Misc.

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Earlier this week, the newly elected members of the House and the Senate took their oaths of office and became part of the 110th Congress. I congratulate them all, and I look forward to working with them over the next two years.

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Since the November elections, I’ve had a number of productive meetings with the new leaders in Congress, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. I was encouraged by our discussions, and I’m confident that we can find common ground in our efforts to serve our fellow citizens and to move our country forward.

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One area where we are already finding agreement is in our effort to spend the people’s money wisely. This week, I announced that I will submit a five-year budget proposal that will balance the federal budget by 2012, while making the tax relief we passed permanent. Some Democrats have indicated that balancing the budget is a top priority for them as well. By holding the line on spending and continuing our pro-growth policies, we can balance the budget and address the most urgent needs of our Nation, which are winning the war on terror and maintaining a strong national defense, keeping our economy growing, and creating jobs.

 We also see bipartisan agreement emerging on reforming the earmark process in Congress. Earmarks are spending provisions that are often slipped into bills at the last minute — so they rarely get debated or discussed. Many earmarks divert precious funds away from vital priorities like national defense and education to wasteful pork-barrel projects. I appreciate Democratic leaders who have pledged to maintain our current levels of spending without additional earmarks this year. And I support the temporary moratorium on all new earmarks announced by the Democrats.

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THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week, as Americans prepare to welcome a new year, we do so with heavy hearts and fond memories of our 38th President, Gerald R. Ford. We mourn the passing of a courageous leader, a true gentleman, and a loving father and husband. On behalf of all Americans, Laura and I send our prayers and condolences to Mrs. Ford and the entire Ford family.

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Gerald Ford was a great man who devoted the best years of his long life to public service. He fought for his country during World War II. After returning home, he won the first of 13 elections to the United States Congress. The people of Michigan admired his dedication and decency, and so did his fellow members of Congress. Gerald Ford rose to become a leader of his party, and he earned the respect and good will of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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Gerald Ford always believed in the importance of answering the call to duty, and he was there for the Nation when we needed him most. In December 1973, he accepted the responsibilities of the Vice Presidency; and the following August, he became President of the United States without ever seeking the office. Providence gave us Gerald Ford’s steady hand and calm leadership during a time of great division and turmoil. He guided America through a crisis of confidence, and helped our Nation mend its wounds by restoring faith in our system of government.

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In his two-and-a-half years as President, Gerald Ford distinguished himself as a man of integrity and selfless dedication. He always put the needs of his country before his own, and did what he thought was right, even when those decisions were unpopular. Only years later would Americans come to fully appreciate the foresight and wisdom of this good man.

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THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week, I held important meetings at the White House about the situation in Iraq.

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On Monday, I met in the Oval Office with one of Iraq’s most influential Shia leaders, His Eminence Abdul Aziz al Hakim. We discussed the desire of the Iraqi people to see their unity government succeed, and how the United States can help them achieve that goal.

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On Thursday, I had breakfast with Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain. We discussed the sectarian violence in Iraq and the need to confront extremists inside Iraq and throughout the region. The Prime Minister explains it this way: "The violence is not … an accident or a result of faulty planning. It is a deliberate strategy. It is the direct result of outside extremists teaming up with internal extremists — al Qaeda with [the] Sunni insurgents, [and Iran with] Shia militia — to foment hatred and thus throttle at birth the possibility of non-sectarian democracy."

The Prime Minister and I also discussed the report I received this week from the Iraq Study Group, chaired by former Secretary of State James Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton. Their report provides a straightforward picture of the grave situation we face in Iraq. The Iraq Study Group’s report also explicitly endorses the strategic goal we’ve set in Iraq: an Iraq that can "govern itself, sustain itself, and defend itself."

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The report went on to say, "In our view, this definition entails an Iraq with a broadly representative government that maintains its territorial integrity, is at peace with its neighbors, denies terrorism a sanctuary, and doesn’t brutalize its own people. Given the current situation in Iraq, achieving this goal will require much time and will depend primarily on the actions of the Iraqi people."

