RA Sends Complimentary Bereavement Gun Baskets To Families Of Shooting Victims
Jan 11, 2013
NEWTOWN,
CT—As the nation continues to mourn the women and children who lost
their lives in last month’s shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School,
the National Rifle Association has reportedly joined the outpouring of
support for families of victims by sending each household a bereavement
gun basket. “On behalf of everyone here at the NRA, we extend our
deepest sympathies to your family during this difficult time, and hope
you enjoy this complimentary assortment of the finest semi-automatic
weapons and ammunition,” read the note accompanying each wicker basket,
which included a variety of magazine cartridges, shooting range
memberships, dried fruits, and high-powered firearms. “If there is any
other ammunition or handgun accessory we can send to you, please let us
know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” Sources said the NRA has
also offered to match any assault rifle purchase in the Newtown, CT
area.
Frustrated Wayne LaPierre Thought Murder Of 20 Children By Crazed Gunman Would Have Blown Over By Now
Wayne LaPierre is one large gross piece of blob. All he really cares about is being able to keep his automatic weapons, large clips, and no control. Really read what he has said, because it will give you a look athis black cold heart. Take note, he is sweating just ever so slightly, and so very frustrated, by the depth of human emotions being shown, as he puts it "all these kids are dead now, let's just get over it."
FAIRFAX,
VA—More than three weeks after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook
Elementary School, annoyed NRA president Wayne LaPierre told reporters
Monday that while he understands the seriousness of the tragedy, he had
only assumed the senseless murder of 20 first-graders and six educators
by a mentally unstable gunman would have blown over by now.
Noting
that the massacre was “almost a month ago” and that all of the victims
had been laid to rest, the frustrated lobbyist said he couldn’t help but
think the nation’s continued efforts to mourn victims and its
protracted discussions of gun control were “a little much” at this
point.
“I get that this horrible thing happened and all these kids
are dead now, but honestly, how long are we going to keep talking about
this?” the gun advocate said as he scanned a recent editorial on
weapons permits, adding that “enough’s enough, you know?” “Everywhere I
go it’s Newtown this, Newtown that. Meanwhile, it’s 2013, and we’re
still talking about some shooting that happened last year. Seriously,
move on already.”
“I mean, jeez, it’s not as if talking about them will bring them back,” he added. “Let’s just get over it.”
The
longtime NRA head acknowledged that as someone who has followed dozens
of mass shootings over the years, he had anticipated roughly a week or
so of mourning following the deadly tragedy, but “nothing like this, for
God’s sake.”
In addition, LaPierre said he was deeply surprised
and even somewhat irritated that discussion concerning the heartbreaking
loss of young life and the efficacy of existing gun control laws had
continued to persist into the new year “as if people had nothing better
to do.”
“Look, I get it: A bunch of kids died, and it’s really
fucking sad or whatnot, and blah blah blah, but it’s not the end of the
world here, people—the beat goes on,” a visibly agitated LaPierre said.
“Hell, people die in car accidents every day, and we don’t make a big
stink about that. We don’t shut down—just totally shut down—everything for weeks so we can talk about it over and over and over again, do we? Of course not. Oh, but I guess I’m
the bad guy for suggesting we get our priorities straight and stop
acting like a bunch of mewling babies because of 20 dead kids. Is that
it? I’m the bad guy?”
“Yeah, I’m the bad guy,” he added. “Fine.”
AMERICANS SPOKE OUTWASHINGTON LISTENED
TO PREVENT A $2,000 TAX HIKE ON MIDDLE-CLASS FAMILIES
On Jan. 2, President Obama signed bipartisan
legislation preventing a tax increase on millions of middle-class
families. In the weeks before, hundreds of thousands of people shared
what losing $2,000 would mean for them.
"@whitehouse #My2k Being able to know I will have a roof over my head and comfort in keeping the lights on."
"It means being able to attend graduate school as it goes toward my
tuition bills. It means law school for my brother and health benefits
while we are at school. The money goes towards these things, and also to
home improvements after a recent house fire, and basic things like
rent, heat and food. It does not fully fund but goes toward all these
things which are so important to so many of us and our families."
