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The message left by President Obama in the Robben Island guestbook today: pic.twitter.com/0xIxg36sJ4
— TheObamaDiary.com (@TheObamaDiary) July 1, 2025
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Arriving in Cape Town
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Visiting Robben Island - The rock quarry labor camp where Nelson Mandela was forced to work as a prisoner
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The First Lady: Today, our family visited Robben Island for an experience we will never forget. Robben Island is located off the coast of South Africa, and from the 1960s through the 1990s, this Island housed a maximum security prison. Many of the prisoners there – including the guide for our visit, a man named Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada – were activists who worked to bring down Apartheid, the South African government’s policies that discriminated against people of color. Under Apartheid, people of different races were separated in nearly every part of South African society. They were forced to attend separate schools, live in separate neighborhoods, even swim at separate beaches – and in nearly every case, the neighborhoods, schools and other facilities for black people were much worse than the ones for white people.
More here
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… with their tour guide, Ahmed Kathrada, a former prisoner with Nelson Mandela
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A crowd watches as Marine One helicopter, with President Obama aboard, lands at a field prior to his tour of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation Youth Centre in Cape Town
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Text of the President’s remarks here
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Text of the President’s remarks here
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See all posts on the visit to Africa here
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Monday: The President and the First Family will travel to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, where they will be hosted by President Jakaya Kikwete and First Lady Salma Kikwete. The President will participate in a CEO roundtable and will attend a formal state dinner in the evening. The President and the First Family will remain overnight in Tanzania.
First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to participate in a First Ladies Summit hosted by Laura Bush.
Tuesday: The President will attend a meet and greet with U.S. Embassy personnel. He He will then participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the 1998 Embassy Bombing Memorial. Later that morning, the President will witness a “Soccket” Ball demonstration at the Ubungo Plaza - Symbion Power Plant. Following the demonstration, the President will tour the plant and deliver remarks. In the afternoon, the President and the First Family will depart Tanzania en route Washington, DC.
White House.gov
Great
Helloooooooooo UT!
Congrats ut and Layla on 1st-place tie :)
hi
Well, I certainly didn’t expect to be first! :)
Hey Lala, how is everything
Oh, that’s funny-Layla! :)
I had just done an update on the end of the last thread. When I posted it, I saw the new thread. So…………here’s the update: My mother is about the same…….just hanging on. Can’t swallow. It’s like she forgot how. She wakes occasionally and mumbles something. Nurses did give her an enima this afternoon and that helped make her more comfortable and in less pain. When they turned her, that movement caused her stomach to be very painful. The night nurse is wonderful; will keep a close eye on her and call me if needed.
I am headed to the treadmill to relax and relieve some of this tension. Thanks for all your kind words, thoughts and prayers.
I’m not aware of what’s going on with your mom, but hope she gets better soon.
Hey brave girl! Miss you
Hey Layla!
Slept most of the day then spent rest of day reading Twitter. I would engage more but the Wifi here is really bad.
I feel a lack of spring in your step since your last move…hope they are treating you well. Are you doing an adequate amount of physio and OT..Your Mom has left I presume. Are they working on discharge planning..I so wish I could make your difficulties just disappear…but alas..
You are right about my lack of spring in my step. I don’t like this facility. For a few days the PT held me back (like starting from day 1) because she was waiting on papers from the last place. The report was sent but I still don’t feel challenged. OT is actually more challenging than it was at the hospital so that’s a plus.
I’ve talked to my social worker about plans after rehab. Sounds like I have to do most of the planning myself since I’m moving out of state eventually.
Also, the side effects of these drugs are finally catching up with me. Swollen feet, nausea, emotional, etc. have been an issue lately. UGH!
Tnmtngir, I’m sending prayers for peace and comfort for you & your family during this difficult time. Hugs to you all!
tnmtngirl, my prayers of comfort go out to you, your mother and the rest of your family.
Sorry to hear about your mom, tnmtngirl. Hope her pain eases as the night progresses. Peace and comfort to you and your family at this difficult time.
