The Social Poets: America: How A Bad Credit Rating Hurts Us All

The Social Poets: America: How A Bad Credit Rating Hurts Us All: "From Denny: With no debt ceiling deal in sight, Congress still squabbling and the American public fuming, we are left with contemplating just how damaging it will be to our daily lives if America defaults.

For an economic powerhouse like our country to be downgraded from its AAA rating is humiliating considering our status in the world. How can a country that gives away billions of dollars in foreign aid, finances an endless march of third world governments, no longer be able to pay its bills?"

Dennys: News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food: Jon Stewart Sneers At Debt Ceiling Talks: Nonfiction Captain America

Dennys: News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food: Jon Stewart Sneers At Debt Ceiling Talks: Nonfiction Captain America: "From Denny: Jon Stewart taps into American anger at our politicians for being so stupid about these debt ceiling talks. They all are still politically posturing while the public will be the ones to be the ultimate losers - except come election day when we all get to 'throw the bums out.'

The Republicans are naked in their exposure for propping up the wealthy at the expense of the middle class, the elderly and the poor. The GOP is held hostage by the Tea Party conservatives who are adamant to implode our economy and the global village along with us.

The Democrats can't seem to rein in their idiot Centrists under Steny Hoyer dumb enough to vote for Republican proposals. President Obama probably wants to quit the job and move off world after dealing with these greedy fools."

President Obama: Executive Order 13581, Blocking Property of Transnational Criminal Organizations

• The White House

  Office of the Press Secretary

  For Immediate Release

  July 25, 2011

  Executive Order 13581--Blocking Property of Transnational Criminal Organizations

  EXECUTIVE ORDER
  BLOCKING PROPERTY OF TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS
  By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,
  I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, find that the activities of significant transnational criminal organizations, such as those listed in the Annex to this order, have reached such scope and gravity that they threaten the stability of international political and economic systems.  Such organizations are becoming increasingly sophisticated and dangerous to the United States; they are increasingly entrenched in the operations of foreign governments and the international financial system, thereby weakening democratic institutions, degrading the rule of law, and undermining economic markets.  These organizations facilitate and aggravate violent civil conflicts and increasingly facilitate the activities of other dangerous persons.  I therefore determine that significant transnational criminal organizations constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, and hereby declare a national emergency to deal with that threat.
  Accordingly, I hereby order:
  Section 1.  (a)  All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person, including any overseas branch, of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in:
  (i)   the persons listed in the Annex to this order and
  (ii)  any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State:
  (A)  to be a foreign person that constitutes a significant transnational criminal organization;
  (B)  to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or
  (C)  to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order.
  (b)  I hereby determine that the making of donations of the types of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in this order, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by subsection (a) of this section.
  (c)  The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section include, but are not limited to:
  (i)   the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; and
  (ii)  the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
  (d)  The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the effective date of this order.
  Sec. 2.  (a)  Any transaction by a United States person or within the United States that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.
  (b)  Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.
  Sec. 3.  For the purposes of this order:
  (a)  the term "person" means an individual or entity;
  (b)  the term "entity" means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization;
  (c)  the term "United States person" means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States;
  (d)  the term "foreign person" means any citizen or national of a foreign state, or any entity organized under the laws of a foreign state or existing in a foreign state, including any such individual or entity who is also a United States person; and
  (e)  the term "significant transnational criminal organization" means a group of persons, such as those listed in the Annex to this order, that includes one or more foreign persons; that engages in an ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity involving the jurisdictions of at least two foreign states; and that threatens the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States.
  Sec. 4.  For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to this order would render these measures ineffectual.  I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in this order, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to section 1(a) of this order.
  Sec. 5.  The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this order.  The Secretary of the Treasury may redelegate any of these functions to other officers and agencies of the United States Government consistent with applicable law.  All agencies of the United States Government are hereby directed to take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of this order.
  Sec. 6.  The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to submit the recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)).
  Sec. 7.  The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to determine that circumstances no longer warrant the blocking of the property and interests in property of a person listed in the Annex to this order, and to take necessary action to give effect to that determination.
  Sec. 8.  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
  Sec. 9.  This order is effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on July 25, 2011.
  BARACK OBAMA
  THE WHITE HOUSE,
  July 24, 2011.
  
