blago gives first post-impeachment interview on Don Wade & Roma

January 23, 2009

Governor Blagojevich is out defending himself now that he can’t screw up barry’s big day. He likes the attention – no matter the nature of it. During his introduction of Roland Burris as barry’s senate replacement, he said “I’ve enjoyed the limelight”. The blago bouffant tops a strange affect which covers a clever brain. His appointment got sworn in, didn’t he? That was more than a taped eff you. It was an eff you that will go down as one of the best in Illinois political history. Wonder why they want to get him out of there? Not a single politician saw that coming – least of all barry. The Boss, Daley Sr is probably still chuckling even though his son thinks blago’s cuckoo.

He was on WLS AM radio in Chicago this morning – the station that offered him his own show if he resigned. He gave his first interview since his arrest and impeachment – 40 or so minutes of pressured speech with occasional grandiosity and fun (his mental state) mixed with clear sadness when he talked about his friends and allies abandoning him. No poetry or quotes, but he mentioned Pearl Harbor and Frank Capra movies and said sincerely about his fellow politician “Barack Obama will make a great president.”

He has been attacked and convicted before he has even been charged with anything, even though he has an allegedly questionable past. And he’s done some good work even after he was arrested: 22 pardons, passing the Autism Bill and, of course, appointing Senator Burris, who has his own funny way of speaking and an unusual final resting place.

Where is blago going to get a fair trial? Amish country?

WLS-AM Don Wade & Roma Show

In studio pix

Part 1

He knows them well and has been interviewed by them before. Blago wants his 6th Amendment constitutionally-guaranteed right to bring in witnesses in including: Rahm Emanuel, Valerie Jarrett, Jesse Jackson, Jr, Govs Doyle and Sens Kennedy and McCain.

Just let me bring my witnesses in to show people and to have them under oath testify before the Senate that I have not done anything wrong and I’ve done most things right.

If they let him, blago will show up on Monday for the trial if he can he bring witnesses in refute the evidence. Listen to the change in cadence.

I’ve done nothing wrong. I’m not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing. I’ll have my day in court. I look forward to that day, where I’ll have a chance to clear my name, prove my innocence, and vindicate myself….I can’t talk about the specifics of some of the things that I’m-that have been alleged. That would be inappropriate. But I will say that when the whole truth comes out, uhm, I think you’ll see that, uh, what I did and what I was doing and, all the rest, was in the best interest of the people. And it was, uh it-it-it was of course, uh, part of a political process that-that uhm is not that inconsistent with uh, uh the way the process works.

He says what he was doing was for the best of the people and that it’s just a plot to raise taxes! Good tactic because they are going up no matter what. But if he’s out of office he can say, See?

They want to get me out fast so they could put a huge income-tax increase on the people of Illinois. It’s either going be a 66 percent income-tax increase or a 33 percent income-tax increase. And, they want to raise the sales tax on gas…They know I’m against those things, and I veto them. If I’m out of the way, they can quietly push this through.

Other selected quotes:

If I had a radio show, like you, I’d be able to talk about some of the real things that happen in government, and how the people get screwed.

Mark my words: If I am removed from office, you’re going to see a huge income tax increase and a sales tax increase.

…prove my innocence and show that I did things right.

Then there’s an audio clip of Asst Majority Leader Ricky Hendon (whose legislation on mandatory police interrogation videotape Emil Jones gave to barry) using a metaphor about Texas justice, a guy, a jail cell, hammering, gallows and checking the rope.

The fix is in. They’ve even put a date where the trial is going to end. How can you do that if you’re going to be fair?

…They’ve decided, again, make it quick, make it fast, pretend like, to the best of your ability, there’s some fairness to it…And then, Pat Quinn’s the governor, and they start raising taxes on you guys. That’s what’s going to happen.

DON: What do you think of Jesse Jackson, Jr?

I like Jesse Jackson, Jr.

ROMA: Ok, what about John Wyman?…Do you fell betrayed by the people, by friends–people that you considered friends?

Without going into details or specifics, this, uh, experience is, uhm, it’s uh, it’s, you know, an experience in the human condition in a highly-pressurized environment with big stakes involved. And, uh, you know I’m a grown up. And I’ve, chosen to be in this profession. And I’ve read enough history to know how these things can happen.

But, uh, there’s uh, there’s several elements to an experience like this that’s painful, and very unfortunate, and sad. And, the silence of some of your friends, uh, the silence of political allies, who, the day before all of this came down–which what we call our personal Pearl Harbor day–uhm, were just in your office asking for things, and, you know, enjoying the benefits of what the governor can do for them. And then, you know, these things happen. And uh, of course I-I-I’m deeply hurt by some friends who perhaps may have done some things.

Roma talks about how his fellow politicians have treated him like a pariah and questioned his mental state and then she asks: “How’s your mental state?”

I feel my mental state’s, uh, where it’s always been. You can judge whether thats a good place or bad place. (Laughs goodnaturedly.)

He then talks about suffering people in the Bible and truth, Harry Reid, Dick Durbin and the senate seat. And then he drops a bomb about other political leaders making a deal for the seat once Pat Quinn became governor. Pregnant pause.

Part 2: Danny Davis, wiretap, apologizes for profanity, why doesn’t he just testify in impeachment trial, The View instead of testifying, rant about what a new governor will do, Samuel Adam lawsuit, fundraising policy, recounts his accomplishments as governor, what would have done differently (taken a 2 month vacation), will he still be governor in 2 week (sounds like he is going to resign), his immigrant parents, politicians.

Part 3: Why people are leaving Illinois, Todd Stroger’s sales tax increase, back to the taxes and special interest groups, rush to judgment, kangaroo court, pronouncing his name, his name becoming a verb, he didn’t see SNL, his fighting on is not defiance – it’s an act of innocence, he mentions his daughter and his reputation, Richard Nixon, FDR, Lincoln, Truman, Reagan (voted for him twice – great leader), Clinton (toughness and concern for people), Obama, thinks himself as more a Teddy Roosevelt (I think he quoted somebody), he was a boxer (might explain the affect) because he read about Teddy, back to it “not being about him”, will he call Sen Cullerton, doing something later today (press conference).

Final selected quotes:

If I did something wrong, I would’ve resigned – that would’ve been my responsibility to the people. But I didn’t.

It isn’t defiant, I don’t believe, to stand up for what the truth is and what’s right.

I did nothing wrong, except fight for the people.

I think Barack Obama’s going to turn out to be a great president. (Said sincerely.)

DON WADE: There will only one Rod Blagojevich. You are one of a kind, and you’re special.

I appreciate that.

Roma says he’s welcome to come back next back during the impeachment proceedings and take calls.

I might take you up on that.

