Good Politics Radio

The following podcast is brought to you courtesy of A World of Possibilities and The Mainstream Media Project.

As our savings plummet and our debts soar, many of us are starting to wonder not only when we’ll get back on track, but whether the track we’ve been on all these years is the right one to follow. Author, economist and former labor secretary Robert Reich asserts that rather than resuscitate an unjust and unsustainable economy, we should reinvent it to meet a wider range of needs and possibilities.

Guests:
Robert Reich

(Please click on the guest’s name to listen to their full unedited interview.)

Credits:
Host: Mark Sommer
Senior Producer: Gregg McVicar
Associate Producers: Matt Fidler, Naihma Deady
Production Engineer: Michael Schwartz
Field Engineer: Milt Wallace
Music in this program: Open – “The Far, Lonely Cry of Trains” by Robbie Robertson – Hip-O Select; “A United Earth I” by Alan Stivell and Youssou N’Dour – Putumayo World Music; “El Barzon” by Eddy Lawrence; “Edge of America” by Annie Humphrey – Makoche Records; “Working on a Dream” by Bruce Springsteen – Columbia Records.

Funding: listeners like you.

Duration: 55:00 minutes

Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Republican Weekly Address was delivered by House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio.  He talked about the programs recently pushed forward by the Congress and Administration that affect the economy, health care, energy, and the environment.  He makes the point that these policies may destroy more jobs than they create and cause deeper debts.

“I’m John Boehner, House Republican leader. When I’m home in Ohio, I get an earful about the crushing debt Washington Democrats are running up. The president and Democrats in Congress claim this spending binge is necessary to put Americans back to work.

They promised unemployment would not rise above 8% if their trillion-dollar “stimulus” was passed. But our nation has lost nearly 3 million jobs this year. Unemployment has soared above 9%. And now the president admits that unemployment will soon reach double-digits. After all of this spending, after all of this borrowing from China, the Middle East, our children, and our grandchildren, where are the jobs?

It’s about to get worse for middle-class families and small businesses. Democrats are pushing a government takeover of our healthcare system that will cost at least a trillion dollars.

The president has repeatedly claimed that Americans will be able to keep their doctors under the Democrats’ plan, but the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reports that at least 23 million Americans would lose their current health coverage and their doctors.

Another independent report projects that nearly 100 million Americans may be forced onto government rolls.

Our nation could lose an additional 4.7 million jobs under the Democrats’ healthcare proposal, based on analysis developed by White House chief economic advisor, Dr. Christina Romer.

And 1 million small-business jobs would be lost because of the Democrats’ costly mandates.

Small businesses are the engine of our economy. We should help them weather the storm and create jobs.  This would be a real stimulus, but Washington hasn’t tried it yet. Republicans have offered a plan that encourages investment and allows families and small businesses to keep more of what they earn to help get our economy moving again – a real stimulus plan.

On healthcare, we’ve put forward a better alternative that will reduce costs, expand access, and increase the quality of care in a way Americans can afford – without new taxes, costly mandates, or a government takeover that puts bureaucrats in charge of medical decisions that should be made by doctors and patients.

This week, the president and Democrats on Capitol Hill continued their push for Speaker Pelosi’s national energy tax. By imposing a tax on every American who drives a car or flips on a light switch, this plan will drive up the prices for food, gasoline and electricity.

Even President Obama has said that energy prices will – quote – “skyrocket,” and its consequences will be especially severe in rural communities across our country. The Democrats’ bill will also ship millions of jobs to competitors like China and India. A recent study estimated it will cost us between 2.3 and 2.7 million jobs every year.

We should be creating American jobs – not destroying them.That’s why House Republicans have proposed a better way: an “all-of-the-above” strategy to clean up the environment, lower energy costs, and create more jobs.  Our plan will increase environmentally safe energy production; promote the use of alternative fuels, such as nuclear, clean-coal, and renewable energy technologies; and encourage increased efficiency.

Republicans are offering common-sense solutions that will make a real difference in creating jobs, making healthcare more affordable, and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment, and reducing energy costs.  We hope our Democrat colleagues will abandon their failed go-it-alone approach and work with us to make these reforms a reality. Thanks for listening.”

