Thread: Mitt Romney

Turns out Romney's a complete dipstick but in the end it doesn't matter, they're only figureheads anyway.
The U.S. needs to follow Britain and Australias system.
You don't vote for an individual, you vote for the party.
Which is, in actuality, what happens in U.S. elections, just that yanks are too stupid to understand it.

Originally Posted by Koojo

Turns out Romney's a complete dipstick but in the end it doesn't matter, they're only figureheads anyway.
The U.S. needs to follow Britain and Australias system.
You don't vote for an individual, you vote for the party.

I also like the British and Australian system better than the US's.

Which is, in actuality, what happens in U.S. elections, just that yanks are too stupid to understand it.

No. Not at all.

In the US elections you vote for the individual for President. Period.

The potus is (then) considered the head of the (his/her party) and the party is expected (but does not always) follow. Lots of compromise, and a President's agenda is often watered down and at times rejected.

Originally Posted by barbaro

Originally Posted by Koojo

Turns out Romney's a complete dipstick but in the end it doesn't matter, they're only figureheads anyway.
The U.S. needs to follow Britain and Australias system.
You don't vote for an individual, you vote for the party.

I also like the British and Australian system better than the US's.

Which is, in actuality, what happens in U.S. elections, just that yanks are too stupid to understand it.

No. Not at all.

In the US elections you vote for the individual for President. Period.

The potus is (then) considered the head of the (his/her party) and the party is expected (but does not always) follow. Lots of compromise, and a President's agenda is often watered down and at times rejected.

I think the US is evolving toward a parliamentary system. The Republicans have morphed into an ideology-driven party, to the dismay of some old-style Republicans, but that is where they are. The Democrats have not, and the general public is. . .I wouldn't say stupid but rather clueless. Americans pride themselves on not really paying attention to politics, which is kind of odd in a people who also pride themselves on their "democracy."

Originally Posted by Koojo

The U.S. needs to follow Britain and Australias system.
You don't vote for an individual, you vote for the party.

Rubbish, you vote for your local Member of Parliament. Anyone can stand for election to Parliament, you just have to chuff up a deposit of 500 quid (which you get back if you get 5% or more of the vote).

That fact the two biggest parties have the biggest support is simply the fact that they have the best representation and organisation, plus the funding to put candidates in every consituency.

Personally I think they're both a bunch of arseholes, give me the Monster Raving Looney party any day, at least they're honest.

Originally Posted by Boon Mee

Well, it’s not like there are a lot of accomplishments to boast of, eh?

Oh no not much,...........

What Obama has accomplished to date:

Arts and Culture
Increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to the highest level since 1992. ref, ref, ref
Created an artist corps for public schools. ref
Championed the importance of arts education. ref
Promoted cultural diplomacy. ref
Banking and Financial Reform
BROAD POLICY:
Established the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. ref
Established President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability to assist in financial education for all Americans. ref, ref , ref
Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010. ref, ref
Dodd-Frank (DF) Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the biggest financial reform law since the Great Depression. ref
Managed the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) ref
Assigned a Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program Act of 2009. ref
Pension relief Act of 2010. ref
Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act. ref, ref
Played a lead role in G-20 Summit re: financial crisis. ref
Reformed deferral rules to curb tax advantages for investing overseas. ref
Established new offshore investment policy that promotes in-sourcing. ref, ref
FUNDING:
Cut salaries for 65 bailout executives (Pay Czar). ref
Banks have repaid 75% of TARP funds, bringing the cost down to $89B as of June 2010. ref
Closed offshore tax safe havens, tax credit loopholes. ref , ref , ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Created the Financial Stability Oversight Council to monitor stability of the financial system and individual firms (DF). ref
New requirements for reporting financial data (DF). ref
Created self-funded Office of Financial Research (OFR) to collect information from financial firms (DF). ref
OFR employees must wait a year before working for certain financial firms. ref
Provided for orderly liquidation of financial companies (DF). ref
Limited trading activities of banks (Volcker Rule) beginning 2 yrs after passage (DF). ref
Swaps Pushout Rule prevented federal assistance to swaps (including derivatives) traders (DF). ref
Derivatives must be traded transparently through a clearing house (DF). ref
Defined the amount and nature of assets required to meet capital requirements (DF). ref
Originators of asset-backed securities must retain 5% ownership/risk (DF). ref
Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (DF). ref
Stronger client fiduciary duty for broker-dealers (DF). ref
Higher standards for securities advertising and disclosures (DF). ref
Expanded “insider loans” (DF). ref
Higher standards for sytemically important ($50 billion assets+) institutions, including annual stress tests and restrictions on bank acquisitions (DF). ref
Executive compensation must be determined by an independent committee (DF). ref
Issued compensation guidelines for bank executive salary and bonuses. ref , ref
Financial agencies must establish Offices of Women and Minorities to promote more diverse hiring (DF). ref
Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act. ref, ref
Credit CARD Technical Corrections Act of 2009. ref
Established a credit card bill of rights. ref
Reformed credit card swipe fees. ref
Created new criminal penalties for mortgage fraud. ref
Congress pursued Goldman Sachs for securities violations. ref
Permanently extended Research and Experimentation Tax Credit for domestic investments. ref
RESULTS:
(Treasury) Sold 1.5 billion shares of Citigroup at a profit. ref
G-20 summit produced a $1.1 trillion deal to combat the global financial crisis. ref
Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals. ref
Financial reform has ‘strongest consumer financial protections in history.’ ref
Section curator:
Civil Rights
FUNDING:
Provided $12.2 billion in new funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Act though the American Recovery and investment Act. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act; Instituted equal pay for women. ref, ref, ref
Presidential Memorandum extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. ref , ref , ref , ref
Presidential Memorandum protecting gay and lesbian partners’ visitation/healthcare decision-making rights (4/15/2010). ref
Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act to include gender, sexual orientation and disability. ref
Supported the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT). ref
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act. ref
Established White House Council on Women and Girls (Executive Order 13506 ). ref
Financial agencies must establish Offices of Women and Minorities to promote more diverse hiring.
Increased minority access to capital. ref
Pushing through settlement in the black farmers lawsuit against USDA. ref, ref
Signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. ref
Increased Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities (Exec Order)(celebrating 20th anniversary of the ADA). ref, ref
Section curator: ^roytoric
Commerce, Trade and technology
BROAD POLICY:
Promoted internet freedom as part of U.S. foreign policy. ref, ref , ref
Webcaster Settlement Act of 2009. ref
Satellite Television Extension Act of 2010. ref
FUNDING:
Expanded loan programs for small businesses. ref
TARGETED ACTION:
Small Business Act. ref
Small Business Investment Act. ref
Proposed tougher meat industry antitrust rules. ref , ref
Denied federal contracts to tax delinquents. ref
Appointed the nation’s first Chief Technology Officer. ref
Established Federal IT Dashboard. ref
Modernized the USA.gov portal to connect people to the services they require. ref
Launched the National Export Initiative, with the goal of doubling US exports by 2015. ref , ref
Provided National Export Initiative/Progress report and named President’s Export Council. ref, ref
Launched piracy crackdown. ref
Section curators:
Conservation
BROAD POLICY:
Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Amendments Act of 2009. ref
Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. ref
North American Wetlands Conservation Act. ref
Stewardship of the Ocean (established National Ocean Council ), our Coasts and the Great Lakes (Executive Order). ref
Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance (Executive Order). ref, ref
Established partnerships to share environmental technology with other countries. ref
FUNDING:
Increased funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. ref
Increased funding for national parks and forests. ref
$175 million of ARRA allocated for water conservation, $135 million of that in the West. ref
TARGETED AREAS:
Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic. ref, ref
Expanded access to places to hunt and fish. ref
Chesapeake Bay Protection and Restoration (Executive Order). ref, ref
Led effort to phase out whaling. ref
Pursued a wildfire management plan. ref
Encouraged more controlled burns to reduce wildfires. ref
Ordered removal of more brush, small trees and vegetation that fuel wildfires. ref
Section curator: ^pash
Economy
BROAD POLICY:
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA): a $789 billion economic stimulus plan. ref
US auto industry rescue plan. ref, ref
Start-Up activity now higher than it was during the dotcom boom. ref
Created task force to fight deficit. ref
Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009. ref
Temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. ref
FUNDING:
Increased minority access to capital. ref
$26 billion aid to states package (Aug 2010). ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Raised the small business investment limit to $250,000 through the end of 2009. ref
Created an Advanced Manufacturing Fund to invest in peer-reviewed manufacturing processes. ref
Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act – establishes a Federal “Do Not Pay” list. ref
Extended and indexed the 2007 Alternative Minimum Tax patch. ref
Adopted Economic Substance tax doctrine. ref
Extended unemployment insurance benefits and temporarily suspend taxes on these benefits. ref ref
Economy grew 5.9% in 4th quarter. ref
U.S. Economy: Manufacturing grew by most since 2004. ref
U.S. GDP up 3.2% in first quarter. ref
Consumer spending showed biggest rise in 3 years. ref
Orders for most durable goods rose. ref
Wholesale inventories and sales rose in March. ref
$26 billion state aid bill triggered a surge of private municipal investment. ref
EXHIBITS – THE STIMULUS ONE YEAR LATER:
Success of the stimulus–how do you illustrate ‘could have been worse’? ref
Distribution of ARRA funds by year. ref
Need for financial education: Investors who act on their own do worse than T-bills; market timers earn negative returns. ref
Consumer debt patterns (revolving and non-revolving) through end of 2009. ref
Growth of the national debt from 2000-2009. ref
Bar chart showing increases in national debt by President (since Carter). ref
Pie chart: 2009 annual deficit contrasting large Bush tax cuts and relatively small ARRA. ref
THE LEGACY: AUGUST 2010
The Economy Has Been Growing – seasonally adjusted change in GDP by quarter 2007-2010. ref
The Private Sector Has Begun to Add Jobs – Monthly change in nonfarm employment 2008-2010. ref
GDP would have been lower without the Recovery Act (2007-2013 projection) (scroll down to Part III to see chart). ref
Unemployment would have been higher without ARRA (2008-2010). ref
The gap between actual and full-employment GDP would have been much larger without TARP and ARRA (2008-2010). ref
MISCELLANEOUS EXHIBITS:
Public Sector Lost 316,000 jobs October 09-July 10 (state aid negotiated out of ARRA by GOP). ref
Section curator ^roytoric
Education: College
BROAD POLICY:
Enacted largest reform of student aid in 40 years. ref, ref
Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010. ref
Established President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability to assist in financial education for all Americans. ref, ref, ref
FUNDING:
Increased funding for land-grant college. ref
Provided means for students struggling to make college loan payments to refinance. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Expanded Pell grants for low-income students. ref
Expanded Pell grant pool by eliminating private lender subsidies for student loans. ref
Section curators: ^ejoyce ^Kroth
Education: Health of Children
BROAD POLICY:
Created the Race to the Top Fund ($4.35 billion) to reward States that create comprehensive education reform plans. ref
Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 . ref
FUNDING:
Provided funding for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools. ref
Established State Equalization Fund; new funds for school construction (ARRA). ref
Provided $77 Billion for reforms to to strengthen Elementary and Secondary education. ref
Fully funded the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). ref
Provided $12.2 billion in new funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Act through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. ref
$26 billion state aid package saved 160,000 teacher jobs (Aug 2010) ref
Provided over $2.3 billion in additional funding to Head Start and Early Head Start programs in 2009. ref
Provided $5 billion dollars for Early Learning Programs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. ref
Roughly doubled the amount available in Federal Child Care Block Grants. ref
Established “Promise Neighborhood” Grants (modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone). ref , ref
Eliminated abstinence-only funding in budget. ref, ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Helped rebuild schools in New Orleans. ref
Established school programs to highlight space and science achievements. ref
Recruited math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession. ref
Expanded the Nurse-Family Partnership to all low-income, first-time mothers . ref
Provided affordable, high-quality child care. ref
Unveiled initiatives to help men be better fathers. ref
Section curators: ^ejoyce ^Kroth
Employment: Jobs
BROAD POLICY:
Jobs for Main Street Act (2010). ref
American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010. ref
National Export Initiative ref
FUNDING:
(DOL) Dedicated $100 million in Energy Training Partnership green jobs training grants. ref
(DOL) Dedicated $150 million for Pathways Out of Poverty green jobs training grants. ref
$33 billion-dollar jobs package (March 2010). ref , ref
$26 billion aid to states package (Aug 2010). ref
$5,000 tax credit for every new worker. ref
New Health IT Workforce Grants (ARRA). ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Job training programs in clean technologies for displaced workers. ref