Peace and love to you tnmtngirl, your family and mother. You all are in our prayers.
Just peeked in after all day of doing work around the house…inside AND out in this dreadful heat….to see this. So sorry to hear about your mom. You’re a good daughter…this is now out of your hands. You have good people helping her through. Hugs to you, tnmtngirl. Thinking of you and your mom.
Sorry to hear tnmtngirl. Thoughts and prayers to you and her.
Chipsticks when you return, you come with a BANG!
But it always takes a while-ish, GGail!!
But oh so well worth the wait-ish!
A feast for the eyes, the ears and the soul! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU Chips!
Me pleeeeeeeeasure Dudette, thank you!
Hel-lo!
GB!!!!!!!! Hiya Girlie!!
Duuuddette!!!
Tears squirted out of my eyes on that one.
We can learn a lot from our youngest!
Beautiful, Kasai, and totally true!!!!
Kasai, your words and the picture says it all. Thank you for your beautiful and truthful words.
I must say the DNC put out such a well-done call for donations via e-mail today, that I went back for the first time in a long time and donated to them.
I did too, jb! Netting in volunteers along with money was a nice touch too, but I had to pass on that-can’t even go to the bathroom without the !@$%! walker. I never thought I’d be looking forward to walking with a cane, but I am!
I can understand that! Take care, joan!
$20.14 :)
Ah, a perfect sum Bob!!!
Right on! :lol:
done! excellent amount bob! #FORWARD
Excellent idea! Done!
LOL! Paging Snowald, Assange, Manning, Radack, Observer, Guardian, Old Orange, WaPo…
Toooooooooooooooooooo good!!!! :lol:
Well Sasha and Malia what did you do for the summer? Boy these girls will have a school report to write.
I am so glad they are getting the chance to travel like this with POTUS and FLOTUS.
I just can’t imagine the depth and breadth of emotion for this family on this trip. They’ve done so much.
And Sasha all of a sudden has shot up and nearly catching up to her sister. Beautiful young women!!
Indeed meta. I also sense a certain resolve in PBO’s face & body language that is strengthening as he visits the various sites across the continent.
Funny that I just shared the same thought about the additional sense of determination that I seem to see in PBO. It seems like he is staring and wishing that others shared his sense of urgency about the changes that need to happen
I feel the same way as you do, Hopefruit! The entire family seems to be deeply touched by their experience in Africa.
And they’re not done yet. It’s amazing. Strong, strong family!
Oh, (WO)MANN… How wonderful it this family!
Africa! The continent of the future…
Gato
Well, I retrieved one of our big suitcases from mother’s, almost done with laundry, and have fresh roses on the table. Dinner is next, and the missus is starting to figure out what she needs to pack. And thank the heavens for central air; when I just went out to do my errands, I could barely breathe. Hate to think what it’s like in Vegas or where DF is.
Good job on looking after the missus. She’s going to be under a lot of stress, but knowing you *appreciate* her will make it easier for her.
The annoying this about this weather is the humidity. It’s not that hot where I am (83F at 6 o’clock-ish) but it’s overcast and humid, which makes it feel like it’s difficult to breath. Nice cool breeze where I am right now, though.
It was overcast a couple of hours ago here. Then it cleared, so we have both sun and humidity again. If I want this shit I’ll move back to NYC.
LOL! Throwing shade on NYC…but it’s the truth! LOL :) NYC is humid as hell in the summer.
I grew up in NYC. Much preferred the other 3 seasons to summer.
Greetings TOD family
I have been trying to report in each week about the events for our local OFA. Here is my report and an offer to join us if you would like to get involved.
Monday - I visited a meeting of a local Democratic club in a nearby town. I gave a report on the issues we are working on and the strategies we use. I invited everyone to join us.
Tuesday - we called Darrell Issa’s district and urged voters to call their Congressman and ask him to support Immigration Reform. It really tickled me to call into Issa’s district. Our team feels we are making more of a difference when we call outside our area. Issa has stated in the past that he would suport immigration reform so he was identified as one of 11 Congressman in CA who will be pressured.
