Hillary Clinton Forum

Obama: Trade deals must protect workers, environment

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 22:26:09 EST

Trade deals must protect workers, environment: Obama
By Doug Palmer
Fri Dec 19, 5:10 pm ET
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081219/pl_nm/us_usa_obama_trade

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States will insist on strong protections for workers and the environment in future trade deals, President-elect Barack Obama said on Friday as he introduced his nominee to be chief U.S. trade negotiator.

Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk "will help make sure that any agreement I sign as president protects the rights of all workers, promotes the interests of all Americans, strengthens American businesses, and preserves the planet we all share," Obama said at a news conference in Chicago.

The focus on what Kirk described as a "values-driven" trade agenda is a nod to labor groups who helped elect Obama and have fought many losing battles against trade deals that they believe encourage U.S. companies to move jobs overseas.

Obama has promised one of his first acts as president would be to call the president of Mexico and prime minister of Canada to begin negotiations to "fix NAFTA" by adding stronger labor and environmental provisions.

But Obama's stance could complicate efforts to complete the seven-year-old Doha round of world trade talks if it means the United States will be adding new demands to those already difficult negotiations. ...

Although Kirk is little known in global trade circles, Obama said the 54-year-old lawyer's experience as a big city mayor from 1994 to 2001 prepared him to be U.S. trade representative.

"Ron helped steer one of the largest economies. He's seen the promise of trade, but also its pitfalls, and he knows there is nothing inconsistent about standing up for free trade and standing up for American workers," Obama said. ...

AP: Name by name, Obama's Cabinet taking shape

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 06:08:43 EST

AP: Name by name, Obama's Cabinet taking shape
By The Associated Press
Tue Dec 16, 6:46 pm ET
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081216/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_appointees

Day by day, name by name, President-elect Barack Obama's Cabinet is taking shape, and other top jobs are being filled.

A look at who has made the list and who is being talked about for jobs that are still open:

NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED:

TREASURY SECRETARY:
Timothy Geithner, president of Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

SECRETARY OF STATE:
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.

ATTORNEY GENERAL:
Eric Holder, former deputy attorney general.

DEFENSE SECRETARY:
Robert Gates, holdover from Bush administration.

HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY:
Gov. Janet Napolitano, D-Ariz.

NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER:
Retired Marine Gen. James Jones.

COMMERCE SECRETARY:
Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M.

NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL DIRECTOR:
Lawrence Summers, former treasury secretary.

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET DIRECTOR:
Peter Orszag, director of Congressional Budget Office.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY:
Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D.

VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY:
Retired Gen. Eric K. Shinseki.

HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY:
Shaun Donovan, New York City housing commissioner.

ENERGY SECRETARY,
Steven Chu, director of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

EPA ADMINISTRATOR,
Lisa P. Jackson, former commissioner of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE,
Carol Browner, former EPA administration.

WHITE HOUSE COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CHAIR,
Nancy Sutley, deputy mayor for energy and environment in Los Angeles.

EDUCATION SECRETARY,
Arne Duncan, Chicago schools superintendent.

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[named since this story; moved from below]

INTERIOR SECRETARY
Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo.

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY
Tom Vilsack, former Iowa governor.

Obama press conference, Monday 12-1-08 10:40 am EST

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:25:22 EST

Obama press conference, Monday 12-1-08
10:40 am EST
9:40 am CST
8:40 am MST
7:40 am PST

Rate this post high and plan to watch live TV news coverage... expect Hillary Clinton and others to be named to his national security team.

Mike W
Tulsa+
Who supported Hillary and then Obama for POTUS

Clinton accepts Obama secretary of state offer

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:29:00 EST

BREAKING NEWS:
Clinton accepts Obama secretary of state offer, NYT reports
Reuters
Clinton accepts Obama sec. of state offer: report
9 mins ago [Nov 21st, 2008 at 3:20 pm EST]
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/us_usa_obama_clinton

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – New York Sen. Hillary Clinton has accepted an offer from President-elect Barack Obama to become U.S. secretary of state, the New York Times said on Friday, quoting two Clinton associates.

"She's ready," one of the sources told the newspaper, which said Clinton came to her decision after additional discussions with Obama about the nature of her role as the top U.S. diplomat and his plans for foreign policy.

Democratic Party sources have said Clinton was on track to be nominated, with an official announcement expected after the November 27 Thanksgiving holiday.

