Yale University News
Office of Public Affairs
Phone: 203/432-1345
Fax: 203/432-1323
http://www.yale.edu/opa
CONTACT: Gila Reinstein 203-432-1325 gila.reinstein@yale.edu
Or Kathy Colello 203-432-4854 kathleen.colello@yale.edu
For Immediate Release: October 23, 2009
Yale Law School Conference on the Future of Journalism
New Haven, Conn.—A dramatic shift in the way Americans receive news and information, stimulated by the growing dominance of the Internet and other electronic media, is the focus of the conference “Journalism and the New Media Ecology: Who Will Pay the Messengers?” at Yale Law School, November 13-14.
Internet media outlets have cut deeply into the circulation and advertising revenues of traditional news media and diminished their ability to practice the level of good journalism on which an informed citizenry depends. Only this week, The New York Times announced plans to eliminate 100 newsroom jobs by year’s end.
Yale Law School’s Knight Law and Media Program will bring together scholars, media leaders, journalists, faculty members and students to share their insights and explore new ways to support the work of the “Fourth Estate.”
Panels will consider such topics as “Who Uses the News and How?” “Preserving Local Journalism” and “Who Will Pay the Messengers?” Additional sessions will delve into “The Quest for Pay Models,” “Publicly Owned and Operated Media,” “The Changing Ecology of News Media,” “Non-Profit and Foundation-Funded Models” and “Direct and Indirect Government Subsidies.” The final panel discussion will consider “The View from the Newsroom.”
Speakers include Stephen Brill, co-founder of “Journalism Online” and founding editor of American Lawyer; Jay Rosen, author of “What Are Journalists For?” (Yale University Press, 1999) and PressThink, a weblog about journalism and its ordeals (www.pressthink.org ); Jonathan Leibowitz, chair of the Federal Trade Commission; Tom Rosenstiel, director of the Pew Center for Excellence in Journalism; and many others.
The conference begins at 10 a.m. on Friday with welcoming remarks by Yale Law School Dean Robert Post ’77 J.D. and Professor Jack Balkin, director of the Knight Law and Media Faculty Program. Jonathan Klein, president of CNN-USA, will deliver the keynote address on Friday evening to an invited audience. The conference concludes Saturday afternoon.
“We will meet at a pivotal moment, as major news organizations, the Knight Commission on the News Needs of Communities, and government confront and shape decisions in response to the urgent need to sustain high-value journalism,” said Stephen Nevas, executive director of the Knight Law and Media Program.
The conference is open to the public. There is no charge for Yale students and faculty. The registration fee for non-Yale students and scholars is $25; for non-profits, government representatives and the public, $75; and for corporations and trade associations, $225. Full details, the complete conference schedule, and required online registration are available on the conference website at http://www.law.yale.edu/lawandmedia. For more information, please contact Stephen Nevas at stephen.nevas@yale.edu or Perry Fetterman at perry.fetterman@yale.edu.
The Knight Law and Media Program, part of the Information Society Project at Yale Law School, is supported by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Yale News Releases are available at http://www.opa.yale.edu
Friday, October 23, 2009
Keeping the Peace: A Five Year Journey in Sudan Beatrice Mategwa, Producer/Head of Television, United Nations Mission in Sudan and Yale World Fellow
The Council on Middle East Studies presents:
Keeping the Peace: A Five Year Journey
in Sudan
Beatrice Mategwa, Producer/Head of Television, United Nations Mission in Sudan and Yale World Fellow
Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 12:00-1:20 PM
Location: ISPS A001, 77 Prospect Street
Beatrice writes: “I have been working in Africa's largest country, the Sudan, for almost five years as a video journalist. I
joined the peacekeeping unit with the United Nations Mission in Sudan at the end of 2005, but I previously worked for
Reuters Television covering the country at large. Through my work, I have watched the country emerge from conflict to its current state of relative peace - where former foes involved in a 20-year battle have been trying their best to honor a
peace agreement signed in January 2005. The transition to peace has not been easy, especially with the unrest in Darfur and the tribal conflicts which have emerged in the southern part of the country. Sudan is now preparing for its
first elections in over 20 years - expected to be held in April 2010 - and a referendum on southern secession that will
follow in 2011.”
For Immediate Release October 23, 2009 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT SENATOR DODD FUNDRAISING DINNER
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 23, 2009
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT SENATOR DODD FUNDRAISING DINNER
Stamford Hilton
Stamford, Connecticut
5:47 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, Connecticut! (Applause.) Hello, Stamford! (Applause.) It is good to be back in Connecticut. Thank you so much. Everybody, please have a seat -- have a seat. Relax for a second. I'm just warming up here. (Laughter.)
