Wednesday, February 25, 2009

President Obama's Address to a Joint Session of Congress

Listening to the President's speech last night reinforced my conviction that American voters selected the right leader for the times. It left me hopeful and determined to do what I can to help the country meet its challenges.

The full text of President Obama's speech can be found here. One of my favorite commentaries on the speech is this one by Steve Benen at The Washington Monthly blog.

In my opinion, the Republican response by Louisiana Governor Bobbie Jindal fell flat - no new ideas, same old "government bad, taxes bad" rhetoric.

I was inspired by the words the President used to conclude his address to the joint session of Congress:

We are not quitters.

...(E)ven in the most trying times, amid the most difficult circumstances, there is a generosity, a resilience, a decency, and a determination that perseveres; a willingness to take responsibility for our future and for posterity.

....I know that we haven't agreed on every issue thus far, and there are surely times in the future when we will part ways. But I also know that every American who is sitting here tonight loves this country and wants it to succeed. That must be the starting point for every debate we have in the coming months, and where we return after those debates are done. That is the foundation on which the American people expect us to build common ground.

And if we do - if we come together and lift this nation from the depths of this crisis; if we put our people back to work and restart the engine of our prosperity; if we confront without fear the challenges of our time and summon that enduring spirit of an America that does not quit, then someday years from now our children can tell their children that this was the time when we performed, in the words that are carved into this very chamber, "something worthy to be remembered." Thank you, God Bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

US Rep. Mark Schauer's Town Meeting in Dexter Feb. 18

UPDATE: About 250 Involved Voters attended the "Congress on Your Corner" town hall at Dexter High School. Representative Schauer and his staff provided information about how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (aka stimulus plan) will help the people of Michigan. Schauer's enthusiasm for government service, intelligence and willingness to answer questions were evident during the hour he spent with his constituents. I was impressed with the tone of the event and look forward to more of them.

You can track can read the entire ARRA and track the spending at www.recovery.gov.

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Don't miss it! Congressman Mark Schauer is making his first town hall appearance in our area since taking office.

U.S. Representative Mark Schauer
Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Dexter High School Cafeteria/Commons

Here's a chance for us, the Involved Voters who got him elected, to have a vital, energized conversation, focusing on our current economic crisis and what needs to be done locally and nationally.

We can raise specifics from the recovery package that affect areas like transportation, education, and agriculture, all of which relate directly to creating and saving jobs in our district.

We can give Representative Schauer a chance to show that he's on our side when it comes to our concerns in these important issue areas.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Ground Hog Day



If you remember the movie "Ground Hog Day," the thought may have crossed your mind that the Republicans in the US House seemed doomed to repeating the same old failed formula of opposing everything that doesn't fit their narrow ideology. Let's hope that Republicans in the US Senate can provide a happy ending to the current drama over the Recovery (stimulus) legislation.

Please take time to let the Republicans in Congress know that you support the President on this one. Urge them to act quickly to save and create jobs and provide financial help to those who need it most.

You can use this chart to see for yourself what actions are likely to give the biggest boost to the economy.