Dennys: News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food

Monday, October 31, 2011

The Social Poets: Funny Late Nite Jokes: GOP Gaffer Rick Perry


Rick Perry


The Social Poets: Funny Late Nite Jokes: GOP Gaffer Rick Perry: From Denny: GOP 2012 candidate Rick Perry has been stepping on his tongue ever since he entered the race.

Considering how we here in Louisiana feel about the next door neighbor's bullying Texas culture, we Cajun types affectionately call "Shit Kickers," it could not have happened to a better politician.

After all, who has empathy for the guy who thought the BP Oil Spill was good event planning?
Enhanced by Zemanta

President Obama: Executive Order 13588, Reducing Prescription Drug Shortages




  • The White House
    Office of the Press Secretary

    Executive Order 13588 -- Reducing Prescription Drug Shortages

    EXECUTIVE ORDER
    REDUCING PRESCRIPTION DRUG SHORTAGES
    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 1Policy. Shortages of pharmaceutical drugs pose a serious and growing threat to public health. While a very small number of drugs in the United States experience a shortage in any given year, the number of prescription drug shortages in the United States nearly tripled between 2005 and 2010, and shortages are becoming more severe as well as more frequent. The affected medicines include cancer treatments, anesthesia drugs, and other drugs that are critical to the treatment and prevention of serious diseases and life threatening conditions.
    For example, over approximately the last 5 years, data indicates that the use of sterile injectable cancer treatments has increased by about 20 percent, without a corresponding increase in production capacity. While manufacturers are currently in the process of expanding capacity, it may be several years before production capacity has been significantly increased. Interruptions in the supplies of these drugs endanger patient safety and burden doctors, hospitals, pharmacists, and patients. They also increase health care costs, particularly because some participants in the market may use shortages as opportunities to hoard scarce drugs or charge exorbitant prices.
    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the Department of Health and Human Services has been working diligently to address this problem through its existing regulatory framework. While the root problems and many of their solutions are outside of the FDA's control, the agency has worked cooperatively with manufacturers to prevent or mitigate shortages by expediting review of certain regulatory submissions and adopting a flexible approach to drug manufacturing and importation regulations where appropriate. As a result, the FDA prevented 137 drug shortages in 2010 and 2011. Despite these successes, however, the problem of drug shortages has continued to grow.
    Many different factors contribute to drug shortages, and solving this critical public health problem will require a multifaceted approach. An important factor in many of the recent shortages appears to be an increase in demand that exceeds current manufacturing capacity. While manufacturers are in the process of expanding capacity, one important step is ensuring that the FDA and the public receive adequate advance notice of shortages whenever possible. The FDA cannot begin to work with manufacturers or use the other tools at its disposal until it knows there is a potential problem. Similarly, early disclosure of a shortage can help hospitals, doctors, and patients make alternative arrangements before a shortage becomes a crisis. However, drug manufacturers have not consistently provided the FDA with adequate notice of potential shortages.
    As part of my Administration's broader effort to work with manufacturers, health care providers, and other stakeholders to prevent drug shortages, this order directs the FDA to take steps that will help to prevent and reduce current and future disruptions in the supply of lifesaving medicines.
    Sec2Broader Reporting of Manufacturing Discontinuances. To the extent permitted by law, the FDA shall use all appropriate administrative tools, including its authority to interpret and administer the reporting requirements in 21 U.S.C. 356c, to require drug manufacturers to provide adequate advance notice of manufacturing discontinuances that could lead to shortages of drugs that are life supporting or life sustaining, or that prevent debilitating disease.
    Sec3Expedited Regulatory Review. To the extent practicable, and consistent with its statutory responsibility to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the drug supply, the FDA shall take steps to expand its current efforts to expedite its regulatory reviews, including reviews of new drug suppliers, manufacturing sites, and manufacturing changes, whenever it determines that expedited review would help to avoid or mitigate existing or potential drug shortages. In prioritizing and allocating its limited resources, the FDA should consider both the severity of the shortage and the importance of the affected drug to public health.
    Sec4Review of Certain Behaviors by Market Participants. The FDA shall communicate to the Department of Justice (DOJ) any findings that shortages have led market participants to stockpile the affected drugs or sell them at exorbitant prices. The DOJ shall then determine whether these activities are consistent with applicable law. Based on its determination, DOJ, in coordination with other State and Federal regulatory agencies as appropriate, should undertake whatever enforcement actions, if any, it deems appropriate.
    Sec5General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i) authority granted by law to an 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.
    (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c) 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,
             October 31, 2011.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Social Poets: Jon Stewart Screams and Laughs at Pat Robertson Mocking GOP

