Week 12 Print

OBAMA'S INCOME TAX PROPOSAL LOOKS PROMISING FOR AMERICANS

"We start from the simple premise that we should reduce the tax burden on working people, while helping Americans go to college, own a home, raise a family, start a business and save for retirement," he said. "Those goals are the foundation of the American dream, and they are the focus of my tax policy."

The vast majority of U.S. workers will benefit from the tax cuts included in the $787-billion economic stimulus signed into law this year, according to the White House. That relief started with modest payroll tax cuts on April 1 and includes $400 income-tax credits for individuals and $800 credits for families this year.

These breaks will offer relief for 120-million families, the president said, putting "$120 billion directly into their pockets, and it includes the most American workers ever to get a tax cut."


The administration also has advanced a $2,500 annual tax credit for college tuition that Obama said would help more Americans "get the education they need to succeed in a global economy."

http://articles.latimes.com/2009/04/16/news/na-obama-taxes16?s=lat&n=o&rd=topics.latimes.com&sessid=d991a45e48fdd7071c86f61b725cbddecacc3606&uuid=d991a45e48fdd7071c86f61b725cbddecacc3606&pgtp=article&eagi=&cat=finance+%26+insurance&pe_id=6675912&page_type=article&exci=2009%7C04%7C16%7Cnews%7Cna-obama-taxes16&pg=1


Link LA Times Article


PRESIDENT OBAMA IS GOING to Mexico TODAY TO COUNTER ISSUES SUCH AS drug violence and immigration reform.

Mexico needs assistance with combating powerful drug-trafficking organizations,immigration reform and trade issues.

The Obama administration has promised to put more agents along the border, step up southbound inspections, accelerate release of portions of the $1.4 billion in aid allotted under the so-called Merida Initiative and reexamine domestic drug-use policies.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mexico-obama16-2009apr16,0,6875682.story

TAX PROTESTORS

In Ventura, more than 1,000 people gathered to vent wide-ranging concerns, from over-taxation and government spending to condemnation of a recent Homeland Security report tracking a rise in violence among right-wing groups.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/tax-protests/

OBAMA GETS NEW DOG "BO"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YAVP7JseLQ

President Obama's first White House Easter Egg Roll

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGMtcrooU0s&feature=channel


President Barack Obama is popular in Latin America, unlike George W. Bush, but he faces opposition over U.S. policies on Cuba and assault weapons.

The U.S. wants to cooperate with other nations on easing the economic crisis, curbing global warming and keeping people safe, Obama administration officials said.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-obama-trip16-2009apr16,0,243893.story

Week 12 Entertainment

This week in the entertainment news circle there have been two words on everyone's lips: Bo Bama. The dog was promised during the Presidential Campaign to Barack Obama's girls, Sasha and Malia, and has finally arrived in Washington.


http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=223911&title=road-to-the-
doghouse-bo-obama


Next in our news for this week is the heroic rescue of an American cargo ship captian captured by pirates.

Heroic rescue
Pirate should face American justice
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009
ARTICLE OPTIONS
A A A

American negotiators did the right things throughout the five-day high-seas drama that culminated with the successful rescue of an American cargo ship captain held by pirates off the coast of Africa.

Officials tried negotiating with the four pirates for the release of Capt. Richard Phillips, whom they had held aboard a lifeboat since Wednesday. But when his life was placed in imminent danger, three Navy SEALs aboard the USS Bainbridge were given the go-ahead to shoot the pirates who were still aboard the lifeboat.

Firing at night from the stern of a ship rolling at sea, the snipers killed the pirates. The fourth, who was not aboard the lifeboat then, is in American custody.

There were many heroes throughout the ordeal, beginning with Capt. Phillips. He put his life on the line when he offered himself as hostage to the save the rest of the crew of the Maersk Alabama when it was boarded by pirates on Wednesday.
http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090414/OPINION01/304149961


http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=223909&title=the-buc-stops-here


Last topic of discussion. . . some Americans, who are unhappy with paying taxes, joined forces with like-minded citizens to create a modern day Boston Tea Party. Unfortunately for them, their neglect to plan ahead left them permit-less and stuck with thousands of tea bags.

www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/224723/april-15-2009/tax-atax

Week 12 - Online

First online news for this week is Barack Obama's second big trip abroad since becoming United States president.

President Barack Obama arrives in Mexico on Thursday to show support for the Mexican government's efforts to fight a devastating drug war and boost security along the U.S. border.

White House officials played up the symbolism of the stop in Mexico, which is struggling to contain unprecedented criminal violence and combat a drugs war that is spilling over into the United States.

the White House's National Security Council, said Obama's visit underscored U.S. support for its southern neighbor at the highest levels.

The Obama administration is tightening the U.S.-Mexico border to prevent trafficking of U.S. guns to Mexican cartels and is hoping to send Black Hawk helicopters to help Calderon defeat well-armed drug gangs that killed thousands last year.

Obama hopes to improve relations with Mexico and other Latin American countries during his trip after a deterioration in relations that his advisers blame on Republican former President George W. Bush.

He will also discuss energy and the economy with President Felipe Calderon in Mexico City before the Summit of the Americas on Friday.