Time: The Once and Future Hillary Clinton

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:35:05 EST

Time: The Once and Future Hillary Clinton
Clinton returns to the Senate as a leader of women and the working class.
Time Magazine
Wednesday, Nov. 05, 2008
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1857006,00.html

What becomes now of Hillary Clinton? Will she run again for President? Make a bid for Senate majority leader? Go home to New York and run for governor? Does she covet a job in Barack Obama's Cabinet or maybe an appointment to the Supreme Court? No, no, no and no, come the answers. As she told me recently, "I'm going to be focused, as I always have been, on what we're going to get done. I'm not interested in just enhancing my visibility. I'm interested in standing on the South Lawn of the White House and seeing President Obama signing into law quality, affordable health care for everybody, and voting in a big majority for clean, renewable energy and smarter economic policies. That's what I'm all about, and I'm going to use every tool at my disposal to bring it about."

But it's hard to imagine Hillary Clinton ever playing just a supporting role. She is now both a smaller and a larger figure than when she set out on her first presidential-campaign swing through frigid Iowa nearly two years ago. And that puts her at something of a crossroads. "She's not who she was before she ran, when everyone deferred to her as a former First Lady and a President-in-waiting," says a prominent Democratic strategist. While she didn't achieve the Clinton Restoration, Hillary emerged from that race as the symbol of a movement that has come to represent the hopes and frustrations of millions of working-class Democrats.

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complete copyrighted item at link above

HEY SOUTH DAKOTA....

Vidya — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:45:02 EDT

Protect a woman's right to chose in America!

On that creepy/CRAZY "Focus on Family" website I saw this, and it made my blood curdle.

"COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. �" Pro-life initiative Measure 11 offers South Dakota voters an opportunity to stand in defense of preborn human life during the November election, and carries the endorsement of Focus on the Family Action in conjunction with the South Dakota Family Policy Council.

Both groups are urging South Dakota voters to vote “yes” on Measure 11, which would prohibit abortion except in cases of rape or incest, or when the life or health of the mother is endangered by the continued pregnancy.

“South Dakota continues to be a driving force in efforts to protect women and the preborn from abortion. Focus on the Family Action is pleased to lend its support to this important ballot effort that will result in saving the lives of preborn children,” said Tom Minnery, senior vice president of Government and Public Policy for the organization.

“South Dakotans know the value of human life and the deep threats against it,” South Dakota Family Policy Council President Chris Hupke said. “Our organization pledges to come alongside this historic effort and the state’s voters to help ensure a November victory for Measure 11.”

South Dakota, please say NO, to Pro-life initiative Measure 11!

Focus on the Family is one hellfire and brimstone of an organization, how can anyone worry about Obama, with nuts like that supporting McCain?

Let's break apart from McCain.

Vidya — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:53:34 EDT

The lawmakers who thought No Child Left Behind, (NCLB) was a good idea were elitists who never cared about the underprivileged children who needed more funding for education. Guess who? The Bush administration has done it's level best to promote private education, and ruin public education. Believe me, they have already come dangerously close to their initial goal. They have now left millions of children, nation wide, far, far behind.

Due to the teach to the test model of NCLB, teachers have to assign books that are on the required tests. It is a limitation not without it's educational sacrifice.
Funding is awarded to schools that excel, and schools in need are deprived.

The reward and punishment system adopted as the accepted method of class/school control, destroys character and robs the student of their intrinsic motivation. It is very sad to see our public school systems systematically destroyed because of ruse and manipulative ploy to promote private education for the affluent and remove public education for the needy.

We need to get rid of NCLB, all together. We do not need Bush's destructive legacy lingering on after the White House is Blue. Naturally, I like Obama's plan to pay teachers more, but we care about the kids who are not getting their needs met due to the destructive nature of NCLB.

Schools that test high, get money stay open, schools that need the most money and help, close, where do those students go?

They overcrowd existing schools. The system is a cancer, it cannot be changed or helped. NCLB must be eradicated, like the cancer it is, so that learning can once again be the priority, not testing for money.

McCain says he will keep NCLB but make changes. Obama needs to differ from McCain on this issue to a more progressive degree and take a real stance against this destructive manipulation of America's Public School system.

If Obama promised to remove NCLB and replace it with a more comprehensive and compassionate system of true learning assessment, the American Federation of Teachers would be totally supportive. Obama would also gain more solidarity from other core groups as well, more of the women's vote, more of the working class whose children attend public schools, more of the elderly vote who prioritize education and youth even more their own well being.