His final statement:

I equate my story here – and when all the facts come out, and the final chapter of this is written – this is a 21st Century Frank Capra movie…how the good guy was up against the establishment, and yet they tried to made him look like he violated the rules, but he stood firm for the people…that’s what this story is. The only difference is some of the language in some of the those calls the people were listening to you wouldn’t hear in a movie the 1930′s.

One of a kind is right.

More scheduled blago appearances: Press conference 2pm at Thompson Center and an interview on WVON. And The View on Monday…? He needs cash bad since his wife got fired.

New video (1-23) Flight 1549 – pedestrians reacting

January 23, 2009

Voter turnout rate 2008

January 23, 2009

Interesting statistical analysis on election results by Dr Michael McDonald from George Mason University. Includes primary and general election results and breakdowns the voter turnout rate.

blago offered radio gig

January 22, 2009

Another offer to the good governor to resign. This time it’s Chicago’s WLS-AM (890) radio. Bob Stumper the programming director offered blago his own radio show 12-2 pm on Sundays this morning on the “Don Wade & Roma Show” contingent on his resignation.

Sun Times’ LEWIS LAZARE

(1-23-09) Blagojevich’s first interview since arrest and impeachment.

New video (1-22) of Flight 1549 – door opening/people exiting

January 22, 2009

Flight 1549: Passenger account ‘Bill” from Cincinnati

January 22, 2009

Typically classless robamabots

January 20, 2009

Today was a moment of change, hope, reconciliation and positivity and what to the robamabots do? They booed the outgoing administration. That is as classless as it gets. The entire globe is watching and that is how they chose to recognize the outgoing President and Vice President. An administration that may have done many things that we as American people may or may not have agreed with – but today was not the day.

And the blind mindless chanters didn’t care.

How is that American?

Who are you people and for whom did you vote in 2000 & 2004? How many of you made the trip to Washington but never made it to your polling places?

And how much love do you have for this country, which has remained safe from invasion and attacks for the last eight years because of President Bush, if you feel the need to show such public displeasure?

What type of change are you seeking and when does it go into affect?

It was like the barry t-shirts and merchandise showing him going to the hoop while knocking down Senator McCain – not just floating over him like the obamessiah he is. Like the knocking down was just as important (maybe even more so) than the rising above. And the disgusting and vile barry merchandise featuring the former First Lady, who he appointed to Secretary of State. T-shirts: “Too bad Hillary didn’t marry OJ”. Merchandise and slogans he never once objected to – even after his lame “keep the families out of it” declaration well after his attack dogs had said everything possible about Governor Palin and her family. Well, except for the new senator from Minnesota Al Franken’s hilarious SNL bit on incest involving Todd Palin and his daughters.

All things barry has never apologized for.

And as much as the robamabots chant change! and hope! – their personal words and deeds have been anything but. They spent the better part of two years writing and saying the most incredibly offensive things about barry’s opponents and non-barry supporters. Folks who were not caught up in the mindless chanting were attacked on all fronts – each one invariably called a racist – in the name of a man promising hope! change! His disciples spewed hate-filled words just as surely as Rev Wright did from his pulpit, in an attempt to promote their candidate: the self-proclaimed Man Above the Fray! Mr Grand Uniter! and Transcender of Race!

They attacked as a means to promote a man who had nothing to promote. A man without a past. A man who claims transparency but still refuses to prove his eligibility to be President.

Who among you knows who barry is?

He hasn’t told you, you haven’t asked, and the press has not demanded any truth from him.

Why don’t you care?

And what will you be saying a year from now? Four years? Eight?

Will you be whining and booing then that the public didn’t know…the press should have investigated…why didn’t they tell us?

Hope is a wonderful thing – but it is not given to someone. It is something one voluntarily chooses. And one cannot choose hope while continuing to denigrate.

Any positivity thus gained is corroded by the continued negativity.

It is time for you to let the past administration go and to hold the present one accountable with your eyes and ears open.

It is time for you to realize you have elected a man who has never once made a decision with consequence.

And it is time for you to be honest as to why you chose him.

Today you made me embarrassed to be an American. You embarrassed yourselves, our nation, and our new President.

How much do you actually believe in barry vs not like his opponents?

How much do you believe in him as a man vs the idea of him?

And how much do you believe in his abilities if you must shame his predecessor?

For if you believe in the potential of Barack Obama then you should be congratulating President Bush and wishing him well.

Instead, you booed while the world watched in what was to be a moment of triumph and change.

And you wonder our standing in the world?

It is in large part because of how we have treated our own president. You may not agree with Mr Bush. You may personally dislike him. But the nation elected him and he is one of only 44 men who have stood up to lead this nation.

What have you been doing to make America a better place?

President Bush did not ask for 9-11. But there hasn’t been a second one and no one knows how many close calls there were. We do know that Bush talked Israel out of bombing Iran.

What do you mindless robamabots think about that?

A little reminder: Bush’s campaign mantra was Change! and Uniting not Dividing.

Sound familiar?

Letter to the Editor re: barry’s eligibility

January 17, 2009

Very interesting. The Washington Times actually printed a letter to the editor about barry’s eligibility. Guess they’re starting to cover themselves. AOL had one of it’s nonscientific poll that showed 48% thought it needed investigating – 45% no merit. That was back in December. Wonder what folks think now…especially after the bizarre double swearing in with no video of the second. Have you even known barry not to want to be on video? His “radio addresses” are on video. It was like a blago tape without the eff words. And then there’s VP Biden’s joke about Justice Roberts’ memory and his wife revealing Biden had a choice between Secretary of State and VP. One heck of a first week.

“Supreme Court accountablity”
by LONNIE LECZO
Louisville, Ky.

Statistically sound polls:

IFC/Zogby poll (11-5/6)

73% believed media is biased in general

93% thought barry got more coverage

75% believed media bias influenced the outcome of the presidential election.

Rasmussen Poll (11-5-08)

51% felt reporters tried to help obama (44% polled in June)47% believed most reporters would hide information

55% media bias more of a problem than big campaign donations

74% thought media reported more on negative campaigning than the issues

Which directly goes to proobama media bias considering his opponents universally polled more negative. What was hidden will eventually be revealed. It wasn’t as much hidden as it was intentionally not covered.

Dr Biden gaffe: VP or Secretary of State?

January 22, 2009

VP and Dr Biden were on Oprah (1-19-09). They were having a nice little chat until Dr Biden leaked a secret that I’m sure barry wanted never to get out. It must be a family thing. She said her husband had the choice between Secretary of State and Vice President. Enlightening. We know that Sen Clinton was never in the running for VP. So it appears she was never on barry’s short list for either.