  
  ANNEX
  Entities
  1. THE BROTHERS’ CIRCLE (f.k.a. FAMILY OF ELEVEN; f.k.a. THE TWENTY)
  2. CAMORRA
  3. YAKUZA (a.k.a. BORYOKUDAN; a.k.a. GOKUDO)
  4. LOS ZETAS

The Social Poets: Funny Late Nite Jokes About Rupert Murdoch, Debt Ceiling, Politics

Rupert Murdoch, Image by DonkeyHotey via Flickr

The Social Poets: Funny Late Nite Jokes About Rupert Murdoch, Debt Ceiling, Politics: "From Denny:  You can't say this summer's hot weather didn't bring with it some seriously bizarre political entertainment.  Never a dull moment the past week.  Rupert Murdoch became the news instead of creating the fictitious news and selling it as if it were the truth, the usual business of a tabloid 'news' organization.

Rupert Murdoch and the News Corp Scandal

Murdoch was busy employing media consultants to come up with a strategy of how to distract Parliament while it was going badly for him when he was testifying.  No one in Britain - or the rest of the world - wanted to hear him and his son, James, whine about how they were not aware of all the wrong doing going on in their tabloid news rooms."

Related articles

• Keith Olbermann On UK News Corp Dirty Tricks Scandal (thesocialpoets.blogspot.com)
• Roasted Media Mogul Rupert Murdoch: UK Hearings (thesocialpoets.blogspot.com)

The Social Poets: Obama: New Book Examines If Barack Is Like His Father

Rupert Murdoch, Image by DonkeyHotey via Flickr

The Social Poets: Obama: New Book Examines If Barack Is Like His Father: "From Denny: Author Sally Jacobs shares details from her new book which focuses upon the life of President Obama's enigmatic father. Barack Obama, Sr. was profiled as bold and reckless. The book is called 'The Other Barack.'

Barack, Sr. lived large, drank heavily and had multiple wives because he had come from a polygamous background. To him it was socially normal.

President Obama is rooted, extremely cautious, responsible, monogamous and an attentive father. He's the typical profile of the child of a raging alcoholic.

You see a lot of this reaction from the next generation in politics, the military and the intelligence community. Even President Bush 41 reacted in a similar fashion to his father, Senator Bush, who was an alcoholic."

The Social Poets: News Corp Scandal Grows: Death and Resignations

Photo by Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters

The Social Poets: News Corp Scandal Grows: Death and Resignations: "From Denny: As Billionaire Tabloid Media Mogul Rupert Murdoch seeks to fend off the media and investigation sharks, more drama unfolds day by day. Here's the current tally:

* Sir Paul Stephenson, the top police official, resigned once allegations surfaced he employed some pricey folks from News Corp as advisers to the UK's Scotland Yard at the steep price of $1,700 a day. Sign me up on that assignment.

* Next on the resignation chopping block today is John Yates, the London police commissioner. He was in charge of an investigation back in 2006, looking into illegal telephone intercepts by NotW. Obviously, he did a good job of burying that investigation for Murdoch.

9/11 victims may have been hacked

* On this side of the Atlantic in America there are as yet unsubstantiated allegations that a private investigator and a former New York City police officer were offered payments for sending information about 9/11 victims News Corp's way. If found to be true, those guys had better move to another planet as the entire city might erupt."

The Social Poets: Roasted Media Mogul Rupert Murdoch: UK Hearings

Rupert Murdoch, Image via CrunchBase

The Social Poets: Roasted Media Mogul Rupert Murdoch: UK Hearings: "From Denny: As Rupert Murdoch tried to play the frail old man routine he served up his own son as more 'in the know' than him about the doings of all his $39 billion net worth companies and the 53,000 people in his employ.

There is just one problem with that depiction: Rupert is known for being a hands on kind of guy, especially when it comes to the tabloid newspapers. He regularly calls his editors and inquires about the latest salacious gossip and scandal. He relishes and revels in it. Does that sound like a foggy confused old guy? Of course not."

Dennys: News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food: Jon Stewart Lampoons Debt Ceiling Talks and Brainless Commentators

Jon Stewart, Image via Wikipedia

Dennys: News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food: Jon Stewart Lampoons Debt Ceiling Talks and Brainless Commentators: "From Denny: Only Michelle Bachmann, who is weirdly running for president, misspoke yet again. Obviously, her handler is not stuck to her like crazy glue for here is another bizarre gaffe. Who in the world doesn't know the Yiddish word for boldness? Jon Stewart goes off on her brainless commentary, probably with little ol' Jewish grannies in Florida nodding along with him in agreement.

Then there's Eric Cantor, who is in charge of the debt ceiling talks, so much so he acts like the Cock of the Walk. He loves to highlight on both Speaker Boehner and President Obama. He is an equal opportunity opportunist.