Speaking out against NCLB will liberate and bring real change from the bondage Bush has imposed on our public school system with his "No Child Left Behind" ruse. Please write to Obama and ask him to reconsider his thinking on NCLB, and ask him to take a different stance, a much different stance than McCain!

Gas Prices High....Unveiled Car Run's on Water

Jimmy Smith — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:38:40 EDT

A Japanese venture company, Genepax, has unveiled a car on that runs on water. All it requires is a litre of water. In fact, any kind of water to be exact, whether its river, rain, sea water, or even Japanese tea. Its an electric powered car that runs solely on hydrogen dioxide.
"The main characteristic of this car is that no external input is needed. The car will continue to run as long as you have a bottle of water inside for you to add from time to time," said Kiyoshi Hirasawa, Chief Executive Officer of Genepax, after he proudly announced the company's invention.
Once water is poured into the water tank at the back of the car, the newly invented energy generator takes out the hydrogen from the water, releases electrons and finally generates electrical power.
"We highly recommend our system since it does not require you to build up an infrastructure to recharge your batteries, which is usually the case for most electric cars," said Hirasawa, who is hoping to advertise the car in time for the upcoming G8 Summit in Hokkaido, Japan.

How does it feel?

Vidya — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 02:12:53 EDT

I often wonder that about some people like FOS, for example. People who are so judgmental of others to the degree that they feel comfortable calling people names, insulting them, and generally just spewing hate. I mean it can't feel good. Here are my comments to the latest attempt by FOS to slander me on a post, and be insulting. Not the first, probably not the last, but it addresses me on the post, so I am posting the post again, because maybe it will help her see how being judgmental is self destructive.

Like I said, yelling, insulting, calling people bad names, that can't feel good, in fact it is quite unhealthy. I hope she gets the help she needs, becomes accountable and compassionate, instead of continuing to be judgmental and insulting. Best of luck to you FOS.

What makes a democrat...

Vidya — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:23:31 EDT

Democrats are willing to knock heads and work together to find a common denominator for the greater good....................................................... Democrats are willing to help the needy and share their time, energy and assets with those who are less fortunate. ...................................................................... Democrats conserve the earth, the environment, and wildlife............................. Democrats value education for all, knowing that a separatist society of haves and have nots, will only bring us down as a culture............................................. Democrats celebrate the arts and science and are thoughtful and considerate to what an innovative future holds.......................................................................... Democrats are for strengthening the nation as a whole, and not just an elite few..................................................................................................................... Democrats are for compassion, creativity and expression, all things that seem to scare republicans. So if you continue to choose to fight against Obama, you are fighting against these ideals and you are fighting the democrats. You are also fighting against Hillary Clintons wishes. Do not expect anyone to do anything, but ignore you, from here on end. We are too busy to engage in senselessness, you are either with the democrats or against us.____________________________________________THE WHITE HOUSE WILL BE BLUE!

TO ALL HILLARY SUPPORTERS

CJ — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:13:52 EDT

I don't know how many of you will actually read this email because most of the Hillary groups here have been hijacked by Obama supporters or the DNC and so I'm going to try one last time here.

The Last Thing We Need is More Oil Drilling in the U.S.

Vidya — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:54:32 EDT

Let's do everything we can to help people who don't better, understand that, it a nice, polite, but convincing way.When you speak to those who are uncertain, or have doubts about our democratic candidate.....remember... 1. Oil drilling is messed up. It pollutes, kills wildlife, and ruins environment. In addition is not viable, cannot be made available, and is not cost efficient in the long haul. McCain wants to drill like crazy but IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON FROM OIL! 2. SOLAR, BATTERY, AND AERONAUTIC POWER IS THE WAY TO GO. My son who is graduating today,(yea!), will be a physics major and is skipping freshman year, going right into sophomore year at U. of I. from high-school. Do I sound proud? lol. He wants to be an Astrophysicist, he dug this paper up for some research he did on AERONAUTICs at school. We have known about this for a long time, it is the greedy oil tycoons of yesteryear that have been holding us back. We could have been light years ahead by now, had it not been for the republicans. http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19930080915_1993080915.pdf BTW, last week his assignment was to launch a rocket with an egg up 500 ft, and have it land with the egg unbroken, he was the only senior in the project out of 40 to do that....with a little egg parachute...cute. 3. Bring up the abortion thing to people who are pro-choice and unsure about Obama, but please do not bring it up with pro-lifers...they are nuts, and you will not change their minds on Obama with that. 4. Many repos are very disappointed with Bush too, remind them that McCain voted in sinc with Bush %95 percent of the time. How do they expect to feel differently about someone, who in all essence, is the same?

