A Father’s Day Potpourri


 

By Jueseppi B.

 

Potpourri

 

 

 

Some George Zimmerman Comedy:

 

Comedians W. Kamau Bell, Chris Rock go in on George Zimmerman

 

 

Things may be quiet in Sanford, Florida after a week of jury selection in the trial of George Zimmerman, but a pair of black comedians are giving their uncensored take on the case.

 

W. Kamau Bell, host of the late night comedy show “Totally Biased” on F/X, weighed in on the case Thursday night, and pulled no punches about his feelings about the George Zimmerman. Zimmerman, 29, has pleaded not guilty to second degree murder, saying he shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in self-defense after Martin attacked him on February 26, 2012. Martin was unarmed.

 

“Now of course I’m a believer in fair trials,” said Bell during a monologue. “But if there’s any god in heaven, and I’m pretty sure there isn’t, here’s who would be deciding Zimmerman’s fate: Chuck D, Angela Davis, the ghost of Malcolm X, fat Al Sharpton, angry Bill Cosby, Ice Cube … no no no, before, “Are we there yet?” Ice Cube … Samuel L. Jackson from “Pulp Fiction,” Samuel L. Jackson from “Snakes on a Plane,” Samuel L. Jackson from “Jackie Brown,” and foreman of the jury, regular old Samuel L. Jackson. …” As he spoke, pictures of his would-be “jurors” appeared onscreen.

 

Bell finished the sketch with a fusillade of what he called “all of the inflammatory words” Zimmerman’s attorneys have asked the trial judge to exclude from opening arguments, after which cameras cut to “Totally Biased” executive producer Chris Rock in the control room, who declared: “This guy’s good, we should give him a nightly show this fall. Oh yeah, George Zimmerman can eat a dick.”

 

 

Totally Biased: George Zimmerman gets judged by W. Kamau Bell (& Chris Rock)

 

Published on Jun 14, 2013

Sixteen months after the death of Trayvon Martin, jury selection has finally begun for George Zimmerman’s trial. Kamau… shares his thoughts in ways that can’t be summed up in a video description box. Executive Producer Chris Rock sneaks his thoughts in for good measure.

Watch “Totally Biased” all new Thursdays at11:00, only on FX!

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Father’s Day For Tracy Martin, Trayvon’s Dad.

 

 

To Trayvon’s Dad

 

Published on Jun 15, 2013

Let us continue to encourage and lift up as the day for justice for Trayvon draws near.

 

 

 

 

 

Mayors Against Illegal Guns:

 

Today is Gilles Rousseau’s first Father’s Day since his daughter Lauren was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary, where she was a substitute teacher.

 

This Father’s Day, share Gilles’ story and help make sure fewer fathers ever have to bury their own children.

 

 

A Fathers Day Message from Gilles Rousseau

 

Uploaded on Jun 16, 2013

Today is Gilles Rousseau’s first Father’s Day since his daughter Lauren was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary where she was a substitute teacher.

 

 

 

 

After reading out the names, including Lauren’s, of those who have been killed with guns in the past six months, the “No More Names” bus tour left Newtown, CT on Friday. The bus is driving across the country to bring the stories of victims, and the stories of survivors and loved ones to the doors of our leaders.

 

Please watch and share this video to help spread the word and prevent other families from going through this kind of pain:


http://nomorenames.org/blog/2013/06/fathersday

 

Thanks for everything you do,

 

Mayors Against Illegal Guns

 

 

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25 States. 100 Days. Facebook Twitter Email Over the next 100 days, barring action from the President and Congress, more than 3,000 Americans will die from gun violence. Follow the tour and join the campaign to enact gun laws that will protect Americans from gun violence.

25 States. 100 Days.
Over the next 100 days, barring action from the President and Congress, more than 3,000 Americans will die from gun violence. Follow the tour and join the campaign to enact gun laws that will protect Americans from gun violence.

 

The Launch of the No More Names Bus Tour. Today is the 6-month anniversary of the Newtown shooting—and still no action from Congress on gun violence. We gathered this morning in Newtown, CT to remember the 26 who were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary, as well as the 6,000 more who have been murdered since. Over the next 100 days we’re going to show members of Congress that we’re not backing down and we won’t forget.

The Launch of the No More Names Bus Tour.
Today is the 6-month anniversary of the Newtown shooting—and still no action from Congress on gun violence.
We gathered this morning in Newtown, CT to remember the 26 who were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary, as well as the 6,000 more who have been murdered since.
Over the next 100 days we’re going to show members of Congress that we’re not backing down and we won’t forget.

 

 

From The Fifth Column:

 

Schieffer Destroys Snowden: ‘I Don’t Remember Martin Luther King Jr. Or Rosa Parks Hiding In China’

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by kstreet607

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schieffer
Obamacrat silhouette

Bob Schieffer excoriated NSA-leaker Edward Snowden on Face the Nation this morning, not as a traitor but as a coward who fled the country rather than accept responsibility for his actions.

