Mostrando las entradas con la etiqueta Barack Obama. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando las entradas con la etiqueta Barack Obama. Mostrar todas las entradas

miércoles, 7 de septiembre de 2016



When I was 6 years old, my family fled Laos, a country in Southeast Asia the size of Minnesota. As refugees welcomed by the United States, my parents' wish for their children was to not look back, but to take every opportunity provided in our new homeland to live a happy, fulfilled life.
It wasn't until I was an adult, long after we settled in Virginia, that I learned of the painful past my parents had left behind.
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. dropped more than 2 million tons of bombs over Laos -- more than the number of bombs dropped on Germany and Japan combined during all of World War II. Sadly, the people in Laos continue to feel the tragic consequences, long after the last bomb fell.
Too many of these bombs did not detonate at the time. The war left most of the land contaminated with active, unexploded ordnance (UXO), in the form of cluster bombs, bullets, grenades, and mines. They've taken the lives of over 20,000 Lao -- often a child playing outside, or a farmer who has no choice but to cultivate on contaminated fields.
As a Lao American, I felt I couldn't help but do something. So I devoted the past 12 years of my life to promoting greater awareness of the aftermath of war and to advocating for the resources needed to address its painful legacy.


Part of my job is to visit with dozens of families in Laos who have lost a child, father, mother, husband, wife or neighbor to a 40-year-old bomb. Just last week, I met five boys who were recently involved in an accident. Their bodies were covered with fresh wounds and stitches that will leave scars for years to come. Fortunately, they survived, but they might not be so lucky next time.
Every day, teams of clearance technicians go out into the fields to detect and safely clear these bombs. It's painstaking work. But in a country that depends on agriculture for economic development, it couldn't be more important.
Under President Obama's administration, and with our advocacy and support from Congress, funding for UXO clearance and support has more than tripled. And today, the President announced additional support.
These critical resources support the teams of clearance workers, as well as additional projects like a national survey to locate unexploded ordnance, support for survivors, and better public awareness on how to avoid these bombs.
When our family left Laos, I never thought I would see my birth country again.
I am grateful for his leadership and so especially proud today to be American and Lao.
Kop chai lai lai - thank you,
Channapha
Channapha Khamvongsa
Washington, D.C.

After war, a new legacy of peace

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domingo, 28 de agosto de 2016




This month marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service -- and Americans are celebrating at parks around the country. Part of this celebration is thanking the men and women who conserve these natural and cultural places.
Here at the White House, we're honoring a National Park Service that cares for a park a little closer to home -- the White House grounds.


The National Park Service has been taking care of the White House grounds since the 1930s -- all 18 acres of it -- and many of these staff have served here for over 35 years.
Watch the National Park Service talk about what it’s like to work at the White House, and read their stories of service:


Don't forget -- national parks across America are free this weekend, so get outside and explore.
Happy 100th Anniversary, National Park Service!

Celebrating 100 years of national parks:

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viernes, 26 de agosto de 2016

Last week Louisiana was struck by an intense, slow-moving storm that produced record rainfall, up to 30 inches in some places, that flooded an expansive area across the lower half of the state -- robbing so many Louisianans of their businesses, homes, and sense of security.
Since before the flooding began, FEMA has been working hand-in-hand with Louisiana officials to respond and help in the recovery efforts -- from providing shelter and housing and warm meals, to helping support home repairs and meet other serious disaster-related needs. As of this week, we've approved more than $127 million to help survivors with home repairs, rental assistance and other needs, and to advance payments to flood insurance policyholders who sustained damages, providing expedited relief.
That's exactly what the President directed us to do: Support and assist the people of Louisiana, no matter what it takes.
Today, President Obama traveled to Baton Rouge to see the federal response effort firsthand. Watch what he had to say:

FEMA with our federal, state, private sector, and nonprofit partners are working around the clock to help make sure Louisianans have what they need to recover and rebuild their lives. Recovery is a long-term process, it's important that Louisianans know: You're not in this alone and we're with you for the long haul.
You can get the latest information on what's happening on the ground here.
And if you or anyone you know has been impacted by this flooding, here are a few key resources that you can use and share:
To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center visit www.fema.gov/DRC, use the FEMA Mobile Application, or text DRC and your zip code to 43362 (4FEMA).
If you are a resident or business owner who has sustained losses in the designated parishes, you can apply for assistance from FEMA by registering online atwww.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.
And if you want to do what you can to help the people of Louisiana get back on their feet, you can visit www.VolunteerLouisiana.gov to see how you can contribute to the response and recovery efforts.
Long after these floods recede and fall away from the headlines, FEMA and our colleagues in the federal response effort will be here alongside state officials as long as we are needed. It's our job to help make sure every community can recover and rebuild.
And that's what we plan to do.
Thanks,
Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency

What we're doing in Louisiana

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miércoles, 10 de agosto de 2016


For the greater part of our nation's history, the only way to get a message to the President and the White House was to send it by mail. Technology has made new ways of communicating possible. In the 1880s, the White House began receiving phone calls. In 1994, WhiteHouse.gov introduced a way for the public to submit messages online.
These days, no matter where you are or what time of day it is, it's possible to connect instantaneously, in real time, to people all over the world. One of our jobs at the White House is to keep up with these new ways of communication.


Getting a word in with the president has always been one of the White House's most popular citizen services. As President Obama himself has pointed out, "Abraham Lincoln was able to have regular office hours where people would come and wait outside his office, which was over in the residence." Face-to-face time is a little harder to come by these days, but technology makes it possible for anyone with an internet connection to send a message to the President and his Administration.
The White House's Messenger bot, a first of its kind for any government the world over, will make it as easy as messaging your closest friends.
Thanks,
Jason
Jason Goldman
Chief Digital Officer
The White House
@goldman44

Got a message for the President?

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jueves, 14 de julio de 2016

In recent days, we have been flooded by requests from Americans asking what we all can do in our day-to-day lives to take on our challenges and maintain the unity brought by grief.
Is there anything more American than that -- ordinary citizens from every corner of the country asking what they can do in their communities? As the President said in Dallas, that’s the America I know -- an America that’s never seen a problem it can’t solve.
Yesterday, the President brought together law enforcement officials, civil rights leaders, activists, faith leaders, academics, and state and local elected officials to discuss these challenges and how we can all take steps together to build trust and ensure justice for all Americans.
The President will host a town hall where he’ll hear from officers, parents, students, and families affected by the violence of recent weeks. Participants will raise important questions, search for answers together, and most critically, seek to understand the different realities each of us face. We will all be able to learn a lot from their example.
The conversation and work must continue after the town hall -- and there are a number of things that YOU can do to answer the question we’ve heard so often: "How can I help?"
First, bring back to your community a set of straightforward steps that you can take, right now, to make a difference. There are some solutions outlined by the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. We can honor the courage of our police officers and see the truth of our criminal justice system’s racial inequities – and these solutions are a critical part of that work.
Second, become a mentor. A huge part of our shared work is ensuring that every young person in America knows that as a country, we believe in them.
Third, keep the town hall’s conversation going in your community to build bonds with new people, seek out new viewpoints, and share your stories and examples. As the President has said, "Listen. Engage. If the other side has a point, learn from them."
But as the President also said yesterday in Dallas, the work of healing these divisions requires that we open our hearts to each other, and "see in each other a common humanity, a shared dignity, and recognize how our different experiences have shaped us."
Thanks for all you do,
Valerie
Valerie Jarrett
Senior Advisor
The White House
@VJ44

You should watch this tonight:

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miércoles, 8 de junio de 2016

As a child growing up in Chicago, my community and family provided a strong support system. For many children, the community in which they grow up shapes their perception of who they are and the life they imagine for themselves.
As the President has said, "A child's course in life should be determined not by the zip code she's born in, but by the strength of her work ethic and the scope of her dreams."
That idea has always stuck with me, and early on in my career, I worked in the neighborhoods of Chicago and Detroit, dedicating my life to working with youth and supporting community development. I experienced firsthand the challenges of working with the federal government, like having limited resources and time to pursue complicated grants, or trying to navigate confusing agency structures.
I began to imagine how the federal government could be a better partner for communities, how they could more effectively help us on the ground meet our unique challenges in ways that help every child.
Eight years ago, I took advantage of an opportunity to better understand the inner workings of the federal system through the Presidential Management Fellowship program, but I always knew that I’d go back to working at the neighborhood level.
Now I am back on the ground, with the chance to be that better partner I used to imagine. I’m serving the President’s Promise Zone initiative -- working as a federal employee of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, embedded in the Sacramento Promise Zone community, helping them navigate the federal system, build capacity, and make the most of federal resources to benefit those most in need.
Under President Obama, not only have we gotten better at addressing poverty and equity in ways that break down barriers between the people who write policy and the people who implement it, but we've also evolved to recognize residents and local leaders as experts in their own communities and look for innovative ways to support, leverage, and replicate their successes.
Though there is still much more to be learned, I am honored to work and learn alongside both federal and community partners who are committed to tackling this challenge, together.
Thanks,
Lynnette
Lynnette McRae
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Your zip code shouldn't matter

