The 244 ACCOMPLISHMENTS of PRESIDENT OBAMA

by Nancy Lloyd on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 6:27pm

The 244 ACCOMPLISHMENTS of PRESIDENT OBAMA

ETHICS

• Ordered the White House and all federal agencies to respect the Freedom of
Information Act and overturned Bush-era limits on accessibility of federal
documents (2009)

• Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as
much as possible (2009)

• Placed limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House (2009)

• Placed limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure
in the administration (2009)

• Signed a measure strengthening registration and reporting requirements for
lobbyists (2009)

• Ordered that lobbyists must be removed from and are no longer permitted to
serve on federal and White House advisory panels and boards (2009) * Note:
After saying he would not hire lobbyists, a few have been hired in the
Administration

• Companies and individuals who are delinquent on their taxes or owe back
taxes are no longer allowed to bid for federal contracts (2009)

• Initiated the “e-Rulemaking Initiative” (in cooperation with Cornell
University) to allow for online public “notice and comment” of federal laws and
initiatives (2010)

• Issued the “Open Gov Directive” ordering all Cabinet departments to promote
transparency and citizen participation in their policies (2010)

• Signed extensions on banning lobbyists from serving on agency boards
(2010)

• Developed the “Don Not Pay List” with data on contractors and recipients of
federal funds who are deemed to be ineligible because of fraud and abuse
(2010)

GOVERNANCE

• The White House website now provides information on all economic stimulus
projects and spending, along with an unprecedented amount of information on our
government (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era practice of circumventing established FDA rules for
political reasons (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era practice of having White House staff rewrite the
findings of scientific and environmental regulations and reports when they
disagreed with the results (2009)

• Limited the salaries of senior White House aides (salaries cut to $100,000)
(2009)

• Has urged Congress to adopt “Pay-Go” (whereby each dollar of spending is
offset by a dollar in cuts or revenues, which was used in the `90s but abandoned
in the `00s) (2010)

• Has been holding open meetings with Republican leaders, although they
complain of a lack of access and information (2010)

• Signed the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (2010) *
Note: To curb wasteful spending

• Tasked federal agencies to develop plans for disposing of unneeded real
estate and then to eliminate unnecessary or non-economical lands, properties,
etc. (2010)

NATIONAL SECURITY

• Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane (which wasn’t even used in
Iraq/Afghanistan) and other outdated weapons systems (2009)

• Announced his intention to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay
(2009) * Note: The closure has been delayed due to massive opposition but it
remains on the agenda.

• Stated his interest in housing terrorists at a new federal “super max”
facility in the US (2009) * Note: this has been delayed in the face of
massive opposition but it remains on the agenda

• Cut the expensive Reagan era missile defense program, saving $1.4 billion
in 2010 (2009)

• Cancelled plans to station anti-ballistic missile systems in Poland and the
Czech Republic (2009)

• Replacing long-range, expensive missile systems with more efficient smaller
systems (2009)

• Increased US Navy patrols off the Somali coast in response to pirating
(2009)

• Established a new cyber security office and appointed a cyber security czar
(2009)

• Ordered the first nation-wide comprehensive cyber threat assessment
(2009)

• Instituted a new Nuclear Posture Review, revising US nuclear deterrence
policy to encourage more nations to join the 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
(2010) * Note: Components of the policy include: a pledge to stop nuclear
testing; a pledge to not build a new generation of nucs; identifying nuclear
terrorism, rather than a launch from another nuclear state, as the major threat;
a pledge to not use nucs on a non-nuclear state in a conventional conflict;
etc.

• Executive orders to block payment, transfers, exports, etc… of individuals
and organizations support the regimes of North Korea, Iran, Somali pirates, and
other foreign threats (2010)

• Presidential Memoranda to extend certain provisions of The Trading with
Enemies Act which was to expire in September 2010 (2010) * Note: This
includes freezing assets and banning trade that benefits the Cuban regime;
however further efforts at normalizing travel to Cuba are supported

• Signed bill for southwest border security and increased funds and agents on
the Mexican border (2010)

• Signed the Comprehensive Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act to
deal with foreign regimes like Iran and North Korea (2010)

IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN

• Began the phased withdrawal of US troops from Iraq (2009); continuing the
withdrawal (2010)

• Changed the US military command in the Afghan conflict (2009)

• Tasked the Pentagon to reorganize US policy in Afghanistan; the new policy
includes 30,000 additional troops deployed, priority training of Afghan forces,
developing agriculture and infrastructure, limiting aerial bombing, etc.
(2009)

• Ordered the Pentagon to send additional helicopters to assist US Marine
units and Special Forces in Afghanistan (2009)

• Increased unmanned drone strikes on Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in
Afghanistan (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era “stop-loss” policy that kept soldiers in
Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date (2009)

MILITARY & VETERANS

• Ordered the Pentagon to cover expenses of families of fallen soldiers if
they wish to be on site when the body arrives back in the US (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era “blackout” imposed on media coverage of the return of
fallen US soldiers (2009) * Note: The media is now permitted to cover the
story pending adherence to respectful rules and with the approval of the fallen
soldier’s family

• Ended the Bush-era “black out” policy on media coverage of war casualties
(2009) * Note: Full information is now released for the first time in the
War on Terror

• Ordered better body armor to be procured for US troops (2009)

• Funding new Mine Resistant Ambush Vehicles (2009) * Note: The old
Hummers were very vulnerable to roadside explosives and an alarming percentage
of our soldiers lost in Iraq were on account of IEDs

• Working to increase pay and benefits for military personnel (2009)

• Improving housing for military personnel (2009)

• Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
(2009)

• Ordered that conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other
neglected military hospitals be improved (2009)

• Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military to a
post-Cold War, modern fighting force (2009) * Note: Bush announced in 2001
his intention to do this but backed off the reforms after 9/11, which include:
new procurement policies; increasing the size of Special Ops units; deploying
new technologies; creating new cyber security units; etc.

