President Barack Obama address January 31, 2009

ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT
TO THE NATION
January 31, 2009

This morning I'd like to talk about some good news and some bad news as we confront our economic crisis.

The bad news is well known to Americans across our country as we continue to struggle through unprecedented economic turmoil. Yesterday we learned that our economy shrank by nearly 4 percent from October through December. That decline was the largest in over a quarter century, and it underscores the seriousness of the economic crisis that my administration found when we took office.

Already the slowdown has cost us tens of thousands of jobs in January alone. And the picture is likely to get worse before it gets better.

Make no mistake, these are not just numbers. Behind every statistic there's a story. Many Americans have seen their lives turned upside down. Families have been forced to make painful choices. Parents are struggling to pay the bills. Patients can't afford care. Students can't keep pace with tuition. And workers don't know whether their retirement will be dignified and secure.

The good news is that we are moving forward with a sense of urgency equal to the challenge. This week the House passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which will save or create more than 3 million jobs over the next few years. It puts a tax cut into the pockets of working families, and places a down payment on America's future by investing in energy independence and education, affordable health care, and American infrastructure.

Now this recovery plan moves to the Senate. I will continue working with both parties so that the strongest possible bill gets to my desk. With the stakes so high we simply cannot afford the same old gridlock and partisan posturing in Washington. It's time to move in a new direction.

Americans know that our economic recovery will take years -- not months. But they will have little patience if we allow politics to get in the way of action, and our economy continues to slide. That's why I am calling on the Senate to pass this plan, so that we can put people back to work and begin the long, hard work of lifting our economy out of this crisis. No one bill, no matter how comprehensive, can cure what ails our economy. So just as we jumpstart job creation, we must also ensure that markets are stable, credit is flowing, and families can stay in their homes.

Last year Congress passed a plan to rescue the financial system. While the package helped avoid a financial collapse, many are frustrated by the results -- and rightfully so. Too often taxpayer dollars have been spent without transparency or accountability. Banks have been extended a hand, but homeowners, students, and small businesses that need loans have been left to fend on their own.

And adding to this outrage, we learned this week that even as they petitioned for taxpayer assistance, Wall Street firms shamefully paid out nearly $20 billion in bonuses for 2008. While I'm committed to doing what it takes to maintain the flow of credit, the American people will not excuse or tolerate such arrogance and greed. The road to recovery demands that we all act responsibly, from Main Street to Washington to Wall Street.

Soon my Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner, will announce a new strategy for reviving our financial system that gets credit flowing to businesses and families. We'll help lower mortgage costs and extend loans to small businesses so they can create jobs. We'll ensure that CEOs are not draining funds that should be advancing our recovery. And we will insist on unprecedented transparency, rigorous oversight, and clear accountability -- so taxpayers know how their money is being spent and whether it is achieving results.

Rarely in history has our country faced economic problems as devastating as this crisis. But the strength of the American people compels us to come together. The road ahead will be long, but I promise you that every day that I go to work in the Oval Office I carry with me your stories, and my administration is dedicated to alleviating your struggles and advancing your dreams. You are calling for action. Now is the time for those of us in Washington to live up to our responsibilities.

President Barack Obama's First weekly address 01-24-2009

Remarks of President Barack Obama

Weekly Address

Saturday, January 24th, 2009

We begin this year and this Administration in the midst of an unprecedented crisis that calls for unprecedented action. Just this week, we saw more people file for unemployment than at any time in the last twenty-six years, and experts agree that if nothing is done, the unemployment rate could reach double digits. Our economy could fall $1 trillion short of its full capacity, which translates into more than $12,000 in lost income for a family of four. And we could lose a generation of potential, as more young Americans are forced to forgo college dreams or the chance to train for the jobs of the future.

In short, if we do not act boldly and swiftly, a bad situation could become dramatically worse.

That is why I have proposed an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan to immediately jumpstart job creation as well as long-term economic growth. I am pleased to say that both parties in Congress are already hard at work on this plan, and I hope to sign it into law in less than a month.

It’s a plan that will save or create three to four million jobs over the next few years, and one that recognizes both the paradox and the promise of this moment - the fact that there are millions of Americans trying to find work even as, all around the country, there’s so much work to be done. That’s why this is not just a short-term program to boost employment. It’s one that will invest in our most important priorities like energy and education; health care and a new infrastructure that are necessary to keep us strong and competitive in the 21st century.

Today I’d like to talk specifically about the progress we expect to make in each of these areas.

To accelerate the creation of a clean energy economy, we will double our capacity to generate alternative sources of energy like wind, solar, and biofuels over the next three years. We’ll begin to build a new electricity grid that lay down more than 3,000 miles of transmission lines to convey this new energy from coast to coast. We’ll save taxpayers $2 billion a year by making 75% of federal buildings more energy efficient, and save the average working family $350 on their energy bills by weatherizing 2.5 million homes.

To lower health care cost, cut medical errors, and improve care, we’ll computerize the nation’s health record in five years, saving billions of dollars in health care costs and countless lives. And we’ll protect health insurance for more than 8 million Americans who are in danger of losing their coverage during this economic downturn.

To ensure our children can compete and succeed in this new economy, we’ll renovate and modernize 10,000 schools, building state-of-the-art classrooms, libraries, and labs to improve learning for over five million students. We’ll invest more in Pell Grants to make college affordable for seven million more students, provide a $2,500 college tax credit to four million students, and triple the number of fellowships in science to help spur the next generation of innovation.

Finally, we will rebuild and retrofit America to meet the demands of the 21st century. That means repairing and modernizing thousands of miles of America’s roadways and providing new mass transit options for millions of Americans. It means protecting America by securing 90 major ports and creating a better communications network for local law enforcement and public safety officials in the event of an emergency. And it means expanding broadband access to millions of Americans, so business can compete on a level-playing field, wherever they’re located.

I know that some are skeptical about the size and scale of this recovery plan. I understand that skepticism, which is why this recovery plan must and will include unprecedented measures that will allow the American people to hold my Administration accountable for these results. We won’t just throw money at our problems - we’ll invest in what works. Instead of politicians doling out money behind a veil of secrecy, decisions about where we invest will be made public, and informed by independent experts whenever possible. We’ll launch an unprecedented effort to root out waste, inefficiency, and unnecessary spending in our government, and every American will be able to see how and where we spend taxpayer dollars by going to a new website called recovery.gov.

No one policy or program will solve the challenges we face right now, nor will this crisis recede in a short period of time. But if we act now and act boldly; if we start rewarding hard work and responsibility once more; if we act as citizens and not partisans and begin again the work of remaking America, then I have faith that we will emerge from this trying time even stronger and more prosperous than we were before. Thanks for listening.

Thank You Letter from PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

Kirk --

Thank you for being part of the most open inauguration in our nation's history.

As we begin the work of remaking America, we must draw on the common hopes that brought us together this week.

I'm counting on you to keep the spirit of unity and service alive.

