The President and First Lady arrive for the 2013 National Medal of Arts and the National Medal of Humanities Medal ceremony
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Attendees of the Summit of the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders cheer as President Obama announces that the program will be renamed in honor of former South African President Nelson Mandela
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Text of the President’s remarks here
• • •
A Kenyan woman listens to Pres Obama at today's Young African Leaders Initiative town hall in Washington pic.twitter.com/ENRgE3wXx2
— petesouza (@petesouza) July 29, 2025
• • •
President Obama arrives at a town hall during the Summit of the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
• • •
• • •
President Obama shakes hands with Linda Ronstadt after presenting her with the 2013 National Medal of Arts
• • •
Text of the President’s remarks here
• • •
Jeffrey Katzenberg, director and CEO of DreamWorks
Stanley Nelson
Joan Harris
Bill T. Jones
Darlene Clark Hine
Maxine Hong Kingston
Information on the all the recipients here
OK
Vicki!!!!!!! Even though you’re now a Chelsea Girl :roll:
Wait, what, she’s chosen the best team in the world to support? Huzzah!
Very ugly exchanges this morning LL, all I can do is pray that Vicki was hacked:
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/07/28/early-bird-chat-309/#comment-1092780
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/07/28/rise-and-shine-871/#comment-1092884
18 days and counting, miss!
Be afraid!!
:cool:
I had no choice. I was going to wait for NY football with its new star, but Chips pushed me over the edge.
Congrats on 1st, Vicki.
Stunning photo summary of PBO’s day, Chips. Thank you!!
Thank you sooooooo much Bob!!
Thanks, HF.Thank you, Bob.
Congrats vicki on #1 :)
Well, hello there.
Hello, back, LL. Now to read the last entries on the previous thread.
President Obama,with all the weight of the world on his shoulders always finds time to light up the darkness with kindness and generous love.
His leadership and mentoring of emerging political leaders here and around the world will have great ripple effects for decades. Not sure the haters can even imagine it.
Hey Vicki - congratulations! This was a beautiful day. Don’t want to spoil it with an ugly tweet, but Boehner and cronies need to be slammed hard.
TY, Judith
I enjoyed listening to POTUS townhall. The young folks adore him too!
What is it about that man??? :-)
Everything!!!
Fantastic Post.
Inspiring. Brava >-I Lady Chips.
Au :star: for Vicki ;)
Well, I sure feel safer about our borders now.
Bottom line ….
#TrustBarack
Sisters, in Gaza …
BEIT HANOUN, Gaza — This narrow strip of land that used to be called “the Gaza Strip,” already one of the more densely populated places on earth, is growing dramatically smaller. The Israeli military, relentlessly and methodically, is driving people out of the three-kilometer (1.8 mile) buffer zone it says it needs to protect against Hamas rockets and tunnels. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the buffer zone eats up about 44 percent of Gaza’s territory.
What that means on the ground is scenes of extraordinary devastation in places like the Al Shajaya district approaching Gaza’s eastern frontier, and Beit Hanoun in the north. These were crowded neighborhoods less than three weeks ago. Now they have been literally depopulated, the residents joining more than 160,000 internally displaced people in refuges and makeshift shelters. Apartment blocks are fields of rubble, and as I move through this hostile landscape the phrase that keeps ringing in my head is “scorched earth.”…
…“We lost our homes and so now we live in the streets,” said Haels, holding a toddler in her arms who clings to her pastel-patterned hejab. “This war has destroyed me.” She says at least she knew where her home was. Some of her neighbors could not find their homes as they walked down streets made unrecognizable by the wreckage and horrifying by the presence of death.
Rashid al Delo and his 11 children were, like Haels, blocked by Israeli machine-gun fire when they tried to return to their home near the bombed-out Wafa Hospital in Al Shajaya. But despite the dire reality, al Delo, who used to work in Israel but has been unemployed these last 15 years, is determined to salvage his life. “We will rebuild Gaza again and again, despite the force of the Israelis,” he said with confidence as he stood below the Gaza City apartment that belongs to his in-laws and houses, now, 30 members of their extended family….continued
KA-BoooooooooooM…….it is time for Sanctions
Would US….veto such a measure??
exactly. I can’t believe Israel would do this or that the Israeli citizens would allow it.
Annihilation. And no dissenting voices allowed.
Who will speak for the people of palestine. Who will be allowed to hear their voices.
Really, at this point you can’t help but assume that Israelis want to kill as many Palestinians as they can before forced to agree a ceasefire.
One of my favorite Twitter people, Gus_802, is more or less firmly on Israel’s side. He made a comment that Gazans would have more money if Hamas didn’t siphon it off to live the high life.