• Ended the Bush-era practice of awarding “no-bid” defense contracts
(2009)

• Improving benefits for veterans as well as VA staffing, information
systems, etc. (2009)

• Authorized construction of additional health centers to care for veterans
(2009)

• Suspended the Bush-era decision to purchase a fleet of Marine One
helicopters from suppliers in favor of American made helicopters (2009)

• Ordered a review of the existing “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in
the military (2010)

• New GI Bill for returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan (2009)

• Signed bill providing assistance for caregivers of veterans wounded in Iraq
and Afghanistan (2010) * Note: The omnibus bill does the following:
Training, funding, and counseling for caregivers; promoting pilot childcare
programs for women vets under treatment at the VA; independent oversight to
prevent abuse; readjustment counseling for National Guard and reservist units;
etc.

• Eliminated co-payments for veterans who are catastrophically disabled
(2010)

• Fulfilled campaign promise to have combat troops (90,000) out of Iraq by
August 31, 2010 (2010)

• Established a new interagency task force to assist veterans owning small
businesses (2010) * Note: The efforts include promoting federal contract
opportunities, improve access to loans and capital, mentor assistance programs,
etc.

• Signed The Families of Fallen Heroes Act, which covers the moving costs of
immediate family members of those lost in service (military, intelligence, and
security personnel) (2010)

FOREIGN POLICY

• Closed the Bush-era “secret detention” facilities in Eastern Europe
(2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy allowing “enhanced interrogation” (torture); the
US is again in compliance with Geneva Convention standards (2009) * Note:
Obama has permitted some controversial interrogation techniques to
continue

• Restarted international nuclear non-proliferation talks and reestablished
international nuclear inspection protocols (2009) * Note: Bush withdrew from
non-proliferation talks and dismantled the inspection infrastructure

• Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic (2009) *
Note: These were suspended under Bush

• Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas
emissions (2009) * Note: These were suspended under Bush

• Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president
in his first six months in office (2009)

• Banned the export of cluster bombs (2009)

• Overturned Bush-era plans to increase the US nuclear arsenal (2009)

• Authorized the Navy SEALS operation that freed by force the US shipping
captain held by Somali pirates (2009)

• Restored the US commitment to the UN population fund for family planning;
overturned the ban on providing funds internationally for family planning (2009)
* Note: The family planning efforts were suspended under Bush

• Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return “home”
to visit families (2009)

• Extended an offer of engagement (free from sanctions and penalties) to Iran
through December 31, 2009 (Iran did not accept the offer) (2009)

• Sent envoys to the Middle East and other parts of the world, reengaging in
multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy (2009)

• Authorized discussions with North Korea and the private mission by former
president, Bill Clinton, to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
(2009)

• Authorized discussions with Myanmar and the mission by Senator Jim Web to
secure the release of an American held captive (2009)

• Renewed loan guarantees for Israel (2009)

• Signed the USIFTA trade agreement with/for Israel (2009)

• Authorized a $550m advance for Israel (six months prior to the scheduled
date) in order to accommodate Israeli’s economic and financial needs (2009)

• Continued agreements with Israel for cultural exchanges, immigration, etc.
(2009)

• Spoke on Arab television, spoke at an Egyptian university, and met with
Arab leaders in an effort to change the tone of US-Arab relations (2009)

• Ordered the US to finally pay its dues to the United Nations (2009)

• Attended the Summit of America’s meeting in Trinidad and Tobago (2010)

• Dispatched several envoys and initiated talks with numerous nations
(2010)

• Signed a nuclear limitation treaty with Russia (2010) * Note: The
agreement calls for both countries to reduce their nucs by one-third (1,500) and
launch systems by half (800)

• Hosted nuclear non-proliferation summit for several nations (2010)

• Executive Order to establish support offices in the State Department to
assist the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan (2010)

• Presidential Memoranda to continue drug interdiction support with Columbia
(2010)

ECONOMY

• Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants…) (2009)
* Note: Bush was the first president since Herbert Hoover to not make
infrastructure a priority

• Authorized the US auto industry rescue plan and two GMAC rescue packages
(2009)

• Authorized the housing rescue plan and new FHA residential housing
guarantees (2009)

• Authorized a $789 billion economic stimulus plan (2009) * Note: 1/3 in
tax cuts for working-class families; 1/3 to states for infrastructure projects;
1/3 to states to prevent the layoff of police officers, teachers, etc. at risk
of losing their jobs because of state budget shortfalls

• Instituted a new rule allowing the public to meet with federal housing
insurers to refinance (in as quickly as one day) a mortgage if they are having
trouble paying (2009)

• Authorized a continuation of the US financial and banking rescue plans
initiated at the end of the Bush administration and authorized TARP funds to buy
“toxic assets” from failing financial institutions (2009)

• Authorized the “Cash for Clunkers” program that stimulated auto sales and
removed old, inefficient, polluting cars from the road (2009)

• Convened a “jobs summit” to bring experts together to develop ideas for
creating jobs (2009)

• Ordered the FDIC to beef up deposit insurance (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy of protecting credit card companies (2009) *
Note: In place of the old policy, new consumer protections were instituted and
the industry’s predatory practices were banned

• Authorized the federal government to make more loans available to small
businesses and ordered lower rates for federal loans to small businesses
(2009)

• Placed a 35% tariff on Chinese tires and a few other products such as pipes
after China was found to be illegally “dumping” exports below cost (2009) *
Note: Clinton, Bush I, and Reagan all refused to “get tough” on China’s
predatory trade practices; Bush II refused four times during his
presidency

• In November 2009, Obama extended unemployment benefits for one million
workers

and expanded coverage for some existing homeowners who are buying again
(2009)

• Called on Congress to deliver a “Jobs bill” (2010)

• Credit card companies are prohibited from raising rates without advance
notification or arbitrarily if customers are paying bills on time (2010)

• Signed a bill to extend unemployment benefits set to expire (2010)

• Signed historic Wall Street reform bill (2010) * Note: Designed to
reregulate and end abusive practices and promote consumer protections

• Signed the HIRE Act to stimulate the economic recovery (2010) * Note:
The bill includes: tax cuts for small businesses who hire someone unemployed for
at least two months; small businesses can write off their investments in
equipment this year; etc.