You can visit http://www.pic2009.org/whitehouse to learn about our plans to bring change to America, and how you can get involved in the work ahead.

We face many challenges. But we face them as one nation.

And we have seen, time and time again, that there are no limits to what we can accomplish when we stand together.

Our journey is just beginning.

Thank you for all you do,

President Barack Obama

Inauguration of our first African-American President Barack Hussein Obama -- Noon, January 20th, 2009

President Obama's Inaugural Address -- photo by Kirk Tanter


Obama Swearing-In -- photo by Kirk Tanter


Obama, Bush, and Biden in prayer -- photo by Kirk Tanter


America's First Lady Michele Obama -- photo by Kirk Tanter


5am Inauguration Day 2009 -- photo by Kirk Tanter


Kirk Tanter reporting from the U.S. Capitol for the Syndication One News-Talk Network


Swearing-In Podium at the United States Capitol -- photo by Kirk Tanter


Two Million people on the National Mall -- photo by Kirk Tanter


Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin -- photo by Kirk Tanter


Co-Founder of S.C.L.C. Joseph Lowery -- photo by Kirk Tanter


Former Secretary of State Colin Powell -- photo by Kirk Tanter


Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, and co. -- photo by Kirk Tanter


Denzel Washington -- photo by Kirk Tanter

Former President George W. Bush Diverted Small Business Funds to Large Corporations

January 21, 2009

Bush Administration Policy Cost Small Businesses Over a Trillion Dollars in Federal Contracts

Petaluma, Calif. - There is no way to know exactly how many billions of dollars in federal contracts American small businesses lost during the eight years of the Bush Administration.
During President Bush's tenure, administration officials went to extreme lengths to make it difficult, if not impossible to obtain the government's records on small business contracting.

Under Bush, the United States Department of Justice went to federal court on several occasions to fight Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for the specific names of firms that had received federal small business contracts.

Since 2003, 15 federal investigations have found that Bush Administration officials have diverted billions of dollars in federal small business contracts to Fortune 500 firms and thousands of other large businesses in the U.S. and Europe.
(http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AmericanSmallBusines/bdd35611fe/ce8ed8cb0d/ea29323230


In 2005, the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General released Report 5-15, which stated, "One of the most important challenges facing the Small Business Administration and the entire Federal government today is that large businesses are receiving small business procurement awards and agencies are receiving credit for these awards."
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AmericanSmallBusines/bdd35611fe/ce8ed8cb0d/587a893793

Based on an evaluation of all available federal contracting data, the American Small Business League (ASBL) estimates that the Bush Administration diverted over $100 billion a year in federal small business contracts to large businesses.

In addition to diverting more than $800 billion in federal small business contracts to corporate giants, President Bush has attempted to systematically dismantle every federal program designed to assist small businesses including those firms owned by women, minorities and veterans.

For eight years, Bush Administration officials refused to implement a federal law establishing a 5 percent federal contracting goal for woman-owned firms. Bush officials at the SBA closed the office to assist veteran-owned firms and laid off the vast majority of staff designated to assist minority-owned firms.

Additionally, Bush cut the SBA's budget and staffing to the point that the agency could barely function. During the eight years of the Bush Administration, hundreds of the SBA's most experienced staff were laid off.

Considering the volume of federal small business contracts that have been diverted to large businesses, and the lost contracting opportunities for small businesses and firms owned by women, minorities and veterans, small businesses may have lost over $1 trillion in federal contracts during the Bush Administration.

Small businesses may not fair much better under President Obama. To date, President Obama has not proposed a single policy to stop the flow of federal small business contracts to corporate giants. Even worse, President Obama appears to favor a change in federal law that will divert federal small business contracts to firms controlled by some of the nation's wealthiest venture capitalists.

If President Obama does follow in George Bush's footsteps and enact legislation and policies that will divert even more government small business contracts to large businesses and wealthy investors, he will most likely do just what President Bush did and talk about what a valuable resource small businesses are to our nation's economy while he is doing it.


Contact:
Christopher Gunn
Communications Director
American Small Business League
cgunn@asbl.com
(707) 789-9575

Obama's Pre-Inaugural Address 01-17-09

Inaugural Transportation Plan

Press Release

2009 Presidential Inaugural Law Enforcement and
Public Safety Public Affairs Subcommittee Announces
"Joint Transportation Plan"

Contact: District Department of Transportation, 202-671-3490
Virginia State Police, 804-674-2789
Maryland State Highway Administration, 410-545-0303
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 202- 962-1051
U.S. Capitol Police, 202-224-1677
U.S. Park Police, 202-619-7163
U.S. Secret Service, 202-406-5708

(Washington, D.C.) – Events and activities celebrating the 56th Presidential Inauguration
will take place beginning on Saturday, January 17, 2009, through Wednesday, January
21, 2009, with the swearing-in scheduled for Tuesday, January 20.

Security and transportation plans for the Inaugural have been developed by a partnership
of local, state and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies, including the
District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the District of Columbia Homeland
Security and Emergency Management Agency, the Washington Metropolitan Area
Transit Authority, the Virginia State Police, the Maryland Department of Transportation,
the United States Secret Service, the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department
(MPD), the United States Capitol Police and the United States Park Police.

This transportation plan provides the general outlines for road closures, vehicular
restricted zones, public transportation, charter vehicles and pedestrian routes. Additional
information is available online for residents of the District, Virginia and Maryland, as
well as charter operators, through the websites listed at the end of this plan. Additions to
this plan may be made prior to the Inaugural and will be updated on these websites.
Specific questions regarding this transportation plan should be directed to the
participating agencies as identified.

Access into Washington, D.C. will be limited on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. The
following is a summary of routes and their status that day:

􀂃 14th Street Bridge – Restricted to Buses and Authorized Vehicles Only
􀂃 Roosevelt Bridge – Restricted to Buses and Authorized Vehicles Only
􀂃 Memorial Bridge – Restricted to Pedestrians and Emergency Vehicles Only
􀂃 Key Bridge – Restricted to Mass Transit Only
􀂃 Chain Bridge - Restricted to Authorized Vehicles and Mass Transit Only, no
charter buses.
􀂃 South Capitol Street Bridge – Restricted to Buses and Authorized Vehicles Only
􀂃 Southeast/Southwest Freeway – Restricted to Emergency Vehicles Only
􀂃 Rock Creek Parkway – Open to traffic from Beach Drive to Virginia Avenue NW
(Holiday traffic schedule in effect throughout the park)
􀂃 Clara Barton Parkway operating under Holiday schedule (2 way traffic all day)
􀂃 11th Street Bridges – Restricted to Buses and Authorized Vehicles Only
􀂃 Sousa Bridge – Open to all traffic from east of the river to security checkpoint in
Capitol Hill; Barney Circle closed to all vehicles
􀂃 East Capitol Street – Open to all traffic but roadways around RFK will be filled
with tour buses
􀂃 Benning Road – Open to all traffic
􀂃 New York Avenue – Open to all traffic
􀂃 3rd Street Tunnel – Closed to all vehicular traffic and restricted to pedestrian use
only.