Marissa, DC
"My family is about as 'middle' as you can get. My husband is a
police officer and I work in a childcare center; we've both worked all
our adult lives. We have three children — an adult daughter, a son in
the US Army, and son in high school — as well as a granddaughter who
lives with us. This year for Christmas, instead of exchanging gifts, we
are traveling to visit my 78-year-old parents on the other side of the
country. If we had $2,000 less in our pockets, the trip would be
impossible — total for airfare is $2100."
Susan, NJ
"It means my parents can buy the medication they need. My Mom can
pay for the care to help my father who has Alzheimer's. It means my
cousins can save for their children's future education. It means I can
save to pay for my own health problems."
Christopher, WA
"I am a retired high school math teacher who loved my job but never
made a grand fortune of money. In our retirement, we are helping both of
our daughters, with the little extra we have through our pensions, even
though both girls are college-educated and are working two and three
jobs in the economy left by the Bush years!! So that extra $2,000 would
not only hit us hard, but would painfully ripple down to our two
daughters as well."
Florence, VA
We are a family of 5 with 3 teenagers and are desperately trying to
save money for college. Unfortunately, we're not getting very far
because our mortgage is taking up such a huge chunk of our income. We're
underwater with our mortgage, having lost about 100K in value in the
recession like a lot of people. We have tried to refinance, but we don't
qualify under the new programs passed. We're trying to hang on, but in
order to pay for college, we will likely need to foreclose or do a short
sale. A hell of a choice, eh?"
Tamra, VA
$2,000 for my family means helping my daughter who is a single Mom
buy diapers, milk, clothes and help with the day care tuition for my
grandson. If you take that away, she could be force to go back on public
assistance, which means we will still be putting the country into more
debt."
Mary, DC
"It means a pantry full of groceries; a tank full of gas in the car;
new shoes and clothes for my son who's outgrowing them so quickly; and
peace of mind for me and my wife."
Charles, MI
"My husband and I are retired on a fixed income and have our 401K
invested. 2000 would mean a lot to us since emergencies are taken from
our retirement fund. No more stalling, for once Congress should do their
duty to our country."
Diane, TX
"Well, as a single mom of two with no support from their father..... It means food,shelter,and special needs for my kids."
Sherry, FL
"Right now $2,000 means that I can afford to pay for the lunch that
my four children take to school every day. I am already facing a
decision of not going back to school because I am not able to afford to
pay. Thank you for not raising our taxes."
Karen, VA
"I am 72 and still working part time—having to pay higher taxes
would mean no extras....I was a single Mom with 3 sons and I always
hoped that I would have some things when I got older that I could not
have when I was needing to watch every penny. That sounds selfish but I
think there are many older people like me who deserve not to have to
worry or cut out everything enjoyable. I hope you can help us all."
Nancy, CO
"If my taxes go up by $2000, I will default on my student loans,
give up my car, and move back with my parents with my husband. #My2k"
"My wife and I could not afford to visit our granddaughter. We would
not be able to give money to the local food shelter. Finally, we would
have to dip into our savings to continue to eat in a healthy way."
Jon, CA
"We finally are in a position to own our own home. It's a very
modest dwelling, but it's ours. Every year, we must come up with about
$2,000 to pay our property taxes. We want to be able to pay them and
keep our home; our piece of the 'American Dream.' ... Please protect the
dream for so many working class Americans ... Let's get our priorities
straight in this country and do what's right for the greatest majority
of our people!"
Shawnee, WA
"20 weeks of groceries. Or, my annual auto insurance + property tax
(on a mobile home) + auto registration + homeowners insurance (on a
mobile home) including flood and earthquake coverage."
"2,000 means having money to help my niece and nephew - one is
putting herself through college and the other is entering a maritime
academy. Students need our help!"
Claire, TX
"Almost 4 months of rent! Or 2 months of total expenses! This more
than one month of my take home pay! The republicans want me to pay more
taxes but spend less to help the economy!"
"$2000 dollars is the difference between eating and starving. Its
also the difference between having a running car or not. We barely make
it from check to check as it is."
Aaron, TX
"It means the difference between paying my healthcare premiums or not. In other words it means a lot to my well being."
"It would mean that i wouldnt be able to help my daughter out as
much with daycare for my grandaughter (500.00/mo) and would need to
watch her myself at home (i run a home-based business for 23 years) My
daughter makes around 1200.00/month as a hair stylist and is also going
to college FT. She cannot afford daycare. Not extending the tax cuts on
people making 250,000 or less would hurt every single person that I
know. The wealth survived during the Bush era I think they will figure
it out again!"
