Yesterday the President rescinded the "Mexico City Policy" or the ban on international assistance for family planning procedures and literature.
Yesterday, President Obama released the following statement:
"It is clear that the provisions of the Mexico City Policy are unnecessarily broad and unwarranted under current law, and for the past eight years, they have undermined efforts to promote safe and effective voluntary family planning in developing countries. For these reasons, it is right for us to rescind this policy and restore critical efforts to protect and empower women and promote global economic development."
This has ignited a small level of anger though the overall sense is that they knew this would happen. Since Regan enacted this measure it has been rescinded by Clinton and reenacted by Bush and now the Democrat President has followed suite with his former Democrat President Clinton and rescinded the policy.
I can see the merit of the measure being stricken from the books. At the same time I can see the anger this brings up with the US right to lifers.
What are your thoughts? Where do you stand and what do you think the full impact of this policy change will be on the administration?
Following President Trump and the Trump Administration for the Official 4 year (1461 day) Elected Term, focusing on the sitting President's use of Executive Orders, Memoranda and Executive Decisions. We are the original 1461 - all the others are imitating us
Saturday, January 24
Day 5 and the public approves of Obama so far by over two thirds!
President Obama has a 68% job approval so far according to a Gallup Poll that was released this morning. According to the poll which was conducted during the first three full days of Obama's Presidency only 12% of Americans are unhappy with he way that the new administration is performing so far. 21% had no opinion. That is almost a full 180 degree turn about from the approval ratings that Former President Bush enjoyed over the past few years. In fact, 43 had higher disapproval ratings over the first few days of office by far with 25% disapproval even during the beginning of his first term.
The only President with higher approval ratings at the beginning of his first term was President Kennedy with 72% approval, Obama has tied with President Eisenhower.
The only President with higher approval ratings at the beginning of his first term was President Kennedy with 72% approval, Obama has tied with President Eisenhower.
Obama Executive Order 13490 Ethics Commitments
| Tweet | | |
Join our Facebook page by clicking here!
This is the second Executive Order that was enacted by President Barack Obama on January 21, 2009, the first full day of the Obama Administration.
All links open in a new window.
Click this link to return to the main list of President Obama's Executive Orders.
The Ethics Commitments Order states that Executive Branch Personnel appointed on or after January 20th 2009 will have to abide by a this Executive Order banning gifting and revolving door policies that had been accepted as normal practice in the DC political machine. These policies have been seen historically as ways to gain favor and political edge.
Many feel that the executive order did not go far enough to stop the attempted manipulation by outside parties with an interest in guiding the direction of the Obama Administration however. It was seen by some as an important first step in removing powers of sway from lobbyist and powerful firms.
This Executive Order is more symbolic than effective in creating real change in the possible manipulation of the political world.
Download the Executive Order by clicking on the following link: Executive Order 13490 Ethics Commitments
Help get the message out!
| Tweet | | |
Click the links below to see the other Executive Order Pages here in the 1461:
the 1461's complete list of President Obama's Executive Orders issued from 2009 to current
President Obama's Previous Executive Orders issued in 2010
President Obama's Previous Executive Orders issued in 2011
Find out how much you can save for FREE!
by Clicking here Now!
Join the conversation and post your thoughts in the comments!
Read the 1461 Comment Guidelines.
1461 is currently being read by over 300,000 People and spreading!
Help the 1461 continue Grow and spread the truth - invite your friends and family to join the 1461 and learn the truth rather than BS!
Obama Executive Order 13489 Presidential Records
| Tweet | | |
Join our Facebook page by clicking here!
Executive Order 13489 Presidential Records
This is the first Executive Order that was enacted by President Barack Obama on January 21, 2009, the first full day of the Obama Administration.
The Listing of Executive orders in the Congressional Library runs in a numeric order starting with the first Executive orders passed until the most current. When President Barack Obama took office his EO list started from #EO-13489
Click the following link to return to the main list of President Obama's Executive Orders.
Executive Order 13489 Revokes previous EO 13233 which was signed November 1, 2001 by President George W. Bush. President Bush's EO revoked a prior EO signed into law by President Reagan on January 18th 1989.
President Obama's Executive Order reads in part as follows:
"By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the
laws of the United States of America, and in order to establish policies
and procedures governing the assertion of executive privilege by incumbent
and former Presidents in connection with the release of Presidential records
by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) pursuant
to the Presidential Records Act of 1978 (‘‘Presidential Records Act’’ refers to the Presidential Records Act, 44 U.S.C. 2201–2207), it is hereby ordered as follows:"
Download Executive Order 13489 in PDF by clicking on the following link: Executive Order 13489 Presidential Records
Help get the message out!
| Tweet | | |
Click the links below to see the other Executive Order Pages here in the 1461:
the 1461's complete list of President Obama's Executive Orders issued from 2009 to current
President Obama's Previous Executive Orders issued in 2010
President Obama's Previous Executive Orders issued in 2011
Find out how much you can save for FREE!
by Clicking here Now!
Join the conversation and post your thoughts in the comments!
Read the 1461 Comment Guidelines.
1461 is currently being read by over 300,000 People and spreading!
Help the 1461 continue Grow and spread the truth - invite your friends and family to join the 1461 and learn the truth rather than BS!
Friday, January 23
January 23 2009 day 4
January 23rd 2009
The 67th U. S. Secretary of State
Hillary R. Clinton was sworn in as President Obama's Secretary of State on Wednesday January 21st. Hillary has become the United States 67th Secretary of State after the Senate approved her nomination by a vote of 94-2. The two votes against her confirmation were cast by Republican Senators Jim DeMint of South Carolina and David Vitter of Louisiana. Clinton was sworn in by D.C. Court of Appeals Associate Judge Kathryn Oberly. Her husband Former President Bill Clinton and her Senate staff were in attendance for the swearing in ceremony. Following the ceremony Secretary of State Clinton submitted her resignation from the Senate to Vice President Biden, Secretary of the Senate Nancy Erickson and New York Gov. David Paterson. The website WhiteHouse.gov has not updated the status of Hillary Clinton from Designate as yet on the Cabinet page of the site. I am sure they will do so shortly.