Obama is expected to pledge to listen during the summit with hemispheric leaders as he tries to establish a cooperative new relationship with Latin America, but the issue of Cuba is likely to test that quest for stronger ties. On Monday Obama lifted limits on family travel and money transfers to Cuba and let U.S. telecommunications firms start providing service for Cubans.

President Obama Prepares for Mexico Trip & Hemispheric Summit
Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No22sNc3cC8


Next online online news is Barack Obama's 2008 Salary.

Barack and Michelle Obama released their 2008 tax returns.
The couple earned $2.7 million last year, which White House says mostly came from the sales of the president's books, Dreams From My Father and other books.

the U.S. median household income is about $50,000. it was far more than that, and it was far less than the $4.2 million the Obamas made in 2007.

They paid more than $855,000 in federal income taxes, and more than $77,000 in Illinois state income taxes. They were set to receive a $26,000 refund, but instead applied the amount to their 2009 income taxes.

The couple also donated $172,050 to 37 charities, including $25,000 each to CARE, which fights global warming, and the United Negro College Fund.

The White House also released Vice President Joe Biden's tax returns. Biden and his wife, Jill, earned less than $270,000 last year, and they donated $1,800 to charity.

Obamas file Taxs.
AP:http://video.ap.org/?t=By%20Section/U.S.&p=&f=AP&g=0415dv_obama_taxes

Week 9 - Radio

Unless you do a lot a driving you probably don’t rely on the radio much for your news. The prevalence of video-driven news content on television and the internet is probably more enticing for most of us when we want to keep informed.

But with the iPod phenomenon in full effect there are more choices than ever for audio news in the form of podcasts. Most are available for free and have relatively few commercial interruptions.

So without completely turning this post into a podcast endorsement, here now are a few of this week’s radio/podcast news stories about President Obama.

NPR and KCRW

Santa Monica based KCRW is our local radio source for NPR news and political commentary. Here are a few recently aired stories.

NPR: Story of the Day Podcast - Link

This story details the growing frustration that Americans are experiencing with the poor state of the economy. Some are frustrated with the Obama administration for failing to spark a major economic turnaround, others say he’s been in office for less than three months and to give him time. Obama reminds citizens that the turnaround process will take years and possible multiple attempts at different solutions. We need to be patient and turn our frustration into constructive energy.

To the Point - Link

The Obama administration’s delicate balance with Mexico. Tensions are growing over the increasing drug-related violence taking place in Mexico. Fears that violence is spinning out of control in Mexico and will spill over into the U.S. if actions are not taken. Over 7000 related deaths have occurred in the past 16 months.

Which Way L.A.? - Link

Here, Which Way L.A.? covers President Obama’s recent town hall style appearance in Los Angeles. While republicans on Capital Hill make up some of Mr. Obama’s most fierce critics, republican Governor Schwarzenegger appeared as one of his biggest supporters. Schwarzenegger said Obama’s stimulus plan will bring $51 billion to California. The mood of the meeting was more like a campaign event rather than a town hall meeting. People were ecstatic about meeting and talking to the President.

Television Podcasts

Meet the Press - Link

NBC’s weekly Sunday news television program is available in podcast form. This week they discussed the public outrage following the AIG bonuses and Gov. Schwarzenegger talks of collaborating with President Obama about retooling government infrastructure. Also covers the nation’s supposed frustration with Obama’s reform plans. The mood of the program is quite clear from the style of the intro, the music is dramatic and the announcer sounds frantic. Is the end near!?

NewsHour with Jim Lehrer - Link

PBS news program NewsHour’s style is almost the polar opposite of Meet the Press. A very calm and collected take on the news. This podcast covers how Obama is lobbying for democratic support of his budget plan while party leaders are seeking changes to it. Obama administration claims it will cut the deficit in half in five years, critics say it will lead us further into the red.

Is radio dead?

While some may think the radio platform is boring compared to video-driven news, it can be quite powerful in the right reporters hands. Just listen to the powerful imagery Edward R. Murrow provides in his historic report of the bombing of Trafalgar Square in London. - Link

Week 8 Print

March 19, 2009 -As Federal Reserves declared today that in order to boost up economy, it would buy $300 billion of long-term U.S. Treasury securities in the next six months and a hundred million dollars more in mortgage backed securities. The rate for credit worthy mortgage customers fell to 4.75% today, and the value of U.S. currency continued to reach the floor.
Federal Reserves Chairman, Ben Bernanke hope this move will push down long-term borrowing rates benchmarked to treasury bonds, but can also backfire and fuel fear that the Feds, by using their power to print money to help government's finances are kindling inflation, according to Wall Street Journal.

Some top employees of American International Group Inc (AIG) have agreed to pay back some the retention bonuses (amounting $165 million)they received, due to public outrage. Lawmakers of from both parties questioned Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner did not do more to derail the bonuses and two Republicans called him to resign. However, President Obama expressed his confidence in Geithner. "He is making all the right moves in playing a bad hand." The president took the ultimate responsibility saying, "I am the president, I'll take responsibility. The buck stops with me."
Surprisingly, some to the biggest critics were those who received the most campaign contributions from AIG, including President Obama ($104,332), Senate Banking Chairman Christopher Dodd (103,900).
Among Republicans, former President George W. Bush received the most from AIG in the amount of $200,000.