 

“I like people who are willing to stand up to the government,” Schieffer began. “As a reporter, it’s my job to do that from time to time. Some of the people I admire most are in the government. Men and women who led the civil rights movement— Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr.—they are true heroes. I’m not ready to put Edward Snowden in that category. For one thing, I don’t remember Martin Luther King, Jr. or Rosa Parks running off and hiding in China. The people who led the civil rights movement were willing to break the law and suffer the consequences. That’s a little different than putting the nation’s security at risk and running away.”

 

Schieffer was careful not to let his disapproval of Snowden be misconstrued as complete acceptance of the surveillance Snowden revealed, but was also careful to criticize a program about which he knew little.

 

“I know eleven people who died or lost a member of their family on 9/11,” Schieffer said. “My younger daughter lived in Manhattan then. It was six hours before we knew she was safe. I’m not interested in going through that again. I don’t know yet if the government has over-reached since 9/11 to reinforce our defenses, and we need to find out. What I do know, though, is that these procedures were put in place and are being overseen by officials we elected and we should hold them accountable.”

 

“I think what we have in Edward Snowden is just a narcissistic young man who has decided he is smarter than the rest of us. I don’t know what he is beyond that, but he is no hero. If he has a valid point—and I’m not even sure he does—he would greatly help his cause by voluntarily coming home to face the consequences.”

Obamacrat silhouette

Bob Schieffer Destroys Snowden: Don’t Remember Martin Luther King Jr. Or Rosa Parks Hiding In China

 

 

 

 

 

From My Good Best Friend, Ms. Shelley “Carrots” Peterson:

 

A Poem I wrote for my Daddy a few father’s Days Back…

 

But today He requested me to recite it to him again over the phone.  I don’t remember if I shared it with you before to post but feel free of course, this is the perfect day right.  It may make more sense with the story:

 

I purchased a large print bible for him as his was very worn and smaller print anyway…so then I wanted it to be more than just a bible and so I tired to hire someone to write a small story about him that turned out to be too expensive and not easy to find a writer I liked, lol.

 

So I jotted down some short notes on scrap paper and scribbled, scratched and crossed out many times etc. Anyway I was trying to write something to instead of a store bought card and got frustrated … and running out of time went and bought a card…not saying anything special…I purchased a lovely antique style piece of cloth and  a long piece of very roman looking tricolor blended rope, to gold tone satin hearts to glue on each end of the ropes so it looked like something from a kings robe, then I wanted a book mark to fit the whole theme so I find a long strand of tiny peal looking beads tied the ends together to form an unbroken circle…So I placed the beads inside the bible as the book marker, gifted wrapped the bible with the large piece of cloth and tied it in a gift bow with the rope.

 

I thought that would be the best part of the gift for him with the bible of course…but as I gave him the gift and after he read the card I told him Dad wait, I want to tell you why I picked the gift wrapping accessories before you open it  and I made a few scribble notes so I wouldn’t leave anything out.

 

I pulled out my scribble up paper that was folded in my pocket, which was also very wrinkle because I had thrown it away after I got frustrated and decided to buy the card instead ….but it was good enough for me to read my own junkie notes LOL…when I finished I tossed it in the trash as he wiped tears from his eyes holding the unopened gift still on his lap, I wasn’t expecting his emotions like that full tears big smile etc etc…he hadn’t opened the gift yet …anyway after we ate dinner and after cut the his father’s day cake..then he asked for a copy of the speech…omg lol it was just scribble notes written upside down, side ways etc.

 

I said  Dad you  can’t read them I really just had abbreviated notes and key words …so he ask me to sit down in his office and write it out where he could read it that is what he wanted before I leave …oh man, Dad really was my thoughts …gee whizzz ….well I really couldn’t remember what all I had just said but I did go home and was able to recreate pretty much what I filled in on that day.

 

He surprised me a month later when he called me to come down to his office and mounted on  the wall of his lobby where you walk in was a long gold in cased picture frame with a gold plated spot light shinning on it  from above and they told me to turn around and read it.

 

It was my words on a cheese type cloth professionally written in calligraphy, the rope was draped around the top and sides of the printing with the 2 hearts on each end the cloth was layered at the bottom of the poem and, he kept the beads as his book mark.

 

The Father’s Day Poem:

 

A simple act of kindness

 

might not seem to make a difference,

 

But sometimes these little things touch hearts

 

more than we can ever imagine.

 

 

On the odd occasion a little thoughtfulness

 

 might just be enough to change someone’s life.

 

 

Never forget…

 

Kindness Always Matters!

 

Happy Fathers Day type for card or ad.

 

 

 

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Yeah, I'm Checking Out  TheObamaCrat™.

Yeah, I’m Checking Out
TheObamaCrat™.

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The Potpourri……Makes A Return.


 

By Jueseppi B.

