Obama vs King Ronnie

[Howey]

What a takedown! OUCH!

Imagine a world that never knew Ronald Reagan:

No Scalia, No Rumsfeld, No Cheney. No Bushes and all of their appointments and disasters. No funding of dictators like Saddam Hussein (Reagan propped him up big time) or psychopaths like Osama Bin Laden (that worked out well).

An America far less dependent on oil. A superpower respected for skilled diplomacy in ending conflicts, instead of starting them. And a healthy economy with a strong middle class instead of a world where the labor movement has been viciously attacked, and the middle class is systematically being dismantled. Under Reagan, corporations gained massive power to the point today where they have become "people". Unions, the worker's last protection, were severely weakened, and the socioeconomic gap exploded. He also bankrupted us, pouring hundreds of billions into wasteful spending, like the failed and ridiculous Star Wars missile-defense system. All in just 8 short years.

Reagan created the modern plutocracy. He introduced us to the whole "take from the poor, give to the rich" supply-side economics that we still suffer today. He turned compassion to the less fortunate to villianization... created the mythical "welfare queen", mocked AIDS patients, and let his fellow "Christians" know it was okay to belittle the homeless.

CEOs before Reagan made 78 times their minimum wage workers. Today, its almost 3500 times! Without Reagan, America might have had the same income distribution we had in the 1970s, which would mean we would be averaging $120,000 annually--not $40,000.

Reagan was the realization of Barry Goldwater's failed dream that put the GOP on the path of crazytown where it is today. He somehow managed to blend the selfish, plutocratic Ayn Randian economic philosophy with fundamental Christianity and wrap it all up into a cowboy, patriotic image that was as phony as this ranch. Bottom line. REAGAN WAS A BASTARD.

And we are still hurting. So when I hear the idiot conservatives longing for him on social media, the radio and the "specials" on Faux News, I want them to hurt. And the best way to do that? HIT THEM WHERE IT HURTS.

Next time someone starts revising history or just starts a syrupy tribute, hit them with this. Comparing their St. Ronnie with the man that literally drives them insane... Mr. O'Barry himself. Shoot them the following information...then just watch them squirm and enjoy the fireworks:

REAGAN CUT AND RUN, OBAMA DIDN'T COWER
Remember when the GOP loved to say "cut and run" as an excuse to keep our troops in Iraq forever? Even after they said "Mission Accomplished"? But who invented cut and run?
The Gipper.

OBAMA:
Our troops were repeatedly attacked in Afghanistan, yet when Obama came into office, he increased troop strength by 68,000. (Along with an actual plan, unlike his predecessor.) His track record of killing terrorists far outweighs his predecessors.

REAGAN:
Reagan retreated from Lebanon immediately after the 1983 terror attack by Hezbollah that resulted in the murder of 243 Marines. According to the 9/11 Commission Report (p. 68), Reagan's cut and run INSPIRED Bin Laden, who viewed the United States as a “paper tiger” because of its rapid withdrawal after the attack.

OBAMA KILLED TERRORISTS, REAGAN GAVE THEM WEAPONS
OBAMA:
Gave the naval commander the go ahead to kill several pirates, which resulted in saving the life of Captain Richard Phillips. (PS--Even though terrorists were killed and the captain rescued, f--king Rush Limbaugh, who originally accused Obama of dithering on saving Capt. Phillips, then cried that Obama killed teenagers when the snipers took out the pirates. Obama-Derangement-Syndrome.)

OH! And there was also that whole killing of Osama thing you might of heard about. Obama went against the advice of his own vice president and Defense Secretary Gates and ordered the assault. He is even responsible for ordering the two backup helicopters in case of problems, which was a good thing since one of the assault choppers crashed outside the compound.

I would also like to point out that Obama's military intervention thru a multi-state coalition resulted in the death of Muammar Gaddafi and ended his regime without the death of one American soldier. Reagan tried a unilateral action against Gaddafi and failed miserably. You're welcome.

REAGAN:
Reagan APPEASED terrorists. Here he is with the Taliban:

photo reagan-appeasing-terrorists_zps2db014fa.jpg
But all I really need to say is two words: IRAN-CONTRA. Reagan was so bad he SECRETLY TRADED F*^KING arms for HOSTAGES! DO I really need to say more?? Can you just imagine the wingnut explosion if Obama did that?

Reagan also met with our enemies without preconditions (1985, Soviet Union)... something that Obama was attacked for saying he just wanted to do. But again, giving weapons to terrorists pretty much takes the cake.


Rest of article at http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/...n-Reagan-s-B-day?detail=facebook?detail=email

 

[CrusaderFrank]

Yes, it's that bad in Hope N Changeland

 

[CrusaderFrank]

If you like your plan you can keep it. Period

I only learned the NSA was a government entity when I read it in the newspaper

Fast and Furious? Wuszzdat?

Dead American Ambassador is a "bump in the road"

 

[Wyatt earp]

If you like your plan you can keep it. Period

I only learned the NSA was a government entity when I read it in the newspaper

Fast and Furious? Wuszzdat?

Dead American Ambassador is a "bump in the road"

Ahh leave tm alone she is hitting the vodka and snorting paint chip's again

 

[blackhawk]

Reagan Obama hmmm both men came into office with terrible economies, America no longer respected as a world power and the confidence of the people extremely low when Reagan left office the economy was thriving America was respected as a world power again and the people were highly confident again. That has not happened under Obama and there is no indication it will before he leaves office.

 

[Howey]

So you guys are saying all that is true? Wow. Reagan sucked!

 

[KNB]

Iran-Contra.

 

[PredFan]

What a dumbass. Obama will go down in history as the worst president in our history and while Reagan won't be the best by any means, Obama is so bad you guys have to try to compare him to a mediocre president and lie to do it.

You sad sad people.

 

[KNB]

So far in this discussion, no one has said a good thing about Obama.