Who was the other choice? Richardson? Kerry? And what kind of leader gives the decision to the person he will be appointing? That’s what’s most bizarre. Recall that it was the most important barry made as it was his first decision and he turfed it in his usual fashion. It’s quite funny in a way and then add in VP Biden’s not very well taken joke yesterday about Chief Justice Roberts’ memory concerning the Oath of Office. (Take #2). I find him very refreshing. He says what’s on his mind and calls it like he sees it and it seems his wife too.

Barry wants transparency? There’s no one more transparent than Biden…or his wife it seems.

lukalicious13

Biden was discussing his VP job with Oprah. How he said he needed some time to take to “Jillie” to see what was best for the family. He then went on to joke that “besides, we have public housing now”.

Oprah then asked Dr Biden why she thought it would be good for the family.

JILL (6:00): Because I think–Joe had the choice to be secretary of state or vice president.

Came right out. She was looking at Oprah and saw hubby react and she stopped.

JOE: Shhhh!

JILL looked at the audience – who was loving it – and said no big dealwise: Well. Ok. He did.

OPRAH: It’s ok. It’s ok.

JOE, red-faced with his lupine grin laughed and hugged her and said: That’s alright. Go ahead.

OPRAH: Why did you say it was good for the family?

JILL: So I said, ‘Joe, if you’re secretary of state, you’ll be away…we’ll never see you…you know. I’ll see you at a state dinner once in awhile. But I said, if you’re vice president, the entire family – because they worked so hard for the election -can be involved. They can come to our home. They can go to events, they can be with us all the time.’ And that’s what’s important to us.

Joe sat there with his frozen smile probably happy it wasn’t him. Oprah ever the professional and friend of barry went right past it. Problem is she asked if he was “worried about being number two since he wanted to be number one.”

JOE: I think Barack was worried about it!

He couldn’t help himself either. Their conversations at home must be interesting. Dr Biden is a beautiful woman. Hard to believe she is 57. Must be all that running. They look like they have a lot of fun together.

Then came the expected Joe Biden spokesperson statement. From WSJ’s SUSAN DAVIS:

Elizabeth Alexander: Like anyone who followed the presidential campaign this summer, Dr. Jill Biden knew there was a chance that President-elect Obama might ask her husband to serve in some capacity and that, given his background, the positions of Vice President and Secretary of State were possibilities.

Dr. Biden’s point to Oprah today was that being Vice President would be a better fit for their family because they would get to see him more and get to participate in serving more. To be clear, President-elect Obama offered Vice President-elect Biden one job only — to be his running mate. And the Vice President-elect was thrilled to accept the offer.

An interesting and conflicting note:

However ABC News notes that today was not the first time a Biden suggested the state job had been offered. In an Oct. 20 New Yorker article, Biden is quoted discussing his options with Obama, who noted his interest in foreign policy.

“[Obama] wasn’t offering me this, but he said, ‘Would you rather be Secretary of State instead of Vice-President?’ And I thought a lot about that,” Biden told the magazine. He said he consulted with his own advisers who said he’d be better as a running mate. “They convinced me that I could have more influence on policy as a Vice-President with Barack,” Biden said.

Executive Order: Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel

Executive Order — Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and sections 3301 and 7301 of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1.  Ethics Pledge.  Every appointee in every executive agency appointed on or after January 20, 2009, shall sign, and upon signing shall be contractually committed to, the following pledge upon becoming an appointee:

“As a condition, and in consideration, of my employment in the United States Government in a position invested with the public trust, I commit myself to the following obligations, which I understand are binding on me and are enforceable under law:

“1.  Lobbyist Gift Ban.  I will not accept gifts from registered lobbyists or lobbying organizations for the duration of my service as an appointee.

“2.  Revolving Door Ban    All Appointees Entering Government.  I will not for a period of 2 years from the date of my appointment participate in any particular matter involving specific parties that is directly and substantially related to my former employer or former clients, including regulations and contracts.

“3.  Revolving Door Ban    Lobbyists Entering Government.  If I was a registered lobbyist within the 2 years before the date of my appointment, in addition to abiding by the limitations of paragraph 2, I will not for a period of 2 years after the date of my appointment:

(a)  participate in any particular matter on which I lobbied within the 2 years before the date of my appointment;

(b)  participate in the specific issue area in which that particular matter falls; or

(c)  seek or accept employment with any executive agency that I lobbied within the 2 years before the date of my appointment.

“4.  Revolving Door Ban    Appointees Leaving Government.  If, upon my departure from the Government, I am covered by the post employment restrictions on communicating with employees of my former executive agency set forth in section 207(c) of title 18, United States Code, I agree that I will abide by those restrictions for a period of 2 years following the end of my appointment.

“5.  Revolving Door Ban    Appointees Leaving Government to Lobby.  In addition to abiding by the limitations of paragraph 4, I also agree, upon leaving Government service, not to lobby any covered executive branch official or non career Senior Executive Service appointee for the remainder of the Administration.

“6.  Employment Qualification Commitment.  I agree that any hiring or other employment decisions I make will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, competence, and experience.

“7.  Assent to Enforcement.  I acknowledge that the Executive Order entitled ‘Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel,’ issued by the President on January 21, 2009, which I have read before signing this document, defines certain of the terms applicable to the foregoing obligations and sets forth the methods for enforcing them.  I expressly accept the provisions of that Executive Order as a part of this agreement and as binding on me.  I understand that the terms of this pledge are in addition to any statutory or other legal restrictions applicable to me by virtue of Federal Government service.”

Sec. 2.  Definitions.  As used herein and in the pledge set forth in section 1 of this order:

(a)  “Executive agency” shall include each “executive agency” as defined by section 105 of title 5, United States Code, and shall include the Executive Office of the President; provided, however, that for purposes of this order “executive agency” shall include the United States Postal Service and Postal Regulatory Commission, but shall exclude the Government Accountability Office.

(b)  “Appointee” shall include every full time, non career Presidential or Vice-Presidential appointee, non career appointee in the Senior Executive Service (or other SES type system), and appointee to a position that has been excepted from the competitive service by reason of being of a confidential or policymaking character (Schedule C and other positions excepted under comparable criteria) in an executive agency.  It does not include any person appointed as a member of the Senior Foreign Service or solely as a uniformed service commissioned officer.

(c)  “Gift”

(1)  shall have the definition set forth in section 2635.203(b) of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations;

(2)  shall include gifts that are solicited or accepted indirectly as defined at section 2635.203(f) of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(3)  shall exclude those items excluded by sections 2635.204(b), (c), (e)(1) & (3) and (j) (l) of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations.

(d)  “Covered executive branch official” and “lobbyist” shall have the definitions set forth in section 1602 of title 2, United States Code.

