Article Source: msnbc.com
from:msnbc.comThousands rally across Russia to denounce government economic policy and demand more freedom in a new challenge to the Kremlin reflecting increasing disillusionment.
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Economic protests by common folks having their wealth sqeezed out of them with diminishing prospects to earn a living are a growing trend world-wide.
This is all due to imposible regulations, austerity measures, rising taxes and fees and overwhelming debt. . . are it's a growing trend in this
Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Iceland, Latvia, France. . .
Who's next?
Seems like everybody is upset with their government nowadays!
KD Why would you leave out the US?
JA good point!
It's happenning here too and it's happenning because the rich get bail-out's, the poor get hand-outs and the everyone else gets stuck with the bill.
I think everyone knows you can protest in the US.
A few years ago the mexicans, in the millions not thousands, marched in like 10 cities across the US because they arent getting treated nicely enough.
That would never happen in Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, or maybe even in Mexico.
To the Russians on this vine all I can say is good luck. It seems Putin wants to take Russia back to the Soviet Union days. There is no place for that kind of government as the world goes forward.
To the Americans I say the clock is ticking and pretty soon we will not have the same freedoms we did.
Funny thing... its happening today in the United States, but you would never know that by reading MSNBC...It's because the protesters are part of the Tea Party Movement. At least 25,000 in Washington protesting the Health Care Bill, but that dose not fit in with MSNBC's Socialist ideals...So I guess MSNBC will keep on telling you that "the emperor dose have clothes"...
Gee, I thought I was reading a future article after the Health Care bill is enacted in the US. Maybe in the year 2014 when the crap really hits the fan!
First everyone gets tired of their government, then everyone rebels, then we all become friends, and then we ellect Obama world president. Yay! Don't tell me you don't see this down the road. Weaken the US so it can't resist being drawn in later on, making friends with everyone he can. If Obama is such a 'jedi' (as some have claimed) at politics then I see the culmination of episode 3 right here in Washington. Hilary is the wrinkly old sith lord by the way. =) .....but I still wish Russia luck, and Iran, now we just need china and N Korea to jump on the 'I'm not happy' band wagon.
Us...
AS THE WORLD DENOUNCES SOCIALISM OUR GOVERNMENT IRRATIONALLY EMBRACES IT!!!!!!!
Russia's protests are interesting as their economy has been strong over the past 9 years. The concerns regarding business creation, energy and continued social injustices is obvious of their government not hearing their concerns. SImilar to what's happening right here.
The obvious disregard socialist governments have for their peoples needs and concerns is being played out on the global stage. The European Union is crumbling as more and more countries collapse under the weight of massive government bureaucracies. The EU is unique because they cannot prop their individual participating nations with monetization of their debt as we have been doing for decades. Russia doesn't have the backing of a strong Ruble to protect its economy.
Now here we have an ever expanding socialist mentality despite the failures of these countries. We should be learning from their inability to be economically or socially independent but we surge forward. Indiscriminate spending on more and more social programs with no improvement of our earning capacity will only lead to a massive correction soon. The Fed will continue to artificaially prop up our economy with more inflation of dollars into the global markets but eventually the payment will come due.
This is the problem that will change the American Dream significantly.
lets See if Hillary and john McCain can run their mouth against Putin.they sure had lots to say when it came to Iran but they know ,they cannot mess with Russia.bunch of hypocrite.
Russia is an economic protest...I think that it would be the pot calling the kettle black if the United States were to give some kind of advice to Russia on this issue...I think we need to take care of our own problems first! Mitt Romney 2012!
Mark, I agree with your post, except the 'Mitt Romney' part. BOTH parties suck, so I hope for a new school third party candidate for 2012!
Stifling freedoms eventually lead to a lot of pissed off people and most countries experience it at some level.
I bet the current Russian government is thinking, "This used to be so much easier to deal with when we could just kill them." Looks like the Gulags will be getting more tenants.
" Those that make peaceful revolution impossible, make violent revolution inevitable."
