The First Lady gets a big hug from a student during her visit to Orr Elementary School in Washington, Sept 6. She was joined by Olympic sprinter Allyson Felix, second from right, and Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes, right.
More photos and video of the First Lady’s visit to Orr Elementary here
I still cannot get over how stunningly beautiful Mrs. Obama looked at that event! That’s a happy woman right there. The beauty is coming from within.
So, I belong to a few library listservs, and this came into my inbox yesterday:
I don’t know if you heard about the plight of Kentucky Libraries. In case you haven’t, basically the ‘any tax is a bad tax’ organizations started a lawsuit to roll back library funding across most of the state to funding levels from anywhere between 10-30 years ago. In almost all areas this will devastate the state’s libraries. As part of… well… As part of whatever it is that they’re doing in KY to open up a discussion about this, they made this survey to determine the need for libraries most horribly called
ARE PUBLIC LIBRARIES STILL VALID IN THE 21ST CENTURY?
There are some real gems of a question in this survey that show the agenda or ignorance of whoever made it so even if you don’t want to take it, just looking at it will help you see what libraries are up against in KY.
You can bet this survey spurred by the any tax is a bad tax organizations is being passed around those online forums across the country. If you’d like to take it, here it is.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NKYForumLibraries
Granted, I doubt teabaggers read, but lots of conservatives use the library, as I can attest.
I filled out the survey. I live in a small town in Indiana and our library is fairly new and jammed to capacity all the time and offer all kinds of innovative digital resources. It is a cultural center, the local bank sponsors a concert a month, they have televised training, groups meet there, movie nights for teens, programs for children. Probably 20 computers which are almost always full. Online geneological resources, training, geneological room. Craft workshops. I’m handicapped, put my books on hold and they have a techmobile that drives around locations to deliver. It is an absolutely invaluable resource for this community. And it was well-funded for a very small amount out of taxes.
If you talk to someone who says libraries should be defunded ask them if they want to become Amish. Their car, cell phones, TVs, medical care — all of that is because of someone who is educated in libraries, schools and colleges. It’s not magic. And rich kids want jobs that will pay money — lawyers, bankers, etc. If they can’t understand that poor kids can’t afford books, computers and entertainment then they might be more motivated if they realize they won’t be able to get a new car or tv if there is no one to design it. Let alone the healthcare field!
Wait a minute! You guys were supposed to delay the BT, thus giving me time to finish my reading! Some failed team work here! Good thing I decided to check up on you. :roll:
It just means that we have to focus on what is important and keep on working. POTUS doesn’t do anything without thinking it through and I don’t believe for a minute that he just came up with this in 45 minutes walking around. The storm over this will pass and he will make sense to people for humanitarian reasons whether the strike takes place or not. Once again he is cleaning up a Bush mess because of the lying about Iraq. He is continuing his message about WMD. When he was a senator he worked with GOP Sen. Lugar on non-proliferation. When he was campaigning he said he would go after Bin Laden in a foreign country, McCain and Hillary both chided him about it, but he did it and he was right. He has been an incredible Commander-in-Chief.
PF, when it comes down to it, 2014 races are local and state elections and whether we win or lose depends on the quality of the candidates and how much we work to get out the vote. I don’t for one minute believe that this ‘alliance’ is in any way lasting because most Dems are miles apart from TP Libertarians when it comes to social issues and the role of government. Our job right now is to be sure good candidates step up to the plate in 2014. Then we register voters like mad, contribute all the financial support we can and work our tails off to get people to the polls. The BIG issue in the state of PA is the terrible, corrupt, incompetent, wildly unpopular sitting Republican governor, who is owned and operated by the Koch Brother. That’s going to be the biggest get out the vote card we have in 2014, not a foreign policy issues like Syria.
The BIG issue in the state of PA is the terrible, corrupt, incompetent, wildly unpopular sitting Republican governor, who is owned and operated by the Koch Brother. That’s going to be the biggest get out the vote card we have in 2014, not a foreign policy issues like Syria
It reveals hypocrisy and lack of integrity all around. Given what the tea baggers have stood for, what they’ve been up to all these four years, and how little they know about anything - it’s astounding to me that anyone honourable would align themselves with such people.
In my humble opinion, the two are both marginal and pretty irrelevant! They talk loud because the media loves them but they don’t have deep roots to elect any one.
On Syria I have been using the examples of Bosnia and Kosovo for bombing campaigns and deterrence of regimes using mass violence against their own people. These were successful examples of military force used for good that brought negotiated peace. I noted that Sec. Kerry used Kosovo yesterday in a speech.
Great observation, Bill. I think President Obama also used Kossovo in his news conference in Russia. I ask people to pick their choice about Bill Clinton’s actions to deal with a humanitarian crisis: Kossovo or Rwanda?
