President Obama speaks about damage done by Hurricane Irene next to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate in the Rose Garden of the White House, August 28
*****
President Barack Obama meets to discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Irene with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, and Chief of Staff Bill Daley in the Oval Office, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Thank you for all you do Chips. I am thankful for the leadership of President Obama and more importantly….contact that I have made to friends in the affected areas.
Power is the thing most needed at this time. I hope trucks are already in NC.
Hi Sue, yes, glad that your friends are doing okay. It is my hope that power is restored soon in those affected states. The President and his team are on top of it. We are truly blessed.
Loved it. The first group President Obama thanked were the “scientists” who gave us the information to move forward on how to prepare for the hurricane.
Take that, Republicans! Scientists!
What a great statement from all three. They just reek of knowledge, compassion and pride of doing the right thing. SO proud of this White House.
Yes. See how they are looking more and more like small minded people each and everyday. You just can’t keep mocking the truths. Well stated jacquelineoboomer. HZ
I Couldn’t get the volume to work on whitehouse.gov. What did he say?
Honey, we have go to find you the video. I’m not good at relaying back. So sorry you missed it. Will look for video.
Thanks Doris I’m sure chips will post the video when she is able.
I’m sure she will.
I’m am so digging Scott Pelley.
Word of caution about Pelley….one of my number 1 “tells” about a reporter is if they use the “Democrat Party” b.s. (instead of the correct DemocratIC Party), and Pelley did that for a while on 60 Minutes until I think he was called on it enough. He had to dial it back a little so his real motivation wouldn’t be exposed too much.
More on that Repub little game and just some of Pelley’s usage here:
http://mediamatters.org/research/200608160005
William F. Buckley publicly refused to use it back in the 50s since he felt it made the Repubs look childish and uneducated. Guess Pelley wasn’t too worried about that though…
Thanks for the feedback on Scott Pelley. I must say that is disappointing for a reporter on 60 Minutes.
Anyway, Tweety gets on my one last nerve and I don’t watch his show any more, but I remember back in February 2009 he called out Darryl Issa about the “Democrat” slur nonsense. Issa is just repulsive. He is spinning his wheels trying to embarrass President Obama as chairman of government oversight. The problem is that if anyone needs to be exposed it’s Issa himself. Media Matters could write a small novel on his shenanigans. The thought of Issa being responsible for government oversight is a joke.
Chris Matthews chides Rep. Issa’s use of “Democrat Party”
I was watching Fox 11 here in Los Angeles (No Country for Old Men) and was about to get up and watch POTUS online, when low and behold, they cut from the movie to show the President speak!!!! Then ole Ed Henry gave his synopsis of what was said. He couldn’t resist giving warning words that “so far” things have gone relatively well, but the flooding could still present a problem”. It just sticks in their craw to give POTUS and his Administration praise. He said, “it’s too early to give a A+ grade” WHAT???!!!!!
Lord I can’t take him. I’ve lost all respect for Ed Henry.
Henry has completely sold his soul, at least the small amount that he hasd left.
He’s gotten so mean spirited and snarky. I’m so sick of the haters. I used to like him. How these people change and FOX will probably push him over the edge if he hasn’t already gone there.
Henry was always a pill on CNN, IMHO. He was always so annoying and unlikable. I always compared him to the kid who sat in the front row in class right in front of the teacher, raised and waved his hand for every answer, thought he knew it all and really did not know much of anything. And he never failed to be a pain in the butt to President Obama, unnecessarily and obviously. He always looked like he would rather kiss a snake than ever give President Obama credit for anything. Never any fair reporting about anything Obama, always critical, sarcastic. Like John King, who remains at CNN, Henry always appeared to me to have “issues”. FOX is where he rightfully belongs.
Perfectly stated, Dotser. Thank you.HZ
Perfect analogy Dotster for Ed Henry. Just perfect.
Amen. I try and give the benefit of the doubt, but he has soured since this Presidency. He changed after 2008.
doster, I am in total agreement re this Ed person…I never liked him and I think a fifth grader could/would meake a better journalist that Ed Henry.
As a memver in good standing (I think) of Princess Cassandra Potty mouth’s court….let me be the first to say, “Ed Henry shut your sorry mouth up!”
AS a member
May I add an extra sorry, Sue? “Ed Henry shut your sorry, sorry mouth up!” Thanks Sue.HZ
Of course HZ, I was going to swear but thought I better behave, it is the Lord’s Day.
