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You Asked The President

Published by Pamela Gentry on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 8:33 pm.

obama-2nd-press-confap090324037648 By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

August 6, 2009 – President Barack Obama held his fourth televised news conference from the White House on July 22.  While preparing for the news conference I asked my readers what question they would like answered by the president.  

 

Unfortunately that night I wasn’t called upon, but I have selected questions from those suggested and have given you the most comprehensive answers available at this time: 

 

 

Question:           Tawana had a two-part question about the economy: “I would like to know how long you think it is going to take for employers to hire again? When do you think the economy will begin to get back on its feet?

 

President Obama’s first priority in confronting the economic crisis is to put Americans back to work. He signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan to spur job creation while making long-term investments in health care, education, energy, and infrastructure.  Obama often reminds folks including his critics that some of the stimulus money was always designed for longer-range infrastructure and energy projects to rebuild the economy.

 

The administration in recent weeks has noted the recession may be near an end and the first sign of confidence will be employers beginning to hire.  Just this week the president also announce awarding $2.4 billion in grants for businesses producing electric and hybrid cars. 

 

Question:         Bama’s question was regarding health care reform: “I would like to ask the President, does your health care plan include illegal immigrants?  If so, how will they pay for it if they are here illegally?”

 

No, the bill now in Congress has very specific language that exempts anyone that is in the country illegally.  This means any federal subsidies like federal payments or affordability credits would not be allowable for anyone not legally in the country.  

 

Question:         Donald wanted to know if the stimulus is helping homeowners, asking: “After you fought so hard to get stimulus money to help homeowners, like myself stay in my home, why is it that the mortgage companies are making it so tough to qualify for a loan?

 

 

You aren’t alone in asking this question. Just this week it was reported by the Treasury Department that only 9 percent of eligible homeowners had been helped by the government program created to modify home loans and prevent foreclosures.

 

The report also delivered the reasons: two of the largest banks that hold large percentages of mortgages and that also accepted large amounts of federal bailout dollars aren’t lending.  Treasury officials identified Bank of America and Wells Fargo as two of the biggest offenders failing to offer loan modifications.  This recent “report of shame” may get these lenders on task because Congress and the White House were visibly upset with these findings. 

 

 

Question:         Manateeonthe1 wanted to know more about health care reform: “ I would ask that dental care be extended to the general public. Too many of Blacks lack the Colgate smile and cannot afford constructive dentistry such as veneers, implants and the like …which ultimately makes it hard to compete at 50-60 years of age.”

 

The current bill has some provisions for preventive dental care, but Black lawmakers have been pushing for greater coverage and more options available within the public health section of the bill.  Because good dental health can help prevent other diseases and illnesses – as a public health issue there may be a strong case to include more coverage.  Most likely it will only be for preventive and medically necessary care. I doubt cosmetic services like veneers will be included.

 

 

Question:         Rochelle Williams wanted an update on the war in Iraq: “I would like to know if he really plans on sending the troops back home in 2010?”

 

In February the president answered this question during a speech as Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Here is what he said:

“Let me say this as plainly as I can: by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end. I want to be very clear. We sent our troops to Iraq to do away with Saddam Hussein’s regime – and you got the job done. We kept our troops in Iraq to help establish a sovereign government – and you got the job done. And we will leave the Iraqi people with a hard-earned opportunity to live a better life – that is your achievement; that is the prospect that you have made possible.”

Photos: Highlights of Obama’s Presidency on the Second 100-Day Mark.

Poll: Grade President Obama

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Comments

David said on August 5th, 2009

He goes from being Mr obama to president joker!

Ms Yvonne Henderson said on August 6th, 2009

Mr. President Obama I only want to say to you that you are doing a wonderful job running the country, I am a 66 year young lady and i have seen a lot in my lifetime, but when I stood in line for three hours to vote for you i felt so happy inside to be there. i am proud of you and i believe if people would stop looking for the negative, and look at the positive all would be well. you are the best president and i am so happy to be living to see you in the white house running the country, this gives all americans hope for the future..
so continue to do your best and do not let the nay sayers get you down. you are a great man with a lovely family, and may God keep you safe always.

George said on August 6th, 2009

Hey Barry, when are you going to admit you were born in Kenya?

Cocoa59 said on August 6th, 2009

Great Job to a great president Barack Obama. Blessings to you and your precious family.

jacqueline harris said on August 6th, 2009

you are doing a great job

jacqueline harris said on August 6th, 2009

you are doing a great job

Shareefa said on August 6th, 2009

Hi president Obama, I just want to say congratulations again on your presidency! I am so happy to actually live to see and African American as president. I always wondered if there ever will be one, since I was a little girl. I wish you and your family the best of luck! God bless you and keep doing a wonderful job!!

