will hold the unemployment benefits extension as ransom to force the tax cuts for the rich to pass at least temporarily. Just hope the American People realize that it will be the Senators/Congresspeople who vote for this 'deal' who should be blamed for this upcoming 'compromise'....and NOT The President. But you can expect the media, professional left and misc. haters in general to rant about how The President 'caved', which will simply be another display of the existing ignorance in America....the same ignorance that lead Dems NOT to vote Election Day...handing power to the evil side. (Greg Jones)

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WATCH: President Calls Meeting with
Party of No " Productive "

WATCH:


*************
Unemployment Benefits Expire
TODAY for MILLIONS !

Unemployment benefits will expire November 30, 2010 for 2,000,000 American workers, according to Unemployment Extensions.org. These are workers who have exhausted their state unemployment benefits. It is uncertain whether the Democrats and Republicans will reach an agreement on the unemployment benefits extension. History indicates that the Democrats would pass the benefits extension without hesitation. The Republicans are currently demanding cuts in other programs to pay for the unemployment benefits extension and may not pass it without the cuts. The Republicans are feeling pressure from the newly elected tea party members, whose mantra is no new spending and lower taxes plus a balanced budget. These terms are contradictory. It is impossible to lower taxes and balance the budget at the same time. There are so many governmental expenses that are of a fixed nature and cannot be reduced enough to balance the budget, especially when you cut taxes at the same time. The Teabaggers are living in a fantasy world.

The Republicans won control of the House of Representatives in the recent election, but the new members will not be seated until January. The Democrats still have a comfortable majority in the house, so they should have no difficulty passing the extension. The senate is a different story. (read rest of article)

****************
President Proposes 2-Year
Pay Freeze for Federal Workers

WashPost
Bowing to growing budget concerns and months of Republican political pressure on federal pay and benefits, President Obama today announced he would stop pay increases for most of the two million people who work for the federal government.

The freeze applies to all Executive Branch workers -- including civilian employees of the Defense Department, but does not apply to military personnel, government contractors, postal workers, members of Congress, Congressional staffers, or federal court judges and workers.

"Getting this deficit under control is going to require some broad sacrifices and that sacrifice must be shared by the employees of the federal government," Obama said in a speech Monday afternoon explaining the decision. He added, "I did not reach this decision easily, this is not a line item on a federal ledger, these are people's lives."(read rest of article)

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President Gets 12 Stitches in Lip
After Basketball Injury

President Obama received 12 stitches after suffering an injury during a basketball game, according to a White House statement:

"After being inadvertently hit with an opposing player's elbow in the lip while playing basketball with friends and family, the President received 12 stitches today administered by the White House Medical Unit. They were done in the doctor's office located on the ground floor of the White House."

According to reports, The President received a special type of fiber that should leave a smaller scar:

The medical unit that treated Obama used a smaller filament than typically used, which increases the number of stitches but makes a tighter stitch and results in a smaller scar. Obama was given a local anesthetic while receiving the stitches.

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Watch:
President's Thanksgiving Day Message

" Giving Thanks
for Those Who Serve "

(HP) On Wednesday, the Obama family passed out turkeys, stuffing and other Thanksgiving staples at Martha's Table in downtown Washington. The first family also worked at the pantry during last year's holiday.

The president, his daughters, Malia and Sasha, first lady Michelle Obama and her mother, Marian Robinson, volunteered alongside friends and family.

WATCH: President's Thanksgiving Day Message
" Giving Thanks "

Continuing a decades old tradition President Obama pardons
the National Thanksgiving Turkey named " Apple " and it's alternate
" Cider " accompanied by his lovely daughters Sasha and Malia.

" In all we do, we must all be Thankful
that we have the power to help those who don't."
(Greg Jones)

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Velma Hart Loses Job !


REMEMBER that plant at the town hall who " claimed " to be an Obama supporter and then whined on national TV about how ' disappointed' she was because Change wasn't coming fast enough ? Like I've been saying....while some of you professional left followers and anti-Obama Black folks on this " hold him accountable " self-aggrandizing trip whined and complained instead of uniting and inspiring....which lead to Dems receiving the biggest beat-down in modern day political history....all because Dems didn't do a simple thing called VOTE....if
you think it's been SO bad up until now....just wait ! Now that you
whiners handed the power over to the other side....you ain't seen
NOTHING yet !
A self-destructive mentality is DANGEROUS !

p.s. She better not need unemployment benefits for too long
now that the Pubs have been handed The Power.
And you whiners and anti-Obama-ists better not lose you jobs either
or you'll learn the hard way too. WATCH !