The Replacement Senator for New York
The expected replacement for Senator Hillary R. Clinton has been named by New York Gov. David Paterson. According to CNN Gov. Paterson has reportedly chosen Democratic Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand, a 42 year old Democrat who represents New York's 20th district. Congresswoman Gillibrand is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, and as such tends to hold more of a conservative view than her more liberal counterparts. Gov. Paterson is expected to formally announce his decision at a noon press conference in Albany, New York.
Closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center
By Executive Order President Obama has ordered the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center within a years time. There has however been no decision made on what to do with the prisoners currently being held in the detention center. Some have made reference to the possible use of the Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston, South Carolina, while others seem to be more interested in building new facilities in the U.S. Those interested in the building of new facilities in the United States may meet with strong "not in my backyard" opposition.
The decision to close the detention center has been meet with strong international praise as it is viewed as a decisive move away from the Bush administration's less favorable policies which included the use of torture. The full text of the Executive Order to close the GitMo Detention center can be viewed here.
Detention Policy
President Obama executed an Executive Order to establish a Special Task Force on Detainee Disposition to identify lawful options for the disposition of individuals captured or apprehended in connection with armed conflicts and counter terrorism operations. This is another move away from the Bush Administration's stance on the treatment of prisoners and suspected terrorists.
The full text of the Executive order can be viewed here.
Review of the Detention of Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri
President Obama has called for a Review of the Detention of Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri. Al-Marri is currently held in facilities inside of the U.S. and in not party to the earlier executive order as such. For those not familiar with the al-Marri case:
Mr. al-Marri is a citizen of Qatar and legal U.S. resident who came to the United States with his wife and five children was arrested in Peoria, Illinois, where he was working towards a masters degree at Bradley University. He was arrested in 2001 as a material witness in the FBI's investigation of 9/11. In 2002, he was charged with credit card fraud and other criminal offenses. Shortly before his criminal trial commenced in June 2003, President Bush declared him an "enemy combatant" and moved him to the Navy Brig in South Carolina. Over five years later, Mr. al-Marri still remains in solitary confinement.
The full text of the Executive Order can be viewed here.
Lawful Interrogations
President Obama issued an Executive Order that attempts to enforce the lawful procedure guidelines for interrogation practice. President Obama revoked the former Executive order enacted by former President Bush executed on July 20th of 2007 as Executive Order 13440 and put the use of the Army Field Manual as the guideline for conducting interrogations. Some members of Congress are concerned that this will allow enemies of the United States unprecedented access to procedures and may compromise the effectiveness of the interrogation practices.
The full text of the Executive order can be viewed here.
Politifact's Obametor has now been upgraded to show President Obama has the following record on his campaign promises:
7 Promises Kept - view page here
14 Promises in the works - view page here
The 67th U. S. Secretary of State
Hillary R. Clinton was sworn in as President Obama's Secretary of State on Wednesday January 21st. Hillary has become the United States 67th Secretary of State after the Senate approved her nomination by a vote of 94-2. The two votes against her confirmation were cast by Republican Senators Jim DeMint of South Carolina and David Vitter of Louisiana. Clinton was sworn in by D.C. Court of Appeals Associate Judge Kathryn Oberly. Her husband Former President Bill Clinton and her Senate staff were in attendance for the swearing in ceremony. Following the ceremony Secretary of State Clinton submitted her resignation from the Senate to Vice President Biden, Secretary of the Senate Nancy Erickson and New York Gov. David Paterson. The website WhiteHouse.gov has not updated the status of Hillary Clinton from Designate as yet on the Cabinet page of the site. I am sure they will do so shortly.
The Replacement Senator for New York
The expected replacement for Senator Hillary R. Clinton has been named by New York Gov. David Paterson. According to CNN Gov. Paterson has reportedly chosen Democratic Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand, a 42 year old Democrat who represents New York's 20th district. Congresswoman Gillibrand is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, and as such tends to hold more of a conservative view than her more liberal counterparts. Gov. Paterson is expected to formally announce his decision at a noon press conference in Albany, New York.
Closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center
By Executive Order President Obama has ordered the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center within a years time. There has however been no decision made on what to do with the prisoners currently being held in the detention center. Some have made reference to the possible use of the Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston, South Carolina, while others seem to be more interested in building new facilities in the U.S. Those interested in the building of new facilities in the United States may meet with strong "not in my backyard" opposition.
The decision to close the detention center has been meet with strong international praise as it is viewed as a decisive move away from the Bush administration's less favorable policies which included the use of torture. The full text of the Executive Order to close the GitMo Detention center can be viewed here.
Detention Policy
President Obama executed an Executive Order to establish a Special Task Force on Detainee Disposition to identify lawful options for the disposition of individuals captured or apprehended in connection with armed conflicts and counter terrorism operations. This is another move away from the Bush Administration's stance on the treatment of prisoners and suspected terrorists.
The full text of the Executive order can be viewed here.
Review of the Detention of Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri
President Obama has called for a Review of the Detention of Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri. Al-Marri is currently held in facilities inside of the U.S. and in not party to the earlier executive order as such. For those not familiar with the al-Marri case:
Mr. al-Marri is a citizen of Qatar and legal U.S. resident who came to the United States with his wife and five children was arrested in Peoria, Illinois, where he was working towards a masters degree at Bradley University. He was arrested in 2001 as a material witness in the FBI's investigation of 9/11. In 2002, he was charged with credit card fraud and other criminal offenses. Shortly before his criminal trial commenced in June 2003, President Bush declared him an "enemy combatant" and moved him to the Navy Brig in South Carolina. Over five years later, Mr. al-Marri still remains in solitary confinement.
The full text of the Executive Order can be viewed here.
Lawful Interrogations
President Obama issued an Executive Order that attempts to enforce the lawful procedure guidelines for interrogation practice. President Obama revoked the former Executive order enacted by former President Bush executed on July 20th of 2007 as Executive Order 13440 and put the use of the Army Field Manual as the guideline for conducting interrogations. Some members of Congress are concerned that this will allow enemies of the United States unprecedented access to procedures and may compromise the effectiveness of the interrogation practices.
The full text of the Executive order can be viewed here.
Politifact's Obametor has now been upgraded to show President Obama has the following record on his campaign promises:
7 Promises Kept - view page here
14 Promises in the works - view page here
Thursday, January 22
Closing Guantanamo Bay
The Closing of GitMo
The controversial detention center housed on a US Military based in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The controversial detention center housed on a US Military based in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Executive Order 13493: Review of Detention Policy Options
| Tweet | | |
Join our Facebook page by clicking here!
