*** Lets Discuss Obamas Detroit Speech Here ****

[rsmith6621]

So lets get going..

[bluestateguy]

1. I just got home from running errands

Please tell me this is not another Controversy of The Day brewing.

[FirstLight]

2. he's talking about the 'cornerstones'

of the American Middle class...including social security and medicare in that list... kind of hypocritical, don;tcha think?

I am not feeling it today... because all he is saying, is that things have been slipping...so where has he been?

[Pirate Smile]

9. If you can't tell the difference between people who want to privatize SS & voucherize Medicare and

people who are willing to make some modifications around the edges so the programs can last longer then you are truly not paying attention to details and are losing the forest for the trees.

[elleng]

28. Thanks, Pirate.

:fistbump:

[Pirate Smile]

33. Thanks

:fistbump:

Drives me nuts & can cause a lot of damage by pushing the meme that the parties are the same. They aren't. Not even close. People should know better then to push it.

[FrenchieCat]

41. Just to make it more real!

[Davis_X_Machina]

3. All I need to know is...

...whether he called for the public option or not.

[FirstLight]

4. he's too busy reminding us of what he's done

but much of this is still yet to be seen in my world

[Pirate Smile]

6. Is that a joke?

I can't tell anymore around here.

[jefferson_dem]

10. Bwahahahah...

Single payer...!

[FrenchieCat]

5. Ok!

Here's information for Perspective.....as we talk!

NLRB issues three decisions, two of which overturn Bush-era decisions
The NLRB has issued three more rulings following last week's announcement that employers would be required to notify workers of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Two of Tuesday's rulings overturn Bush-era NLRB rulings, both having to do with union decertifications.
more....
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/08/31/1012141/-NLRB-issues-three-decisions,-two-of-which-overturn-Bush-era-decisions


Labor Board Eases Path To Unions For Health Care Workers
08/30/11
WASHINGTON -- With the departure of the chairwoman of the National Labor Relations Board this past weekend, the board has been issuing a slew of last-minute rulings destined to please labor groups while irritating business interests and anti-union Republicans. Among the latest: a ruling made public on Tuesday that overturns a Bush-era decision and will likely make it easier for health care workers to unionize.

In the case, known as Specialty Healthcare, the board ruled that a group of nursing assistants at a facility in Mobile, Ala., could form their own bargaining unit without other types of nursing home staff, from maintenance workers to dietary aides. It's a decision that could greatly simplify the unionization process and, as HuffPost has previously reported, could have a huge impact on the growing and largely non-unionized nursing home industry.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/30/labor-board-unions-health-care-workers_n_942485.html


NLRB Proposes Removing ‘Unnecessary Barriers’ to Union Votes
06/22/11
Companies would have less time and opportunity to block unions under a proposed U.S. rule that would speed voting in labor elections.

The proposed rule issued today by the National Labor Relations Board, an agency that investigates unfair labor practices, would bring changes sought by unions, such as faster hearing deadlines and streamlined procedures.

The push for quicker elections is a victory for unions after defeats at the hands of Republican governors seeking to curb public-employee unions. It’s also a sign of the NLRB’s pro- labor bent since President Barack Obama’s appointees have become a majority, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
http://www.treasuryandrisk.com/2011/06/22/nlrb-proposes-removing-unnecessary-barriers-to-uni


How the Obama administration is Using Executive Power to Support Union Goals:What The NLRB’s Recent Complaint Reveals
04/25/11
http://pajamasmedia.com/ronradosh/2011/04/25/how-the-obama-administration-is-using-executive-power-to-support-union-goalswhat-the-nlrbs-recent-complaint-reveals/?singlepage=true



Screeners Under Obama May Give Federal Unions Biggest Vote Win in Years
03/09/11
A collective-bargaining vote by airport security workers that starts today may give federal employee groups their biggest victory in years, even as public workers in some states struggle to keep their union status.

The country’s two largest federal-employee unions are competing to represent the 44,000 screeners who can cast their ballots through April 19. The effort, which Senate Republicans failed to stop last month, may raise Transportation Security Administration costs if workers push through changes such as increased staffing.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-09/screeners-under-obama-may-give-federal-unions-main-win-in-years.html

Obama Gives Unions A Big Victory In Unionizing Air Travel Workers
05/11/10
WASHINGTON (AP) — Labor unions will have an easier time organizing workers at airline and railroad companies after the Obama administration on Monday changed a 76-year-old rule on union elections.

The change is a victory for unions that have struggled to reverse years of decline in membership. And it’s the most significant initiative so far in a string of White House moves intended to help organized labor.
http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/obama-gives-unions-a-big-victory-in-unionizing-air-travel-workers


WHILE THE OPPOSITION DOES ITS THING!