I'm going to talk a little bit about this guy in a second. Let me begin by just acknowledging some wonderful public servants who have just been serving their constituencies with great distinction for, in some cases, a lot of years.
First of all, Congressman John Larson is in the house. Where's John? There he is, John Larson. (Applause.) Congressman Chris Murphy. Chris. (Applause.) Congressman Jim Himes. (Applause.) Yes, sir. This is Jim's district, so he's got the home court advantage. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. (Applause.) And Mayor of Stamford, Dannel Malloy is in the house. (Applause.)
I can see this is a feisty crowd. (Applause.) What are you guys eating? (Laughter.) You don't know yet, huh? It's a surprise? All right.
It is great to be back in Connecticut. It is an honor to be here with and for your outstanding senator, my great friend, Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Now, here's the general rule of politics: When you're President you're not supposed to pick favorites. But I have a confession to make. From the moment I arrived in the United States Senate, Chris Dodd was one of my favorites. (Applause.) And contrary to what Chris thinks, it's not his good looks -- (laughter) -- Jackie may like that, that doesn't move me. (Laughter.)
It's a fact that he's someone who believes deeply in the core ideals of our country and the nobility of public service -- and he's lived those ideals from the moment he joined the Peace Corps as a young man through his leadership in the Senate today. He has never lost that wonderful quality that's all too rare in Washington -- the quality of taking his work seriously, but not taking himself seriously; a man of good humor and a good heart. And that's why he is liked and respected not just in the Democratic Caucus, but across the aisle. That's why he's so effective, and why, over the past three decades, his name has appeared on some of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress has produced.
Today, every American who can take a leave from a job to care for a newborn or relative who is sick, they can thank Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Every young child who has early access to educational opportunity through Head Start -- thank Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Every firefighter and first responder who is safer on the job because of the FIRE Act and the SAFER Act -- they can thank Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Chris has been so good that you could excuse him if he decided, you know, I'm going to start taking it easy a little bit; I don't want to have to just work this hard. But that's not what he did, he -- I don't know what -- he's got some Energizer bunny battery in him or something, but this year he's kind of gone crazy, he's just gone wild. I mean, look at what he's done this year. There are few leaders who have been as busy getting things done in Congress as Chris Dodd.
Just this year, led the fight to pass legislation that is helping homeowners keep their piece of the American Dream. Then he helped pass a law that will stop Big Tobacco from targeting our children. Then he was there to pass a national service bill that will inspire another generation of Americans to serve their country -- just like Chris did when he served in the Peace Corps. Then he wrote the credit card legislation that finally became law this year -- a law that will stop credit card companies from ripping off the American consumer with abusive fees and rate hikes. And that's only nine months in. (Applause.) It's just the first nine months.
And in between -- tonight he's got his swimming trunks; he's going to take the girls swimming at the hotel pool. (Laughter.)
So Chris knows how to get things done in Washington. That's why he's currently leading the fight on not one, but on two of the most important issues that we face today and two of the biggest priorities in my agenda.
Before our friend and champion Ted Kennedy passed away this summer -- Teddy Jr. is here tonight -- (applause) -- Teddy turned to Chris and he asked him if he would be the one to shepherd health reform through the committee that Teddy had chaired. And in that role, Chris did an outstanding job both leading and listening; incorporating Republican and Democratic ideas. And thanks to Chris Dodd's work and the work of senators like Max Baucus and others, we are now closer to Ted Kennedy's dream of health care reform than we have ever been. It will pass this year, in part because of the work of Chris Dodd. (Applause.)
But Chris -- Chris isn't just dealing with health care reform. He's also leading the fight to reform our financial industry so that we don't have another crisis like the one that brought our economy to its knees.
Now, I know that there are a lot of hedge funds and financial institutions here in Stamford. We flew over by helicopter; we saw some of the housing around here. (Laughter.) But I want to stress the urgency of this reform. I have always believed, and I know Chris believes, in the free market. And we believe with all our heart that the financial industry is essential to a healthy economy and the well-being of the country as a whole. And that's why we stepped in. And we continue to believe it was the right thing to do to step in to prevent a collapse in the financial sector that would have had far-reaching and devastating consequences for the American people. We came very close to a Great Depression.
And so we had to intervene. But I think all of us can agree that as a country we should never again be faced with such a potential calamity because of the reckless speculation and deceptive practices of a short-sighted and self-interested few. (Applause.) So I have to say -- so I'd like to say to you tonight, if there are folks from the industry here tonight, join us. Don't fight us. Join us in passing what are necessary reforms. It is important for our country, and in the long run, it will be good for your industry to have a level playing field -- (applause) -- where everybody knows the rules and everybody is competing fairly for the business of American consumers. It's the right thing to do. (Applause.)