 

[PredFan]

Reagan Obama hmmm both men came into office with terrible economies, America no longer respected as a world power and the confidence of the people extremely low when Reagan left office the economy was thriving America was respected as a world power again and the people were highly confident again. That has not happened under Obama and there is no indication it will before he leaves office.

OMG! Now THAT is an epic take down! Short, to the point, and devastating. Good show!

 

[Luddly Neddite]

What a takedown! OUCH!

Imagine a world that never knew Ronald Reagan:

No Scalia, No Rumsfeld, No Cheney. No Bushes and all of their appointments and disasters. No funding of dictators like Saddam Hussein (Reagan propped him up big time) or psychopaths like Osama Bin Laden (that worked out well).

An America far less dependent on oil. A superpower respected for skilled diplomacy in ending conflicts, instead of starting them. And a healthy economy with a strong middle class instead of a world where the labor movement has been viciously attacked, and the middle class is systematically being dismantled. Under Reagan, corporations gained massive power to the point today where they have become "people". Unions, the worker's last protection, were severely weakened, and the socioeconomic gap exploded. He also bankrupted us, pouring hundreds of billions into wasteful spending, like the failed and ridiculous Star Wars missile-defense system. All in just 8 short years.

Reagan created the modern plutocracy. He introduced us to the whole "take from the poor, give to the rich" supply-side economics that we still suffer today. He turned compassion to the less fortunate to villianization... created the mythical "welfare queen", mocked AIDS patients, and let his fellow "Christians" know it was okay to belittle the homeless.

CEOs before Reagan made 78 times their minimum wage workers. Today, its almost 3500 times! Without Reagan, America might have had the same income distribution we had in the 1970s, which would mean we would be averaging $120,000 annually--not $40,000.

Reagan was the realization of Barry Goldwater's failed dream that put the GOP on the path of crazytown where it is today. He somehow managed to blend the selfish, plutocratic Ayn Randian economic philosophy with fundamental Christianity and wrap it all up into a cowboy, patriotic image that was as phony as this ranch. Bottom line. REAGAN WAS A BASTARD.

And we are still hurting. So when I hear the idiot conservatives longing for him on social media, the radio and the "specials" on Faux News, I want them to hurt. And the best way to do that? HIT THEM WHERE IT HURTS.

Next time someone starts revising history or just starts a syrupy tribute, hit them with this. Comparing their St. Ronnie with the man that literally drives them insane... Mr. O'Barry himself. Shoot them the following information...then just watch them squirm and enjoy the fireworks:

REAGAN CUT AND RUN, OBAMA DIDN'T COWER
Remember when the GOP loved to say "cut and run" as an excuse to keep our troops in Iraq forever? Even after they said "Mission Accomplished"? But who invented cut and run?
The Gipper.

OBAMA:
Our troops were repeatedly attacked in Afghanistan, yet when Obama came into office, he increased troop strength by 68,000. (Along with an actual plan, unlike his predecessor.) His track record of killing terrorists far outweighs his predecessors.

REAGAN:
Reagan retreated from Lebanon immediately after the 1983 terror attack by Hezbollah that resulted in the murder of 243 Marines. According to the 9/11 Commission Report (p. 68), Reagan's cut and run INSPIRED Bin Laden, who viewed the United States as a “paper tiger” because of its rapid withdrawal after the attack.

OBAMA KILLED TERRORISTS, REAGAN GAVE THEM WEAPONS
OBAMA:
Gave the naval commander the go ahead to kill several pirates, which resulted in saving the life of Captain Richard Phillips. (PS--Even though terrorists were killed and the captain rescued, f--king Rush Limbaugh, who originally accused Obama of dithering on saving Capt. Phillips, then cried that Obama killed teenagers when the snipers took out the pirates. Obama-Derangement-Syndrome.)

OH! And there was also that whole killing of Osama thing you might of heard about. Obama went against the advice of his own vice president and Defense Secretary Gates and ordered the assault. He is even responsible for ordering the two backup helicopters in case of problems, which was a good thing since one of the assault choppers crashed outside the compound.

I would also like to point out that Obama's military intervention thru a multi-state coalition resulted in the death of Muammar Gaddafi and ended his regime without the death of one American soldier. Reagan tried a unilateral action against Gaddafi and failed miserably. You're welcome.

REAGAN:
Reagan APPEASED terrorists. Here he is with the Taliban:

photo reagan-appeasing-terrorists_zps2db014fa.jpg
But all I really need to say is two words: IRAN-CONTRA. Reagan was so bad he SECRETLY TRADED F*^KING arms for HOSTAGES! DO I really need to say more?? Can you just imagine the wingnut explosion if Obama did that?

Reagan also met with our enemies without preconditions (1985, Soviet Union)... something that Obama was attacked for saying he just wanted to do. But again, giving weapons to terrorists pretty much takes the cake.

AMNESTY FOR ILLEGALS:
This drives the GOP NUTS when I point this out. Who knew?

REAGAN:

I believe in the idea of amnesty for those who have put down roots and lived here even though sometime back they may have entered illegally.
-Ronald Reagan 10/28/1984
OBAMA:
No matter how decent they are, no matter their reasons, the 11 million who broke these law should be held accountable.
-Barack Obama July 2010
Made that up, did I? Watch it yourself
REAGAN RAISED INCOME TAXES 11 TIMES, OBAMA NEVER
OBAMA:
In fact, wound up being the largest tax-cutter in presidential history cutting $654 billion in 2011 and 2012 alone. He was in favor of letting the Bush tax cuts EXPIRE for the super wealthy, (which no, is not the same as a tax hike), but even that didn't come to pass. Romney in 2012 even admitted Obama didn't raise taxes.

Obama has consistently CUT taxes, not raised them.

REAGAN:
He got through a big tax cut once he took office. But to hear conservatives talk, that's where the story ends. They forget he raised income taxes in 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987.

Actually, he raised taxes 11 times to include four MASSIVE tax increases!