I am with you Sue.
I feel the same, Sue. I do not want to knock the door down today becuase, Lord knows some of these people (not my TOD family) are pushing me closer and closer toward that door. But I am steady, Sue. Pray for me.HZ
Very high standing Madame Sue!
WHOA. Check this photo out of the storm approaching NC:
http://twitpic.com/6caimh
Saw that, wasn’t that something. Simply beautiful.
That is an amazing photo. Just breathtaking.
LHM , I didn’t want to think how bad that must have been. I have about nine family households between NC and VA. So far, they are all fine. I would have been extra worried had I seen that photo before now. God’s awesome power is no joke.
EDP4BHO, God did not want you to see it until now. You were given the grace of not worrying anymore than you already had on your plate. But now you see God’s awesome power to give thanks for your beautiful families. I call it my P and P moments in life. I see His Power and then I give Him Praise in whatever my situation will be. I am so grateful that your family members are all fine. I had five family members households in three 4 states. P and P. HZ
I like that HZ. P and P! Power and Praise. You are truly a child of God HZ.
Thank you, you lovely soul. Such beauty and to think PBO gets to receive same from you. More proof that he is deserving of wonderful people supporting him, and those other whatever you call them, may they soon see God’s wrath
Wow, beautiful photo, but I can safely say that from the midwest. I don’t think I would want to see it in person.
I so agree. In a nasty storm it is high wind that terrifies me most. I don’t think I would care to go through one of these.
I need someone to help me understand this. For all those people who do not believe in science and climate change how do they explin the Hurricanes, the Tonardos, etc?
Hurricanes and tornadoes are natural and occur at varying rates, Africa. We had a very light hurricane season last year. It’s really not reasonable to use these storms as indicators for global warming. The real indicator is the loss of ice on the poles and the rising sea levels. Hurricanes dissipate heat and are necessary for the healthy of the oceans and the planet. The big concern is that the increase of fresh water from ice melting will shut down the gulf stream. That happens and we’re all screwed. Climate deniers aren’t rational and cannot be reasoned with. They can’t grasp the very simple science behind what is happening in the pole regions or the oceans. They feel stupid and cover for it. The other deniers are shills for the oil/gas companies who don’t want to lose business if people stop depending on their product.
That photo is AWESOME in every sense of the word!
I feel so fortunate to have literally stumbled upon such a wonderful site where people actually seem to get along and care about each other. I’ll introduce myself in a more appropriate place later – though not much to tell. What lovely people here from the bit I’ve seen so far. Anyway, this is called a shelf cloud and is actually taken from a storm in Kansas a few years ago. It still doesn’t lessen the beauty and powerfulness of nature.
http://tinyurl.com/3hozrcu
Welcome to the neighborhood (borrowing the phrase from the Good Reverand AL) so glad you are joining in the conversation.
These pictures are incredible, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like them with my own eyes.
B’Gosh…there’s an Oshkosh Nebraska..who knew
I now there was a Chief Oshkosh of the Menominee Indian tribe…didn’t know NE had an Oshkosh too. I am so easily entertained 
Thanks for the warm welcome. I sure hope they keep the good Rev on TV, so had to smile at the phrase. Yep, I’m easily entertained as well. Again, what a refreshing site! Be well, Jennifer aka Mimi by the grandkids.
85Mimi, Welcome to our terrific family! Take off your shoes and make yourself comfortable – if you love our president.
Seriously, this is a good place to hang out and share/obtain good political information and we are happy to have you join us.
Welcome 85mimi. You couldn’t have stumbled into a better pro Obama site. Cheers!
The difference in the beliefs for the role of government in the lives of the American people could not be more stark between Democrats and Republicans.
President Barack Obama provides an update on the status of Hurricane Irene on August 28, 2011:
Speaking in the Rose Garden with DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and FEMA Director Craig Fugate, President Obama pledged that FEMA would work with local agencies and communities in the upcoming days to ensure the American people get the help they need. He also made it a point to stress to the states – IF YOU NEED SOMETHING, I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT.
President Ronald Reagan:
- Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.
- The ten most dangerous words in the English language are “Hi, I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.”
Congressman Ron Paul 1 day before Hurricane Irene makes landfall on US mainland:
- FEMA not necessary.
Reagan, he who tripled the national debt.