President Obama, in his weekly address to the nation, talked about the passage of the Energy Bill by the House.  He said that it will create clean energy and jobs.

“Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a historic piece of legislation that will open the door to a clean energy economy and a better future for America.

For more than three decades, we have talked about our dependence on foreign oil.  And for more than three decades, we have seen that dependence grow.  We have seen our reliance on fossil fuels jeopardize our national security.  We have seen it pollute the air we breathe and endanger our planet.  And most of all, we have seen other countries realize a critical truth:  the nation that leads in the creation of a clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy.

Now is the time for the United States of America to realize this too.  Now is the time for us to lead.

The energy bill that passed the House will finally create a set of incentives that will spark a clean energy transformation in our economy.  It will spur the development of low carbon sources of energy – everything from wind, solar, and geothermal power to safer nuclear energy and cleaner coal.  It will spur new energy savings, like the efficient windows and other materials that reduce heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.  And most importantly, it will make possible the creation of millions of new jobs.

Make no mistake:  this is a jobs bill.  We’re already seeing why this is true in the clean energy investments we’re making through the Recovery Act.  In California, 3000 people will be employed to build a new solar plant that will create 1000 permanent jobs.  In Michigan, investment in wind turbines and wind technology is expected to create over 2,600 jobs.  In Florida, three new solar projects are expected to employ 1400 people.

The list goes on and on, but the point is this:  this legislation will finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy.  That will lead to the creation of new businesses and entire new industries.  And that will lead to American jobs that pay well and cannot be outsourced.  I have often talked about the need to build a new foundation for economic growth so that we do not return to the endless cycle of bubble and bust that led us to this recession.  Clean energy and the jobs it creates will be absolutely critical to this new foundation.

This legislation has also been written carefully to address the concerns that many have expressed in the past.  Instead of increasing the deficit, it is paid for by the polluters who currently emit dangerous carbon emissions.  It provides assistance to businesses and families as they make the gradual transition to clean energy technologies.  It gives rural communities and farmers the opportunity to participate in climate solutions and generate new income.  And above all, it will protect consumers from the costs of this transition, so that in a decade, the price to the average American will be just about a postage stamp a day.

Because this legislation is so balanced and sensible, it has already attracted a remarkable coalition of consumer and environmental groups; labor and business leaders; Democrats and Republicans.  And I want to thank every Member of Congress who put politics aside to support this bill on Friday.

Now my call to every Senator, as well as to every American, is this:  We cannot be afraid of the future.  And we must not be prisoners of the past.  Don’t believe the misinformation out there that suggests there is somehow a contradiction between investing in clean energy and economic growth.  It’s just not true.

We have been talking about energy for decades.  But there is no longer a disagreement over whether our dependence on foreign oil is endangering our security.  It is.  There is no longer a debate about whether carbon pollution is placing our planet in jeopardy.  It’s happening.  And there is no longer a question about whether the jobs and industries of the 21st century will be centered around clean, renewable energy.  The question is, which country will create these jobs and these industries?  I want that answer to be the United States of America.  And I believe that the American people and the men and women they sent to Congress share that view.  So I want to congratulate the House for passing this bill, and I want to urge the Senate to take this opportunity to come together and meet our obligations – to our constituents, to our children, to God’s creation, and to future generations.

Thanks for listening.”

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panelists begin the show by talking about the scandal surrounding South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford.  The panel has a brief discussion about sex and what is wrong with men.  The only winner in the situation seems to be the Governor’s wife.

The panel then talks about the clean energy bill before the House.  A point is made that if the bill fails then President Obama’s credibility may diminish.

Next they talk about the health care bill before Congress.  Public opinion polls show that support may be diminishing.  A point is made that lobbyists are working hard to sway opinion in Congress and may be successful.

Finally, the panel talks briefly about the death of Michael Jackson.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and   Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read Max Baucus’s 90 page report on health care reform.

Click here to read the Wall Street Journal article about public health care options.

Mark Levine’s Inside Scoop on Washington

Today Mark Levine talks about Iran’s election and health care reform with Republican strategist Mark Lane.