DEFICIT SPENDING
REAGAN:
Whether you are looking at the economic policies of Ronald Reagan or George W. Bush, reigning in the deficit was clearly of no concern. Reagan tripled the Gross Federal Debt, from $900 billion to $2.7 trillion. Ford and Carter in their combined terms could only double it. It took 31 years to accomplish the first postwar debt tripling, yet Reagan did it in eight. Reagan soared the spending, Clinton brought in back down a bit, and W. took it way back up. To be fair to the Gipper, NO ONE did deficit like W. He spent the Clinton surplus like a drunken sailor. And by the way, Obama's spending initiatives were less than half of his predecessor.

OBAMA:
Even though Obama inherited a huge debt from W., and focused on a stimulus that benefited the people instead of Bush's stimulus for Wall Street, he still has a much better record on spending than the Gipper and much better than W. Obama did not triple the gross federal debt like Reagan did. Obama is following the Clinton model of spending up front and then focusing on deficit reduction. I predict at the end of Obama's term in 2016, the deficit will be cut drastically--but it can't be anywhere close to what Reagan or Bush had at the end of their two terms. Why? Because the GOP loves to throw money at their base...tax cuts for Big Oil and the wealthiest amongst us which add hundreds of billions to the debt but create nothing. That ain't happening--you are welcome teabaggers.

ABORTION
OBAMA:
Believes abortion should be safe, legal and rare. And they are. Abortions under Obama are at their lowest rate since 1973. Granted, as the article says it has more to do with advances in birth control than anything a politician does, but once again shows conservatives to be liars when they claimed abortions would skyrocket under Obama. Although Obama supports reproductive freedom, when the Dems controlled both houses of Congress, he proposed no legislation that would make abortion access easier (which would have been nice because of the constant assault from conservatives).

REAGAN:
Stauchly forced-birth. Yet wingnuts never talk about his policies as governor. Reagan signed the "Therapeutic Abortion Act" only six months as California governor. There were 518 legal abortions in California in 1967, and the number of abortions would soar to an annual average of 100,000 in the remaining years of Reagan’s two terms. This was more abortions than in any U.S. state prior to the advent of Roe v. Wade. Just sayin'

GUN CONTROL
(I give Reagan props for this, even though it was only because he got shot. But like his abortion law, conservatives sweep this under the rug

REAGAN:
COMPLETELY supported the Brady Bill, the holy grail of gun control. Reagan even wrote an op-ed piece for it in the evil NY Times.

OBAMA:
The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence flunked Obama on every single gun control issue. Proposed nothing for federal gun control laws when he had a super majority Dem Congress. When he had that Dem majority, in fact, federal gun rights EXPANDED by allowing guns on trains and in our national parks. Yet the NRA still told their idiot members that Obama was coming to take their guns.... and gun sales skyrocketed.

So what's the verdict? Conservatives love affair with Reagan and their hate affair with Obama seems to be bassackwards.

I submit it was REAGAN who was the illegal amnesty-supporting, gun control loving, deficit spending, tax raising, terrorist coddling coward. (As for support of "traditional family values", Obama has a great relationship with his family--Reagan was the first divorced president and was estranged from his children.)

Challenge a conservative to disprove anything I mentioned here. I supported it with the facts. Just be prepared for all kinds of name-calling.

And just to turn the screws... presidential scholars think Obama outranks Reagan as president. So in a few years I expect to be flying into Obama National in DC! Oh, it is going to happen.

Actually, Reagan really did change our country forever and not for better.

Thanks to him, we are now and will forever be a debtor nation. We will never again own ourselves.

Reagan did that.

 

[KNB]

America was "respected" as a world power again?

Go ask those millions of people in Central America being raped and tortured by the Contras how much respect they had for America as a world power.

 

[Luddly Neddite]

Reagan Obama hmmm both men came into office with terrible economies, America no longer respected as a world power and the confidence of the people extremely low when Reagan left office the economy was thriving America was respected as a world power again and the people were highly confident again. That has not happened under Obama and there is no indication it will before he leaves office.

OMG! Now THAT is an epic take down! Short, to the point, and devastating. Good show!

Its not an epic anything except ignorance of very basic grade school level punctuation.

"... when Reagan left office the economy was thriving ..."

Before you come in your pants, you might want to consider the fact that its not true.

 

[Luddly Neddite]

America was "respected" as a world power again?

Go ask those millions of people in Central America being raped and tortured by the Contras how much respect they had for America as a world power.

Yep. Reagan was an embarrassment on a global level.

Obama - he's actually accomplished enormous things, especially considering that the R congress has fought to bury the US every step of the way.

 

[HenryBHough]

The only person upset about Obama being America's Worst President is Jimmy Carter. He just hates losing so much me may run off into the woods and commit suicide by attack bunny. Obama's not upset at all - "Worst" is, to him, a perfectly fine superlative.

In a sense......yeah.....he's right. It IS superlative. And not likely to be surpassed in this century.

 

[Howey]

So far in this discussion, no one has said a good thing about Obama.

Just his first term:

Legislative Prowess.
Despite the characterizations of some, Obama’s success rate in winning congressional votes on issues was an unprecedented 96.7% for his first year in office. Though he is often cited as superior to Obama, President Lyndon Johnson’s success rate in 1965 was only 93%. CQ: Obama's Winning Streak On Hill Unprecedented : NPR

Fiscal Responsibility.
Within days after taking office, Obama signed an Executive Order ordering an audit of government contracts, and combating waste and abuse. Executive Order -- Economy in Government Contracting | The White House

Created the post of Chief Performance Officer, whose job it is to make operations more efficient to save the federal government money. Obama Names Chief Performance Officer : NPR

On his first full day, he froze White House salaries. msnbc: news, video and progressive community. Lean Forward.