Hillary on CNN Now!

Vidya — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 12:01:48 EDT

Hillary Clinton is announcing her support for the democratic Nominee. If you want to see strength and loyalty in action, tune in to watch her endorsement speech. Thank you Hillary, for all you have done and continue to do, to turn the White House Blue!!!

Did Cheney Break the VP Ceiling?

Vidya — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:19:35 EDT

........ It was never a question for me, to wonder if she should be VP. The answer was no. First, it would be a waste of her I thought, a complete waste. Secondly, it did not appear she or he wanted that to happen.............................. .................... ............Now I reconsider on all accounts. If it helps him win, of course he'll want it. As far as change, good lord, she would change things as much if not more, because she knows how to change, not only that it is needed. So, does it undermine his message of change? No, I do not believe it does, instead it just might provide exactly the right navigation to see their plans through........ .......................................................................................................................... I didn't think she wanted it anyway, and I am still not sure she does, though I think she was being diplomatic in saying she would be open to it. It is the polite thing to do, if he wants her, he knows she will accept. Just like he now knows Edwards will not, knowing that she will, keeps things clear........ ......................................................................................................................... It had also never occurred to me the the VP was anything to write home about, remember Spiro Agnew? Things have changed and if you have someone weak, the office is weak, if you have the iron woman, the office is powerful............................................................................................................. .......... What I do not think would be smart, is to choose another woman, like a substitute. That will not bode well with the women's vote. A female replacement will not be looked upon as anything other than a transparent move of a placating, condescending and pacifying nature............... .......................................................................................................................... Ultimately, his decision will have to appease and attractive the majority of democratic voters, whether it be someone who supported her, or Clinton herself, the decision has different implications than it used to. Whatever he decides, it will take time and consideration, and Hillary will do what ever it takes to help him win, he knows that. What is interesting about this is that the role of VP is apparently what you make it.

omg!

Vidya — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:05:28 EDT

Just realized what I did. Der. Here is a repost. First, I want to thank everyone for helping... This one is from Defenders.... We are trying to tackle this issue from as many angles as we can... Thanks for signing and passing it along.There is one petition, too, I need to dig it up first though.

Ok, here's the other one.

Vidya — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:48:35 EDT

If you have ever been hiking in the red rocks, you know how great it is. My younger son and I went hiking in Nevada last year, into Red rock Canyon. When it's dusk, the temp drops 30 degrees, and then the color hits the most beautiful red against the deep blue sky. Very cool. Please sign. This one is for the wildlife of Utah.

Things are different this election.

Vidya — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:05:59 EDT

Hillary, as a candidate, is the first, who I really was enthused by. For last 5 or 6 election I have been happy to go along with who ever the democratic nominee was, I was with them, no matter who. This is the first time I have felt a candidate was so far superior in every way to the other democratic candidates. IN EVERY WAY. The Obama personality/idol show has been non stop, millions flowing...yet, it is she who won the big states, the swing states and it is she who won the popular vote. More democrats voted for her. We voted for her not him. Running a campaign and running a country are not the same. He is the post turtle of 08. If he does something, anything worthwhile other than be the puppet for the Chicago Machine, then we'll see the toughest dirtiest Chicago Political Machine up against the republicans, maybe they ought to be scared, because in Chicago, they take no prisoners. Obama may just have that chance, thanks to the Machine. Until August thru November, however, he will have to wait and see, just like the rest of us.

Hillarys strengths

Vidya — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:34:31 EDT

Hilary's integrity, intelligence, diplomacy, expertise, and policy making skills will not go to waste. The democrats will see to it that her strengths are used to help our country and the world, just as they should, because no one else could.

United States of America

Jimmy Smith — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:44:52 EDT

That meaning is... For Fifty States. So ADD THE MISSING STATES- DNC! PEOPLE VOTED...AND WILL BE COUNTED. ALL 50 STATES = UNITED.

Mississippi Vote's on May 13,2008

Jimmy Smith — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:36:21 EDT

1st Congressional District in Mississippi...Win for Democratic Party. Thank You ....Mississippi Roll to Blue.