 

Potpourri

 

 

President Barack Obama walks with Alan Krueger, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, on the Colonnade of the White House, June 10, 2013. Jason Furman, Principal Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, partially obscured, and his family follow behind them. The President announced Furman as his nominee to replace Krueger as the CEA Chairman. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama walks with Alan Krueger, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, on the Colonnade of the White House, June 10, 2013. Jason Furman, Principal Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, partially obscured, and his family follow behind them. The President announced Furman as his nominee to replace Krueger as the CEA Chairman. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

 

 

Press Briefing

June 10, 2013 | 11:10 | Public Domain

 

White House Press Briefings are conducted most weekdays from the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the West Wing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press Briefings

 

June 10, 2013

 

Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest en route Los Angeles, CA, 

 

 

 

Jesse Lee
Jesse Lee

June 07, 2013
02:05 PM EDT

 

American “Dreamers”: Diana Colin

 

Published on Jun 7, 2013

Diana is a legal permanent resident, and an advocate for immigrant rights.
There are no stories that bring home the hope and optimism of immigration reform more than the stories of “Dreamers.” They are productive members of society, brought here as young children, who grew up in our communities and became American in every way but on paper.

 

 

 

 

There are no stories that bring home the hope and optimism of immigration reform more than the stories of “Dreamers.”  They are productive members of society, brought here as young children, who grew up in our communities and became American in every way but on paper.  And yet, for most of their lives, they’ve had to live in the shadows, barred from giving the full benefit of their talents to the country they love and our economy.  For the first time last year, they found some relief through the Obama Administration’s deferred action process, but the only way to give Dreamers the peace of mind they need to live productive lives is to fix our broken immigration system through common sense reform.

 

Unfortunately, a Republican amendment to a spending bill passed by the House yesterday moved in the opposite direction, seeking to strip Dreamers of the protections of the deferred action process.  As Press Secretary Jay Carney said afterwards, “It asks law enforcement to treat these Dreamers the same way as they would violent criminals.  It’s wrong.  It’s not who we are.  And it will not become law.”  The President remains optimistic about getting reform done, but for those in Congress who need a reminder of why we should encourage Dreamers, and why we should fix our broken immigration system, they should listen to Diana Colon, who met with the President and Vice President in the Oval Office last month along with several other Dreamers.

 

“All we want to have is that opportunity to fully give back to this country” –that was Diana’s message to the President, and to the rest of America.  Unfortunately, House Republicans sent a very different message back to Dreamers across this country:

 

Arizona Republic (Valdez): “This shows a very unlikeable Republican face snarling at a bunch of kids who grew up as American as hot dogs and Chevrolet. The GOP doesn’t have an image problem. It has a substance problem. The party remains so beholden to the far right that it can’t see the humanity of decent kids.” [Arizona Central, 6/6/13]

 

KPCC Southern California: “Riverside Democrat Mark Takano compared the amendment to California’s Proposition 187  – the 1994 voter-approved measure that denied many state services to undocumented immigrants. He said Prop 187 turned many California Latinos away from the Republican Party for more than a generation.  ‘Republicans are setting themselves up for the same thing by doing such an inhumane thing—voting against innocent kids brought here through no fault of their own,’ said Takano.” [KPCC (NPR) – Southern California, 6/6/13]

 

Tampa Bay Times“Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was one of six Republicans — and the only from Florida — to vote today against a measure aimed at an Obama policy that prevents deportations of ‘Dreamers,’ the children of illegal immigrants…Passage brought boos from the gallery…” [Tampa Bay Times,6/7/13]

 

Houston Chronicle: “Even those who have already been accepted into deferred action programs — which included 300,000 Dreamers as of May — would be at risk for deportation under the GOP plan. The amendment would also affect other so-called ‘low-priority’ immigrants such as undocumented spouses of U.S. military personnel, treating them the same as violent criminals.  All Texas Democrats voted against the amendment, while 23 of 24 Texas Republicans voted in favor of it. (Dallas Republican Pete Sessions did not vote). In the entire House, just six Republicans voted against the amendment.” [Houston Chronicle – Texas on the Potomac, 6/6/13]

 

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: “Despite GOP claims that the party is courting Hispanic voters, 221 Republican House members — four from Washington — voted in favor of an amendment sponsored by Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, the most strident anti-immigrant voice in Congress’ lower chamber… Democratic House members from this state were vocal in opposition to King’s amendment.  ‘I have spoken to a lot of DREAMers in northwest Washington who only want to stay here and continue to contribute to the country they know as home,’ said Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.  ‘These young people who were brought to this country as children, graduated from our schools and served in the military now want to continue realizing the American Dream.  They are exactly the kind of immigrants who made this country great.’” [Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 6/6/13]

 

La Opinion: Cámara baja rechaza detener deportaciones de DREAMers [House rejects the measure to stop deportations of DREAMers]

 

TelevisaNoitcieros Televisa: Cámara de Representantes de EU vota en contra de ‘Dreamers’ [U.S. House votes against 'Dreamers']

 

El Universal: Lanzan enmiendas contra “dreamers” Republicanos buscan cortar apoyo a estudiantes indocumentados en EU [Amendments launched against "dreamers": Republicans seek to cut support for undocumented students in the U.S.]