Now, one of the most essential financial reforms is the one that Chris has been leading the charge on -- a Consumer Financial Protection Agency whose mission will be to look out for the financial interests of ordinary Americans.
And this is an agency that will equip every American who signs up for a mortgage or a credit card with the information they need to avoid getting ripped off by predatory lenders or big banks. Now, if the American people win this fight, these banks and lenders won't be able to exploit consumers through complicated contracts or fine print. No longer will they be permitted to game the system so consumers are at greater risk to face arbitrary penalties or fees. In a financial system that's never been more complicated, and at a time when middle class families are under such duress, such strain, it's never been more important for consumers to have their own watchdog -- that's exactly what this agency will be.
And I have to say it's predictable -- a lot of the big financial firms, they don't like it very much. Because confusion among consumers oftentimes means big profits. And lately we've seen an army of industry lobbyists descend on Capitol Hill to kill this proposal or at least to water it down. Now, fortunately, I think everybody understands now is the time to get this done. (Applause.) And despite all the lobbyists and all the power, we scored a major victory yesterday when the House Banking Committee voted in favor of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. The lobbyists lost, and the American people won. And thanks to the strong leadership of Chris Dodd, we're going to win again in the United States Senate. (Applause.)
Chris is leading that fight just as he's leading the fight against deceptive and punishing check overdraft fees, and a whole array of safeguards to ensure that hard-working Americans are treated fairly in our financial system. Every resident of this state and every American has a stake in his success.
So Chris has a lot on his plate these days. And that's because we're facing pretty big challenges as a nation right now. You know, it's important for all of us to remember what was happening when we walked through the front door of the White House, because, you know, there seems to be some selective memories afflicting certain people. (Laughter.) We were facing an economic crisis unlike any we've seen in generations. We were losing 700,000 jobs per month. Our financial system was on the brink of collapse. And economists not just of the left, but of the right and the center, every political persuasion, were concerned about the possibilities of a depression.
And that's why we acted boldly and we acted swiftly to pass a Recovery Act that's made a difference in the lives of families across America. We just stopped by a small business, a landscaping firm that was able to benefit from an SBA loan facilitated through the Recovery Act. They are now hiring folks, just bought a new building, they are expanding -- right here, just next door to this hotel. We put a tax cut into the pockets of 95 percent of working Americans as well as small business owners. We've extended and increased unemployment insurance for 16 million Americans to help them get by in tough times. We made COBRA 65 percent cheaper so that if you lost your job you didn't have to lose your insurance. We provided relief to states, including Connecticut, to help prevent them from having to lay off teachers and firefighters and police officers.
According to initial estimates, it has saved -- the Recovery Act has saved some 250,000 jobs just in our schools. Just in our schools. (Applause.) And we've supported more than 30,000 loans to small businesses, which helped create thousands of jobs in the private sector.
But here's the thing. The Recovery Act wasn't just about tax cuts -- the most progressive tax cut in the history of America. It wasn't just about emergency relief for middle-class families who are buckling under the strain of this recession. It was also the largest investment in education in American history. (Applause.) It was -- it was the largest investment in clean energy in American history. (Applause.) It was the largest boost to medical and basic research in history, not just American history. (Applause.) It was the largest investment in infrastructure since Eisenhower built the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s. (Applause.)
All across -- all across the country folks are rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, but also setting up smart grids and broadband lines where people hadn't been able to get to before.
And we didn't stop there. We passed the Lilly Ledbetter Act because we believe women should get paid the same as men for doing the same work. (Applause.) We lifted the ban on stem cell research and restored science to its rightful place in America. (Applause.) We extended health care to 11 million children across this country, 4 million of whom previously had no insurance. For the first time in our history, we've begun to put in place a new national policy aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States of America. (Applause.)
So next time somebody asks, well, what have you been doing? Simple fact is we've already had one of the most productive first years of any administration. (Applause.) And you helped make it possible.
But as Chris pointed out, the reason you are here, the reason we're here, is because our work is not done. We know that there's still far too many Americans who are out of work and seeing their hours and their wages cut; too many Americans who are subject to the whims of health insurance companies dropping them because they've got a preexisting condition, charging exorbitant out-of-pocket fees, and millions of Americans who can't afford health insurance in the first place.
