---
Obama's AIPAC Speech
May 22, 2011 | 12:05 p.m.
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT THE AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE 2011
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
10:56 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Thank you very much. (Applause.) Good
morning. Thank you. Thank you so much. Please, have a seat. Thank
you.
What a remarkable, remarkable crowd. Thank you, Rosy, for your very
kind introduction. I did not know you played basketball.
(Laughter.) I will take your word for it. (Laughter.) Rosy, thank
you for your many years of friendship. Back in Chicago, when I was
just getting started in national politics, I reached out to a lot of
people for advice and counsel, and Rosy was one of the very first.
When I made my first visit to Israel, after entering the Senate, Rosy,
you were at my side every step of that profound journey through the
Holy Land. So I want to thank you for your enduring friendship, your
leadership, and for your warm introduction today.
I also want to thank David Victor, Howard Kohr and all the board of
directors. And let me say that it is wonderful to look out and see so
many great friends, including a very large delegation from Chicago.
(Applause.) Alan Solow, Howard Green. Thank you all.
I want to thank the members of Congress who are joining you today --
who do so much to sustain the bonds between the United States and
Israel, including Eric Cantor -- (applause) -- Steny Hoyer --
(applause) -- and the tireless leader I was proud to appoint as the
new chair of the DNC, Debbie Wasserman Schultz. (Applause.)
We're joined by Israel's representative to the United States,
Ambassador Michael Oren. (Applause.) And we're joined by one of my
top advisors on Israel and the Middle East for the past four years and
who I know is going to be an outstanding ambassador to Israel, Dan
Shapiro. (Applause.) Dan has always been a close and trusted advisor
and friend, and I know that he will do a terrific job.
And at a time when so many young people around the world are standing
up and making their voices heard, I also want to acknowledge all the
college students from across the country who are here today.
(Applause.) No one has a greater stake in the outcome of events that
are unfolding today than your generation, and it's inspiring to see
you devote your time and energy to help shape that future.
Now, I'm not here to subject you to a long policy speech. I gave one
on Thursday in which I said that the United States sees the historic
changes sweeping the Middle East and North Africa as a moment of great
challenge, but also a moment of opportunity for greater peace and
security for the entire region, including the State of Israel.
On Friday, I was joined at the White House by Prime Minister
Netanyahu, and we reaffirmed -- (applause) -- we reaffirmed that
fundamental truth that has guided our presidents and prime ministers
for more than 60 years -- that even while we may at times disagree, as
friends sometimes will, the bonds between the United States and Israel
are unbreakable -- (applause) -- and the commitment of the United
States to the security of Israel is ironclad. (Applause.)
A strong and secure Israel is in the national security interest of the
United States not simply because we share strategic interests,
although we do both seek a region where families and children can live
free from the threat of violence. It's not simply because we face
common dangers, although there can be no denying that terrorism and
the spread of nuclear weapons are grave threats to both our nations.
America's commitment to Israel's security flows from a deeper place --
and that's the values we share. As two people who struggled to win
our freedom against overwhelming odds, we understand that preserving
the security for which our forefathers -- and foremothers -- fought
must be the work of every generation. As two vibrant democracies, we
recognize that the liberties and freedoms we cherish must be
constantly nurtured. And as the nation that recognized the State of
Israel moments after its independence, we have a profound commitment
to its survival as a strong, secure homeland for the Jewish people.
(Applause.)
We also know how difficult that search for security can be, especially
for a small nation like Israel living in a very tough neighborhood.
I've seen it firsthand. When I touched my hand against the Western
Wall and placed my prayer between its ancient stones, I thought of all
the centuries that the children of Israel had longed to return to
their ancient homeland. When I went to Sderot and saw the daily
struggle to survive in the eyes of an eight-year-old boy who lost his
leg to a Hamas rocket, and when I walked among the Hall of Names at
Yad Vashem, I was reminded of the existential fear of Israelis when a
modern dictator seeks nuclear weapons and threatens to wipe Israel off
the face of the map -- face of the Earth.