Green Vet Initiative to promote environmental jobs for veterans. ref
Financial agencies must establish Offices of Women and Minorities to promote more diverse hiring (DF).
Recruited math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession. ref
Initiated a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses. ref, ref
Required new hires to sign a form affirming their hiring was not due to political affiliations or contributions. ref, ref
RESULTS:
CBO found 3.7 Million jobs created by stimulus (May 2010). ref
Job loss exploded under Bush, improves under Obama. ref
682,370 jobs created under the Recovery Act Between January 1 — March 31,2010. ref, ref, ref
New jobless claims tumble. ref
March payrolls surge by 162,000 US says . ref
March jobs data showed biggest growth in three years .ref
U.S. economy added 90000 jobs in April . ref
Jobless rates dropped in 34 states and DC (AP). ref
Section curator: ^roytoric
Energy: Green
BROAD POLICY:
Established an Energy Partnership for the Americas. ref
Established the Biofuels Working Group to develop a comprehensive approach to alternative fuels. ref
Additional measures to advance clean energy/solar investments and job creation (ARRA). ref
Launched new Climate Service. ref
Worked toward deploying a global climate change research and monitoring system. ref
Implemented renewable fuels mandate of 36 billion gallons by 2022. ref
FUNDING:
More than doubled federal spending for research on clean fuels. ref
$60 billion in spending and tax incentives for renewable and clean energy. ref
Invested in all types of alternative energy. ref
Increased funding for the Environmental Protection Agency. ref
Invested $2 billion in solar power, hailed new jobs. ref, ref, ref
Established consumer tax credit for plug-in hybrid cars. ref, ref
Provided grants to encourage energy-efficient building codes. ref
Doubled funding for bicycling, walking projects ref, ref
(DOL) Dedicated $100 million in Energy Training Partnership green jobs training grants. ref
(DOL) Dedicated $150 million for Pathways Out of Poverty green jobs training grants. ref
$8 billion combined public/pvt funding committed to develop Smart Power Grid (part of ARRA). ref
Incentivized farmers to use more renewable energy and be more energy efficient. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Purchased fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government. ref
Ordered 5,000 hybrids for federal fleet. ref
(NIST) Completed first release of Smart Grid framework. ref
Created job training programs in clean technologies for displaced workers. ref
Created Green Vet Initiative to promote environmental jobs for veterans. ref
Established program to convert manufacturing centers into clean technology leaders. ref
RESULTS:
First President to create detailed vision for clean energy economy. ref
Wind power growth up 39% due to government stimulus. ref
Study: Almost 5 million charging stations by 2015. ref
Section curator: ^pash
Energy: Old
BROAD POLICY:
Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions. ref
Created Interagency Task Force on Carbon Capture and Storage. ref
Set national standards for fuel economy and first ever greenhouse gas emission levels for passenger cars and light trucks. ref
Set smog limit: new strict proposal to replace Bush-era rule (EPA). ref ref
Regulated greenhouse gases for large industrial sources (EPA). ref
Raised fuel economy standards. ref
Required states to provide incentives for utilities to reduce energy consumption. ref
Allowed states to enact tougher fuel efficiency standards than federal standards. ref
Established Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future. ref
FUNDING:
Pledged more than $8 billion for new nuclear reactors. ref
Tax breaks to promote public transit. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Dismantled the Minerals Management Service, cutting ties between industry and government. ref , ref
Reengaged in global warming and greenhouse gas emissions talks. ref, ref
Offered 17% U.S. emissions cuts at climate summit. ref
Pledged 28% cut in federal greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. ref
Expanded greenhouse gas reduction targets for Federal operations -13% reduction from indirect sources by 2020. ref
(FTC) Toughened anti-greenwashing rules. ref
Instituted “Cash for Clunkers” to spur auto sales and promote fuel efficiency . ref, ref
Ordered inspections of mines with poor safety records. ref
Closed loophole that allowed drilling in Rockies without environmental review. ref
(EPA) Sharply limited mountaintop mining. ref
(EPA) Announced historic plans to regulate coal ash. ref
Required electric utilities to produce 20% of their electricity demand from renewable energy sources by 2020. ref
(EPA) Limited mercury emissions. ref ref
Section curator: ^pash
Energy: Oil
BROAD POLICY:
Introduced Oil Spill Recovery Bill to remove oil company liability cap. ref ref
Created offshore drilling safety review board. ref
Created new drilling agency with investigative arm. ref
Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations and reports. ref
FUNDING:
Ordered $20 billion escrow fund by BP to reimburse lost incomes in Gulf. ref
Ordered $100 million to compensate those hurt by drilling moratorium. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Dismantled the Minerals Management Service, cutting ties between industry and government. ref , ref
Mandated new safety rules for offshore drilling. ref
Opened civil and criminal investigations into Gulf oil spill. ref, ref
(Congress) Launched investigation into gas drilling practices. ref
Established the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. ref
Amended Oil Pollution Act of 1990 authorizing advances from Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. ref
Expanded oil rig workers’ families abilities to sue and recover. ref
Fined BP subsidiary $5.2 million for false reporting. ref
(EPA) Barred Texas’ authority to issue refinery operating permits. ref
Section curator: ^pash
Foreign Affairs and International Relations
BROAD POLICY:
Re-established the United States standing in the world. ref, ref, ref
Poll: World’s opinion of U.S. has “improved sharply” under Obama. ref
47 nations rise to Obama’s challenge at US nuke summit and agree to four years of non-proliferation efforts. ref
Visited more countries and world leaders than any first year president. ref