(e)  “Registered lobbyist or lobbying organization” shall mean a lobbyist or an organization filing a registration pursuant to section 1603(a) of title 2, United States Code, and in the case of an organization filing such a registration, “registered lobbyist” shall include each of the lobbyists identified therein.

(f)  “Lobby” and “lobbied” shall mean to act or have acted as a registered lobbyist.

(g)  “Particular matter” shall have the same meaning as set forth in section 207 of title 18, United States Code, and section 2635.402(b)(3) of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations.

(h)  “Particular matter involving specific parties” shall have the same meaning as set forth in section 2641.201(h) of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, except that it shall also include any meeting or other communication relating to the performance of one’s official duties with a former employer or former client, unless the communication applies to a particular matter of general applicability and participation in the meeting or other event is open to all interested parties.

(i)  “Former employer” is any person for whom the appointee has within the 2 years prior to the date of his or her appointment served as an employee, officer, director, trustee, or general partner, except that “former employer” does not include any executive agency or other entity of the Federal Government, State or local government, the District of Columbia, Native American tribe, or any United States territory or possession.

(j)  “Former client” is any person for whom the appointee served personally as agent, attorney, or consultant within the 2 years prior to the date of his or her appointment, but excluding instances where the service provided was limited to a speech or similar appearance.  It does not include clients of the appointee’s former employer to whom the appointee did not personally provide services.

(k)  “Directly and substantially related to my former employer or former clients” shall mean matters in which the appointee’s former employer or a former client is a party or represents a party.

(l)  “Participate” means to participate personally and substantially.

(m)  “Post-employment restrictions” shall include the provisions and exceptions in section 207(c) of title 18, United States Code, and the implementing regulations.

(n)  “Government official” means any employee of the executive branch.

(o)  “Administration” means all terms of office of the incumbent President serving at the time of the appointment of an appointee covered by this order.

(p)  “Pledge” means the ethics pledge set forth in section 1 of this order.

(q)  All references to provisions of law and regulations shall refer to such provisions as in effect on January 20, 2009.

Sec. 3.  Waiver.

(a)  The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, or his or her designee, in consultation with the Counsel to the President or his or her designee, may grant to any current or former appointee a written waiver of any restrictions contained in the pledge signed by such appointee if, and to the extent that, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, or his or her designee, certifies in writing (i) that the literal application of the restriction is inconsistent with the purposes of the restriction, or (ii) that it is in the public interest to grant the waiver.  A waiver shall take effect when the certification is signed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget or his or her designee.

(b)  The public interest shall include, but not be limited to, exigent circumstances relating to national security or to the economy.  De minimis contact with an executive agency shall be cause for a waiver of the restrictions contained in paragraph 3 of the pledge.

Sec. 4.  Administration.

(a)  The head of every executive agency shall, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Government Ethics, establish such rules or procedures (conforming as nearly as practicable to the agency’s general ethics rules and procedures, including those relating to designated agency ethics officers) as are necessary or appropriate to ensure that every appointee in the agency signs the pledge upon assuming the appointed office or otherwise becoming an appointee; to ensure that compliance with paragraph 3 of the pledge is addressed in a written ethics agreement with each appointee to whom it applies, which agreement shall also be approved by the Counsel to the President or his or her designee prior to the appointee commencing work; to ensure that spousal employment issues and other conflicts not expressly addressed by the pledge are addressed in ethics agreements with appointees or, where no such agreements are required, through ethics counseling; and generally to ensure compliance with this order within the agency.

(b)  With respect to the Executive Office of the President, the duties set forth in section 4(a) shall be the responsibility of the Counsel to the President or his or her designee.

(c)  The Director of the Office of Government Ethics shall:

(1)  ensure that the pledge and a copy of this order are made available for use by agencies in fulfilling their duties under section 4(a) above;

(2)  in consultation with the Attorney General or the Counsel to the President or their designees, when appropriate, assist designated agency ethics officers in providing advice to current or former appointees regarding the application of the pledge; and

(3)  in consultation with the Attorney General and the Counsel to the President or their designees, adopt such rules or procedures as are necessary or appropriate:

(i)    to carry out the foregoing responsibilities;

(ii)   to apply the lobbyist gift ban set forth in paragraph 1 of the pledge to all executive branch employees;

(iii)  to authorize limited exceptions to the lobbyist gift ban for circumstances that do not implicate the purposes of the ban;

(iv)   to make clear that no person shall have violated the lobbyist gift ban if the person properly disposes of a gift as provided by section 2635.205 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations;

(v)    to ensure that existing rules and procedures for Government employees engaged in negotiations for future employment with private businesses that are affected by their official actions do not affect the integrity of the Government’s programs and operations;

(vi)   to ensure, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, that the requirement set forth in paragraph 6 of the pledge is honored by every employee of the executive branch;

(4)  in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, report to the President on whether full compliance is being achieved with existing laws and regulations governing executive branch procurement lobbying disclosure and on steps the executive branch can take to expand to the fullest extent practicable disclosure of such executive branch procurement lobbying and of lobbying for presidential pardons, and to include in the report both immediate action the executive branch can take and, if necessary, recommendations for legislation; and

(5)  provide an annual public report on the administration of the pledge and this order.

(d)  The Director of the Office of Government Ethics shall, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Counsel to the President, and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, or their designees, report to the President on steps the executive branch can take to expand to the fullest extent practicable the revolving door ban set forth in paragraph 5 of the pledge to all executive branch employees who are involved in the procurement process such that they may not for 2 years after leaving Government service lobby any Government official regarding a Government contract that was under their official responsibility in the last 2 years of their Government
service; and to include in the report both immediate action the executive branch can take and, if necessary, recommendations for legislation.

(e)  All pledges signed by appointees, and all waiver certifications with respect thereto, shall be filed with the head of the appointee’s agency for permanent retention in the appointee’s official personnel folder or equivalent folder.

Sec. 5.  Enforcement.

(a)  The contractual, fiduciary, and ethical commitments in the pledge provided for herein are solely enforceable by the United States pursuant to this section by any legally available means, including debarment proceedings within any affected executive agency or judicial civil proceedings for declaratory, injunctive, or monetary relief.

(b)  Any former appointee who is determined, after notice and hearing, by the duly designated authority within any agency, to have violated his or her pledge may be barred from lobbying any officer or employee of that agency for up to 5 years in addition to the time period covered by the pledge.  The head of every executive agency shall, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Government Ethics, establish procedures to implement this subsection, which procedures shall include (but not be limited to) providing for factfinding and investigation of possible violations of this order and for referrals to the Attorney General for his or her consideration pursuant to subsection (c).