Obama finally threw up his hands in exasperation after Cantor kept interrupting Obama, three times no less, as he tried to end the meeting and schedule the next one. Will the real grown-up please stand up?"

The Social Poets: Rupert Murdoch: Just How Many Companies Does He Own?

Image via Wikipedia

The Social Poets: Rupert Murdoch: Just How Many Companies Does He Own?: "From Denny:   He promotes or destroys politicians with his attention or anger, manipulating entire countries through the bribing of their politicians.  These are just his media holdings. He owns other American stalwarts like Brawny paper towels and Angel Soft toilet paper.  His sphere of influence has been so far-reaching it boggles the mind.

Of course, those of us who have been crying foul for some time now about journalism ethics not being utilized by his tabloid newspapers and cable channels have been run over by his huge empire.  There are times when I wondered if anyone could hear my lone voice crying in the proverbial wilderness.

Well, at long last now people understand why people like me have been so disturbed over his media corporate culture.  Who in the hell does he think he is to so intimidate world leaders so as to grab yet more power?"

The Social Poets: News Corp Scandal, Heads Roll, 2 CEOs Resign: Dow Jones, News Corp

Rupert Murdoch Pimps The News, Image by DonkeyHotey via Flickr

The Social Poets: News Corp Scandal, Heads Roll, 2 CEOs Resign: Dow Jones, News Corp: "From Denny: The bigger they are they harder they fall. First, it's the News Of The World tabloid newspaper that abruptly closes down. Then CEO of News Corp International, Rebekah Brooks, resigns today. The pressure was on from the Prime Minister - with the help of two investigations on both sides of the Atlantic.

Now, the latest development is that the CEO of the Dow Jones, Les Hinton, resigned.  Dow Jones is also owned by Rupert Murdoch.  Hinton was Chairman of News International at the time of the alleged phone hacking found out in the UK.  News International is News Corp.'s British newspaper unit.  Hinton was there for 12 years before moving over to head up Dow Jones.

There isn't much that Rupert Murdoch does not own. The list is practically endless. It's no wonder few people or politicians dared to oppose him on anything. But some things, well, not even a guy this influential can control or win."

The Social Poets: Funny Late Nite Jokes: Casey Anthony Trial, News Corp Scandal, Debt Ceiling

Comic Jon Stewart calls Fox News on their many lies

The Social Poets: Funny Late Nite Jokes: Casey Anthony Trial, News Corp Scandal, Debt Ceiling: "From Denny: This past week comics had plenty to lampoon. William and Kate, the celebrated British royals came for a visit to California while on the continent. There was an outburst of royal fever while they collected funds for their favorite charities. Recently married this was their first excursion as a duo and they were warmly received everywhere they visited.

Casey Anthony Trial Verdict

On the darker side: the Casey Anthony trial, where a young single mother was accused of killing her two-year-old daughter. Jurors acquitted her, delivering a surprise verdict. The whole country erupted in indignation because everyone assumed her guilty."

Dennys Funny Quotes: Funny Colbert: His Super PAC Pushing The Limits

Dennys Funny Quotes: Funny Colbert: His Super PAC Pushing The Limits: "From Denny: Colbert continues his expose of how our American government really works: Super PACs for unlimited and completely anonymous political fund raising. 

All satire aside, Colbert actually did go before a government agency, the FEC, to get the OK to create his own Super PAC for who-knows-what fund raising. They gave permission and he's been off on his crazy rants ever since.

It will be interesting to see just how much money he does manage to raise during the 2012 election, making a mockery of our ridiculous political system. What will be funnier still is which politicians - and how many - will approach him to do ads for them. In other words, 'Spend your money for me!'
Meanwhile, Colbert is like a kid in a candy store having more fun with his newly discovered legitimate Super PAC. He even has a website: ColbertSuperPAC.com. Become a member today and donate! Stephen promises not to use your email addresses for anything but good. He also promises you can expect mountains of spam just like Hormel."

The Social Poets: World Debt Issues: We Are All In It Together

The Social Poets: World Debt Issues: We Are All In It Together: "From Denny: As President Obama struggles with a contentious GOP over the debt ceiling issue, the rest of the world has its economic woes too.

Obama is trying to convince the Republicans to care about the elderly and the American middle class that have paid into Social Security all their working lives. They call it entitlements because we already paid for it in advance.  To the GOP mind, well, just why would a person want their money back in their old age?"