Jon StewartJon Stewart (Image via RottenTomatoes.com)The Social Poets: Jon Stewart Screams and Laughs at Pat Robertson Mocking GOP: From Denny: If you missed the latest Pat Robertson incredulous statement, not to worry. Jon Stewart saved the juicy clip for all to see.

How timely it is during the GOP political debating season of stupid issues and stupid political positions while Rome is burning. Which is exactly what Pat Robertson, of the Moral Majority 700 Club, addresses.

I don't know which is funnier: Jon's reaction to a sane statement from Pat Robertson that could not be more true about just how ridiculous the Republican Party has become or actually hearing with your own ears what Pat Robertson declared to his own party. It's a case of a looney tune calling his party a bunch of lunatics.
Enhanced by Zemanta

The Soul Calendar: Jon Stewart Interview: Why Fear Mongers Will Not Accept Science

Lisa RandallImage via WikipediaThe Soul Calendar: Jon Stewart Interview: Why Fear Mongers Will Not Accept Science: From Denny: Stewart interviews author and physicist Lisa Randall, of the new book "Knocking On Heaven's Door: How Physics and Scientific Thinking Illuminate the Universe and the Modern World."

Stewart asks, "Why do we fight so hard to be illuminated by it?" He is referencing the conservative political atmosphere that fears science unreasonably.

Randall offers up that perhaps the reason science is not so easily accepted is because "so many of the theories are far removed from what we see in our daily lives - and not necessarily the most intuitive."

She believes that if people would go beyond just human scale - where only technology can measure - that perhaps they will not be so afraid if they learn more about it and be more interested.

Stewart poses the question as to why are God and science incompatible? Clearly, that is what so many people fear - like science will be 100 percent provable and certain, eliminating room for God.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Dennys Funny Quotes: Libya: Comic Talks Marketing Guru, Rebranding Libya

John Oliver, photo taken on October 11, 2009, ...Image via WikipediaDennys Funny Quotes: Libya: Comic Talks Marketing Guru, Rebranding Libya: From Denny: This Daily Show interview, conducted by comic John Oliver with former Libyan Ambassador Ali Suleiman Aujali, is a study in what we call in Louisiana "Crawfishing." Get a laugh and watch this 40 year loyal servant of Gaddafi walk backwards his life, his actions, and resell himself as a servant of Libya.

John Oliver: "Gaddafi is one of the most eccentric despots in the Middle East. This leather-faced, Ukrainian nurse-loving lunatic has been in power since 1969."

Then Oliver compares both their bosses as dictators: "We both work for charismatic dictatorial figures who don't like to leave their rooms unless it's to go on to TV. They are both addicted to the adulation of crowds. They both look really weird up close. They both like Jewish jokes - though probably for different reasons..."
Enhanced by Zemanta

Libya: Jon Stewart Comments on Celebrating Gaddafi Death

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 18:  Executive pro...Image by Getty Images via @daylifeFrom Denny:  Only Jon Stewart could send off Gaddafi with a Big Bang out of this world.  He likens Gaddafi to the death of the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz.

You watch the striped legs with fire engine red shoes suddenly withdraw and disappear under the house - that was dropped onto said naughty witch - and then the witch vanishes in the famous Hollywood magic.