(c)  The Attorney General or his or her designee is authorized:

(1)  upon receiving information regarding the possible breach of any commitment in a signed pledge, to request any appropriate Federal investigative authority to conduct such investigations as may be appropriate; and

(2)  upon determining that there is a reasonable basis to believe that a breach of a commitment has occurred or will occur or continue, if not enjoined, to commence a civil action against the former employee in any United States District Court with jurisdiction to consider the matter.

(d)  In any such civil action, the Attorney General or his or her designee is authorized to request any and all relief authorized by law, including but not limited to:

(1)  such temporary restraining orders and preliminary and permanent injunctions as may be appropriate to restrain future, recurring, or continuing conduct by the former employee in breach of the commitments in the pledge he or she signed; and

(2)  establishment of a constructive trust for the benefit of the United States, requiring an accounting and payment to the United States Treasury of all money and other things of value received by, or payable to, the former employee arising out of any breach or attempted breach of the pledge signed by the former employee.

Sec. 6.  General Provisions.

(a)  No prior Executive Orders are repealed by this order.  To the extent that this order is inconsistent with any provision of any prior Executive Order, this order shall control.

(b)  If any provision of this order or the application of such provision is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and other dissimilar applications of such provision shall not be affected.

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

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

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

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

(e)  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.

(f)  The definitions set forth in this order are solely applicable to the terms of this order, and are not otherwise intended to impair or affect existing law.

BARACK OBAMA

THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 21, 2009
Executive Order – Ethics Commitments
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/ExecutiveOrder-EthicsCommitments/
http://snipurl.com/i5ysm

Joe Bidengaffer is back!

January 21, 2009
Updated list of birth certificate posts

Day one and VP Biden is back at it much to barry’s chagrin. Better him than his wife I guess. barry and Biden were swearing in the new senior staff and Biden couldn’t restrain himself from making a comment about Chief Justice Roberts’ Oath of Office problems. (Take #2) The problem being Mr President, who was not at all pleased. Though he did give The American People a real view of him. He was too tired to keep the mask on.

TPMtv

Keep an eye on barry. He grabs Biden like he’s a naughty child. He is. His grandkids must get away with everything – they have an accessory. Biden knows he’s coming and turns his back on him. barry shows a whole range of emotion: anger, frustration, sadness and at the end he looks like a kid whose birthday party was ruined. This is the first time barry has elicited a real emotion – that lost and lonely kid. I can see what drives his need for adulation. His ego is what drives his need for adoration and that’s the problem. I wonder what his wife thought when she saw this footage – if she recognized that person. Most curious would be his children’s visceral reactions.

BARRY: Joe, do you want to administer the oath?

BIDEN: Am I doing this again?

BARRY: For the senior staff.

BIDEN: Oh, the senior staff. Alright.

BARRY:…a number of cabinet members have already…

BIDEN: My memory is not as good as Justice Roberts…

Lightfoot v Bowen is back

January 22, 2009

[Disappeared off docket]

Don’t know the exact difficulty but Lightfoot v Bowen is back up on the Supreme Court docket. It is still alive (on paper) and is still scheduled for conference tomorrow.

How can the Court even look at something they have already intervened on? What is Roberts going to say? Uh-oh x 2? Their secret little meeting with barry and biden and their respective counsel says it all.

barry re: Freedom of Information Act

May 16, 2009

barry says “in the face of doubt, openness prevails” and that “all agencies should adopt a presumption in favor of disclosure” and that the FOIA is the “most prominent expression of a profound national commitment to ensuring an open Government”,

Ok. So why hasn’t his birth certificate been released via the FOIA?
—————–

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 at 12:00 am
Freedom of Information Act

MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

SUBJECT: Freedom of Information Act

A democracy requires accountability, and accountability requires transparency. As Justice Louis Brandeis wrote, “sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” In our democracy, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which encourages accountability through transparency, is the most prominent expression of a profound national commitment to ensuring an open Government. At the heart of that commitment is the idea that accountability is in the interest of the Government and the citizenry alike.

The Freedom of Information Act should be administered with a clear presumption: In the face of doubt, openness prevails. The Government should not keep information confidential merely because public officials might be embarrassed by disclosure, because errors and failures might be revealed, or because of speculative or abstract fears. Nondisclosure should never be based on an effort to protect the personal interests of Government officials at the expense of those they are supposed to serve. In responding to requests under the FOIA, executive branch agencies (agencies) should act promptly and in a spirit of cooperation, recognizing that such agencies are servants of the public.

All agencies should adopt a presumption in favor of disclosure, in order to renew their commitment to the principles embodied in FOIA, and to usher in a new era of open Government. The presumption of disclosure should be applied to all decisions involving FOIA.

The presumption of disclosure also means that agencies should take affirmative steps to make information public. They should not wait for specific requests from the public. All agencies should use modern technology to inform citizens about what is known and done by their Government. Disclosure should be timely.

I direct the Attorney General to issue new guidelines governing the FOIA to the heads of executive departments and agencies, reaffirming the commitment to accountability and transparency, and to publish such guidelines in the Federal Register. In doing so, the Attorney General should review FOIA reports produced by the agencies under Executive Order 13392 of December 14, 2005. I also direct the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to update guidance to the agencies to increase and improve information dissemination to the public, including through the use of new technologies, and to publish such guidance in the Federal Register.

This memorandum 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.

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

BARACK OBAMA

What is barry hiding and why?

January 22, 2009

Oath of Office…take two…not on video

January 22, 2009

Updated list of birth certificate posts

barry was sworn in…again…last night. Amazing the attention to The Constitution after he becomes president. If he is so concerned about upholding The Constitution, why doesn’t he relieve The American People’s minds by proving his constitutional eligibility to be sworn in at all?

Not in attendance was the Lincoln Bible – or any Bible for that matter. So is it a true oath?

One thing is for sure – Justice Roberts had time to think over his decision so he can never say he didn’t have a second chance. I would like to talk to Justice Alito. His not being at barry and Biden’s fireside chat was intentional.

So was Biden the President? Did barry re-sign whatever he had done? If he really wasn’t able to execute the office of the president until the repeat oath, then nothing he did up until that time was “legal”. Can’t have it both ways. Although that is barry’s MO.

And why no video? A separate picture and audio? Didn’t he want that footage shown?

The whole thing reeks.

What would Freud have thought about Roberts’ and barry’s mis-swearing in?

(PETE SOUZA White House)

White House Counsel Greg Craig (who was also at the fireside chat):

We believe that the oath of office was administered effectively and that the President was sworn in appropriately yesterday. But the oath appears in the Constitution itself.

Absolute insanity.