A beautiful Sat., to my Chips and my TOD family. I hope that all things will be joyful and sweet to all of my TOD family. A smile is a great one to give back to the universe. Then we all can use one of these, even if we have to give ourselves one.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( To My TOD Family)))))))))))))))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))(To My Chips))))))))())))))))))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((()(((To Our Lovely, and Beautiful FLOTUS))))())))))))))))))))))))))))))
()()()((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( To the Best POTUS, Ever!!!)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))()()()
()()()(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((To The Most Positive and Loving VPOTUS))))))))))()()()
Now we can all go out into the universe and spread a little kindness, thoughtfulness, and great goodness from our space. I love you all. We are going to get through all of this, okay. We have the best President leading us. We will keep his back.
Now, I need to get some ingredients to make a nice size banana pudding. See my TOD family soon. I have already washed down the driveway, gave some water to my plants at the front door, sprayed, and rinsed down the garage door. Good to now. (((( Love my Chips and TOD family.HZ
Senior moments, my eye, HZ. You and I are virtually the same age and I still feel like a youngster inside. We’re younger in heart, spirit and body than any generation before us. Of course, this is the speech I try giving my back each day when I wake up and it won’t cooperate.
I would bet those FLOTUS hugs are going to be remembered for a lifetime! And if the families involved get the pictures, they’ll become an unforgettable and intimate part of family history. I’m generally moved by the fact FLOTUS always seems to put her all into her hugs, especially those with children and young people.
I always pray for peace and I appreciate what the Pope is doing. However, Assad is a ruthless murderer and must be stopped from killing his people. We should pray that all nations will come together and stop him! IMHO
I agree. And the Pope isn’t calling out President Obama by name, but asking all people to pray for peace and use consultation and diplomacy around the world, which our President has been doing since day one and will continue doing, no matter what action he calls for in response to the CW use in Syria. From my own personal recollection and analysis (which isn’t worth much), I remember that Reagan, Gorbachev, and Pope John Paul II were named as being instrumental, among others, in the fall of Communism, and this is reminding me of that era. Luckily, Reagan’s not in power and, unfortunately, Putin is no Gorbachev, but I like to think President Obama is drawing strength from these prayers. Can’t hurt.
It’s a big deal for Catholics for the Pope to have called for a worldwide fast and peace vigil, and he’s conducting a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square right now. He is appealing to believers and non-believers alike to work toward peace around the world. He has said, ” I appeal strongly for peace, an appeal which arises from the deep within me … ” and “There are so many conflicts in this world which cause me great suffering and worry, but in these days my heart is deeply wounded in particular by what is happening in Syria and anguished by the dramatic developments which are looming.ďż˝?
Finally, I really like the last part of this, from the Pope’s very inclusionary words: “I make a forceful and urgent call to the entire Catholic Church, and also to every Christian of other confessions, as well as to followers of every religion and to those brothers and sisters who do not believe: peace is a good which overcomes every barrier, because it belongs [to] all of humanity!�?
I agree 100% with the Pope’s prayer and appreciate your lovely words! I am just concerned that prayers may not be enough to combat this evil and more action needs to be taken. Hopefully better hearts will prevail!
Thanks, and, yes, your “prayers may not be enough” is what I believe, too. (My grandmother always used to say, “God helps those who help themselves.”)
I retain the happy Libra thought that even the heavens stand with President Obama, so I’m thinking much that he does will be instrumental in making better hearts prevail! And I’ll keep my Irish rabbit’s foot handy, too (well, if I had one, so that part was figurative).
It sure does. I don’t understand why PBO has to be blamed or associated with anything negative. I sure wish that more emphasis was placed on PBO’s accomplishments.
John ďż˝?@linnyitssn 1h
The awkward moment when a white guy destroys 100.000’s jobs a month and it’s ok, and a black man wins them all back and is bad President.
Retweeted by Jeff Gauvin
http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-77304650/ U.S. saw yearlong rise in chemical weapons use by Syria
Then it would seem that Congress can’t NOW pretend they didn’t know…or that we didn’t have “proof”…..or whatever excuse they want to use. Compare/contrast should be a simple task. If they can’t manage that, they shouldn’t be there making judgement calls
I don’t see it as “pro” or “anti”…I see this as simply pointing out that the situation there has changed over time…as in escalated. If we do nothing, then I think the argument that PBO makes for Assad not being reprimanded for gassing his own people, stands stronger. Nothing happened for the “little” CM murders and he kept upping the anti and getting bolder, gassing more and more of his people. I think this proves PBO’s point.
I was referring to Rogers stating, in sum, that the President should have taken action before this latest incident happened. Just a new Repub talking point!
It’s NOT a new talking point:) As for Rodgers…consider the source. This really boils down to whom do you trust? PBO or the talkers that have spent 5 years DOING NOTHING but obstruct and lie? Do you trust the man that did just about everything he said he would do…and would have been able to do more, were it not for the idiots in Congress? I’ll stick with President Obama. The one that’s earned my trust on matters of real importance.
I trust and believe in PBO 100%! It’s what Rogers was saying that disturbs me as it should !! Yes I am considering the source but it is still being put out there! THAT disturbs me!
You know df, the logic of people who oppose the President on taking military action, in response to Assad’s use of CW, because he did not take action before, totally escapes me. It’s like suggesting that I should not have surgery to repair a torn disk on my back because I didn’t take care of a nagging pain, which has become a totally excruciating and debilitating pain, by going to the doctor sooner.