J.F. Kennedy
Our freedoms are being taken away by the big corporations and their lobbyists. Putin has his lobbyists too [mostly political]. All politicians are trying to deal with too much at the same time. Governments need to change with the problems of the 21st century. That might be the hardest thing any leader can do.
This sounds like something that needs to happen here. Isn't this(what's left) of the "working class" Americans are going through? Along with all the corruption in government here that we have to put up with. My opinion.
I think the shrinking world fuel supply and growing consumption from developing countries, like Russia, will be responsible for a permanent world-wide recession. There will be no economic growth anywhere without affordable fuel.
President Obama set aside billions for alternative fuel resources as well as legislation to kick start this much needed program and I am very pleased he did. Unlike, that Bush character and company who just said, "keep drilling" as he stole billions from the Social Security fund to pay for the new technology of being able to drill deeper faster(and I'm not referring to his treatment toward the American people and her laws). Giving credit where credit is due.
Cheers! Mr. Obama for (if at the least) trying to make a difference.
Yeah, it's just too bad that there is no alternative to fossil fuel. Neither political party has done much to change the situation here in America. It's going to take a lifestyle change, and that is not going to happen without high fuel prices. Unfortunately, this will lead to a very long global economic recession.
Have you already felt the difference?
there is alternative to fossil fuel. Who ever it is that is in charge of such things will not let it come out. Energy that has to be free is not ver popular with who ever it is that controls such things. This technology is used only for war and espinoge.
Lisa, EXACTLY! What happened to Cold Fusion, for example!
I am thinking more about Tesla's work with wireless transmission
We could have perfected and manufactured hydrogen fuel cells 20 years ago, but the petroleum lobbies stopped that before it got started. Our country is run by greed and selfishness.
We should have done this when Bush was our President. (GOD, Its hard for me to even type the two words together much less to say it).
As for his Legacy hahahaha thats a good one!
Julian, yea, you are so much better off now with Obama.....sure...
To: J.A-522495
Yeah, sure buddy like that's even a comparison hahahaha. Obama has done more positive actions in his first year in office than that son of a Bush did vacationing through his terms in office.
May I ask where you have been for the past sixteen years that you seem unaware of the rape and pillage of this nation?
Pleeaazzee.... Save it for someone who hasn't got a clue.
I am better off. Had to fight my way through the Bush era to get my degree to make it. When Obama took office the entry-level job market for engineering was dismal. One year later the professional market improved and I was recently able to get a job. If Sarah Palin had been elected I would probably feel lucky to have canned food and a bomb shelter by now.
Honestly, with examples like Putin and Mugabe out there, why do these mouth-breathers equate health care reform with tyranny and intellectualism with arrogance? I totally get not approving of subsidized medical care for the poor, but to accuse Obama of being both a Socialist and a Fascist? I guess that for a small but vocal minority it will always be worse when a Democrat president has an affair with a pudgy intern or is "arrogant" (see "Uppity" or "Non-Caucasian") than when a Republican president lies his way into a war and presides over the worst economic collapse since that of Coolidge and Hoover.
Atomic,
Kind of like I'm fighting my way now to get a degree in Nursing? The President, no matter who it is at the time, as next to nothing to do with you going to school and getting a job. It's called personal responsibility. Try it some time.
As for Monica, I think most people were more upset about his choice in women. He was the President! Couldn't he get a better looking woman? LOL
I guess you think the UN, the NYT, and Hussein himself were lying about WMD's as well? What about the Kurds that he killed with them? Were they lying about them as well? Bush was a horrible president, this is true, but lies and misinformation are uncalled for no matter which side your on.
BTW, most people don't care if the President is "Non-Caucasian". Well most people of any common sense don't anyway. But the libs love to bring it up to make it seem that anyone that disagrees with them is a racist. Pure Fallacy.
I was only calling "racist" for the far outfield wack-jobs. I know plenty of conservatives who oppose the President on honorable principles. The Tea-Party types, however, have the distinct stench of racism about them. That was what I was talking about.