Click for ARTICLE:

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(PATHETIC !)
Pew Poll: Less than half know
GOP won the House

From (CNN) – The Republican Party won decisive control of the House in this year's midterm elections, but it appears less than half the country is aware of it.

According to a new Pew poll, only 46 percent of those surveyed correctly identified that the Republican Party won the House as a result of the November 2 elections. But it's not all bad – 75 percent did know the Republicans performed better than the Democrats, it's just that many aren't aware exactly what the party won.

Fourteen percent thought the GOP won control of both the chambers, 8 percent thought Republicans won just the Senate, and 27 percent didn't know one way or the other. Five percent meanwhile thought Democrats maintained control of both the House and Senate.

The questions about the election were part of a larger poll quizzing American's knowledge on current events. Among the poll's other findings:

• 38 percent correctly identified John Boehner as the incoming House Speaker
• 16 percent correctly said more than half of the loans made under the Troubled Asset Relief Program had been repaid
• 15 percent correctly identified David Cameron as Prime Minister of England; the same amount said it was ex-BP CEO Tony Hayward
• 26 percent know Android is the operating system by Google for mobile phones

The poll surveyed 1,001 adults by telephone between November 11-14 and carries a sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Which is why the B4B Motto has always been

Be Inspired...Be INFORMED...Be Involved !!!

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WATCH:
Warren Buffett
" Trickle-Down DIDN'T WORK ! "

Billionaire Warren Buffett has been speaking out regarding whether the tax cuts for the rich are in fact necessary to drive unemployment down as claimed by the right-wing and in an interesting twist, the richest man in America not only states that all millionaires should pay more in taxes...but that Americans should wake up to the fact that the Reagan trickle-down theory has not worked for the last 10 years. Huffington Post reports:

" Buffett isn't the only billionaire who has argued for higher taxes. Both Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his father, Bill Gates, Sr., recently came out in support of a Washington state measure to "create a 5 percent tax rate on annual income exceeding $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for couples, and a 9 percent tax rate on income that tops $500,000 for individuals and $1 million for couples."

WATCH:

It's about time someone rich was honest about the failed Reagan theory which is simply heading America further and further toward economic collapse on the backs of middle America. And if tax cuts for the rich were the key to creating jobs then where are the jobs ? The rich have had the tax cuts for 10 YEARS...SHOW ME THE JOBS !

Subscribers Click B4B Main for video

TRUTH TIME:

By Greg Jones
Blacks4Barack
National Director

Wish people had a better understanding of what has occurred but due to media manipulati­on....TRUT­H is hard to come by nowadays. Bottom line is....our economic system was a huge ponzi scheme which was 'reset' in Sept. '08 (under Bush) to it's more correct values which plummeted the stock values (creating high unemployment), and lowered property values to more accurate figures....all resulting from the IMF/WBO's desire/plan to audit U.S. books (government, treasury and banks) during the Bush administra­tion....wh­ich Bush held off until the end of his term (his last fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2008). Two weeks prior...THE ECONOMY HAS COLLAPSED....WE NEED BAILOUTS....or banks won't lend (remember that lie ? Still NO LOANS !). Truth was they needed cash infusions to cover the fake numbers (assets) stated through the ponzi scheme created through "leveraging" (acting like they had 30 to 40 times more than they actually had). All of these tactics/strategies were in attempt to maintain U.S.'s AAA credit rating. And despite all the tricks, China just reduced our credit rating 1 week ago...MORE news NEVER reported in the media.

p.s. Demand can not increase until jobs increase...jobs can not increase until demand increases...so the only solution is a new " New Deal " to include a combination of strategic spending and a National Works Program. But since the corporate media/GOP have beat the no spending drum so loudly (exact opposite of what's needed)...these MUCH needed spending programs which could help solve our problems will NEVER be initiated...instead...we'll just see further and further collapse, particularly at state/local levels. Sure wish Dems had VOTED !

***********
Bernanke: Congress Must Provide
More Stimulus Money

From MoneyNews.com

Nov. 19, 2010

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has sought to defuse criticism of the Fed's $600 billion bond-purchase plan by arguing that it's needed to boost the economy and reduce unemployment. But he warned that the Fed's program can't succeed on its own.

In his first speech since the Fed announced the program Nov. 3, Bernanke on Friday made his most forceful case to date that Congress also must provide more stimulus aid.