• National Export Initiative established to enhance federal support
(technical assistance, training, trade missions, etc.) and coordination efforts
to help US businesses export products and services (2010)

• Initiatives to promote a “Wireless Broadband Revolution” (2010) * Note:
Among other things, broadband is finally being considered as necessary
infrastructure, with efforts to expand use, access, and spectrum…

• Expanded agricultural credit to farmers during current economic crisis
(2010)

• Signed bill - US Manufacturing Enhancement Act (2010)

• Signed bill - Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance (2010)

TAXES 

• Negotiated a deal with Swiss banks to permit the US government to gain
access to records of tax evaders and criminals (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who
outsource American jobs (2009) * Note: The new policy promotes in-sourcing
investments to brings jobs back to the US

• Signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which provides small tax
cuts for 95% of “working families” (2009) * Note: The tax cuts were not as
big as was suggested during the 2008 campaign

• Convened an advisory board that is looking into simplifying the tax code
(2009)

• Ordered the closing of offshore tax safe havens (for individual and
business tax evaders) (2009)

• Reduced taxes for some small businesses to stimulate the economic recovery
(2009)

• Extended the Home Buyers Credit for first-time home buyers (2009)

• Proposed doubling the child tax credit (2010)

• Called for the repeal of the capital gains tax for small businesses
(2010)

• Proposed rolling back the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest
Americans (2010) * Note: This would be for families earning over
$250,000/year and would return their tax rates to the 1990’s level

BUDGETING 

• Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations
for ways to cut federal spending (2009)

• Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify wasteful spending
and practices (2009)

• Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal
government money and making federal operations more efficient (2009)

• Overturned the Bush-era practice of not listing certain federal programs in
the federal budget (2009) (2010) * Note: Bush did this (so did Reagan) in an
effort to hide programs and make the budget look smaller; such “off budget”
items are now included in the annual budget

• Full appropriations for war are now included in the budget (2009) (2010)
* Note: Bush did not list many of the appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan,
and War on Terror

• Funds for emergency appropriations are now included in the budget (2009)
(2010)

• Proposed a three-year freeze on federal discretionary spending beginning in
2011 (2010)

• Is in the process of cutting 120 federal programs identified as either
wasteful or unnecessary (2010)

• Established a bipartisan commission on fiscal responsibility, staffed by
House and Senate members and private citizens, tasked with submitting proposals
to balance the budget (2010) * Note: In the face of Republican opposition,
the powers of the commission were watered down

• Established a bipartisan commission on the future of Social Security,
tasked with submitting proposals to preserve and strengthen Social Security
(2010) * Note: In the face of Republican opposition, the powers of the
commission were watered down

• Cut $20 billion from federal budget and has pledged to cut at least this
much every year (2010)

• Ultimately decided to cancel planned new presidential helicopter fleet and
stick with marine One (2010)

• Freezing all discretionary spending for next three years, except on
national security (2010)

• Presidential Memoranda to freeze discretionary awards, bonuses, etc. for
federal political appointees (2010)

• Beginning to use “Pay-As-You-Go” (Pay-Go) to offset budget expenditures
with budget cuts or revenue enhancements (2010)

HEALTHCARE 

• Removed Bush era restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research (2009)

• Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research (2009)

• Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
(2009)

• Established an independent commission to make recommendations on slowing
the costs of Medicare (2009)

• Reversed some of the Bush-era restrictions that prevented Medicare from
negotiating with pharmaceutical firms for cheaper drugs, allowing government to
again competitively bid (2009) * Note: Obama had promised to lift all
restrictions but, while he did negotiate with drug companies for them to lower
their costs the deal only lifted some restrictions

• Expanding government vaccination programs (2009)

• Issued new disease prevention guidelines and priorities for the CDC
(2009)

• Authorized the FDA to finally begin regulating tobacco (2009)

• Tasked federal labs to prioritize research on and deployment of H1N1
vaccines (2009)

• Asked multiple congressional committees to bring forward a healthcare
reform bill; held dozens of public hearings and town halls on the issue (2009)
(2010)

• Established a new council on National Prevention, Health Promotion, and
Public Health to be chaired by Surgeon General and charged with promoting
healthy lifestyles and integrative healthcare (2010)

• When accusations to the contrary arose, an Executive Order was signed to
reaffirm that federal funds are not to be used for abortion services (2010)

• Historic healthcare reform bill signed - $940 billion over 10 years (2010)
* Note: 32 million additional Americans will receive healthcare coverage and
costs will be lowered for most Americans, but many of the goals are phased in
over four years

Components of the bill 

- Prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to
individuals/family members with pre-existing health conditions; a temporary plan
is being developed to cover high-risk individuals with pre-existing conditions
until the full reforms go into effect in 2014

- Prevents insurance companies from placing lifetime limits on
benefits

- Bans “rescission” so insurance companies can’t cancel coverage if
individuals keep their policies current or if they become ill