G-20 Summit produced a $1.1 trillion deal to combat the global financial crisis. ref
Launched an international Add Value to Agriculture initiative (AVTA). ref
Created a rapid response fund for emerging democracies. ref
Bolstered the military’s ability to speak different languages. ref
BY REGION:
West Hem: Returned the rights of Americans to visit and assist their families in Cuba. ref , ref , ref
Middle East: Appointed envoys to the Middle East and AFPAK affirming the power of American diplomacy. ref
Middle East: Renewed loan guarantees for Israel. ref
Middle East: Pledged $400 million in aid to Gaza civillians. ref
Middle East: Pressured Israel to end Gaza blockade. ref
Middle East: Refused to give Israel a “green light” to strike Iran, augmenting Mid-East stability. ref
Middle East: Iran Sanctions Act. ref
Asia: Authorized President Bill Clinton’s mission to secure the release of two Americans held in North Korea. ref
Asia: Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Webb to secure the release of an American held captive. ref
Asia: Renewed import restrictions under Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. ref
Asia: Nuclear arms agreements with India (5/4/2010). ref
Africa: Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009. ref
Africa: Helped stabilize Somalia (Exec Order). ref
Aus: Nuclear arms agreements with Australia (5/5/2010). ref
Europe: Nuclear arms agreement with Russia. ref , ref, ref, ref
Europe: Agreed with Switzerland to bolster tax information exchange ref, ref
Government Efficiency
BROAD POLICY:
Established the President’s Management Advisory Board. ref
Streamlined and modernized government to save taxpayer dollars. ref
Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations and reports. ref
SPECIFIC CUTS:
Cut salaries of senior White House aides. ref
Made $20 Billion in budget cuts. ref
Provided that Members of Congress shall not receive a cost of living adjustment in pay during fiscal year 2011. ref, ref, ref
Eliminated F-22 fighter jet program after lobbying Senate vote to strip financing for more jets from a defense funding authorization bill. ref, ref, ref
Canceled contract for new Presidential helicopter fleet (28 helicopters, $11.2 billion). ref
OTHER TARGETED ACTIONS:
Enhanced payment accuracy through a “Do Not Pay” list. ref
Cracked down on tax cheats (Exec Order). ref
Returned taxpayer monies for refurbishment of White House offices and living quarters. ref , ref
Established the USA.gov portal connecting people to the services they require. ref
Section curator: ^roytoric
Health and Wellness
BROAD POLICY:
Established HealthCare.gov, a web portal for determining and comparing all consumer health insurance and health care options ref, ref
Established an independent health institute to provide accurate and objective information. ref
Established the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council . ref, ref
Established President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. ref
Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules. ref
Implemented a National HIV/AIDS Strategy 7/13/10 ref
FUNDING:
Provided $20 billion increase for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. ref
Provided $500 million in expanded funding for Health Professions Training Programs. ref, ref
Provided funding to strengthen hospital preparedness and emergency response ref
Expanded funding to train primary care providers and public health practitioners. ref
Increased funding to expand community based prevention prog: rams. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
First Lady Michelle Obama kicked off anti-obesity effort. ref
Established a New Patient’s Bill of Rights. ref
Established Patient Safety and Medical Liability Demonstration Projects. ref , ref
Questioned Prestigious Hospitals in Electronic Health Records Probe (DHHS). ref
Established Standards For Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment ref
Expanded vaccination programs. ref , ref
Signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. ref
Engaged global efforts on HIV/AIDS issues. ref
(FDA) Now regulating tobacco. ref, ref
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. ref
(FDA) Ordered Tobacco Companies to Disclose Cigarette Ingredients. ref , ref , ref
Banned sale of “light” cigarettes. ref
Increased Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities (Exec Order)(celebrating 20th anniversary of the ADA). ref, ref
(FDA) to discuss stricter guidelines for tanning beds due to skin cancer. ref
(FDA) Issued new guidance limiting antibiotic use in cattle to preserve efficacy in humans (6/28/2010). ref
FDA) Reconsidered safety of Bisphenol A, initiates study. ref
Section curator: ^roytoric
Health Care Reform (See also Taxes)
BROAD POLICY:
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act // Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (March 2010). ref , ref
Required large employers to contribute to a national health plan. ref
Required insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions. ref , ref
Required health plans to disclose how much of the premium goes to patient care. ref
Established an independent health institute to provide accurate and objective information. ref
Provided minimum essential health care coverage by Veteran’s Affairs. ref
Expanded eligibility for State Children’s Health Insurance Fund (SCHIP). ref, ref
Prevented children from being refused health insurance coverage. ref
Established Early Retiree Reinsurance Program. ref
Increased regulation of drug manufacturers. ref, ref
Cut prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients by 50% and began eliminating the plan’s gap (“donut hole”) in coverage. ref
TRICARE Affirmation Act. ref
Extended COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) to provide for a continuation of health care. ref, ref, ref
Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009. ref , ref , ref, ref
Section curator: ^roytoric
Housing
BROAD POLICY:
Unveiled $275 billion dollar housing plan ref
Established “Opening Doors” – a federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness. ref , ref
FUNDING:
Provided $510 Million for the rehabilitation of Native American housing. ref
Provided $2 billion for Neighborhood Stabilization Program . ref