Without more stimulus, high unemployment could persist for years, he said. But in making that argument, Bernanke risks heightening complaints that he's plunging the Fed into partisan politics.

He also said the global economy could falter if struggling countries abroad don't receive sufficient support.

Bernanke made the remarks in a speech to a banking conference in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Fed's Treasury bond-buying program is intended to invigorate the economy in part by lowering interest rates, lifting stock prices and encouraging more spending. Lower interest rates on loans would prompt companies to borrow and expand.

And higher stock prices would boost the wealth and confidence of individuals and businesses, Bernanke has suggested. The additional spending would lift incomes, profits and growth.

But the Fed's program has triggered a barrage of criticism both within the United States and abroad.

Critics at home, including Republican leaders in Congress and some Fed officials, say they doubt the program will help the economy. They also worry it could do harm — unleashing inflation and leading to speculative buying on Wall Street.
(read rest of article)

The GOP Plan of 'just cuts' will
DESTROY AMERICA !

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PATHETIC !

Unemployment Extension

TURNED DOWN in House

THURSDAY...Congress turned down extension of unemployment benefits. 11 Dems voted WITH the G-No-P for the starvation of Americans....and this while fighting for deficit increasing tax cuts for the rich. Absolutely PATHETIC ! And as so many rant about all that should be done during this lame duck session since we supposedly still have 'the majority'...keep in mind that WE have this little group called the (dirty) Blue Dogs who, just like these 11 (traitors)...love to side with the GOP against the needs of the American People. FireDogLake's David Dayen posted a list of the dirty 11 and reports them to be Berry, Boyd, Bright, Cooper, Lincoln Davis, Hill, Minnick, Nye, Peterson, Shuler, Taylor Only three of them will be in Congress next year, including Minority Leader candidate Heath Shuler.

Here's more from Huffington Post on the disgusting, anti-American turn down of life sustaining assistance. (Click for HP article) Time to bombard your Senators and Congresspeople with phone calls/emails/faxes (scroll down our left column to our 'recommended links' section for Your Senator/Congressperson contact links) to DEMAND that they Do The Right Thing ! If it's not extended NOW....for the entire year of 2011...we KNOW the Repubs won't do it after January.

Time To FIGHT !
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B4B Special Photo

First Couple before appearance in Ohio
( Photo by WH Chief Photographer Pete Souza)

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President's New Children's Book
" Of Thee I Sing, A Letter To My Daughters "
Hits Bookstores

By Nicole Lyn Pesce
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

President Barack Obama has written two best-sellers for adults, but his first children's work, "Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters," (Knopf, $17.99) hit shelves this week.

The 31-page picture book for ages three and up celebrates 13 American heroes, from baseball great Jackie Robinson to Sioux chief Sitting Bull and Martin Luther King, Jr., who each embody qualities that Obama sees in his daughters Sasha and Malia.

At Brooklyn's Central Library, a group of very opinionated tots gave the President's latest efforts a glowing review.

"It's inspiring," said Diavione Oliver, 7. "The book encourages people to do what they did. It's kind of funny and smart."

Her brother Rob, 5, was so thrilled by the book, he jumped out of his seat to point at his favorite pictures. "I liked the astronaut [Neil Armstrong] because I want to go to the moon," he said.

Parents were equally impressed. "I was just asking the librarians where I can get a copy! I thought it was great," said Gilbert Williams from Flatbush, whose son Umi, 5, enjoyed Albert Einstein's section best because "I really like science."

Mom Tanya Moses from Flatbush was pleased that the First Dad is reaching out to the next generation. "It's nice that the president would make a book for children," she said, holding her daughter Savannah Jiggetts, 2. "I would definitely buy it."

The book highlights a diverse cross-section of Americans of different genders, races and jobs. "It's really inspirational language," says Andrea Vaughn, the library's youth services coordinator.

Obama wrote the heartfelt letter to his daughters between the 2008 election and his 2009 inauguration, with publication awaiting award-winning artist Loren Long's illustrations.

He's donating his share of the profits to a scholarship program run by the Fisher House Foundation, which benefits the children of fallen and disabled service workers.

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NOTICE TO FACEBOOK

" FRIENDS "

As our name implies we are " 4 Barack " which means we are IN SUPPORT of....therefore from this point on...to make room for supporters...ANY FB "friends" who are now whiny complainers or anti-progress through supportive Unity will be automatically defriended. Your sentiment is not in line with ours and we feel it to be detrimental to the Recovery of America as it only aids the other side....as the lack of support/voting on election day proved. If you find yourself defriended...no hard feelings...wish you the best.