Because we understand the challenges Israel faces, I and my
administration have made the security of Israel a priority. It's why
we've increased cooperation between our militaries to unprecedented
levels. It's why we're making our most advanced technologies
available to our Israeli allies. (Applause.) It's why, despite tough
fiscal times, we've increased foreign military financing to record
levels. (Applause.) And that includes additional support –- beyond
regular military aid -– for the Iron Dome anti-rocket system.
(Applause.) A powerful example of American-Israeli cooperation -- a
powerful example of American-Israeli cooperation which has already
intercepted rockets from Gaza and helped saved Israeli lives. So make
no mistake, we will maintain Israel's qualitative military edge.
(Applause.)
You also see our commitment to our shared security in our
determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
(Applause.) Here in the United States, we've imposed the toughest
sanctions ever on the Iranian regime. (Applause.) At the United
Nations, under our leadership, we've secured the most comprehensive
international sanctions on the regime, which have been joined by
allies and partners around the world. Today, Iran is virtually cut
off from large parts of the international financial system, and we're
going to keep up the pressure. So let me be absolutely clear –- we
remain committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
(Applause.)
Its illicit nuclear program is just one challenge that Iran poses. As
I said on Thursday, the Iranian government has shown its hypocrisy by
claiming to support the rights of protesters while treating its own
people with brutality. Moreover, Iran continues to support terrorism
across the region, including providing weapons and funds to terrorist
organizations. So we will continue to work to prevent these actions,
and we will stand up to groups like Hezbollah, who exercise political
assassination and seek to impose their will through rockets and car
bombs.
You also see our commitment to Israel's security in our steadfast
opposition to any attempt to de-legitimize the State of Israel.
(Applause.) As I said at the United Nations last year, "Israel's
existence must not be a subject for debate," and "efforts to chip away
at Israel's legitimacy will only be met by the unshakeable opposition
of the United States." (Applause.)
So when the Durban Review Conference advanced anti-Israel sentiment,
we withdrew. In the wake of the Goldstone Report, we stood up
strongly for Israel's right to defend itself. (Applause.) When an
effort was made to insert the United Nations into matters that should
be resolved through direct negotiations between Israelis and
Palestinians, we vetoed it. (Applause.)
And so, in both word and deed, we have been unwavering in our support
of Israel's security. (Applause.) And it is precisely because of our
commitment to Israel's long-term security that we have worked to
advance peace between Israelis and Palestinians. (Applause.)
Now, I have said repeatedly that core issues can only be negotiated in
direct talks between the parties. (Applause.) And I indicated on
Thursday that the recent agreement between Fatah and Hamas poses an
enormous obstacle to peace. (Applause.) No country can be expected
to negotiate with a terrorist organization sworn to its destruction.
(Applause.) And we will continue to demand that Hamas accept the
basic responsibilities of peace, including recognizing Israel's right
to exist and rejecting violence and adhering to all existing
agreements. (Applause.) And we once again call on Hamas to release
Gilad Shalit, who has been kept from his family for five long years.
(Applause.)
And yet, no matter how hard it may be to start meaningful negotiations
under current circumstances, we must acknowledge that a failure to try
is not an option. The status quo is unsustainable. And that is why
on Thursday I stated publicly the principles that the United States
believes can provide a foundation for negotiations toward an agreement
to end the conflict and all claims -- the broad outlines of which have
been known for many years, and have been the template for discussions
between the United States, Israel, and the Palestinians since at least
the Clinton administration.
I know that stating these principles -- on the issues of territory and
security -- generated some controversy over the past few days.
(Laughter.) I wasn't surprised. I know very well that the easy thing
to do, particularly for a President preparing for reelection, is to
avoid any controversy. I don't need Rahm to tell me that. Don't need
Axelrod to tell me that. But I said to Prime Minister Netanyahu, I
believe that the current situation in the Middle East does not allow
for procrastination. I also believe that real friends talk openly and
honestly with one another. (Applause.) So I want to share with you
some of what I said to the Prime Minister.