Provided $5 billion for Weatherization Assistance Program for low income families. ref
Provided grants to encourage energy-efficient building codes. Ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act. ref
Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, helping millions avoid foreclosure . ref, ref
Established the Making Home Affordable Plan, which will provide for the refinance or loan modification for 9 Million homeowners. ref
RESULTS:
New-home sales saw biggest jump in 47 years. ref, ref
Foreclosures fall 2%. ref
Humanitarianism
BROAD POLICY:
Supported the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT). ref
Civil Rights History Project Act of 2009. ref, ref
FUNDING:
Accelerated tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for Haiti earthquake relief. ref
Made Haiti donations tax deductible for 2009. ref
$60 million for flood victims in Pakistan (8/19/10).
TARGETED ACTIONS:
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act; instituted equal pay for women. ref, ref, ref
Presidential Memorandum extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. ref, ref, ref, ref
Increased federal employment of individuals with disabilities (Exec Order)(celebrating 20th anniversary of the ADA). ref ref
Presidential Memorandum extending benefits to Same-Sex Partners of Federal Employees. ref, ref, ref, ref
Presidential Memorandum protecting gay and lesbian partners’ visitation/healthcare decision-making rights (4/15/2010). ref
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act. ref
Awarded the Presidential Medal of freedom to Harvey Milk and Billie Jean King. ref
The Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act, advancing press freedom and safety for journalists. ref, ref,
The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act to include gender, sexual orientation and disability. ref
Established White House Council on Women and Girls (Executive Order 13506 ). ref
Awarded 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. ref
Signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. ref
The Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009. ref
Appointed an American Indian policy adviser. ref
(EPA) Reversed Controversial “Human Guinea Pig” Rule. ref
Immigration
Requested emergency funding of $600 million for Border Security. ref
Deployed more drones on Mexico border (Homeland Security). ref
Deported higher numbers of Illegal Immigrants. ref
Infrastructure
BROAD POLICY:
Introduced plan to expand broadband Internet across U.S. ref, ref
FUNDING:
$8 billion combined public/private funding committed to develop Smart Power Grid (ARRA.) ref
$800 million to fund rapid rollout of rural broadband expansion (7/2010). ref
Provided funding for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools. ref
Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect. ref
$290 million in funding for 53 grants to “fund new streetcars, buses, and transit facilities.” ref ref
Invested $13 Billion (ARRA: $8B + $1B 5-year federal budget) in high speed rail projects in 13 major corridors ref, ref, ref
Provided grants to encourage energy-efficient building codes. ref
Created a social investment fund network. ref
Funded a major expansion of AmeriCorps. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
(NIST) Completed first release of Smart Grid framework. ref
Opened 500 MHz of wireless spectrum over next 10 years to expand wireless/mobile broadband use. ref
Commenced 10,000th road project, Columbus, OH (part of ARRA); June 2010. ref , ref
Airport and Airway Extension Act. ref
Initiated modification to Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) regulations. ref, ref
Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which expands the volunteer program. ref, ref ref
RESULTS:
Study: Almost 5 million charging stations by 2015. ref
10,000th highway project (ARRA). ref
Section curator: ^roytoric
Labor
Established POWER Initiative – protects government workers, ensures reemployment, reduces worker’s comp claims and payments. ref
Restored funding to the EEOC and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. ref
Law and Justice
BROAD POLICY:
Outlined new federal drug control policy. ref ref
Ordered review of mandatory minimum sentences. ref
FUNDING:
Restored funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG) program. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court. ref, ref
Appointed first black Attorney General, Eric Holder. ref
Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act to include gender, sexual orientation and disability. ref
Established crimes programs for the new Orleans area. ref
Brought greter alignment to sentencing guidelines for powdered versus crack cocaine. ref
Denounced SCOTUS ruling in Citizens United. ref
Pushing through settlement in the Black Farmers Lawsuit against USDA . ref, ref
DTV Delay Act. ref
Criminal History Background Checks Pilot Extension Act of 2009. ref
Tribal Law and Order Act. ref, ref, ref, ref
RESULTS:
U.S. jail population declined for first time in decades. ref
Section curators:
Medicaid/Medicare/Social Security
BROAD POLICY:
Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare. ref
Social Security Disability Applicant Access to Professional Representation Act of 2010. ref
FUNDING:
Eliminated higher subsidies to Medicare Advantage plans. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009. ref, ref, ref, ref
Cut prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients by 50% and began eliminating the plan’s gap (“donut hole”) in coverage. ref
Preserved access to care for Medicare beneficiaries ref
Expanded eligibility for Medicaid. ref
Military and National Security
BROAD POLICY:
Began restructuring the military to reflect present day threats and technology. ref
Recommitted the U.S. to a policy of “no torture” and full compliance with the Geneva Conventions. ref
All servicepeople receive education in a region’s culture and language before deployment there (a soldier said this on Maddow).
Supported the Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT). ref , ref
Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date. ref
Established new cyber security office. ref, ref
Defense Production Act Reauthorization of 2009. ref
Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act. ref
Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act. ref