They talk about what they think is the right level of intervention by the U.S. after the recent elections and protests.  They agree that U.S. citizens want to be on the side of the Iranian citizens and that Iran is very different from other Muslim nations.  They discuss what President Obama should say and discuss how we should help the Iranian people.

Neither Lane nor Levine are fans of Ayatollah Kameinei.  Lane believes that President Obama needs to make a strong statement.  Levine compares the protests with the protests in China in 1989 (Tianaman Square).  Lane says that this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to create real change in that part of the world.  They agree that military force should not be used.

Levine and Lane have greater disagreements on health care reform.  Lane believes that it will be difficult to get enough Senate Democrats on board with the President’s health care program.  He says the cost is too high, not enough people are covered, and there aren’t enough votes to pass it.  Levine says that the program is open and transparent and has merit.  The vast majority of Americans believe we need reform.  He says that rejecting the President’s plan means supporting the status quo, which is worse.  Lane talks about aspects of the Republican plan for health care reform and Levine refutes them.  Levine talks about the strong points of the President’s plan.

Click here to listen to this podcast.

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The Inside Scoop is nationally syndicated on the Head-On Radio Network and iTunes. The show can be heard on radio weekdays, 5-6 pm Eastern, and can be seen on television Monday 7-8 pm Eastern.

Since June 2003, Mark Levine has given listeners The Inside Scoop from political players inside the Beltway – news that the Media almost never reports and those in power in the Government do not want you to know about. Mark welcomes all during his talk radio hour, and he particularly values calls from folks who disagree with him.

Visit Radio Inside Scoop.com to access more information and additional podcast shows.

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with William Redpath, national Chairman of the Libertarian Party about America’s rush toward socialism; Ryan Shafik gets the “Real Story” from Andy Roth of the Club for Growth on the economic cost of “cap and trade” legislation; And, Colin Hanna of Let Freedom Ring, USA has an American Radio Journal commentary on asking Congressmen to take a pledge to read legislation before voting on it.

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American Radio Journal is produced and distributed by the Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research, Inc. The Lincoln Institute is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1993, the mission of the Lincoln Institute is: “To promote the ideals of free market economics, individual liberty, and limited government through the conduct of public opinion research and related educational programs.”

The Lincoln Institute accepts no government money and is completely funded by philanthropic grant making foundations, corporations, and individuals.

To listen to the broadcast click here.

The following podcast is brought to you courtesy of A World of Possibilities and The Mainstream Media Project.

The indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in large-scale industrial meat production is building bacterial resistance to the most effective antibiotics on which our national and global health systems depend. Recorded largely on location on Midwestern hog and poultry farms, this program features interviews with farmers and others who are raising hogs by healthier and more humane ways.

Guests:
Dr. Stuart Levy, Professor of Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Medicine, Tufts School of Medicine
Robert Martin, Executive Director, Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production
Dr. Lance Price, Director, Center for Metagenomics and Human Health, The Translational Genomics Institute
Sarah Willis and Lori Lyon, Niman Ranch, Thornton, Iowa, managers, Niman Ranch, Inc
James Frantzen, Organic Valley Coop farmers, Alta Vista, Iowa
Heidi Vittetoe, Vittetoe Farms, Washington, Iowa
This program also includes numerous interviews recorded on location.

(Click on a guest’s name to listen to their full unedited interview.)

Credits:
Host: Mark Sommer
Senior Producer: Gregg McVicar
Associate Producers: Naihma Deady, Matt Fidler
Production Engineer: Michael Schwartz
Field Engineer: John Pemble

Music in this program: “A United Earth I” – Alan Stivell and Youssou N’Dour – Putumayo World Music; “Big Pig Jig” – String Planet – Tone Science Records; “Four Wet Pigs” – Greg Brown – Red House Records; “Monkey Let The Hogs Out” – Jerry Douglas – Sugar Hill Records.

Funding: The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Duration: 55:00 minutes

Click here to listen to the podcast.

President Obama, in his weekly address to the nation, talked about his proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency.  He explains the background of the current financial problems and the aim of the new Agency.