Here are the facts we all must confront. First, the number of
Palestinians living west of the Jordan River is growing rapidly and
fundamentally reshaping the demographic realities of both Israel and
the Palestinian Territories. This will make it harder and harder --
without a peace deal -- to maintain Israel as both a Jewish state and
a democratic state.
Second, technology will make it harder for Israel to defend itself in
the absence of a genuine peace.
Third, a new generation of Arabs is reshaping the region. A just and
lasting peace can no longer be forged with one or two Arab leaders.
Going forward, millions of Arab citizens have to see that peace is
possible for that peace to be sustained.
And just as the context has changed in the Middle East, so too has it
been changing in the international community over the last several
years. There's a reason why the Palestinians are pursuing their
interests at the United Nations. They recognize that there is an
impatience with the peace process, or the absence of one, not just in
the Arab World -- in Latin America, in Asia, and in Europe. And that
impatience is growing, and it's already manifesting itself in capitals
around the world.
And those are the facts. I firmly believe, and I repeated on
Thursday, that peace cannot be imposed on the parties to the
conflict. No vote at the United Nations will ever create an
independent Palestinian state. And the United States will stand up
against efforts to single Israel out at the United Nations or in any
international forum. (Applause.) Israel's legitimacy is not a matter
for debate. That is my commitment; that is my pledge to all of you.
(Applause.)
Moreover, we know that peace demands a partner –- which is why I said
that Israel cannot be expected to negotiate with Palestinians who do
not recognize its right to exist. (Applause.) And we will hold the
Palestinians accountable for their actions and for their rhetoric.
(Applause.)
But the march to isolate Israel internationally -- and the impulse of
the Palestinians to abandon negotiations –- will continue to gain
momentum in the absence of a credible peace process and alternative.
And for us to have leverage with the Palestinians, to have leverage
with the Arab States and with the international community, the basis
for negotiations has to hold out the prospect of success. And so, in
advance of a five-day trip to Europe in which the Middle East will be
a topic of acute interest, I chose to speak about what peace will
require.
There was nothing particularly original in my proposal; this basic
framework for negotiations has long been the basis for discussions
among the parties, including previous U.S. administrations. Since
questions have been raised, let me repeat what I actually said on
Thursday -- not what I was reported to have said.
I said that the United States believes that negotiations should result
in two states, with permanent Palestinian borders with Israel, Jordan,
and Egypt, and permanent Israeli borders with Palestine. The borders
of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with
mutually agreed swaps -- (applause) -- so that secure and recognized
borders are established for both states. The Palestinian people must
have the right to govern themselves, and reach their potential, in a
sovereign and contiguous state.
As for security, every state has the right to self-defense, and Israel
must be able to defend itself –- by itself -– against any threat.
(Applause.) Provisions must also be robust enough to prevent a
resurgence of terrorism, to stop the infiltration of weapons, and to
provide effective border security. (Applause.) And a full and phased
withdrawal of Israeli military forces should be coordinated with the
assumption of Palestinian security responsibility in a sovereign and
non-militarized state. (Applause.) And the duration of this
transition period must be agreed, and the effectiveness of security
arrangements must be demonstrated. (Applause.)
Now, that is what I said. And it was my reference to the 1967 lines
-- with mutually agreed swaps -- that received the lion's share of the
attention, including just now. And since my position has been
misrepresented several times, let me reaffirm what "1967 lines with
mutually agreed swaps" means.
By definition, it means that the parties themselves -– Israelis and
Palestinians -– will negotiate a border that is different than the one
that existed on June 4, 1967. (Applause.) That's what mutually
agreed-upon swaps means. It is a well-known formula to all who have
worked on this issue for a generation. It allows the parties
themselves to account for the changes that have taken place over the
last 44 years. (Applause.) It allows the parties themselves to take
account of those changes, including the new demographic realities on
the ground, and the needs of both sides. The ultimate goal is two
states for two people: Israel as a Jewish state and the homeland for
the Jewish people -- (applause) -- and the State of Palestine as the
homeland for the Palestinian people -- each state in joined self-
determination, mutual recognition, and peace. (Applause.)