I find it really sad that some people are more focused on President Obama than they are about all the innocent Syrians that Assad gassed; and the possibility that he will continue to gas them if he is not stopped.
Thank you df. Important article, for sure. It shows how diligent the President has been and how he has wisely recognized that taking action would require support of the American people. To make a compelling case to do so he needed compelling data and a national conversation on the matter. The evidence is now compelling and the conversation is underway … just as it should be in a democracy no matter how messy and unpleasant it is.
@Lawrence #PBO is correct. Assad will continue to ESCALATE gassing his people if he's not stopped http://t.co/oiR7Dc9vo6 cc @VP @Pfeiffer44
I agree, Bob, about the idea of conversation. PBO ALWAYS pushes for dialogue, not blind assent. He welcomed the conversation about NSA surveillance because he believed it was time for this country to rethink the broad powers surrendered to the Executive Branch under the Patriot Act. Snowden provided a lot of sturm and drang to the conversation that the president could have done without, but, in the end, he felt is was healthier for us to talk about it than to simply accede to a growing police state. In the case of surveillance, PBO wants safeguards, not because he distrusts himself, but because he distrusts the kind of presidents that might be elected in the future. Ditto war powers. The president understands that conversations are messy. Once you involve a lot of people-many hostile to yourself-you’re going to get dissonant voices. He knew this. He will do his best to coerce, persuade and educate. He will reach out to the core humanity of the American people. But, in the end, he doesn’t want a lot of compliant people. Citizenship is engagement. We might not agree. But we stay awake, aware and fight for our beliefs. That’s what makes a vibrant society. And in the long, long view, that’s what will preserve our democracy from ossification.
I agree. The President welcomes conversation because when all facts are considered openly, it’s harder for someone to come and hoodwink people later. We didn’t get a fair airing of Bush’s crimes and now some people are comparing honourable President Obama to war criminal Bush. Same story with a lot of Reagan’s crimes and indiscretions (e.g. Iran Contra). You’re so right.
:lol: Proud of you, I am! (typo alert, btw - :grin: )
I not too long ago replied to Carolyn that my own linguistics degree has made very little practical impact in my life, so I can’t really say it’s paid off.
Africa, I’m so glad he’s taking time to relax, I don’t care what anyone thinks. This is the most perfect Saturday I can remember in a long time. It’s sunny, but cool and the annuals are blooming in all their last days of summer glory. We had a wonderful long walk this morning, visited a Farmer’s market and just drank in the beauty of it all. So kudos to the president for breathing in the fresh air and having a life.
Indeed - I don’t know where all these media and folks suffering from Obama Derangement Syndrome will direct their hate in 3 short years, when President Obama is out of their grasp. They seem to live and breathe for the simple act of hating him. And he just persists.
It’s a wonder his unsubscribe feature doesn’t ask for a donation to build a monument to Grayson on the national mall, before the unsubscriber departs!
Wonder what part of un-sub-scribe they aren’t getting!
All these variations of past tenses are because English was at one time a highly inflected language, with multiple conjugations for verbs and multiple declensions for nouns. Every year students ask me why English is so erratic, why there are so many “irregular” verbs, and I give them my shortened lecture on the History of the English language. We now have the remnants of a much more complex, if you can believe it, language.
Then, they ask me why is spelling so difficult, and I tell them basically, it’s because at one time, after 1066, 40% of our language was French, and we still have those descendants today, and also we have a fair amount of German, since we are a Germanic language.
Together we make a list of all the “ough” words, and discuss the different ways those four letters are pronounced. It’s fun. I always have students who are English second language, and they seem to find this helpful.
Just a note: The study of grammar is the study of “ought” The study of linguistics is the study of what is, what was, why, where, how.
True, you won’t make money with it, but we all use language every day and I think it is our most precious gift.
So, I now have a question for TODers: what do you think should be the plural of “you”? It is the only pronoun without a plural, officially. However, linguistically, people in different parts of the country deal with this situation in different ways. What do you think is best?
Americans have been brainwashed to think that public libraries aren’t worth the investment.
Some our most beautiful public spaces are libraries.
My community’s priorities are parks, schools and libraries. Good investment. Lots of beautiful and spacious parks, gorgeous library (in the same complex as the Teen and Senior centers, but well designed so that you can’t see any of the other buildings from whichever one you’re in).
MSM have the responsibility to educate Americans where their tax dollars go. But do they? (resounding no goes here)
US discretionary spending budget (doesn’t include earned benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, which of course are a large chunk of the federal budget):
Anything wrong with the President's discretionary spending for FY 2013? pic.twitter.com/EsmFHCjeKG
As long as we’re talking libraries, Birmingham recently opened its new central library: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Birmingham. And the keynote address was delivered by that brave young woman, Malala Yousafzai:
And this may be my favorite quote about libraries:
“Cutting libraries during a recession is like cutting hospitals during a plague.”
— Eleanor Crumblehulme, library assistant, University of British Columbia
The threads from Jamil Smith on Mike Bloomberg, Mike Viser on John kerry’s education,French skills, and Smartypants,via Dudette, not to mention joke upthread about Bin Laden for me chrystallize the Old White Plutocrat’s dilemma.