We know we still face enormous challenges in this country, and that's not news to you. But here's the thing -- because there are a lot of long-time activists here and maybe some new people who got involved just in recent campaigns -- I certainly know, when I look at some of the young congressmen who are here in the room, we didn't get involved in this because it was easy. You didn't decide to support our cause because you thought somehow that, in the blink of an eye, we were going solve health care or energy or education. And you certainly didn't sign up because once things got tough you expected that we were just going to kick it on to somebody else, have some future generation, have some future President, have some future Congress deal with these things.
Now is the time for us to build a health care system that works for every American. Now is the time for us to create the kind of clean energy economy we need. Now is the time to make sure that every single child in America gets a first-class education so they can compete for jobs all across the globe. (Applause.)
And so we have to combine a sense of urgency with a sense that this is going to be hard. And we should draw energy from the fact that it's hard. We should be invigorated by the fact that it's hard because that's the sign that what we're doing is worthwhile. The fact that we're able to pull off some things that haven't been done before.
And there are going to be arguments about these issues. This is a democracy. It's messy. That's the way it's supposed to be. That's the way it was designed to be. And I want all the non-Democrats who may be watching tonight or may be in the room -- surprisingly enough -- (laughter) -- I want folks to know that I believe in a strong and loyal opposition. I believe in the two-party system where ideas are tested and assumptions are challenged, and I am not always right and Chris is not always right. And that back-and-forth, that debate makes us better. That's how our democracy works. (Applause.)
Now, what I do reject is when folks just sit on the sidelines and they're rooting for failure -- whether it's on health care or energy or the economy -- or the Olympics. (Laughter and applause.) What's going on there? It's the Olympics, guys -- you know? You don't want -- you don't want America to host the Olympics? (Laughter and applause.)
What I reject is when scoring political points is so important that you'd rather see failure. What I reject is when some folks want to go to the policies that helped get us into this mess in the first place -- as if we don't remember.
I don't mind, and I know Chris doesn't mind -- we don't mind cleaning up the mess that was left for us. We're busy, we got our mops, we're, you know, mopping the floor here. But I don't want the folks who made the mess to just sit there and say, you're not mopping fast enough. (Laughter and applause.) I don't -- I don't want them saying, you're not holding the mop the right way, or, that's a socialist mop. (Applause.) I want them to grab a mop. Grab a mop. (Applause.) Grab a mop -- or a broom or something. Make yourself useful. (Laughter and applause.)
I think all of us in Washington -- Democrat and Republican -- we've got a responsibility to rise to the occasion; to look past our differences and understand this is a critical moment in our history; and we've got to move beyond the failed policies and broken politics that allowed our toughest problems to go unsolved for decades. I will work with anyone and everyone willing to do that -- and take heat from my own party in order to do that. But I've got to have a sense that everybody is trying to pull their weight.
You know, in the end, you travel this country -- the American people, they're not looking for a lot; they -- they know they've got to work hard, they don't expect government to solve all their problems. But if they are willing to work hard, then they hope they can find a job that pays a living wage so they won't be bankrupt when they get sick; that they can save for a secure retirement; that they can send their kids to a great school so that they can aspire and achieve to things that the parents could never aspire and achieve.
And that's all they're asking for. They want the opportunity to make the most of their lives. That's the chance every American deserves. That's the American Dream. That's the promise that Chris Dodd is working every day to fulfill.
And at this rare moment in history we've been given a rare opportunity to change our world for the better. But it doesn't start in Washington. As good of a job as Chris is doing, it starts with you. It starts when you refuse to accept the status quo. When you say, I'm not going to be distracted by the usual political games. When you reject cynicism. When you decide that we can close that gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be. That's when America moves forward. That's been the cause of Chris Dodd's life. And if everybody remembers that in the weeks and months to come, then I guarantee you Chris is going to continue to be my partner as we remake Washington -- (applause) -- and we remake America and we remake the world. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, everybody. God bless you. (Applause.)
END 6:09 P.M. EDT
Office of the Press Secretary
________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 23, 2009
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT SENATOR DODD FUNDRAISING DINNER
Stamford Hilton
Stamford, Connecticut
5:47 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, Connecticut! (Applause.) Hello, Stamford! (Applause.) It is good to be back in Connecticut. Thank you so much. Everybody, please have a seat -- have a seat. Relax for a second. I'm just warming up here. (Laughter.)
I'm going to talk a little bit about this guy in a second. Let me begin by just acknowledging some wonderful public servants who have just been serving their constituencies with great distinction for, in some cases, a lot of years.