"By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in order to develop policies for the detention, trial, transfer, release, or other disposition of individuals captured or apprehended in connection with armed conflicts and counterterrorism operations that are consistent with the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice, I hereby order as follows:
Section 1. Special Interagency Task Force on Detainee Disposition.
(a) Establishment of Special Interagency Task Force. There shall be established a Special Task Force on Detainee Disposition (Special Task Force) to identify lawful options for the disposition of individuals captured or apprehended in connection with armed conflicts and counterterrorism operations.
(b) Membership. The Special Task Force shall consist of the following members, or their designees:
(i) the Attorney General, who shall serve as Co-Chair;
(ii) the Secretary of Defense, who shall serve as Co-Chair;
(iii) the Secretary of State;
(iv) the Secretary of Homeland Security;
(v) the Director of National Intelligence;
(vi) the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency;
(vii) the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and
(viii) other officers or full-time or permanent part-time employees of the United States, as determined by either of the Co-Chairs, with the concurrence of the head of the department or agency concerned.
(c) Staff. Either Co-Chair may designate officers and employees within their respective departments to serve as staff to support the Special Task Force. At the request of the Co-Chairs, officers and employees from other departments or agencies may serve on the Special Task Force with the concurrence of the heads of the departments or agencies that employ such individuals. Such staff
must be officers or full-time or permanent part-time employees of the United States. The Co-Chairs shall jointly select an officer or employee of the Department of Justice or Department of Defense to serve as the Executive Secretary of the Special Task Force.
(d) Operation. The Co-Chairs shall convene meetings of the Special Task Force, determine its agenda, and direct its work. The Co-Chairs may establish and direct subgroups of the Special Task Force, consisting exclusively of members of the Special Task Force, to deal with particular subjects.
(e) Mission. The mission of the Special Task Force shall be to conduct a comprehensive review of the lawful options available to the Federal Government with respect to the apprehension, detention, trial, transfer, release, or other disposition of individuals captured or apprehended in connection with armed conflicts and counterterrorism operations, and to identify such options as are consistent with the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice.
(f) Administration. The Special Task Force shall be established for administrative purposes within the Department of Justice, and the Department of Justice shall, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, provide administrative support and funding for the Special Task Force.
(g) Report. The Special Task Force shall provide a report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Counsel to the President, on the matters set forth in subsection (d) within 180 days of the date of this order unless the Co-Chairs determine that an extension is necessary, and shall provide periodic preliminary reports during those 180 days.
(h) Termination. The Co-Chairs shall terminate the Special Task Force upon the completion of its duties.
Sec. 2. General Provisions.
(a) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(b) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
BARACK OBAMA
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 22, 2009"
Download a free PDF copy of this Executive Order by clicking here
Help get the message out!
| Tweet | | |
Click the links below to see the other Executive Order Pages here in the 1461:
the 1461's complete list of President Obama's Executive Orders issued from 2009 to current
President Obama's Previous Executive Orders issued in 2010
President Obama's Previous Executive Orders issued in 2011
Find out how much you can save for FREE!
by Clicking here Now!
Join the conversation and post your thoughts in the comments!
Read the 1461 Comment Guidelines.
1461 is currently being read by over 300,000 People and spreading!
Help the 1461 continue Grow and spread the truth - invite your friends and family to join the 1461 and learn the truth rather than BS!
Executive Order 13492: Review and Disposition of Individuals Detained at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base and Close of Detention Facilities
| Tweet | | |
Join our Facebook page by clicking here!
"EXECUTIVE ORDER -- REVIEW AND DISPOSITION OF INDIVIDUALS DETAINED AT THE GUANTÁNAMO BAY NAVAL BASE AND CLOSURE OF DETENTION FACILITIES
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in order to effect the appropriate disposition of individuals currently detained by the Department of Defense at the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base (Guantánamo) and promptly to close detention facilities at Guantánamo, consistent with the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice, I hereby order as follows:
Section 1. Definitions. As used in this order:
(a) "Common Article 3" means Article 3 of each of the Geneva Conventions.
(b) "Geneva Conventions" means:
(i) the Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field, August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3114);
(ii) the Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea, August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3217);
(iii) the Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3316); and
(iv) the Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3516).
(c) "Individuals currently detained at Guantánamo" and "individuals covered by this order" mean individuals currently detained by the Department of Defense in facilities at the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base whom the Department of Defense has ever determined to be, or treated as, enemy combatants.
Sec. 2. Findings.
(a) Over the past 7 years, approximately 800 individuals whom the Department of Defense has ever determined to be, or treated as, enemy combatants have been detained at Guantánamo. The Federal Government has moved more than 500 such detainees from Guantánamo, either by returning them to their home country or by releasing or transferring them to a third country. The Department of Defense has determined that a number of the individuals currently detained at Guantánamo are eligible for such transfer or release.
(b) Some individuals currently detained at Guantánamo have been there for more than 6 years, and most have been detained for at least 4 years. In view of the significant concerns raised by these detentions, both within the United States and internationally, prompt and appropriate disposition of the individuals currently detained at Guantánamo and closure of the facilities in which they are detained would further the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice. Merely closing the facilities without promptly determining the appropriate disposition of the individuals detained would not adequately serve those interests. To the extent practicable, the prompt and appropriate disposition of the individuals detained at Guantánamo should precede the closure of the detention facilities at Guantánamo.
(c) The individuals currently detained at Guantánamo have the constitutional privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. Most of those individuals have filed petitions for a writ of habeas corpus in Federal court challenging the lawfulness of their detention.
(d) It is in the interests of the United States that the executive branch undertake a prompt and thorough review of the factual and legal bases for the continued detention of all individuals currently held at Guantánamo, and of whether their continued detention is in the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and in the interests of justice. The unusual circumstances associated with detentions at Guantánamo require a comprehensive interagency review.
(e) New diplomatic efforts may result in an appropriate disposition of a substantial number of individuals currently detained at Guantánamo.
(f) Some individuals currently detained at Guantánamo may have committed offenses for which they should be prosecuted. It is in the interests of the United States to review whether and how any such individuals can and should be prosecuted.