Tracy, OH
"Means keep a roof over our heads, and food in the house."
"I believe in education and helping our children to be more
competitive. $2,000 less in my paycheck means the cost of repaying my
daughter's college loan will take me twice as long to pay off. Don't
penalize the middle class for trying to help the next generation."
Lisa, DE
"#My2k is keeping this house and keeping it warm for my growing family this winter"
"Being a father of 2 supporting a middle class family, $2000 is a
huge amount of money. It would help pay for our children's medical bills
and help to build a savings for their future. We really need to stop
raising taxes on the 'middle class' and make tax brackets fair, by
making everyone contribute their fair share."
Christopher, TN
"For now, our most immediate priority is to stop taxes going up for middle-class families, starting tomorrow."
President Obama called on Congress to stop taxes
from going up in 2013 for 98 percent of American families and 97 percent
of small businesses.Learn more
"If our income decreased by $2000/yr, we would probably be unable to
meet our monthly obligations. My husband and I are both drawing Social
Security...he is 71 and in poor health, I am 68 and still working
because otherwise, we would not have enough income to live on…We are
just barely making it each month…"
Nita, KY
"#My2K is money to help my fiance open her business"
"It means being able to afford the necessities of life - my rent,
food, clothing, and the occasional trip home to see family. It means
that my parents, who are retired, don't have to worry about if they'll
have enough."
Angela, MA
"We really need to get this right. I can only do
it with the help of the American people. So, tweet — what was that again
— 'My2K' — tweet using the hashtag 'My2K'"
As promised, President Obama signed bipartisan
legislation that will make sure income tax rates for middle class
families will stay low permanently.Learn more
"With 2 young adults in college, $2,000 is not small change but the
difference in having money to pay the mortgage, college tuition, books.
Middle class families cannot be held hostage by partisan politics,
obstruction in Washington. We voted on 11/6 and chose the leaders
expected to move the U.S.A. forward."
Ruby, PA
"if there’s one thing that I’ve learned, when the American people speak loudly enough, lo and behold, Congress listens."
"Though I no longer have a family to worry about, I am concerned about
families that are struggling to make ends meet. I think an additional
$2,000 will help them and help boost the economy."
Marian, RI
"#My2k it means food on table, co-pays at the Drs office, gas in the car & our kids extra activities…"
"Groceries on my table for four months. Heating my home for a year.
Two mortgage payments. Any of those, or Christmas gifts for my family,
or a contribution to my 401K."
Anne, PA
"And a lot is riding on this debate. This is too
important to our economy, it’s too important for our families to not get
it done."
"$2000 is a lot of money! The only wiggle room I have in our budget is
for food. We prepare all of our meals at home, but feeding a family of
four is expensive. Paying an extra $2,000 means $50 less a week for
food."
Cynthia, WA
"#My2k means rent, food, and student loans. Without I'd have nothing!"
Consumers could have spent nearly $200 billion
less than they otherwise would have this year just because of higher
taxes, slowing our nation’s economic growth.Learn more
"Let’s give families all across America the kind
of security and certainty that they deserve during the holiday season.
Let’s keep our economy on the right track."
"The sooner Congress gets this done, the sooner
our economy will get a boost. And it would then give us in Washington
more time to work together on that long-range plan to bring down
deficits in a balanced way"
— President Obama, November 30, 2012
"#My2k means I won't have to choose between life-saving meds or food."
In the 24 hours after President Obama asked
Americans to speak out about what a $2,000 tax hike would mean to them,
56,000+ people shared their story on wh.gov.Learn more
"$2000 is the difference between making our family business work, by
purchasing much needed equipment, or going under because we can't afford
the equipment."
Lauren
"It's 13 weeks of groceries in my household."
Martha
DID YOU KNOW?
In the 24 hours after President Obama asked
Americans to share what a $2,000 tax hike would mean to them, more than
140,000 people spoke out on Twitter using #My2k.Learn more
"You and your family have a lot riding on the
outcome of this debate. We all do. And as citizens, we all have a say in
the country we want to build… So make your voice heard."
— President Obama, December 01, 2012
"#My2k means peace of mind…for our government to work together and get us on the right path."