Yes, Saddam was a dangerous cancer in the middle-east. So is the Saudi royal family and the Iranian ayatollahs. Widen the scope and you will find dangerous regimes world wide. Trickery was used to get this country on board with a war that removed a thorn in the side of the Saudis and give them a shot at the contested oil fields along the Iraq/Saudi Arabian border. In the end, Gulf War II was something worse than a lie, it was bad strategy.
Finally, I love personal responsibility as much as the next person. It was one of the cornerstones of the way I was raised as a kid. But when you widen the scope away from the individual and view larger social issues you have to take a more deterministic/probabilistic approach. Yes, someone with motivation is more likely to succeed than a slacker, but how much more likely? Can improvements be made in the way Universities are funded or student loans are dispersed so that it is easier for the next generation of professionals to met the growing need for an educated work force? From my own experience most people, especially those 20 - 30, are much more subject to random occurrences that those of later ages. One medical emergency or contraceptive slip-up and "poof": someone with potential ends up on the wrong path. Conversely all it takes is a good mentor, a social safety net or Uncle Sugar to come along and say "here is a bunch more money for school" and you have a productive member of society.
Atomic,
Just in a quick response, I'm one of those Tea Party types. In fact I was called a racist for protesting cap and trade. I still don't get that one...
Don't believe everything you see on TV. Those folks are only are sensationalism. And both sides (networks) do it. You should try talking to people before forming a judgment.
Wish I had more time to respond, but I've got a new puppy to take care of.
Good luck with the puppy. To bad I live in a no pets apartment, I would love to get a boxer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzAA5L1axdY
Wow, I didn't think those Russkies had it in them to resist autocracy. The CCCP had to practically fall apart before the Russian people would do anything. It reminds me of a essay I read by Trotsky where he states that communism would have fared better in America be cause we have an ingrained sense of personal freedom, whereas the Russian people have been under the thumb of their rulers for thousands of years. I don't think communism could have worked anywhere, the point being that the Russian people have congenitally accepted tyrannical rule, viewing such leaders as "strong". Hell, in the Soviet Art History class I took last year one of the TA's had recently visited Russia and had notice a lot of pro-Stalin revisionist propaganda by the government. Hopefully, the peoples of Russia will accept that it is not in their best interests to be a world superpower and do something about the kleptocracy that replaced Communism. If they don't a leader, Putin or someone like Putin, will come along and do what all Russian warlords like to do: expand. And if they try to take back any of the Baltic republics, Central Asian countries or even Ukraine we will have to roll up a newspaper and smack them on the nose.
Lol. Why would Russians want any of cited by you republics of former USSR back? Just don't tell me garbage about imperial rule in Russia, congenital wish to expand, to conquer, etc. Leave it for your own government. By the majority of the planet US is percieved as an imperial conquerer always ready to spill somebody's blood under pretence of fight for democracy.
Yeah, America did allot of crappy things in the name of keeping the USSR in check. Like propping up anti-communist dictators and engaging in destructive land wars in South East Asia. However, for every person in the world angry at US imperialism or support of Israel, there is another person dreaming of making it here and being a citizen. Who dreams of living the "Russian Dream"? Only the nationalists in Russia and Belorus, and hopefully, they are on the way out.
Sadly, from what I have read, the youth in Russia have been effectively seduced by the image of the New Russian, rich off of crime and corruption. To stay in power Putin has to heavily fund this excess. Petro-dollars have done so in the last 20 years but oil is an unstable commodity and electric cars are the future. How is Putin and his cronies going to prop themselves up when oil doesn't fetch the same prices? Ever since the days of the Kievan Rus and the Muscovite Duchies there has been a desire in the hearts of the Russian political elite for territorial expansion. Did America's border change after WWII? Russia's border did, both officially with the Baltics and unofficially all the way up to Berlin.
It is just to bad Truman didn't listen to Patton...
*It is just to bad Truman didn't listen to Patton...*. It's his luck and possibly luck of whole US. Otherwise, you might speak russian now. Lol! Joke. Don't take it seriously. And Patton was just a psycho.