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domingo, 6 de marzo de 2016

In June, I wrote this in a letter to the President:

"I did not vote for you. Either time. I have voted Republican for the entirety of my life. I proudly wore pins and planted banners displaying my Republican loyalty. I was very vocal in my opposition to you -- particularly the ACA. Before I briefly explain my story allow me to first say this: I am so very sorry. I was so very wrong.

"You saved my life. My President, you saved my life, and I am eternally grateful.

"I have a 'pre-existing condition' and so could never purchase health insurance. Only after the ACA came into being could I be covered. Put simply to not take up too much of your time if you are in fact taking the time to read this: I would not be alive without access to care I received due to your law. Thank you for serving me even when I didn't vote for you. Thank you for being my President."

The Affordable Care Act saved my life. I can now say, after several surgeries, that I'm in recovery from what was a serious autoimmune disease. Kicked it to the curb.

That is why I am so excited to welcome President Obama to Milwaukee. Today, he'll congratulate the people of Milwaukee on helping deliver the same health care that saved my life to so many in their community. Tune in to watch his speech at 2:50 p.m. Eastern.

Before the Affordable Care Act, I was unable to pay for an incredibly expensive drug that helps to stabilize my condition. So, because I was too poor to pay thousands of dollars for medicine every few weeks, my hospital trips were emergency ones, to keep me from dying. There was absolutely no hope -- and I was quickly running out of money.

Like many fellow patients, I was stuck between paying what I couldn't afford and going without the health care I needed.

Then the President signed this bill. I was against it at first -- very against it. But with the Affordable Care Act, I was finally able to receive the quality of care that had eluded me for years. I was able to consult the top surgeon in my state for the particular surgery I needed. I was able to receive the stabilizing drug that was always hidden behind a doctor's apology: "I'm sorry, Mr. Brown, we have to take your financial considerations into account." I was able to stay at one of the best equipped hospitals in my state for as long as I needed, without having to worry about checking myself out early because of cost concerns. I had hope.

I saw things change after the Affordable Care Act. People who were denied treatment because of exorbitant cost, well, they started to get that treatment. The millions of people who were locked out of health insurance due to pre-existing conditions were finally able to seek medical counsel. Those who were denied access to medications could now take them.

America started to take care of her own.

In just a little bit, President Obama will take the stage to help celebrate Milwaukee's victory in the Healthy Communities Challenge and talk about the progress we've made on health care as a nation.

We deserve to live in a country where everyone has the same access to quality care that I did. Watch the President's speech to hear how he's making that happen.

I'm proud to welcome him to Wisconsin.

Thank you,

Brent

To the man who saved my life:

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sábado, 27 de febrero de 2016