So it is with Gaddafi vanishing off the world stage.  Actually, he was also mocking the media for telling viewers about how graphic were the death photos of Gaddafi so Stewart had a little fun with this idea.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The Social Poets: Who So Many Obama Program Fails? Housing Market Plummets

Half million dollar house in Salinas, Californ...Image via Wikipedia
The Social Poets: Who So Many Obama Program Fails? Housing Market Plummets: Millions Of Homeowners Are Floundering, Market in Freefall

From Denny: President Obama rolled out yet another homeowners program aimed at propping up the housing market and therefore the economy. It's doomed to fail as well as the other recent two programs that were rife with crooks administering them.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Libya: To World Leaders Calling For Gaddafi Death Investigation, Forget About It





From Denny:  The entire world from the Western and Middle Eastern countries, in the form of NATO, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union all worked together with the Libyan rebels to defeat and rid the world of a terrorist and a tyrant.

Now, suddenly, world leaders are calling for an investigation into his death? You have got to be kidding me.  Just what do they hope to accomplish with that maneuver?  It's ridiculous.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Social Poets: Crooked Deal, No Oversight: Bank America Gets $75 TRILLION Bailout From Taxpayers?

Bank of America TowerImage via WikipediaThe Social Poets: Crooked Deal, No Oversight: Bank America Gets $75 TRILLION Bailout From Taxpayers?: From Denny: Think you know just how scummy the tactics are on Wall Street? Wait for it because this week the American taxpayers got skunked yet again - and without Congress getting involved.

What happened to screw over Americans? You see Bank of America got greedy and shoveled toxic derivatives out of their recently purchased Merrill Lynch and into the part of the bank that is insured by the U.S. government: taxpayers.

That way the Merrill Lynch unit of Bank of America will not be responsible for what could be as much as $75 TRILLION in this toxic dump. That's how much of this garbage they have in house. To get perspective on this, the annual American economy is only $15 trillion.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Didnt I Tell Ya? Libyan Gaddafi is Finally Confirmed Dead

 Moammar Gadhafi came to power in a bloodless coup against King Idris in 1969, when he was an army captain.
From Denny:  There is rejoicing and a huge sigh of relief sweeping across Libya today as news reached the world that former leader Gaddafi had been killed as he attempted to flee Sirte.

Long time dictator Moammar Gaddafi was killed by revolutionary rebel forces that now control the country with a transitional government.

The grandiose Gaddafi had declared himself "King of Kings" of Africa.  Instead, he found his legacy as a bloody lifeless body passed around on cell phone pictures around the world.  Libyans are giddy with relief the hard slog of an unlikely winnable uprising is finally over.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Dennys Funny Quotes: Funny Daily Show Comic John Oliver Interviews Occupy Wall Street Protesters

John Oliver, photo taken on October 11, 2009, ...Image via WikipediaDennys Funny Quotes: Funny Daily Show Comic John Oliver Interviews Occupy Wall Street Protesters: From Denny: The Daily Show's British comic, John Oliver, goes out into the Occupy Wall Street crowd to try and identify with their emerging culture. Over 57 percent of America agrees with this protest. But, John Oliver asks, do we have what it takes to be a part of this protest?

Oliver explores the odd hand language that has emerged during the movement. It seems strange to wriggle your fingers in the air, either up for approval, down for disapproval or wriggling in the middle zone for "not real crazy about that idea, folks."

The truth is these are some clever folks. They have created inventive ways around the New York City restrictions on noise levels, no use of amplification devices and the like officials have tried to use against them to discourage and hamper the protests. All it has done is grow the protest crowds - and stretch their imagination.
Enhanced by Zemanta

The Social Poets: Jon Stewart Ridicules GOP Mocking Most Of America




The Social Poets: Jon Stewart Ridicules GOP Mocking Most Of America: From Denny: Jon Stewart hits it out of the ball park yet again. Here he pulls together copious news clips of the GOP's rallying cry to the American public to "go out into the streets and take back America." Much to their chagrin Americans are doing just that. It's called Occupy Wall Street protests.

Only problem is that they are the 80 percent of the country the Republicans love to hate: the middle class, liberals, progressives, labor unions, gays, the unemployed, students who graduated and can't find jobs... you know, most of the country.