Vice President Biden Meets with Groups to Discuss Violence Prevention
December 19, 2012 President Obama delivers a statement from the Brady Press Briefing Room
about the policy process the Administration will pursue in the wake of
the Newtown tragedy to reduce and prevent gun violence. President Obama
also answered questions from the press about the fiscal cliff
negotiations.
Annette Nance-Holt with a photo of her son Blair who was killed riding the bus home from school, attends a meeting chaired by Vice President Joe Biden, with gun safety advocates and victims, to develop policy proposals as part of the Administration’s response to the Newtown shootings and other tragedies, in the Cordell Hull Conference Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., Jan. 9, 2013. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
Right now, Vice President Biden is leading an effort to develop a new set of policies to reduce gun violence and prevent tragedies like the shooting in Newtown Conn.
Yesterday, as part of that work, the Vice President met with victims’ groups and gun safety organizations at the White House.
January 11, 2013 Vice President Joe Biden meets with representatives from the video game
industry as part of the Administration’s effort to develop policy
proposals in response to the tragedy in Newtown. The Vice President is
joined by Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary of Health and Human
Services Kathleen Sebelius.
Following those meetings, the Vice President held conference calls
with governors of both parties, and state and local elected leaders from
across the United States. The Vice President listened to the unique
perspectives of all the participants, and solicited their ideas and
input on how to curb gun violence in this country. During the call, Mr.
Biden reiterated the Administration’s commitment to this urgent issue
and stressed that the problem requires immediate action.
Today, Vice President Biden will hold meetings with advocates for
sportsmen and women and gun ownership groups. He will meet with
representatives of the entertainment and video game industries this week
as well.
January 10, 2013 Vice President Biden Meets with Sportsmen and Wildlife Interest Groups
Cabinet officials and White House senior staff are joining the Vice
President in this important initiative. Secretary Duncan is meeting with
representatives from parent, teacher, and education groups, and
Secretary Sebelius is convening mental health and disability advocates.
Senior White House will continue to hold meetings with a variety of
stakeholders including medical groups, community organizations, child
and family advocates, business owners, faith leaders, and others.
December 20, 2012 Vice
President Joe Biden meets with law enforcement leaders from across the
country who are on the front lines every day protecting our communities
to discuss an effective path forward, as well as Attorney General Eric
Holder, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Secretary of Homeland
Security Janet Napolitano, and Secretary of Health and Human Services
Kathleen Sebelius.
Later this month, the Vice President will present his recommendations
to the President, who will then announce a concrete package of
proposals he intends to pursue without delay.
President Barack Obama and President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan
participate in a joint press conference in the East Room of the White
House, Jan. 11, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
President Obama hosted Afghan President Hamid Karzai today at the
White House for talks on the partnership between our two nations and the
role of U.S. troops in that country.
And coming out of those talks, President Obama was able to discuss a
milestone we'll reach this year when Afghan forces take full
responsibility for their nation's security and the war draws to a close.
"This progress is only possible because of the incredible sacrifices
of our troops and our diplomats, the forces of our many coalition
partners, and the Afghan people who’ve endured extraordinary hardship,"
he said. "In this war, more than 2,000 of America’s sons and daughters
have given their lives. These are patriots that we honor today,
tomorrow, and forever."
In his statement, President Karzai echoed that message.
"During our conversations...I thanked the President for the help that
the United States has given to the Afghan people," he said, "for all
that we have gained in the past 10 years, and that those gains will be
kept by any standard while we are working for peace and stability in
Afghanistan, including the respect for Afghan constitution."
(President Barack Obama presents the Medal of Freedom to Stephen Hawking during the Medal of Freedom ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, August 12, 2009. Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
On August 12th, 2009, President Obama awarded
the Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, to Stephen
Hawking. “From his wheelchair he's led us on a journey to the farthest
and strangest reaches of the cosmos,” said the President, “In so doing,
he has stirred our imagination and shown us the power of the human
spirit here on Earth.”
Today, on Professor Hawking’s 71st birthday, we’d like to share a never-before-seen video
from his visit. Honored as an "agent of change," Hawking discusses the
thrill of discovery and overcoming the challenge of ALS, also known as
Lou Gehrig's disease.