It is increasingly true that the USA is multi-colored, multi-cultural, repectful of education, and interested in actual freedom and rights.
The days are growing short for the Mike Bloombergs of this world.
Citizens Union and the spend your billions to buy office worked for Bloomberg but Not for Meg Whitman, Carly Fiorina, Jeff Greene in Boca and so on.
Bloomberg’s idiotic remarks were a gift to New Yorkers. Bill deBlasio can campaign on Bloombergs lies for the next 4 days and increase his margins .
The days when Rove sneered at Kerry’s french agility are also faded into the sunset. How cool it is to have a bi-lingual SOS!
And as for the Salon emo left joined up with the RWTP: they will sink into oblivion together.
Ok, my TOD family, I am back home. I know if my brother was notified of that “way over the top senior moment,” he would have called in the keys to the car and allowed all of the great ingredients for my delicious banana pudding to be overrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr in a New York minute. Keep Sis in the house, neighbors until I can catch a flight out there.
No, I got my ingredients, cooling off in the AC now (it is still very hot out here on the West Coast) and reading some LOL comments. Keep them coming, TOD family.
Now, there is one report that Mark Knoller made that just made me have a ‘Come to the Loud Praise Moment’; I am sooooooooooooooo delighted that our president is playing golf on this lovely day. Great for him. I was hoping that he would do just that. I love our beautiful POTUS. You go on with your brilliant and fineeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee self, Mr. President. And Mrs. First Lady do your thing today as well. Let the heads start exploding.
Banana Pudding for my DF being sent through the universe via “Loving TOD Universal Sweets for Enjoyment.” Our President play a great game of golf, and HZ making a delicious banana pudding on West Coast; now that is some American Sweetness for ya. HZ
Yes, my dear lovely Layla, banana pudding. Soooooooooooooooooooo good. It is a very simple one, but so tasty.
I will put a candle in my office/ sitting room just for you. That is a very quiet and room of many blessings. In fact, POB’s pillow is on the loveseat: “They call me, Mr. President.” He is point that long brilliant finger as he speaks those words. Nicely done. You in that space with your/our wonderful and brilliant president.
Keep your space clear of too much worry; clear of thoughts that will sap your bright energy; and clear of ‘worry words and thoughts.’ Focus on your core goodness of heart, and a clear mind to receive good thoughts full of wisdom for your situations. Then keep still with your thoughts and give thanks and praise back into your space so it can flow throughout the Universe.
(((((((((((((((((((((( Lots of beautiful hugs of good things to come to you in your space, my beautiful one.)))))))))))))))))))))))))))HZ
White House.gov
Hugs right back atcha all!
Hey - gonna be an Irish Lucky Day for me!
Jacqueliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine!!
Happy Caturday!
And a Happy Caturday to you too LL!!
I still cannot get over how stunningly beautiful Mrs. Obama looked at that event! That’s a happy woman right there. The beauty is coming from within.
I think I have a “girl crush” on her! So lovely and vital!
:)
Hello wonderful people!
Helloooooooooooooooooooooo Beth!
So, I belong to a few library listservs, and this came into my inbox yesterday:
Granted, I doubt teabaggers read, but lots of conservatives use the library, as I can attest.
If you have time, please take the survey.
Done
Thanks, LL. Took the survey.
I filled out the survey. I live in a small town in Indiana and our library is fairly new and jammed to capacity all the time and offer all kinds of innovative digital resources. It is a cultural center, the local bank sponsors a concert a month, they have televised training, groups meet there, movie nights for teens, programs for children. Probably 20 computers which are almost always full. Online geneological resources, training, geneological room. Craft workshops. I’m handicapped, put my books on hold and they have a techmobile that drives around locations to deliver. It is an absolutely invaluable resource for this community. And it was well-funded for a very small amount out of taxes.
If you talk to someone who says libraries should be defunded ask them if they want to become Amish. Their car, cell phones, TVs, medical care — all of that is because of someone who is educated in libraries, schools and colleges. It’s not magic. And rich kids want jobs that will pay money — lawyers, bankers, etc. If they can’t understand that poor kids can’t afford books, computers and entertainment then they might be more motivated if they realize they won’t be able to get a new car or tv if there is no one to design it. Let alone the healthcare field!
Done
done
Wait a minute! You guys were supposed to delay the BT, thus giving me time to finish my reading! Some failed team work here! Good thing I decided to check up on you. :roll:
Everywhere she goes, they love her! Yay!
What does this unholy alliance between the TP libertarians and Anti-war Dems mean for 2014
It just means that we have to focus on what is important and keep on working. POTUS doesn’t do anything without thinking it through and I don’t believe for a minute that he just came up with this in 45 minutes walking around. The storm over this will pass and he will make sense to people for humanitarian reasons whether the strike takes place or not. Once again he is cleaning up a Bush mess because of the lying about Iraq. He is continuing his message about WMD. When he was a senator he worked with GOP Sen. Lugar on non-proliferation. When he was campaigning he said he would go after Bin Laden in a foreign country, McCain and Hillary both chided him about it, but he did it and he was right. He has been an incredible Commander-in-Chief.