One of the clips is especially funny where the GOP tries to sell their tired "class warfare" whine: "It's not nice to pit millionaires against billionaires." That's as crazy as Mitt Romney's recent, "Corporations are people too."

Who ARE these people voted into Congress anyway? We should relabel them from politicians to The Outrageous Who Suck Wall Street Assets.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday, October 14, 2011

The Social Poets: Gen. Petraeus: Why No One Wants To Work For Your CIA

U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the commande...CIA Director Petraeus, Image via Wikipedia
The Social Poets: Gen. Petraeus: Why No One Wants To Work For Your CIA: From Denny: At this point, now one month into his job, the word is that the new director is horrified at the lack of acquiring and keeping good people. He is shocked that even the children of CIA officers do not - and will not - apply to the agency. In contrast, in the military tradition it is commonplace for generations to serve.

The intelligence community has long known that the children of CIA officers absorb the mindset and understanding of the intelligence world from growing up in it, creating an easier transition to get an employee ready for the environment.

What they did not calculate is how the tension and dangers of the intelligence environment takes its toll upon the family of CIA officers too. Who wants to spend your childhood as a soft target for assassins only to choose that same career as an adult and then turn around and do it to your children? Many have discovered what a bad idea that was and counsel their children against joining the agency.

The dangerous political atmosphere of the CIA where your own colleagues are setting you up to take the fall for more than just a career move for them has soured many on the CIA. There is little team integrity and team loyalty. Few can trust each other.
Enhanced by Zemanta

The Social Poets: News Links: Occupy Wall Street Protests 1 - 12 Oct 2011



The Social Poets: News Links: Occupy Wall Street Protests 1 - 12 Oct 2011: From Denny: Occupy Wall Street is finally getting the attention of mainstream media. Europe, the Middle East and Asia are as fascinated with the protest movement as are Americans. Wall Street and other Big Business concerns like Fox News have tried to trivialize the anger of America's majority but to no avail.

The protests are growing exponentially as more people from all different walks of life and age groups are lifting up their voices in protest against America's "bought government" and demanding reform from our highest politicians.

Check out how the media's awareness of the movement has evolved from first "why take them seriously" to "OMG! This is the real deal!" The protest first erupted in New York City in September. At the time the organizers planned to march for three weeks. Now that the movement has morphed and evolved, developing a life of its own, organizers threw that plan out of the window, planning to march indefinitely.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Dennys Funny Quotes: 50 Best: New Occupy Wall Street Protest Signs



Dennys Funny Quotes: 50 Best: New Occupy Wall Street Protest Signs: From Denny: As the Occupy Wall Street protests grow exponentially, enjoy some of their intelligent humor. The news could not be more true - or more entertaining - then when smart people take to the streets to protest our bought government. After viewing these signs it sure makes you want to run out and make your own and start a one-woman march on Wall Street - a real Kodak moment for the future grandkids...



Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The Social Poets: Occupy Wall Street: Are Their Conclusions Correct?

Casper, Wyo.

The Social Poets: Occupy Wall Street: Are Their Conclusions Correct?: From Denny: This new American Revolution, Occupy Wall Street, caught fire across America in less than one month of protests. OWS is spreading to 25 cities like an oozing peanut butter sandwich overflowing with jam - and is now international too. There is just something so appealing about this protest movement because of its common ground that cuts across the spectrum of race, gender, lifestyle, generations, education and economic class.

Occupy Wall Street Protests Mantra

Occupy Wall Street protesters have been smart in targeting the lynch pin of American society: the financial sector. It is the financial sector that buys the politicians to pass the laws to unleash business to have free rein and never enforce what laws are on the books.

It's the financial sector that buys the police force to intimidate ordinary citizens like those incidents of pepper sprayed women during the protests. Notice they didn't go after men who could pummel them; they went after women.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

The Social Poets: Jon Stewart Interviews Boomerang Author Michael Lewis About Global Big Banks Disaster



The Social Poets: Jon Stewart Interviews Boomerang Author Michael Lewis About Global Big Banks Disaster: From Denny: This author decided to go on a walkabout. Actually, Michael Lewis went on a financial disaster tour of several European countries: Iceland, Ireland, Greece and Germany.