“As we continue to recover from an historic economic crisis, it is clear to everyone that one of its major causes was a breakdown in oversight that led to widespread abuses in the financial system. An epidemic of irresponsibility took hold from Wall Street to Washington to Main Street.  And the consequences have been disastrous. Millions of Americans have seen their life savings erode; families have been devastated by job losses; businesses large and small have closed their doors.

In response, this week, my administration proposed a set of major reforms to the rules that govern our financial system; to attack the causes of this crisis and to prevent future crises from taking place; to ensure that our markets can work fairly and freely for businesses and consumers alike.

We are going to promote markets that work for those who play by the rules. We’re going to stand up for a system in which fair dealing and honest competition are the only way to win. We’re going to level the playing field for consumers. And we’re going to have the kinds of rules that encourage innovations that make our economy stronger – not those that allow insiders to exploit its weaknesses for their own gain. (more…)

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panelists begin the show by talking about the Iranian election and chaos.  The election has resulted in enormous protests in the country.  They discuss President Obama’s response the response of the House of Representatives.  They also talk about Iran’s Supreme Leader’s response.  Bob Scheer and Tony Blankley talk about US invovlement in Iran in the past.

The panel then talks about Secretary Geithner’s regulatory proposals for the financial sector.  Too much regulation?  Too watered down by special interests?  A good discussion ensues.

In the last segment the panel touches upon the latest snag in healthcare reform when the CBO reported on the costs and coverage of the Kennedy bill.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and   Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read the NY Times article about the financial reforms.

The following podcast is brought to you courtesy of A World of Possibilities and The Mainstream Media Project.

Corn: that most American of grains. These days corn is feed, fuel and ubiquitous sweetener, the biggest of business and some say the core of an industrial food system that’s unhealthy for people, livestock and soils. Join us as we trace corn’s origins back to Mesoamerica and conduct a forensic exam on the hybridized, genetically modified corn we know today.

Guests:
Aaron Woolf, Director of King Corn
Ricardo Salvador, Associate Professor of Agronomy at Iowa State University
Mark Muller, Director of Environment and Agriculture at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
Steve Ettlinger, Author of Twinkie, Deconstructed
(Click on a guest’s name to listen to their full unedited interview.)

Credits: Music in this program: open- “Mr. Farmer” by The Wowz, Null Music; welcome- “A United Earth I” by Alan Stivell and Youssou N’Dour, Putumayo World Music; break 1- “When I Have a Farm” by Natalia Zuckerman, Talisman Records; break 2- “Mr. Farmer” by The Wowz, Null Music; bottom of the hour billboard- “A United Earth I” by Alan Stivell and Yousou N’Dour, Putumayo World Music; break 3- “Wonderful Land” by The Shadows, Eagle Records; close and credits- “Mr. Farmer” by The Wowz, Null Records. Distribution: WFMT Radio Network, Chicago. Marketing: Creative PR, Los Angeles.

Funding: W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Duration: 55:00 minutes

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Mark Levine’s Inside Scoop on Washington

Today Mark Levine talks about Iran and North Korea and the nuclear threats that each poses.  He also talks about Iran’s recent election and the meaning of Mousavi’s protests.

The guest today is Rachel Kleinfeld from the Truman National Security Project.

Levine spends some time talking about the history of North Korea and of Iran before talking to his guest.  His back story for each country is very helpful and interesting.

Rachel Kleinfeld addresses the question of why these nations should not be allowed to have nuclear weapons.  She also talks about the small amount of intelligence that we have on North Korea.  How far will China allow North Korea to go?  Does China have the leverage to effect a regime change in North Korea?

Kleinfeld makes the case that we may have to live with a nuclear Iran.

Click here to listen to this podcast.

_________________________________________

The Inside Scoop is nationally syndicated on the Head-On Radio Network and iTunes. The show can be heard on radio weekdays, 5-6 pm Eastern, and can be seen on television Monday 7-8 pm Eastern.

Since June 2003, Mark Levine has given listeners The Inside Scoop from political players inside the Beltway – news that the Media almost never reports and those in power in the Government do not want you to know about. Mark welcomes all during his talk radio hour, and he particularly values calls from folks who disagree with him.

Visit Radio Inside Scoop.com to access more information and additional podcast shows.