Take #1 Oath of Office
TAKE #2 Oath of Office
VP Biden’s joke about Roberts’ memory

Sen Kennedy home from hospital

January 22, 2009

Sen Ted Kennedy was discharged from the hospital without incident. He had had a seizure at the Inaugural luncheon and was taken to the hospital for evaluation and admitted for observation.

Caroline Kennedy withdraws name

January 22, 2009

Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn herself for consideration to replace Senator Clinton. She likely wasn’t going to get it and her uncle having a seizure yesterday had to figure into it.

KENNEDY: I informed Governor Paterson today that for personal reasons I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the United States Senate.

It was all very sad how it went down. The idea was grand but the actuality impossible.

Lightfoot v Bowen disappeared off SCOTUS

January 22, 2009

Birth certificate posts

Well, I am not a conspiracist…but what the hell is going on? barry’s in power one day and Lightfoot v Bowen has disappeared off the docket/website. Poof! It’s still in the google cache and is the same as in the previous post – the last entry a request for recusal – but I can’t find it on the Supreme Court website.

It was due to be conferenced 1-23-09 and as far as I know it was not dismissed.

Anyone?

http://origin.www.supremecourtus.gov/docket/08a524.htm = The requested URL /docket/08a524.htm was not found on this server.

Are they prepared for a revolt of the bolsheviks?

In our own little world – this site – mysteriously seized up and quit over the weekend and has been extremely slowly in loading since then. Our original site on blogger – goggle just stopped crawling. Nothing for the entire month of November. It’s why we came over here. Then Technorati stopped pinging it mid-December and they have not once responded to our emails. I’ll have to go check if they’re still pinging us here…

UPDATE: It’s back up.

And sure enough – Technorati no pings for the last 24 hours despite 20 posts. This is getting beyond big brother. Time to take off the tinfoil hat and cover my windows with it!

Occidental College subpoena: pdf

January 22, 2009

Thanks kelly1990. I don’t know what happened. The pdf copy was here. The link works though.

Source

Keyes v Bowen: Explanation and Links
11-13 Keyes v Bowen: Petition for Writ of Mandate

1-15 Occidental College Subpoena: Relevant text
1-15 Occidental College Subpoena: Official pdf

2-11 Occidental College Subpoena: Motion to Quash (text)
2-11 Occidental College Subpoena: Notice of Motion to Quash (pdf)
2-11 Occidental College Subpoena: Motion to Quash (pdf)
2-20 Occidental College Subpoena: Discussion of Motion to Quash

2-24 Keyes: “Obama is a radical Communist!”

3-13 Scheduled Hearing

*3-13 Occidental College Subpoena: QUASHED

Occidental College Subpoena: relevant text

January 19, 2009

The American Independent Party is suing barry. Alan Keyes, presidential candidate, Wiley Drake VP candidate and Markham Robinson Chairman of the American Independent Party. It’s being handled by Gary Kreep and Orly Taitz – the same attorney for Gail Lightfoot et al – and has the same premise. Lightfoot being Ron Paul’s vice presidential candidate.

In case you don’t know, Alan Keyes was the last minute GOP replacement to oppose barry in his 2004 US Senate race. barry’s opponent had to drop out because his sealed divorce records were made public in a not so mysterious happenstance. And in true barry style, after the judge ruled and it was a done deal barry said they shouldn’t be used.

They were able to secure a subpoena for barry’s records from Occidental College. Relevant text. See links below for background and the full subpoena.

1-15-09 Keyes, Drake, Robinson v Debra Bowen, California Secretary of State, Obama and Biden et al.

Subpoena: Occidental College, Los Angeles, California

Academia and housing records of Barack Hussein Obama, including but not limited to approximately two years September 1979 to June 1981.

SUBPOENA AFFIDAVIT:

These documents are material to the issues in this case in that they are relevant to the following issues in this litigation.

The gravamen of the Petition is the question as to whether United States Senator Barack Hussein Obama, of Illinois, is eligible to be President of the United States pursuant to the requirements of that office in the United States Constitution. The records sought may provide documentary evidence, and/or admission by said Defendant, as to said eligibility or lack thereof.

Senator Obama has filed responsive pleadings in this matter and is represented by counsel, and has the opportunity to this production should he so desire.

Good cause exists for this production under the Subpoena Duces Tecum, in that the testimony will be elicited from the original records obtained from the witness named herein, and there is no other process available to secure said testimony.

***

Keyes v Bowen: Explanation and Links
11-13 Keyes v Bowen: Petition for Writ of Mandate

1-15 Occidental College Subpoena: Relevant text
1-15 Occidental College Subpoena: Official pdf

2-11 Occidental College Subpoena: Motion to Quash (text)
2-11 Occidental College Subpoena: Notice of Motion to Quash (pdf)
2-11 Occidental College Subpoena: Motion to Quash (pdf)
2-20 Occidental College Subpoena: Discussion of Motion to Quash

2-24 Keyes: “Obama is a radical Communist!”

3-13 Scheduled Hearing

*3-13 Occidental College Subpoena: QUASHED

WH Counsel Greg Craig re: botched oath

January 21, 2009

White House Counsel Greg Craig

We believe that the oath of office was administered effectively and that the President was sworn in appropriately yesterday. But the oath appears in the Constitution itself. And out of an abundance of caution, because there was one word out of sequence, Chief Justice Roberts administered the oath a second time.

http://snipurl.com/i5zbd

Phil Berg’s statement on barry’s inauguration

January 20, 2009

Philip Berg’s statement on the inauguration of barry:

It is a Sad Day for America as Obama is ‘not qualified’ to be President pursuant to ‘our’ United States Constitution. Today, unfortunately, a ‘Usurper,’ Obama, takes the oath of office as President and every law he signs and appointment he makes will be void. It is regretful that Obama has permitted this to happen as he knows he is ‘not natural born’ and this is the greatest ‘Hoax’ ever placed upon the citizens of the United States of America in 230 years.

I am committed to keeping our efforts going to continue litigation until the truth of Obama being ‘not qualified’ for President comes out. There is nothing more important than ‘our’ U.S. Constitution and we will fight on!

barry and biden meet privately with SCOTUS

Updated list of birth certificate posts

January 14, 2009

[I know I'm a little tardy in posting things but my fellow citizens have abandoned me...for good it seems.]

barry and biden had a cozy chat with the Supreme Court judges on Jan 14th. Judge Alito was absent – reason not given. Conflict of interest would be a good place to start.

Hear about it on the news? Read it in the paper? See the photo op? (Very interesting body language.) Live footage?

Me neither. I found out about it from TONY MAURO at the Blog of Legal Times. It was described it as “courtesy call” as part of a pre-inaugural tradition – the last time being 1992 – and lasted about an hour. Evidently the invitation was sent out Dec 5th – one wonders why their visit was so delayed? Kinda hard to see the defendant(s) in chambers, I guess. And the presidential battery went out of their way to avoid being seen by anyone. Had they wanted the press they would no doubt have made what Roger Simon calls “stagecraft”. A presidency of stagecraft he said. Can’t put it much better than that. Stagecraft and documentary-worthy presidential re-creations.