(g) It is in the interests of the United States that the executive branch conduct a prompt and thorough review of the circumstances of the individuals currently detained at Guantánamo who have been charged with offenses before military commissions pursuant to the Military Commissions Act of 2006, Public Law 109-366, as well as of the military commission process more generally.
Sec. 3. Closure of Detention Facilities at Guantánamo. The detention facilities at Guantánamo for individuals covered by this order shall be closed as soon as practicable, and no later than 1 year from the date of this order. If any individuals covered by this order remain in detention at Guantánamo at the time of closure of those detention facilities, they shall be returned to their home country, released, transferred to a third country, or transferred to another United States detention facility in a manner consistent with law and the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States.
Sec. 4. Immediate Review of All Guantánamo Detentions.
(a) Scope and Timing of Review. A review of the status of each individual currently detained at Guantánamo (Review) shall commence immediately.
(b) Review Participants. The Review shall be conducted with the full cooperation and participation of the following officials:
(1) the Attorney General, who shall coordinate the Review;
(2) the Secretary of Defense;
(3) the Secretary of State;
(4) the Secretary of Homeland Security;
(5) the Director of National Intelligence;
(6) the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and
(7) other officers or full-time or permanent part-time employees of the United States, including employees with intelligence, counterterrorism, military, and legal expertise, as determined by the Attorney General, with the concurrence of the head of the department or agency concerned.
(c) Operation of Review. The duties of the Review participants shall include the following:
(1) Consolidation of Detainee Information. The Attorney General shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, and in coordination with the other Review participants, assemble all information in the possession of the Federal Government that pertains to any individual currently detained at Guantánamo
and that is relevant to determining the proper disposition of any such individual. All executive branch departments and agencies shall promptly comply with any request of the Attorney General to provide information in their possession or control pertaining to any such individual. The Attorney General may seek further information relevant to the Review from any source.
(2) Determination of Transfer. The Review shall determine, on a rolling basis and as promptly as possible with respect to the individuals currently detained at Guantánamo, whether it is possible to transfer or release the individuals consistent with the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and, if so, whether and how the Secretary of Defense may effect their transfer or release. The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and, as appropriate, other Review participants shall work to effect promptly the release or transfer of all individuals for whom release or transfer is possible.
(3) Determination of Prosecution. In accordance with United States law, the cases of individuals detained at Guantánamo not approved for release or transfer shall be evaluated to determine whether the Federal Government should seek to prosecute the detained individuals for any offenses they may have committed, including whether it is feasible to prosecute such individuals before a court established pursuant to Article III of the United States Constitution, and the Review participants shall in turn take the necessary and appropriate steps based on such determinations.
(4) Determination of Other Disposition. With respect to any individuals currently detained at Guantánamo whose disposition is not achieved under paragraphs (2) or (3) of this subsection, the Review shall select lawful means, consistent with the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice, for the disposition of such individuals. The appropriate authorities shall promptly implement such dispositions.
(5) Consideration of Issues Relating to Transfer to the United States. The Review shall identify and consider legal, logistical, and security issues relating to the potential transfer of individuals currently detained at Guantánamo to facilities within the United States, and the Review participants shall work with the Congress on any legislation that may be appropriate.
Sec. 5. Diplomatic Efforts. The Secretary of State shall expeditiously pursue and direct such negotiations and diplomatic efforts with foreign governments as are necessary and appropriate to implement this order.
Sec. 6. Humane Standards of Confinement. No individual currently detained at Guantánamo shall be held in the custody or under the effective control of any officer, employee, or other agent of the United States Government, or at a facility owned, operated, or controlled by a department or agency of the United States, except in conformity with all applicable laws governing the conditions of such confinement, including Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions. The Secretary of Defense shall immediately undertake a review of the conditions of detention at Guantánamo to ensure full compliance with this directive. Such review shall be completed within 30 days and any necessary corrections shall be implemented immediately thereafter.
Sec. 7. Military Commissions. The Secretary of Defense shall immediately take steps sufficient to ensure that during the pendency of the Review described in section 4 of this order, no charges are sworn, or referred to a military commission under the Military Commissions Act of 2006 and the Rules for Military Commissions, and that all proceedings of such military commissions to which charges have been referred but in which no judgment has been rendered, and all proceedings pending in the United States Court of Military Commission Review, are halted.
Sec. 8. General Provisions.
(a) Nothing in this order shall prejudice the authority of the Secretary of Defense to determine the disposition of any detainees not covered by this order.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
BARACK OBAMA
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 22, 2009"
Download a free PDF copy of this Executive Order by clicking here
Help get the message out!
| Tweet | | |
Click the links below to see the other Executive Order Pages here in the 1461:
the 1461's complete list of President Obama's Executive Orders issued from 2009 to current
President Obama's Previous Executive Orders issued in 2010
President Obama's Previous Executive Orders issued in 2011
Find out how much you can save for FREE!
by Clicking here Now!
Join the conversation and post your thoughts in the comments!
Read the 1461 Comment Guidelines.
1461 is currently being read by over 300,000 People and spreading!
Help the 1461 continue Grow and spread the truth - invite your friends and family to join the 1461 and learn the truth rather than BS!
Executive Order 13491: Ensuring Lawful Interrogations
| Tweet | | |
Join our Facebook page by clicking here!
"Executive Order 13491 -- Ensuring Lawful Interrogations
EXECUTIVE ORDER -- ENSURING LAWFUL INTERROGATIONS
By the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in order to improve the effectiveness of human intelligence gathering, to promote the safe, lawful, and humane treatment of individuals in United States custody and of United States personnel who are detained in armed conflicts, to ensure compliance with the treaty obligations of the United States, including the Geneva Conventions, and to take care that the laws of the United States are faithfully executed, I hereby order as follows:
Section 1. Revocation. Executive Order 13440 of July 20, 2007, is revoked. All executive directives, orders, and regulations inconsistent with this order, including but not limited to those issued to or by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from September 11, 2001, to January 20, 2009, concerning detention or the interrogation of detained individuals, are revoked to the extent of their inconsistency with this order. Heads of departments and agencies shall take all necessary steps to ensure that all directives, orders, and regulations of their respective departments or agencies are consistent with this order. Upon request, the Attorney General shall provide guidance about which directives, orders, and regulations are inconsistent with this order.
Sec. 2. Definitions. As used in this order:
(a) "Army Field Manual 2 22.3" means FM 2-22.3, Human Intelligence Collector Operations, issued by the Department of the Army on September 6, 2006.