Thursday - we met with local groups who are supporting Immigration reform to see how we can partner up in the weeks to come.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We have “hybrid” phone banks. Last Tuesday’s phone bank had 4 folks at my house and 5 folks who called from their own homes. The folks who work from home can make the calls anytime Monday or Tuesday. The calls must be made Tuesday 6pm (PST). If anyone would like to help us call into Bakersfield to pressure Congressman Kevin McCarthy, to support immigration and recruit volunteers for the Bakersfield OFA, send me a note at [email protected]
Fair Warning - if you agree to help, I will shower you with affection, and also suggest you get involved with your local OFA. I also need folks who have made phone calls before, this is not for the “newbie”.
You are an inspiration, Linda! You GET STUFF DONE!!
Given my crazy biz schedule I will unfortunately miss being ‘showered with affection’ because I can’t volunteer. But just know, whenever I have a free moment, some Congresscritter is getting a phone call :)
#FORWARD Together
Thanks for the kind words and for all you do here and on Twitter. I am an avid retweeter of your work. :->
Outstanding coverage this trip as always. Thank you Chips and all the blog tyrants for posting a record number of entries this week!
This is trivial, but I’ve always admired southpaws, who have to operate in a world where everything is built for the right-handed.
How does our President have such impeccably good handwriting and not leave a smudge when he writes as a leftie? It’s definitely a skill of finesse, and I’m impressed by this feat of trivia as much as with his feats of non-trivia (which is just about everything else, LOL).
As in everything else, he represents the rest of us southpaws with grace, humility & distinction! :-D
Another southpaw agrees with you Dudette :D:
And another soouthpaw agrees.
Southpaw or not, and quite apart from the content, I was most impressed that each line across was so straight. I’ve concluded there must have been lines present - it’s the only explanation! :grin:
PBO always writes o straight and nicely - unbelievable
This is one time I’m definitely envious as I can never seem to write in a straight line without line guides..
Absolutely agree. I love his penmanship. I looked it up and the Sharpie he used is made in Tennessee.
My baseball hero is Harmon Killebrew (the baseball player I had on my Twitter pic for a long time). He also had a beautiful signature and would nicely offer advice to other pro baseball players who had sloppy autographs as he felt it was a sign of disrespect to the sport and to the fan to have an autograph that was illegible and sloppy. Of course POTUS didn’t have to have anyone teach him that; so much he instinctively knows because of his good heart. http://www.3monkeysports.com/store/item/7789-harmon-killebrew-autographed-baseball.html
Actually - there was a video a couple of years ago of a child in President Obama’s office asking him this same questions. I think it was one of the “Make a Wish” kids. The President demonstrated his ability to write without smudging - he had a couple of methods - maybe three. I remember he mentioned that he puts either a piece of paper or a napkin under his hand as he writes, to avoid smudging as he moves along the page. I thought it was interesting at the time…
Thank you for this update CHIPS. Looooove the pictures.
A pleasure, Hope44!! Thank you!
Thank you so much, Chips. Loved it all.
Thank you Jacqueline, you’re lovely! It was a beautiful day.
You’re the loveliest!
TOD: Where you can’t wait to see what’s comin’ up next! Wear that proudly, Chips.
Ah, but you forgot this bit Jacqueline:
TOD: Where you can’t wait to see what’s comin’ up next…. but you have no clue-ish when it’s coming.
:cool:
Well, wear that proudly, too! Uh … ish.
What a beautiful message! Thanks Chipsticks for yet another great coverage of the President’s visit to Africa.
Yes We Can
Did you see this from the previous thread?
3 minute video on “Barry” Obama at Occidental.
https://twitter.com/iefap1940/status/351463589908983809
I am so glad to have lived to see two of the most amazing events - which at the time I NEVER thought would happen
- Nelson Mandela was released from prison
- Barack Obama was elected President of the United States
Two amazing steps towards the end of white colonial rule. I was too young to understand the world where Gandhi led the non-violent road to Indian independence - but he started such a trend - using peace - not the army - to overcome injustice.