- An individual’s out-of-pocket healthcare expenses are capped

- Closes the “donut hole” (Part D) for Medicare prescription drug
coverage (under Bush, Medicare helped pay for drugs up to $2,600 and above
$4,550, but individuals had to pay 100% of the costs in between these amounts);
now Medicare helps cover costs irrespective of the amount – seniors will now pay
only 25% of drug costs up to $4,550 and only 5% of drug costs above that
amount

- In 2010, an emergency provision will offer seniors a $250 rebate on the
costs incurred within the “donut hole”

- Individuals living at or below the poverty line were eligible for
healthcare under Medicaid, but by 2014 individuals/families living slightly
above (making up to $14,404/$29,327) the poverty line will also be eligible for
benefits

- Individuals/families making less than $43,320/$88,200 per year will
qualify for government subsidies to help purchase health insurance

- All individuals must have health insurance or face a government fine;
all large (over 50 employees) employers must offer health insurance to employees
or pay a fine

- Small businesses can get a tax credit if they offer health
care

- There are hardship exemptions if individuals can’t afford health
insurance

- Families can keep their children in college on their plans through age
26

- Promotes health insurance “exchanges” so consumers can buy
“wholesale”

- Creates consumer assistance offices to help consumers file complaints
or appeal decisions from insurance companies; beginning in 2011, insurance
companies can no longer make excessive rate hikes without justification and
approval, and those doing so may be barred from participating in new health
insurance exchanges

Funding sources:

- Large employers (over 50 workers) that don’t offer health benefits will
be charged a $2,000/worker fee; if the employer offers coverage but employees
instead purchase federally subsidized insurance the fee is $3,000/worker
receiving federal subsidies or $750/worker (whichever is lower)

- Annual fees on pharmaceutical companies ($27 billion), health insurance
companies ($60 billion), and medical device-makers ($20 billion)

- Annual penalties on individuals who do not have health insurance (up to
a maximum of $695/person)

- Increase in the Medicare payroll tax from 1.45% to 2.35% for
individuals making $200,000+ and families making $250,000+

- 3.8% tax on unearned income for millionaires

- Insurance companies will be subject to a tax on each high-end insurance
plan (so-called “Cadillac” plans) they offer

Miscellaneous:

- Illegal immigrants are not eligible for insurance or subsidies

- By Executive Order, such federal funding can’t be used for
abortion

- The federal government will assist states by covering all of the
increased expenses of expanding Medicaid coverage (90% of costs after
2020)

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT 

• Removed a ruling that now allows individual states to enact automotive fuel
efficiency standards above federal standards (2009)

• Offered attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
(2009)

• Overturned Bush-era rule that weakened the Endangered Species Act
(2009)

• Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the
federal government (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide
emissions (2009)

• Signed a measure requiring energy producing plants to begin producing 15%
of their energy from renewable sources (2009)

• Announced that the federal government would reengage in the long-delayed
effort to clean up “Superfund” toxic waste sites (2009)

• Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with
renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production (2009) * Note:
Much of Obama’s energy reform was killed by Senate Republicans

• Proposed a new refuge for wild mustangs (2009)

• Cancelled several Bush-era mountain-top removal and mining permits
(2009)

• Reengaged in international treaties and agreements to protect the Antarctic
(2009)

* Note: Bush had withdrawn from such efforts

• Asked Congress for an energy reform and “cap and trade” bill (2009) *
Note: The Congress failed to pass such a bill

• Developing plan to lease US coastal waters for wind and water-current
energy production (2009)

• Overturned Bush-era policies that allowed uranium mining near national
parks such as the Grand Canyon (2009)

• Expanded the Petrified Forest National Park (2009)

• Signed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act that protects millions of
acres of scenic, historic, and recreational lands and trails (2009)

• Requiring that government buildings and facilities be retrofitted to save
energy costs (2009) * Note: These green retrofits are moving very
slowly

• Authorized studies in several western states to determine how to support
large-scale solar installations (2009)

• Attended the Copenhagen talks and, after the talks were stalled, negotiated
an international (voluntary) agreement on reducing carbon emissions and raising
funds to assist developing nations in offsetting carbon emissions (2009)

• Banned importation of pythons in response to a growing population of
pythons damaging the Florida Everglades (2009)

• Committing the federal government to increasing research and use of
renewable, clean energy sources such as wind, biomass, etc. (2009)

• Executive orders establishing a federal initiative to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in all federal operations (2009) (2010)

• Called for exploring the possibility of additional off-shore oil drilling
in the Gulf, Atlantic, and off Alaska (but not in ANWR) (2010)

• Agreed to consider increases in nuclear energy production and requested a
study on the feasibility of nuclear power plant construction (2010) * Note:
Nearly all energy initiatives were defeated by Republican opposition in
Congress

• Increased investment in clean energy projects (2010)

• Executive Order to develop a new strategy for and commitment to ocean and
lake resources, and for scientific research on water quality (2010)

RIGHTS

• Instituted enforcements for equal pay for women (Lilly Ledbetter Bill)
(2009)

• Appointed Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina, to the Supreme Court
(2009)

• Held the first Seder in White House (2009)

• Appointed a diverse Cabinet and diverse White House staff (2009)

• Spoke at the annual dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights
organization (2009)

• Signed the first major piece of federal gay rights legislation that
includes acts of violence against gays under the list of federal hate crimes
(2009)

• Reversed the Bush-era practice of politicizing Justice Department
investigations and prosecutions against political opponents (2009)

• Pushing for some of the 9/11 perpetrators to be tried in federal court
(2009) * Note: The process has moved at a snail’s pace and, in the face of
opposition, Obama has remained quiet

• Signed an extension of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Bill to provide
federal research and support for treating the disease (2009)

• Allowed the State Department of offer same-sex benefits for employees
(2009)

• Proposed that the Pentagon repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy;
placed a “freeze” on current efforts to remove alleged homosexuals from the
military (2009)