(b) "Army Field Manual 34-52" means FM 34-52, Intelligence Interrogation, issued by the Department of the Army on May 8, 1987.
(c) "Common Article 3" means Article 3 of each of the Geneva Conventions.
(d) "Convention Against Torture" means the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, December 10, 1984, 1465 U.N.T.S. 85, S. Treaty Doc. No. 100 20 (1988).
(e) "Geneva Conventions" means:
(i) the Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field, August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3114);
(ii) the Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea, August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3217);
(iii) the Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3316); and
(iv) the Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, August 12, 1949 (6 UST 3516).
(f) "Treated humanely," "violence to life and person," "murder of all kinds," "mutilation," "cruel treatment," "torture," "outrages upon personal dignity," and "humiliating and degrading treatment" refer to, and have the same meaning as, those same terms in Common Article 3.
(g) The terms "detention facilities" and "detention facility" in section 4(a) of this order do not refer to facilities used only to hold people on a short-term, transitory basis.
Sec. 3. Standards and Practices for Interrogation of Individuals in the Custody or Control of the United States in Armed Conflicts.
(a) Common Article 3 Standards as a Minimum Baseline. Consistent with the requirements of the Federal torture statute, 18 U.S.C. 2340 2340A, section 1003 of the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005, 42 U.S.C. 2000dd, the Convention Against Torture, Common Article 3, and other laws regulating the treatment and interrogation of individuals detained in any armed conflict, such persons shall in all circumstances be treated humanely and shall not be subjected to violence to life and person (including murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture), nor to outrages upon personal dignity (including humiliating and degrading treatment), whenever such individuals are in the custody or under the effective control of an officer, employee, or other agent of the United States Government or detained within a facility owned, operated, or controlled by a department or agency of the United States.
(b) Interrogation Techniques and Interrogation-Related Treatment. Effective immediately, an individual in the custody or under the effective control of an officer, employee, or other agent of the United States Government, or detained within a facility owned, operated, or controlled by a department or agency of the United States, in any armed conflict, shall not be subjected to any interrogation technique or approach, or any treatment related to interrogation, that is not authorized by and listed in Army Field Manual 2 22.3 (Manual). Interrogation techniques, approaches, and treatments described in the Manual shall be implemented strictly in accord with the principles, processes, conditions, and limitations the Manual prescribes. Where processes required by the Manual, such as a requirement of approval by specified Department of Defense officials, are inapposite to a department or an agency other than the Department of Defense, such a department or agency shall use processes that are substantially equivalent to the processes the Manual prescribes for the Department of Defense. Nothing in this section shall preclude the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or other Federal law enforcement agencies, from continuing to use authorized, non-coercive techniques of interrogation that are designed to elicit voluntary statements and do not involve the use of force, threats, or promises.
(c) Interpretations of Common Article 3 and the Army Field Manual. From this day forward, unless the Attorney General with appropriate consultation provides further guidance, officers, employees, and other agents of the United States Government may, in conducting interrogations, act in reliance upon Army Field Manual 2 22.3, but may not, in conducting interrogations, rely upon any interpretation of the law governing interrogation -- including interpretations of Federal criminal laws, the Convention Against Torture, Common Article 3, Army Field Manual 2 22.3, and its predecessor document, Army Field Manual 34 52 issued by the Department of Justice between September 11, 2001, and January 20, 2009.
Sec. 4. Prohibition of Certain Detention Facilities, and Red Cross Access to Detained Individuals.
(a) CIA Detention. The CIA shall close as expeditiously as possible any detention facilities that it currently operates and shall not operate any such detention facility in the future.
(b) International Committee of the Red Cross Access to Detained Individuals. All departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall provide the International Committee of the Red Cross with notification of, and timely access to, any individual detained in any armed conflict in the custody or under the effective control of an officer, employee, or other agent of the United States Government or detained within a facility owned, operated, or controlled by a department or agency of the United States Government, consistent with Department of Defense regulations and policies.
Sec. 5. Special Interagency Task Force on Interrogation and Transfer Policies.
(a) Establishment of Special Interagency Task Force. There shall be established a Special Task Force on Interrogation and Transfer Policies (Special Task Force) to review interrogation and transfer policies.
(b) Membership. The Special Task Force shall consist of the following members, or their designees:
(i) the Attorney General, who shall serve as Chair;
(ii) the Director of National Intelligence, who shall serve as Co-Vice-Chair;
(iii) the Secretary of Defense, who shall serve as Co-Vice-Chair;
(iv) the Secretary of State;
(v) the Secretary of Homeland Security;
(vi) the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency;
(vii) the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and
(viii) other officers or full-time or permanent part time employees of the United States, as determined by the Chair, with the concurrence of the head of the department or agency concerned.
(c) Staff. The Chair may designate officers and employees within the Department of Justice to serve as staff to support the Special Task Force. At the request of the Chair, officers and employees from other departments or agencies may serve on the Special Task Force with the concurrence of the head of the department or agency that employ such individuals. Such staff must be officers or full-time or permanent part-time employees of the United States. The Chair shall designate an officer or employee of the Department of Justice to serve as the Executive Secretary of the Special Task Force.
(d) Operation. The Chair shall convene meetings of the Special Task Force, determine its agenda, and direct its work. The Chair may establish and direct subgroups of the Special Task Force, consisting exclusively of members of the Special Task Force, to deal with particular subjects.
(e) Mission. The mission of the Special Task Force shall be:
(i) to study and evaluate whether the interrogation practices and techniques in Army Field Manual 2 22.3, when employed by departments or agencies outside the military, provide an appropriate means of acquiring the intelligence necessary to protect the Nation, and, if warranted, to recommend any additional or different guidance for other departments or agencies; and
(ii) to study and evaluate the practices of transferring individuals to other nations in order to ensure that such practices comply with the domestic laws, international obligations, and policies of the United States and do not result in the transfer of individuals to other nations to face torture or otherwise for the purpose, or with the effect, of undermining or circumventing the commitments or obligations of the United States to ensure the humane treatment of individuals in its custody or control.
(f) Administration. The Special Task Force shall be established for administrative purposes within the Department of Justice and the Department of Justice shall, to
the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, provide administrative support and funding for the Special Task Force.
