Click title for full story on cupcakes...
and watch here for commerce...
Showing posts with label President Barack Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label President Barack Obama. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
330. Still Need a Commerce Secretary...
Judd Gregg has withdrawn from the nomination for Commerce Secretary.
You can watch a news video on this from the Huffington Post.
I'm not too sad about the news. You can see my concerns, expressed in my earlier post on the nomination.
Thanks to Ken for the news.
You can watch a news video on this from the Huffington Post.
I'm not too sad about the news. You can see my concerns, expressed in my earlier post on the nomination.
Thanks to Ken for the news.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
326. Obama's Nomination for Secretary of Commerce
Well, the reports were wrong. Not John Thompson or Padrasmee Warrior, but Judd Gregg.
Photo from Getty Images
I don't like this nomination much myself. He's got a poor track record on environmental issues, and scores a puny 43% approval rating from the League of Conservation Voters 2006 scorecard. The LCV is fairly middle-of-the-road among environmentalists. For example, they approved the nomination of Ken Salazar for Department of Interior Secretary (after giving him only a 71% approval rating on his 2006 scorecard) while many wilderness organizations were disappointed. If the League gives a poor approval rating, there are definitely reasons to be concerned.
Gregg is a staunch Republican and as a U.S. Senator, has voted more than 77% of the time with the Republicans.
No doubt, President Obama selected him to undermine Republican opposition to his economic policies. But on the environmental front, it looks bad.
On January 8, 2009, he co-sponsored a bill with Senator Inouye about acquiring coastal resources to "protect them" and after a quick glance at the bill, I think it seems fine. But Senator Inouye is strongly aligned with Wespac, and I wonder if I'm missing something! I hope that someone with more knowledge will comment on this.
And this is likely to be our new Commerce Secretary, the one who will have some important voice in the creation of our Monument plan, starting with having to approve nominations to the advisory council.
He, himself, once tried to kill the Commerce Department, voting for its abolishment in 1995, according to this article. It doesn't seem like he would be all that chuffed about our Governor nominating Wespac-influenced opponents of the Monument to the new Monument Advisory Council.
And if all that weren't enough to cause concern, Wendy notes in her recent blog post that Kevin Koonce, one of the men somewhat ensnared in the Abramoff scandal net, worked as Legislative director for him at one point.
Photo from Getty Images
I don't like this nomination much myself. He's got a poor track record on environmental issues, and scores a puny 43% approval rating from the League of Conservation Voters 2006 scorecard. The LCV is fairly middle-of-the-road among environmentalists. For example, they approved the nomination of Ken Salazar for Department of Interior Secretary (after giving him only a 71% approval rating on his 2006 scorecard) while many wilderness organizations were disappointed. If the League gives a poor approval rating, there are definitely reasons to be concerned.
Gregg is a staunch Republican and as a U.S. Senator, has voted more than 77% of the time with the Republicans.
No doubt, President Obama selected him to undermine Republican opposition to his economic policies. But on the environmental front, it looks bad.
On January 8, 2009, he co-sponsored a bill with Senator Inouye about acquiring coastal resources to "protect them" and after a quick glance at the bill, I think it seems fine. But Senator Inouye is strongly aligned with Wespac, and I wonder if I'm missing something! I hope that someone with more knowledge will comment on this.
And this is likely to be our new Commerce Secretary, the one who will have some important voice in the creation of our Monument plan, starting with having to approve nominations to the advisory council.
He, himself, once tried to kill the Commerce Department, voting for its abolishment in 1995, according to this article. It doesn't seem like he would be all that chuffed about our Governor nominating Wespac-influenced opponents of the Monument to the new Monument Advisory Council.
And if all that weren't enough to cause concern, Wendy notes in her recent blog post that Kevin Koonce, one of the men somewhat ensnared in the Abramoff scandal net, worked as Legislative director for him at one point.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Obama's Secretary of Commerce-still waiting?
We're still waiting on President Obama to name someone to the position of Secretary of Commerce. Recent reports show two names have surfaced in the pool of possibilities: John Thompson, a Symantec CEO; and Padrasmee Warrior, CTO of CISCO. According to Reuters' report, John Thompson has the edge right now. According to CBS, he's got the job.
Other past rumors of contenders for the post included wealthy Penny Pritzker.
The CNMI needs to pay attention because the Secretary of Commerce has duties that directly impact on our situation here, including (but not limited to) a leading role in the National Marine Monument.
Other past rumors of contenders for the post included wealthy Penny Pritzker.
The CNMI needs to pay attention because the Secretary of Commerce has duties that directly impact on our situation here, including (but not limited to) a leading role in the National Marine Monument.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Senator Obama Is Sworn In As President of the USA
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
He's so eager. He can't wait!
Obama has his hand raised before the Chief Justice. He starts his recitation before Chief Justice Roberts has finished his first phrase.
And then his excitement gives him that momentary brain-freeze, from which he recovers quickly and smoothly. Well, it seemed like that to me, but the Washington Post says it was Chief Justice Roberts who messed it up.
Obama is a real person, an endearing man. Wow!
And then there's his inaugural speech.
Worth reading.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