Authorized vehicles include taxicabs and limousines with valid licenses.

Washington, D.C. Vehicular Restrictions

Vehicle Restricted Zone: Vehicular road closures in Washington, D.C. will be instituted
by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Park Police. Extensive road closures
and vehicle restricted zones will be established in Washington, D.C. Beginning at 3 p.m.
on Monday, January 19, through 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, all of the following
areas will be posted as Emergency No Parking. From 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday,
January 20, many of these areas will be posted by law enforcement personnel and
vehicular traffic will be limited to residents with government issued identification
(driver’s license) or vehicle registration showing residency inside the restricted area, or to
vehicles conducting essential business within the restricted area.

􀂃 K Street NW from Washington Circle to 12th Street NW
􀂃 Washington Circle from K Street NW to 23rd Street NW
􀂃 Pennsylvania Avenue NW from Washington Circle to the U S Capitol
􀂃 I Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 11th Street NW
􀂃 H Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
􀂃 G Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
􀂃 F Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
􀂃 E Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
􀂃 Virginia Avenue from 23rd Street NW to 2nd SW
􀂃 D Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 1st Street NW
􀂃 C Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
􀂃 Constitution Avenue from 23rd Street NW to 2nd Street NE
􀂃 Madison Dr. NW from 15th Street NW to 3rd Street NW
􀂃 Jefferson Dr. SW from 15th Street SW to 3rd Street SW
􀂃 Independence Avenue from 23rd Street SW to 2nd Street SE
􀂃 C Street SW from 7th Street SW to 2nd Street SW
􀂃 D Street SW from 7th Street SW to 2nd Street SW
􀂃 E Street SW from 7th Street SW to 2nd Street SW
􀂃 Maryland Avenue SW from 7th Street SW to the U S Capitol
􀂃 23rd Street from Washington Circle NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 22nd Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
􀂃 21st Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
􀂃 20th Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
􀂃 19th Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
􀂃 18th Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
􀂃 17th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 Connecticut Avenue NW from K Street NW to H Street NW
􀂃 16th Street NW from K Street NW to H Street NW
􀂃 Vermont Avenue NW from K Street NW to H Street NW
􀂃 15th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 14th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 New York Avenue NW from 18th Street NW to 11th Street NW
􀂃 13th Street NW from K Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
􀂃 12th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 11th Street NW from K Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
􀂃 10th Street NW from H Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
􀂃 9th Street from H Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 8th Street NW from H Street NW to D Street NW
􀂃 7th Street from H Street NW to E Street SW
􀂃 6th Street from H Street NW to E Street SW
􀂃 5th Street from H Street NW to D Street NW
􀂃 4th Street from H Street NW to E Street SW
􀂃 3rd Street from Massachusetts Avenue NW to E Street SW
􀂃 Henry Bacon Dr. NW from the Lincoln Memorial to Constitution Avenue NW
􀂃 Daniel French Dr. SW from the Lincoln Memorial to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 Ohio Drive from Independence Avenue through West Potomac and East Potomac
Parks
􀂃 Buckeye Drive in East Potomac Park
􀂃 West Basin Drive
􀂃 East Basin Drive
􀂃 Parkway Drive from Rock Creek Parkway to Lincoln Memorial Circle
􀂃 Maine Avenue from East Basin Drive to Independence Avenue

Vehicular Road Closures: In addition to above listed Emergency No Parking and vehicle
restricted areas, from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, the following roads will
be closed and off limits to vehicles without a law enforcement escort:

􀂃 Pennsylvania Avenue NW from 18th Street NW to the U S Capitol
􀂃 I Street NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
􀂃 H Street NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
􀂃 G Street NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
􀂃 F Street NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
􀂃 E Street NW from 18th Street NW to 6th Street NW
􀂃 D Street NW from 18th Street NW to 6th Street NW
􀂃 C Street from 18th Street NW to 2nd Street NE
􀂃 Constitution Avenue from 17th Street NW to 2nd Street NE
􀂃 Madison Dr. NW from 15th Street NW to 3rd Street NW
􀂃 Jefferson Dr. SW from 15th Street SW to 3rd Street SW
􀂃 Independence Avenue from 14th Street SW to 2nd Street NE
􀂃 Maryland Avenue SW from 6th Street SW to the U S Capitol
􀂃 17th Street from I Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 Connecticut Avenue NW from I Street NW to H Street NW
􀂃 16th Street NW from I Street NW to H Street NW
􀂃 Vermont Avenue NW from I Street NW to H Street NW
􀂃 15th Street from I Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 14th Street from I Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 New York Avenue NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
􀂃 13th Street NW from I Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
􀂃 12th Street from F Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 11th Street NW from F Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
􀂃 10th Street NW from F Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
􀂃 9th Street from F Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 8th Street NW from F Street NW to D Street NW
􀂃 7th Street from F Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 6th Street from F Street NW to Maryland Avenue SW
􀂃 5th Street from D Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 4th Street from D Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 3rd Street from D Street NW to Independence Avenue SW

Capitol Hill: Road closures on Capitol Hill will be instituted by the U.S. Capitol Police in
cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department. Access to the perimeter will be
restricted to properly authorized and credentialed personnel only. No public parking will
be provided. The following street closures will go into effect starting at 5 a.m. on

Tuesday, January 20, 2009:

􀂃 Louisiana Avenue between Columbus Circle and Constitution Avenue NW
􀂃 Delaware Avenue between Columbus Circle and D Street NE
􀂃 First Street between Columbus Circle and D Street NE
􀂃 North Capitol Street NW between E Street and Louisiana Avenue
􀂃 E Street between New Jersey Avenue and North Capitol Street NW
􀂃 New Jersey Avenue NW between E Street and Louisiana Avenue NW
􀂃 D Street between Louisiana Avenue NW and Second Street NE
􀂃 First Street NW between D Street NW and Louisiana Avenue NW
􀂃 C Street NW between First Street and Louisiana Avenue NW
􀂃 Second Street NW between C Street and Constitution Avenue NW
􀂃 Second Street NE between Massachusetts Avenue NE and C Street SE
􀂃 C Street SE between Second Street SE and First Street SE
􀂃 First Street SE between C Street and D Street SE
􀂃 D Street between First Street SE and Washington Avenue SW
􀂃 Washington Avenue SW between D Street SW, and Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 Independence Avenue SW between Second Street SW and Third Street NW
􀂃 Third Street between SW Freeway and Constitution Avenue NW
􀂃 Constitution Avenue NW between Second Street NW and Third Street NW

Streets will reopen once the parade concludes at 5 p.m.

Charter Bus Parking Zones: Tour bus parking is available at RFK Stadium and
designated zones within the District. Specific zones and road closures are posted on the
District’s Inauguration web site at www.gettingthere.dc.gov. Streets around the bus
parking areas will be closed to private automobile traffic and will be posted as
Emergency No Parking zones beginning at 3 p.m. on Monday January, 19, 2009.