He appointed the first Federal Chief Information Officer to oversee federal IT spending. http://www.cio.gov

He committed to phasing out unnecessary and outdated weapons systems, and also signed the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act to stop waste, fraud and abuse in the defense procurement and contracting system. Gates announces major Pentagon priority shifts - CNN.com http://bit.ly/fz8GAd

Through an executive order, he created the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. President orders debt panel, names chairmen - Feb. 18, 2010

Improving the Economy, Preventing Depression.
Obama pushed through and signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, otherwise known as “the stimulus package,” despite the fact that not one Republican voted for that bill. In addition, he launched recovery.gov, so that taxpayers could track spending from the Act. http://1.usa.gov/ibiFSs http://1.usa.gov/e3BJMk

In his first year, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act created and sustained 2.1 million jobs and stimulated the economy 3.5%. UPDATE 2-US stimulus added up to 2.1 mln jobs in Q4 2009-CBO | Reuters

Obama completed the massive TARP financial and banking rescue plan, and recovered virtually all of its costs. http://1.usa.gov/eA5jVS TARP Might Make Money - 24/7 Wall St.

He created the Making Home Affordable home refinancing plan. Making Home Affordable

Obama oversaw the creation of more jobs in 2010 alone than Bush did in eight years. It?s Official: More Private Sector Jobs Created In 2010 Than During Entire Bush Years | NEWS JUNKIE POST

He oversaw a bailout of General Motors that saved at least 1.4 million jobs, and put pressure on the company to change its practices, resulting in GM returning to its place as the top car company in the world. General Motors is world's sales leader - Los Angeles Times

Obama also doubled funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership which is designed to improve manufacturing efficiency. The Obameter: Double funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program that encourages manufacturing efficiency | PolitiFact

He signed the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act giving the federal government more tools to investigate and prosecute fraud in every corner of the financial system. It also created a bipartisan Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission to investigate the financial fraud that led to the economic meltdown. Obama Signs Housing and Fraud Bill, Praises Congress for ?Most Productive? Period - ABC News

Obama signed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act, which was designed to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive credit card practices. Fact Sheet: Reforms to Protect American Credit Card Holders | The White House

He increased infrastructure spending after years of neglect. Poll: Americans Strongly Back Increase in Infrastructure Spending - US News

Obama signed the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, expanding on the Making Home Affordable Program to help millions of Americans avoid preventable foreclosures. The bill also provided $2.2 billion to help combat homelessness, and to stabilize the housing market. President Obama Signs 'Helping Families Save Their Homes' Act | Zillow Blog

Through the Worker, Home Ownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, Obama and Congressional Democrats provided tax credits to first-time home buyers, which helped the U.S. housing market recovery. http://bit.ly/dZgXXw The Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit Program (Military Edition)

He initiated a $15 billion plan designed to encourage increased lending to small businesses.
Remarks by the President to small business owners community lenders and members of Congress | The White House

Obama created business.gov, which allows for online collaboration between small businesses and experts re managing a business. (The program has since merged with SBA.gov.) BusinessUSA | Discover. Connect. Grow.

He played a lead role in getting the G-20 Summit to commit to a $1.1 trillion deal to combat the global financial crisis. http://nyti.ms/gHlgp5

Obama took steps to improve minority access to capital. The Obameter: Increase minority access to capital | PolitiFact

He created a $60 billion bank to fund infrastructure improvements such as roads and bridges. The Obameter: Create a $60 billion bank to fund roads and bridges | PolitiFact

He implemented an auto industry rescue plan, and saved as many as 1 million jobs. Obama unveils plan to help U.S. auto industry_English_Xinhua Many are of the opinion that he saved the entire auto industry, and even the economy of the entire Midwest. Obama saved the auto industry and the economy of the Midwest. Do voters care? | New Republic

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Obama saved at least 300,000 education jobs, such as teachers, principals, librarians, and counselors that would have otherwise been lost. Archived: Recovery Act Recipients Report Funding Continues to Support over 300,000 Education Jobs

Obama dismantled the Minerals Management Service, thereby moving forward to cut ties between energy companies and the government. http://nyti.ms/bw1MLu

He provided funding to states and the Department of Homeland Security to save thousands of police and firefighter jobs from being cut during the recession. The Obameter: Increase funding for local emergency planning | PolitiFact

He used recovered TARP money to fund programs at local housing finance agencies in California, Florida, Nevada, Arizona and Michigan. msnbc: news, video and progressive community. Lean Forward.

Obama crafted an Executive order establishing the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability to assist in financial education for all Americans. Executive Order 13530 - Wikisource, the free online library

Wall Street Reforms and Consumer Protection.
Obama ordered 65 executives who took bailout money to cut their own pay until they paid back all bailout money. Pay Czar Cuts Salaries For 65 Bailout Executives

He pushed through and got passed Dodd-Frank, one of the largest and most comprehensive Wall Street reforms since the Great Depression. Senate passes massive Wall Street regulation bill - Salon.com American Rhetoric: Barack Obama - Speech on Signing the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

Dodd-Frank also included the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Bill Text - 111th Congress (2009-2010) - THOMAS (Library of Congress)

Obama made it so that banks could no longer use YOUR money to invest in high-risk financial instruments that work against their own customers’ interests. http://bit.ly/fnTayj

He supported the concept of allowing stockholders to vote on executive compensation. http://bit.ly/fnTayj

Obama wholly endorsed and supported the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009 that would close offshore tax avoidance loopholes. President Obama Statement on Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009 « Financial Transparency Coalition Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009 « Financial Transparency Coalition

He made a deal with Swiss banks that permits the US government to gain access to the records of criminals and tax evaders. Swiss, U.S. Reach Agreement in UBS Tax Evasion Dispute

He established a Consumer Protection Financial Bureau designed to protect consumers from financial sector excesses. http://bit.ly/fnTayj

Obama oversaw and then signed the most sweeping food safety legislation since the Great Depression. http://thedc.com/gxkCtP

Civil Rights and Anti-Discrimination.
Obama advocated for and signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which made it a federal crime to assault anyone based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. Obama signs hate crimes bill into law - CNN.com