Bill Introduced to Reverse President Obama's Executive Order on Project Labor Agreements
http://www.laborrelationstoday.com/2011/02/articles/executive-orders/bill-introduced-to-reverse-president-obamas-executive-order-on-project-labor-agreements

[FirstLight]

11. thanks frenchie...

I guess I just wanna see some serious ass kicking of the rethugs, and yet we have had some forward movement too...

Just feeling very discouraged today... I keep hoping to be re-kindled by his words. I know he's right, but I still feel that cynicism of it being lip service... and I don't WANT to hear that they should work together. or that rethugs are going to eventually be reasonable.

[FrenchieCat]

14. You feel discouraged, because you come here, a discouraging place.....

which is so by design......and the Republicans like it just like that.

That's why in a sea of negativity, there are still some of us who understand that only we can make the difference....and that is what we will do.

I will post facts as often as possible that shows what was done, even if some want to focus on what wasn't. I will post what is happening, not what is being speculated.


Read this and let me know why I should, or you should do otherwise - http://joewo.com/WordPress/?p=9293

[Sheepshank]

30. The media ignoring Obama's hard won accomplishments

the constant battle here to have any accomplishment be acknowledged in a sea of misinformation, twisted logic and dowright RW talking points, would make one feel that there is a losing edge here on DU. But it's a teeny unrealiztc world here and seeing the huge amount of followers falling into the negativity trap is pretty sad....

[elleng]

34. Thanks, Frenchie.

I'm concerned, however, as NLRB Chair recently retired, another member about to do so, and I expect rethugs to make it next to impossible for the Board to do any work henceforth as it will be without a quorum.

[FirstLight]

7. I want to count how many times he says the word "fight"

saying he's been fighting, we've been fightig for you, that's what we're fighting for...


but i haven't seen any fight ... :banghead:

dammitt, i hate feeling like this... can he pull it out of the hat?

Great, infrastructure...oh shit, he said we need congress to get onboard... fuck
and he's talking about the tax cuts expiring, and the need to extend it... greeeaaat... here we go

[FrenchieCat]

12. You haven't seen any fight?

You think those accomplishments were just handed to him?

You think when he bailed out the auto industry, everyone was clapping?
Cause they weren't. They were complaining a lot instead.

You think when he got health care reform passed anyone was doing nothing more
than criticizing that they didn't get all they wanted? Cause that's all I heard....
that and the Tea Party being propped up, day after day after day!

As for the tax cuts (he wants them increased for the rich), if you don't understand what rescinding the tax cuts ON THE MIDDLE CLASS AND WORKING POOR would do to their budget, than you don't understand numbers!

The point is this President has a choice to talk a lot of shit to appear to be fighting and not get anything else passed (like some here don't mind happening), or he can understand that he is working for America, and he needs to get shit through for our sake, as opposed to making it all political and all about him. That's why he is much more courageous than anyone will give him credit for....because he knows that he could scream and yell at the Republicans...but he also knows that would get NOTHING passed at all....nada.

Now, he wouldn't mind if we got off our asses and activated to support what he's calling for, but you're being a prime example of how mos there will likely choose to focus on what they want from him, as opposed to how we can unite to get a lot more than we will from the Republicans if we don't just sit there.

[FirstLight]

you're right, maybe it's MY fight that's gone...

and I guess I am in a mood today of all days because I am covering a local labor story that is not going to end well, and I am seeing friends getting laid off because of it. and all i can do is break the story, and see if the community outcry is enough to stop the vote.

I am really 'on our side'... and I DO want to see the next 4 years be better than the first. I know that anything other than keeping our dem in the WH is suicide.
It's just the damn corporatcracy that has me feeling squashed. and when you feel small and poor and unseen, it's hard to think anything you do to 'fight the good fight' makes any difference :cry:

[FrenchieCat]

24. I realize why you could be disheartened.....

but I don't believe that feeling that way will serve your interests well, in a long run,
and we each DO make a difference, and we do affect others.

I think that there is no reason to expect one person to do all of the fighting for us. There are very sinister forces out there, and they would love to see us give up, and simply aim our ire at this one President. You cannot give them what they want, while still expecting this President to "fight" for you....and even then, not giving him any credit whatsoever for what he has been able to do.

An example is the information I posted on the advances made by Unions under this President. Many folks were not even aware of any of it. Now why would that be? Because Pres. Obama is not patting himself on the back loud enough? or Because the Media leans right so they will never tell you? or Because folks don't bother to google? Why? Because folks are too busy being discouraged and deriding this President; that's why.

He cannot undo what states are doing to us in respect to Union dismantlement, but as Wisconites have shown us, it is we the people who must fight back We can't delegate this stuff. That just won't get us what we want...and in my eye, it will be our fault and our loss....not that of one man!