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I agree with this assessment. I was also encouraged that the Iraq Study Group was clear about the consequences of a precipitous withdrawal from Iraq. The group declared that such a withdrawal would "almost certainly produce greater sectarian violence" and lead to "a significant power vacuum, greater human suffering, regional destabilization, and a threat to the global economy." The report went on to say, "If we leave and Iraq descends into chaos, the long-range consequences could eventually require the United States to return."

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“To the People of New Hampshire: The public’s right-to-know what their government is doing is a fundamental part of New Hampshire’s democracy. For our government to remain of the people, by the people, and for the people, while protecting individuals’ privacy, it is essential that the people have reasonable and open access to the information that will inform the people what their government is up to and how it is performing.

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With the exception of the public business conducted at traditional annual town and school meetings, New Hampshire uses a representative form of democracy. The people’s elected representatives set and carry out most public policy. New Hampshire’s Constitution and the Right-to-Know Law ensure that the public has reasonable access to public meetings and public records that show what those elected representatives and the appointed public officials that carry out our laws are doing.”

“As New Hampshire’s Attorney General, I take an oath to uphold the Constitution and laws of our State. As part of my efforts to fulfill that duty I am proud to issue this updated Memorandum on New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law, RSA Chapter 91-A.

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The purpose of this Memorandum is to provide a reference guide to the statute and to the judicial decisions that further define and explain the peoples’ right-to-know. This edition includes general principles concerning the law, statutory changes since the last edition, and up-to-date judicial interpretations of the statute.

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I urge every citizen, every school child, and every student of government to study the Right-to-Know Law. Truly understanding our representative form of democracy requires a sound understanding of your right-to-know about the public actions of your elected and appointed representatives.”

“Once the applications were received, Thomas refused to reveal the identification of the candidates and insisted the convention should interview behind closed doors, claiming the selection process was a ‘personnel matter’ that did not require public disclosure under the Right-to-Know law.” 

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THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week, Americans across our Nation gather with loved ones to give thanks for the many blessings we share. We’re grateful for our friends and families, who fill our lives with meaning and purpose. We’re grateful to live in a land of plenty and during a time of great prosperity. And we’re grateful to Almighty God for the freedom to enjoy all these gifts.

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Every Thanksgiving, we remember the story of the Pilgrims who came to America in search of a better life and religious freedom. Much has changed in the four centuries since these humble settlers landed at Plymouth Rock. While they were only a shivering few, we are now a strong and growing Nation of more than 300 million. And the desire for freedom that led the Pilgrims to the New World still guides our Nation today.

Americans believe that every person has the right to live, work, and worship in freedom. And we’re thankful to the men and women of our Nation’s armed forces who risk their lives to protect those rights. This Thanksgiving, we are mindful that many of our finest citizens are spending the holiday far from their homes and loved ones, and we know that their service makes it possible for us to live in freedom.

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THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This weekend we commemorate Veterans Day, a day when America honors every man and woman who has worn the uniform of our military. In Veterans Day celebrations across our Nation, we remember those who have served in previous wars, those who are serving today, and those who did not live to become veterans. Especially in a time of war, we see in our veterans an example of people who stepped forward to serve a cause larger than themselves. This weekend, I ask you to take a moment to thank our veterans for their service, and express your appreciation for the sacrifices they have made to preserve our freedom and way of life.

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One freedom that defines our way of life is the freedom to choose our leaders at the ballot box. We saw that freedom earlier this week, when millions of Americans went to the polls to cast their votes for a new Congress. Whatever your opinion of the outcome, all Americans can take pride in the example our democracy sets for the world by holding elections even in a time of war. Our democratic institutions are a source of strength, and our trust in these institutions has made America the most powerful, prosperous, and stable nation in the world.

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As a result of this week’s elections, the Democrats now hold a majority in both Houses of Congress. After the elections, I called the Democratic leaders in the House and the Senate to congratulate them on the victory they achieved for their party. On Thursday, I had lunch with Congresswoman Pelosi and Congressman Hoyer, and on Friday I met with Senators Reid and Durbin. We had good discussions. I told them what I have told the men and women in my administration: We must put these elections behind us, and work together on the great issues facing America.