 

Voz de America: Congreso da portazo a ‘dreamers’ [Congress slams 'dreamers']

 

Excelsior: Descobijan en Estados Unidos a los ‘dreamers’[Dreamers are not protected in the US]

 

CNN en Español: La Cámara baja de EU vota contra detener la deportación de estudiantes [The U.S. House of Representatives votes against stopping the deportation of students]

 

Associated Press: Cámara baja tira ley de Obama sobre deportaciones de dreamers [House of Representatives takes away the law by Obama to stop deportations of Dreamers]

 

 

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Cecilia Muñoz sobre el Comienzo del Debate de Reforma Migratoria en el Pleno del Senado

June 08, 2013 | 4:33 | Public Domain

 

En el mensaje de esta semana, Cecilia Muñoz habló sobre el comienzo del debate del proyecto de ley de reforma migratoria en el Senado la próxima semana. Habló sobre como este proyecto tiene un fuerte apoyo bipartidista y sobre la importancia de que el Congreso actúe conjuntamente para arreglar el sistema migratorio.

 

 

 

 

 

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Mayors Against Illegal Guns Releases New PSA Demanding Action from Congress

 

Mayors Against Illegal Guns has released a PSA featuring 30 mayors demanding that Congress take immediate action to prevent gun violence. The PSA marks a transition in the coalition’s campaign from demanding a plan to demanding that Congress take action to pass legislation to require background checks for all sales, limit military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and make gun trafficking a federal crime. The bipartisan coalition now includes more than 900 mayors from 45 states and more than 1.4 million grassroots supporters.

 

 

Mayors Demand Action to End Gun Violence

 

 

 

 

Gun Control: 2nd Amendment

 

Published on Feb 22, 2013

Gun control is a supremely contentious issue in the US. The Framers had a clear vision in mind of an armed citizenry resisting tyranny. Of course they did, they had just overthrown their own lawful government. In this video, I’ll take a brief trip through the legal tradition of gun ownership.

 

 

 

 

 

If you wish to follow the 2nd amendment to the letter of the Bill of Rights….then comprehend that the 2nd amendment was adopted on December 15, 1791, along with the rest of the Bill of Rights. The weapons this amendment was written in reference to were flintlock pistols AND black powder muskets.

 

NOT AR-15′s, AK-47′s, Drum magazines, body armour, Bushmaster .223′s. You want to honor the 2md amendment to the letter……

 

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Common sense is never so common.

 

 

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The Daily Word From Barack’s House: All The News & 411 From 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue


 

By Jueseppi B.

 

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White House Schedule – June 10, 2013

 

Monday, June 10 2013  All Times ET

 

schedule-calendars

 

 

 

10:30 AM: The President and the Vice President receive the Presidential Daily Briefing.

 

 

11:30 AM: The President delivers remarks on the Equal Pay Act.

 

 

12:00 PM: The President meets with senior advisors.

 

 

12:30 PM: The President and the Vice President meet for lunch.

 

 

1:00 PM: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney WATCH LIVE

 

 

1:30 PM: The Vice President meets with Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi of Kosovo.

 

 

2:10 PM: The President makes a personnel announcement WATCH LIVE

 

 

4:30 PM: The Vice President will swear in Jeffrey Chiesa as Senator of New Jersey.

 

 

6:30 PM: The Vice President will attend an event for the Democratic National Committee.

 

 

 

Equal Pay for Equal Work

It’s been 50 years since President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, but to this day full-time working women are still paid less than men on average. Learn more about how President Obama is tackling this issue.

 

 

 

 

The Right to Equal Pay for Equal Work

June 10, 2013 | 2:55 | Public Domain

 

Did You Know That Women Are Still Paid Less Than Men? In 1963, President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act but till this day full-time working women are still paid, on average, less than men. This significant gap is more than a statistic — it has real life consequences. When women, who make up nearly half the workforce, bring home less money each day, it means they have less for the everyday needs of their families, and over a lifetime of work, far less savings for retirement. Learn more about how President Obama is tackling this issue: 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/equalpay

 

 

President Obama Speaks on the Equal Pay Act

June 10, 2013 | 9:50 | Public Domain

 

President Obama delivers remarks commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matt Compton
Matt Compton

June 10, 2013
02:47 PM EDT

 

President Barack Obama delivers remarks commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act (June 10, 2013)President Barack Obama delivers remarks commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act, in the East Room of the White House, June 10, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

 

 

It’s been 50 years since President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, but its goals today stand unrealized. In 2013, full-time working women still make less than men on average.

 

This morning, President Obama spoke at an event to mark the anniversary.

 

“The day that the bill was signed into law, women earned 59 cents for every dollar a man earned on average, he said. “Today, it’s about 77 cents. So it was 59 and now it’s 77 cents. It’s even less, by the way, if you’re an African American or a Latina. So I guess that’s progress, but does anybody here think that’s good enough?”

 

The President has made tackling this issue a priority since his first day in the White House. The first bill that President Obama ever signed was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. His administration was the first to create a White House Council on Women and Girls. He launched a National Equal Pay Task Force to help crack down on violations of equal pay laws, and earlier this year, he signed a presidential memorandum directing the federal government to close the gender gap for its employees.

 

But there’s more work to do — like passing the Paycheck Fairness Act, training more women for careers in science, technology, and math, and making sure that businesses offer parents the flexibility they need to excel in their jobs and care for their children.