Generally, these areas include:
􀂃 RFK Stadium
􀂃 12th Street NW to 22nd Street and K Street NW to P Street NW
􀂃 First Street NE to 6th Street NW and New York Avenue to H Street NW
􀂃 Designated areas in Southwest and Southeast
Virginia Vehicular Restrictions
All vehicular road restrictions will be coordinated between the Virginia State Police, the
Virginia Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions. On January 20, 2009,
personal vehicles will not be permitted into Washington, D.C., from Virginia.
􀂃 I-395 north will be closed to general traffic. As a result, northbound I-95 traffic
will be diverted onto I-495 North (Inner Loop) or I-495/I-95 East (Outer Loop) at
the Springfield interchange.
􀂃 Eastbound I-66 lanes east of the Capital Beltway/I-495 will be closed to general
traffic. Eastbound traffic on I-66 will also be diverted onto I-495
􀂃 Only authorized vehicles – emergency vehicles, buses, taxis and for-hire limos -
will be permitted on I-395 North and I-66 East within the Beltway.
􀂃 Memorial Bridge will be open to pedestrian traffic only. No motor vehicles will
be permitted to cross the bridges.
􀂃 Key Bridge is restricted to mass transit only
􀂃 Chain Bridge is restricted to authorized vehicles and mass transit only, no charter
buses.
􀂃 The Woodrow Wilson and the American Legion bridges will have no traffic
restrictions.
􀂃 North Washington Street at Montgomery Street (City of Alexandria City) to
Reagan National Airport will be closed.
U.S. Park Police Closures

The following vehicular road closures will be coordinated by the U.S. Park Police. On
January 20, 2009:

􀂃 The George Washington Memorial Parkway will be closed in both directions
from I-495 to the 14th Street Bridge.
􀂃 Buses and authorized vehicles traveling to Washington Reagan National Airport
via I-395 may exit onto southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway for
the airport only. All other traffic will need to use Route 1 or mass transit to access
the airport.
􀂃 Buses and authorized vehicles will be allowed to exit Washington Reagan
National Airport onto northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway to
enter the District of Columbia via the 14th Street Bridge. All other traffic will be
allowed to exit the airport via Route 1 or southbound George Washington
Memorial Parkway.

Maryland Transportation Information

While there are no anticipated road closures or restrictions in Maryland, officials are
discouraging individuals from driving into the District and encouraging the use of mass
transit. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration is
supporting Inaugural activities by:

􀂃 Conducting extended emergency traffic patrols along interstate and primary
highways approaching the National Capital Region
􀂃 Providing real time traffic public information by means of Dynamic Message
Signs (DMS), Highway Advisory Radios (HAR), and CHART (Coordinated
Highways Action Response Team) on the Web
􀂃 Assisting motorists and removing abandoned and disabled vehicles from travel
lanes and reporting on travel conditions
􀂃 Providing traffic control support to conduct ramp closures and other operations
warranted to maintain traffic
􀂃 Log onto www.marylandtransportation.com for transit and travel information
Public Transportation
Public transportation to all Inaugural events is encouraged as many streets in and around
the Capitol and the Mall area and bridges into/out of the city will be closed to private
automobiles for much of the day.
Metrorail will operate rush hour service for 17 consecutive hours on January 20, from 4
a.m. to 9 p.m., and will operate on a non-rush hour schedule for two extra hours until 2
a.m. As Metrorail will be operating rush-hour service, it will charge peak fares
throughout the day. Due to security measures, the Archives-Navy Memorial/Penn
Quarter Metrorail station on Metro's Green and Yellow Lines and the Smithsonian
Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange lines, will be closed all day on Inauguration
Day, Tuesday, January 20.

Metro’s commemorative One-Day Pass with a special Inauguration design is currently
being sold for $10 online or $7.80 at Metro sales offices and fare vending machines. The
cost of the passes will be $10 at all sales locations on January 20. People should
purchase their farecards, One-Day Passes or SmarTrip cards in advance of Inauguration
Day if possible to avoid the lines.

Metro has about 60,000 parking spaces in 29 lots and 22 garages throughout the
Washington region for private motorists to park on Inauguration Day. Metro will charge
$4 cash only for motorists as they pull in to park in its lots. The Minnesota Avenue
Metrorail station parking lot is closed to the public and is only available for Metro
employees who will be working on Inauguration Day.

Metrobus will be operating on a modified Saturday schedule from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. on
Inauguration Day. However, with street closures around the National Mall and
Pennsylvania Avenue for the parade, all Metrobuses will be prepared for detours. Bus
riders are encouraged to plan significant extra time to travel through these areas.
MetroAccess will operate identical hours to Metrorail and Metrobus during Inauguration
Weekend and through Inauguration Day. MetroAccess customers are encouraged to plan
significant extra time to travel due to increased traffic throughout the service area. Street
closures around the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue for the Inauguration and
parade on Inauguration Day will mean that MetroAccess vehicles will only be able to
drop off customers several blocks from the Inauguration and parade route. MetroAccess
vehicles will not be permitted access to streets that are closed. All MetroAccess users
should be prepared for detours. MetroAccess customers must reserve their trips by 4:30
p.m. the day prior to travel.

People planning to use Metro during the four days of Inaugural activities can sign up for
special e-alerts on Metro’s Web site at www.wmata.com/inauguration. E-alerts will be
issued when Metro has news relating to service for the Inauguration and when there may
be service disruptions.

Charter Vehicles

Transportation and security planners anticipate up to 10,000 private buses carrying
500,000 participants to Washington, D.C., for the Inaugural events. DDOT has
designated parking zones for buses throughout the metro area. From these areas, riders
will be able to walk, take Metro or, in limited cases, take shuttle buses to the Inaugural events. Charter buses will not be able to park and/or drop off passengers at any Metro
station in Washington D.C., Virginia, or Maryland.

All those who plan to travel the District of Columbia during Inauguration Week via
chartered buses, motor carriers, etc., must obtain a Trip Permit from the District
Department of Motor Vehicles and must sign up for a parking pass at designated parking
sites. Registration for permit and parking for charter buses must be completed no later
than Thursday, January 15, 2009. No registrations will be accepted after this date.
Additional information and registration is available at www.bus.dc.gov.