Hey, 2 or 3 more centuries and Russia might pull itself out of serfdom into democracy.
Hey, sncknbrg. What to you call democracy? Right to attack and destroy any country at will? Kill hundreds thousands people and be unpunished? God, save Russia of this democracy.
Mikki,
You are absolutely correct that the worst thing Russia could do is to follow the path of the USA which has lost its soul and become just another imperial power.
The Russian people are deep, strong, intelligent people. They almost created the greatest revolution in history. The anarchist movement that grew out of the people themselves and was beginning to really flower before Lenin and Trotsky destroyed it (Kronstadt) and handed Russia on a silver platter to Uncle Stalin - that is what the Russian people need to rerurn to. Why do these people time and again fall under the power of a dictator? From the Tsars to Stalin and Putin, the Russian people always end up in the same hole. I am honestly sympathetic with them, I respect them deeply and hope the best for them, but they have to finally conquer this weakness in themselves for the "great leader." They have have to live up to the promise that Bakunin saw in them and that I believe is really there. Rise up Russian people! Show the world what a real nation of the people is! You almost did it early in the 20th century. It is time to try again now and this time stay true to yourselves. You don't need a leader, you have everything you need in your own souls. Long live Russia! Long live all leader-less freedom-loving people!
I can hear the "patriotic" Americans scornfully laughing at me, but no matter because America is doomed because it believes in money and power and selfish non-community life. Americans don't even love fellow Americans, they only want to use them for personal gain and they call it "freedom." The Titanic is going down.
And to those who say to me, "Why don't you move to Russia if you like those people so much?" My answer is, "I am an American and my vision of America is superior to yours, so why don't YOU move! To the moon!"
No flags but clean flags!
Love to all my Russian brothers and sisters!
Love to all the world's freedom-lovers!
Once a peasant, always a peasant. (communism's gift to Russia ... 20 million dead).
sncnbrg,
You are a gutless, soulless idiot and you will get the America you deserve.
The Russians see their way of life as provided from their leaders and government. They also have a fatalistic outlook. They look to humans to provide their freedoms and happiness.
Americans believe, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness..."
Once Americans start thinking that everything should come from or be controlled by the government, we will be peasants, too.
The Tea Baggers are fighting to stop the slide to having everything provided by the government. That want the original status quo. But their message is deliberately being distorted. How you can get racists from that I don't know. I have never seen just one race in the Tea Bagger's pictures or videos nor have I heard the basis of their message is about race.
It's about returning to the Constitution and Declaration of Independence ideals and message.
The color of the President's skin has nothing to do with that.
I would like to reply to several recent posters 1) to AtomicZepplinman : I hope the Russians don't try to reincorporate the baltic republics. Those Nations are now part of NATO, and we are treaty bound to regard any attack on them as an attack on the U. S.. I supported NATO expansion for Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary, but no where else. We have assumed treaty obligations that I do not believe are sustainable. 2) To Mikki : I have nothing inherently against the Russian people, but why do you allow yourselves to be ruled by murderous thugs like Stalin and Putin and as long as they put bread on your table, you continue to worship them? AtomicZepplinMan is on to something. 3) to Amazonbaby : I have gone to Tea Party rallies. What I saw there was America at its finest : peaceful law abiding citizens rallying to petition their Government for a redress of grievances. Please do not use the phrase " tea bag " to describe us, as that is I believe a deliberate attempt to slander us. Look up the phrase " tea bag " if you doubt me.
To back up my statement on #6.2
President Obama in just his first year in office.
Statistics:
"1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform
Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office!
-- Compiled by Robert P. Watson, Ph.D.Coordinator of American Studies
Lynn University
That is PRETTY darn impressive for one year!"
President Obama in just his first year in office.
Statistics:
"1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform
Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office!
-- Compiled by Robert P. Watson, Ph.D.Coordinator of American Studies
Lynn University
That is PRETTY darn impressive for one year!"
Copy and paste is great isn't it? We'll just see how history bears out his presidency. It has to be better than Bush's, but I doubt he'll even get to Carter's standings.