Yalonda said on August 6th, 2009

I currently work for the State of Texas and we have so many exclusions in our health care policies. I was wondering if any will be lifted so that if we choose to have bariactric treatment, coverage will be provided?

Denise said on August 6th, 2009

Dear Mr. President,
You are the most intelligent president we have ever had. You amaze everyone I know. I have been working on your cause since before your election. I am happy to do anything you suggest will improve my life and that of my community. You inspired me to return to college to get my journalism degree. I see volunteering in a whole new light! I have renewed hope for my success and the betterment of my community. I see right through you and your
beautiful wife Michelle. You have much passion for your people’s journey.
Thank you for being a beautiful people!

David said on August 6th, 2009

michelle obama looks like monkey mama

T said on August 6th, 2009

DAVID… YOU ARE A VERY SAD AND UNHAPPY INDIVIDUAL. GET YOURSELF TOGETHER DAVID. YOU CAN’T CHANGE WHAT IS PRESENT RIGHT NOW. SO, GET OVER IT AND GET WITH THE PROGRAM. STOP BEING SO RUDE AND IGNORANT. MICHELLE OBAMA IS A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN AS ANY OTHER WOMAN, MAN OR CHILD HERE ON EARTH. EVEN YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL… SOMEWHERE DEEP DOWN IN YOUR ANGRY SOUL & HEART. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU POSITIVE.

T said on August 6th, 2009

GEORGE… YOU ARE A VERY SAD AND UNHAPPY INDIVIDUAL. GET YOURSELF TOGETHER GEORGE. YOU CAN’T CHANGE WHAT IS PRESENT RIGHT NOW. SO, GET OVER IT AND GET WITH THE PROGRAM. STOP BEING SO RUDE AND IGNORANT. MICHELLE OBAMA IS A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN AS ANY OTHER WOMAN, MAN OR CHILD HERE ON EARTH. EVEN YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL… SOMEWHERE DEEP DOWN IN YOUR ANGRY SOUL & HEART. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU POSITIVE

Marge Temple said on August 6th, 2009

David, no one is as bigger joke or had done more to hurt America than Bush. You must of rode the short bus to school!

Sonia B. said on August 6th, 2009

Mr. President, I want to say thank you for being so real with the world. You are doing a fantastic job. I wanted to grade you with an A+. You have done more in 200 days, than any President in their four years or eight years in office………I am so proud to say, I voted for you and will stand by my vote until the day I die. I want you to continue to do a great job. The GOP and all of their followers are sore loosers and they are trying to block every agenda, that you are putting fourth, but we have something in store for those individuals. The will of god, he knows your heart and as long as you believe in almighty god, you will continue to be successfull. God bless you Mr. President………..We the people have your back…………..god bless you and your family

nene said on August 6th, 2009

HI HATERS!!!

You know, bigots like george and david have a deep rooted admiration of our strong black men! They have always dreamed about having a beautiful black woman. They really do fear the strength and progression of successful black
people.
So, george , david, and all your bigot friends; go jump in your tanning beds and get some botox shot into your lips. Then maybe, just maybe, you will feel a little better about your selves!

BYE HATERS!!!

Carolyn said on August 6th, 2009

Mr. President, I give you an A+, as you are a great person, as well as an excellent president. God bless you, your family, and your cabin. Continue doing what is right in the sigtht of man and God. We love!

Betty said on August 6th, 2009

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rednblack said on August 6th, 2009

Oh the broken promises:
He closed Gitmo, oops its still open
*
He was going to bring our troops home, ooops we have the highest casualty rates in years
*
We were going to have transperency, ooops no bills posted on line and he doesnt even read the bills
*
He was going to have an ethical adminstration, ooops record number of lobbyist and tax cheats ever in any administration
*
His must have stimulus plan was going to keep unemployment below 8%, ooops heading towards 10% today
*
He was going to be the fiscally responsible president, ooops he shatters ALL records as his budget is going to show a 2 Trillion dollar deficit ( More than Bush accumulated in 8 years!) and multi trillion dollar deficits for the nextten years
*
3 million jobs lost and 34 million on food stamps since he has taken over
*
I thought Bush was terrible but Obama has set a new standard for failure

cryshonda said on August 6th, 2009

I think the president is doing a great job ,look what mess bush put the world in .obama is trying to fix what he mess up and he is doing a very good job if these people that dont wont to see black people come up in the world stop doing what they are doing and work with obama the world will come out this hole faster,and be a better places to live so u people need to be mad at bush not obama.i stand with u obama good job

darlene said on August 7th, 2009

l think president is doing a great job

London said on August 7th, 2009

MY SON NEEDS BRACES DESPERATELY, BUT I ‘M LOW INCOME, DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS WHERE I CAN GET HELP!!!!!!!! ALSO HOW DO & ADULT GET DENTAL OR VISION CARE ON MEDI-CAL?.