[Phx_Dem]

38. +1. Good points, Frenchie!

[Glimmer of Hope]

8. Show us what you got!

[FrenchieCat]

15. I'm still waiting for the American people to show me what they have.....

Cause I don't see any fight in them....
and haven't since November 2008....
except for from the other side.

[Turbineguy]

13. Says to tune in on Thursday

I'm hoping that doesn't mean sell on Friday.

[Safetykitten]

16. He just needs wrestling tights...what he said? Well...

it makes people feel good. It's the actions that matter...or inaction when it comes down gut check time.

[FrenchieCat]

19. Of course, you ain't really saying anything....

just being as snarky as you can be....as usual.

we already know you don't believe he will be re-elected--
the fact that you need to come into threads with asinine
comments just simply means that you will do what is in your power
to make sure that Barack Obama ain't the next President.
This highlights exactly what DU has become about. Not about fighting
the opposition, but about fighting this one man.

[Safetykitten]

22. he will not be re-elected. Yes, and that is my fault. I take full responsibility.Okay...

He scuttles his own Presidency just fine by himself.

His WWE speeches are just that. Speeches.

[CakeGrrl]

26. It's going to be so much fun to read this drivel after he's re-elected. -nt

[FrenchieCat]

27. Actually, his Presidency is still very strong,

DESPITE folks like you, who have tried so hard all along
to only find fault in others, and never in yourself.

You can ignore all except for what you want to see,
and as long as you acknowledge that you are spreading your
doom purposefully, because what you care about most is being proven right.

The truth is, for anyone reading you post history,
is that you really don't care about the issues as much as you pretend.....
but that you care so much more in making negative vague comments
and being hyper critical about anything put in front of you,
no matter what it is.

[JTFrog]

29. Derp. n/t

[movonne]

40. with your help...

[otohara]

17. Ummm...Not Buying The Whole America Greatness

thing...considering our bridges are built in China, along with everything else

[hedgehog]

18. The gloves are off - he's got Big Business and Labor on his side,

and he's going after Congress!

[otohara]

20. I Expect More GOP No Show's After This

and I say, good, show the public how little they care about getting American's back to work and their hatred for this president.

[jefferson_dem]

21. "I'm sure Republicans will say this is speech is class warfare. I take that as a good sign"

http://twitter.com/#!/CitizenCohn/statuses/110772813991907328

Cross-posted from my thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=433&topic_id=763404&mesg_id=763404

[Cirque du So-What]

25. sorry, posted in wrong place

[DocMac]

42. This is class warfare! Why should he skirt the issue? nt

[opihimoimoi]

23. Me thinks he hit a Grand Slam Home Run... KnR

[Cirque du So-What]

31. Does Marvin the Paranoid Android have a DU account?

In my mind's ear, all these oppressively 'downer' posts are performed in Alan Rickman's dramatically depressed voice. Try it and then tell me you don't hear it too! It's almost as though some seek to INFECT others with their indefatigable pessimism & cynicism. Pity some aren't so afflicted that they can't quite hit the keyboard...but NOOOO! They've got energy coming out their ears when it comes to spreading hopelessness!

[JTFrog]

32. +1

:thumbsup:

[FrenchieCat]

35. These are folks who don't care about the people that will be hurt the most

by these actions. That's why that can do this so easily, and not even give it a 2nd thought....
because the only conscience they have is one that give them purpose that is limited to destruction
not positivity.

[Cirque du So-What]

36. What do some GET out of playing the defeatist?

For the life of me, I canNOT figure out that particular pathology. Throughout history, is there any evidence that defeatism has resulted in human progress? I can think of half-a-dozen examples where it's had the opposite effect, however, and some here seem hellbent on emulating Typhoid Mary where depression and hopelessness are concerned. Sad. Really sad.

[FrenchieCat]

37. Personal satisfaction due to their anger at having lived under Bush for 8 years,

and not understanding that Obama wasn't going to be
their personal savior.

It's that simple.
It's anger that drives them,
and they are aiming it at the easiest target.....
because they can't be inconvenienced doing something
that might be much harder to do.

So yes, the Messiah thing did suck in some of the people,
just not the ones you would have expected. :(

[Cirque du So-What]

39. Personally, I never got the 'messiah' thing

Hell, the man wasn't even my first choice during the primary process, but by god I got behind him after he got the nomination and worked on his behalf right up to the election. I had no illusions that he was a 'savior'; I knew the country was in a helluva mess and that the fucking repugs would work to sabotage him at every turn...but I still contend that it sure beats the alternative - and he will STILL beat whatever alternative the fucking repugs select to run against him.