President Obama: Executive Order 13580, Interagency Working Group on Coordination of Domestic Energy Development and Permitting in Alaska

• The White House

  Office of the Press Secretary

  For Immediate Release

  July 12, 2011

  Executive Order 13580--Interagency Working Group on Coordination of Domestic Energy Development and Permitting in Alaska

  EXECUTIVE ORDER
  INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON COORDINATION OF DOMESTIC ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND PERMITTING IN ALASKA
  By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to establish an interagency working group to coordinate the efforts of Federal agencies responsible for overseeing the safe and responsible development of onshore and offshore energy resources and associated infrastructure in Alaska and to help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, it is hereby ordered as follows:
  Section 1.  Policy.  Interagency coordination is important for the safe, responsible, and efficient development of oil and natural gas resources in Alaska, both onshore and on the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), while protecting human health and the environment, as well as indigenous populations.  A number of executive departments and agencies (agencies) are charged with ensuring that resource development projects in Alaska comply with health, safety, and environmental protection standards.  To formalize and promote ongoing interagency coordination, this order establishes a high-level, interagency working group that will facilitate coordinated and efficient domestic energy development and permitting in Alaska while ensuring that all applicable standards are fully met.
  Sec. 2.  Establishment.  There is established an Interagency Working Group on Coordination of Domestic Energy Development and Permitting in Alaska (Working Group), led by the Department of the Interior.
  Sec. 3.  Membership.  (a)  The Deputy Secretary of the Interior shall serve as Chair of the Working Group and coordinate its work.  The Working Group shall also include deputy level representatives or officials at the equivalent level, designated by the head of the respective agency, from:
        (i) the Department of Defense;
        (ii) the Department of Commerce;
        (iii) the Department of Agriculture;
        (iv) the Department of Energy;
        (v) the Department of Homeland Security;
        (vi) the Environmental Protection Agency; and
        (vii) the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.
  (b)  The Domestic Policy Council shall work closely with the Chair of the Working Group and assist in the interagency coordination functions described in section 4 of this order.  To maximize coordination with National Security Policy Directive 66 (NSPD 66), "Arctic Region Policy;" Executive Order 13547 of July 19, 2010 ("Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes"); the National Response Framework; the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (National Contingency Plan); and other relevant Federal policy initiatives, the Working Group shall also include deputy level representatives or officials at the equivalent level, designated by the head of the respective agency or office, from:
      (i) the Council on Environmental Quality;
      (ii) the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
      (iii) the Office of Management and Budget; and
      (iv) the National Security Staff.
  (c)  The Working Group shall consult with other agencies and offices, as appropriate, in order to facilitate the sharing of information and best practices.
  (d)  Members of the Working Group shall meet periodically and on a schedule coordinated with significant milestones in the various permitting cycles.  Staff from the participating agencies shall meet as appropriate to facilitate the functions of the Working Group.
  Sec. 4.  Functions.  Consistent with the authorities and responsibilities of participating agencies, the Working Group shall perform the following functions:
  (a)  facilitate orderly and efficient decisionmaking regarding the issuance of permits and conduct of environmental reviews for onshore and offshore energy development projects in Alaska;
  (b)  ensure that the schedules and progress of agency regulatory and permitting activities are coordinated appropriately, that they operate efficiently and effectively, and that agencies assist one another, as appropriate;
  (c)  facilitate the sharing of application and project information among agencies, including information regarding anticipated timelines and milestones;
  (d)  ensure the sharing and integrity of scientific and environmental information and cultural and traditional knowledge among agencies to support the permit evaluation process of onshore and offshore energy development projects in Alaska;
  (e)  engage in longterm planning and ensure coordination with the appropriate Federal entities related to such issues
  
  as oil spill prevention, preparedness and response, and the development of necessary infrastructure to adequately support energy development in Alaska;
  (f)  coordinate Federal engagement with States, localities, and tribal governments, as it relates to energy development and permitting issues in Alaska, including:
      (i) designating a primary point of contact to facilitate coordination with the State of Alaska;
      (ii) designating a primary point of contact to facilitate coordination with local communities, governments, tribes, co-management organizations, and similar Alaska Native organizations;
  (g)  collaborate on stakeholder outreach; and
  (h)  promote interagency dialogue with respect to communications with industry regarding Alaska offshore and onshore energy development and permitting issues.
  Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
  (b)  The Department of the Interior shall provide administrative support for the Working Group to the extent permitted by law.
  (c)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
      (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
      (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
  (d)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
  BARACK OBAMA
  THE WHITE HOUSE,
  July 12, 2011.