First of all, Congressman John Larson is in the house. Where's John? There he is, John Larson. (Applause.) Congressman Chris Murphy. Chris. (Applause.) Congressman Jim Himes. (Applause.) Yes, sir. This is Jim's district, so he's got the home court advantage. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. (Applause.) And Mayor of Stamford, Dannel Malloy is in the house. (Applause.)
I can see this is a feisty crowd. (Applause.) What are you guys eating? (Laughter.) You don't know yet, huh? It's a surprise? All right.
It is great to be back in Connecticut. It is an honor to be here with and for your outstanding senator, my great friend, Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Now, here's the general rule of politics: When you're President you're not supposed to pick favorites. But I have a confession to make. From the moment I arrived in the United States Senate, Chris Dodd was one of my favorites. (Applause.) And contrary to what Chris thinks, it's not his good looks -- (laughter) -- Jackie may like that, that doesn't move me. (Laughter.)
It's a fact that he's someone who believes deeply in the core ideals of our country and the nobility of public service -- and he's lived those ideals from the moment he joined the Peace Corps as a young man through his leadership in the Senate today. He has never lost that wonderful quality that's all too rare in Washington -- the quality of taking his work seriously, but not taking himself seriously; a man of good humor and a good heart. And that's why he is liked and respected not just in the Democratic Caucus, but across the aisle. That's why he's so effective, and why, over the past three decades, his name has appeared on some of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress has produced.
Today, every American who can take a leave from a job to care for a newborn or relative who is sick, they can thank Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Every young child who has early access to educational opportunity through Head Start -- thank Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Every firefighter and first responder who is safer on the job because of the FIRE Act and the SAFER Act -- they can thank Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Chris has been so good that you could excuse him if he decided, you know, I'm going to start taking it easy a little bit; I don't want to have to just work this hard. But that's not what he did, he -- I don't know what -- he's got some Energizer bunny battery in him or something, but this year he's kind of gone crazy, he's just gone wild. I mean, look at what he's done this year. There are few leaders who have been as busy getting things done in Congress as Chris Dodd.
Just this year, led the fight to pass legislation that is helping homeowners keep their piece of the American Dream. Then he helped pass a law that will stop Big Tobacco from targeting our children. Then he was there to pass a national service bill that will inspire another generation of Americans to serve their country -- just like Chris did when he served in the Peace Corps. Then he wrote the credit card legislation that finally became law this year -- a law that will stop credit card companies from ripping off the American consumer with abusive fees and rate hikes. And that's only nine months in. (Applause.) It's just the first nine months.
And in between -- tonight he's got his swimming trunks; he's going to take the girls swimming at the hotel pool. (Laughter.)
So Chris knows how to get things done in Washington. That's why he's currently leading the fight on not one, but on two of the most important issues that we face today and two of the biggest priorities in my agenda.
Before our friend and champion Ted Kennedy passed away this summer -- Teddy Jr. is here tonight -- (applause) -- Teddy turned to Chris and he asked him if he would be the one to shepherd health reform through the committee that Teddy had chaired. And in that role, Chris did an outstanding job both leading and listening; incorporating Republican and Democratic ideas. And thanks to Chris Dodd's work and the work of senators like Max Baucus and others, we are now closer to Ted Kennedy's dream of health care reform than we have ever been. It will pass this year, in part because of the work of Chris Dodd. (Applause.)
But Chris -- Chris isn't just dealing with health care reform. He's also leading the fight to reform our financial industry so that we don't have another crisis like the one that brought our economy to its knees.
Now, I know that there are a lot of hedge funds and financial institutions here in Stamford. We flew over by helicopter; we saw some of the housing around here. (Laughter.) But I want to stress the urgency of this reform. I have always believed, and I know Chris believes, in the free market. And we believe with all our heart that the financial industry is essential to a healthy economy and the well-being of the country as a whole. And that's why we stepped in. And we continue to believe it was the right thing to do to step in to prevent a collapse in the financial sector that would have had far-reaching and devastating consequences for the American people. We came very close to a Great Depression.
And so we had to intervene. But I think all of us can agree that as a country we should never again be faced with such a potential calamity because of the reckless speculation and deceptive practices of a short-sighted and self-interested few. (Applause.) So I have to say -- so I'd like to say to you tonight, if there are folks from the industry here tonight, join us. Don't fight us. Join us in passing what are necessary reforms. It is important for our country, and in the long run, it will be good for your industry to have a level playing field -- (applause) -- where everybody knows the rules and everybody is competing fairly for the business of American consumers. It's the right thing to do. (Applause.)
Now, one of the most essential financial reforms is the one that Chris has been leading the charge on -- a Consumer Financial Protection Agency whose mission will be to look out for the financial interests of ordinary Americans.