B4B Highlighted Comment:
From mninter

I agree 100%.
Anyone who has so little faith in the direction our president wants to take this country is no friend of mine, or the nations. Personally I think they should be ashamed of themselves for such a lack of confidence.
Imagine what, how and where WE would be if our forefathers had given up, just said, "to hell with it," stopped fighting for OUR rights as human beings.
We'd have children working in factories, people of African heritage laboring with no compensation, women barefoot and voteless, governed by Nazis, who knows.
Yes. Those who wave the flag of surrender have no place at the table of humanity.

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B4B Question of the Day:

READY ? Although I too am absolutely against tax cuts for the rich, I'm wondering if all of
my fellow Dems are ready for the corporate media/GOP backlash should
the tax cut extension not be given to some of the rich at least
temporaril­y...consid­ering the FACT that through the G-No-P's newfound power, (thanks to the whiny Dems)
not only will more jobs NOT be created, but we can in fact expect
additional layoffs at state and local levels due to GOP cuts....ALL of
which will strategically be blamed on " Obama's decision " (they'll
blame him exclusively) to " raise taxes on the rich "...(supposedly)
disallowing them the ability to create jobs. (That will be the non-stop
spin...leading all the way up to '12). Campaign slogan will be " Vote
Repub...We Won't Block Job Creation ". I know...bunch of malarkey...but
with the guaranteed aid of corporate media....it will definitely work....if we're not READY for their tactics. p.s. Wish Americans understood the FACT that it's the Congresspeople and Senators who will write and pass the final legislation regarding the tax issu....NOT The President. So when people ignorantly state " Obama Should...", they need to realize that it does NOT work that way. He is NOT a Dictator. We go through what's called the 'legislative process'. Manipulation only works on those who lack knowledge.

Help share the Facts.

B4B Thought of the Day !

SORRY...but so-called Dems who DID NOT VOTE for WHATEVER (whiny) reason
should be ASHAMED for allowing the very group who we KNOW to be against We The People to regain power and to block future progress. Time for deep inner reflection to access the self-destructive mentality.

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Greg's QUICK TRUTH:

On Tax Issue;
President Can't Win Either Way

Because WE have allowed the corporate media to slant the tax issue as a 'decision' to be made by The President instead of legislation that must be voted on by ALL...this has become a no-win for The President. If the end result is tax cuts for the rich in any form...even temporarily...they'll say " He Caved ". If tax cuts for the rich are allowed to expire, he will be blamed by corporate media/GOP for lack of job growth during the next two years, giving the GOP ineffectiveness a pass. The President will get all the blame...either way....when the FACT is, HE does not draft/write or vote to pass ANY legislation. The end result will be based on the votes in the Congress and Senate. THAT'S to whom the attention/demands should be directed. And we MUST keep in mind we have this little group called the Blue Dogs of which many will side with the Righties...making The President's true desires even more difficult to achieve. So the question is...Have you contacted YOUR Senator or Congressperson today ? You SHOULD be...instead of all this " Obama Should "
ignorant rhetoric as if he's a dictator.
(Greg Jones, National Director, Blacks4Barack)

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B4B Thought of the Day !

WONDERING if people understand or realize that the tax cut extension issue (tax cut extension for households under $250K and discontinuance of extension above $250K) will have to be VOTED ON in order to pass ? So when everyone keeps saying ' Obama should ', the end result will be determined by a) how the legislation is finally written by the politicians and b) what our Congress and Senate pass...NOT The President per se. Although he has influence he DOES NOT vote for everyone else. So has ANYONE contacted THEIR Congressperson or Senator's office to tell THEM to " Do The Right Thing " ? Or is everyone just stuck on " Obama should "...through lack of understanding of the legislative process....aka 'The Dumbing Down of America' via corporate media. Just wondering. p.s. And while folks are ranting about how much
'control' we still have during the lame duck session...lest we
forget...we still have this little group called 'The Blue Dogs '....who
are rarely on OUR side. Facts are Facts.

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B4B Hot Link:

This is MAJOR ! On November 30th unemployment benefits will expire forcing over 1 MILLION Americans to literally starve if Congress does not extend. Meanwhile their fight is for tax cuts for the rich. PATHETIC !

Article:
Unemployment Benefits END November 30-
Then What ?

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