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
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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