And this is an agency that will equip every American who signs up for a mortgage or a credit card with the information they need to avoid getting ripped off by predatory lenders or big banks. Now, if the American people win this fight, these banks and lenders won't be able to exploit consumers through complicated contracts or fine print. No longer will they be permitted to game the system so consumers are at greater risk to face arbitrary penalties or fees. In a financial system that's never been more complicated, and at a time when middle class families are under such duress, such strain, it's never been more important for consumers to have their own watchdog -- that's exactly what this agency will be.
And I have to say it's predictable -- a lot of the big financial firms, they don't like it very much. Because confusion among consumers oftentimes means big profits. And lately we've seen an army of industry lobbyists descend on Capitol Hill to kill this proposal or at least to water it down. Now, fortunately, I think everybody understands now is the time to get this done. (Applause.) And despite all the lobbyists and all the power, we scored a major victory yesterday when the House Banking Committee voted in favor of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. The lobbyists lost, and the American people won. And thanks to the strong leadership of Chris Dodd, we're going to win again in the United States Senate. (Applause.)
Chris is leading that fight just as he's leading the fight against deceptive and punishing check overdraft fees, and a whole array of safeguards to ensure that hard-working Americans are treated fairly in our financial system. Every resident of this state and every American has a stake in his success.
So Chris has a lot on his plate these days. And that's because we're facing pretty big challenges as a nation right now. You know, it's important for all of us to remember what was happening when we walked through the front door of the White House, because, you know, there seems to be some selective memories afflicting certain people. (Laughter.) We were facing an economic crisis unlike any we've seen in generations. We were losing 700,000 jobs per month. Our financial system was on the brink of collapse. And economists not just of the left, but of the right and the center, every political persuasion, were concerned about the possibilities of a depression.
And that's why we acted boldly and we acted swiftly to pass a Recovery Act that's made a difference in the lives of families across America. We just stopped by a small business, a landscaping firm that was able to benefit from an SBA loan facilitated through the Recovery Act. They are now hiring folks, just bought a new building, they are expanding -- right here, just next door to this hotel. We put a tax cut into the pockets of 95 percent of working Americans as well as small business owners. We've extended and increased unemployment insurance for 16 million Americans to help them get by in tough times. We made COBRA 65 percent cheaper so that if you lost your job you didn't have to lose your insurance. We provided relief to states, including Connecticut, to help prevent them from having to lay off teachers and firefighters and police officers.
According to initial estimates, it has saved -- the Recovery Act has saved some 250,000 jobs just in our schools. Just in our schools. (Applause.) And we've supported more than 30,000 loans to small businesses, which helped create thousands of jobs in the private sector.
But here's the thing. The Recovery Act wasn't just about tax cuts -- the most progressive tax cut in the history of America. It wasn't just about emergency relief for middle-class families who are buckling under the strain of this recession. It was also the largest investment in education in American history. (Applause.) It was -- it was the largest investment in clean energy in American history. (Applause.) It was the largest boost to medical and basic research in history, not just American history. (Applause.) It was the largest investment in infrastructure since Eisenhower built the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s. (Applause.)
All across -- all across the country folks are rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, but also setting up smart grids and broadband lines where people hadn't been able to get to before.
And we didn't stop there. We passed the Lilly Ledbetter Act because we believe women should get paid the same as men for doing the same work. (Applause.) We lifted the ban on stem cell research and restored science to its rightful place in America. (Applause.) We extended health care to 11 million children across this country, 4 million of whom previously had no insurance. For the first time in our history, we've begun to put in place a new national policy aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States of America. (Applause.)
So next time somebody asks, well, what have you been doing? Simple fact is we've already had one of the most productive first years of any administration. (Applause.) And you helped make it possible.
But as Chris pointed out, the reason you are here, the reason we're here, is because our work is not done. We know that there's still far too many Americans who are out of work and seeing their hours and their wages cut; too many Americans who are subject to the whims of health insurance companies dropping them because they've got a preexisting condition, charging exorbitant out-of-pocket fees, and millions of Americans who can't afford health insurance in the first place.
We know we still face enormous challenges in this country, and that's not news to you. But here's the thing -- because there are a lot of long-time activists here and maybe some new people who got involved just in recent campaigns -- I certainly know, when I look at some of the young congressmen who are here in the room, we didn't get involved in this because it was easy. You didn't decide to support our cause because you thought somehow that, in the blink of an eye, we were going solve health care or energy or education. And you certainly didn't sign up because once things got tough you expected that we were just going to kick it on to somebody else, have some future generation, have some future President, have some future Congress deal with these things.