When the best you can do to rebut charges of mass killing is “Their leaders are corrupt”, you’ve missed the point. I hold no brief for Hamas. But does electing Hamas mean that you have to die? Hamas leaders don’t even live in the Strip; they’re not the ones suffering. They’re not the ones being punished.
This is Genocide….War Crimes are being committed….if the UN calls for sanctions against Israel…would the US veto the measure…but nothing short of economic sanctions is going to stop the murderous rampage of Netanyahu and the Israeli government
North Carolina’s AG just announced he will no longer defend their ban in court.
What a day!
Amazing town hall. Extraordinary Americans awarded medals in the arts and humanities. Especially pleased for Bill T Jones and Linda Ronstadt.
Indeed meta. I’m hoping there will be video footage of the African leaders summit and townhall. Looked like a fantastic gathering. The Medal of Honor recipients are so honored to be in his presence - and he in theirs.
At 85 yrs old had she been alive, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis would have still been younger than Rosaline Carter (1927), Barbara Bush (1925) and Nancy Reagan (1921)……the current Living former FLOTUS’. I didn’t include Laura Bush for Rehnquist made that regime possible.
Josh “The Voice” Earnest at the WH on 7-18-14
With a Guest from National Security Team
Oops
It is time for sanctions against Israel
past time for sanctions. you are right prettyfoot58.
WAY past time for sanctions. you are right prettyfoot58 and nospin.
Agree. But I doubt that will happen soon. Indirect financial action—-closing down airtravel, for example, is more likely.
yes.
Maybe so, but politically will never happen from the U.S. Maybe Europe or Asia.
so we will watch as the Israelis kill every man woman and child…they do not care if it is UN safe house….
Stunning!!!!
Isn’t it COS?! Just gorgeous!
Beautiful indeed!
A gem, GGail!!
Holy Smokes. Just unbeatable.
House GOP scales back border bill in scramble for conservative support
Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/213511-gop-eyes-sept-30-expiration-for-border-bill#ixzz38oJoQ464
I hope the FAA issues another notice regarding stopping flights to/from Israel.
That and boycotts, slowdowns, interruptions of as many things as possible.
Israelis cannot consider this horror they are inflicting to be without consequences to them.
It is not a war. It is a siege. And a prison break.
May he RIP. May his loved ones find peace and healing at this difficult time.
Thanks for videos of the president’s day. He just continues to amaze.
Chips, hope you saw this …
Oh, fantastic response. Thanks Bob!
Most of our generation was
HOME SCHOOLED in many ways.
1. My mother taught me
TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .
“If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside.
I just finished cleaning.”
2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
“You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”
3. My father taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
“If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock
you into the middle of next week!”
4. My father taught me LOGIC.
” Because I said so, that’s why.”
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
“If you fall out of that swing and break your neck,
you’re not going to the store with me.”
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
“Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case
you’re in an accident.”
7. My father taught me IRONY.
“Keep crying,
and I’ll give you something to cry about.”
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .
“Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
“Just you look at that dirt on the back of your neck?”
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
“You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
“This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.”
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
“If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times.
Don’t exaggerate!”
13. My father taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
“I brought you into this world, and I can take you out…”
14. My mother taught me about
BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .
“Stop acting like your father!”
15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
“There are millions of less fortunate children in
this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
“Just wait until we get home.”
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
“You are going to get it from your father
when you get home!”
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes,
they are going to get stuck that way.”
19. My mother taught me ESP.
“Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know
when you are cold?”
20. My father taught me HUMOR.
“When that lawn mower cuts off your toes,
don’t come running to me.”
21. My mother taught me
HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .
“If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”
22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
“You’re just like your father.”
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
“Shut that door behind you.
Do you think you were born in a barn?”
24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
“When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.
25. My father taught me about JUSTICE .
“One day you’ll have kids,
and I hope they turn out just like you !”
This was only for the over 50 crowd because the younger ones would not believe we truly were told these “EXACT” words by our parents.
Sailor, ha! if I close my eyes, I see my mom and dad saying many of those! Then I said them to mine! LOL!!
What goes around,comes around!
https://twitter.com/MaidanOnline/statuses/493909878830665728
http://maidantranslations.com/2014/07/28/dmitry-tymchuks-military-blog-summary-july-28-2014/
In all seriousness, what do you think would happen if this president imposed sanctions on Israel?
Also, do you think the rich ass People who happen to be—- would allow this?
I wonder if Kochs and Trump and addleson and….
It doesn’t have to be President Obama imposing sanctions.