He pushed through, signed and demanded the Pentagon enact a repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy that forced soldiers to lie to fight for their country, and put our troops at risk by disqualifying many qualified soldiers from helping. Obama signs repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' policy - CNN.com Dr. Frank Thomas Highlights King Celebration at Governors State

Obama appointed Kareem Dale as the first ever Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. Vice President Joe Biden Announces Kareem Dale As Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy | The White House

Helped Congress pass and signed the Civil Rights History Act. H.R.586: Civil Rights History Project Act of 2009 - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress

He extended benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. Presidential Memorandum-Extension of Benefits to Same-Sex Domestic Partners of Federal Employees | The White House

Obama has appointed more openly gay officials than anyone in history. Obama has appointed most U.S. gay officials - Washington Times

He issued a Presidential Memorandum reaffirming the rights of gay couples to make medical decisions for each other. Presidential Memorandum - Hospital Visitation | The White House

He established a White House Council on Women and Girls http://1.usa.gov/rFfqMM

He signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, restoring basic protections against pay discrimination for women and other workers. This was after the GOP blocked the bill in 2007. Only 5 Republican Senators voted for the bill. President Obama Signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act - YouTube

Obama wrote and signed an Executive Order establishing a White House Council on Women and Girls to ensure that all Cabinet and Cabinet-level agencies evaluate the effect of their policies and programs on women and families. http://bit.ly/e1puTk

He expanded funding for the Violence Against Women Act. 2010 Budget and Performance Summary - Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)

Under Obama’s watch, National Labor Relations Board has issued final rules that require all employers to prominently post employees’ rights where all employees or prospective employees can see it, including websites and intranets, beginning November 2011. Board issues Final Rule to require posting of NLRA rights | NLRB

Fighting Poverty.
Obama provided a $20 billion increase for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps). Food Stamps News - The New York Times

He signed an Executive Order that established the White House Office of Urban Affairs. New White House Office to Redefine Urban Policy

Improved Foreign Relations and American Status Abroad.
Obama visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any previous president during his first six months in office. Chain e-mail claims Obama has visited more countries in first six months of presidency than predecessors | PolitiFact

As he promised, he gave a speech at a major Islamic forum in Cairo early in his administration. http://nyti.ms/dKvY4g

He did much to restore America’s reputation around the world as a global leader that does the “right thing” in world affairs, at least according to the rest of the planet. Highlights from 2009 Pulse of Europe Survey | Pew Global Attitudes Project 2010 Pew Global Attitudes Press Conference Video | Pew Global Attitudes Project

He re-established and reinforced our partnership with NATO and other allies on strategic international issues. Afghanistan and NATO | The White House

Closed a number of secret detention facilities. http://nyti.ms/rpUc9l

Obama improved relations with Middle East countries by appointing special envoys. http://1.usa.gov/tiGAGe

He pushed for military to emphasize development of foreign language skills. The Obameter: Bolster the military's ability to speak different languages | PolitiFact

Offered $400 million to the people living in Gaza, called on both Israel and the Palestinians to stop inciting violence. Obama offers Abbas $400m in extra aid for Gaza in flotilla aftermath Israel News | Haaretz

He refused to give Israel the green light to attack Iran over their possible nuclear program. Obama: No green light for Israel to attack Iran - CNN.com

He worked to make donations to Haiti tax-deductible in 2009. Haiti Donations Are Tax Deductible: Obama Signs Bill For 2009 Taxes

He established a new U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. Statement On Bilateral Meeting With President Hu Of China | The White House

Issued Executive Order blocking interference and helping to stabilize Somalia. http://1.usa.gov/hxdf8U

He established new, more reasonable policies in our relations with Cuba, such as allowing Cuban-Americans to visit their families and send money to support them. Obama Eases Limits On Cuba Travel, Remittances : NPR http://nyti.ms/emQBde

He ordered the closure of the prison at Guantanamo Bay. It was Republicans (and a smattering of Democrats) who prevented him from following through. Barack Obama abandons Guantánamo closure plan after Congress veto | World news | The Guardian

Obama ordered a review of our detention and interrogation policy, and prohibited the use of torture, or what Bush called “enhanced interrogation.” He ordered interrogators to limit their actions to the Army Field manual. Obama signs order to close Guantanamo Bay facility - CNN.com

He ordered all secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere to be closed. BBC NEWS | Special Reports | CIA shuts down its secret prisons

He released the Bush torture memos. Barack Obama releases Bush administration torture memos | World news | theguardian.com

On his second day in office, he signed a detailed Executive Order that banned torture, reversed all Bush torture policies, and put the United States in compliance with the Geneva Convention. Executive Order 13491 -- Ensuring Lawful Interrogations | The White House http://nyti.ms/hzWWys

In response to the emerging “Arab Spring,” he created a Rapid Response fund, to assist emerging democracies with foreign aid, debt relief, technical assistance and investment packages in order to show that the United States stands with them. The Obameter: Create a rapid response fund for emerging democracies | PolitiFact

Passed the Iran Sanctions Act, to prevent war, and to encourage Iran to give up their nuclear program. President Obama Signs Iran Sanctions Act | The White House

Ended the Iraq War. Barack Obama marks end of Iraq war with tribute to troops - Telegraph

He authorized and oversaw a secret mission by SEAL Team Six to rescue two hostages held by Somali pirates. SEAL Team 6 Rescues Hostages in Secret Mission - YouTube

Better Approach to “Defense.”
Obama created a comprehensive new strategy for dealing with the international nuclear threat. Remarks By President Barack Obama In Prague As Delivered | The White House

He authorized a $1.4 billion reduction in Star Wars program in 2010. Pentagon unveils $533.7 billion budget - News - Stripes

He restarted nuclear nonproliferation talks and built up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols to where they had been before Bush. Obama wins passage of nuclear nonproliferation resolution at U.N. - Los Angeles Times

He signed and pushed to ratification a new SALT Treaty. New SALT Treaty Ratified, 71-26 | Politics Report

