Politics. On Point.

President Obama Repeals The Don't Ask, Dont Tell" Law.   Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, conduct a press briefing at the Pentagon discussing the public release of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Comprehensive Working Group report on Nov. 30, 2010. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley  In a statement today, President Obama comments on  DOD's Don't Ask, Don't Tell  Report As Commander in Chief, I have pledged to repeal the “ don’t ask, don’t tell ” law because it weakens our national security, diminishes our military readiness, and violates fundamental American principles of fairness and equality by preventing patriotic Americans who are gay from serving openly in our armed forces. At the same time, as Commander in Chief, I am committed to ensuring that we understand the implications of this transition, and maintain good order and discipli...

For America's Black farmers the tenth time is the charm. African American farmers will finally receive the $1.15 billion owed to them that was settled out of court over 11 years ago in a case that involved discrimination on the part of the U.S. Agricultural Department. Under a federal judge's terms, dated in 1999, qualified farmers could receive $50,000 each to settle the claims of racial bias. John Boyd, farmer and founder of the web site BlackFarmers.org , has been in the forefront of this battle, having been on many TV and radio shows, and on Capitol Hill (see our coverage here ) to bring the plight of America's Black farmers to the national stage. Boyd called the historic announcement "vindication and justice". "This case was about justice for Black farmers who waited for so very long."   Boyd pointed out that many African American farmers died and others lost land waiting for Congress, (specifically Tom...

The Thanksgiving break is over and President Obama says "it's time to get back to work."  Two days after he pardons Apple the Thanksgiving turkey, has a run in with the elbow of Rey Decerega, director of programs for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in a pick up basketball game at the Department of Interior, the President is rolling up his sleeves, and making waves. After the midterm elections that saw the Republicans regain control of the House, the president promised to  meet with both political parties in a lame duck session to discuss ways to move the country forward.  Most noticeably, the president plans to address growing the economy, securing the American people from the ongoing threat of terrorism, Bush-era tax cuts, and the ratification of the New START treaty. With Congress convening this week, the president will meet Tuesday with bipartisan Congressional leadership that include the likes of both Democrats and Republicans.   Sc...

Earlier today, President Obama visited the Chrysler Indiana Transmission Plant in Kokomo, Indiana. With money given to the auto industry last year, many are seeing what could be the fruit from the Obama administration's "anti-recession" bail out. There were more than 461,000 automobile-related job losses before President Obama took office. ''And now you see the result, said the president. "An old industry adapting to a whole new era, competing again, leading again, and most importantly, hiring again. Hiring again." Just last week GM announced its initial public offering of its stock.   The auto manufacturing raised its shares from 365 million to 478 million. "General Motors’ initial public offering (IPO) marks a major milestone in the turnaround of not just an iconic company but the entire American auto industry", said Obama. "Through the IPO, the government will cut its stake in GM by nearly half, continuing our disciplined co...

You've probably seen the video of a young boy being put through what the TSA says is them "just doing their job" to secure America.  The boy is practically stripped search (and left with his dignity on the floor) as he and his dad prepare to take flight. Some call it disturbing (we do too), and a total invasion of privacy.  TSA calls it protecting Americans from possible terrorist attacks.    What George Orville wrote about in Nineteen Eighty-Four , about a society that Orwell describes as everyone being under complete surveillance by the authorities, mainly by telescreens, is a system on the brink of violating our civil liberties.  (Or guilty of crossing the line altogether). Oddly enough the society of which Orville writes is called  Airstrip One .   The White House has responded on this issue and has said the following:  TSA searches woman before flight. Has the TSA gone too far? Press Secretary Robert Gibbs:  " W...

Photo/CBS. Vice President Joe Biden wrote an op-ed piece for the New York Times, published this weekend.   The piece discusses what Congress and the current administration must do to ensure a stabe, self-reliant nation for Iraq. Biden writes that in the six visits he's made the country's police and soldiers have made progress. "Iraq today is far safer and more stable than at any time since the outbreak of war in 2003", writes Biden. "In recent months, using their own intelligence, Iraqi forces have killed or captured dozens of senior leaders of Al Qaeda in Iraq and other terrorist groups. The weekly tally of violent incidents throughout Iraq has dropped to about 160, from nearly 1,600 in 2007." Notwithstanding those accomplishments Biden notes that more needs to be done and calls on Congress to  "fulfill the budget requests to support America’s continued engagement, including our broader diplomatic presence, a modernization plan for the Iraqi s...

Kristina Schake joins the staff as Special Assistant to the President and Communications Director to the First Lady. She will start in the East Wing in December, 2010. “I’m thrilled to welcome Kristina to the team. Kristina brings a wealth of expertise that I know will make her a tremendous asset in the East Wing,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “Kristina has done extensive work throughout her career on child nutrition and community health issues, and that paired with her experience as part of a military family will bring invaluable insight to our work on childhood obesity and our efforts to support military families. I look forward to working with Kristina on these efforts and more in the months and years ahead.” Kristina Schake is co-founder and principal of Griffin Schake , a California-based public affairs and strategic communications firm. She is a seasoned expert in helping major foundations, non-profit organizations and civic leaders bring about critical social change throu...