 THE WHITE HOUSE 
 


With the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia, the President now has a duty to nominate someone to sit on the bench of our nation's highest court. Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution makes that responsibility clear. It's a responsibility President Obama takes seriously -- and one he hopes the Senate will take seriously, too.
This week, in a guest post for SCOTUSblog, the President offered some insight into what he's looking for in a Supreme Court nominee. Here's what he had to say:
The Constitution vests in the President the power to appoint judges to the Supreme Court. It’s a duty that I take seriously, and one that I will fulfill in the weeks ahead.
It’s also one of the most important decisions that a President will make. Rulings handed down by the Supreme Court directly affect our economy, our security, our rights, and our daily lives.
Needless to say, this isn’t something I take lightly. It’s a decision to which I devote considerable time, deep reflection, careful deliberation, and serious consultation with legal experts, members of both political parties, and people across the political spectrum. And with thanks to SCOTUSblog for allowing me to guest post today, I thought I’d share some spoiler-free insights into what I think about before appointing the person who will be our next Supreme Court Justice.
First and foremost, the person I appoint will be eminently qualified. He or she will have an independent mind, rigorous intellect, impeccable credentials, and a record of excellence and integrity. I’m looking for a mastery of the law, with an ability to hone in on the key issues before the Court, and provide clear answers to complex legal questions.
Second, the person I appoint will be someone who recognizes the limits of the judiciary’s role; who understands that a judge’s job is to interpret the law, not make the law. I seek judges who approach decisions without any particular ideology or agenda, but rather a commitment to impartial justice, a respect for precedent, and a determination to faithfully apply the law to the facts at hand.
But I’m also mindful that there will be cases that reach the Supreme Court in which the law is not clear. There will be cases in which a judge’s analysis necessarily will be shaped by his or her own perspective, ethics, and judgment. That’s why the third quality I seek in a judge is a keen understanding that justice is not about abstract legal theory, nor some footnote in a dusty casebook. It’s the kind of life experience earned outside the classroom and the courtroom; experience that suggests he or she views the law not only as an intellectual exercise, but also grasps the way it affects the daily reality of people’s lives in a big, complicated democracy, and in rapidly changing times. That, I believe, is an essential element for arriving at just decisions and fair outcomes.
A sterling record. A deep respect for the judiciary’s role. An understanding of the way the world really works. That’s what I’m considering as I fulfill my constitutional duty to appoint a judge to our highest court. And as Senators prepare to fulfill their constitutional responsibility to consider the person I appoint, I hope they’ll move quickly to debate and then confirm this nominee so that the Court can continue to serve the American people at full strength.
You can read his blog post here, and make sure to get the latest updates on the Supreme Court nomination process at wh.gov/scotus.

What President Obama is looking for in a Supreme Court nominee:

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lunes, 1 de febrero de 2016

Growing up in Buffalo, New York, I was lucky to have teachers in my local public school who found creative and exciting ways to introduce me to all of the STEM (science, tech, engineering and math) disciplines. Hands-on experiences with innovative technology built my confidence and skills for the future and helped me understand that STEM, especially computer science, could be used to make the world a better place.
The President's bold new proposal will empower students from kindergarten through high school to learn computer science, equipping them with the analytical skills they need to be creators in the digital economy, not just consumers, and to apply their passion and enthusiasm to solving problems using technology.
The United States has been home to so many amazing digital inventions -- from Silicon Valley to its counterparts like Austin, Boston, Eastern Kentucky, Louisville, Boise, Salt Lake, Atlanta, and more. Last year, there were more than 600,000 high-paying jobs across a variety of industries in the United States that were unfilled, and by 2018, 51 percent of all STEM jobs are projected to be in CS-related fields.
Our economy and our children's futures can't afford to wait.
Elementary students in Baltimore, Maryland with the author.
We’ve made real progress, but we have a lot of work left to do. In 22 states, computer science still doesn’t count toward high school graduation requirements for math or science, and 75% of schools don’t yet offer a single high-quality computer science course. Plus, stereotypes perpetuated by media portrayals, unconscious bias, the unsung history of CS heroes like Grace Hopper, and outdated classroom materials often discourage many from taking these courses -- they often 'opt-out' of CS even when it is offered.
The good news is innovators in education are already solving these challenges and leading the way all over the country. We recently recognized just a handful of these Americans at the White House Champions of Change for Computer Science Education event. These students, teachers, and community leaders are proving what’s possible, like the Spanish teacher in Queens who co-created a “Digital Dance” experience, bringing code into school dances. Or the high school and college students who tutor their younger peers in these skills, solidifying their own knowledge through mentoring.
As a kid, I was lucky to be exposed to CS -- but a lot of my generation didn’t get that chance. Let’s get all-hands-on-deck to make sure every child is learning to code as a new 'basic' skill ­-- so they can all be part of the next generation of American ingenuity, problem solving, adventure, and deep economic impact.
Megan Smith
U.S. Chief Technology Officer