Negotiated and signed a new START Treaty that will last until at least 2021. President Obama Announces the New START Treaty | The White House

Through the Defense Authorization Act, he reversed the Bush Administration and committed to no permanent military bases in Iraq. The Obameter: No permanent bases in Iraq | PolitiFact

He developed the first comprehensive strategy with regard to Afghanistan and Pakistan designed to facilitate the defeat of al Qaeda and the withdrawal of most troops, as well as the rebuilding of Afghanistan. Obama Announces Strategy for Afghanistan, Pakistan

He returned our focus to Afghanistan, stabilized the country, and began the process of withdrawing our troops. Obama to withdraw troops from Afghanistan - seattlepi.com

Fulfilled campaign promise and ended our involvement in Iraq, and will complete full troop withdrawal before Christmas 2011. Obama Announces Full Troop Withdrawal From Iraq By Year's End - Forbes

He took steps to severely weaken al Qaeda and limited their ability to terrorize the world. Yahoo!

He negotiated and signed a nuclear nonproliferation treaty with India. Presidential Memorandum - United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act | The White House

He took decisive action to use NATO to limit the slaughter of innocents in Libya, so that the Libyan people could topple a despotic government and determine their own fate. Obama leads rousing UN welcome for Libyan NTC - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Treating Soldiers and Veterans with Respect

He made sure that families of fallen soldiers could be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB, by providing funding for it. He also ended the media blackout on coverage of the return of fallen soldiers.http://nyti.ms/glqN66 BBC NEWS | Americas | US war dead media blackout lifted

He funded Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with an extra $1.4 billion to improve veterans’ services. Veterans | The White House

He provided the troops with better body armor. Obama wants another $83 billion for Iraq, Afghanistan - CNN.com

Created the Joint Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record program for military personnel, in order to improve the quality of their medical care. "The Care They Were Promised and the Benefits That They Have Earned" | The White House

He put an end to the Bush-era stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan beyond their enlistment date. (personal note: my son will be in harm’s way for six fewer months with Obama as president, so you know I love this one). http://nyti.ms/e2YQ7Q

He supported and signed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, which made more money available to enable better medical care for veterans. Remarks by the President at signing of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act | The White House

He ushered through the largest spending increase in 30 years for the Department of Veterans Affairs for improved medical facilities, and to assist states in acquiring or constructing state nursing homes and extended care facilities. News Releases - Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs

He created the Green Vet Initiative, which provided special funding to the Labor Department to provide veterans with training in green jobs. The Obameter: Create a 'Green Vet Initiative' to promote environmental jobs for veterans | PolitiFact

He oversaw a $4.6 billion expansion of the Veterans Administration budget to pay for more mental health professionals. Annual Budget Submission - Office of Budget

Education.
He has repeatedly increased funding for student financial aid, and at the same time cut the banks completely out of the process. The Obameter: Expand Pell grants for low-income students | PolitiFact Obama?s Budget: Supporting Students, Not Banks http://bit.ly/eEzTNq

Completely reformed the student loan program, to make it possible for students to refinance at a lower rate. http://nyti.ms/dMvHOt

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act , he invested heavily in elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. Education | The White House This includes a major expansion of broadband availability in K-12 schools nationwide Obama announces new U.S. broadband connection funding - CNN.com , as well as an expansion in school construction. Obama: Education Money Must Come With Reform - Politics K-12 - Education Week

Also through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, he put $5 billion into early education, including Head Start. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Education Jobs and Reform

Signed the Post-9/11 GI Bill, also known as GI Bill 2.0 http://bit.ly/hPhG7J

He oversaw expansion of the Pell Grants program, to expand opportunity for low-income students to go to college. The Obameter: Expand Pell grants for low-income students | PolitiFact

He passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provided an extra $12.2 billion in funds. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: IDEA Recovery Funds for Services to Children and Youths with Disabilities

Greater Transparency and Better Government.
He signed an order banning gifts from lobbyists to anyone in the Executive Branch. The Obameter: Ban lobbyist gifts to executive employees | PolitiFact

He signed an order banning anyone from working in an agency they had lobbied in previous years. He also put strict limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House. http://nyti.ms/gOrznV

He held the first-ever first online town hall from the White House, and took questions from the public. AFP: Obama holds first White House 'online town hall'

The Obama White House became the first to stream every White House event, live. The White House

He established a central portal for Americans to find service opportunities. United We Serve

He provided the first voluntary disclosure of the White House Visitors Log in history. Visitor Access Records | The White House

He crafted an Executive Order on Presidential Records, which restored the 30-day time frame for former presidents to review records, and eliminated the right for the vice president or family members of former presidents to do the reviews. This will provide the public with greater access to historic White House documents, and severely curtails the ability to use executive privilege to shield them.
Executive Order 13489 -- Presidential Records | The White House

He improved aspects of the Freedom of Information Act, and issued new guidelines to make FOIA more open and transparent in the processing of FOIA requests. Freedom of Information Act | The White House

National Safety and Security.
He’s restored federal agencies such as FEMA to the point that they have been able to manage a huge number of natural disasters successfully. http://bit.ly/h8Xj7z

Authorized Navy SEALS to successfully secure the release of a US captain held by Somali pirates and increased patrols off the Somali coast. http://nyti.ms/efBO7B

Has repeatedly beefed up border security The Obameter: Secure the borders | PolitiFact

Ordered and oversaw the Navy SEALS operation that killed Osama bin Laden. The Obameter: We will kill bin Laden | PolitiFact

Science, Technology and Health Care.
He created a Presidential Memorandum to restore scientific integrity in government decision-making.
Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies 3-9-09 | The White House

Opened up the process for fast-tracking patent approval for green energy projects. Green Innovation Getting More Support from Fast Patent Approval Process | CleanTechnica

He eliminated the Bush-era restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. He also provided increased federal support for biomedical and stem cell research. Obama overturns Bush policy on stem cell research | World news | theguardian.com New Rules Expand Federal Funding of Stem-Cell Research - TIME