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with Ali Alfoneh of the American Enterprise Institute about the disputed presidential election in Iran; Ryan Shafik gets the Real Story from Andy Roth of the Club for Growth on the White House doing damage control over the failing stimulus program; and Col. Frank Ryan, USMC (Ret.) has an American Radio Journal commentary on why he is resigning as a taxpayer.

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American Radio Journal is produced and distributed by the Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research, Inc. The Lincoln Institute is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1993, the mission of the Lincoln Institute is: “To promote the ideals of free market economics, individual liberty, and limited government through the conduct of public opinion research and related educational programs.”

The Lincoln Institute accepts no government money and is completely funded by philanthropic grant making foundations, corporations, and individuals.

To listen to the broadcast click here.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panelists begin the show by talking about the big turnout in the Iranian elections.  This suggests that we must take a more complex view of Iran.

The panel then talks about the banks beginning to pay back the TARP money.  Perhaps serious regulation will not happen at all.  The panel has a good discussion about this idea.

The last segment is about the health care debate.  They talk about single payer systems and hybrid systems.  They debate whether there will be cost savings.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and   Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

The Republican Weekly Address was delivered by Indiana Representative Mike Pence who talks about the American Energy Act, the Republicans energy plan.

“I’m Indiana Congressman Mike Pence.

Across the country, gas prices and home utility bills are on the rise again.

During these difficult economic times, higher energy prices impose a great hardship on families struggling to make ends meet.

Unfortunately, the Democrat Majority in Congress is embracing a national energy tax that will lead to even higher energy prices and massive job losses for the American people.

President Obama even admitted that under his energy plan utility rates would “necessarily skyrocket.”

If the Democrats’ cap and trade bill were to become law, estimates suggest that the average American family would face up to $4,300 a year in extra energy costs and anywhere between 1.8 and 7 million American jobs could be lost.

That’s a heavy price to pay for a plan that will do very little to clean up our environment, since manufacturers will probably ship their plants, and their pollution, to countries with less stringent environmental safeguards.

This national energy tax amounts to an economic declaration of war on America’s families, small businesses and family farms.  The American people know we can do better.

This past week, House Republicans introduced the American Energy Act.  It’s an “all of the above” energy plan that offers energy independence, more jobs and a cleaner environment, without imposing a national energy tax.

The Republican energy plan calls for more domestic exploration for oil and natural gas, a renewed commitment to clean, emissions-free nuclear energy, investments in renewable and alternative energy technologies and incentives to spur greater conservation among individuals and businesses. (more…)

President Obama, in his weekly address to the nation, talked about issues related to national health care.  He stressed that health care reform is an important part of solving our long-term fiscal problems.  He announced that proposed saving in Medicare will help fund the national health care program.

“Last week, I spoke to you about my commitment to work with Congress to pass health care reform this year. Today, I’d like to speak about how that effort is essential to restoring fiscal responsibility.

When it comes to the cost of health care, this much is clear: the status quo is unsustainable for families, businesses, and government. America spends nearly 50 percent more per person on health care than any other country. Health care premiums have doubled over the last decade, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs have skyrocketed, and many with preexisting conditions are denied coverage. More and more, Americans are being priced out of the care they need.

These costs are also hurting business, as some big businesses are at a competitive disadvantage with their foreign counterparts, and some small businesses are forced to cut benefits, drop coverage, or even lay off workers. Meanwhile, Medicare and Medicaid pose one of the greatest threats to our federal deficit, and could leave our children with a mountain of debt that they cannot pay. (more…)

This week on American Radio Journal: Lowman Henry talks with Congressman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) about the proposed American Energy Innovation Act; Ryan Shafik gets the Real Story from Chris Chocola of the Club for Growth on the “Cash for Clunkers” program and the upcoming national debate over health care reform; And, Dr. Paul Kengor of Grove City College has an American Radio Journal commentary on how the unveiling of Ronald Reagan’s statue in the Capitol Rotunda reminded us of the late President’s optimistic view of America.

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American Radio Journal is produced and distributed by the Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research, Inc. The Lincoln Institute is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1993, the mission of the Lincoln Institute is: “To promote the ideals of free market economics, individual liberty, and limited government through the conduct of public opinion research and related educational programs.”