Computer Science For All

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jueves, 21 de enero de 2016

The President's full remarks on Iran:
This morning, speaking from the Cabinet Room, President announced that we've secured significant diplomatic achievements in Iran. Thanks to the Iran nuclear agreement, Iran can no longer develop a nuclear weapon. And this morning, four Americans were officially freed from wrongful imprisonment and are on their way home.
This is what strong, principled American diplomacy can do. As the President said today:
"Today's progress -- Americans coming home, an Iran that has rolled back its nuclear program and accepted unprecedented monitoring of that program -- these things are a reminder of what we can achieve when we lead with strength and with wisdom; with courage and resolve and patience. America can do, and has done, big things when we work together"
“President
Here's the full text of his remarks -- they're worth a read.
THE PRESIDENT: This is a good day, because, once again, we're seeing what's possible with strong American diplomacy.
As I said in my State of the Union address, ensuring the security of the United States and the safety of our people demands a smart, patient and disciplined approach to the world. That includes our diplomacy with the Islamic Republic of Iran. For decades, our differences with Iran meant that our governments almost never spoke to each other. Ultimately, that did not advance America’s interests. Over the years, Iran moved closer and closer to having the ability to build a nuclear weapon. But from Presidents Franklin Roosevelt to John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan, the United States has never been afraid to pursue diplomacy with our adversaries. And as President, I decided that a strong, confident America could advance our national security by engaging directly with the Iranian government.
We've seen the results. Under the nuclear deal that we, our allies and partners reached with Iran last year, Iran will not get its hands on a nuclear bomb. The region, the United States, and the world will be more secure. As I've said many times, the nuclear deal was never intended to resolve all of our differences with Iran. But still, engaging directly with the Iranian government on a sustained basis, for the first time in decades, has created a unique opportunity -- a window -- to try to resolve important issues. And today, I can report progress on a number of fronts.
First, yesterday marked a milestone in preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran has now fulfilled key commitments under the nuclear deal. And I want to take a moment to explain why this is so important.
Over more than a decade, Iran had moved ahead with its nuclear program, and, before the deal, it had installed nearly 20,000 centrifuges that can enrich uranium for a nuclear bomb. Today, Iran has removed two-thirds of those machines. Before the deal, Iran was steadily increasing its stockpile of enriched uranium -- enough for up to 10 nuclear bombs. Today, more than 98 percent of that stockpile has been shipped out of Iran -- meaning Iran now doesn't have enough material for even one bomb. Before, Iran was nearing completion of a new reactor capable of producing plutonium for a bomb. Today, the core of that reactor has been pulled out and filled with concrete so it cannot be used again.
Before the deal, the world had relatively little visibility into Iran’s nuclear program. Today, international inspectors are on the ground, and Iran is being subjected to the most comprehensive, intrusive inspection regime ever negotiated to monitor a nuclear program. Inspectors will monitor Iran's key nuclear facilities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For decades to come, inspectors will have access to Iran's entire nuclear supply chain. In other words, if Iran tries to cheat -- if they try to build a bomb covertly -- we will catch them.
So the bottom line is this. Whereas Iran was steadily expanding its nuclear program, we have now cut off every single path that Iran could have used to build a bomb. Whereas it would have taken Iran two to three months to break out with enough material to rush to a bomb, we've now extended that breakout time to a year -- and with the world's unprecedented inspections and access to Iran's program, we'll know if Iran ever tries to break out.
Now that Iran's actions have been verified, it can begin to receive relief from certain nuclear sanctions and gain access to its own money that had been frozen. And perhaps most important of all, we've achieved this historic progress through diplomacy, without resorting to another war in the Middle East.
I want to also point out that by working with Iran on this nuclear deal, we were better able to address other issues. When our sailors in the Persian Gulf accidentally strayed into Iranian waters that could have sparked a major international incident. Some folks here in Washington rushed to declare that it was the start of another hostage crisis. Instead, we worked directly with the Iranian government and secured the release of our sailors in less than 24 hours.
This brings me to a second major development -- several Americans unjustly detained by Iran are finally coming home. In some cases, these Americans faced years of continued detention. And I've met with some of their families. I've seen their anguish, how they ache for their sons and husbands. I gave these families my word -- I made a vow -- that we would do everything in our power to win the release of their loved ones. And we have been tireless. On the sidelines of the nuclear negotiations, our diplomats at the highest level, including Secretary Kerry, used every meeting to push Iran to release our Americans. I did so myself, in my conversation with President Rouhani. After the nuclear deal was completed, the discussions between our governments accelerated. Yesterday, these families finally got the news that they have been waiting for.