President Obama: Executive Order 13579, Regulation and Independent Regulatory Agencies

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

July 11, 2011

Executive Order 13579--Regulation and Independent Regulatory Agencies

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to improve regulation and regulatory review, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1.  Policy.  (a)  Wise regulatory decisions depend on public participation and on careful analysis of the likely consequences of regulation.  Such decisions are informed and improved by allowing interested members of the public to have a meaningful opportunity to participate in rulemaking.  To the extent permitted by law, such decisions should be made only after consideration of their costs and benefits (both quantitative and qualitative).

(b)  Executive Order 13563 of January 18, 2011, "Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review," directed to executive agencies, was meant to produce a regulatory system that protects "public health, welfare, safety, and our environment while promoting economic growth, innovation, competitiveness, and job creation."  Independent regulatory agencies, no less than executive agencies, should promote that goal.

(c)  Executive Order 13563 set out general requirements directed to executive agencies concerning public participation, integration and innovation, flexible approaches, and science.  To the extent permitted by law, independent regulatory agencies should comply with these provisions as well.

Sec. 2.  Retrospective Analyses of Existing Rules.  (a)  To facilitate the periodic review of existing significant regulations, independent regulatory agencies should consider how best to promote retrospective analysis of rules that may be outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome, and to modify, streamline, expand, or repeal them in accordance with what has been learned.  Such retrospective analyses, including supporting data and evaluations, should be released online whenever possible.

(b)  Within 120 days of the date of this order, each independent regulatory agency should develop and release to the public a plan, consistent with law and reflecting its resources and regulatory priorities and processes, under which the agency will periodically review its existing significant regulations to determine whether any such regulations should be modified, streamlined, expanded, or repealed so as to make the agency's regulatory program more effective or less burdensome in achieving the regulatory objectives.

Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  For purposes of this order, "executive agency" shall have the meaning set forth for the term "agency" in section 3(b) of Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993, and "independent regulatory agency" shall have the meaning set forth in 44 U.S.C. 3502(5).

(b)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   authority granted by law to a department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(c)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(d)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

BARACK OBAMA

THE WHITE HOUSE,
July 11, 2011.

The Social Poets: Keith Olbermann On UK News Corp Dirty Tricks Scandal

Image via Wikipedia

UK PM David Cameron

The Social Poets: Keith Olbermann On UK News Corp Dirty Tricks Scandal: "From Denny: This scandal of tabloid media despicable has so thoroughly disgusted the world that finally the British government is doing something about it. Hacking a dead soldier's email, hacking the phones of murdered teenagers and terrorist victims is heinous. What ever possessed these people to sink so low below the pond scum of humanity?

The reaction in the UK? Let's see, let me count the ways: Advertisers have pulled out, saying they will not return until after the investigations happen. The public is so fed up they have dropped subscriptions all across the country to the once popular newspaper. Politicians are jumping in front of cameras to get their denials on record. The police who also assisted this newspaper by accepting bribes are on the hot seat of investigations. Even the guy who helped propel current PM David Cameron into his national office is on the grill. The list goes on."

President Obama: Executive Order 13578, Coordinating Policies on Automotive Communities and Workers

• The White House

  Office of the Press Secretary

  For Immediate Release

  July 06, 2011

  Executive Order 13578--Coordinating Policies on Automotive Communities and Workers