He wanted to view the global financial disaster through the prism of each culture and what a view he got. (He is also the author of Moneyball that was recently made into a movie.)

In Iceland he discovered that up until seven years ago the only way to make money in Iceland was fishing. But, seven years ago," the men literally walked off the fishing boats and walked into the banks deciding to become currency traders in a matter of days."

The Social Poets: Occupy Wall Street Protests: Where To Find In Your State

Occupy Wall St. (Bowling Green,KY.


The Social Poets: Occupy Wall Street Protests: Where To Find In Your State: From Denny: The Occupy Wall Street protests are growing so fast that it is tripling every three days.

The mainstream media complains it is too difficult to cover the protests. That sure sounds like their Big Business handlers and Wall Street are trying to sideline the protesters.

Well, not so fast Big Boys. The following is America's list by the states and territory of OWS protest events, dates and timeline updates.

Friday, October 7, 2011

The Social Poets: New American Revolution: Protests Rampant Against Wall Street Nationwide



The Social Poets: New American Revolution: Protests Rampant Against Wall Street Nationwide: Check out this from the 99 Percent site: "We are the 99 percent. We are getting kicked out of our homes. We are forced to choose between groceries and rent. We are denied quality medical care. We are suffering from environmental pollution. We are working long hours for little pay and no rights, if we're working at all. We are getting nothing while the other 1 percent is getting everything. We are the 99 percent."

President Obama: Executive Order 13587, Sharing and Safeguarding Classified Information


  • The White House
    Office of the Press Secretary

    Executive Order 13587 -- Structural Reforms to Improve the Security of Classified Networks and the Responsible Sharing and Safeguarding of Classified Information