 

“This will be part of our broader agenda to create good jobs and to strengthen middle-class security, to keep rebuilding an economy that works for everybody, that gives every American the chance to get ahead, no matter who you are or what you look like, or what your last name is and who you love,” the President said.

 

 

 

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Valerie Jarrett
Valerie Jarrett

June 10, 2013
05:55 PM EDT

 

Today, we marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Equal Pay Act with an event at the White House hosted by President Obama, the release of an important report from the National Equal Pay Task Force on the last fifty years since the Act was signed, a new web page with resources and information for women to make sure they’re paid equally, and a new video that gives an overview of our progress in equal pay.

 

On June 10, 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, a milestone piece of legislation that requires men and women receive equal pay for equal work. However, fifty years later, women are still only earning approximately 77 cents on the dollar compared to men, and even less for women of color, so we are far from ready to declare victory.

 

To mark today’s anniversary, President Obama spoke at the event attended by leaders in the government, private sector and civil society who are all committed to  building a 21st century workplace.

 

Read More

 

 

Courtney Corbisiero
June 10, 2013
04:15 PM EDT

 

 

President Barack Obama announces his intent to nominate Jason FurmanPresident Barack Obama announces his intent to nominate Jason Furman, Principal Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, left, as the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to succeed current CEA Chairman Alan Krueger, right, in the State Dining Room of the White House, June 10, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

 

 

President Obama Makes a Personnel Announcement

June 10, 2013 | 11:10 | Public Domain

 

President Obama announces he is nominating Jason Furman as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.

 

 

 

 

This afternoon, President Obama nominated Jason Furman to replace Alan Krueger as the chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.

 

Furman, 42, will bring a vast amount of economic experience to the role. In 2009, he joined the Obama administration as an Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and the Principal Deputy Director of the National Economic Council.

 

Furman previously worked at the Brookings Institute as a Senior Fellow in Economic Studies and Director of the Hamilton Project, the Council of Economic Advisers as a Staff Economist, and the World Bank as a Senior Adviser to the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President.

 

This is his second stint in the White House. Under President Clinton, Furman was a Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy at the National Economic Council.

 

The President praised Furman’s work for the middle class, and urged Congress to confirm him quickly.

 

“When the stakes are highest, there’s no one I’d rather turn to for straightforward, unvarnished advice that helps me to do my job,” President Obama said. “[Furman] understands all the sides of an argument, not just one side of it. He’s worked tirelessly on just about every major economic challenge of the past four and a half years, from averting a second depression, to fighting for tax cuts that help millions of working families make ends meet, to creating new incentives for businesses to hire, to reducing our deficits in a balanced way that benefits the middle class.”

 

Read More

 

 

 

Press Briefing

June 10, 2013 | 11:10 | Public Domain

 

White House Press Briefings are conducted most weekdays from the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the West Wing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Rhodes – Sunnylands Summit

June 10, 2013 | 01:37 | Public Domain

 

Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes checks in from President Obama’s summit with President Xi Jinping of China at the Sunnylands estate in California.

 

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President Barack Obama walks with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on the grounds of the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, Calif., June 8, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press Briefing by National Security Advisor Tom Donilon

 

From Global Grind: The Complete Guide To The George Zimmerman Murder Trial


 

By Jueseppi B.

 

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From The Global Grind:

 

A Complete Guide To The George Zimmerman Murder Trial 

Posted June 7, 2013 by Christina Coleman for Global Grind

 

 

 

If you don’t know by now, George Zimmerman will stand trial for the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in just three short days.

In the year leading up to the highly anticipated trial, GlobalGrind brought you the latest developments in Zimmerman’s case, all while making sure to celebrate Trayvon’s life.

 

And with the June 10 date right around the corner, we’ve decided to compile all that we know about the trial, and things to look out for in the weeks to come. Take a look at this timeline:

 

 

Trayvon Martin Is Murdered:

 

 

 

On February 26, Trayvon Martin is walking from his father’s fiancee’s house to the local 7-Eleven store. There, he picks up a bag of Skittles and an iced-tea. It’s about 6:40 pm.

 

7:10 pm - About 30 minutes later (on his way back), neighborhood watchman, George Zimmerman, calls 911 and tells the dispatcher that a “suspicious” guy in a dark hoodie is walking around looking at the houses.

“He looks like he’s up to no good or on drugs or something.”

 

7:11 pm - A minute later, Trayvon’s girlfriend calls his cell phone. She recalls him saying that a man was following him.

 

7:12 pm - The dispatcher asks Zimmerman if he is following Trayvon. He replies yes. At this point, he says Trayvon is running towards the back of the entrance of the gated community. The dispatcher tells Zimmerman that he doesn’t have to follow Trayvon, but he pursues anyway. Zimmerman asks if police can be dispatched.

 

7:13 pm to 7:17 pm - Trayvon’s girlfriend, who has stayed on the phone with him, says she heard Trayvon ask Zimmerman “What are you following me for?” Then, the line went dead. What is known is that Zimmerman shot Trayvon. Zimmerman told police later that he had lost sight of Trayvon on his way back to the vehicle when Trayvon attacked him. He says there was a struggle and he was scared for his life. What is unclear is if Zimmerman was on top of Trayvon, or if Trayvon was on top of Zimmerman. Zimmerman later tells police he shot Trayvon in self defense, although he pursued him. The first officer arrives on the scene at about 7:17 pm.