Now is the time for us to build a health care system that works for every American. Now is the time for us to create the kind of clean energy economy we need. Now is the time to make sure that every single child in America gets a first-class education so they can compete for jobs all across the globe. (Applause.)
And so we have to combine a sense of urgency with a sense that this is going to be hard. And we should draw energy from the fact that it's hard. We should be invigorated by the fact that it's hard because that's the sign that what we're doing is worthwhile. The fact that we're able to pull off some things that haven't been done before.
And there are going to be arguments about these issues. This is a democracy. It's messy. That's the way it's supposed to be. That's the way it was designed to be. And I want all the non-Democrats who may be watching tonight or may be in the room -- surprisingly enough -- (laughter) -- I want folks to know that I believe in a strong and loyal opposition. I believe in the two-party system where ideas are tested and assumptions are challenged, and I am not always right and Chris is not always right. And that back-and-forth, that debate makes us better. That's how our democracy works. (Applause.)
Now, what I do reject is when folks just sit on the sidelines and they're rooting for failure -- whether it's on health care or energy or the economy -- or the Olympics. (Laughter and applause.) What's going on there? It's the Olympics, guys -- you know? You don't want -- you don't want America to host the Olympics? (Laughter and applause.)
What I reject is when scoring political points is so important that you'd rather see failure. What I reject is when some folks want to go to the policies that helped get us into this mess in the first place -- as if we don't remember.
I don't mind, and I know Chris doesn't mind -- we don't mind cleaning up the mess that was left for us. We're busy, we got our mops, we're, you know, mopping the floor here. But I don't want the folks who made the mess to just sit there and say, you're not mopping fast enough. (Laughter and applause.) I don't -- I don't want them saying, you're not holding the mop the right way, or, that's a socialist mop. (Applause.) I want them to grab a mop. Grab a mop. (Applause.) Grab a mop -- or a broom or something. Make yourself useful. (Laughter and applause.)
I think all of us in Washington -- Democrat and Republican -- we've got a responsibility to rise to the occasion; to look past our differences and understand this is a critical moment in our history; and we've got to move beyond the failed policies and broken politics that allowed our toughest problems to go unsolved for decades. I will work with anyone and everyone willing to do that -- and take heat from my own party in order to do that. But I've got to have a sense that everybody is trying to pull their weight.
You know, in the end, you travel this country -- the American people, they're not looking for a lot; they -- they know they've got to work hard, they don't expect government to solve all their problems. But if they are willing to work hard, then they hope they can find a job that pays a living wage so they won't be bankrupt when they get sick; that they can save for a secure retirement; that they can send their kids to a great school so that they can aspire and achieve to things that the parents could never aspire and achieve.
And that's all they're asking for. They want the opportunity to make the most of their lives. That's the chance every American deserves. That's the American Dream. That's the promise that Chris Dodd is working every day to fulfill.
And at this rare moment in history we've been given a rare opportunity to change our world for the better. But it doesn't start in Washington. As good of a job as Chris is doing, it starts with you. It starts when you refuse to accept the status quo. When you say, I'm not going to be distracted by the usual political games. When you reject cynicism. When you decide that we can close that gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be. That's when America moves forward. That's been the cause of Chris Dodd's life. And if everybody remembers that in the weeks and months to come, then I guarantee you Chris is going to continue to be my partner as we remake Washington -- (applause) -- and we remake America and we remake the world. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, everybody. God bless you. (Applause.)
END 6:09 P.M. EDT
Award Winning Filmmaker, Stacey Muhammad of Wildseed Films . . . (http://www.wildseedstudios.com) is seeking African American Men and Women, above th
Sis. Stacey Muhammad is truly a force to be reckoned with!
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PLEASE DISTRIBUTE!!!
Shooting Dates: November 4th - 14th, 2009 - If you are not available during this time, please let us know. Production will take place in and around the Brooklyn, NY area . . .
Award Winning Filmmaker, Stacey Muhammad of Wildseed Films . . .
(http://www.wildseedstudios.com) is seeking African American Men and Women, above the age of 18 to participate in the upcoming documentary (Out of Our Right Minds, the Rise of Depression Amongst Women of Color)
We are looking for those who are ready and willing to share their experiences!
Interested in interviewing:
African American Women who have suffered from or who are currently suffering from Depression and any other form of emotional or mental disorder (clinically disgnosed or not)
African American Women who have treated Depression and other emotional or mental disorders with either traditional (Western) medication, i.e. antidepressants...as well as those who have opted for a more wholostic approach i.e., yoga, herbs, meditation, etc . . .