Pedestrian Routes

The following access points have been identified as pedestrian-only routes to the National
Mall:
􀂃 E Street NE from Massachusetts Avenue NE to 3rd Street NW
􀂃 7th Street SW from D Street SW to Independence Avenue SW
􀂃 19th Street NW from K Street NW to DuPont Circle NW
􀂃 3rd Street Tunnel (I-395) from New York Avenue NW to SE/SW Freeway
􀂃 Arlington Memorial Bridge from Virginia, around Lincoln Circle to Independence
Avenue SW
􀂃 East Capitol Street NE to North Carolina SE to New Jersey Avenue SE to I Street
SE
The following access points have been identified as pedestrian-only routes to the
Inaugural Parade:
􀂃 6th Street NW from K Street NW to P Street NW
􀂃 13th Street NW from K Street NW to Logan Circle NW
􀂃 East Capitol Street NE to Massachusetts Avenue NE
􀂃 Arlington Memorial Bridge from Virginia, around Lincoln Circle to Henry Bacon
Drive NW

Bicycle Parking

Free valet bicycle parking will be provided in designated areas north and south of the
event perimeter. Additional information may be found at www.gettingthere.dc.gov.
Inaugural Balls

There will be 10 official Inaugural balls, hosted at the Washington Convention Center,
the National Building Museum, Union Station, the D.C. Armory and the Washington
Hilton. Emergency No Parking zones and some road closures will be in effect near each
of these locations.

Online Information

Additional information is available online for residents of the District, Virginia and
Maryland, as well as charter operators, through the following websites:

􀂃 DDOT – www.gettingthere.dc.gov
􀂃 Maryland Department of Transportation – www.marylandtransportation.com
􀂃 Virginia State Police – http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Inauguration_2009.shtm
􀂃 Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority – www.wmata.com
In addition, Inaugural information is available on the following sites to help those
planning to attend the inaugural events:
􀂃 Presidential Inaugural Committee – www.pic2009.org
􀂃 D.C. Presidential Inaugural Committee – www.inauguration.dc.gov
􀂃 Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies –
www.inaugural.senate.gov
􀂃 Armed Forces Inaugural Committee – www.afic.northcom.mil
􀂃 United States Secret Service – www.secretservice.gov

Secret Service Inaugural Security Infomation

Contact: (202) 406-5708
GPA 01-09

Press Release

SECRET SERVICE ANNOUNCES SECURITY INFORMATION FOR THE
2009 PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL

Parade Route Road Closures and Entry Points Released

(Washington, D.C.) – The United States Secret Service in cooperation with its local, state
and federal security, public safety and military partners, has developed an overall security
plan for the 56th Presidential Inauguration. Inaugural activities will take place beginning
on Saturday, January 17 through Wednesday, January 21, 2009, with the swearing-in
ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, January 20.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated the Inaugural as a National
Special Security Event (NSSE). When an event is designated an NSSE, the U.S. Secret
Service assumes its role as the lead federal agency for the design and implementation of
the operational security plan. The Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department
(MPD), the U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Park Police, as well as a number of other
federal and local agencies, will play a critical operational role in securing the
Inauguration and resources will be deployed to maintain the necessary level of security.

The following security measures will be in place for the 56th Presidential Inauguration:

• Downtown Area Road Closures: A map detailing specific road closures is
attached. Beginning at 3 p.m. on Monday, January 19, through 7 a.m. on
Wednesday, January 21, vehicle restricted zones will be put in place in
downtown. All vehicular road closures in Washington, D.C. will be instituted by
the Metropolitan Police Department. Inquiries pertaining to road closures should
be directed to the MPD Office of Public Information at (202) 727-4383. Details
will also be available online at www.inauguration.dc.gov and at
www.secretservice.gov. A detailed transportation plan will be released listing
additional road closures for Inauguration day.

• Security Screenings: All attendees, including general public and ticketed guests,
are subject to a thorough security screening before entering the Inaugural parade
route, the White House reviewing stand and the Inaugural balls. Please allow for
additional time for this security screening, as it is expected that lines may be long.
-more-

U.S Department of
Homeland Security
United States
Secret Service
http://www.secretservice.gov/

-2-

• Prohibited Items: As a security precaution, the following items will be
prohibited from the Inaugural parade route, the White House reviewing stand and
the Inaugural balls: firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapons of any kind,
aerosols, supports for signs and placards, packages, coolers, thermal or glass
containers, backpacks, bags exceeding size restrictions (8"x6"x4"), laser pointers,
animals other than helper/guide dogs, structures, bicycles and any other items
determined to be a potential safety hazard. With respect to signs and placards,
items must be made of cardboard, poster board or cloth and have dimensions no
greater than three (3) feet in width, 20 feet in length and one-quarter (1/4) inch in
thickness. Surrendered items will not be returned, nor available for pick-up.

• Parade Route Entry Points: The following 13 public entry points will open at
7:00 a.m. on January 20, 2009, and will remain open until the parade route can no
longer accommodate additional people. A map detailing entry point locations is
attached.

- 2nd Street NW and C Street NW
- 3rd Street NW and C Street NW
- Indiana Avenue NW between 6th St NW and 7th St NW
- 7th Street NW and D Street NW
- 10th Street NW and E Street NW
- 12th Street NW and E Street NW
- E Street NW just east of 13th Street NW
- 13th Street NW just North of E Street NW
- 14th Street NW just North of E Street NW
- 12th Street NW between Constitution Avenue. and Pennsylvania Avenue
- 10th Street NW between Constitution Avenue. and Pennsylvania Avenue
- 7th Street NW between Constitution Avenue. and Pennsylvania Avenue
- Constitution Avenue between 6th Street NW and 7th Street NW
NOTE: Access to the parade route from south of Pennsylvania Avenue, including the
National Mall area, will only be available via 14th Street NW or 12th Street NW at
Constitution Avenue.

All parade route security screening entry points will be able to accommodate
persons with disabilities. There are additional screening entry points for the
ticketed seating at the U.S. Capitol and the White House viewing areas. Details
for the swearing-in at the Capitol are available at www.inaugural.senate.gov.
Individuals attending the Inaugural parade may enter at any of the designated
entry points on the north or south side of Pennsylvania Avenue. Between 7 a.m.
and 1:30 p.m., the following intersections will be open to the general public as
crossover points:

- 3rd Street between Constitution Ave and Pennsylvania Avenue
- Pennsylvania Ave between 6th Street NW and 7th Street NW
- Pennsylvania Ave between 11th Street NW and 12th Street NW
-more http://www.secretservice.gov/

-3-

• Air Security: A combined air security plan will be implemented to provide
airspace security for the Washington metropolitan area. Enhanced airspace
restrictions on general aviation have been released and can be accessed online at
the Federal Aviation Administration web page at www.faa.gov. Pilot inquiries
should be directed to 866-598-9522.

• Water Security: There will be an enhanced security presence on the waterways
around Washington, D.C. Inquires should be directed to the U.S. Coast Guard at
410-576-2693 or via marine band radio VHF channel 16 or the Metropolitan
Police Department Harbor Patrol at 202-727-4582.

###
EDITOR’S NOTE: For questions concerning this release, please contact the United
States Secret Service Office of Government and Public Affairs at 202-406-5708. The
Presidential Inaugural Committee may be reached at 202-203-1700 or by visiting
http://www.pic2009.org/.

Maps of the parade entry points and road closures are available on the Secret Service
website at www.secretservice.gov/presidential_inaugural.shtml

Obama Train Stop Speech

Crowd lined up at monument 48 hours before Inauguration

Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama

Inaugural Train Stop Wilmington, Delaware January 17, 2009

Thank you, Joe, for that welcome. And thank you, Wilmington, for giving us such a great send-off.