FUNDING:
Cut the missile defense program by $1.4 billion in 2010. ref
Eliminated F-22 fighter jet program after lobbying Senate vote to strip financing for more jets from a defense funding authorization bill. ref, ref, ref
Canceled contract for new Presidential helicopter fleet (28 helicopters, $11.2 billion). ref
$1.1 Billion for improving airport security. ref
Increased pay and benefits for military personnel. ref
BY REGION/THEATER:
AF Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan. ref, ref
AF Set troop pullout in Afghanistan to begin in summer 2011. ref , ref
AF Established Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing, prioritizes aid
AF infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices. ref
AF Ordered military to withdraw fast food establishments from Afghan bases. ref
IQ Ended combat mission (remaining personnel are nonagressive) 8/18/10
SOM Increased US Navy patrols off Somali coast. ref
SOM Ordered SEAL operation that resulted in killing of three terrorists and the release of US captain held by Somali pirates. ref
Closed secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere. ref , ref
Opened door to space arms treaty. ref, ref
Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks, building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols. ref
Executive Order Optimizing the Security of Biological Select Agents and Toxins in the US. ref
Caught more Taliban Leaders in one month than Bush/Cheney did in six years. ref
Negotiated nuclear arms agreements with Australia (5/5/2010), India (5/4/2010), and Russia (5/10/2010). ref, ref, ref, ref
New START treaty and protocol with Medvedev. ref
Section curators:
Military Veterans and Families
BROAD POLICY:
Initiated a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses. ref, ref
Improved benefits for veterans. ref, ref, ref, ref
Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development . ref
Worked to clear the backlog of veterans claims and streamline benefits to those who served. ref
FUNDING:
Provided for the expenses of families of to be at Dover AFB when fallen soldiers arrive.ref
Donated 250K of Nobel prize money to Fisher House. ref
Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009. ref
Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009. ref
Promoted a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (“WASP”). ref
Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information. ref , ref, ref , ref
Military Spouses Residency Relief Act. ref
Improved basic housing allowance for military personnel. ref
Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010. ref
Provided minimum essential health care coverage by Veteran’s Affairs. ref
Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans. ref
Korean War Veterans Recognition Act. ref
Blinded Veterans Association. ref
Major Charles R. Soltes, Jr., O.D. Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center. ref
Improved access for Veterans to receive PTSD treatment. ref
Green Vet Initiative to promote environmental jobs for veterans. ref
Section curators: ^roytoric
National Disasters and Emergencies
BROAD POLICY:
Ordered an extensive review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness. ref, ref
Memorandum on the Long-Term Gulf Coast Restoration Support Plan ref
FUNDING:
Provided $210 Million for building and upgrading fire stations. ref
Ordered $20 billion escrow fund by BP to reimburse lost incomes in Gulf. ref
Ordered $100 million to compensate those hurt by drilling moratorium. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Haiti Economic Lift Program Act of 2010. ref
Haiti Debt Relief and Earthquake Recovery Act of 2010. ref
Emergency Aid to American Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake Act. ref
National Service
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act — Expands the national volunteer program. ref ref, ref ref
Created a Social Investment Fund Network. ref
Section curators: ^roytoric
Scientific and Medical Research
BROAD POLICY:
Removed restrictions and provided support for embryonic stem-cell research and new biomedical research. ref, ref, ref ref
Extended the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. ref, ref
Supported Landsat Data Continuity Mission to enhance earth mapping. ref
FUNDING:
Provided new federal funding for science and research labs. ref
Provided grants to early-career researchers. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Appointed an assistant to the president for science and technology policy. ref
Optimized the Security of Biological Select Agents and Toxins in the United States ref
Optimized the Security of Biological Select Agents and Toxins in the United States ref
Space Exploration and Space Station
BROAD POLICY:
Worked with international allies on International Space Station ref
Opened door to space arms treaty. ref, ref
Used the private sector to improve spaceflight ref
Supported commercial access to outer space ref
FUNDING:
Increased spending to prepare for longer space missions ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Added another Space Shuttle flight ref
Partnered to enhance the potential of the International Space Station ref
Used the International Space Station for fundamental biological and physical research ref
Determined whether International Space Station can operate after 2016 ref
Conducted robust research and development on future space missions ref
DOD opened access to social media sites (Air Force News). ref
DOD will film all interrogations. ref
Cracked down on tax cheats (exec order). ref
Dismantled the Minerals Management Service, cutting ties between industry and government. ref , ref
Established the USA.gov portal connecting people to the services they require ref
Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act. ref, ref
White House voluntary disclosure policy – visitor access records/450,000 records to date ref ref
Taxes
BROAD POLICY:
Adopted Economic Substance tax doctrine. ref
Cracked down on tax cheats (Exec Order). ref
TARGETED ACTIONS: TAX CREDITS/REDUCTIONS:
Temporarily suspended taxes on unemployment benefits. ref ref
Established consumer tax credit for plug-in hybrid cars. ref, ref
$60 billion in spending and tax incentives for renewable and clean energy. ref
Tax breaks to promote public transit. ref