(g) Recommendations. The Special Task Force shall provide a report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Counsel to the President, on the matters set forth in subsection (d) within 180 days of the date of this order, unless the Chair determines that an extension is necessary.
(h) Termination. The Chair shall terminate the Special Task Force upon the completion of its duties.
Sec. 6. Construction with Other Laws. Nothing in this order shall be construed to affect the obligations of officers, employees, and other agents of the United States Government to comply with all pertinent laws and treaties of the United States governing detention and interrogation, including but not limited to: the Fifth and Eighth Amendments to the United States Constitution; the Federal torture statute, 18 U.S.C. 2340 2340A; the War Crimes Act, 18 U.S.C. 2441; the Federal assault statute, 18 U.S.C. 113; the Federal maiming statute, 18 U.S.C. 114; the Federal "stalking" statute, 18 U.S.C. 2261A; articles 93, 124, 128, and 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. 893, 924, 928, and 934; section 1003 of the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005, 42 U.S.C. 2000dd; section 6(c) of the Military Commissions Act of 2006, Public Law 109 366; the Geneva Conventions; and the Convention Against Torture. Nothing in this order shall be construed to diminish any rights that any individual may have under these or other laws and treaties. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity against the United States, its departments, agencies, or other entities, its officers or employees, or any other person.
BARACK OBAMA
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 22, 2009"
Download a free PDF copy of this Executive Order by clicking here
Help get the message out!
| Tweet | | |
Click the links below to see the other Executive Order Pages here in the 1461:
the 1461's complete list of President Obama's Executive Orders issued from 2009 to current
President Obama's Previous Executive Orders issued in 2010
President Obama's Previous Executive Orders issued in 2011
Find out how much you can save for FREE!
by Clicking here Now!
Join the conversation and post your thoughts in the comments!
Read the 1461 Comment Guidelines.
1461 is currently being read by over 300,000 People and spreading!
Help the 1461 continue Grow and spread the truth - invite your friends and family to join the 1461 and learn the truth rather than BS!
January 21 2009 the first full day
The inauguration festivities and balls lingered on well into the night and early morning hours of January 21st. In Stark contrast to the life and hours of the 43rd President of the United States who preferred early hours and had little interest in spending the night at balls and events, it appears that the 44th President enjoys late evenings.
The celebrations of the inauguration came to a close for President Obama and Michelle at around 1 am. The two spent the evening dancing the night away. In many regards it is a welcome change to have a President who is young enough in spirit to have an interest in living a social life in addition to that of his Presidential life. In some ways this bothers me also. I don't want to think my President is enjoying living the moment so much that the important business at hand takes a back seat to a social life. I was glad to see that there appears to be a balance starting to emerge. It turns out that this President may well be able to juggle both sides of his new life. At least for now. As time wears on we may well see that keeping such hours may take a toll on our new President.
At 8:35 in the morning on the 21st of January, President Obama took his seat for the first time at the desk in the Oval Office. He found an envelope and letter simply marked "to #44 from #43". The details of the contents of this letter have not been released out and I would suspect out of courtesy to the former President that it will not. President Obama reportedly spent several minutes alone in the Oval office reviewing the contents of this letter before the new White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel entered the Oval to discuss President Obama's schedule for the day.
After a brief meeting with Mr. Emanuel, the First Lady Michelle Obama joined the President in the Oval Office as they prepared to leave for the services to be held at the National Cathedral. The President and First Lady left the White House in the new Presidential Cadillac and travelled in motorcade to the National Cathedral where they were met by Vice President Biden and his wife Jill. At 10:00 the four made there way to the front row of the cathedral where they joined former President Bill Clinton and the Secretary of State designate Hillary Clinton who were already seated. The service lasted over an hour and concluded at 11:17 with the singing of “He’s got the whole world in his hands”.
The Presidential Motorcade left the National Cathedral shortly after and made the ten minute commute, arriving at the White House for 11:36.
At 1:18 Pm President Obama met with the White House senior staff for the swearing in ceremony. He spoke with the senior staff and there family members for about 10 minutes explaining and outlining five executive orders that would directly effect them.
The "Executive Order on Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel" requires that appointees sign forms saying that they were not hired because of political affiliations or contributions.
Obama "requires that government hiring be based upon qualifications, competence and experience, not political connections," according to a statement issued by his press secretary. " He has ordered every one of his appointees to sign a pledge abiding by these tough new rules as a down payment on the change he has promised to bring to Washington."
Shortly before President Obama commenced the signing of the Executive order on Ethics Commitments, Vice President Biden administered the oath of office for White House senior staff. The Vice President asked for a hard copy of the oath and stating, “My memory is not as good as Justice Roberts”. This was an apparent jab at Justice Roberts for his bumbling of the Presidential Oath the day before. President Obama was visibly bothered by the comment made by his VP though he made no mention of it.
Directly following the Oath administered by VP Biden, President Obama signed the first Executive order of his administration at 1:26 Pm The full text of the Executive Order on Ethics can be read here
Later in the afternoon at 2:40 Pm, The President and First Lady are in the Blue Room of the White House shaking hands and welcoming attendees of an open house. President Obama is at one point overheard telling one young man, “Welcome, enjoy yourself. Roam around. Don’t break anything”.
From 3:15 - 3:45 Pm The President held a meeting with his economic advisers in the Roosevelt Room. Following his economic meeting President Obama turned right around and moved into a meeting held in the Situation room of the White House. From 4:15 - 5:15 Pm President Obama met with Iraq Military Commanders, the Ambassador to Iraq, the Commander in Iraq, and the overall theater commander in the region.
That evening at around 7:35, the President was visited by Supreme Court Justice Roberts who administered the oath of office once more, this time in the Map Room of the White House. White House Counsel Greg Craig explained in a statement, “…out of an abundance of caution, because there was one word out of sequence, Chief Justice Roberts administered the oath a second time.”
President Obama, apparently feeling more comfortable about joking directly with Chief Justice Roberts seized onthe moment and said to the Justice, “We’re going to do it very slowly.”
At 8:40 Pm the President and First Lady arrived at the D.C. armory for yet another ball. This “Thank You Ball” was held with a few thousand of campaign, inaugural, transition and DNC staffers. The President spoke briefly and then spent time thanking supporters.