I feel the same way 99ts! To be absolutely honest I did not believe that I would live to witness these earthshaking events. I had just started High School when Nelson Mandela was sent to prison. I was a middle aged man, with two children, when he was released. The joy I felt on the day he walked out of that prison was indescribable! Although a grown man, I cried tears of Joy. I did the same on November 4, 2008! I especially thought of many friends of mine who were no longer with us, but who had struggled so hard, and for so long, to make these two events happen.
I well remember when Mrs Clinton & Barack Obama were the last 2 in the 2008 democratic race - I almost cried thinking that the US would never elect a woman or a black man - and thus John McCain would be the next President. As time progressed however, I learned of this amazing man & began to have the hope he was spreading far and wide. I am so glad I lived to see the day…
Any comments from TODville on what’s happening in the northeast corner of Africa?
(These were re-tweeted by @joshtpm.)
Whoa! 14 Million!!!
That’s crazy! The entire populations of New York City and Chicago. I’m not sure they know what the plan is though and it seems they are without an opposition leader. They know what they don’t like but haven’t figured out a leader for what they do like. All I have read is that they are planning a work strike until Morsi steps down. It’s going to be a long road but hopefully this one won’t result in all out civil war.
GOPolitico and BBC have both tried to make it about PBO - not sure how much luck they’re having in that area thus far.
Also from the previous thread… I “stole” the picture that Layla posted and tweeted it out.
As Nena and Dudette mentioned, you can see Malia’s resemblance to her Daddy very strongly in this undated pic.
My, what a handsome young man! And yes, Malia looks a lot like him in that pic :)
No doubt a very handsome man, but you can already see the seriousness, strength, and the depth of character in those eyes.
Boom!!!! On the floor again…good thing I just keep my helmemet on now!
Where is Mr. Yardarm with our mats? Chips?
Uncanny.
Don’t think I’ve ever seen that photo before! Glorious.
Chipsticks, um, your translation of POTUS’ note misspelled grateful (you wrote gratefil)
Corrected in updated post which includes graphic!
Dayum, you’re GOOD!
You..you grammar hammer you! lol
thank you everybody for the updates and comments during this African trip.
these events made me so happy and yet very homesick that I had to call home to hear parents and siblings voices.
in a few hours , PBO and the First Family will be breathing the same E. African air as my family. so many emotions going on
{{{{{{{{{{globalcitizenlinda}}}}}}}}}
Let me in on that GGail
{{{{{{{{{{globalcitizenlinda}}}}}}}}}
by all means Dudette
LOL I spit my coffee all over my keyboard!
LMAO! This one up front has to be Chuck Todd. The one in the back is David Nakamura. Jessica Yellin (CNN) is in the middle.
I think you’re spot on, Hopefruit!!!!!
Hmmmm, looks more like Maureen Dowd in the middle.
toooooo funny!!!!
ha ha ha hahahahahaha!
Great pics, chips.
There you are! Had a good rest, I hope - no nightmares, or bites or anything unpleasant.
Does someone usually bite him vc….
Oh no, not to my knowledge, Layla! It’s only that Hopefruit usually admonishes every one who says good night not to let themselves be bitten. :grin:
Heh! Tonight I warned amk to not let David Nakamura bite. Well, from meta’s tweet below, Nakamura did bite - amk probably just wasn’t aware.
Yes, good rest with dreams of Brazil winning the confe-cup.
voila, it happened. Dreams do come true.
Thx for making my day.
Uhm. I’m er.. ahm…happy for you. Never knew you had a connection to Brazil though.
Been to Brazil and Argentina. Flew over chile.
South american football is teh best.
Crikey, they hammered Spain! Felt all sad and weepy, looking at Spain all I could think was …..’no country for old men’. :cry:
That neymar dood is just a stick figure. Exact opposite of rafa.
Still making my mind up on Neymar, just when I’ve concluded that he is, indeed, only a YouTube wonder ….. boom!
Glad to see that David Nakamura didn’t bite.