Extended and indexed the 2007 Alternative Minimum Tax patch. ref
Small business teax credits for the cost of health insurance for employees beginning 1/1/10 (HCR).
2-year temporary tax credit up to $1 billion to encourage investment in new disease prevention and treatment therapies (HCR).
Income floor for medical expense deductions for individuals age 65 and older (and their spouses) remains at 7.5% through 2016; Raise 7.5% floor to 10% for all others (1/1/13) (HCR) ref
Health insurance premium tax credits and subsidies available for those with income up to 4x the federal poverty level (1/1/14) (HCR) ref ref
Accelerated tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for Haiti earthquake relief. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS: TAX ASSESSMENTS/INCREASES:
Made Haiti donations tax deductible for 2009. ref
ncreased penalty tax of 20% on nonqual distributions from HSA and MSA (1/1/11) (HCR) ref
Income tax rates for the highest earners will change from 35 to 39.6 percent. (1/1/11) (HCR) ref
Capital gains tax for the highest earners will change from 15 to 20 percent. (1/1/11) (HCR) ref
2.3% excise tax on manufacturers and importers of certain medical devices (1/1/13) (HCR) ref
For high earners the capital gains tax will rise from 20 to 23.8 percent. (1/1/13) (HCR) ref
A 2.35 percent Medicare payroll tax only on wages over the threshold (an increase of 0.9 percent) (1/1/13) (HCR) ref
Tax increase for corporations with assets of at least $1 billion (1/1/14) (HCR) ref
40% Excise tax on Cadillac health plans (2018) (HCR) ref
TARGETED ACTIONS: TAX ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION:
Closed offshore tax safe havens, tax credit loopholes . ref , ref , ref
Employers will report the value of health benefits on W-2s (1/1/11) (HCR) ref
RESULTS:
Tax bills hit lowest level since 1950. ref
Tax refunds up 10 percent due to stimulus. ref
Section curator: ^roytoric
Transparency and Accountability
BROAD POLICY:
Mandate to follow the standards of the Freedom of Information Act (exec order). ref
Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible. ref
Unveiled “open government” plans. ref
Federal IT Dashboard, “a website enabling federal agencies & the public to view details of information technology”. ref
TARGETED ACTIONS:
Released presidential records. ref
Imposed limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House. ref ref
Imposed limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration. ref
Closed lobbyist loopholes with respect to the Recovery Act ref
Banned lobbyist gifts to executive employees. ref
Provided more town halls and media access than previous administration. ref, ref
Required health plans to disclose how much of the premium goes to patient care. ref
Established an independent health institute to provide accurate and objective information. ref
Required new hires to sign a form affirming their hiring was not due to political affiliations or contributions. ref, ref
Established a uniform standard for declassifying, safeguarding and classifying national security information (12/29/2009). ref
Created a national declassification center. ref
DOD opened access to social media sites (Air Force News). ref
DOD will film all interrogations. ref
Cracked down on tax cheats (exec order). ref
Dismantled the Minerals Management Service, cutting ties between industry and government. ref , ref
Established the USA.gov portal connecting people to the services they require ref
Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act. ref, ref
RESULTS:
White House voluntary disclosure policy – visitor access records/450,000 records to date ref ref
Recovery, Progress and Change
Federal deficit shrank 8% year-on-year.
Financial reform has ‘strongest consumer financial protections in history.’ ref
Wall St reform designed to end taxpayer bailouts. ref
Six-month report card: exports in the first four months of 2010 were 17 percent higher than in the first four months of 2009 . ref
Job loss exploded under Bush, improves under Obama. ref
682,370 jobs created under the Recovery Act Between January 1 — March 31,2010. ref, ref, ref
New jobless claims tumble. ref
March payrolls surge by 162,000. ref
March jobs data showed biggest growth in three years .ref
U.S. economy added 90,000 jobs in April . ref
Jobless rates dropped in 34 states and DC (AP). ref
New-home sales saw biggest jump in 47 years. ref, ref
Foreclosures fall 2%. ref
U.S. Economy: Manufacturing grew by most since 2004. ref
U.S. GDP up 3.2% in first quarter, consumer spending showed biggest rise in 3 years . ref
Orders for most durable goods rose. ref
Wholesale inventories and sales rose in March. ref
Consumer confidence highest in 2 years. ref
Start-Up activity now higher than it was during the dotcom boom. ref
Study: almost 5 million charging stations by 2015. ref
Wind power growth up 39% due to government stimulus. ref
Poll: world’s opinion of U.S. has “improved sharply” under Obama.ref
47 nations rise to Obama’s challenge at US nuke summit and agree to four years of non-proliferation efforts. ref
U.S. jail population declined for first time in decades. ref
Miscellaneous
Got his daughters a puppy! ref
Held first Seder in White House. ref, ref
Appointed at least one Republican to the cabinet. ref
Section curator:

Link: Obama Administration’s Achievements (Thus Far) » Obama's Achievements Center


And Obama has accomplished all the above in spite of the obstruction he has gotten from the Rethugs

Just wait till Obama's 2nd term. So much more to do to clean up after those idiots that were in the White House before he got there.

Originally Posted by S Landreth

Originally Posted by Boon Mee

Well, it’s not like there are a lot of accomplishments to boast of, eh?

Oh no not much,...........

Got that right!

Notably absent from that list of 'stuff' he's supposedly done himself...heh, he was just voting 'Present' anyway so yer list is bogus - Obama hasn't met with his Budget Chair for over a year. The one thing he just might need to do is pass a Budget, don't you think? Even his fellow Democrats aren't on-board with Obama and his spending. A Budget is something demanded by the Constitution btw.

Guess when you only 'work' 4 or 5 hours a day and the rest of the time is spent on the golf course, you don't really have time for a Budget meeting, eh?

Obama is an economic illiterate...