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The elections will bring changes to Washington. But one thing has not changed: America faces brutal enemies who have attacked us before and want to attack us again. I have a message for these enemies: Do not confuse the workings of American democracy with a lack of American will. Our Nation is committed to bringing you to justice, and we will prevail.

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Iraq is the central front in this war on terror. I look forward to listening to ideas from the new leaders of Congress on the best way to support our troops on the front lines — and win the war on terror.

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Exercising the First    by Doug Lambert

Education? Marketing? Propaganda.

 

When I wrote of the canceling of the OreoMobile demonstration at the Laconia Teen Center several weeks ago, I reminded readers never to underestimate the ability of the hardcore political left in their attempts to indoctrinate America’s youth. There is no end to the tricks liberals use to ensnare young minds. Through the clever visual use of a popular food treat, the disingenuous purveyors of the leftist, anti-military agenda are quite busy in their mission to bring the upcoming generation into their political camp. What is more innocent than the beloved Oreo cookie? With a hint of Ben & Jerry’s excellent tasting ice cream? Here kiddies… come and get a treat!

As I noted before, nothing could be more insidious than this simplistic sounding fun- because that’s not what it is at all. The demonstration is an overt antiwar, anti-military exhibition using cookies as props. It begins with stacks of large, plastic “cookies” showing the disparity of military spending between the US and other countries, with the “Axis of Evil” included. Naturally, the U.S. “stack” is taller than the rest- implying that we spend way more- and too much- on national defense. The presenter then gives the audience a breakdown of federal budget spending, showing in dramatic fashion, how military dollars spent surpasses those being spent on education, hunger, health care, and other familiar liberal causes. He ends with a call for the redistribution of defense monies to those programs instead- despite the fact that the US Constitution clearly provides for a national defense while saying nothing about the funding of what his group deems important.

Last week, the Daily Sun published a letter and an editorial op-ed piece written in defense of the OreoMobile program, accusing me of putting forth “utter fiction” that prevented “the community from discussing critical issues facing us today.” There is a big difference between “having a discussion” and giving a one-sided lecture dripping with objective points of view sold as fact. While both writers inadvertently prove this point quite well, they missed my main point- this particular “show” is not appropriate for a “Day for Kids” event or the mission of the Teen Center. Most normal folks would agree that the OreoMobile show features topics and themes that go beyond the understanding of young minds (and many adults, too) – unless the mission is to plant an anti-military “seed” that will grow with careful liberal nurturing in the schools. “Oh but Doug, it’s just fun… the kids get COOKIES for crying out loud. What’s wrong with that?”

           

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Never underestimate the ability of the hardcore political left in their attempts to indoctrinate America’s youth. There is no end to the hidden tricks the liberals will use to ensnare young minds. A good example of just such a thing right here in central New Hampshire was this past Saturday’s now-cancelled event offered up by the Lakes Region Teen Center. What could be more innocent than “Ben & Jerry’s OreoMobile”, right? Isn’t it nice…cookies! For the kids!

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Nothing could be more insidious than this simplistic sounding fun- because that’s not what it is. The demonstration, which I have witnessed on several occasions, is nothing more than an antiwar, anti-military propaganda exhibition using cookies as props. You would be hard-pressed to find something more overtly political than the ideas presented. I called the center to alert them as to the nature of the “show.” Naturally, they were unaware of the dirty details. Shame on Ben & Jerry for pushing this political trickery on unsuspecting people trying to do right for the children! Thankfully, those running the Teen Center did the right thing and called it off.

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About two-thirds of the 150 attendees at a Television Critics Association’s gathering walked out of the room before Fox News Channel chairman and CEO Roger Ailes took the stage for a news conference. Several critics even openly voiced their scorn for what they view as Fox News’ conservative spin. Ailes then gleefully reminded the critics who did remain that Fox News has led all cable news channels in the Nielsen ratings for the past 55 months and has more viewers than CNN and MSNBC combined.

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