• After eight years of neglect, the Justice Department and EEOC are again
enforcing employment discrimination laws (2009)

• Convened the White House Tribal Nations Conference, inviting
representatives from 564 federally-recognized Indian tribes (2009)

• Provided increased school projects for Indian lands and increased funds for
the Indian Health Service (2009)

• Signed an Executive Order mandating that his Cabinet develop plans to work
with and consult Indian tribes on issues impacting Indian lands (2009)

• Commissioned a study to develop alternatives to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
(2010)

• Called for federal agencies to look into recognizing gay partnerships in
terms of benefits (2010)

• Signed an Executive Order for the President’s Initiative on Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (2010)

• Increased funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(2010)

• Signed Executive Order to promote the federal government as a “model
employer” when it comes to hiring the disabled (2010) * Note: This includes
new efforts to increase the recruitment, hiring, and training for the
disabled

• Programs to assist Spanish speakers with the US Census (2010)

• Elena Kagen appointed to Supreme Court (2010)

• Tasked all federal agencies to develop new strategies to address HIV/AIDS
(2010)

• After organizing studies on the topic in 2009, tasked the Pentagon to
eliminate “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (2010)

• Signed Fair Sentencing Act (2010) * Note: The Administration continues
to deescalate marijuana interdiction and raids; increased dramatically the
amount of cocaine one must possess to be sentenced to jail; eliminated mandatory
sentencing for first-time drug abusers and simple possession

EDUCATION

• Authorized construction funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access in
K-12 public schools (2009)

• Increased funding for school construction (2009)

• Increased funding available for student loans (2009)

• Expanded the national youth service program (2009)

• Streamlined the federal student loan process to save $87 billion over the
next 10 years (2009)

• Changed the rule to allow students struggling to make college loan payments
to refinance their loans (2009)

• Beginning discussions with Congress for education reform (2009) * Note:
Much of Obama’s education reform has been sidelined by opposition in
Congress

• Initiated a “Race to the Top” competitive federal grant program for states
who develop innovative policies (2009)

• Instituted a “judgment review” allowing families with student loans to
petition to have their current financial status determine the loan rather than
the previous year’s finances (2009)

• Launched “Educate to Innovate,” a public/private partnership making $236
million available for science, mathematics, and technology education programs
(2009)

• Proposed capping the maximum amount students must pay on student loans (as
percentage of their income) (2010)

• Proposed reducing student loan obligations for individuals going to work in
community and public service jobs (2010)

• The federal government will offer direct student loans, cutting out the
cost of private banks (“middle man”) who increase the costs in order to make a
profit (2010)

• Increased investment in technologies for schools/education (2010)

DISASTER RESPONSE

• Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness (2009)

• FEMA once again reports directly to the president (2009) * Note: Bush
removed FEMA (prior to the Hurricane Katrina disaster) from this status

• Demonstrated an immediate and efficient response to the floods in North
Dakota and other natural disasters (2009)

• Ordered that funds be released and red tape be streamlined for the ongoing
Hurricane Katrina recovery effort in the Gulf Coast (2009)

• Timely and massive relief effort in response to the January 2010 earthquake
and ensuing humanitarian crisis (2010)

Components of the response:

- The FBI’s National Center for Disaster Fraud was tasked to look into
possible fraud with organizations soliciting funds for relief

- Announced the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund

- Established an emergency Haiti Task Force in the State Department


- Established a website with information, resources, and a posting of a
“person finder” online to help families and friends to locate loved ones


- Joint aid and relief planning with the U.K.

- Sponsored a resolution in the UN Security Council for additional
security and police forces in Haiti

- Dispatched the US Navy floating hospital (USNS Comfort) and, within 5
days, 9 naval and relief ships, 5 Coast Guard cutters, 8 Coast Guard aircraft,
and 12,000 US military personnel

- Initial dispatch of several ships and cargo planes full of humanitarian
aid and supplies, 6 search/rescue teams (500 personnel), and 265 Department of
Health & Human Services personnel for emergency medical and aid support


- Established a mobile US air traffic control center at the destroyed
airport in Port-au-Prince

• After the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a freeze
was placed on new deep water projects (2010)

• Executive Order to establish new security measures to minimize accidental
release of bio and chemical agents; new strategies for public health and
bioterrorism response (2010)

• Established a national commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon spill to
examine facts and report a plan of action; new efforts to prevent offshore
spills (2010)

• After a slow start in responding to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the
White House is promoting a long-term plan to reconstruct the damaged Gulf and
negotiated with BP the establishment of a multi-billion dollar trust fund for
victims of the spill (2010)

• Extended national flood insurance program for those in need during current
economic crisis (2010)

OTHER INITIATIVES

• New federal funding for science and research labs (2009)

• Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service
program (2009)

• Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program (2009)

• Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud (2009)

• Ordered the DEA to stop raids on medical marijuana usage (2009)

• Ordered a review of existing “mandatory minimum” prison sentencing
(2009)

• Signed an order to limit airport tarmac delays and the time passengers had
to sit in the plane/on the tarmac during delays (2009)

• Restored the EPA to “Cabinet level” status (2009) * Note: Bush removed
the EPA from this status

• Beginning discussions with Congress for comprehensive immigration reform
(2010)

* Note: Much of Obama’s immigration reform had been stalled by opposition
in Congress

• Commissioned expert panels and reports from NASA; announced a new direction
for human space flight that involves funding a new heavy lift-launcher and
jettisoning the Ares 1 program; boosting NASA’s budget by $1 billion in 2011
(2010)

• Ordered a ban on text-messaging for all commercial truck and bus drivers
(2010)

• Signed bill – FAA Air Transportaiton Modernizatin and Safety Improvement
Act (2010)