    EXECUTIVE ORDER
    STRUCTURAL REFORMS TO IMPROVE THE SECURITY OF CLASSIFIED NETWORKS AND THE RESPONSIBLE SHARING AND SAFEGUARDING OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America and in order to ensure the responsible sharing and safeguarding of classified national security information (classified information) on computer networks, it is hereby ordered as follows: 
    Section 1. Policy. Our Nation's security requires classified information to be shared immediately with authorized users around the world but also requires sophisticated and vigilant means to ensure it is shared securely. Computer networks have individual and common vulnerabilities that require coordinated decisions on risk management.
    This order directs structural reforms to ensure responsible sharing and safeguarding of classified information on computer networks that shall be consistent with appropriate protections for privacy and civil liberties. Agencies bear the primary responsibility for meeting these twin goals. These structural reforms will ensure coordinated interagency development and reliable implementation of policies and minimum standards regarding information security, personnel security, and systems security; address both internal and external security threats and vulnerabilities; and provide policies and minimum standards for sharing classified information both within and outside the Federal Government. These policies and minimum standards will address all agencies that operate or access classified computer networks, all users of classified computer networks (including contractors and others who operate or access classified computer networks controlled by the Federal Government), and all classified information on those networks.
    Sec. 2General Responsibilities of Agencies.
    Sec. 2.1. The heads of agencies that operate or access classified computer networks shall have responsibility for appropriately sharing and safeguarding classified information on computer networks. As part of this responsibility, they shall:
    (a) designate a senior official to be charged with overseeing classified information sharing and safeguarding efforts for the agency;
    (b) implement an insider threat detection and prevention program consistent with guidance and standards developed by the Insider Threat Task Force established in section 6 of this order;
    (c) perform self-assessments of compliance with policies and standards issued pursuant to sections 3.3, 5.2, and 6.3 of this order, as well as other applicable policies and standards, the results of which shall be reported annually to the Senior Information Sharing and Safeguarding Steering Committee established in section 3 of this order;
    (d) provide information and access, as warranted and consistent with law and section 7(d) of this order, to enable independent assessments by the Executive Agent for Safeguarding Classified Information on Computer Networks and the Insider Threat Task Force of compliance with relevant established policies and standards; and
    (e) detail or assign staff as appropriate and necessary to the Classified Information Sharing and Safeguarding Office and the Insider Threat Task Force on an ongoing basis.
    Sec. 3Senior Information Sharing and Safeguarding Steering Committee.
    Sec. 3.1. There is established a Senior Information Sharing and Safeguarding Steering Committee (Steering Committee) to exercise overall responsibility and ensure senior-level accountability for the coordinated interagency development and implementation of policies and standards regarding the sharing and safeguarding of classified information on computer networks.
    Sec. 3.2. The Steering Committee shall be co-chaired by senior representatives of the Office of Management and Budget and the National Security Staff. Members of the committee shall be officers of the United States as designated by the heads of the Departments of State, Defense, Justice, Energy, and Homeland Security, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Information Security Oversight Office within the National Archives and Records Administration (ISOO), as well as such additional agencies as the co-chairs of the Steering Committee may designate.
    Sec. 3.3. The responsibilities of the Steering Committee shall include:
    (a) establishing Government-wide classified information sharing and safeguarding goals and annually reviewing executive branch successes and shortcomings in achieving those goals;
    (b) preparing within 90 days of the date of this order and at least annually thereafter, a report for the President assessing the executive branch's successes and shortcomings in sharing and safeguarding classified information on computer networks and discussing potential future vulnerabilities;
    (c) developing program and budget recommendations to achieve Government-wide classified information sharing and safeguarding goals;
    (d) coordinating the interagency development and implementation of priorities, policies, and standards for sharing and safeguarding classified information on computer networks;
    (e) recommending overarching policies, when appropriate, for promulgation by the Office of Management and Budget or the ISOO;
    (f) coordinating efforts by agencies, the Executive Agent, and the Task Force to assess compliance with established policies and standards and recommending corrective actions needed to ensure compliance;
    (g) providing overall mission guidance for the Program Manager-Information Sharing Environment (PM-ISE) with respect to the functions to be performed by the Classified Information Sharing and Safeguarding Office established in section 4 of this order; and
    (h) referring policy and compliance issues that cannot be resolved by the Steering Committee to the Deputies Committee of the National Security Council in accordance with Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-1 of February 13, 2009 (Organization of the National Security Council System).
    Sec. 4Classified Information Sharing and Safeguarding Office.
    Sec. 4.1. There shall be established a Classified Information Sharing and Safeguarding Office (CISSO) within and subordinate to the office of the PM-ISE to provide expert, fulltime, sustained focus on responsible sharing and safeguarding of classified information on computer networks. Staff of the CISSO shall include detailees, as needed and appropriate, from agencies represented on the Steering Committee.
    Sec. 4.2. The responsibilities of CISSO shall include:
    (a) providing staff support for the Steering Committee;
    (b) advising the Executive Agent for Safeguarding Classified Information on Computer Networks and the Insider Threat Task Force on the development of an effective program to monitor compliance with established policies and standards needed to achieve classified information sharing and safeguarding goals; and
    (c) consulting with the Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security, the ISOO, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and others, as appropriate, to ensure consistency with policies and standards under Executive Order 13526 of December 29, 2009, Executive Order 12829 of January 6, 1993, as amended, Executive Order 13549 of August 18, 2010, and Executive Order 13556 of November 4, 2010.
    Sec. 5Executive Agent for Safeguarding Classified Information on Computer Networks.
    Sec. 5.1. The Secretary of Defense and the Director, National Security Agency, shall jointly act as the Executive Agent for Safeguarding Classified Information on Computer Networks (the "Executive Agent"), exercising the existing authorities of the Executive Agent and National Manager for national security systems, respectively, under National Security Directive/NSD-42 of July 5, 1990, as supplemented by and subject to this order.