Jason Rezaian is coming home. A courageous journalist for The Washington Post, who wrote about the daily lives and hopes of the Iranian people, he's been held for a year and a half. He embodies the brave spirit that gives life to the freedom of the press. Jason has already been reunited with his wife and mom.
Pastor Saeed Abedini is coming home. Held for three and half years, his unyielding faith has inspired people around the world in the global fight to uphold freedom of religion. Now, Pastor Abedini will return to his church and community in Idaho.
Amir Hekmati is coming home. A former sergeant in the Marine Corps, he's been held for four and a half years. Today, his parents and sisters are giving thanks in Michigan.
Two other Americans unjustly detained by Iran have also been released -- Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari and Matthew Trevithick, an Iranian -- who was in Iran as a student. Their cases were largely unknown to the world. But when Americans are freed and reunited with their families, that’s something that we can all celebrate.
So I want to thank my national security team -- especially Secretary Kerry; Susan Rice, my National Security Advisor; Brett McGurk; Avril Haines; Ben Rhodes -- our whole team worked tirelessly to bring our Americans home, to get this work done. And I want to thank the Swiss government, which represents our interests in Iran, for their critical assistance.
And meanwhile, Iran has agreed to deepen our coordination as we work to locate Robert Levinson -- missing from Iran for more than eight years. Even as we rejoice in the safe return of others, we will never forget about Bob. Each and every day, but especially today, our hearts are with the Levinson family, and we will not rest until their family is whole again.
In a reciprocal humanitarian gesture, six Iranian–Americans and one Iranian serving sentences or awaiting trial in the United States are being granted clemency. These individuals were not charged with terrorism or any violent offenses. They’re civilians, and their release is a one-time gesture to Iran given the unique opportunity offered by this moment and the larger circumstances at play. And it reflects our willingness to engage with Iran to advance our mutual interests, even as we ensure the national security of the United States.
So, nuclear deal implemented. American families reunited. The third piece of this work that we got done this weekend involved the United States and Iran resolving a financial dispute that dated back more than three decades. Since 1981, after our nations severed diplomatic relations, we've worked through a international tribunal to resolve various claims between our countries. The United States and Iran are now settling a longstanding Iranian government claim against the United States government. Iran will be returned its own funds, including appropriate interest, but much less than the amount Iran sought.
For the United States, this settlement could save us billions of dollars that could have been pursued by Iran. So there was no benefit to the United States in dragging this out. With the nuclear deal done, prisoners released, the time was right to resolve this dispute as well.
Of course, even as we implement the nuclear deal and welcome our Americans home, we recognize that there remain profound differences between the United States and Iran. We remain steadfast in opposing Iran’s destabilizing behavior elsewhere, including its threats against Israel and our Gulf partners, and its support for violent proxies in places like Syria and Yemen. We still have sanctions on Iran for its violations of human rights, for its support of terrorism, and for its ballistic missile program. And we will continue to enforce these sanctions, vigorously. Iran's recent missile test, for example, was a violation of its international obligations. And as a result, the United States is imposing sanctions on individuals and companies working to advance Iran’s ballistic missile program. And we are going to remain vigilant about it. We're not going to waver in the defense of our security or that of our allies and partners.
But I do want to once again speak directly to the Iranian people. Yours is a great civilization, with a vibrant culture that has so much to contribute to the world -- in commerce, and in science and the arts. For decades, your government's threats and actions to destabilize your region have isolated Iran from much of the world. And now our governments are talking with one another. Following the nuclear deal, you -- especially young Iranians -- have the opportunity to begin building new ties with the world. We have a rare chance to pursue a new path -- a different, better future that delivers progress for both our peoples and the wider world. That’s the opportunity before the Iranian people. We need to take advantage of that.
And to my fellow Americans, today, we're united in welcoming home sons and husbands and brothers who, in lonely prison cells, have endured an absolute nightmare. But they never gave in and they never gave up. At long last, they can stand tall and breathe deep the fresh air of freedom.
As a nation, we face real challenges, around the world and here at home. Many of them will not be resolved quickly or easily. But today's progress -- Americans coming home, an Iran that has rolled back its nuclear program and accepted unprecedented monitoring of that program -- these things are a reminder of what we can achieve when we lead with strength and with wisdom; with courage and resolve and patience. America can do -- and has done -- big things when we work together. We can leave this world and make it safer and more secure for our children and our grandchildren for generations to come.
I want to thank once again Secretary Kerry; our entire national security team, led by Susan Rice. I'm grateful for all the assistance that we received from our allies and partners. And I am hopeful that this signals the opportunity at least for Iran to work more cooperatively with nations around the world to advance their interests and the interests of people who are looking for peace and security for their families.
Thank you so much. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.
-- President Barack Obama