If more Americans understand the truth about Israel enlightened businessman will make good decisions.
I don’t think it’s about imposing sanctions, but I do think we are about to turn a corner on Israel. This violence is intolerable.
There are ways beyond our bureaucrats to cause change. We must push back against this travesty and push back hard. What is happening goes against all humanity and what is decent in the world. Protests is one step, boycotts and other actions will also be another step.
Yes it is Huffpo
Debunking Israel’s 11 Main Myths About Gaza, Hamas and War Crimes
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/mehdi-hasan/gaza-israel_b_5624401.html
John Prescott: Israel’s bombardment of Gaza is a war crime - and it must end
Those who live in Gaza are kept like prisoners behind walls and fences, unable to escape the bombings, and an Israeli economic blockade has forced Palestinians into poverty.
Israel’s Iron Dome defence system easily intercepts missiles launched from Gaza. Three Israeli citizens have died from these primitive rockets, with 32 soldiers killed fighting Hamas.
Compare that to the toll in Gaza. Of the 1,000-plus to die, more than 80 per cent were civilians, mostly women and children.
But who is to say some of the other 20 per cent weren’t innocent too? Israel brands them terrorists but it is acting as judge, jury and executioner in the concentration camp that is Gaza.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/john-prescott-israels-bombardment-gaza-3918413
Great article. This is the word getting out. When huffpo carries the truth………..
Mark Regev loves to brag that israel left gaza and does not occupy Gaza.
This is true only in the sense that the wardens of Sing Sing San Quentin Florence Angola are not occupying their prisons. They go home at night.
Nospin. i was talking about Huffpost piece. Now I’ll read the second one you’ve posted. Big thank yous for both essays.
you are welcome Vicki.
Believe it or not. More post-racial b.s. I think.
On the road again—-trying to get caught up with all the news while on our road trip from Il. to Ct. to spend time with fam—-had the great pleasure of seeing grandson’s great performance in Peter Pan—-got to fly over the audience as Michael Darling in a great production of Peter Pan and win laughs and applause with his winning personality, a star in the making, a very objective review. :) No really. And to spend time with my daughter and son in law and very sweet talented gr. daughter and experience her lovely and moving viola orchestra concert. I love Ct.—-overheard lib conversations all over the place—-a cute grandma lecturing her gr. daughter about the ugliness of individually wrapped cheese while I was watching gr. kids playing a tennis match—-said it was such a waste of energy and horrible for environment——and at pre-play din listening to a nearby table talk about horrible Republicans and what they’ve done to obstruct PBO at every turn. We’re on our way home now—-in Maumee, Oh. for the night (Toledo, home of the great newspaper Toledo Blade), was sad to see the exit today for Newtown/Sandy Hook. Still can’t believe that no sensible gun legislation was possible after that absolute nightmare. Was real happy to get out of the car tonight at motel, long time confined—-and to be at Homewood Suites where beer and wine are “free” on week nights. Back home tomorrow. Carry on everyone. Thanks for caring about all the important stuff.
You made me even MORE homesick for my birth state of CT… so much to miss. Glad you had a great visit with your family…careful on the rest of the way home.
don’t have a dog or cat update like amk, 57andFemale, Linda, etc, but I do have one for the critters I’m raising.
I mentioned on Friday that I noticed a single Monarch caterpillar on a milkweed plant I had purchased two weeks ago. Then I noticed a second one, so added “milkweed” to my Saturday shopping list because they seemed to be eating a lot, and I wanted to have something remaining to attract Monarch butterflies.
Yesterday I noticed that the milkweed I purchased on Saturday had a caterpillar about ready to pupate, but I missed the process because I ran out to get a collapsible laundry hamper from the 99 Cent store (and got the last one). Hoping to see the butterfly emerge, and then release it.
The original two caterpillars that I noticed on Friday night are now enormous. They’re more than twice the size they were on Saturday, and may be ready to pupate themselves soon.
I know many in TODville don’t appreciate pics of creepy crawlers, but am posting a pic of the chrysalis, which is gorgeous. A light lettuce green with sparkling gold flecks.
If you’re interested in the caterpillars, see my Twitter timeline.
It’s so wonderful that you’re doing this:) We’ve done that in the classroom and it’s a special thing to see.
Make sure you have some fennel and dill for the little critters also. I’m so jealous. I have my first swallowtail and first monarch this week. I’ve got plenty of milkweed (if the aphids will leave it alone). So I’m looking forward to seeing nature at its finest.
Bibi is messing with the wrong fella ….
#TrustBarack
New post:
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/07/28/a-tweet-or-two-88/