Ever know barry to pass up a photo op? A constitutional lawyer not getting his picture with the Supreme Court Justices for all to see? The first black president of the Harvard Law Review not making a production out of it?

It was a “matter of security”. And, curiouser and curiouser, they were not alone. Present were Jeff Minear, counselor to Chief Justice Roberts, Gregory Craig, barry’s soon to be White House counsel and Alan Hoffman, Biden’s deputy chief of staff.

Why the need for lawyers? A sightseeing tour? Autographs maybe?

I honestly don’t know how in a legal sense the Justices could talk with them in camera so to speak when cases against them were still being considered (however truthfully) in front of them. Does someone keep a record of their chat or perhaps proceedings? Berg’s conference was on the 16th and Lightfoot on the 23rd. How is that not a conflict of interest? It may very well explain Justice Alito’s absence. One thing I did notice – barry’s mood lightened last week. Must help knowing the Chief Justice isn’t going to rule against you.

If the Justices asked them formal questions – is the public able to know? This whole thing stinks. Obamahoax is a step closer to a More Perfect Union…Chicago style.

What needed to be in the Inaugural Address

January 21, 2008

Flight 1549: Jeff Skiles statement to Pilots’ Union

January 21, 2009

What was missing in the Inaugural Address?

January 20, 2009

UPDATED: Stacy Peterson Cookbook to benefit domestic violence

January 21, 2009

This is a comment from Delilah that is self-explanatory. We linked to one of her posts on Stacy Peterson.

Submitted on 2009/01/21 at 6:23pm

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head with the textbook diagnosis of Drew Peterson. I’m glad you liked my entry about Stacy and maybe you would like to participate in a project. Recipes are being collected for publishing a cookbook in Stacy’s name. This is something that will bring some dignity and respect back to the case. ALL proceeds will benefit domestic violence organizations in Stacy’s name. Also, if you have a tip that would help someone in a violent situation, please send it along. They will also be included in recipe form. Pretty cool, huh!?

If you have something you would like to send in, send to:
recipesforstacy@gmail.com

We would love as much participation from the public as possible!

Thanks!
Delilah
http://peace4missing.ning.com

FEBRUARY 3, 2009

A follow up message from Delilah at Peace4 the missing

You will have to forgive me, I’m relatively new to WordPress and still fumbling through! Hope I am in the right place. There is a local group in Illinois who is putting together the cookbook for Stacy.  I am one of the helpers!

I am also Co-Founder for Peace4 the Missing, a network for families of missing persons, domestic violence and victims of crime.

Please take a look if you get a chance, if you like what you see, we would love to have your help!

As far as the Recipes for Stacy, as far as I have been told, they are accepting any type.  They will probably sort them out after they get them.  You may leave them as a comment to me on my blog if you like, or email directly to recipesforstacy@gmail.com to go directly to the source.

We are gathering tips for victims of domestic abuse and they will also be put into recipe format.  Could be something as simple as “how to get an order of protection”.

Mattie, thanks so much for your help.  I will see that the recipes get into the proper hands and hope your readers will stand with us in trying to get some positive focus back on the victims of this case and away from the media mongers who continue to make it into a circus.

You are free to leave recipes in the comment box or anything else you might find helpful. We will forward it to Delilah as well as any questions you may have.

If you find drew peterson as despicable as the rest of us – try something positive for Stacy and her innocent beautiful children. You can also go to Delilah’s site and leave a message for Stacy’s family if you wish.

Berg v Obama DENIED (1-16-09)

This disappeared so here it is again. Always curious which ones suddenly *disappear*.

January 21, 2009

Birth certificate posts

Surprise. The case conferenced on 1-16-09 was DENIED by SCOTUS.

Curious how they waited until after the inauguration. Can’t imagine Chief Justice Roberts swearing barry in once twice or however many times if he had any doubt about barry’s “constitutional eligibility” to serve. It’s over folks…until someone talks.