Smartypants had a good article
http://immasmartypants.blogspot.ie/2013/09/president-obama-and-wmds.html
It just means that we have to focus on what is important and keep on working
PF, when it comes down to it, 2014 races are local and state elections and whether we win or lose depends on the quality of the candidates and how much we work to get out the vote. I don’t for one minute believe that this ‘alliance’ is in any way lasting because most Dems are miles apart from TP Libertarians when it comes to social issues and the role of government. Our job right now is to be sure good candidates step up to the plate in 2014. Then we register voters like mad, contribute all the financial support we can and work our tails off to get people to the polls. The BIG issue in the state of PA is the terrible, corrupt, incompetent, wildly unpopular sitting Republican governor, who is owned and operated by the Koch Brother. That’s going to be the biggest get out the vote card we have in 2014, not a foreign policy issues like Syria.
The BIG issue in the state of PA is the terrible, corrupt, incompetent, wildly unpopular sitting Republican governor, who is owned and operated by the Koch Brother. That’s going to be the biggest get out the vote card we have in 2014, not a foreign policy issues like Syria
It reveals hypocrisy and lack of integrity all around. Given what the tea baggers have stood for, what they’ve been up to all these four years, and how little they know about anything - it’s astounding to me that anyone honourable would align themselves with such people.
In my humble opinion, the two are both marginal and pretty irrelevant! They talk loud because the media loves them but they don’t have deep roots to elect any one.
They don’t have deep roots….hmmmm
On Syria I have been using the examples of Bosnia and Kosovo for bombing campaigns and deterrence of regimes using mass violence against their own people. These were successful examples of military force used for good that brought negotiated peace. I noted that Sec. Kerry used Kosovo yesterday in a speech.
You are right on track, Bill R.
Great observation, Bill. I think President Obama also used Kossovo in his news conference in Russia. I ask people to pick their choice about Bill Clinton’s actions to deal with a humanitarian crisis: Kossovo or Rwanda?
A beautiful Sat., to my Chips and my TOD family. I hope that all things will be joyful and sweet to all of my TOD family. A smile is a great one to give back to the universe. Then we all can use one of these, even if we have to give ourselves one.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( To My TOD Family)))))))))))))))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))(To My Chips))))))))())))))))))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((()(((To Our Lovely, and Beautiful FLOTUS))))())))))))))))))))))))))))))
()()()((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( To the Best POTUS, Ever!!!)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))()()()
()()()(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((To The Most Positive and Loving VPOTUS))))))))))()()()
Now we can all go out into the universe and spread a little kindness, thoughtfulness, and great goodness from our space. I love you all. We are going to get through all of this, okay. We have the best President leading us. We will keep his back.
Now, I need to get some ingredients to make a nice size banana pudding. See my TOD family soon. I have already washed down the driveway, gave some water to my plants at the front door, sprayed, and rinsed down the garage door. Good to now. (((( Love my Chips and TOD family.HZ
Good to go. Senior moments trying to take up residence. Not now, baby. HZ
:) LOL. You are the sweetness of our TOD family. Pass the pudding!
Senior moments, my eye, HZ. You and I are virtually the same age and I still feel like a youngster inside. We’re younger in heart, spirit and body than any generation before us. Of course, this is the speech I try giving my back each day when I wake up and it won’t cooperate.
The troll said it was “Specking” for America, etc. That was enough for me.
Good Morning, you go !!!! I love your “Do not mess with me or waste my time.” (((Love you, J’O. (())HZ
And I love your same attitude, which we all know you have, HZ! Have an excellent Saturday, my dear! Love you back.
:lol: You tweet made me weep, J!!!!
When reason fails ya, go for the jugular!
Ha! And reason is truly failing with that one!
And I grew up in New Jersey; hence, the jugular part!
Yes indeed, JOB! It’s pointless trying to reason with a fool.
I would bet those FLOTUS hugs are going to be remembered for a lifetime! And if the families involved get the pictures, they’ll become an unforgettable and intimate part of family history. I’m generally moved by the fact FLOTUS always seems to put her all into her hugs, especially those with children and young people.
I always pray for peace and I appreciate what the Pope is doing. However, Assad is a ruthless murderer and must be stopped from killing his people. We should pray that all nations will come together and stop him! IMHO
I agree. And the Pope isn’t calling out President Obama by name, but asking all people to pray for peace and use consultation and diplomacy around the world, which our President has been doing since day one and will continue doing, no matter what action he calls for in response to the CW use in Syria. From my own personal recollection and analysis (which isn’t worth much), I remember that Reagan, Gorbachev, and Pope John Paul II were named as being instrumental, among others, in the fall of Communism, and this is reminding me of that era. Luckily, Reagan’s not in power and, unfortunately, Putin is no Gorbachev, but I like to think President Obama is drawing strength from these prayers. Can’t hurt.