Oh, what I would give to be able to look at POTUS and say “Yes, Mr. President”. I heard Janet say it yesterday and I got a chill.
Heehee, I’m getting back to my budget. Don’t wanna even imagine how I’d perform in front of PBO. Now, we know he’s only a mortal man, and what he is to us is of our own doing, i.e. adoration and trust, but…..the man is MAGNIFICENT.
This applies to nothing I suppose, but PBO has the most beautiful hands. Just look at his hand on the back of Craig Fugate. Perfect for the piano and guitar. Ahem, sorry, carried away there for a moment.
There are several here that feel the same way. I think his hands are iconic, especially the left hand with his wedding finger. Like his ears, or his profile, I would recognize them anywhere. I also love his handwriting….I’ld love to see what a palmist and a graphologist ‘s analysis of both would reveal.
‘I think his hands are iconic……. I would recognize them anywhere’
This is just weird Sue in M, I had the very same thought about his hands a couple of weeks ago and had a serious talk with myself about hanging on to sanity! (Cough! Cough! Ahem! Ahem!
) I was looking at a picture of his hand in some video or other and thought ‘Hey, I would recognize that hand anywhere’, then backtracked when I said it aloud and realized that it sounded a bit odd. I don’t know Sue in M, are we drinking the same water?
We are on the same wavelength…no doubt. Maybe it is our addictive nature
… I was on the wagon for a total of 8hrs all of which time I was asleep. If I am going to be an addict, I can not think of a better addiction than TOD’s.
I have been fascinated with President Obama’s hands from day one, and his handwriting….don’t show me the palm of his hand or I will be lost in contemplation of the lines on his palms for hours. I suspect there are indicators of greatness there, pretty obvious hunch. I like all that stuff, numerology, graphology, astrology, tarot, meditation….any and everything that helps me in my self-awareness.
Although at my age I should probably have figured myself out by now
I’ld like to reassure you that we are both perfectly sane, despite our PBO addiction, and would suggest that we both have a keen eye for details
Do you talk to yourself out loud sometimes, that’s another thing I sometimes do !
I not only talk to myself out loud at times, I manage a two way conversation all on my own!
PBO has been my only uncontrollable addiction in all my decades on the planet, so I make no apologies to friends or family who deride my obsession. I feel I’m allowed one. 
Ok now I need a hand up……because I am on the floor laughing. And reassured that I am not alone in my quirks.
I am definitely going to borrow your defense , “I feel I’m allowed one.”
I read tarot.
I even rent out for parties.
….everyone has a skill.
That takes great insight…I am impressed. I am amedning your moniker to Princess Cassandra Potty Mouth the Mystical.
Also, I’ld get in line for one of your readings.
I like that!
I am worried to see the deep furrows in PBO’s brow though. He came right back from Martha’s Vineyard into being sure Hurricane Irene did not devastate our Country. That is a major worry for anyone person to shoulder.
Me too, GGail. I have a lovely pillow with a beautiful photo of the President pointing his finger and saying,”They call me, Mr. President.” It is on a sofa that facing the french door of my study. I love that setting.
So HZ confess, do you ‘snuggle’ with the President every now and then?
cute. I know I would.
No, Sue. It is my pillow to remind me to say each morning as I lean over the sofa to open the blinds” “They call me Mr. President.” The main reasons that I got the pillow are: because of the beautiful command of his presence in the photo, and two; I was so tired of people not giving him his due title and the respect when you say those words. It just seems like(still) so many people do not and will never call him, Mr. President. So, I do as much as I want to and try to make up for all of the ugly people each day.HZ
HZ that disturbs me as well……I try always to refer to him as our President for that very reason, although he feels like family to me and my true impulse is to call him Barack. I love the way his sister Maya pronounces it, and the Irish..”O’Leary, O’Reilly, O’hare and O’Hara no one is more Irish than Bar ack Obama.”
I don’t like people to use nicknames in reference to him, but what really bugs me is Mr. Obama…am I wrong to think that is in someway condescending….that’s what it seems like to me. Call him President Barack Obama!
Earlier on I heard that President Obama is supposed to be used the first time he is mentioned then it can be Obama or Mr Obama after that. I DO remember the title being used all the time for previous presidents but know I am certainly sensitive this time around and may not have noticed it before. However, HE is the president currently and when he does not get the title used very much and I hear Governor Palin used for a person that quit her job half way through and is no longer in office referred to as Gov Palin each and every time she is referred to I find that not following their own journalistic rule.