David said on August 7th, 2009

I am typing what I feel. nobody is happy all the time. you can take it or leave it. michelle obama looks like monkey mama to me

Odia said on August 8th, 2009

WHY IS HE NOT COMING TO NIGERIA????

glynda chapple said on August 8th, 2009

8/8/09

Mr. President Obama,
May God continue to shine His blessings on you and your family.
Mr. President, this is the story — when you are trying to do something good and worthwhile – the adversary get very busy! Look @ it as a compliment.! This mean that you and your team are doing a lot of things right. STAY ENCOURAGED,
Prayerful supporter

Deborah said on August 9th, 2009

Mr. President Obama, I just want to give my opinion about what a wonderful job you are doing so far. I wanted to tell you thank you and I know that you your chooden by God almighty to get this county back on the right road, no matter waht people may say or think of you God has all the power, he never said the raod be easy and he never said that the job will be completed in one day so for those people out their who do beleive in the good God above all I can say is you should be praying for the president and asking the lord to help the president to so this world can be a better place, stop dowing the president and help him out we all are going to need one another oneday. Mr. President I wish you and your family all the best. I am proud to say I am glad that you are my president. I also wanted to let you know you look a lot like my uncle Leroy Powell. He was the first black milk man. I tell my sister all the time look at uncle Leroy he always help people and he has came back from the dead and now he is the president of the UNITED STATES. I will continue to pray for you and your family.

Deborah said on August 9th, 2009

Mr. President Obama, I just want to give my opinion about what a wonderful job you are doing so far. I wanted to tell you thank you and I know that you your chosen by God almighty to get this county back on the right road, no matter what people may say or think of you God has all the power, he never said the road be easy and he never said that the job will be completed in one day so for those people out their who do believe in the good God above all I can say is you should be praying for the president and asking the lord to help the president to so this world can be a better place, stop downing the president and help him out we all are going to need one another one day. Mr. President I wish you and your family all the best. I am proud to say I am glad that you are my president. I also wanted to let you know you look a lot like my uncle Leroy Powell. He was the first black milk man. I tell my sister all the time look at uncle Leroy he always help people and he has came back from the dead and now he is the president of the UNITED STATES. I will continue to pray for you and your family.

Mia P said on August 10th, 2009

President Obama I would like to say this I think you are doing a fine job and keep up the good job, but there is one thing I want to say as far as the police and the professer things like that happen every day it might not have been the case or it might have been that day and I think you should have stood up to the police and the media and said that you was not going to back down to what you said, I think you are the most disrespect President that we have they talk about you and your family which I think is so wrong but you all will be alright and you will get my vote for 4more years and I wish longer.

Mia P said on August 10th, 2009

President Obama I would like to say this I think you are doing a fine job and keep up the good job, but there is one thing I want to say as far as the police and the professer things like that happen every day it might not have been the case or it might have been that day and I think you should have stood up to the police and the media and said that you was not going to back down to what you said, I think you are the most disrespect President that we have they talk about you and your family which I think is so wrong but you all will be alright and you will get my vote for 4more years and I wish longer.

Mz Nicety said on August 10th, 2009

President Obama was dealt a spade hand with one spade and it was the deuce. He’s still a winner so what does that tell you? He is a diehard player in this game and he is doing the best he can with the cards he was dealt. After Bush, you cannot expect to get everything turned around in a day. Have anybody out there ever had a job where they had to do ‘damage control’? The President’s job is on a much larger scale so give him some slack and let him do what he do.

fred said on August 10th, 2009

“let him do what he do”

Lord have mercy.

Louise said on January 12th, 2010

I want to know how the still hurting victims of Katrina and /or Rita are going to survive in this ecomony? We have been victims of both the Storms as well as Victims of the System. Now we cannot find jobs and are being evicted from our homes. I filed for Social Security Disability over three years ago and I’m still getting a run around. I’m not asking for a handout just give me what I have worked so hard for. I have fallen through the cracks for many year and it seems I still am today. Since the Storms of 05′ my mind and my body have noot been the same. This is something I have no control over but no one listens. What else am I to do? I need help.

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