It’s a big deal for Catholics for the Pope to have called for a worldwide fast and peace vigil, and he’s conducting a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square right now. He is appealing to believers and non-believers alike to work toward peace around the world. He has said, ” I appeal strongly for peace, an appeal which arises from the deep within me … ” and “There are so many conflicts in this world which cause me great suffering and worry, but in these days my heart is deeply wounded in particular by what is happening in Syria and anguished by the dramatic developments which are looming.ďż˝?
Finally, I really like the last part of this, from the Pope’s very inclusionary words: “I make a forceful and urgent call to the entire Catholic Church, and also to every Christian of other confessions, as well as to followers of every religion and to those brothers and sisters who do not believe: peace is a good which overcomes every barrier, because it belongs [to] all of humanity!�?
I agree 100% with the Pope’s prayer and appreciate your lovely words! I am just concerned that prayers may not be enough to combat this evil and more action needs to be taken. Hopefully better hearts will prevail!
Thanks, and, yes, your “prayers may not be enough” is what I believe, too. (My grandmother always used to say, “God helps those who help themselves.”)
I retain the happy Libra thought that even the heavens stand with President Obama, so I’m thinking much that he does will be instrumental in making better hearts prevail! And I’ll keep my Irish rabbit’s foot handy, too (well, if I had one, so that part was figurative).
“(My grandmother always used to say, “God helps those who help themselves.ďż˝?)
JOB, I think my grandmother listened to the same God and as my grandmother because that’s exactly what she believed in.
It really helps sometimes just to remember their simple gifts to us, probably passed on from their own grandmothers!
PEACE is not just the Absence of War…It is the Presence of JUSTICE!
Indeed!
It always comes back to PBO.
It sure does. I don’t understand why PBO has to be blamed or associated with anything negative. I sure wish that more emphasis was placed on PBO’s accomplishments.
John ďż˝?@linnyitssn 1h
The awkward moment when a white guy destroys 100.000’s jobs a month and it’s ok, and a black man wins them all back and is bad President.
Retweeted by Jeff Gauvin
http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-77304650/ U.S. saw yearlong rise in chemical weapons use by Syria
Then it would seem that Congress can’t NOW pretend they didn’t know…or that we didn’t have “proof”…..or whatever excuse they want to use. Compare/contrast should be a simple task. If they can’t manage that, they shouldn’t be there making judgement calls
Not exactly a pro-Obama article!
I don’t see it as “pro” or “anti”…I see this as simply pointing out that the situation there has changed over time…as in escalated. If we do nothing, then I think the argument that PBO makes for Assad not being reprimanded for gassing his own people, stands stronger. Nothing happened for the “little” CM murders and he kept upping the anti and getting bolder, gassing more and more of his people. I think this proves PBO’s point.
I was referring to Rogers stating, in sum, that the President should have taken action before this latest incident happened. Just a new Repub talking point!
It’s NOT a new talking point:) As for Rodgers…consider the source. This really boils down to whom do you trust? PBO or the talkers that have spent 5 years DOING NOTHING but obstruct and lie? Do you trust the man that did just about everything he said he would do…and would have been able to do more, were it not for the idiots in Congress? I’ll stick with President Obama. The one that’s earned my trust on matters of real importance.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Rogers_(Michigan_politician)
I trust and believe in PBO 100%! It’s what Rogers was saying that disturbs me as it should !! Yes I am considering the source but it is still being put out there! THAT disturbs me!
You know df, the logic of people who oppose the President on taking military action, in response to Assad’s use of CW, because he did not take action before, totally escapes me. It’s like suggesting that I should not have surgery to repair a torn disk on my back because I didn’t take care of a nagging pain, which has become a totally excruciating and debilitating pain, by going to the doctor sooner.
I find it really sad that some people are more focused on President Obama than they are about all the innocent Syrians that Assad gassed; and the possibility that he will continue to gas them if he is not stopped.
Thank you df. Important article, for sure. It shows how diligent the President has been and how he has wisely recognized that taking action would require support of the American people. To make a compelling case to do so he needed compelling data and a national conversation on the matter. The evidence is now compelling and the conversation is underway … just as it should be in a democracy no matter how messy and unpleasant it is.
#TrustBarack
Correct. That was my take on this, too.
I agree, Bob, about the idea of conversation. PBO ALWAYS pushes for dialogue, not blind assent. He welcomed the conversation about NSA surveillance because he believed it was time for this country to rethink the broad powers surrendered to the Executive Branch under the Patriot Act. Snowden provided a lot of sturm and drang to the conversation that the president could have done without, but, in the end, he felt is was healthier for us to talk about it than to simply accede to a growing police state. In the case of surveillance, PBO wants safeguards, not because he distrusts himself, but because he distrusts the kind of presidents that might be elected in the future. Ditto war powers. The president understands that conversations are messy. Once you involve a lot of people-many hostile to yourself-you’re going to get dissonant voices. He knew this. He will do his best to coerce, persuade and educate. He will reach out to the core humanity of the American people. But, in the end, he doesn’t want a lot of compliant people. Citizenship is engagement. We might not agree. But we stay awake, aware and fight for our beliefs. That’s what makes a vibrant society. And in the long, long view, that’s what will preserve our democracy from ossification.