To answer your question again: J.A-522495
Oh, Hell Yes!!
Propaganda is not impressive.
Love it .... 90 pieces of pure illusion. Great propaganda there Julian. Did you study at the Dr. Goebbles Institute?... or was it a correspondence course from Lynn
I must agree, propaganda isn't very impressive. It clouds the small amount of actual accomplishments he has had.
Julian Sandoval - You are slowly but surely becoming one of my hero's on NEWSVINE! You are always right on the money, tell it like it is ( like it or not ), and I for one am a champion of your always very well thought, filled with intellect, filled with minful compassion for the down trodden, and always bolster you opinion with FACTS, when pushed into a corner! It is people like you, and Daid Wellman, who put their full names OUT THERE AND UPFRONT, and don't hide behind "Internet Handles" when speaking of TRUTH! JUST FULL NAMES TELL A WHOLE LOT ABOUT THE CHARACTER MAKING THE COMMENT! You also, are a HERO, as well as David, for THE PAGES OF HISTORY DO AND WILL TELL! Much respect your way, and David's way!
Wow!....he got all that done?...must have been in between the vacations and bash America trips, huh?
I'm glad the Russians are at last standing up to a corrupt oligarchy, and I hope it works out for them. The Ukrainians had to do this a few years back as well.
Americans, on the other hand, will just snivel and whine, point fingers, and try to find someone to blame besides themselves, all the while singing the praises of a runaway capitalist system that has stabbed them in the back countless times, never once considering the option of rattling the cage, because that's outside their comfort zone.
And please don't hold up the tea baggers as an example - they're only an example of hype.
Talk about "a picture is worth a thousand words" ...when you look at the guy in the photo under the headline, that says it all! Looks like Putin, the so-called "white tiger of Russia" is in the hot seat...
It sounds as if the people of Russia are having many of the same problems that we have here in the United States. Mr. Putin, to my understanding, is a former official of the late Committee for State Security (KGB) and is making every effort to stifle opposition to himself and his policies. He does, however, seem to have control over the police and that does give him an advantage. Of course, if enough people get involved in the opposition, he will have a difficult time and may well be forced out. The people of Russia and the remainder of the now former USSR had begun to see a glimmer of hope in 1985 when then-president Mikhail Gorbachev began to relax many of the controls that were thrust upon them by the likes of Lenin, Stalin, and their successors. Now it appears Mr. Putin wishes to turn back the clock to repression of those earlier times and the Russians do not approve of his actions. Of course, like in our nation, only those who line the pockets of the politicos get things done in their favor. Also, like in our nation, those who cannot or will not line pockets get left out. Eventually, this type of unrest will even reach the politicos in Peking and the resulting unrest will topple their government as well. We must hope that this opposition to government policies in the nations of our world does not lead to violence and the deaths of many in our world. We must hope that those with political power will listen to those that they govern and strive to improve the lives of everyone in this world. The loss of hope in our world can only lead to worldwide catastrophe. Enough said!!
Julian, you either live in Washington for the Obama crew or in a bubble, oh wait they are the same thing. Open your eyes!!
I could say the same about your mind?
To: Jkenny
Hey Ken, Just the "facts" ( as in verification of truth or action) that form my opinion.
I'm intrigued with your dismal reasoning as to why you project such a negative forecast toward President B. Obama? Can you clarify?
It was just a friendly jab. Heck, everyone does it. The point is that I'm sure anyone could sit down and come up with a list just as long for just about any President?
"Dismal Reasoning", really? Actually, I didn't give any particular reasons, but why the negative adjectives? Can't just keep it civil?
My biggest reason for my assessment of the Obama presidency is the debt. As it stands Moody's is getting ready to lower our AAA rating, which of course will make interest rates skyrocket. The reason is our monetary policy.
Also, the fact that I voted for Obama, but he has lied about everything that made me vote for him. He said no insurance mandates, now we'll have them. He talked about transparency, then went into secret meeting with unions, big pharma, and big insurance to get the bill passed. He said to lobbyist, etc., etc. It just gets my goat that he lies just as much as any other President, but no one else calls him on it.