P.S. IN CASE YOU WERE
WONDERING…

• The Obamas paid for the renovations of the private living quarters in the
White House with their own money rather than using the funds provided to all new
first families (2009)

• The Obamas reused many Christmas ornaments from previous White House trees
rather than buy new ones (2009)

• The Obamas used LED energy-saving lights on White House Christmas tree
(2009)

• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; donated the award money for the prize to
several charities (2009)

• Planted a garden for the White House’s vegetables and flowers (2009)

• Installed a swing set/playground for the Obama daughters and children of
White House employees (2009)

• Held over 150 public town halls, press conferences, interviews, etc. in
first year in office (2009) * Note: Official numbers are not available on
such things, but this seems to be a new record high

• Less than 30 days of vacation in first year in office (2009) * Note:
Official numbers are not readily available on such things, but this seems to be
a new record low

<span> </span> 

...And A FAMILY MAN !

B4B NOTE: Special Thanks to Robert P. Watson, Ph. D., Professor of American
Studies, Lynn University who compiled this list and writes " Like all
presidents, Barack Obama has made mistakes. But, as a presidential historian, I
have been struck by claims being put forward by Obama’s many critics and the
news media that he has accomplished little when, in fact, his presidency is
easily one of the most active in history." And Thanks to our friend Sherry Lou
Meeks.

Thank You Mr. President !

Print It...Pass It On...

SHARE THE FACTS !

The 244 ACCOMPLISHMENTS of PRESIDENT OBAMA
Originally posted at:
http://b4bmorenews.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-244-accomplishments-of-president.html

  

ANOTHER CAMPAIGN TO SUPPRESS LATINO VOTE: Arpaio just sent this shocking message to his followers:

Last week we were shocked and angered at the viciously un-American Ad aimed at Latinos/Hispanics asking us NOT TO VOTE.

The now extreme Republican Party, with it's army of right Wing Extremists, are fully engaged in a-not-much-discussed campaign to suppress, by any means necessary, the Latino/Hispanic Vote in the upcoming election.

Earlier today, I received and email from AmericanVoiceOnline.org, alerting us to an email sent by AZ's Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio addressed to all of his followers, creating and disseminating an image of a 'fraud bogeyman' and inciting to organize against Latino/Hispanic Voters, by once again, targeting this much maligned and abused Community, as the villains in this elections, hence creating a climate of mistrust, antagonism and anger for Brown people, thus making it justifiable and acceptable for his "Army", to harass and intimidate them around the voting polls.

This is the text of his message

"STOP ILLEGALS FROM STEALING THE ELECTION! Our grassroots army of VOTER FRAUD PREVENTION VOLUNTEERS will stand vigilant across the nation. We will be the first and strongest line of defense to ensure that only legal citizens vote on November 2nd."

From American Voice Online. Bogus accusations of "illegal voters" crop up every election, and every election they are proven false. What's truly frightening is that, this year, Arpaio is recruiting an "army" to block people from voting in the name of "fraud prevention."

As would be expected, Fox News is again at the Vanguard on yet another dirty campaign to suppress the vote a minority by having as guests Right Wing Operatives to push this campaign, one of them is Ultra Right Wing Blogger, Michelle Malkin, whose participation in this propaganda channel can be seen in this video, where she declares "'We Are All Voter Fraud Police Now'":

Least be left unsaid, The Latino/Hispanic voters need to be prepared for the MOST LIKELY EVENTUALITY that their
eligibility will be challenged, we need to be civil but strong on the conviction that we have the right to vote, if there is harassment or intimidation, it needs to be reported to the Election Officials present.

OUR VOTE IS OUR VOICE.

In Solidarity

Aurora Grajeda

San Francisco

Respectfully, Mr. President: Thank You! -- ("Obama has not done anything?") CHECK THIS OUT!!!

Updated Nov. 1, 2010 with video "Rachel Maddow On President Obama & Democrats Accomplishments" (More detailed list of accomplishements below)

There are lots and lots of Progressives(?) clamoring "Barack Obama has not done anything", No, I'm not exaggerating, that's what many, many are saying -- while some of them may be parroting Republican Operatives' 'Talking Points", some of these voices are actually Republican Operatives in our midst, including many who infiltrated or sold out in the pro-immigrant rights movement; their goal? Well, not to difficult to figure out, isn't? (By all predictions, the Democrats are going to be crushed tomorrow) Bottom line is, many gullible folk are believing them.

So, after reading "ThisIsMyTime" Post with a list of some of President Obama and Dems' accomplishments in spite of vicious attacks and blatant obstructionism, do you think these voices are telling the truth to us all?

Most of us know someone who is repeating the Right Wing lies, send them this information, ask them to read it and then ask them to repeat what they've been saying.

Millions of us worked very hard to elect President Obama and we accomplished this historic and revolutionary act, take credit for your hard work and foresight, but let's not slip into complacency, the work is far from done, there is so much that needs to be corrected/changed, let's continue with our pledge to work for change, to pressure our Representatives to act, after all, this is the bargain we entered with then Candidate Barack Obama, just to be clear, this is what we agreed on "That we were going to help/make him do it", for,

"WE ARE THE ONES WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR" And,

That "YES, WE CAN - SI SE PUEDE"

Aurora

Obama Will Triumph -- So Will America by Frank Schaeffer

---

by ThisIsMyTime [Daily Kos]
Wed Oct 13, 2010 at 08:56:57 AM PDT

As the battle for control of Congress has tightened and the so called enthusiasm gap is evaporating, we must continue speaking to voter about what Democrats in Congress have accomplished.

If you are a democrat and you have an enthusiasm gap, I am hoping that this could change your lack of enthusiasm.