 

7:30 pm - Trayvon Martin is confirmed dead.

 

7:52 pm - Zimmerman, who was handcuffed and taken into custody after the shooting, is let free by officers claiming that there was lack of probable cause to hold or charge him.

 

 

Zimmerman Is a Free Man –  Community Reacts

 

 

 

On February 29, Sanford police say that Zimmerman was “serving the role of neighborhood watch.” Outraged, the community rallies behind his family to call for Zimmerman’s arrest.

 

 

On March 8, Tracy Martin, Trayvon’s father, holds the first press conference to ask that Sanford police arrest Zimmerman. Sanford police chief Bill Lee claims that he did not know Zimmerman had a criminal record. During the rest of the month of March, the family urges for the release of the 911 calls and religious and civil rights leaders gather together to urge the governor and police department to investigate the murder.

 

It wasn’t until March 16 that police released the 911 phone call and another three days before the FBI and the Justice Department opened an investigation into the shooting of Trayvon.

 

On March 21, the Sanford City Commission calls for the chief of police to resign. That same day, Trayvon’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, files paperwork to trademark the “I am Trayvon” and “Justice for Trayvon” phrases.

 

And 45 days after Trayvon’s death, state attorney Angela Corey announces that Zimmerman will be charged with second-degree murder. He turns himself in and is booked into the Seminole County Jail.

 

He hires Mark O’Mara as his attorney.

 

 

 

George Zimmerman Gets Some Support

 

 

 

A month after the shooting, Zimmerman and his defense set up an official fundraising site to help him raise funds for the trial. In all, they raised about $300,000.

 

 

 

George Zimmerman’s “Get Out Of Jail Free Card” Revoked

 

 

 

The neighborhood watch captain’s bond was originally set at $150,000, but then a Florida judge ordered Zimmerman to turn himself in within 48 hours. Prosecutors had asked Seminole County Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. to revoke Zimmerman’s bond because they contend that he was disingenuous at an earlier bond hearing when Zimmerman’s family and attorney claimed that he was cash broke.

 

 

Shellie Zimmerman Gets Caught Up

 

 

 

Among those who lied about Zimmerman’s funds was his wife, Shellie Zimmerman. She was arrested after lying under oath and pled not guilty to perjury charges. In truth, the couple had access to about $130,000. Just last week at a hearing, she was denied a request to drop the charges.

 

 

 

Bloody Pictures Of Zimmerman Released

 

 

 

Ten months after the shooting, Zimmerman’s defense released pictures of him the night that he claimed Trayvon attacked him. They show a bruised and bloody Zimmerman and could shine light on what exactly happened that night.

 

 

 

Bail Finally Set

 

 

Zimmerman finally got out of jail on a $1 million bond in July 2012.

 

 

 

Zimmerman On 24-Hour Watch

 

 

 

Against his attorney’s wishes, a judge ordered that Zimmerman remain on 24-hour GPS monitoring until the June 2013 trial. The defense argued that they are concerned about his safety if Zimmerman is ordered to stay in the Florida county.

 

 

 

Zimmerman Gains Weight

 

 

 

 

Zimmerman’s lawyers contend that the neighborhood watch captain gained over 100 pounds because of emotional stress and the stress of not having the trial delayed.

 

 

 

Zimmerman Sues NBC

 

 

 

Zimmerman proves that he’s got more fight in him by suing NBC for taking his comments to a 911 dispatcher out of context in an effort to sensationalize the case. The lawsuit accuses the network of removing nearly a minute of dialogue and dead air between Zimmerman and the dispatcher to bring comments that Martin appeared to be “up to no good” and “he looks black” closer together. No word on how that’s going!

 

 

Defense Acquires Trayvon’s School Records

 

 

Zimmerman’s defense says that some information in Trayvon Martin’s file could be relevant in the defense of George Zimmerman. It’s not entirely clear what the file may reveal, but it’s unlikely that his school records could defend Zimmerman’s self-defense claim. The two don’t have much to do with each other.

 

 

New Forensic Evidence Released

 

 

Evidence might reveal that Trayvon was leaning over Zimmerman when he was shot, but it also reveals that Zimmerman’s timeline may be inaccurate. Based on the times and distances Zimmerman said he covered, Zimmerman would have still been on the phone with Sanford police.

 

 

Zimmerman Goes Broke

 

 

 

Remember that $300,000 that the defense gathered from supporters? According to defense attorney Mark O’Mara, they’ve blown through it all. He also told the court that because the case is out of money, it’s impossible for them to move forward. Apparently, they’ve used about $30,000 a month with the biggest output being the $95,000 given to bail bondsmen who covered his $1 million bail. As of January, the defense had less than $5,000. But in February, the defense set up another donation fund and garnered more than $28,000 in less than a month.

 

 

Request To Delay Trial Denied

 

 

 

 

Citing money issues, the defense requested that the trial should be delayed to give them more time to prepare. At a hearing in February, the judge denied that request. Later this month, a judge also denied the defense’s request to postpone the “Stand Your Ground” hearing that will take place on April 22.