A lengthy, and some what productive day at the end. By tthe close of the day President Barack Obama had upheld his end of the aggrement on 6 out of the 510 reported pormises listed by Politifact.com on there Obameter as they shifted those 6 to the Promises Kept page. He was apparently working on several others through out the day as well according to the In the Works page on the site.
"Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency," Obama said.
The celebrations of the inauguration came to a close for President Obama and Michelle at around 1 am. The two spent the evening dancing the night away. In many regards it is a welcome change to have a President who is young enough in spirit to have an interest in living a social life in addition to that of his Presidential life. In some ways this bothers me also. I don't want to think my President is enjoying living the moment so much that the important business at hand takes a back seat to a social life. I was glad to see that there appears to be a balance starting to emerge. It turns out that this President may well be able to juggle both sides of his new life. At least for now. As time wears on we may well see that keeping such hours may take a toll on our new President.
At 8:35 in the morning on the 21st of January, President Obama took his seat for the first time at the desk in the Oval Office. He found an envelope and letter simply marked "to #44 from #43". The details of the contents of this letter have not been released out and I would suspect out of courtesy to the former President that it will not. President Obama reportedly spent several minutes alone in the Oval office reviewing the contents of this letter before the new White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel entered the Oval to discuss President Obama's schedule for the day.
After a brief meeting with Mr. Emanuel, the First Lady Michelle Obama joined the President in the Oval Office as they prepared to leave for the services to be held at the National Cathedral. The President and First Lady left the White House in the new Presidential Cadillac and travelled in motorcade to the National Cathedral where they were met by Vice President Biden and his wife Jill. At 10:00 the four made there way to the front row of the cathedral where they joined former President Bill Clinton and the Secretary of State designate Hillary Clinton who were already seated. The service lasted over an hour and concluded at 11:17 with the singing of “He’s got the whole world in his hands”.
The Presidential Motorcade left the National Cathedral shortly after and made the ten minute commute, arriving at the White House for 11:36.
At 1:18 Pm President Obama met with the White House senior staff for the swearing in ceremony. He spoke with the senior staff and there family members for about 10 minutes explaining and outlining five executive orders that would directly effect them.
The "Executive Order on Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel" requires that appointees sign forms saying that they were not hired because of political affiliations or contributions.
Obama "requires that government hiring be based upon qualifications, competence and experience, not political connections," according to a statement issued by his press secretary. " He has ordered every one of his appointees to sign a pledge abiding by these tough new rules as a down payment on the change he has promised to bring to Washington."
Shortly before President Obama commenced the signing of the Executive order on Ethics Commitments, Vice President Biden administered the oath of office for White House senior staff. The Vice President asked for a hard copy of the oath and stating, “My memory is not as good as Justice Roberts”. This was an apparent jab at Justice Roberts for his bumbling of the Presidential Oath the day before. President Obama was visibly bothered by the comment made by his VP though he made no mention of it.
Directly following the Oath administered by VP Biden, President Obama signed the first Executive order of his administration at 1:26 Pm The full text of the Executive Order on Ethics can be read here
Later in the afternoon at 2:40 Pm, The President and First Lady are in the Blue Room of the White House shaking hands and welcoming attendees of an open house. President Obama is at one point overheard telling one young man, “Welcome, enjoy yourself. Roam around. Don’t break anything”.
From 3:15 - 3:45 Pm The President held a meeting with his economic advisers in the Roosevelt Room. Following his economic meeting President Obama turned right around and moved into a meeting held in the Situation room of the White House. From 4:15 - 5:15 Pm President Obama met with Iraq Military Commanders, the Ambassador to Iraq, the Commander in Iraq, and the overall theater commander in the region.
That evening at around 7:35, the President was visited by Supreme Court Justice Roberts who administered the oath of office once more, this time in the Map Room of the White House. White House Counsel Greg Craig explained in a statement, “…out of an abundance of caution, because there was one word out of sequence, Chief Justice Roberts administered the oath a second time.”
President Obama, apparently feeling more comfortable about joking directly with Chief Justice Roberts seized onthe moment and said to the Justice, “We’re going to do it very slowly.”
At 8:40 Pm the President and First Lady arrived at the D.C. armory for yet another ball. This “Thank You Ball” was held with a few thousand of campaign, inaugural, transition and DNC staffers. The President spoke briefly and then spent time thanking supporters.
A lengthy, and some what productive day at the end. By tthe close of the day President Barack Obama had upheld his end of the aggrement on 6 out of the 510 reported pormises listed by Politifact.com on there Obameter as they shifted those 6 to the Promises Kept page. He was apparently working on several others through out the day as well according to the In the Works page on the site.
"Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency," Obama said.
Tuesday, January 20
The Inauguration
Video of the Inauguration.
January 20 2009
the swearing in ceremony was delayed 5 minutes. The official swearing in of the 44th President of the United States did not occur until 12:05
January 20 2009
the swearing in ceremony was delayed 5 minutes. The official swearing in of the 44th President of the United States did not occur until 12:05
Monday, January 19
January 19 2009 less than 1 day to go
The fever pitch of the buzz that surrounds Washington in the midst of gray skies and passing snow showers is being amplified as more and more people seem to stream into the area in preparation for tomorrows main event. Uniformed Military Personel are stationed about the city on street corners. They are just a precurser of the massive military and security personel presence that has been planned for inaugural festivities. Even with the wave of people streaming into downtown DC there have been no disturbances reported thus far.
As expected the cabinet post anouncement machine is in overdrive.
President-elect Barack Obama announced the following key posts at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) today:
As expected the cabinet post anouncement machine is in overdrive.
President-elect Barack Obama announced the following key posts at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) today:
- Jeffrey Liebman, Executive Associate Director
- Steve Kosiak, Associate Director for Defense and International Affairs
- Robert Gordon, Associate Director for Education, Income Maintenance and Labor
- Xavier de Souza Briggs, Associate Director for General Government Programs
- Preeta Bansal, OMB General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor
- Kenneth Baer, Associate Director for Communications and Strategic Planning.
A short bio on each is available in the News Room at Change.gov just below the announcement.
Today is not only inauguration eve but it is also a day that the nation reserves to honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In an apeal to the nation to come together in service of our nation President Elect Obama released a statement "As we honor that legacy, it's not a day just to pause and reflect; it's a day to act," "I ask the American people to turn today's efforts into an ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of others in their communities, their cities, and their country."