If there is a controversy, then, it's not based in substance. What I
did on Thursday was to say publicly what has long been acknowledged
privately. I've done so because we can't afford to wait another
decade, or another two decades, or another three decades to achieve
peace. (Applause.) The world is moving too fast. The world is
moving too fast. The extraordinary challenges facing Israel will only
grow. Delay will undermine Israel's security and the peace that the
Israeli people deserve.
Now, I know that some of you will disagree with this assessment. I
respect that. And as fellow Americans and friends of Israel, I know
we can have this discussion.
Ultimately, it is the right and the responsibility of the Israeli
government to make the hard choices that are necessary to protect a
Jewish and democratic state for which so many generations have
sacrificed. (Applause.) And as a friend of Israel, I'm committed to
doing our part to see that this goal is realized. And I will call not
just on Israel, but on the Palestinians, on the Arab States, and the
international community to join us in this effort, because the burden
of making hard choices must not be Israel's alone. (Applause.)
But even as we do all that's necessary to ensure Israel's security,
even as we are clear-eyed about the difficult challenges before us,
and even as we pledge to stand by Israel through whatever tough days
lie ahead, I hope we do not give up on that vision of peace. For if
history teaches us anything, if the story of Israel teaches us
anything, it is that with courage and resolve, progress is possible.
Peace is possible.
The Talmud teaches us that, "So long as a person still has life, they
should never abandon faith." And that lesson seems especially fitting
today.
For so long as there are those across the Middle East and beyond who
are standing up for the legitimate rights and freedoms which have been
denied by their governments, the United States will never abandon our
support for those rights that are universal.
And so long as there are those who long for a better future, we will
never abandon our pursuit of a just and lasting peace that ends this
conflict with two states living side by side in peace and security.
This is not idealism; it is not naïveté. It is a hard-headed
recognition that a genuine peace is the only path that will ultimately
provide for a peaceful Palestine as the homeland of the Palestinian
people and a Jewish state of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish
people. (Applause.) That is my goal, and I look forward to
continuing to work with AIPAC to achieve that goal.
Thank you. God bless you. God bless Israel, and God bless the United
States of America. (Applause.) Thank you.
On Sep 5, 7:55 am, Bruce Majors <majors.br...@gmail.com> wrote:
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: California Political News and Views
> Date: Monday, September 5, 2011
> Subject: California Political News and Views 9/5/11
> To: bruce majors <majors.br...@gmail.com>
>
> <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/cimages/16fdcafe10b66ea085054eed968...
> > <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644022:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> ________________________________
> Frank Discussion Not Lecture For Conservativeswww.capoliticalnews.com<http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644022:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> ________________________________
> SEIU Watch: Activities of Vicious Union Bullies--Pass it On <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644023:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> September 05, 2011, 04:06 AM
> Here is an idea. Send the SEIU to Mexico and let them fight the drug
> cartels--not sure who would win that fight.
>
> "• In San Francisco, an SEIU mob attacked shopping mall security guards
>
> • An SEIU mob of about 50 protestors took over a bank headquarters in
> Pasadena, CA.
>
> • The union hired a marketing firm to launch a smear campaign against a
> Redding, CA, hospital using phone calls and mailed flyers, prompting the
> hospital to consider legal action.
>
> • A hospital in Los Angeles had to secure a restraining order to prevent an
> illegal strike threatened by SEIU Healthcare West. The threat alone cost the
> hospital a $90,000 non-refundable deposit on a $600,000 tab for replacement
> workers."
>
> This is organized crime, not a union. These folks are vicious and crazy.