 

 

 

Defense Raises More Money For George Zimmerman

 

 

 

 

After blowing through the bulk of funds donated to Zimmerman for the trial and claiming that there was no money left to carry on with the case, the defense revealed in early March that they had raised about $54,000 to continue on. But money was the least of their worries – the defense asked for a delay in trial in May, only to be turned down again.

 

 

Prosecutors Will Call George Zimmerman’s Wife, Brother, & Mother To Witness Stand 

 

 

 

 

The Zimmermans, wife Shellie, brother Robert and mother Gladys, are all set to take the witness stand to be questioned by prosecutors during the trial. It’s unclear how the family members’ testimonies will aid in convicting Zimmerman of second-degree murder, but his vocal family has a history of digging themselves into holes…for example…

 

 

Robert Zimmerman, Jr. Compares Trayvon To A Baby Killer

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a barrage of ridiculous tweets earlier this year, Zimmerman’s brother Robert thought it would be a smart idea to make a parallel between the two teenage boys from Georgia who were charged with murdering a 13-month-old baby and Trayvon. He later apologized, saying his reasoning was to defend his brother, who is being made out to be a “monster” in the media.

 

 

Zimmerman Gives Up His Right To A “Stand Your Ground” Hearing

 

 

 

 

After some back and forth with defense attorney Mark O’Mara about Zimmerman’s “Stand Your Ground” hearing before the trial (which could have absolved him of criminal wrongdoing for killing Trayvon Martin), a judge demanded that a decision be made. In April, Zimmerman appeared before the judge to let her know that he was waiving his right to the hearing.

 

 

Voice Expert Reveals Trayvon Yelled “Stop” Before Gunshot

 

 

 

 

state voice expert has concluded that Martin’s voice was heard yelling “stop” just before Zimmerman pulled the trigger. Experts initially believed that Trayvon was yelling “help.” Experts also confirmed that the frequency of the voice is appropriate for a 17-year-old and not an adult male, and concluded “tentatively” that the scream heard before the gunshot came from Martin.

 

 

Defense Releases Other Photographic Evidence, Including Pictures of Trayvon’s Clothes & Zimmerman’s Bloody Head

 

 

 

 

Defense attorneys released scores of new photos that they hope will help them as they prepare for the trial on June 10. Photographs of Trayvon’s hoodie, bullet hole visible, and Zimmerman’s bloodied head after the altercation were released. Five other photos show Trayvon just an hour before he was killed at 7-Eleven, buying Skittles and an iced-tea. Check out the photos here

 

 

 

Defense Releases Photographic Evidence In Attempt To Smear Trayvon

 

 

 

 

In an attempt to paint 17-year-old Trayvon Martin as a monster or a thug, the defense released evidence they hoped to use during the trial, including text messages from the teen and incriminating photographs – although Trayvon’s previous behavior has nothing to do with his murder, and Zimmerman knew nothing of Trayvon when he shot him dead. There are photos of a marijuana plant, a gun, and a collage of Trayvon smoking a substance, though it’s unclear what it may be. The defense also pulled messages from the slain teen’s phone, including one where Trayvon wrote to a friend about hiding weed and another where the teen tells another person that he is a “gangsta.”

 

 

Judge Rules That Trayvon’s Weed Use, Fighting & Text Messages Will Not Be Used In Trial

 

 

 

 

Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson ruled that Trayvon Martin’s history of marijuana use, fighting, and his text messages will not be allowed in the trial. She also specified that neither party will mention any fighting in opening statements. In this same hearing, Nelson denied the defense’s request to delay the trial…again.

 

 

 

Defense Asks Public For More Money

 

 

 

 

 

Out of money for the third time, Zimmerman’s defense takes to their website to ask the public for money. In a matter of 24 hours, the team raises $12,000. In day three, the defense boasted over $34,000. Click here to see who donated

 

 

 

 

Defense Apologizes For Mischaracterizing Trayvon

From George Zimmerman’s website“During the Tuesday, May 28th hearing, Mr. O’Mara misstated the nature of video from Trayvon Martin’s cell phone which was included in the Defendant’s 3rd Supplemental Discovery. He stated that the video showed “two buddies of his beating up a homeless guy,” when what happened was Trayvon Martin, along with a buddy, was videotaping two homeless guys fighting each other over a bike. Though it was unintentional, it is a particular concern to us because we are and have been committed to disputing misinformation in every aspect of this case, not causing it. For that, Mr. O’Mara apologizes.”

 

 

What’s Happening Now?

 

 

 

The prosecution and defense are finishing up the last hearing before the June 10 trial this week. Judge Debra S. Nelson will determine if the 911 calls will be admissible.

 

 

Key Players In The Case

 

 

 

Below is a list of important people to watch in the 6-week trial. The following are witnesses, attorneys, and key people that will provide key information that determines Zimmerman’s fate.