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, he committed more federal funding, about $18 billion, to support non-defense science and research labs. http://nyti.ms/fTs9t7

He signed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, the first comprehensive attempt to improve the lives of Americans living with paralysis. - Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

He expanded the Nurse-Family Partnership program, which provides home visits by trained registered nurses to low-income expectant mothers and their families, to cover more first-time mothers. The Obameter: Expand the Nurse-Family Partnership to all low-income, first-time mothers | PolitiFact

His EPA reversed research ethics standards which allowed humans to be used as “guinea pigs” in tests of the effects of chemicals, to comply with numerous codes of medical ethics. EPA Reverses Controversial 'Human Guinea Pig' Rule - Wired Science

Conducted a cyberspace policy review. Statement by the Press Secretary on Conclusion of the Cyberspace Review | The White House

Provided financial support for private sector space programs. NASA Announces Plan to Invest in Commercial Crew Concepts - Commercial Spaceflight Federation

He oversaw enhanced earth mapping, to provide valuable data for agricultural, educational, scientific, and government use. The Obameter: Enhance earth mapping | PolitiFact

He ushered through a bill that authorized the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco products. msnbc: news, video and progressive community. Lean Forward. As a result, the FDA has Ordered Tobacco Companies to Disclose Cigarette Ingredients and banned sale of cigarettes falsely labeled as “light.”

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, he provided $500 million for Health Professions Training Programs. The Obameter: Expand funding to train primary care providers and public health practitioners | PolitiFact

He also increased funding for community-based prevention programs. The Obameter: Increase funding to expand community based prevention programs | PolitiFact

He oversaw a 50% decrease in cost of prescription drugs for seniors. http://bit.ly/e5b1iq Seniors Already Seeing Lower Prescription Drug Costs | The White House

He eliminated the Bush-era practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug companies on price. Article > US govt will negotiate Medicare drug prices, says Obama

Two weeks after taking office, he signed the Children’s Health Insurance Re-authorization Act, which increased the number of children covered by health insurance by 4 million. http://bit.ly/fDEzGv

He held a quick press conference, and urged Congress to investigate Anthem Blue Cross for raising premiums 39% without explanation. Rep. Waxman responded by launching a probe, and Anthem Blue Cross put the increase on hold for two months. Yahoo!

Ushered through and signed the Affordable Health Care Act, which expanded health insurance coverage to 30 million more people, and ended many common insurance company practices that are often detrimental to those with coverage. He also established http://www.healthcare.gov/

Through the Affordable Health Care Act, he allowed children to be covered under their parents’ policy until they turned 26. http://nyti.ms/fNB26V

Through the Affordable Health Care Act, he provided tax breaks to allow 3.5 million small business to provide health insurance to their employees, and 29 million people will receive tax breaks to help them afford health insurance. http://nyti.ms/fNB26V

Through the Affordable Health Care Act, he expanded Medicaid to those making up to 133% of the federal poverty level. http://nyti.ms/ekMWpo

Through the Affordable Health Care Act, health insurance companies now have to disclose how much of your premium actually goes to pay for patient care. http://nyti.ms/fNB26V

Provisions in Obama’s Affordable Health Care Act have already resulted in Medicare costs actually declining slightly this fiscal year, for the first time in many years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Last year’s increase was 4%. Compare that to the average 12% annual inflation rate during the previous 40 years. http://1.usa.gov/oMxpTh

Strengthening the Middle Class and Families

Obama worked to provide affordable, high-quality child care to working families. The Obameter: Provide affordable, high-quality child care | PolitiFact

He cracked down on companies that were previously denying sick pay, vacation and health insurance, and Social Security and Medicare tax payments through abuse of the employee classification of independent contractor. http://nyti.ms/fOGLcj

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act , he cut taxes for 95% of America’s working families. A credit for workers cuts taxes for middle class | PolitiFact

Under Obama, tax rates for average working families are the lowest they’ve been since 1950. Under Obama Taxes Reach Lowest Level Since Truman - US News

He extended and fully funded the patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax for 10 years. Alternative Minimum Tax Reform Now Part of the Senate Stimulus

He extended discounted COBRA health coverage for the unemployed from 9 months to 15 months, and he’s extended unemployment benefits several times. Obama Signs Unemployment Benefits Extension http://nyti.ms/emrqKJ President extends unemployment benefits by up to 20 weeks - Nov. 5, 2009 Obama compromises with GOP to extend tax cuts, unemployment benefits

Environment and Energy.
He fast-tracked regulations to allow states to enact federal fuel efficiency standards that were above federal standards. http://nyti.ms/e8e94x

He fast-tracked increased fuel economy standards for vehicles beginning with the 2011 model year. It was the first time such standards had been increased in a decade. Obama announces new fuel standards - Mike Allen and Eamon Javers - POLITICO.com

He oversaw the establishment of an Energy Partnership for the Americas, which creates more markets for American-made biofuels and green energy technologies. The Obameter: Establish an Energy Partnership for the Americas | PolitiFact

His EPA reversed a Bush-era decision to allow the largest mountaintop removal project in US history. Obama Administration Reverses Largest Appalachian Mountaintop Removal Permit in US History | CleanTechnica

He ordered the Department of Energy to implement more aggressive efficiency standards for common household appliances. Appliance Efficiency Standards | The White House

He ordered energy plants to prepare to produce at least 15% of all energy through renewable resources like wind and solar, by 2021. Lawmakers turn to public on Obama clean energy plan | Reuters (As you can see, Republicans are trying hard to kill it.)