I love this casual hard at work look.
This president seems to love this shirt. I wonder how many does he have hanging in his closet?
This one and that steel blue one. They are his favorites. I like the blue one. I’ll bet he has many. He’s as handsome as ever.
Yes he is a handsome man.
I remember Michelle and the girls mocking him because of his lack of fashion sense.
I love both as well. I am sure Michell, our beautiful went shopping and made sure that he has many. Remember, he once stated that he does not like to shop. I love our beautiful gift in our President of the United States. HZ
bjw2, I smiled when I saw the shirt because I knew it would be a topic here at TOD.
I bet he put out the word to stock his shirt drawer with many. Nothing like comfort when you’re working hard. He looks very, very good every day.
I would like to that the scientists for giving us the information that helped us in the preparation efforts. Really? Really Mr. President, why are you Brain Washing our children with Science. I will join the Home scholars to support Perry come 2012.
I loved him for that too. Put the emphasis where it belongs. It’s science that explains the origin, it’s science that allowed them to prepare. And President Obama made clear the political distinction from those in denial in the Repub Party, including many of those now in the running for POTUS! (mind-boggling) and those who are sane, smart and sensible.
hmmmm—I’m now showing up as anonymous. It’s me dotster. I changed my browser from firefox to google chrome so I could continue to enjoy the multitude of beautiful vids on this site. What am I missing? What else do I need to do to regain my dotsterness?
Just make sure the box where you comment has all the info filled in.
I know Chips will have the video up as soon as it’s available, I too was unable to watch.
mtmarilyn you can watch the video on cspan.org.
You mean you want to join the Home shkulars?
No Debz it’s “Home scholars” and “cooperations” are people. That’s how this tea party guy that’s follows me on Twitter spells his words, And I want to honor his use of the English language by repeating his spellings.
He looks like he got a tan.
OMG, I was just thinking that kay! He looks so durn yummy!!!! Gah!!!!!!
Competence and planning…..what an amazing duo! Let me tell you the people here in Oklahoma were certainly thankful for FEMA after our tornadoes. The FEMA people were on site immediately!
OT…the youth were the ushers this morning at church. One of the teenage boy ushers had on his Obama tee shirt! Didn’t get a chance to tell him I liked it, but a man on the end of the row in front of me did, I know because the boy smiled. This church is a Congregational UCC church in OKC, the oasis for progressive, liberal minded people here. If you ever hear that Dr. Robin Meyers is going to speak in your town, go hear him. He is a phenomenal speaker, and just a wonderful, humble person.
I love our President. If this piece doesn’t inspire you to work your heart out for his re-election well….nothing will.
YES WE CAN…AGAIN!!!
Thanks donna for this video, it is wonderful to watch it again. That is one day none of us will ever experience again. A President like PBO comes along once in a lifetime, and his election was a once in a lifetime event.
Wow…Chips will you make this a separate thread whenever you have the time…? Thx Donna for the video!
NIce vid. Potus gives Flotus a look at about 6:55, 56, that is just wow lol
I am so choked up after watching that…hard cry.
I was really paying attention to the state returns, I did not realize how radically Republican the south is. Yikes. Louisana blows me away….I guess I always assumed it would be more liberal.
Now I also know why McCain is such a frickin’ cry baby, he’s still hurtin’ from the ass whoopin he got
I remember this so vividly! What a once in a lifetime moment!
Halo, most definitely. Must have used an entire box of Kleenex. So sad that reality had to hit so soon. The list of things (from the idiots in Congress to Irene are almost unbelievable.
It doesn’t hurt to revisit this video as it was such a moment of elation for so many of us. I pray we revisit this as a real event in the next election.
OMG, so much joy and pride on that stage. Both families together with the nation. Such a tremendous memory for every single one of us.
Donna, I’m sniffling and crying like it happened this morning. This vid needs to be dusted off and sent out over and over to reawaken the spirit in people who have become jaded from negativity.
Still without power in ct but grateful this president is at the helm
hang in there GC
Spoke with my girlfriend in Marborbough and she is w/o power as well…but they are all fine! Bet power companies from other states are on the way to help out….I remember Hurricane Bob and Gloria…..thanked those out of state angels BIG TIME!