March 20, 2009 -House passed a bill that would impose a 90% surtax on bonuses paid this year to executives of Wall Street firms getting more than $5 billion in bailout.
A 90% surcharge on bonuses on top of other income taxes will be imposed on those who received bonuses after Dec.31, 2008 and those who make $250,000 or more in gross income.

President Barack Obama appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and discussed current AIG and financial crisis on Wall Street. "...it took us a while to get into this mess, and it will take us a while to get out. [The American people] will give us time," said the president. President Obama is the first president to appear on a late night show, according to NBC.

March 23, 2009 - Two Obama cabinet members will be working at home and abroad to alleviate concerns regarding the drug wars along the Mexican borders. Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolian will address the crisis for the first time on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton will visit Mexico the same day. The Obama administration has expressed constant support of Mexican President, Felipe Calderon's crackdown on drug lords who are warring the nation and fighting over territory to sell drugs and export them into the U.S.

March 24, 2009 -President Obama tried to ease tension and woes to Wall Street after weeks of outrage and criticism. The Obama administration is trying to work with top bankers on Walls Street on a bailout plan which will rely on public-private investments to soak up toxic assets.

March 25, 2009 - President Barack Obama held a press conference last night and did not shy away from answering questions and did not hold back on delivering his message. The president used prime-time news conference to defend his $3.6 trillion budget plan and tax proposals, one day before the plan begins to move in Congress. He pressed for renewable-energy development, education and health-insurance renovation for when the economy is healed. He called for new authorities to cease and dismantle non-bank financial institutions such as AIG. When questioned about his economic plans President Obama was firm on his stance. "The alternative is to stand pat, and to simply say we are just going to not invest in health care; we're not going to take on energy, we'll wait until the next time that gas gets to $4 a gallon; we will not improve our schools, and we'll allow China or India or other countries to lap our young people in terms of their performance," he said. The president does not have a detailed plan as how to bring down the deficit, however he said the key will be controlling health-care costs. President Obama's spending plan is under attack by many Republicans as well as some Democrat leaders. Many are attacking the president's proposal to limit charitable deductions. "I'm assuming that [the deduction] shouldn't be the determining factor in as to whether you're giving that hundred dollars to the homeless shelter down the street," said the president. When the president was asked why he took so long to react to the AIG retention bonuses, the president snapped, "because I like to know what I am talking about." President Obama also expressed his optimism between the Israel and Palestinian state and insisted on persistence.

March 26, 2009 -President Obama holds the first ever virtual web-hall meeting. President Obama discussed healthcare, education reform and discussed ways to create jobs for Americans. "No dream is beyond our reach."

Sources
Los Angeles Times http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2009/03/obama-stocks-us.html
New York Times http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/people/o/barack_obama/index.html
The Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123808005152848441.html

Week 9 - Television

Last week President Obama made a trip to Southern California and of course the media had lots of reactions to it. Here are some clips…

This is a news piece highlighting President Obama’s reaction to some struggling high school students in Pomona, CA

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Also, some reaction to President Obama’s college basketball predictions
http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=videolandingpage&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=3868968&referralPlaylistId=cdf6b55bc33febfa6b639972645aa7895d35e3d1


Here’s some commentary from Fox News Channel, Glenn Beck on President Obama’s appearance on the Tonight Show



With President Obamas 3.6 trillion dollar budget being debated in Congress, President Obama holds his second primetime news conference. He mentions “out years” in this clip which refers to the years after the recession.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7165877

And here’s Bill O’Reilly’s take on the press conference…

http://www.foxnews.com/oreilly/

Michelle Obama was also in the news…


Watch CBS Videos Online

Fox News first 100 days

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/index.html

Week 9 Entertainment

President Obama didn’t look burdened by his office on “The Tonight Show” on Thursday; he seemed detached.

As he described the problems of American International Group and the credit crisis to Jay Leno, Mr. Obama behaved less like a beleaguered president than the head of a peacekeeping mission in Bosnia reporting back to the main office -- concerned and engaged, but intent on maintaining his professional distance and neutrality.

At times, he may have seem a little too removed. When he described the plight of Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner ( “He understands that he’s on the hot seat, but I actually think that he is taking the right steps”) Mr. Leno jumped in and said teasingly, “Now, see, I love that it’s all his problem.” Mr. Obama tensed up and tried to correct himself, and it took him several beats to surrender to the joke and laugh along with the audience.

But overall Mr. Obama, the first sitting president to be a guest on “The Tonight Show,” delivered a familiarly smooth, winning performance in an unfamiliar setting – a fireside chat for the flat screen age.


http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/video/clips/president-obama-full-interview-319/1067541/


Stephen Colbert does a rap battle against GOP leader Michael Steele

http://www.comedycentral.com/colbertreport/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=222211

John Stewart grills Dick Cheney

http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=220585

The Obama song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-yJBsjatW0