> Why is the SEIU allowed to operate? We need an restraining order, like a
> gang injunction, so known SEIU members could not meet, talk, communicate or
> plan anything, together. Two or more get together, to jail with them.
> These are criminals, protected by government.
> Read More... <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644023:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> ---------------------
> Obama Democrats Try to Destabilize the Israeli Gov't <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644024:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> September 05, 2011, 03:58 AM
> Barack Obama does not like Israel. Remember, for twenty years he attended a
> church where the minister hated Jews and Israel and blame the Jews for every
> ill of the world.
>
> "For about a month there have been protests in Israel demanding
> progressive-type social justice and a more equitable economy, but according
> to reports their exact demands were not clear, but their language certainly
> sounded familiar, kind of like what comes out of the Democratic Party camp
> in the United States. And for very good reason, the protests are AstroTurf,
> and planned by a prominent Democratic party strategist.
>
> According to an investigative report by Maariv's Kalman Libeskind, the
> protests were engineered by a group of media strategists who are directed by
> prominent Democratic strategist Stanley Greenberg, a former adviser to Bill
> Clinton, John Kerry and others. Greenberg directed the strategists to create
> a protest that was not led by one specific group, in order to create social
> ferment. An unnamed left-wing leader would eventually step into this ferment
> and take the reins, Greenberg predicted. "
>
> Stan Greenberg is married to one of the most radical socialists in
> Congress--Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.
>
> Obama can not afford a free Israel--he has been clear--Palestine needs to be
> a State and Israel must obey. Why do Democrats hate Israel and freedom?
> Why hasn't the mainstream media made this a front page story?
> Read More... <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644024:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> ------------------------------
> CalPERS Caught Lying to Retirees and Public--Again <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644025:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> September 05, 2011, 03:53 AM
> We all know that government lies. It is in the DNA of government. Normally,
> the lies are hard to find and the excuses made seem almost reasonable if you
> were not smarter than a fifth grader. In he case of the unsustainable
> CalPERS--at least $535 billion worth of unfunded liabilities, it is
> embarrassing.
>
> "But as of yesterday, Aug. 30, 2011, the "Total CalPERS Fund Market Value,"
> according to its Web site, is $227.1 billion.
>
> So, since the June 30 valuation of $237.5 billion, the Fund Market Value has
> dropped $10.4 billion, or 4.4 percent.
>
> And the combined increase for the 14 months, July 1, 2010 to Aug. 30, 2011,
> is from $200.5 billion to $227.1 billion. That's a 26.6 billion increase, or
> 13.3 percent for the 14 months.
>
> Annualized (making it for just 12 months), that comes to about an 11.4
> percent rate. Not bad — if it could hold up.
>
> But that 11.4 percent isn't anywhere near CalPERS' boast of "investment
> earnings of 20.7 percent — the highest return in 14 years."
>
> Moreover, CalPERS remains far from making up for the $56.8 billion loss it
> sustained from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. That was nearly a quarter of
> the fund's value evaporated in a single year."
>
> Those in charge of CalPERS need to be charged like a bank president that
> lied about the profit and loss sheet. These folks are trying to make fools
> of us all. They hope they by the time this scam collapses they will be long
> into retirement and no one will care about their lies.
>
> Angry Yet? Why not?
> Read More... <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644025:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> -------------------------
> Labor Leaders Tell Obama: Stop Killing Jobs <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644026:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> September 05, 2011, 03:47 AM
> You know Obama is in trouble when his owners, the unions, are complaining he
> is costing them jobs.
>
> Obama is keeping his word--he is ending the coal industry and millions of
> jobs--coal miners, the coal industry and families and businesses that depend
> on coal for energy. Just this one effort will put the United States in a
> Depression that will last for years--until the coal mines re-open.
>
> "The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers' Texas unit wrote the
> EPA June 16 on behalf of its 23,000 members. IBEW executive Jonathan Gardner
> warned that EPA red tape "would directly jeopardize the jobs of
> approximately 1,500 IBEW members working at six different power plants
> across the state of Texas." Gardner argued, "The shutdown of coal-fired
> units without any meaningful benefit to the environment is not justified."