He oversaw the creation of an initiative that converts old factories and manufacturing centers into new clean technology centers. The Obameter: Establish program to convert manufacturing centers into clean technology leaders | PolitiFact

Obama bypassed Republican opposition in Congress and ordered EPA to begin regulating and measuring carbon emissions. http://bit.ly/froaP5

His EPA ruled that CO2 is a pollutant. EPA Wields Timely Stick: Ruling CO2 a Public Danger Before Copenhagen Climate Decision | CleanTechnica

He doubled federal spending on clean energy research. The Obameter: Double federal spending for research on clean fuels | PolitiFact

He pushed through a tax credit to help people buy plug-in hybrid cars. The Obameter: Enact tax credit for consumers for plug-in hybrid cars | PolitiFact

He created a program to develop renewable energy projects on the waters of our Outer Continental Shelf that will produce electricity from wind, wave, and ocean currents. http://1.usa.gov/fgfRWq

Obama reengaged in the climate change and greenhouse gas emissions agreements talks, and even proposed one himself. He also addressed the U.N. Climate Change Conference, officially reversing the Bush-era stance that climate change was a “hoax.” Chemical & Engineering News | Serving the chemical, life sciences and laboratory worlds YouTube http://nyti.ms/hfeqvv

He fully supported the initial phase of the creation of a legally binding treaty to reduce mercury emissions worldwide. Obama Shifts U.S. Policy to Back Global Mercury Control Treaty

He required states to provide incentives to utilities to reduce their energy consumption. The Obameter: Require states to provide incentives for utilities to reduce energy consumption | PolitiFact

Following Bush’s eight year reign, he reengaged in a number of treaties and agreements designed to protect the Antarctic. Obama Calls For Limits on Antarctic Tourism | Notes From Sea Level

Created tax write-offs for purchases of hybrid automobiles, and later he and Democrats morphed that program into one that includes electric cars. Hybrid Car Tax Credits: Incentives Fade into Memory - HybridCars.com

Mandated that federal government fleet purchases be for fuel-efficient American vehicles, and encouraged that federal agencies support experimental, fuel-efficient vehicles. What's Hot: Car News, Photos, Videos & Road Tests | Edmunds.com GSA Drives Innovative, Job-Creating Sustainable Industries GSA Unveils Recovery Act Fuel-Efficient Cars

Obama oversaw and pushed through an amendment to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 authorizing advances from Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Bill Summary & Status - 111th Congress (2009 - 2010) - S.3473 - All Congressional Actions - THOMAS (Library of Congress)

He also actively tried to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to eliminate the liability limits for those companies responsible for large oil spills. White House Proposes Bill to Lift Caps on Offshore Oil Spill Liability - NYTimes.com

He initiated Criminal and Civil inquiries into the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. http://nyti.ms/bVuB7a

Through Obama’s EPA, he asserted federal legal supremacy, and barred Texas from authorizing new refinery permits on its own. EPA bars Texas' authority to issue refinery operating permits - Beaumont Enterprise

He strengthened the Endangered Species Act. http://bit.ly/hscjsH

His EPA improved boiler safety standards to improve air quality, and save 6500 lives per year. NRDC: Press Release - New EPA Boiler Standards Will Save 6,500 Lives Per Year

Through the EPA, he took steps to severely limit the use of antibiotics in livestock feed, to increase their efficacy in humans. FDA takes steps to limit use of antibiotics in livestock | Grist

Obama increased funding for National Parks and Forests by 10% National Parks Conservation Association Applauds Increase in Funding for National ParksInterior Bill Helps Address Park Needs | National Parks Conservation Association

He announced greatly improved commercial fuel efficiency standards. President Obama Announces First Ever Fuel Economy Standards for Commercial Vehicles | The White House

He announced the development of a huge increase in average fuel economy standards from 27.5mpg to 35.5mpg starting in 2016 and 54.5 starting in 2025 President Obama Announces New Fuel Economy Standards | The White House

Other Stuff.
Obama has expanded trade agreements to include stricter labor and environmental agreements such as NAFTA. The Obameter: Include environmental and labor standards in trade agreements | PolitiFact

He oversaw funding of the design of a new Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History, which is scheduled to open on the National Mall in 2015. He protected the funding during the recent budget negotiations. http://on.fb.me/fD0EVO Most Smithsonian funding intact under budget deal | Maryland Daily Record

Oversaw and passed increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. http://bit.ly/dFb8qF

Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. Sotomayor is the first Hispanic Justice in the court’s history, and the women represent only the third and fourth women to serve on the court, out of a total of 112 justices. Sotomayor Confirmed To Supreme Court Elena Kagan appointed to the supreme court after US senate vote | Law | The Guardian

He appointed the most diverse Cabinet in history, including more women than any other incoming president. http://bit.ly/dX6vNB

He eliminated federal funding for abstinence-only education, and he rescinded the global gag rule. US teen pregnancy and syphilis rates rose sharply during George Bush's presidency, Centres for Disease Control finds | Society | theguardian.com Obama Rescinds ?Global Gag Rule,? Commits to Funding UNFPA

Obama loosened the rules and allowed the 14 states that legalized medical marijuana to regulate themselves without federal interference. New Medical Marijuana Policy: Obama Administration Will Not Seek Arrests For People Following State Laws

His FDA banned the use of antibiotics in livestock production. Daily Kos: Obama's FDA Quietly banning antibiotics in livestock production

Obama ushered through and signed national service legislation, increasing funding for national service groups, including triple the size of the Americorps program. Obama signs national service legislation - CNN.com

 

[Yurt]

i bet you have posters of obama all over your walls

 

[Howey]

i bet you have posters of obama all over your walls

Do you have posters of Lambchop on your wall, Yurtie?

 

[blackhawk]

America was "respected" as a world power again?

Go ask those millions of people in Central America being raped and tortured by the Contras how much respect they had for America as a world power.

Go ask the same question of those who were being oppressed under the Soviet iron curtain.

 

[francoHFW]

Raygun's approval was about 20 per cent around the world...Great job in Lebanaon, WITH HIS PAL SADDAM, BRIBING IRAN AND USING ILLEGAL MONEY TO FUND THE CONTRAS AND SELL COKE TO OUR BLACKS AY CARAMBA- and giving OBL his start. And we're lucky he didn't sabotage Gorby with his idiotic bluster. Great for fooling the chumps though...