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Black Lawmakers React to the State of the Union

Published by Pamela Gentry on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 12:53 am.

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By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

Jan. 28, 2010 – President Barack Obama delivered his first State of the Union address to the American people Wednesday and highlighted his priorities in 2010: jobs, jobs and jobs.  But he also called upon his colleagues and critics to get busy with a legislative agenda that will deliver health care reform, financial reform, renewable clean energy and increased funding for education.

The speech was one of the longest the president has given since taking office –lasting more than an hour.  I counted interruptions for applause more than 60 times.  Black lawmakers were quick to react to the president’s call to action, and while most applauded his agenda, he got mixed reviews on his proposal for a three-year budget freeze:       

House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.)

 ”President Obama struck the hopeful themes tonight that resonated in his campaign.  The American people want security restored.  Over the past decade, middle class families have seen their financial security eroded through job losses and declining wages, plummeting retirement accounts and skyrocketing health care costs, declining home values and rising costs of  tuition.  They are demanding our help, and this Administration and Democratic Congress are answering their call.   Our unified goals are jobs, more jobs, and even more jobs.

“President Obama has laid out an agenda that will turn the despair of the first dismal decade of the 21st century into an era of restored prosperity for both the middle class and our country.  The Congress supports his vision to build wealth in the middle class, create new home-grown, American owned economies in our country, and rebuild relationships abroad.  We have taken bold steps and laid a foundation toward accomplishing these goals during 2009, and with this renewed commitment, I believe we will make greater strides toward realizing more stability and security in the near future.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus

“His bold decision to stay the course on issues such as comprehensive immigration reform, energy independence and education reform is exactly the kind of ambition we need during these trying times.

“As the President stated tonight the most paramount of these issues is jobs. So, we must address this issue head on. With unemployment at record levels – particularly in communities of color, we must put in place concrete solutions that will help generate sustainable job creation. The utilization of small, minority and women-owned businesses will be critical to overall job growth – and the President’s proposals reflect that fact.

“I agree with President Obama that we must address the deficit that he inherited, but I disagree over how we should do it. Instead of freezing non-defense discretionary spending, we need to focus on bloated unnecessary Pentagon spending and cost savings for ending the wars which have already cost us over $1 Trillion.

“Many of my colleagues and I are concerned about the impact of this freeze on jobs and the economy. At this critical time we should be doing more direct government investment to create more job opportunities.”

Rep. John Lewis, (D-Ga.)

“He said we have to be more than concerned about the next election.  We have to look out for the next generation.  This is not the time for campaigning and rhetoric; it is time to get down to the business of governing.  I was glad that he had strong words for the Senate, which has not been able to move on good opportunities to bring the kind of change Americans are seeking.  The House has done its part by responding to many of the people’s needs with legislative action.  We are hoping the Senate can finish the job.

“President Obama issued a mandate on jobs, education, the middle class, small business, war and nuclear disarmament, fiscal responsibility, as well as health care.  He affirmed that members of Congress must come together and get the work of the people done.  And I believe his words and his proposals give us a platform to unify and begin to work on and pass some of the legislative ideas the President presented tonight.”

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Comments

WHAT??? said on January 28th, 2010

Pam you qouted 3 black democratic congessmen!!! Where is the unbiased practices that reporters are suppose to report. Here is a better link to a different view of the Obama Speech:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100128/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_fact_check

Bama said on January 28th, 2010

Obama is going to freeze the budget after he has increased it by 35%, wow.
Now he wants to work with the Repubs since he could do a end run around them. Shutting them and Americans out of the healthcare debate. Obama is not to be trusted. Sorry Pam.

rednblack said on January 28th, 2010

Watching last night reminded me of my trips to New York City in my youth. There you would find the local 3 card monty con artists. I would watch them lure gullible tourists into thier game…..letting them win a few but then later stealing their hard money and at times their rings and watches.
*
Likewise, I have watched Obama for the past few years and just like the con artists in NYC Obama is attempting to do the same to the American people. The gallon of milk sitting in my refrigerator has a longer shelf life than his promises. I am not fooled by this man.