ICYMI: President Obama's full remarks on Iran

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domingo, 17 de enero de 2016

The White House, Washington
Today I'm doing something I never thought I'd do in a million years: interview the President of the United States. No, really!
Some people might know me for my beauty hacks and lifestyle tips, but today I'm getting political and heading to the White House to talk face-to-face with President Obama about issues that are important to me and my generation.



I'll be there with a few other YouTube people -- Destin, an engineer from Alabama who explores the world through science on his education channel, and sWooZie, a Florida native who's a professional gamer and video animator. Together, we're ready to represent #TeamInternet as we ask the questions that matter not just to us, but to you.
I'll be asking the President questions about a range of issues. And all week, we've been gathering questions from our YouTube fans to hear what issues they want to raise.
This interview is for all of us: If you haven't yet, make sure to get your question in by using the hashtag #YouTubeAsksObama on your social media channels. This is a huge chance for young people to get our voices out there.
I'm over the moon and so excited for all of us to make something awesome happen.
See you online soon!

Guess who's going to the White House?

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jueves, 14 de enero de 2016



 THE WHITE HOUSE 


Last night, President Obama delivered the final State of the Union address of his presidency.

Watch his final State of the Union address.



He wasn't focused on our past -- he was focused on our future. He spoke about how America's unique strengths as a nation give us everything we need to build a better future for generations to come.
"That's the America I know. That’s the country we love. Clear-eyed. Big-hearted. Undaunted by challenge. Optimistic that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. That’s what makes me so hopeful about our future. I believe in change because I believe in you, the American people."
Read the full speech.
You can read the full text of President Obama's speech on WhiteHouse.govMedium, and Facebook. For more, check out past annotated State of the Union addresses to see the progress we've made over the past seven years.

Here's what the President said:

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miércoles, 13 de enero de 2016


The White House, Washington

This is it: My last one.
As I put the final touches on my State of the Union address, I can't help but look back on the last seven years. We've traveled a long road together. The people I've met. The stories you've shared. That's what lives at the heart of the remarkable progress we've made together.
More than 14 million jobs, nearly 18 million people now with health coverage -- together, we've pulled ourselves out of yesterday's crisis to put us on a stronger course fortomorrow.
There's no question: Our country faces some big challenges right now.
But after seven years as your president, I've never been more optimistic about what we can accomplish together. We've come back from tough times stronger than before. We've shown the world that we're not afraid of the future, we're ready to lead it.
That's what makes America great. That's who we are. And that's what's going to be on my mind as I head over to speak to Congress and to you.
We've done some big things together over these past seven years. And we're not finished. Tonight I'll lay out a vision for an economy that's even stronger, a country that's safer, and a union that's more perfect.
Because with one year left in my presidency, I'm still fired up and ready to go.
President Barack Obama

The last time I'll do this:

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Whitehouse.gov/SOTU

3 things to do before tonight's speech:
President Obama will deliver his final State of the Union address tonight at 9pm ET. You can watch it live on WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU -- along with exclusive charts and graphics that make clear how far we've come these past seven years.
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Our progress over the past 7 years
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Watch this: The President reflects on his final State of the Union
President Obama reflects on his final State of the Union

Make sure you know the best place to watch:
Whitehouse.gov/SOTU

3 things to do before tonight's speech

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miércoles, 6 de enero de 2016


