Obama Talks Affirmative Action And Michael Jackson
Obama spoke sympathetically of white firefighters in New Haven, Conn., who won a Supreme Court case this week after claiming they had been unfairly denied promotions because of their race. But he added, “Keep in mind the Supreme Court didn’t close the door to affirmative action” to help minorities.
At the same time, he conceded the justices were “moving the ball” on the issue with a 5-4 ruling in the case.
Obama, a former teacher of constitutional law, said, “I’ve always believed that affirmative action was less of an issue or should be less of an issue than it has been made out to be in news reports. It hasn’t been as potent a force for racial progress as advocates will claim and it hasn’t been as bad on white students seeking admissions or seeking a job as its critics say.”
And his view of Michael Jackson, whose death has dominated news coverage for nearly a week: The president said Jackson was “one of our greatest entertainers” and “I still have all his stuff on my iPod.” But he said Jackson’s life had been tragic and in many ways sad.
With joblessness rising, President Barack Obama said Thursday he was “deeply concerned” about unemployment and conceded that too many families are worried about “whether they will be next” to suffer economically.
In a White House interview with The Associated Press, Obama said that since he took office, “we have successfully stabilized the financial markets,” and “started to see some stabilization on housing.”
“But what we are still seeing is too many jobs lost,” said Obama, commenting after new government figures showed the unemployment rate had risen to 9.5 percent last month.
On an important international subject, Obama is scheduled to travel to Russia next week, and he said the agenda includes talks on a new treaty to curtail long-range nuclear missiles. Asked why he intends to meet with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, the former president, Obama said he “still has a lot of sway.” Putin now is nominally the second-in-command in the Kremlin.
Obama also is to meet with the Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev.
It is important that both Medvedev and Putin hear the same message from the U.S., said Obama, who added that he believes Putin “has one foot in the old ways of doing business and one foot in the new.”
Obama praised Russia for its cooperation in attempting to persuade North Korea and Iran to abandon their nuclear development programs. The United Nations recently approved “the most robust sanction regime that we’ve ever seen with respect to North Korea,” he said.
Asked if he was resigned to Iran’s possession of nuclear weapons, he said, “I’m not reconciled with that, and I don’t think the international community is reconciled with that.”
Famous Gay African-Americans
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President Obama should pay homage to Michael Jackson… there is no excuse for his not doing so. Michael was honored at the White House, for his humanitarian achievements by the former and late President Reagan. I believe that Mr. Reagan, the late Princess Diana and other famous fans, would certainly attend Michael’s memorial services… more than willing to speak. In my opinion, President Obama should attend the primary memorial in honor of Michael – be there for Michael and the Jackson family and fans. Michael is known and loved the world over – moreover Obama and the most recent Super Bowl Champions who were invited to the White House. Note that I am aware that this article is somewhat dated. However to this day, our President has failed to say or do anything noteworthy in light of the loss of such a great (the best) entertainer and humanitarian of our time and all time.
On Russia: A meeting of great importance – paramount.
I’ve been reading and listening to the news of a meeting between President Obama and President Medvedev – Obama said he trusts the Russian leader to follow through on the agreements they struck. And he refused to be drawn into a debate over who really holds the reins of power in Russia, widely believed to be Medvedev’s predecessor and mentor, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. “My understanding is, President Medvedev is the president … and Prime Minister Putin is the prime minister,” Obama simply said.
Obama, who meets with Putin on Tuesday, caused a stir in Russia before his trip by telling The Associated Press that Putin has to learn that “the old Cold War approaches to U.S.-Russian relations is outdated.” http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090706/ap_on_re_eu/obama
Our President’s comment about Prime Minister Putin may be quite a mistake. Any American citizen who has spent a considerable amount of time living in Russia, over a period of years, would know that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin still remains the most powerful leader in Russia… in the end it is he who makes the decisions.
This takes me back to Michael Jackson’s impact upon Russia dating back years ago. Michael was performing in Moscow during a time a financial hardship in Russia – there was no middle class at the time (today there may be somewhat of an emergence of this class). When Michael became aware of the situation, he made the decision to perform for free. Today there is widespread mourning for Michael and statues being erected in his honor, while in the USA, Neverland Ranch faces opposition, from those who live in the same community, to its becoming the historical landmark that it is more than entitled to and should become… Michael did all that he did for you and me and the entire world, as one of the greatest Americans and person (man) who has ever lived.
Obama is not the first Black American to run for the office of President of The United States of America. Mr. Dick Gregory and Rev. Jesse Jackson both preceded him. Nor is Obama the second coming of MLK – he is not expected to be. BUT, as Steveland Morris said so emphatically creative, where is Obama when needed like right now? I ask that Obama bring some Joy Inside My (Our) Tears, and that he does not leave me (us) asking Where Were You When I (we) Needed You (last summer). Dear President Obama, business in Russia is serious business and not to be used as an outing for the first family (political). With all due respect, leave the First Lady and the kids at home – The White House. Get it in gear and show duly respect for Michael Jackson… the Man In The Mirror who helped to get you to where you are – not you, BUT Michael Jackson.
I met both Presidents Bush (Sr. and Jr.) and former President Bill Clinton in dear Russia. Clinton interacted with the common people as well as the heads of state and celebrities – as expected and the proper way to experience and learn about Russia. But for news media, Russia is not foe to America. Russia does however remain a superpower to this day. I pray that you, President Obama, are all that I voted for – the most qualified to represent America on all fronts. If you do not acknowledge the loss of the greatest American Icon, I for one am sure that your popularity in Russia will diminish severely. I am also sure that Medvedev and Putin would cancel meetings with you if they were invited to attend Michael’s primary memorial service – again, the same that you should duly attend. BUT who am I to know this (?) only a musician. american and black.
9% rise in unemployment? SMDH
Oh plz that was just a mere typo that you never needed to have noticed…I bet your English is as poor as hell!!!
“It Would Been Appropriate To Conclude The Statement After Ipod.”
I agree with that as well…
(Correction)
Would Have Been
It Would Been Appropriate To Conclude The Statement After Ipod.
SMH