    Sec. 5.2. The Executive Agent's responsibilities, in addition to those specified by NSD-42, shall include the following:
    (a) developing effective technical safeguarding policies and standards in coordination with the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS), as re-designated by Executive Orders 13286 of February 28, 2003, and 13231 of October 16, 2001, that address the safeguarding of classified information within national security systems, as well as the safeguarding of national security systems themselves;
    (b) referring to the Steering Committee for resolution any unresolved issues delaying the Executive Agent's timely development and issuance of technical policies and standards;
    (c) reporting at least annually to the Steering Committee on the work of CNSS, including recommendations for any changes needed to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of that work; and
    (d) conducting independent assessments of agency compliance with established safeguarding policies and standards, and reporting the results of such assessments to the Steering Committee.
    Sec. 6Insider Threat Task Force.
    Sec. 6.1. There is established an interagency Insider Threat Task Force that shall develop a Government-wide program (insider threat program) for deterring, detecting, and mitigating insider threats, including the safeguarding of classified information from exploitation, compromise, or other unauthorized disclosure, taking into account risk levels, as well as the distinct needs, missions, and systems of individual agencies. This program shall include development of policies, objectives, and priorities for establishing and integrating security, counterintelligence, user audits and monitoring, and other safeguarding capabilities and practices within agencies.
    Sec. 6.2. The Task Force shall be co-chaired by the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence, or their designees. Membership on the Task Force shall be composed of officers of the United States from, and designated by the heads of, the Departments of State, Defense, Justice, Energy, and Homeland Security, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the ISOO, as well as such additional agencies as the co-chairs of the Task Force may designate. It shall be staffed by personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive (ONCIX), and other agencies, as determined by the co-chairs for their respective agencies and to the extent permitted by law. Such personnel must be officers or full-time or permanent part-time employees of the United States. To the extent permitted by law, ONCIX shall provide an appropriate work site and administrative support for the Task Force.
    Sec. 6.3. The Task Force's responsibilities shall include the following:
    (a) developing, in coordination with the Executive Agent, a Government-wide policy for the deterrence, detection, and mitigation of insider threats, which shall be submitted to the Steering Committee for appropriate review;
    (b) in coordination with appropriate agencies, developing minimum standards and guidance for implementation of the insider threat program's Government-wide policy and, within 1 year of the date of this order, issuing those minimum standards and guidance, which shall be binding on the executive branch;
    (c) if sufficient appropriations or authorizations are obtained, continuing in coordination with appropriate agencies after 1 year from the date of this order to add to or modify those minimum standards and guidance, as appropriate;
    (d) if sufficient appropriations or authorizations are not obtained, recommending for promulgation by the Office of Management and Budget or the ISOO any additional or modified minimum standards and guidance developed more than 1 year after the date of this order;
    (e) referring to the Steering Committee for resolution any unresolved issues delaying the timely development and issuance of minimum standards;
    (f) conducting, in accordance with procedures to be developed by the Task Force, independent assessments of the adequacy of agency programs to implement established policies and minimum standards, and reporting the results of such assessments to the Steering Committee;
    (g) providing assistance to agencies, as requested, including through the dissemination of best practices; and
    (h) providing analysis of new and continuing insider threat challenges facing the United States Government. 
    Sec. 7General Provisions. (a) For the purposes of this order, the word "agencies" shall have the meaning set forth in section 6.1(b) of Executive Order 13526 of December 29, 2009.
    (b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to change the requirements of Executive Orders 12333 of December 4, 1981, 12829 of January 6, 1993, 12968 of August 2, 1995, 13388 of October 25, 2005, 13467 of June 30, 2008, 13526 of December 29, 2009, 13549 of August 18, 2010, and their successor orders and directives.
    (c) Nothing in this order shall be construed to supersede or change the authorities of the Secretary of Energy or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; the Secretary of Defense under Executive Order 12829, as amended; the Secretary of Homeland Security under Executive Order 13549; the Secretary of State under title 22, United States Code, and the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986; the Director of ISOO under Executive Orders 13526 and 12829, as amended; the PM-ISE under Executive Order 13388 or the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, as amended; the Director, Central Intelligence Agency under NSD-42 and Executive Order 13286, as amended; the National Counterintelligence Executive, under the Counterintelligence Enhancement Act of 2002; or the Director of National Intelligence under the National Security Act of 1947, as amended, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, as amended, NSD-42, and Executive Orders 12333, as amended, 12968, as amended, 13286, as amended, 13467, and 13526.
    (d) Nothing in this order shall authorize the Steering Committee, CISSO, CNSS, or the Task Force to examine the facilities or systems of other agencies, without advance consultation with the head of such agency, nor to collect information for any purpose not provided herein.
    (e) The entities created and the activities directed by this order shall not seek to deter, detect, or mitigate disclosures of information by Government employees or contractors that are lawful under and protected by the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act of 1998, Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, Inspector General Act of 1978, or similar statutes, regulations, or policies.
    (f) With respect to the Intelligence Community, the Director of National Intelligence, after consultation with the heads of affected agencies, may issue such policy directives and guidance as the Director of National Intelligence deems necessary to implement this order.
    (g) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (1) the authority granted by law to an agency, or the head thereof; or
    (2) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals
    (h) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and appropriate protections for privacy and civil liberties, and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (i) 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,
             October 7, 2011.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

