Obama Addresses Job Numbers, Talks Up Clean Energy

[babylonsister]

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_01/021835.php

OBAMA ADDRESSES JOB NUMBERS, TALKS UP CLEAN ENERGY.... The December job numbers that were released this morning were obviously disappointing, falling short of expectations. President Obama, who was scheduled to address the employment report before the numbers were even available, responded to the report at a White House event this afternoon.

"The jobs numbers that were released by the Labor Department this morning are a reminder that the road to recovery is never straight, and that we have to continue to work every single day to get our economy moving again," the president said. He added, "Job losses for the last quarter of 2009 were one-tenth of what we were experiencing in the first quarter. In fact, in November we saw the first gain in jobs in nearly two years. Last month, however, we slipped back, losing more jobs than we gained, though the overall trend of job loss is still pointing in the right direction. What this underscores, though, is that we have to continue to explore every avenue to accelerate the return to hiring, which brings me to my announcement today."

That announcement was the use of stimulus funds on a clean energy manufacturing initiative, awarding $2.3 billion in tax credits for American manufacturers of clean energy technologies -- "companies that build wind turbines, and produce solar panels, and assemble cutting edge batteries." The credit is expected to create 17,000 jobs fairly quickly, all of which pay pretty well, boost the manufacturing sector, and contribute to the effort to combat climate change.

Also note, interest in the initiative was so strong, far more businesses applied for the credit than the budget allows. It's why this will hopefully be part of a new jobs bill pending on the Hill. (Obama wants another $5 billion for the effort.)

But of particular interest was the president's comments about international competition. "Harnessing new forms of energy will be one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. And unfortunately, right now the United States, the nation that pioneered the use of clean energy, is being outpaced by nations around the world," Obama said. "It's China that has launched the largest effort in history to make their economy energy efficient. We spearheaded the development of solar technology, but we've fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it. And almost all of the batteries that we use to power our hybrid vehicles are still manufactured by Japanese companies or in Asia -- though, because of one of the steps like the one we're taking today, we're beginning to produce more of these batteries here at home.

"Now, I welcome and am pleased to see a real competition emerging around the world to develop these kinds of clean energy technologies. Competition is what fuels innovation. But I don't want America to lose that competition. I don't want the industries that yield the jobs of tomorrow to be built overseas. I don't want the technology that will transform the way we use energy to be invented abroad. I want the United States of America to be what it has always been -- and that is a leader -- the leader when it comes to a clean energy future."

It's probably just me, but I can't help but wonder what Republicans, who oppose the credits and reject climate science, think when they hear this. In this growing new field, are they prepared to just watch other countries lead?

—Steve Benen


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Manufacturing grows at fastest pace in 3 years

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON - A private trade group said Monday that manufacturing activity last month grew at the fastest pace in more than three years, a sign the pace of recovery is picking up.

The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing executives, said its manufacturing index read 55.9 in December after 53.6 in November. A reading above 50 indicates growth.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had expected a reading of 54.3.

more...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34687608/ns/business-stocks_and_economy

[David Zephyr]

1. One year too late. One wasted year too late.

The LA Times ran several articles back in the Fall about how little Obama had even done, if any, toward making his promises of creating NEW green jobs.

Here, one year later, when even the dumbest American in the country knows there's been no action, he speaks up.

Democrats in the House will have to pay for Obama's inaction and skewed priorites.

Goldman-Sachs, Wall Street, the Bankers, the Defense Contractors, Big Pharma and the Insurance Corporations came first.

Now...what was it that the people were wanting? Oh, yeah, jobs.

[babylonsister]

2. You must have missed this...iirc, stimulus funds were passed

the same month Obama was sworn in. But I know you enjoy your kvetching, so have at it! :hi:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=433&topic_id=115214&mesg_id=115224

[David Zephyr]

4. A portion of the stimulus, as the LA Times documented went to keeping existing jobs in place.

I say a "portion" because, of the Stimulus, only a portion was dedictated to jobs and those jobs were primarily for municipal jobs, police, fire, etc. A good thing, no doubt, but the bulk of the Stimulus did not even go to preserving jobs and nearly zilch went to the creation of "new" jobs or even the "green jobs" he'd promised.

Now, I guess better than later, he is looking at "new job creation". As I posted, it's one year late in coming.

It should have been his first priority. It wasn't.

Edit for spelling errors. And I do like you, babylonsister, so my pushing Obama has nothing to do with my great respect for you. :hi:

[babylonsister]

5. The stimulus spending and job-making are ongoing, so you

can't discount all the good it's doing. Here's a handy-dandy chart and info for you to see where we're at as of 4 Jan. The knee-jerk reactions are annoying; you can't say it hasn't or won't help. And for those municipal workers, like teachers, cops, etc., it's been a life-saver which also benefits communities.

http://projects.propublica.org/tables/stimulus-spending-progress

[SpartanDem]

6. You do understand it takes time to make these grants

that is why most of the stimulus spending won't hit until this year. The first grants to expand broadband in rural areas just went out last month and there is a lot more in pipeline. The grants for high speed rail haven't been awarded yet and if my state MI is any example while infrastructure funding went out in the spring, by the time states awarded contracts were awarded it was already fall. Some projects where able to get started, but a lot of the projects can't begin until the spring.

[David Zephyr]

7. I do understand which is why he should have started a year ago

You need to study up as to where the stimulus money went. Very little went to keep existing jobs holding and nearly nothing went to create new jobs which is THE VERY REASON Obama is today now addressing "new job creation".

He missed a year and, precisely because as you say "it takes time", it's awfully late now to start when it's going to take time to filter through.

That economic trigger should have been pulled on Day One. It wasn't. That is factual. The President today essentially ackowledged he is behind the eight ball now.

[babylonsister]

8. You are wrong and won't address links provided to you. Sigh. nt

[Kdillard]

3. Thanks. k and r