You're opinion seems to be comprised of all positives and no negatives. That is not an opinion based on reality.
Vector,
What did I state that was not based on reality?
To you Bush bashers: Let's not forget 9/11. Obama has not had to deal with over 3,000 Americans perishing on one day in his first year of office.
On another note. AP needs to proofread the articles before letting them out to other news agencies. This one has several significant grammatical errors in it. I think a non-native English speaker/writer penned this article.
I noticed the same thing about the article. That's what happens when grammar is no longer a focus in schools.
I am sorry, but I watched the Bush presidency for 8 years, and it was Mr. Dick V.P. who was calling all the shots! The unsung hero of NYC's 9/11 tragedy was OEM Commissioner Odermatt, and ex-mayor Rudy, was taking all the credit! Mr. Dick V.P. or Putin, stand behind the "Magic Curtain of Oz",are pulling ALL THE STRINGS, and row the same boat! Power corrupts thus!
Russians don't how good they have it. Maybe they should migrate to the good old USA, where 45,000 citizens died every year thanks to the "best health care" in the world or so we are told by the republicans, the lobbyists and the health care industry that paid beaucoop millions for their benefits to congress and they have to deliver, one way or the other. In other words, one of those slogans the mafia has: An offer we can't refuse." I wonder why the media has so much interest in divulging, criticizing other nations problems, protests when here things are not as rosy as we want them to appear. I think that Russia is much better than us, of course, if we are talking about corruption, that would be like the pot calling the kettle black. Even in democracy, Russia has more credibility than us. They, as far as I know, have not invaded countries since the last invasion to Afghanistan, but that one was an invitation, we, au contraire, invaded both countries on false pretenses. Afghanistan for the oil pipeline that Halliburton and Cheney have been dreaming for decades and Iraq was for more oil for Halliburton and, again, Cheney, the coward of Wyoming and their owners: Big oil. We should stop this urge to criticize others for crimes we are better at ; not only sounds phony as a three dollar bill, but also others might think and rightfully so, that the fourth power continues to be in the pockets of the embedded media and the neonazy party, AKA, republicans. America ignores good deeds from those that real Americans see as "communists", ignoring that Russia behaves now better than us. Had Russia come in support of Saddam Hussein, we still would be trying to enter Iraq and thanks to Russia, Iran is more afraid of rattling our chains. Let Russia, other nations deal with their own problems and concentrate, instead on solving ours. Just remember that we are solvent yet thanks to a wing and a prayer and that will not take us too far. If China pulls the rug under our finances, Russia will be the next capitalistic society and we will be a third world country. We better tippy toe through the fields of hypocrisy, we might get into troubles we can't solve.
Okay so 45,000 died w/o health care. Below are some death stats I wonder how many of the 2 million odd deaths that happened in 2006 were people that had health insurance? What percentage is 45,000 of 2,000,000? Do the math the number is low, not to detract from their death any number is sad but being with out heal.th care is nowhere near the leading COD
Do these little AP reporters not know who they are reporting on?
We will find the ones who contributed to this story on comrade Putin and have them shot. As for the protesters. For now they are like Saturday cartoon entertainment for us. If they become a bother then we will unveil our new economic policy. It will involve massive infrastructure development in Siberia. Labor costs for this new plan will be very low, only room, which will consist of cement blocks and iron rods, and board, which will be bread and water. You like, da?
welcome my russian brothers to capitalism...regulations, inspections, bribes, oh my...that will end if the corporations will pay those bribes for you and get to set up shop
once there was a dream of "america" until all the thives and embezzlers and con artists took over.. there was an idea of our government working for the people of this country, not the richest people of the world
The U.S. is heading in the exact same direction as Russia. We have extremely heavy regulations on businesses which kills them, no wonder they're moving to other countries.
And now our socialist-communist congress is raising our taxes dramatically yet again in order to ruin the best healthcare in the world.