 For nearly three years now, I've served as his Chief of Staff, where I’ve seen the challenges he's faced and the progress he's made in working with the American people to move our country forward. Together with the American people, we've accomplished a lot. But I can honestly say, in all my time here, I've never seen him more optimistic about the future. You'll see it yourself on Tuesday, January 12, when President Obama will deliver his final State of the Union Address. He took a few minutes to give you a look at how he's thinking about this year's address. Check it out: After all this time in the White House, here's what I know to be true: We still have work to do, but there's no question: Together, we've brought America back. The budget agreement we reached helps avoid senseless cuts and will unlock critical investments in our national defense as we battle terrorism. We have verifiably cut off Iran's paths to a nuclear bomb and fundamentally changed a policy in Cuba that failed to induce change for over half a century. We are producing more oil than we import, even as we develop more clean energy and continue to reduce harmful carbon pollution. Our high school graduation rates are the highest they've ever been, and last year, incarceration rates and crime rates both went down. All the while, unemployment is down to 5% while health insurance coverage is up to 90%, even as health care inflation has continued its historically slow increase. But what we have left to do is bigger than any one policy initiative or new bill in Congress. This is about who we are, where we're headed, and what kind of country we want to be. That's why, in his final State of the Union Address, President Obama's doing something different. There's a lot we have accomplished over the last seven years and plenty we can tackle in the year ahead -- but this year, the President will do what is rarely done in Washington: Think beyond the next election. Look for him to focus his address on the challenges -- and opportunities -- that will impact America for generations to come. Together, as a nation, we face some critical choices. If we make the right ones that build on the best of what our nation has to offer, we will leave our kids and grandkids an America that's never been stronger, fairer, and more prosperous. So here are a couple to-do's for you: Stay tuned for something new from the President -- both from the podium and online at WhiteHouse.gov. Make sure you follow @POTUS for updates from President Obama himself. Watch this video for a "SOTU" sneak peek. And RSVP to watch his final State of the Union Address on January 12. Trust me, you don't want to miss this. Denis Denis McDonough White House Chief of Staff

I've had the honor of working for President Obama since the day he took office.

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jueves, 19 de noviembre de 2015

The refugees that have captivated so much attention in the wake of Friday's attack are fleeing precisely the type of senseless slaughter that happened in Paris. To slam the door in their faces -- to decide not to help when we know that we can help -- would be a betrayal of our deepest values as Americans. That's why we're going to do the right thing in the right way: protecting the American people even as we provide refuge to some of the world's most vulnerable people. Here's what you need to know: 23,092 The number of Syrian refugees UNHCR has referred to the U.S. Refugees Admission Program. 7,014 The number of Syrians the Department of Homeland Security has interviewed since FY 2011. 2,034 The number of Syrian refugees who have been admitted since FY 2011. 0 The number of Syrian refugees resettled in the U.S. that have been arrested or removed on terrorism charges. #RefugeesWelcome   Learn more about how America can ensure its own security while protecting refugees.

By the Numbers: What You Need to Know about Syrian Refugees in the U.S. 

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viernes, 25 de septiembre de 2015


As the White House Social Secretary, it's my job to help plan and execute all the White House's official social events.
Which makes me pretty busy right about now -- because tonight, the President and the First Lady are welcoming His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, and Madame Peng Liyuan to the White House for a State Dinner.
State Dinners are one of the most formal, involved events that we host here at the White House. And for the next couple hours, the Social Office team and the many other folks across the White House will be finalizing and double-checking everything -- from the floral arrangements and decor, to the menu, to the guest list. The calligraphers will be finishing up the cards for the place settings. We'll be working out final seating arrangements. We'll make sure Ne-Yo (the entertainment for the evening) is ready and rehearsed. We'll be working to handle last-minute dietary restrictions.
We want you give you a sense of what goes into planning one of these things. Follow along with our day here.
All day long, we'll be showing you snapshots of what goes into preparing for a State dinner, from the perspectives of a variety of staff from across the building.
It's always a beautiful moment when all of the planning and hard work comes together, and this is it.
We're looking forward to sharing it with you.
Stay tuned (and wish us luck) --
Deesha
Deesha Dyer
Social Secretary
The White House


Preparing for tonight's State Dinner

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