The facts are in the last 23 months, the following are things that I think are worth keeping scores about what President Obama and the Democratic congress have accomplished that get over looked without an ounce of credit by some who are always disappointed about something.

More below the fold...
ThisIsMyTime's diary :: ::

Crossposted at The People's View

I think it is important to not only speak to voters about the fact we are moving forward together but remind activists to see what they have been resisting.

I don't know about you but I am ready to go and these are the reasons why I have more Enthusiasm than ever:

Health Care Reform:
Coverage can't be denied to children with pre-existing conditions.
Adults up to age 26 can stay on their parents' health plans.
Freepreventive care.
Rescinding coverage is now illegal.
Eliminating lifetime limits on insurance coverage.
Restricting annual limits on insurance coverage.
More options to appeal coverage decisions.
$5 billion in immediate federal support to affordable Coverage for the Uninsured with Pre-existing Conditions.
$10 billion investment in Community Health Centers.
Create immediate access to re-insurance for employer health plans providing coverage for early retirees.
Made an $80 billion deal with the pharmaceutical industry to contribute to cut prescription drug costs for the nation's seniors reduce the size of the "donut hole" in the Medicare (Part D) Drug Benefit.

Economy:
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) has worked. The Economy Has Been Growing - take a look at the graph of GDP growth between 2007 thru 2010.
US auto industry rescue plan -- Detroit making profits again and at least 1 million jobs saved.
Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 that extended Unemployment benefits up to 20 weeks and more.
Provided $14.7 billion in small business loans increasing minority access to capital.
The $26 billion aid to states package preventing large-scale layoffs of teachers and public employees.

Banking and Financial Reform
Signed a sweeping bank-reform bill (the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act)into law
Managed the $700 Billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) that Banks have repaid 75% of TARP funds, bringing the cost down to $89B as of June 2010.
Cuts Salaries For 65 Bailout Executives
Closed offshore tax safe havens, tax credit loopholes on companies that use the tax laws to ship American Jobs oversees. HR 4213.
Signed into law the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act to fight fraud in the use of TARP and recovery funds, and to increase accountability for corporate and mortgage frauds.
Signed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act

VETOED Big Banks' notarization sweetheart deal

Education
Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 that increased the amount of federal Pell Grant awards and enabled the stripping of banks privileges as intermediaries for student loan servicing.
Created the Race to the Top Fund, a $4.35 billion program to reward States that submit the best proposals for change.
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, funded over $100 Billion for reforms to strengthen Elementary and Secondary education, early learning programs, college affordability and improve access to higher education, and to close the achievement gap.

Jobs
The $787 billion economic stimulus package has created or saved nearly 2 million jobs slowing the bleeding
Jobs for Main Street Act (2010)injected $27.5 Billion for Highways, $8.4 Billion for Transit into the country's transportation system to create jobs and spur economic activity.
A $33 Billion Jobs Package that will allow Small businesses to get $5,000 tax credit for new hires.
A $26 billion State Aid Package Jobs Bill saving 300,000 teachers and public workers jobs from unemployment.
The Auto bailout saved 1 million jobs.

Green Energy
Implemented renewable fuels mandate of 36 billion gallons by 2022, four times what we currently consume.
Automakers will be required to meet a fleet-wide average of New Gas Mileage Standards at 35.5 MPH by 2016.
A $60 billion investment in renewable and clean energy.

Housing
$275 billion dollar housing plan - $75 billion dollars to prevent at-risk mortgage debtors already fallen victim to foreclosures and $200 billion to bring about confidence to offer affordable mortgages and to stability the housing market.
Established "Opening Doors" to end the homelessness of 640,000 men, women, and children in the United States in 10 years.
Provided $510 Million for the rehabilitation of Native American housing. ref
Provided $2 billion for Neighborhood Stabilization Program to rehab, resell, or demolish in order to stabilize neighborhoods.
Provided $5 billion for Weatherization Assistance Program for low income families to weatherize 1 million homes per year for the next decade.
Provided grants to encourage states and localities to take the first steps in implementing new building codes that prioritize energy efficiency.

Medicaid/Medicare/Social Security
giving $250 economic stimulus check to 55 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in 2009.
Cutting prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients by 50% and began eliminating the plan's gap ("donut hole") in coverage.
Passing as part of H.R.3962 (Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010) a $6.4 billion measure reversing a 21 percent cut in physician payments that would have started a flood of rejections by some doctors of seniors covered by Medicare.
Expanded eligibility for Medicaid to all individuals under age 65 with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level ($14,400 per year for an individual).

Military Veterans and Families
Implemented a strategic plan to increase the hiring of Veterans and Military spouses throughout the Federal civil service.
Provided for the expenses of families of to be at Dover AFB when fallen soldiers arrive.
Passed the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009 increasing the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans.
Declared the end of the war in Iraqi bringing back nearly 100,000 U.S. troops home to their families.
Donated 250K of Nobel prize money to Fisher House, a group that helps provide housing for families of patients receiving medical care at military and Veterans Affairs medical centers

LBGT
Extended benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees
Signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Instructed HHS to require any hospital receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds (virtually all hospitals) to allow LGBT visitation rights.
Banned job discrimination based on gender identity throughout the Federal government (the nation's largest employer)
Signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act
Extended the Family and Medical Leave Act to cover Gay employees taking unpaid leave to care for their children of same-sex partners
Lifted the HIV Entry Ban.
Implemented HUD Policies that Would Ban Discrimination Based On Gender Identity

Well, there is more but you see we have done a lot. We have the tools to shape the message. We need to move forward together and focus on what we will accomplish forward in the coming years. That is why we have to work hard for the next three weeks to GOTV.

These are my kids at the One Nation March about a week ago. They are fired up as I am. Are you?