The Lincoln Institute accepts no government money and is completely funded by philanthropic grant making foundations, corporations, and individuals.

To listen to the broadcast click here.

Left, Right and Center is a weekly half-hour radio broadcast and podcast produced by KCRW in Santa Monica.

The panelists begin the show by talking about the speech in Cairo by President Obama.  Bob Scheer thought the speech was thrilling, clear, and an example of an adult talking to adults.  Tony Blankley agrees that the speech was well done, but he laments that peace in the middle east is not likely any time soon.  Arianna Huffington thought it was a powerful speech especially the aspect of the speech that calls for a letting go of the past.  Bob liked the President’s leadership in going to Buchenwald and speaking.  Tony disagreed with the President on his point that Islam is not part of the problem.

The panel then moves on to the topic of the 9.4% unemployment on top of the Federal takeover of General Motors.  Tony sees the problem with the auto industry being the poor economy and joblessness.  He thinks that the stimulus packages have not worked.  Matt Miller believes that the President had to take the steps he took.  The panel is very passionate with their thoughts on the government’s activities in the economy.

The participants on the show are Robert Scheer who represents the left, Tony Blankley who represents the right,  Matt Miller, the moderator, who represents the center, and   Arianna Huffington, who represents the progressive blogosphere.

At the end of this entertaining show the participants each have a 30 second rant to summarize the issue that each sees as most significant.

Click here to be taken to the Left, Right and Center home page where you can download or listen to the podcast.

Click here to read William Pfaff’s article about President Obama’s Cairo speech.

Click here to read Tony Blankley’s column about the American debt.

The Republican Weekly Address was delivered by Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions who is on the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Senator talked about the upcoming confirmation hearings for Sonia Sotomayor and about Federal judges in general.

Among the points that Senator Sessions made, “For example, I am troubled by President Obama’s use of the ‘empathy standard’ when selecting federal judges.”  He also said, “If a judge is allowed to let his or her feelings for one party in the case sway his decision, hasn’t that judge then demonstrated a bias against the other party?”  And further, “And, if a judge is allowed to inject his personal views into the interpretation of the law, does he not then have a license to rewrite the laws to fit his own preferences?”  Lastly, “This standard is deeply troubling because it is so contradictory to our country’s long heritage of a faithful and impartial adherence to the rule of law.”

President Obama, in his weekly address to the nation, talked about goals for a national health care system.  Among the goals are decreased costs, increased quality, and consumer choices.

“Over the past few days, I’ve been traveling through the Middle East and Europe working to renew our alliances, enhance our common security, and propose a new partnership between the United States and the Muslim world.

But even as I’m abroad, I’m firmly focused on the other pressing challenges we face – including the urgent need to reform our health care system.  Even as we speak, Congress is preparing to introduce and debate health reform legislation that is the product of many months of effort and deliberation.  And if you’re like any of the Americans I’ve met across this country who know all too well that the soaring costs of health care make our current course unsustainable, I imagine you’ll be watching their progress closely.

I’m talking about the families I’ve met whose spiraling premiums and out-of-pocket expenses are pushing them into bankruptcy or forcing them to go without the check-ups or prescriptions they need.  Business owners who fear they’ll be forced to choose between keeping their doors open or covering their workers.  Americans who rightly worry that the ballooning costs of Medicare and Medicaid could lead to fiscal catastrophe down the road. (more…)

President Obama spoke in Cairo, Egypt, about America’s relationship with Muslim nations throughout the world.  The President stressed that our similarities are more important than our differences.  The speech is a little more than 50 minutes in length.  Watch the address on YouTube or read the transcript below.

“Thank you very much.  Good afternoon.  I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions.  For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning; and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt’s advancement.  And together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress.  I’m grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt.  And I’m also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country:  Assalaamu alaykum. (Applause.)

We meet at a time of great tension between the United States and Muslims around the world — tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate.  The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars.  More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations.  Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims.  The attacks of September 11, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights.  All this has bred more fear and more mistrust.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity.  And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end. (more…)