I agree. The President welcomes conversation because when all facts are considered openly, it’s harder for someone to come and hoodwink people later. We didn’t get a fair airing of Bush’s crimes and now some people are comparing honourable President Obama to war criminal Bush. Same story with a lot of Reagan’s crimes and indiscretions (e.g. Iran Contra). You’re so right.
Bob, as always, excellent tweet and a very thoughtful, spot-on, comment.
Good West Coast morning Chipsticks & TOD family.
I “learnt” a lot from our “learned” family members this morning :-)
Perfect grammar!!!!!!!
Moooooooorning GGail, one learns a lot from fellow TODers!!!
A+ - you go girl! :lol:
That degee in English finally paid off - HA!
:lol: Proud of you, I am! (typo alert, btw - :grin: )
I not too long ago replied to Carolyn that my own linguistics degree has made very little practical impact in my life, so I can’t really say it’s paid off.
what typo - that’s my “British version” of degree :lol:
Niiiiice save, though I believe you mean ‘American version’! :grin:
Hey!! foreigners are not allowed to criticize!
Says who? Far-inners contribute a lot to your growing language….daily.
You tell them, GGail! Them foreigners just don’t get it about our “American Exceptionalism.”
Africa, I’m so glad he’s taking time to relax, I don’t care what anyone thinks. This is the most perfect Saturday I can remember in a long time. It’s sunny, but cool and the annuals are blooming in all their last days of summer glory. We had a wonderful long walk this morning, visited a Farmer’s market and just drank in the beauty of it all. So kudos to the president for breathing in the fresh air and having a life.
Indeed - I don’t know where all these media and folks suffering from Obama Derangement Syndrome will direct their hate in 3 short years, when President Obama is out of their grasp. They seem to live and breathe for the simple act of hating him. And he just persists.
Wooot…wooot!!!
Looks as though a few are unsubscribing from acknowledging Grayson’s very existence, and this was funny:
That is priceless, oh good gaaaaaaaaawd!!!
It’s a wonder his unsubscribe feature doesn’t ask for a donation to build a monument to Grayson on the national mall, before the unsubscriber departs!
Wonder what part of un-sub-scribe they aren’t getting!
:lol: Are you sure it doesn’t ask for “a donation to build a monument to Grayson on the national mall”????
Hopefully, a headless statue of him or something!
Perfect!!!!!!
SoS Kerry Live presser in France
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/07/john-kerry-europe_n_3886423.html#comments
http://www.mediaite.com/online/live-stream-john-kerry/
Take a look at this old video, and note some of the similarities re criticism AND PBO’s actions.
My stance on “learnt” / “learned”: I prefer “learnt”, and “slept”, and “wept”. Call me an Anglophile.
Wept, kept, left,
:-)
Learnt smernt. Not a word:) I DO say “aunt” properly though…ants crawl on the ground:)
:grin: Aw, LL, I weeped when I learned you sleeped through the G20 summit. It creeped me out!
Troublemaker!!!! :lol:
Caught! :razz:
All these variations of past tenses are because English was at one time a highly inflected language, with multiple conjugations for verbs and multiple declensions for nouns. Every year students ask me why English is so erratic, why there are so many “irregular” verbs, and I give them my shortened lecture on the History of the English language. We now have the remnants of a much more complex, if you can believe it, language.
Then, they ask me why is spelling so difficult, and I tell them basically, it’s because at one time, after 1066, 40% of our language was French, and we still have those descendants today, and also we have a fair amount of German, since we are a Germanic language.
Together we make a list of all the “ough” words, and discuss the different ways those four letters are pronounced. It’s fun. I always have students who are English second language, and they seem to find this helpful.
Just a note: The study of grammar is the study of “ought” The study of linguistics is the study of what is, what was, why, where, how.
True, you won’t make money with it, but we all use language every day and I think it is our most precious gift.
So, I now have a question for TODers: what do you think should be the plural of “you”? It is the only pronoun without a plural, officially. However, linguistically, people in different parts of the country deal with this situation in different ways. What do you think is best?
Personally, I vote for ‘yous’, “y’all”, ‘youall’ ‘you (pl)’, ‘u-all’ ‘you’, and any or all of the preceding. ;)
I think the plural of “you” is still “you”. Carolyn - I enjoyed your post! I love history and language - and you combined the two in one post.
There you go dissing American exceptionalism! That’s the the trouble with you liberals! You just don’t believe in freedom.
re: LL above.
Americans have been brainwashed to think that public libraries aren’t worth the investment.
Some our most beautiful public spaces are libraries.
My community’s priorities are parks, schools and libraries. Good investment. Lots of beautiful and spacious parks, gorgeous library (in the same complex as the Teen and Senior centers, but well designed so that you can’t see any of the other buildings from whichever one you’re in).
MSM have the responsibility to educate Americans where their tax dollars go. But do they? (resounding no goes here)
US discretionary spending budget (doesn’t include earned benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, which of course are a large chunk of the federal budget):
Bridgette did not pay attention. Social Security (SS) and Medicare (enacted under SS) are entitlements! They are not part of Discretionary Spending.