Watch the full video of the ceremony, and read Stephen Hawking's citation below:
Persistent in his pursuit of knowledge, Stephen Hawking
has unlocked new pathways of discovery and inspired people around the
world. He has dedicated his life to exploring the fundamental laws that
govern the universe, and he has contributed to some of the greatest
scientific discoveries of our time. His work has stirred the imagination
of experts and lay persons alike. Living with a disability and
possessing an uncommon ease of spirit, Stephen Hawking’s attitude and
achievements inspire hope, intellectual curiosity, and respect for the
tremendous power of science.
Our States Remain United
Official White House Response toPeacefully grant the State of Louisiana to withdraw from the United States of America and create its own NEW government,
and 8 other petitions
By Jon Carson
Thank you for using the White House's online petitions platform to participate in your government.
In a nation of 300 million people -- each with their own set of
deeply-held beliefs -- democracy can be noisy and controversial. And
that's a good thing. Free and open debate is what makes this country
work, and many people around the world risk their lives every day for
the liberties we often take for granted.
But as much as we value a healthy debate, we don't let that debate tear us apart.
Our founding fathers established the Constitution of the United
States "in order to form a more perfect union" through the hard and
frustrating but necessary work of self-government. They enshrined in
that document the right to change our national government through the
power of the ballot -- a right that generations of Americans have fought
to secure for all. But they did not provide a right to walk away from
it. As President Abraham Lincoln explained in his first inaugural address
in 1861, "in contemplation of universal law and of the Constitution the
Union of these States is perpetual."
In the years that followed, more
than 600,000 Americans died in a long and bloody civil war that
vindicated the principle that the Constitution establishes a permanent
union between the States. And shortly after the Civil War ended, the
Supreme Court confirmed that "[t]he Constitution, in all its provisions, looks to an indestructible Union composed of indestructible States."
Although the founders established a perpetual union, they also
provided for a government that is, as President Lincoln would later describe it, "of the people, by the people, and for the people" -- all
of the people. Participation in, and engagement with, government is the
cornerstone of our democracy. And because every American who wants to
participate deserves a government that is accessible and responsive, the
Obama Administration has created a host of new tools and channels to
connect concerned citizens with White House. In fact, one of the most
exciting aspects of the We the People platform is a chance to engage
directly with our most outspoken critics.
So let's be clear: No one disputes that our country faces big
challenges, and the recent election followed a vigorous debate about how
they should be addressed. As President Obama said the night he won
re-election, "We may have battled fiercely, but it's only because we
love this country deeply and we care so strongly about its future."
Whether it's figuring out how to strengthen our economy, reduce our
deficit in a responsible way, or protect our country, we will need to
work together -- and hear from one another -- in order to find the best
way to move forward. I hope you'll take a few minutes to learn more about the President's ideas and share more of your own.
Jon Carson is Director of the Office of Public Engagement
Secession Petition Movement Gets Response From White House: 'Our States Remain United'
The Huffington Post
|
By Paige Lavender
Posted: 01/12/2013 1:20 pm EST
The White House responded
to a handful of "We the People" petitions calling for the government to
allow some states to secede, saying "our states remain united."
"In a nation of 300 million people -- each with their own set of
deeply-held beliefs -- democracy can be noisy and controversial. And
that's a good thing," writes Jon Carson, Director of the Office of
Public Engagement. "Free and open debate is what makes this country
work, and many people around the world risk their lives every day for
the liberties we often take for granted. But as much as we value a
healthy debate, we don't let that debate tear us apart."
The movement even caught on with one Texas GOP official, who called for an "amicable divorce" from the U.S.
"Why should Vermont and Texas live under the same government?" wrote Peter Morrison, treasurer of the Hardin County Republican Party. "Let each go her own way."
In the wake of Obama's
reelection, secession petitions have come from residents in all 50
states. A few governors have denied requests but is secession a valid
appeal?
The basic question posed by secession is whether it can even be done
under the United States’ form of government. After all, the nation
fought a bloody, four-year long Civil War over this very issue,
resulting in the deaths of an estimated 750,000 soldiers and an
undetermined number of civilian casualties.
RON PAUL: Secession Is An American Principle
While other Republicans distance themselves from secession petitions
that have sprouted up in states across the country, leave it to Ron
Paul to jump directly into the fray. SECURITY THREAT?: Defense Department Says No
A Department of Defense agency tasked with investigating personnel
for security clearances said Friday that government contractors who work
on top secret projects won’t find their clearances in jeopardy if they
petition the White House to allow their states to secede from the U.S.
#My2k
@WhiteHouse