President Obama: Executive Order 13586, Emergency Board to Investigate Disputes Between Certain Railroads


The White House
Office of the Press Secretary

Executive Order 13586 -- Emergency Board to Investigate Disputes Between Certain Railroads

EXECUTIVE ORDER
- - - - - - -
ESTABLISHING AN EMERGENCY BOARD TO INVESTIGATE DISPUTES BETWEEN CERTAIN RAILROADS REPRESENTED BY THE NATIONAL CARRIERS' CONFERENCE COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL RAILWAY LABOR CONFERENCE AND THEIR EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED BY CERTAIN LABOR ORGANIZATIONS
Disputes exist between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and their employees represented by certain labor organizations. The railroads and labor organizations involved in these disputes are designated on the attached list, which is made part of this order.
The disputes have not heretofore been adjusted under the provisions of the Railway Labor Act, as amended, 45 U.S.C. 151-188 (RLA).
I have been notified by the National Mediation Board that in its judgment these disputes threaten substantially to interrupt interstate commerce to a degree that would deprive a section of the country of essential transportation service.
NOW, THEREFORE, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 10 of the RLA (45 U.S.C. 160), it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Establishment of Emergency Board (Board). There is established, effective 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on October 7, 2011, a Board composed of a chair and four other members, all five of whom shall be appointed by the President to investigate and report on these disputes. No member shall be pecuniarily or otherwise interested in any organization of railroad employees or any carrier. The Board shall perform its functions subject to the availability of funds.
Sec. 2. Report. The Board shall report to the President with respect to the disputes within 30 days of its creation.
Sec. 3. Maintaining Conditions. As provided by section 10 of the RLA, from the date of the creation of the Board and for 30 days after the Board has submitted its report to the President, no change in the conditions out of which the disputes arose shall be made by the parties to the controversy, except by agreement of the parties.
Sec. 4. Records Maintenance. The records and files of the Board are records of the Office of the President and upon the Board's termination shall be maintained in the physical custody of the National Mediation Board.
Sec. 5. Expiration. The Board shall terminate upon the submission of the report provided for in section 2 of this order.
BARACK OBAMA
THE WHITE HOUSE, October 6, 2011.

Monday, October 3, 2011

President Obama: Executive Order, Message from the President to Congress Regarding the District of Columbia's 2012 Budget Request Act


The White House
Office of the Press Secretary

Message from the President to Congress Regarding the District of Columbia's 2012 Budget Request Act

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
Pursuant to my constitutional authority and as contemplated by section 446 of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act as amended in 1989, I am transmitting the District of Columbia's 2012 Budget Request Act. This transmittal does not represent an endorsement of the contents of the D.C. government's requests.
The proposed 2012 Budget Request Act reflects the major programmatic objectives of the Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia. For 2012, the District estimates total revenues and expenditures of $10.9 billion.
BARACK OBAMA
THE WHITE HOUSE,
October 3, 2011.
Related Posts with Thumbnails

Ratings and Recommendations by outbrain

Favorite Cartoon of the Week

Robert Ariail