 

 

- Sybrina Fulton (Trayvon’s mother)

 

- Tracy Martin (Trayvon’s Father)

 

- George Zimmerman

 

- Benjamin Crump (Martin Family Lawyer)

 

- Mark O’Mara (Defense Attorney)

 

- Robert Zimmerman Jr. (George’s Brother)

 

- Jeff Triplett (Mayor of Sanford)

 

- Bernie de a Rionda (prosecutor)

 

- Chris Serino (Detective)

 

- Javaris Fulton (Trayvon’s brother)

 

 

- Angela Corey (State Attorney)

 

 

- Voice experts – Neighborhood witnesses (some names withheld)

 

 

How You Can Stay Updated On The Latest

 

 

 

Make sure you stay informed on the latest trial updates with GlobalGrind. Check us out on Twitter for daily updates straight from the courtroom.

 

 

@GlobalGrind

 

@GlobalGrindNews 

 

Justice For Trayvon Martin Facebook Page

 

You can also get your trial updates from GlobalGrind’s own EIC, Michael Skolnik, our News & Politics Editor, Christina Coleman, and boss man, Russell Simmons.

 

@MichaelSkolnik

 

@UncleRush 

 

@ChrissyCole 

 

Here are some other sources for the most up-to-date information once the trial begins.

 

@AttorneyCrump 

 

@JeffWeinerOS

 

@SybrinaFulton 

 

@ReneeStutzman 

 

And remember…Trayvon isn’t on trial. George Zimmerman is. Let the trial begin.

 

Thank you Global Grind.

 

 

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The Two Presidents……Barack Hussein Obama & Xi Jinping of China


 

By Jueseppi B.

 

President Barack Obama poses with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands as they meet for talks Friday, June 7, 2013, in Rancho Mirage, Calif. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

President Barack Obama poses with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands as they meet for talks Friday, June 7, 2013, in Rancho Mirage, Calif.
AP Photo/Evan Vucci

 

 

Presidential Schedule:

 

Saturday:

 

9:25 AM: President Obama and President Xi Jinping of China hold a bilateral meeting, The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands.

 

 

11:10 AM: The President participates in a departure greet with President Xi Jinping and First Lady Madame Peng Liyuan

 

 

Sunday:

 

10:25 AM: The President departs Palm Springs, CA

 

 

5:55: Arrives The White House

 

 

President Barack Obama is wrapping up his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping (shee jihn-peeng).

 

Nearly two hours were set aside Saturday at a California desert estate for the leaders to continue discussing a range of issues. Obama and Xi met for several hours Friday evening.

 

After he bids farewell to Xi, Obama plans to spend the rest of the day in California before returning home to Washington on Sunday.

 

 President Obama with China’s President Xi Jinping at The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands. (Photp: Pete Souza)

President Obama with China’s President Xi Jinping at The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands. (Photp: Pete Souza)

 

 

From ABC News:

 

President Obama Says US, China Must Develop ‘Firm Understanding’ of Cybersecurity

 

By Mary Bruce

 

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – President Obama Friday night sought to make a clear distinction between his administration’s domestic surveillance and cyber espionage, after the first in a series of meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping where cybersecurity topped the agenda.

 

“It’s important … to distinguish between the deep concerns we have as a government about theft of intellectual property or hacking into systems that might disrupt those systems … versus some of the issues that have been raised around NSA programs,” Obama told reporters.

 

The recent disclosure of the Obama administration’s surveillance programs is threatening to overshadow the president’s efforts to press Xi on the high-tech attacks that China is reportedly launching against the U.S.

 

“When it comes to those cybersecurity issues like hacking or theft, those are not issues that are unique to the U.S.-China relationship,” Obama said. “Those are issues that are of international concern … and we’re going to have to work very hard to build a system of defenses and protections … around setting up common rules of the road.”

 

Sitting alongside Xi after their two-hour-plus meeting at the “Sunnylands” estate in Palm Springs, Obama said the leaders find themselves in “unchartered waters.”

 

 

President Obama with China’s President Xi Jinping at The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands – all @PeteSouza photos

President Obama with China’s President Xi Jinping at The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands – all @PeteSouza photos

 

 

“It’s critical as two of the largest economies and military powers in the world that China and the United States arrive at a full understanding of how we work together on these issues,” he said.

 

The Chinese have so far denied such cyberattacks. Xi said his country is “firm in upholding cybersecurity” and that China is also a victim of cyber attacks.

 

Xi warned that new technology is a “double edge-sword” that can drive progress but also challenge governments. He added that he was hopeful the U.S. and China could work together on cybersecurity issues.

 

 

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Whats Ahead This Coming Week….

 

Monday: The President will deliver remarks at the White House commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act.

 

Tuesday: Will deliver remarks at the White House in support of the Senate’s bipartisan immigration reform bill. Later in the morning, the President will host President Ollanta Humala of Peru at the White House.

 

Wednesday: The President will travel to Boston for an event for Ed Markey for Senate and the Massachusetts Democratic Party. From there, he will travel to Miami for a DNC event and will return to the White House in the evening.

 

Thursday: Will deliver remarks at the LGBT Pride Month celebration at the White House.

 

Friday: The President will welcome the WNBA Champion Indiana Fever to the White House to honor the team and their victory in the WNBA Finals.

 

 

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