It was just under five months ago that Joe Biden stood beside me on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield to accept my invitation to run for Vice President of the United States of America.

I chose Joe because I knew where he came from, even if I hadn't spent much time here -because you can learn a lot about a person's hometown through the deeds that they've done. Joe has always fought for the middle class, while forging the consensus to get things done. He has supported the cops and firefighters and families who form the backbone of our communities, while emerging as a statesman in the community of nations. And for thirty-six years, Delaware has sent Joe Biden to change Washington, and Washington hasn't changed him. Instead, Joe Biden has changed Washington.


The people of Delaware know this better than anyone. Because Joe is still the scrappy kid from Scranton whose family moved here - to Wilmington - in search of a new beginning. They'd known their share of hardships, and they would come to know more. They didn't have much money. But Joe Senior taught his son about the values that stretched longer than the dollar: the dignity of a hard day's work; the primacy of family; the dream that anyone should be able to make it if they try; and the simple lesson that when we Americans get knocked down, we always - always - get back up on our feet.


Those are values that the American people hold in common. They are shared by Irish Catholics from Wilmington and African Americans from the South Side of Chicago, and by Hispanics and Asians and Native Americans all across this great land. They form a foundation for our success, and lift us up when we face adversity.


Those are values that Joe carried with him to the Senate. You sent him there when he was just thirty, and that's when tragedy struck. Suddenly, this man who had a limitless future before him had lost more than most of us could ever imagine. That's when Joe Biden got back up on his feet.
He didn't move away from Delaware. Instead, day after day, month after month, year after year, he came here - to this station - and boarded the train to our nation's capital. And then, night after night, month after month, year after year, he rode that train back home in the evening to raise his boys and a beautiful family alongside his wife Jill.


He would be the first to tell you that he didn't do it alone - he had the people of this city and this state with him every step of the way. Now, Delaware, I'm asking Joe Biden to take one more ride to Washington.


Together, we know that there is work to be done. Together, we know that America faces its own crossroads - a nation at war, an economy in turmoil, an American Dream that feels like its slipping way. Together, we know that the American people are facing adversity, and that the time has come to pick ourselves up once again.


We have heard your stories on the campaign trail. We've been touched by your dreams. And we will fight for you every single day that we're in Washington, because Joe and I are both committed to leading a government that is accountable - not just to the wealthy or the well-connected, but to you. To the conductors who make our trains run, and to the workers who lay down the rails. To the parents who worry about how they're going to pay next month's bills on the commute to work, and to the children who hear the whistle of the train and dream of a better life.


That's who we're fighting for. That's who needs change. And those are the stories that we will carry with us to Washington.


We will carry with us the story of Mike and Cheryl Fisher. Mike is a longtime machinist whose workplace has faced the prospect of layoffs. Cheryl works as a nurse's assistant, and waits for a grandchild who is on the way. Together, they seek only to live and work and retire in the same Indiana hometown where they raised their children.


We will carry with us the story of Roy Gross, a truck driver from Michigan who moves cars from the plant to the showroom. Roy has watched as his friends have lost jobs while plants have shuttered their doors. He wants to see American industry build the cars of tomorrow, and jobs that let working people leave their children a better life.


We will carry with us the story of Quincy Lucas, a teacher from Dover, Delaware. Quincy lost her sister in a terrible act of domestic violence, and dedicated herself to ensuring that other families don't have to suffer like hers. She works with young people to stand up to violence, and is helping to build a safer and more secure community.


These are the quiet heroes who have made this country great. You can find them in every city and every town in all fifty states. They work hard, they look after their families, they sacrifice for their children and their grandchildren, and they deserve a government that represents the same enduring values that they live out in their own lives.


Theirs are the stories that will drive me in the days ahead, and this is the moment that we must come together for the sake of our country. For while we come from different places, as Americans we share a common story. That story began over two centuries ago in Philadelphia, where we started today's journey, and where are forefathers declared the birth of our nation and the creation of our Constitution.


It was here, in Delaware, that the Constitution was first ratified. It was here, in Delaware, where the first state joined our union. Now, it falls to us to carry forward that American story, and to make it our own. Now, it falls to us to ensure that everyone in this country can make it if they try. Now, it falls to us to pick ourselves up, to reach for the promise of a better day, and to do the hard work of perfecting our union once more.

Obama Inaugural Train Tour

January 17, 2009

PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA INAUGURAL TRAIN TOUR

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, President-elect Obama, Vice President-elect Biden and their families will travel via train to the Inauguration, holding events in Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore before arriving in Washington, D.C. Joining them for today's trip are 41 people from across the country whose life experiences reflect the rich diversity of America.

In addition to those stops, the train will also "slow roll" through Claymont, Delaware, and Edgewood, Maryland, so that more Americans will have the opportunity to witness the President-elect and Vice President-elect make their way to Washington, D.C.

At the events in Wilmington and Baltimore, canned food drives will take place as part of President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden's national service initiative. The PIC is asking those attending the Wilmington event to bring along a can of food, which will be delivered to a local food bank. In Baltimore, event attendees are asked to contribute canned goods at Camden Yards, in a receptacle at the corner of Baltimore Street and Calvert Street.



Philadelphia, PA (Event)



Who: President-elect Obama and his family, and everyday Americans traveling on the Whistle Stop Tour
Where: North Waiting Room, 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
Event Begins: 10:15 AM
Public Access: Tickets are required to attend and have been distributed to the public
Public Entrance: 1 North 30th Street
Public Parking: Available on site for a fee
Restricted Items: Please see list of restricted items below

Claymont, DE ('Slow Roll')
Who: General public
Where: Entrance at Governor Printz Extension and Chapel Avenue
Public Access: Event is free and open to the public
Public Parking: Available next to the site and at Archmere Academy, 3600 Philadelphia Pike
Doors Open: 9:15 AM
Press Logistics:
- Press entrance is at Marion Avenue and Myrtle Avenue (there is no street address)
- Preset at 7:00 AM. Site closed from 8:00 AM until doors open at 9:15 AM
- Satellite truck parking at entrance. Staff will be on site to direct where to go upon arrival
- Need 400 feet of running cable if need to go live
- Credentials issued on-site
Restricted Items: Please see list of restricted items below

Wilmington, DE (Event)
Who: President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden and their families, and everyday Americans traveling on the Whistle Stop Tour
Where: Back of Wilmington Train Station, 100 South French Street, Wilmington, DE
Doors Open: 10:30 AM
Program Begins: 1:00 PM
Public Access: Event is free and open to the public. Food and hot coffee will be provided.
Public Entrance: 100 S. French Street (Entrance at Market St. and MLK Blvd.)
Public Parking: Available in the surrounding area
Restricted Items: Please see list of restricted items below
The United Way and the Delaware Food Bank are organizing the food drive. Event attendees are suggested to bring canned food (only) to be dropped off at the following locations:
- Barclays Parking Lot
- Orange & 5th St. Parking Lot