>
> This catastrophe unfolds well beyond the Lone Star State.
>
> The 76,000-member United Mine Workers estimates that EPA-fueled power-plant
> closures could directly kill 54,151 jobs and indirectly destroy 197,140
> others in America's coal, utility, and railroad industries.
>
> In an August 1 letter to Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R., Alaska), Federal Energy
> Regulatory Commission chairman Jon Wellinghoff and commissioners John Norris
> and Cheryl LaFleur wrote that FERC examined "how coal-fired generating units
> could be impacted by EPA rules." FERC explained that this "informal,
> preliminary assessment showed 40 GW of coal-fired generating capacity
> 'likely' to retire, with another 41 GW 'very likely' to retire."
>
> Thanks to Obama, conservatives and unions agree on one thing--President
> Obama is a job killer.
> Read More... <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644026:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/cimages/16fdcafe10b66ea085054eed968...
> > <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644027:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> ________________________________
> Democrats Reward Criminals: Illegals Could Run CA Student Governments <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644028:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> September 05, 2011, 03:42 AM
> Fresno State has already had a proud criminal as Student Body President.
> This guy was so proud he went on TV, gave interviews and told others it is
> not so bad being an illegal alien. of course he is a Democrat--and what
> does he do for them? He has participated in registering voters--wonder how
> many were foreign criminals who live here illegally?
>
> "Democrats in the Legislature are pushing a law through which would allow
> illegal immigrants to hold college student government offices. The students
> also could receive any grants, scholarships or other assistance that come
> with the jobs.
>
> After three rounds of amendments since the bill's introduction on Feb. 17,
> included removing tuition from the list of financial considerations in the
> bill, the Assembly approved AB 844 Wednesday. The bill is by Assemblyman
> Ricardo Lara, D-Artesia.
>
> "Student leaders are democratically elected by their peers and are entitled
> to equitable treatment for their service regardless of their legal status,"
> he said. "These students pay student fees just like every other student, and
> thus, should be entitled to equal treatment."
>
> This is a good reason for honest parents, with good kids to go to other
> States. Under Democrat rule, California criminals get scholarships and
> grants, while honest kids are not allowed into government colleges.
> This is while their parents are paying taxes to subsidize illegal aliens
> getting an education that their kids can not get due to Democrat fiat.
>
> Shame on us for allowing this. Will those harmed revolt against the State,
> the criminals and the Democrats?
> Read More... <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644028:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> --------------------------
> By Law: Washington Openly Wastes 10% of Gas Tax $$ on Liberal Frills <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644029:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> September 05, 2011, 03:32 AM
> We all know that government is mismanaged, incompetent and corrupt.
> Spending is filled with special interests being taken care of, unions paid
> off.
>
> Now besides all of that money lost, we now know that gas tax money, by law,
> has 10% wasted off the top before the rest of the corruption sets in.
>
> "Congressional Republicans may be opposed to President Obama's call for new
> infrastructure spending, but House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) is
> pushing an idea that he says would free up funds for critical transportation
> projects.
>
> In a statement responding to Friday's disappointing jobs report, Cantor
> highlighted a proposal to eliminate a rule requiring states to set aside 10
> percent of federal surface transportation funds for "museums, education and
> preservation." Scrapping that provision, Cantor said, "would allow states to
> devote these monies to high-priority infrastructure projects, without adding
> to the deficit."
>
> We need roads more than museums paid for from gas tax money. Education? We
> already know the need for roads--why spend money on this farce?
>
> Preservation? The taxpayer is being made extinct by government policies
> that waste 10% of road money on fraud and special interests, off the top.
>
> Cantor has the right idea. We have plenty of money for basic government
> services--all we have to do is spend it honestly.