No. 08-570
Title:
Philip J. Berg, Petitioner
v.
Barack Obama, et al.
Docketed: October 31, 2008
Lower Ct: United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Case Nos.: (08-4340)
Rule 11

~~~Date~~~ ~~~~~~~Proceedings and Orders~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oct 30 2008 Petition for a writ of certiorari before judgment filed. (Response due December 1, 2008)
Oct 31 2008 Application (08A391) for an injunction pending the disposition of the petition for a writ of certiorari, submitted to Justice Souter.
Nov 3 2008 Supplemental brief of applicant Philip J. Berg filed.
Nov 3 2008 Application (08A391) denied by Justice Souter.
Nov 18 2008 Waiver of right of respondents Federal Election Commission, et al. to respond filed.
Dec 1 2008 Motion for leave to file amicus brief filed by Bill Anderson.
Dec 8 2008 Application (08A505) for an injunction pending the disposition of the petition for a writ of certiorari, submitted to Justice Souter.
Dec 9 2008 Application (08A505) denied by Justice Souter.
Dec 15 2008 Application (08A505) refiled and submitted to Justice Kennedy.
Dec 17 2008 DISTRIBUTED for Conference of January 9, 2009.
Dec 17 2008 Application (08A505) denied by Justice Kennedy.
Dec 18 2008 Application (08A505) refiled and submitted to Justice Scalia.
Dec 23 2008 Application (08A505) referred to the Court.
Dec 23 2008 DISTRIBUTED for Conference of January 16, 2009.
Jan 12 2009 Motion for leave to file amicus brief filed by Bill Anderson GRANTED.
Jan 12 2009 Petition DENIED.
Jan 21 2009 Application (08A505) DENIED by the Court.

Berg still has a case under seal and is acting as interpleader in Hollister v Barry Soetero.

Rev Dr Sharon Watkins’ Sermon at National Prayer Service

January 21, 2009

Reverend Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President of the Disciples of Christ Church with 700,000 members throughout the US and Canada gave the sermon during the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral. She is the first woman to do so. Video of sermon.

Harmonies of Liberty

The Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins

Mr. President and Mrs. Obama, Mr. Vice President and Dr. Biden, and your families, what an inaugural celebration you have hosted! Train ride, opening concert, service to neighbor, dancing till dawn . . .

And yesterday . . . With your inauguration, Mr. President, the flame of America’s promise burns just a little brighter for every child of this land!

There is still a lot of work to do, and today the nation turns its full attention to that work. As we do, it is good that we pause to take a deep spiritual breath. It is good that we center for a moment.

What you are entering now, Mr. President and Mr. Vice President, will tend to draw you away from your ethical center. But we, the nation that you serve, need you to hold the ground of your deepest values, of our deepest values.

Beyond this moment of high hopes, we need you to stay focused on our shared hopes, so that we can continue to hope, too.

We will follow your lead.

There is a story attributed to Cherokee wisdom:

One evening a grandfather was teaching his young grandson about the internal battle that each person faces.

“There are two wolves struggling inside each of us,” the old man said.

“One wolf is vengefulness, anger, resentment, self-pity, fear . . .

“The other wolf is compassion, faithfulness, hope, truth, love . . .”

The grandson sat, thinking, then asked: “Which wolf wins, Grandfather?”

His grandfather replied, “The one you feed.”

There are crises banging on the door right now, pawing at us, trying to draw us off our ethical center—crises that tempt us to feed the wolf of vengefulness and fear.

We need you, Mr. President, to hold your ground. We need you, leaders of this nation, to stay centered on the values that have guided us in the past; values that empowered to move us through the perils of earlier times and can guide us now into a future of renewed promise.

We need you to feed the good wolf within you, to listen to the better angels of your nature, and by your example encourage us to do the same.

This is not a new word for a pastor to bring at such a moment. In the later chapters of Isaiah, in the 500′s BCE, the prophet speaks to the people. Back in the capital city after long years of exile, their joy should be great, but things aren’t working out just right. Their homecoming is more complicated than expected. Not everyone is watching their parade or dancing all night at their arrival.

They turn to God, “What’s going on here? We pray and we fast, but you do not bless us. We’re confused.”

Through the prophet, God answers, what fast? You fast only to quarrel and fight and strike with the fist. . .

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice . . . to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house . .? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly . . .

At our time of new beginning, focused on renewing America’s promise—yet at a time of great crisis—which fast do we choose? Which “wolf” do we feed? What of America’s promise do we honor?

Recently Muslim scholars from around the world released a document, known as “A Common Word Between Us.” It proposes a common basis for building a world at peace. That common basis? Love of God and love of neighbor! What we just read in the Gospel of Matthew!

So how do we go about loving God? Well, according to Isaiah, summed up by Jesus, affirmed by a worldwide community of Muslim scholars and many others, it is by facing hard times with a generous spirit: by reaching out toward each other rather than turning our backs on each other. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “people can be so poor that the only way they see God is in a piece of bread.”

In the days immediately before us, there will be much to draw us away from the grand work of loving God and the hard work of loving neighbor. In crisis times, a basic instinct seeks to take us over—a fight/flight instinct that leans us toward the fearful wolf, orients us toward the self-interested fast . . .

In international hard times, our instinct is to fight—to pick up the sword, to seek out enemies, to build walls against the other—and why not? They just might be out to get us. We’ve got plenty of evidence to that effect. Someone has to keep watch and be ready to defend, and Mr. President—Tag! You’re it!

But on the way to those tough decisions, which American promises will frame those decisions? Will you continue to reason from your ethical center, from the bedrock values of our best shared hopes? Which wolf will you feed?

In financial hard times, our instinct is flight—to hunker down, to turn inward, to hoard what little we can get our hands on, to be fearful of others who may take the resources we need. In hard financial times, which fast do we choose? The fast that placates our hunkered-down soul—or the fast that reaches out to our sister and our brother?

In times, such as these, we the people need you, the leaders of this nation, to be guided by the counsel that Isaiah gave so long ago, to work for the common good, for the public happiness, the well-being of the nation and the world, knowing that our individual wellbeing depends upon a world in which liberty and justice prevail.

This is the biblical way. It is also the American way—to believe in something bigger than ourselves, to reach out to neighbor to build communities of possibility, of liberty and justice for all. This is the center we can find again whenever we are pulled at and pawed at by the vengeful wolf, when we are tempted by the self-interested fast.

America’s true character, the source of our national wisdom and strength, is rooted in a generous and hopeful spirit.

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, . . .
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

Emma Lazarus’ poetry is spelled out further by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr,: “As long as there is poverty in the world I can never be rich, even if I have a billion dollars. As long as diseases are rampant and millions of people in this world cannot expect to live more than twenty-eight or thirty years, I can never be totally healthy . . . I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the way our world is made.”

You yourself, Mr. President, have already added to this call, “If there’s a child on the south side of Chicago who can’t read, that matters to me, even if it’s not my child. . . . It’s that fundamental belief—I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper—that makes this country work.”

It is right that college classes on political oratory already study your words . You, as our president, will set the tone for us. You will help us as a nation choose again and again which wolf to feed, which fast to choose, to love God by loving our neighbor.

We will follow your lead—and we will walk with you. And sometimes we will swirl in front of you, pulling you along.

At times like these—hard times—we find out what we’re made of. Is that blazing torch of liberty just for me? Or do we seek the “harmonies of liberty”, many voices joined together, many hands offering to care for neighbors far and near?

Though tempted to withdraw the offer, surely Lady Liberty can still raise that golden torch of generosity to the world. Even in these financial hard times, these times of international challenge, the words of Katherine Lee Bates describe a nation with more than enough to share: “Oh, beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, for purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain . . .”

A land of abundance guided by a God of abundance, generosity, and hope—This is our heritage. This is America’s promise which we fulfill when we reach out to each other.

Even in these hard times, rich or poor, we can reach out to our neighbor, including our global neighbor, in generous hospitality, building together communities of possibility and of hope. Even in these tough times, we can feed the good wolf, listen to the better angels of our nature. We can choose the fast of God’s desiring.

Even now in these hard times let us

Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring,
with the harmonies of Liberty;

Even now let us Sing a song full of hope. . .

Especially now, from the center of our deepest shared values, let us pray, still in the words of James Weldon Johnson:

Thou who has by Thy might
Led us into the light,
Keep us . . . in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;
Shadowed beneath Thy hand,
May we forever stand.
True to our God,
True to our native land.

Video of Rev Watkins’ sermon at the National Prayer Service

January 21, 2009

Reverend Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President of the Disciples of Christ Church with 700,000 members throughout the US and Canada gave the sermon during the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral.

Upon hearing she would speak:

I feel both honored and humbled. Regardless of one’s political leanings, all of America is celebrating this historic moment in our national history. The election of the first African American to the presidency opens the door of possibility in a new way to all of America’s children. To be able to be part of that is tremendous.

My participation in this service can also be a moment of high visibility for Disciples. Given Disciples’ core passion for wholeness, our vision of the healing of humanity through God’s love, I am pleased to have an opportunity for the nation to become acquainted with our mission and witness.

Sermon Text

Video Part 1

crown416

Part 2