As in Russia, only the really bad doctors take public healthcare patients. In Canada's so called wonderful system, they keep costs under control by stopping care the last four months of the year. All medical personnel go on vacation until January with the new budget money starts.
Can't believe we have such fools in our country to want such a system here.
You're right. In Russia you really have to pay for a good doctor at a big city healthcare center. Cheap care is just the kind Americans wouldn't stand for---but they will have to if the socialists win the upcoming vote on health care "reform" (nice word, but it should be health care "reduction").
Hell no- have you forgotten Russia's invasion of Georgia? For the most part because Georgia wanted to join NATO as a democracy...Putin has been a thorn in the side of democracy for many years. Your figure of 45,000 people dying a year in the US pales in comparision to the fatality rate in any other country. We all know our country is corrupt but we are still free to protest here...these people are being arrested for exercising their rights. Maybe you should move to Russia!!!
Someone needs to proofread their article before posting it.
And as with the USA, it won't matter. Can you see demonstrations in the US demanding that our government's insane spending stop, or that the Congress resign, having any effect whatsoever ?
A million demonstrators would not stop a government that flies a jetliner accompanied by fighter jets flying over NYC---for a 100's of thousands of dollars photo-op that scares the **** of the people. Or a government that sends out letters by the millions that tell the recipient that another letter is to follow (census). Seriously, did you receive one? I did. Absolutely hilarious if it didn't cost millions at a time when the economy is especially troubled...
What is the approval rating for Congress? Less than 20%? And are they even responding?
There is little hope.
AHAPXUA, you make a lot of sense. I am extremely happy and hopefull when i hear that there are few thinking and reasoning people left in the world. BRAVO
These are very small demostrations. Thousand people is not much. These are orchestrated propaganda demonstrations, probably funded by the west to destabilize Russia. Putins popularity is at all time high. We have plenty of special interest funded demostrations in this country. I saw lot of old people protesting who are on medicare or government aid against government run health care. This world is really screwed up anyways. If you see about ten million people demonstrating, perhaps you should start to be concerned. One thousand people in ST Petersburg is a slow news day.
I agree, Drago.
St. Petersburg is a city with 4,661,219 inhabitants. The article mentioned a demonstration of 1,000 people. Well that is less than .02 % of the population in the city!!
Yeah, the people of Russia are really demanding a change....
I hope the Russian people stand their ground. What took them so long? I saw the rat in Putin and all his cohorts the minute I learned about him being a former KGB agent. Nothing good could come out of it. Remember the killing of the former spy who was killed in the UK and the covering up by the Putin Organisation? I was always attuned to the happenings under communist rule in the former Soviet Union. I began to fallow the news since I was a very young teen in Germany after WW ll. I knew of the takeover of Hungary, the Berlin wall, and living with the fear of another world conflict ever since, because communists can't be trusted, they are like wolfs in sheeps clothing. Sorry Wolfs. and I would not have seen in to the soul of Putin and saw what Bush saw. I think Putin laughed to himself at the stupidity Bush displayed there in Texas, he (Putin) knew his soul and there wasn't anything in there about friendship with Bush, or America. I still wonder if Yeltsin endorsed Putin as the new leader of Russia of his own free will, or did the Putin organization threatened him and or family with harm by poison with a deadly radioactive substance? For the life of me I couldn't understand how else he could have done that.
I worry as others have pointed out, that there will be threats of reprisals from Putin's gangs to instill fear, to stifle any opposition. I wish the Russian People the best of luck and God bless!
Putin is a staunch RED COMMIE from the old regime of USSR. He is full of distrust for reasons I'm not sure. I know he is not a popular comrade in Russia's general population. He still has power and will go to certain degrees to keep it. He will go as far as killing the person who might be able to make him disappear Russian style. Hilliary Clinton is no match for this guy. Another reason why the US doesn't have the savvy in world politics. We should hire Putin to work for the USA. He's a tough bird. Putin is getting older and may walk off into the sunset and then you never know he may try to rebuild the Berlin Wall all by himself.