Also interested in interviewing:
African American Men
Psychologists / Psychiatrist (any race or gender) who have experience in the treatment of African American patients who have been clinically disgnosed with Depression and other mental / emotional disorders
About the Filmmaker: Stacey Muhammad is an Award Winning Independent Filmmaker and Activist committed to using the power of media to educate, enlighten and empower humanity. Her first film, “A Glimpse of Heaven, The Legacy of the Million Man March”, screened at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, MD in 2005 and received rave reviews.
KRS ONE , 50 Cent Track from Stacey Muhammad on Vimeo.
Since that time, the New Orleans native has begun the work of documenting and preserving Hip Hop culture through film and digital media. Her projects include several multi-media projects, music videos and short form documentaries, including, the award winning "I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak", which made it’s film festival premier at the New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival.Ms. Muhammad has worked with several media outlets as well as numerous hip hop artist. She also served on the national staff for the planning of the Million Man March and the planning committee for the Hip Hop Summit Action Network. Ms. Muhammad lectures and participates in panel discussions on filmmaking, activism as well as hip hop culture.
As co-founder of "IntelligentSeedz", Youth Media Organization, Stacey is committed to teaching youth the art of filmmaking and equipping them with the necessary tools to tell the stories that affect their lives.
Her latest film, "Out of Our Right Minds" is slated to be released in January 2010.
For more information, please visit the sites below:
http://www.wildseedstudios.com
http://www.vimeo.com/wildseed
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3549323/bio
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1474225/
http://www.facebook.com/staceymuhammad
To participate, please contact Wildseed Films @ 347-405-6784 / via email @ wildseedfilms@gmail.com / or via Facebook
Participants will be required to sign a release form...there is no monetary compensation for this film...Credit / DVD copy provided . . .
You can donate to the projects Wildseed Films are currently producing by clicking the link below:
Thank you for your continued support!
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9111018
Tai Chi Chuan and The Code of Life
Tai Chi Chuan and The Code of Life
Posted using ShareThisTai Chi Chuan & The Code of Life for Both East & West details how to build chi, circulate and store it. In order to understand the energetic method of Tai Chi & Chi Kung, Graham Horwood has highlighted parallels from its source, The I Ching and the archetypal principles from both Eastern & Western philosophy and medicine. The text and diagrams show the synergy between the different cultures, yet show how they are all linked. This enables the beginner or the experienced Tai Chi practitioner to improve their understanding of Tai Chi. This will strengthen both the mind and body opening the gateway to the inner person.
Posted using ShareThisTai Chi Chuan & The Code of Life for Both East & West details how to build chi, circulate and store it. In order to understand the energetic method of Tai Chi & Chi Kung, Graham Horwood has highlighted parallels from its source, The I Ching and the archetypal principles from both Eastern & Western philosophy and medicine. The text and diagrams show the synergy between the different cultures, yet show how they are all linked. This enables the beginner or the experienced Tai Chi practitioner to improve their understanding of Tai Chi. This will strengthen both the mind and body opening the gateway to the inner person.
OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE FAMILY PHOTO
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama pose in the White House's Green Room with their children, Sasha, left, and Malia.
Official White House Photo by Annie Leibovitz.
2nd Annual National Opportunity to Learn Education Summit 2009: Building a National Movement to Close the Opportunity Gap | Summary | powered by RegOnline
Umm Kulthum-Arab Film Distribution: Home Page - Films, Videos, and DVDs from the Arab World, Middle East, and North Africa
Arab Film Distribution: Home Page - Films, Videos, and DVDs from the Arab World, Middle East, and North Africa
Posted using ShareThisShe had the musicality of Ella Fitzgerald, the public presence of Eleanor Roosevelt and the audience of Elvis Presley.
Born a peasant at the turn of the last century, legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum earned a position of great wealth and influence.
Poverty and Income in 2008: A Look at the New Census Data and What the Numbers Mean - Brookings Institution
BlackPublicMedia.org: Mandisa
BlackPublicMedia.org: MandisaMandisa was produced as part of the National Black Programming Consortium's New Media Institute: Africa project when it traveled to Durban South Africa in 2008. Working with the local arts center, Ekhaya Multi Arts Center, in the township of Kwa Mashu, students were tasked with capturing interesting short documentary stories about South Africa. Mandisa tells the story of a young woman who works a the arts center and also trains as an artist/poet. It chronicles her determination to get her younger sister a better life, and documents the artistic youth environment that fuels her creativity in Kwa Mashu.
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