RED NECK HUNTER said on January 28th, 2010

TIME TO GET NEGRO NASTY, JOHN BROWN UGLY, HONEST ABE RESPECT AND J.F.K. POWER. TAKE THE GLOVES OFF AND FIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE WITH ALL YOU GOT, IF THE CONSERVATIVE DEMS WOULD HAVE LISTEN TO YOU IN THE FIRST PLACE HEALTH REFORM WOULD HAVE PASSED BEFORE ALONG TIME AGO.

cecilenoe said on January 28th, 2010

well Obama barack hussein is a brave man ;the king of the lord was good on what the lord choose him and i know the lord choose him, first black around the world will know he will be president of usa, before cnn confirmed.yes he won’t quit because God put him there ;and more republican to say no doesn’t mean you are a learderchip remenber that;obama promised to relance the economie american ;hope they republican will understood that;and stop to be selfish ;thinking only a way to destroy obama ;no things cannot go like that ,you must unified for the sake children america, obama talk to about iran ;iran don’t think they forget you, security all american are concern about their safety,just be careful, and health care a plan rescue programm ,why not the plan rescue for 95% american without health care and need to get the vaccin n1h1. yes brothers and sisters yes. now those they want to talk bla;bla;bla less them talk ;but obama barack hussein ;the king of the lord said let’s get is done!!!

cecilenoe said on January 28th, 2010

and more the king of the lord barack obama hussein ;he did not raised a single dine on they 95% American and small business’s ok too remenber that too .
REPUBLICAN DON’T MAKE YOU FELL LIKE YOU DID NOT HEARD OK.
I REPEAT FOR YOU .SAID NO TO EVERYTHING DOESN’T MAKE YOU A LEARDERCHIP OK THINK ABOUT THAT TWICE BEFORE GIVE A ANSWER FOR WHAT IS GOOD TO THEY AMERICAN PEOPLE .AND NOT WHAT IS GOOD TO YOU.OR YOUR DESIRE….
THE PLAN RESCUE PROGRAMM NEED TO TAKE EFFECT// NOW JOBS ,HEALTH CARE ECT.

Bama said on January 28th, 2010

@Cecilenoe, calling Obama the king of the lord, are you serious? I guess some black people still need to be told how and what to think. Black leaders are stealing from us also cecilenoe.

Ms T said on January 29th, 2010

Thank you President Obama for taking off the “kids’ gloves” and putting on the “BIG” knockout gloves. Why I and many others may not agree with all of your proposals; we do agree with the majority. But as an intelligent person, I know that it will fare better for the people for whom you are complicit if we work together. What is up with these rude, inconsiderate, no interest in the middle class or poverty stricken citizens, money driven, racist wearing facial expressions,, etc folks?
For you who are fortunate to be employed, when your boss implements changes that you find not conducive to the change, do you become irate – HELL NO – you jump immediately into “compliance” mode to retain your position. Sometimes the changes are effective and other times they are not. When they have not proven to be effective, the boss regroups and you continue to work with him/her!

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David said on January 29th, 2010

President imp skoke verily verminous off his teleprompter ! He’s configuration of kibosh was lugubrious to lacerate you people’s simpleton minds ! The banter of praxis is that you people would eat detritus after he’s terpsichorean stage show .

Say What ? said on January 29th, 2010

lololololo David you sound so iliterate, you statement dosen’t make since. Your spelling is terrible and the words your saying doesn’t exits in english lololololo, It’s sound like you are a retard or something lolololo, please cut it out your killing me you MORON………….

LONeal said on January 30th, 2010

Words of Encouragement for My President and Thought for Fellow Americans:

President Obama:
“ Fearlessly walk forward with self –assurance and courage, firmly stay centered and committed to boldly face the challenges these tyring times may bring, knowing that your success and accomplishments will sustain and empower future generations.” –L. O’Neal

Fellow Americans:
If you had any doubts about President Obama, Friday during his Q & A session with the GOP, he more than proved himself to be a capable, compassionate and knoweledgable leader. Now we must help our President and support him by communicating with civility even when we disagreee, be willing, active and knowlegable participants of the Democratic Process and encouragement him because this journey has just begun. I do belive you get out of a person what you pour into them.

RED NECK HUNTER said on January 30th, 2010

@DAVID..WOW I HAVE NOT SEEN ANYBODY USE THE WORD SIMPLETON IN A LONG TIME.

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mr bondfiles inc said on February 3rd, 2010

the black congresswoman from texas… You know the one thats trying to level the playin field for african americans, i never hear her quotes on BET. Is it because she was a Clinton supporter. What exactly is the reason BET is not using this woman valuable mind to advise this panel. Its hard to believe in our so-called Black congresspeople when one minute they complainin about Obama is not doing nothing for us.. but quickly grab on his azz.. when Obama grabs on the middle class.. Hey dumb azzes There are millions of Poor people that are being ignored by this president., So you actuallyt think.. when america was built their was a middle class.. no their were the rich class and the poor class… the middle class ..Emerged in the 1900’s . so that would leave the poor class of people the heart and Soul of America.. something this president has forgotten. i would Prefer the Texas congresswoman’s thoughts and ideas about this… cali is broke. sc. is poor georgia is barely middle class. Lets hear some quotes from black congresswomen from a states thats making money… S0omebody from a states thats bankrupt or soon toi be got something to say about fixing america when they can’t get obama to pass laws to save their state.. thats like Bugs Bunny telling elmer fudd to explain why he can’t say R..

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