Yes indeed, there is more, check out this list:

Accomplishments by the Administration and Congress on LGBT Equality

No one should rest until we have full LGBT equality. But after eight years of Republican disrespect, progress is being made. In its first 20 months, the Obama Administration has...

By Andrew Tobias | Contact DNC treasurer Andrew Tobias is the author of several books, including The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need and The Best Little Boy in the World.

1. Reversed an inexcusable US position by signing the UN Declaration on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
2. Extended benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees in 2009 and, further, in 2010
3. Endorsed the Baldwin-Lieberman bill, The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009, to provide FULL partnership benefits to federal employees
4. Signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act
5. Lifted the HIV Entry Ban effective January 2010
6. Released the first Presidential PRIDE proclamations since 2000
7. Hosted the first LGBT Pride Month Celebration in White House history
8. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Harvey Milk and Billie Jean King, joining past recipients such as Rosa Parks
9. Appointed the first ever transgender DNC member
10. Issued diplomatic passports, and provided other benefits, to the partners of same-sex foreign service employees
11. Committed to ensuring that HUD's core housing programs are open to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
12. Conceived a National Resource Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Elders -- the nation's first ever -- funded by a three-year HHS grant to SAGE
13. Testified in favor of ENDA, the first time any official of any administration has testified in the Senate on ENDA
14. Signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded existing United States federal hate crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability -- the first positive federal LGBT legislation in the nation's history
15. Hired and appointed a record number of qualified LGBT Americans (like these), including more than 20 Senate-confirmed appointments
16. Sworn in Ambassador David Huebner
17. Changed the culture of government everywhere from – among others – HUD and HHS to the Export-Import Bank, the State Department, and the Department of Education

18. Appointed Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, instead of conservatives who would have tilted the Court even further to the right and virtually doomed our rights for a generation. To wit (quoting McCain): "I've said a thousand times on this campaign trail, I've said as often as I can, that I want to find clones of Alito and Roberts. I worked as hard as anybody to get them confirmed. I look you in the eye and tell you I've said a thousand times that I wanted Alito and Roberts. I have told anybody who will listen. I flat-out tell you I will have people as close to Roberts and Alito [as possible]."

19. Named open transgender appointees (the first President ever to do so)

20. Banned job discrimination based on gender identity throughout the Federal government (the nation's largest employer)

21. Emphasized LGBT inclusion in everything from the President's historic NAACP address ("The pain of discrimination is still felt in America. By African American women paid less for doing the same work as colleagues of a different color and a different gender. By Latinos made to feel unwelcome in their own country. By Muslim Americans viewed with suspicion simply because they kneel down to pray to their God. By our gay brothers and sisters, still taunted, still attacked, still denied their rights.") . . . to the first paragraph of his Family Day proclamation ("Whether children are raised by two parents, a single parent, grandparents, a same-sex couple, or a guardian, families encourage us to do our best and enable us to accomplish great things") and his Mothers Day proclamation ("Nurturing families come in many forms, and children may be raised by two parents, a single mother, two mothers, a step-mom, a grandmother, or a guardian. Mother's Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate these extraordinary caretakers") . . . to creating the chance for an adorable 10-year-old at the White House Easter Egg roll to tell ABC World News how cool it is to have two mommies . . . to including the chair of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce along with the Secretary of the Treasury and the President of Goldman Sachs in the small audience for the President's economic address at the New York Stock Exchange . . . to welcoming four gay couples to its first State Dinner
22. Recommitted, in a televised address, to passing ENDA . . . repealing Don't Ask/Don't Tell . . . repealing the so-called Defense of Marriage Act
23. Spoken out against discrimination at the National Prayer Breakfast ("We may disagree about gay marriage, but surely we can agree that it is unconscionable to target gays and lesbians for who they are -- whether it's here in the United States or, as Hillary mentioned, more extremely in odious laws that are being proposed most recently in Uganda.")
24. Dispatched the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to call on the Senate to repeal Don't Ask / Don't Tell, in the meantime dialing back on discharges
25. Launched a website to gather public comment on first-ever federal LGBT housing discrimination study
26. Appointed long-time equality champion Chai Feldblum one of the four Commissioners of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
27. Eliminated the discriminatory Census Bureau policy that kept our relationships from being counted, encouraging couples who consider themselves married to file that way, even if their state of residence does not yet permit legal marriage
28. Produced U.S. Census Bureau PSAs featuring gay, lesbian, and transgender spokespersons.
29. Instructed HHS to require any hospital receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds (virtually all hospitals) to allow LGBT visitation rights.
30. Appointed Retired Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, an early public champion of open service in the military, to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services
31. Required all grant applicants seeking HUD funding to comply with state and local anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBT individuals.
32. Adopted transgender recommendations on the issuance of gender-appropriate passports that will ease barriers to safe travel and that will provide government-issued ID that avoids involuntary "outing" in situations requiring ID, like hiring, where a gender-appropriate driver's license or birth certificate is not available
33. Extended domestic violence protections to LGBT victims
34. Publicly invited shunned MIssissippi high school prom student to the White House
35. Extended the Family and Medical Leave Act to cover employees taking unpaid leave to care for the children of same-sex partners
36. Issued guidance specifically to assist LGBT tenants denied housing on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity
37. Issued a National HIV/AIDS Strategy praised as "long-overdue" by the Task Force, Lambda and others
38. Successfully fought for UN accreditation of IGLHRC (the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission) -- against Republican attempts to block it
39. Convened the first-ever anti-bullying summit to craft a national strategy to reduce bullying in schools.
40. Awarded $13.3 million to the LA Gay & Lesbian Center to create a model program for LGBTQ youth in the foster care system.

The Administration will continue to make steady progress on our issues whether we help strengthen its hand or not. But the stronger it is, the faster that progress will come.