I don’t know how accurate this is but I had to post this just in case it is and PLEASE forget the Daily Kos part and read it since this concerns the President and the upcoming elections
BREAKING: Leaked Rove email singles out Daily Kos
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/08/27/1010778/-BREAKING:-Leaked-Rove-email-singles-out-Daily-Kos
This was a snark.
I think there was a snark tag at the bottom of that diary. But it might as well serve as a for true piece, given the bile spewed on that site.
I read it too….thought some over there should consider it deeply, as if someone was holding a mirror up to them.
I’m assuming it’s a piss-take on the Firebaggers … but there’s probably a lot of truth in it too!
Yes, it’s a not-so subtle dig at the “progressive” wagon, most of whom happen to be convenienly comprised of ex-Republicans who would be just fine with a Romney or Hunstman, but yet claim to have problems with President Obama not being “left” enough.
Hi Fred, as you rest up for tomorrow, know that you will be in our thoughts throughout the day, and we will be sending positive vibes your way. May you ‘feel’ our presence all day as different TOD-ers, at different times, hold you close in mind!
Amen!
Hey guys, first time I’ve been able to check in here from Richmond VA.
Lost power yesterday at around 2pm, and it’s still not back on. Right now I’m in a lovely hotel downtown that’s up and running well. I had withdrawals not being able to connect to the internet
.
Trees down everywhere, and hundreds of thousands (they estimate 70% of Dominion Power customers) in this area are without power. I truly expected it to be back this afternoon, but we decided to go ahead and be comfortable tonight since the temperature climbed up close to 90 degrees today.
Of course, I’m sure the fact that I’m in the odious Eric Can’tor’s district
has nothing to do with the slow response 
.
Counting my blessings: everyone is okay, our belongings are safe, and we have the resources to be comfortable tonight.
Everybody take care, and now I’m going to enjoy going through the posts from the last coupla days. So glad to see our wonderful POTUS in charge. Thanks, Chips and TOD Fam!
Thanks for the update, PoliticalJunkessa. So grateful that you and family are fine. Praises going up. Stay calm and safe. I will continue to pray for the power to work out for all who are affected. Give thanks for this grace. HZ
Glad you are doing good and checking in. Keep us posted this week.
Great news:) Relax and keep us posted
I think they should find out with house is Cantor’s and tell him they’ll turn it on only if he promises to work hard for the people, not corporations….and sign a PLEDGE to that affect!
Sorry “which” house is Cantor’s!
Very glad to hear all is well, PJ! When you have finished catching up,
have a good night’s sleep.
Thanks for checking in PJ! Enjoy your little “away from home” treat. Glad to hear all is well with you and yours.
Tell me please is there anyway for anyone to defeat Eric Cantor in his District?
I hope everyone of you get your power back soon.
Thanks for the memory. It brought tears of joy then and again now.
Just added the video
So wonderful to see that video again. Will never, ever forget that night. And election night 2012 is going to be even better. Spent another day registering voters in Indianapolis and people are fired up!
Oh and may I say that our President was looking soooooooooooo fine in those light slacks. Swaggering like a leader. Ha, love it that he makes the right wing nut jobs’ heads explode.
I love the picture of all of them walking onto the stage. It’s like a movie moment.
Good Evening to Chipsticks also. We thank you so much for all of your continued loving and hard work to keep the TOD family well informed. We love you, Chips, and we pray that you are fine as well. Get rest as well. I love you so much for your caring and sweet but also firm spirit. Thanks so much, Chips. Loving you back,HZ
Iam watching the first lady on BET
Am in tears. Michelle is so inspiring. What a woman
OMG!!! Just saw a glimpse of her!!!!! hehehehehehehehehehe!!!!
Regarding Scott Pelley and CBS…..I’m of the generation who watches the evening news, and I started watching CBS when Pelley took over. Sometimes he misses, but for the most part he brings the news, not hype, not opinion. I like CBS because they bring INTERNATIONAL news, not New York news. Friday evening bothCBS and ABC were only concerned with the possible effect of Irene on New York…..never mind the rest of the country. However, I turned to CBS and Anthony Mason was talking about Libya…..they didn’t overdose on Irene. CBS, I think, is rebuilding their international news division. They usually start with international news, which I like. I also like the world map behind Pelley…..just like Cronkite. Hopefully they will find their way back as a solid news organization. Diane Sawyer is just plain silly.
Amazing photos after Irene.
http://framework.latimes.com/2011/08/28/hurricane-irene-photos/#/0