Edgewood, MD ('Slow Roll')
Who: General public
Where: Entrance is at Old Edgewood Road (off of US Rt. 40, 2127)
Doors Open: 12:00 PM
Public Access: Event is free and open to the public
Public Parking: Parking is available next to the site and at Edgewood High School, 2415 Willoughby
Beach Road. Shuttle buses will be available to and from the high school beginning at 12:00 PM.
Press Logistics
- Press entrance is at Edgewood Station, 2127 Old Edgewood Road (off of US Route 40) - Preset at 9:00 AM. Site closed from 10:00 AM until doors open at 12:00 PM- Need 200 feet of running cable if need to go live- Plenty of parking for press vans, trucks, etc.- Credentials issued on-site
Restricted Items: Please see list of restricted items below

Baltimore, MD (Event)
Who: President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden and their families, and everyday Americans traveling on the Whistle Stop Tour
Where: War Memorial Plaza, 101 N. Gay St., Baltimore, MD
Doors Open: 1:00 PM
Event Begins: 4:15 PM
Public Access: This event is free and open to the public. Food and hot coffee will be provided
Public Entrance: 101 N. Gay Street
Public Parking: General Parking available at Camden Yards Sports Complex for $5.00. Transportation using Light Rail to Baltimore Street Station for a fee.

Senate Republicans, Eric Holder, and the Black Community

January 15, 2009

Commentary by Republican Raynard Jackson

Once again Republicans are showing how tone deaf this party really is. This time, the stupidity is emanating from the United States senate. President-elect Obama has nominated Eric Holder to be the next United States Attorney General. He will be the first Black Attorney General in our country’s history. Holder has served as a former Superior Court judge of the District of Columbia (appointed by, guess who? That pillar of liberalism—President Ronald Reagan). He also served as U.S. Attorney for Washington, DC and Deputy Attorney General (both under President Clinton). Thus, he has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate on several occasions.

Out of all of Obama’s cabinet nominees, the party chooses a Black person to pick a fight with. Are Republicans being racist? Of course not, but the perception sure doesn’t look good. Especially with their well document past with the Black community, this is just a fight they don’t need.

The person leading the charge against Holder is none other than Pennsylvania Senator, Arlen Specter. He is considered a liberal Republican and is anathema to conservatives. But, in a preemptive reelection move (2010), he is attempting to shore up his right flank. There have been persistent rumors that Specter may face another primary challenge from his right (four years ago he was challenged by former Congressman Pat Toomey—who only lost by a few thousand votes). If Specter can eliminate this threat, he is most likely to win reelection.

So, in order to boost his political fortunes, Specter is willing to alienate the Black community. Here is his plan. Specter wants to revisit the Marc Rich pardon. Rich was convicted in abstentia of tax fraud and making illegal oil deals with Iran. Holder indicated to President Clinton that he was “neutral, leaning toward” favorable regarding recommending a pardon (this was in 1999 but the pardon was not issued until January 20, 2001, a few hours before Clinton left office).

Now, let’s give the distinguished Senator from PA a simple law lesson. The President is granted the power to pardon by the United States Constitution, Article II, Section 2: “the President shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.” Typically, applications for pardons are referred for review and non-binding recommendation by the Office of the Pardon Attorney, an official of the Department of Justice. So, even if Holder had vociferously opposed the pardon, the President has absolute authority to act. Holder’s role was strictly advisory and Specter knows this.

According to the Politico newspaper, Specter and his fellow Republican senators also want to question Holder on his purported support of clemency for the members of the convicted terrorist group (FALN (Armed Forces of National Liberation). None of these jailed members were convicted of bombings or crimes which injured others. They were convicted of conspiracies to commit robbery, bomb making, sedition and firearms & explosives violations. Senate Republicans also want to relive the Elian Gonzalez and Branch Davidian controversies (Waco). According to them, they are concerned about whether Holder can be independent from a President Obama.

I wish Republicans had shown the same amount of aggressive enthusiasm regarding “independence” when it came to the Bush administration and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. This is my central complaint with the Republican Party. You have our first Black president nominating the first Black to be Attorney General and that’s the one nominee the Republicans choose to fight over.

Do Republicans not see the perception problem with this strategy? Wouldn’t a more appropriate person to go after these issues on be Sen. Hillary Clinton? She not only was the wife of President Clinton, but was intimately involved in some of these controversial issues Republicans now want to relive through Holder’s nomination.

Senator Clinton sailed through her confirmation hearing earlier this week without so much as a raised voice directed towards her. But, the highest ranking Black nominee has to explain why he didn’t attempt to stop a sitting President from exercising an absolute power that cannot be stopped. The party’s actions speak so loud that I can’t hear a damned thing they are saying!

So, once again Black Republicans are put in the position of trying to explain to our community why Republicans are hostile towards us. So, even when we play by the rules, it always seems there is one more hurdle yet to overcome.

No serious person questions Holder’s qualifications for the job. Just look at some of the Republicans who have publically stated their support for him: Frances Townsend, former Homeland Security advisor, former Senator John Warner, Senator Orrin Hatch, former Rep. Bob Barr, former U.S. attorney Joseph E. diGenova, former deputy attorney general James Comey, former attorney general William Barr, former solicitor general Theodore B. Olsen, and former deputy attorney general Larry Thompson (who served under G.W. Bush. He also is a Black Republican. Why is this the only Black Republican to publically support Holder’s nomination?)

Eric Holder will and should be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. His credentials are unquestionably exemplary and he definitely has the right temperament for the job. Republicans in general and Arlen Specter in particular should stop using Holder’s nomination to score political points with the right wing. Republicans continue to alienate the Black community with many of their actions and the Holder nomination is just the latest example. If the Republican Party continues downs this path, that won’t be the only thing that will be confirmed!

Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-based political consulting/government affairs firm.

You can reach him at: Raynard@raynardjackson.com and website at: www.raynardjackson.com

Barack Obama Inauguration Video Message

http://www.pic2009.org/page/content/yourinauguration

Kirk --In just six days, we will begin the next chapter in our shared American story. We've put together an inaugural full of great events. I want you to be a part of the celebration -- whether you're traveling to Washington, D.C., or staying at home in your community.I've recorded a short video about all the ways that you can get involved in the upcoming events. Watch the video and sign up to bring the Inauguration to your community.

This inauguration isn't about me. It's about all of us.The Presidential Inaugural Committee is hard at work organizing the most open and accessible inauguration in our nation's history. We want every American to share in the celebration of change. There are a number of ways for you to get involved in your community, from taking part in the national day of service on January 19th, to hosting a house party on January 20th -- your own Inaugural Ball.Watch the video, and sign up today to celebrate the Inauguration in your community:http://www.pic2009.org/page/m2/14907fba/57840f4a/2abe82c1/607ee0d4/2175456884/VEsF/

Thank you,

Barack

P.S. -- If you are going to be in Washington, D.C., text OPEN to 56333 on your mobile phone to make sure you get up-to-the-minute updates about inaugural events.