Wow…..SoS Kerry then spoke French :?: Now wait for the righties ;) Heads exploding and imploding. Yes :!:
Who doesn’t love this library? Libraries are magical!
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/images/0/0b/New_York_Public_Library_exterior.jpg&imgrefurl=http://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/New_York_Public_Library&h=1500&w=2000&sz=1352&tbnid=AKed_ZOmRIJLfM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&zoom=1&usg=__Law2SIBEWMo7kYVxER5MP3VspRI=&docid=MXf5WRWq4OA8ZM&sa=X&ei=i2grUrnnAqroiwLqzoGYBA&ved=0CDAQ9QEwAQ&dur=1724
You’re just looking for a marriage proposal from LL
Nah:) I’m taken. Been married for 32 years. Same guy. He makes me laugh. That, and I have such a damn good sense of humor:)
One of the few things I miss about NYC is that Main Branch. I always make a point of visiting it for a program when I’m in town.
Been there, too. It’s beautiful
Legendary Library! Love it! Must go see it every time I visit NYC!
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!True though!
WORD
Tooooooo funny!
As long as we’re talking libraries, Birmingham recently opened its new central library: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Birmingham. And the keynote address was delivered by that brave young woman, Malala Yousafzai:
And this may be my favorite quote about libraries:
“Cutting libraries during a recession is like cutting hospitals during a plague.”
— Eleanor Crumblehulme, library assistant, University of British Columbia
:-) :-) :-)
I LOVE IT! SWEET! merci’
Oh , this is fabulous, hf. Tres bien, tres bien, Secretaire Kerry.
Remember when his French drove the Republicans crazy (crazier) back during the ’04 election? Love it.
More genius from Smartypants
Thanks Dudette- was just about to post this!! It is a must-read :)
https://twitter.com/Our4thEstate/status/376412080401702912
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=PBO rest and rejuvenation for our President
Tee-hee!
Dudette, sounds like you and ALovelierGirl could be BFFs. She talks like you :-)
Yep! :-D
New post.
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/09/07/michael-jordan-meet-your-competition/
The threads from Jamil Smith on Mike Bloomberg, Mike Viser on John kerry’s education,French skills, and Smartypants,via Dudette, not to mention joke upthread about Bin Laden for me chrystallize the Old White Plutocrat’s dilemma.
It is increasingly true that the USA is multi-colored, multi-cultural, repectful of education, and interested in actual freedom and rights.
The days are growing short for the Mike Bloombergs of this world.
Citizens Union and the spend your billions to buy office worked for Bloomberg but Not for Meg Whitman, Carly Fiorina, Jeff Greene in Boca and so on.
Bloomberg’s idiotic remarks were a gift to New Yorkers. Bill deBlasio can campaign on Bloombergs lies for the next 4 days and increase his margins .
The days when Rove sneered at Kerry’s french agility are also faded into the sunset. How cool it is to have a bi-lingual SOS!
And as for the Salon emo left joined up with the RWTP: they will sink into oblivion together.
Ok, my TOD family, I am back home. I know if my brother was notified of that “way over the top senior moment,” he would have called in the keys to the car and allowed all of the great ingredients for my delicious banana pudding to be overrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr in a New York minute. Keep Sis in the house, neighbors until I can catch a flight out there.
No, I got my ingredients, cooling off in the AC now (it is still very hot out here on the West Coast) and reading some LOL comments. Keep them coming, TOD family.
Now, there is one report that Mark Knoller made that just made me have a ‘Come to the Loud Praise Moment’; I am sooooooooooooooo delighted that our president is playing golf on this lovely day. Great for him. I was hoping that he would do just that. I love our beautiful POTUS. You go on with your brilliant and fineeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee self, Mr. President. And Mrs. First Lady do your thing today as well. Let the heads start exploding.
Banana Pudding for my DF being sent through the universe via “Loving TOD Universal Sweets for Enjoyment.” Our President play a great game of golf, and HZ making a delicious banana pudding on West Coast; now that is some American Sweetness for ya. HZ
Hello my lovely! Banana pudding!!!!! miam miam!!!!! I need a silent prayer today HZ if you can find a moment! TY! Love!
Yes, my dear lovely Layla, banana pudding. Soooooooooooooooooooo good. It is a very simple one, but so tasty.
I will put a candle in my office/ sitting room just for you. That is a very quiet and room of many blessings. In fact, POB’s pillow is on the loveseat: “They call me, Mr. President.” He is point that long brilliant finger as he speaks those words. Nicely done. You in that space with your/our wonderful and brilliant president.
Keep your space clear of too much worry; clear of thoughts that will sap your bright energy; and clear of ‘worry words and thoughts.’ Focus on your core goodness of heart, and a clear mind to receive good thoughts full of wisdom for your situations. Then keep still with your thoughts and give thanks and praise back into your space so it can flow throughout the Universe.
(((((((((((((((((((((( Lots of beautiful hugs of good things to come to you in your space, my beautiful one.)))))))))))))))))))))))))))HZ
Thank you soooo much my angel, I really needed this today! I will do as you recommend! God bless you!