  EXECUTIVE ORDER
  COORDINATING POLICIES ON AUTOMOTIVE COMMUNITIES AND WORKERS
  By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
  Section 1.  Policy.  Over the last decade, the United States has experienced a decline in employment in the automotive industry and among part suppliers.  This decline accelerated dramatically from 2008 to 2009, with more than 400,000 jobs being lost in the industry.  Now, 2 years later, the American automotive industry is beginning to recover.  The automotive industry has, over the past 2 years, experienced its strongest period of job growth since the late 1990s.  Exports have expanded, and the domestic automakers in 2010 gained market share for the first time since 1995.  The automotive supply chain, which employs three times as many workers as the automakers, has also shown renewed strength.  However, we still have a long way to go.
  Over the past 2 years my Administration has undertaken coordinated efforts on behalf of automotive communities, including targeted technical and financial assistance.  For example, the Department of Labor set aside funds for green jobs and job training for high growth sectors of the economy specifically targeted to communities affected by the automotive downturn, and the Department of Commerce provided funds specifically for automotive communities to develop plans for economic recovery.  Stabilizing the automotive industry will also require the use of expanded strategies by automotive communities that include land use redevelopment, small business support, and worker training.
  The purpose of this order is to continue the coordinated Federal response to factors affecting automotive communities and workers and to ensure that Federal programs and policies address these concerns.
  Sec. 2.  Assignment of Responsibilities to the Secretary of Labor.
  (a)  The Secretary of Labor shall:
  (i)    work to coordinate the development of policies and programs among executive departments and agencies with the goal of coordinating a Federal response to factors that have a distinct impact on automotive communities and workers, including through the coordination of economic adjustment assistance activities;
  (ii)   advise the President, in coordination with the Director of the National Economic Council, on the potential effects of pending legislation;
  (iii)  provide recommendations to the President, in coordination with the Director of the National Economic Council, on executive branch policy proposals affecting automotive communities and changes to Federal policies and programs intended to address issues of special importance to automotive communities and workers; and
  (iv)   conduct outreach to representatives of nonprofit organizations, businesses, labor organizations, State and local government agencies, elected officials, and other interested persons that will assist in bringing to the President's attention concerns, ideas, and policy options for expanding and improving efforts to revitalize automotive communities.
  (b)  The Secretary of Labor shall perform the functions assigned by this order in coordination with the Director of the National Economic Council.  The Secretary of Labor may delegate these responsibilities to the Executive Director of the Department of Labor Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers.
  Sec. 3.  Revocation.  Executive Order 13509 of June 23, 2009, is hereby revoked.
  Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  The heads of executive departments and agencies shall assist and provide information to the Secretary of Labor or the Secretary's designee, consistent with applicable law, as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities assigned by this order.
  (b)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
  (i)   authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
  (ii)  functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
  (c)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
  (d)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
  BARACK OBAMA
  THE WHITE HOUSE,
  July 6, 2011.

The Social Poets: Arrest GOP Rep, Cantor For Manipulating Treasury Bond Market During Debt Talks?

Speaker Boehner, left, Whip Cantor, right, photo by Alex Wong, Getty Images

The Social Poets: Arrest GOP Rep, Cantor For Manipulating Treasury Bond Market During Debt Talks?: "From Denny: Talk about scummy politics. The Dylan Ratigan Show was reporting this week about how Congressman Eric Cantor, R-VA, is betting against the American, even the world, economy.

Remember when he threw a huge hissy fit and stormed out of the debt ceiling budget talks with top Congressional leaders led by VP Joe Biden? Something about that move was so calculated and sure stuck in my memory. Well, it wasn't long before the Universe intersected me with the Information Explanation.

Turns out that Cantor bought shorts in the stock market, betting the Treasury bond prices would go down as a result of the breakdown in debt ceiling talks. So, let me see if I understand this correctly. A top political leader, the number two guy in the House of Representatives, declares the debt ceiling talks are at an impasse."

The Social Poets: American Flags On The Moon: What Happened To Them Since 1969?

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The Social Poets: American Flags On The Moon: What Happened To Them Since 1969?: "From Denny: How many in America can remember where they were when the astronauts planted the American flag on the moon? You know they made six trips.

Whenever we celebrate our summer holiday on the Fourth of July, often our thoughts turn to remembering various places with which we associate it. Football games, the giant tattered flag waving back at us from Ground Zero on 911, Memorial Day parades and bedecked graves, the White House flag at half mast when a Senator or President dies, a flag draped coffin of a fallen warrior from a foreign war returned home with respect.

The space shuttle program ends this week in hot steamy July. Have you ever wondered what happened to those old flags on the moon after all these decades?"

Computer Crashed This Week, Back Up Soon

From Denny: It had to happen sooner or later, right? The Dell Dimension was lingering like a slow tortoise crossing the road and stopping traffic. It just turned five years old.

After a few days of trying to fix it on my own I finally admitted defeat and took it into Office Depot. When I got the high quote I knew the Universe was advising me it was time to purchase a new one for practically the same price. It was just a couple of weeks ago I was in there, cruising the tech aisles, drooling over the terrabyte goodies while my husband grinned and shook his head.

So, yesterday, my husband looked at me and looked at the old guy Dell and said it was time to meet the new BFF guy on the block: HP. Happy Birthday to me a few weeks early. My husband turned to me today and said, "Someone's in a better mood - and so much happier. Welcome back to the plugged in human race." :)

Oh, and for the Fourth weekend Office Depot has lots of great sales on computers and other happy tech goodies.  If you are like me, finally having to part with an old friend, take a look around.  Who knows?  You just might meet the new love of your life!

*** Photo by babyymomma123 @ photobucket