Inauguration Swearing-In Rehearsal January 11, 2009

All photos by Kirk Tanter...

MRC Accredits PPM in Riverside, California Market

It's the second market to receive MRC accreditation. Houston received accreditation in Jan. 2007

Jan 9, 2009

-By Mike Boyle, Radio and Records

Arbitron announced Friday (Jan. 9) that the Media Rating Council (MRC) has accredited the company's Portable People Meter (PPM) radio ratings service in Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif. It's the second market to receive MRC accreditation. Houston received accreditation in Jan. 2007.

Riverside-San Bernardino is the first "Radio First" market to receive MRC accreditation. Arbitron's Radio First uses a telephone-based sampling and recruitment methodology and includes both landline and cell-phone-only households. Houston uses an address-based methodology.

"The accreditation of the monthly PPM quarter hour radio estimates in Riverside-San Bernardino demonstrates that our 'Radio First' methodology can deliver audience estimates that meet the standards of the Media Rating Council," said Steve Morris, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Arbitron Inc. "Our goal now is to demonstrate that the sample quality initiatives we have committed to for all our PPM markets will have a continuing positive impact, just as they have had in Riverside-San Bernardino."

"Our commitment to MRC accreditation means a commitment to continuous improvement," Morris adds. "In Riverside-San Bernardino, we are continuing to work with the MRC on enhancing the quality of the sample."The MRC has accredited the monthly quarter hour radio ratings data in Riverside-San Bernardino, which are the "buy-sell" currency data for PPM markets. Arbitron has not submitted weekly and minute-by-minute PPM data for MRC accreditation.

N.Y. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo says Arbitron PPM case resolved

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Media ratings service Arbitron Inc will pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to resolve claims that it undercounted minority radio listeners, the New York Attorney General's office said on Wednesday.

Arbitron, whose shares rose more than 19 percent, will pay $260,000 to resolve claims of fraud and illegality. It also will pay $100,000 to the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters and the Spanish Radio Association to support minority radio, state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.

The agreement resolves a lawsuit that the office filed in New York Supreme Court against Arbitron in October. The suit accused the company of failing to disclose flaws in its Portable People Meter system, used to compile radio station audience size estimates.

A federal judge in October dismissed a lawsuit by Arbitron against Cuomo over his attempt to stop the ratings system.

In the Supreme Court lawsuit, Cuomo said the PPM system could cut advertising revenue for black and Hispanic broadcasters.

As part of the settlement, Arbitron also will pay at least $25,000 to support an advertising campaign that will promote minority radio, Cuomo's statement said. The $100,000 for the associations will be split evenly between the two, a spokeswoman in the office said.

The settlement also requires Arbitron to improve the PPM's methodology, including increasing the recruitment of people who only use mobile phones, the attorney general's statement said, adding that a disproportionate percentage of those people are racial minorities.

The agreement also requires Arbitron to ensure that a higher proportion of panelists across racial demographics operate the ratings system, and to fund a study that would determine and cure measurable bias in the system, the statement said. The attorney general's office would oversee the study.

"These initiatives are sure to increase the accountability of radio to the benefit of all New York radio broadcasters and their advertisers," Arbitron Chief Executive Steve Morris said in a statement.

Broadcasters, agencies and advertisers in New York can continue using PPM to measure radio audiences, he added.

Arbitron shares rose $2.73, or 19.2 percent, to $16.97 on the New York Stock Exchange.
(Reporting by Robert MacMillan, editing by Maureen Bavdek and Lisa Von Ahn)

Third Hand Smoke?

Third-Hand Smoke is a First-Class Problem

What's lurking in your clothes, hair, carpets, and drapes long after a smoker leaves the room? Third-hand smoke—a film of chemicals and carcinogens.

By Coeli Carr for MSN Health & Fitness

The unpleasant residual odor of a smoked cigarette is nothing new. Ask anyone who's returned from a party with the scent of stale cigarettes in their hair and clothing. Now, a study has confirmed what many have suspected. Third-hand smoke—the contamination from particles in smoke that linger long after a cigarette has been snuffed out—is more than unpleasant. It's a health threat.

In this month's issue of the journal Pediatrics, researchers at MassGeneral Hospital for Children, in Boston, coined the term "third-hand smoke" to describe the toxic particles that remain after visible smoke is gone, and which pose an especially great risk to infants and children who inhale them.

"People react to how bad smoke smells on their hair and clothes, but don't realize they could get sick from the smell," says Angela Stotts, M.D., professor of family medicine at Houston's University of Texas Health Science Center, who is conducing ongoing research on second-hand smoke. "A lot of parents think that if they smoke at home when their children aren't around, their children are safe." Although ventilation will help smoke dissipate, the particles simply embed themselves on furniture, carpets and other surfaces.

Stuart Abramson, M.D., a pediatric immunologist at Texas Children's Hospital, also in Houston, says that cigarette smoke contains about 4,000 chemicals and a sizable number of carcinogens and contaminants, including benzene, butane and hydrogen cyanide.

"If children are in a room where people are smoking, the dose of these contaminants is high," says Abramson. And, he says, when the particles land and embed themselves on objects in the home, you have the risk of children receiving chronic exposure to these contaminants. "It may be as simple as an infant, being held, inhaling and touching toxins from a smoking parent's clothing. Both high doses and chronic exposure are harmful to children," says Abramson. Stotts believes chronic exposure over long periods of time has the most damaging effect.
Alan Greene, M.D., clinical professor of pediatrics at Stanford University and the author of Raising Baby Green (Jossey-Bass, 2007), says that, in addition to cancer risks, the neurotoxins in these particles may affect brain development.

What can parents who smoke do to protect their children from third-hand smoke?

The best approach, says Abramson, is to use the "precautionary principle," which is to avoid any exposure that has the potential of causing harm. He says parents who smoke should try to quit, or smoke only outside the home. Stotts advises that the car should also be a smoke-free zone.
Greene suggests filling the home with green plants, to freshen the air, and applying fresh coats of low-VOC paint to walls that may be full of residual contaminants.

And that old sofa with years of embedded smoke-related toxins? "Ideally, you should get rid of it," says Stotts. "If that's not possible, you can do a really good job of cleaning it, but scrubbing is no guarantee."

Another nose—preferably that of a non-smoker—may be helpful. "Many people who are chronic smokers have an impaired sense of smell," says Abramson.

More on This Topic:
New Ways to Quit Smoking
What You'll Save By Quitting Smoking
Smoking Cessation: What to Use
Smoking Cessation from MSN Shopping

Coeli Carr has written health stories for Time, time.com, The New York Times, msnbc.com, Heart Insight, and Neurology Now. She lives in New York City.

Happy New Year!

It's a New Year!!!