Hi AMK, I wanted to thank you so much for helping me solve my sound problem. I finally got back to the post by Zizi’s to enjoy the wonderful music she shared. I was also able to listen to the entire POTUS’ Town Hall speech and Q&A.
Just popped into my head to wonder if Trayvon’s family gets ‘royalty’ from the sale of these t-shirts/hoodies etc?
And as soon as I wrote that I wondered if as a parent I’d accept ‘royalties’ from the sale of something that arose from the death of my child. Sometimes it’s hard to know what works or doesn’t.
I’m sure they have legal fees.
I’m sure they do. Do you mean from the sales?
Thank you Chipsticks for the lovely pictures of the First Family. I am proud to say our First Family.
A pleasure Anniebella, thank you, so many gorgeous images to choose from today.
Some comic relief on the Twitterz :)
Huh? I don’t get it.
guess they are using humor to point out the length to which people have now stooped to blame EVERYTHING on PBO
It’s based on a YouTube comedy sketch by JennaMarbles called “Thanks, Obama” that makes fun of the people who blame the President for everything.
Ah! Thanks! :)
OMG, David Nakamura just put out another HIDEOUS tweet. I can’t.
Washington Post has really sank to the lowest level if this is the best the paper could do in choosing a WH correspondent. Clearly David Nakamura’s mission is not to report news about the President’s trip. His mission is to trash President Obama. The poor fool doesn’t even know that when the history books are written he won’t even merit a mention in the footnotes.
This is what happens when Paul Ryan inhales some Mary Jane.
WTF?!?!?
Proving that all GOPers have lost their marbles.
This picture of Lyin’ goes right along with those “weight-lifting” photos. What a complete and total fool
Do fish gag…
While I have enjoy these trips to Ireland, Germany, and now Africa. I am looking forward to a vacation for the Obama family. Some relaxing time for them to do nothing, but chill.
Chips, just finished looking at every detail in those pictures and videos!!!!! You truly are something very special!!! Thank you!
Ah, thank you Layla, today was easy, endless stunning images!
Wooooot
Box of rocks here.
zing. LOL.
what is the over / under that morsi is out soon?
Comment I just read on another site: “Corporations are not people. Otherwise Texas would have executed one by now.”
Yikes, we need a new post - gimme a minute-ish.
Sending prayers up for your mom and you, tnmtngirl and to you GB.
And, in the category of bad news from Arizona:
This is the only article I could find about this terrible news. Yarnell is southeast of Prescott.
“Yarnell is a small town in Arizona with about 645 people. A bad fire is approaching the Yarnell Hill area with 400 firefighters sent to battle it. 20 fire fighters were unaccounted for. Those 20 firefighters have since been found, but they are surrounded by fire. Temperatures in this region of the country have been around 120F this weekend.”
http://www.fireandreamitchell.com/2013/06/30/yarnell-hill-fire-in-arizona-20-firefighters-unaccounted-for/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=yarnell-hill-fire-in-arizona-20-firefighters-unaccounted-for
Can you imagine navigating in 120F heat with all the heavy gear in mountainous terrain?
That’s what we ask of firefighters in the west, and oh hell, while we’re at it, why don’t we refuse health insurance to these “seasonal” employees? I think everyone who lives in a western state would be willing to chip in to cover these tremendously brave and strong public servants.
I really need Don to do a little more drinking tonight, and then come here to let us know what PBO is thinking about David Nakamura…
Answer: he doesn’t.
I don’t know what POTUS thinks of this simple minded, propagandist idiot. But I know exactly what I think of him. As far as I am concerned, David Nakamura is another below average journalist who belongs on the pages of National Inquirer and not on the pages of a once respectable paper, like the Washington Post.
New post.
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/06/30/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words-2/
Nearly ready, just converting times. Gulp. :???:
Strike that, UT has posted!
that photo of PBO (in a suit standing alone at the podium and pondering what he is saying to the people at the University in Cape Town) is so arresting. I keep returning to it.
PBO seems to be determined about what he is communicating and yet appears vulnerable at the same time.