> Read More... <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644029:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> ----------------------------
> Brown's jobs plan gives tax break to cable companies <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644030:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> September 05, 2011, 03:24 AM
> Jerry Brown seems to dislike all businesses, big and small. Yet one
> industry he tries to protect--the cable industry.
>
> "In the jobs package that Gov. Jerry Brown announced last week, there was
> only one industry-specific tax break – to big cable companies.
>
> The special provision would save cable companies – and cost the state – $83
> million over the next three years, according to state Department of Finance
> projections. The legislation is doomed, however, because it requires
> two-thirds of the Legislature to approve it, and Republicans already have
> pooh-poohed it. But there's still the question of how the cable industry got
> a special deal.
>
> The governor's proposal mirrors a bill by Sen. Kevin de León, D-Los Angeles,
> which would require companies to calculate their tax burden based only on
> their sales in California. Currently, multistate companies can choose the
> most beneficial of either a sales-only formula or one that considers sales,
> property and payroll. The sales-only approach, called the "mandatory single
> sales factor," is used by many states and was recommended by the nonpartisan
> Legislative Analyst's Office as a way to increase jobs and state tax
> revenue. Brown's proposal would use the extra money to fund tax credits for
> companies that hire new workers and buy manufacturing equipment."
>
> Fox and CNN can afford to be treated like other companies in California.
>
> Why the special treatment? Follow the money. "The industry has been good
> to Democrats. The trade association gave the state Democratic Party $179,000
> this year, not to mention contributions to individual lawmakers. It gave the
> Republican Party $55,000. Comcast gave the Democratic Party committee
> $25,000 and also gave $30,000 to Oakland charter schools at Brown's behest."
>
> Corruption has many faces, this is one--Democrat and Jerry Brown are
> corrupt--they took the money and now giving a break. Angry yet?
> Read More... <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644030:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> ________________________________
>
> <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/cimages/16fdcafe10b66ea085054eed968...
> > <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644031:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> ________________________________
> Further Signs of Collapse: Forced vacation use ordered at L.A. Times <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644032:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> September 05, 2011, 03:19 AM
> LA Times is a newspaper about to collapse. Over the past few years they have
> fired hundreds of employees, lost hundreds of thousands of circulation,
> advertiser are not returning. Rumors swirl about a major layoff, very
> soon. Now the workers are told to take their vacation time or lose it.
>
> "As of October 2, 2011, we will put into action a temporary freeze of
> vacation accrual and mandate the use of vacation days. Given that many of
> you have more than two weeks of vacation already accrued and the holiday
> months are traditionally a season when time off is scheduled, our hope is
> that this will be manageable and not create undue difficulty.
>
> Here are the details:
>
> · Vacation accrual for full-time employees will temporarily freeze as of
> October 2, 2011 and resume on December 25, 2011, which is when the first pay
> period of 2012 begins."
>
> For a short period of time NO vacation will be accrued. That could be
> extended. They are trying to take liabilities (vacation time) off the books
> to make the newspaper look less disastrous. Doesn't matter. Folks who
> want to read government press releases, demand higher taxes and more
> government will continue to read the LA Times. By the looks of polls--even
> Leftists labor people are turning from that model. When the former head of
> UTLA--the LAUSD teachers union--starts a charter schools with very limited
> tenure, you know liberalism and the Times are dying. A suicide in both
> cases.
> Read More... <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644032:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> ------------------------
> School bus service vanishing amid cuts <http://news.dienerconsultants.com/ct/6644033:9740128964:m:1:175188734...
>
> September 05, 2011, 03:10 AM
> Except for those with physical problems, is it the responsibility of
> government and the tax payers to get students to school? Of course not,
> except in the Ninny State.
>
> "Officials for the San Francisco Unified School District ended bus service
> for hundreds of children this fall and will make further reductions over the
> next two years as the district cuts transportation expenses by 44 percent.
>
> In San Diego, about 3,500 students returning to school this month will have
> to find another ride or switch schools becaus
--
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