President Elect Obama made an unscheduled stop this morning at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to spend time and visit with several wounded soldiers who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. From Walter Reed President Elect Obama traveled to the Sasha Bruce House, a home for homeless teens. He spent time with two volunteers and lent a hand in there work by grabbing a paint roller and in the spirit of his own advice helped his fellow countrymen.
Current President George W. Bush, with just a day left in his Presidential term, designated Defense Secretary Robert Gates, to stay away from Tuesday's inaugural festivities "in order to ensure continuity of government," said Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino. By custom, one government official stays away when others in the line of presidential succession attend public events. President Bush also spent the morning making calls to thank foreign dignitaries that he has worked with over the course of the past 8 years. During the day Bush also found time to commutte the prison terms of two former boarder patrol guards who were convicted in the murder of a Mexican national and sentabced to 10 years prison.
This evening President Elect Obama has three private dinners to attend. One held in honor of Vice President-elect Joe Biden. The next in honor of former Secretary of State Colin Powell. The third is to honor Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Though his evening is full I am sure he will not sleep tonight. I would expect that instead he will sit in the Blair library and read and re-read the inaugural address from Lincoln, Eisenhower and Kennedy and Dr. King's famous "I Have A Dream" speech over and over. The historical weight of the coming day will magnify itself with each hour. "Tomorrow, we will come together as one people on the same Mall where Dr. King's dream echoes still," Obama said.
A download of the Dr. King Jr. Speech is available in 64Kbps MP3 format at the link below
http://www.archive.org/download/MLKDream/MLKDream_64kb.mp3
Other versions and formats are available the the following page: Archive.org
And a written transcript is available for viewing at USConstitution.net
Joe Biden on Oprah
Vice President Joe Biden and his wife were on Oprah.
During the interview Vice President Biden's wife may have let the cat out of the bag.
Was Joe Biden offered a choice between the VP position and the Secretary of State Position?
During the interview Vice President Biden's wife may have let the cat out of the bag.
Was Joe Biden offered a choice between the VP position and the Secretary of State Position?
Sunday, January 18
January 18 2009 2 days to go
Today at 4 PM on the National Mall as the "We Are One" concert came to a close, Barack Obama ascended from his seat at the base of the Lincoln Memorial to take center stage at a podium placed on the steps of the monument, built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. He stood under the gray sky in 30 degree weather before a mass of 500,000 people who had converged on the mall.
The President Elect spoke briefly.
After his speech he returned to the seating area where he rejoined his family along with Vice Presidential Elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill. Before turning to leave the mall President Elect Obama spent several moments thanking each of the performers personally for there participation in the days events.
President Elect Obama eventually left the mall in his armored Cadillac bearing the license plate "44" to return with his family to the Blair House across from the White House as they continue the count down until the inauguration on Tuesday January 20th.
The President Elect spoke briefly.
"I want to thank all the speakers and performers for reminding us, through song and through words, just what it is that we love about America. And I want to thank all of you for braving the cold and the crowds and traveling in some cases thousands of miles to join us here today.
Welcome to Washington, and welcome to this celebration of American renewal.
In the course of our history, only a handful of generations have been asked to confront challenges as serious as the ones we face right now. Our nation is at war. Our economy is in crisis. Millions of Americans are losing their jobs and their homes; they're worried about how they'll afford college for their kids or pay the stack of bills on their kitchen table. And most of all, they are anxious and uncertain about the future, about whether this generation of Americans will be able to pass on what's best about this country to our children and their children.
I won't pretend that meeting any one of these challenges will be easy. It will take more than a month or a year, and it will likely take many. Along the way there will be setbacks and false starts and days that test our fundamental resolve as a nation.
But despite all of this, despite the enormity of the task that lies ahead, I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States of America will endure, that it will prevail, that the dream of our founders will live on in our time.
What gives me hope is what I see when I look out across this mall. For in these monuments are chiseled those unlikely stories that affirm our unyielding faith, a faith that anything is possible in America. Rising before us stands a memorial to a man who led a small band of farmers and shopkeepers in revolution against the army of an Empire, all for the sake of an idea.
On the ground below is a tribute to a generation that withstood war and depression, men and women like my grandparents who toiled on bomber assembly lines and marched across Europe to free the world from tyranny's grasp. Directly in front of us is a pool that still reflects the dream of a King, and the glory of a people who marched and bled so that their children might be judged by their character's content. And behind me, watching over the union he saved, sits the man who in so many ways made this day possible.
And yet, as I stand here today, what gives me the greatest hope of all is not the stone and marble that surrounds us today, but what fills the spaces in between. It is you, Americans of every race and region and station who came here because you believe in what this country can be and because you want to help us get there.
It is the same thing that gave me hope from the day we began this campaign for the presidency nearly two years ago; a belief that if we could just recognize ourselves in one another and bring everyone together, Democrats, Republicans, independents; Latino, Asian and Native American; black and white, gay and straight, disabled and not, then not only would we restore hope and opportunity in places that yearned for both, but maybe, just maybe, we might perfect our union in the process.
This is what I believed, but you made this belief real. You proved once more that people who love this country can change it. And as I prepare to assume the presidency, yours are the voices I will take with me every day when I walk into that Oval Office, the voices of men and women who have different stories but hold common hopes; who ask only for what was promised us as Americans, that we might make of our lives what we will and see our children climb higher than we did.
It is this thread that binds us together in common effort; that runs through every memorial on this mall; that connects us to all those who struggled and sacrificed and stood here before.It is how this nation has overcome the greatest differences and the longest odds, because there is no obstacle that can stand in the way of millions of voices calling for change.
That is the belief with which we began this campaign, and that is how we will overcome what ails us now. There is no doubt that our road will be long, that our climb will be steep. But never forget that the true character of our nation is revealed not during times of comfort and ease, but by the right we do when the moment is hard. I ask you to help reveal that character once more, and together, we can carry forward as one nation, and one people, the legacy of our forefathers that we celebrate today.
Thank you, America. God bless you."
After his speech he returned to the seating area where he rejoined his family along with Vice Presidential Elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill. Before turning to leave the mall President Elect Obama spent several moments thanking each of the performers personally for there participation in the days events.
President Elect Obama eventually left the mall in his armored Cadillac bearing the license plate "44" to return with his family to the Blair House across from the White House as they continue the count down until the inauguration on Tuesday January 20th.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)