“Speaking is difficult but I need to say something.
Gun violence is a big problem.
Too many people are dying.
Too many children.
We must do something.
It will be hard.
But the time is now.
You must act.
Be bold. Be courageous.
Americans are counting on you.”
—Gabby Giffords at a Senate hearing on gun violence today
President Obama named Denis McDonough to be his new Chief of Staff last week (after running down the Colonnade of the White House with McDonough’s adorable children).
On the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we reaffirm its historic commitment to protect the health and reproductive freedom of women across this country and stand by its guiding principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters, and women should be able to make their own choices about their bodies and their health care. Today and every day, my Administration continues our efforts to reduce unintended pregnancies, support maternal and child health, and minimize the need for abortion. On this anniversary, we recommit ourselves to supporting women and families in the choices they make and redouble our efforts to promote safe and healthy communities.
President Obama on the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Happy Inauguration Day, y’all.
“After the tragedy in Newtown, Hinna, age 8, wrote President Obama a letter asking him to take action on gun violence. Today, she joined the President at the White House as he announced his plan.”
We are not a deadbeat nation… So we’ve got to pay our bills. And Republicans in Congress have two choices here. They can act responsibly, and pay America’s bills, or they can act irresponsibly and put America through another economic crisis. But they will not collect a ransom in exchange for not crashing the American economy … We’ve got to stop lurching from crisis to crisis to crisis when there’s this clear path ahead of us that simply requires some discipline, some responsibility, and some compromise. That’s where we need to go. That’s how this needs to work.
POTUS (via kateoplis)
The news today: This Texan for Obama is singing the National Anthem at President Obama’s second inauguration. (!!)
(Source: beyonce)
“I will use all the powers of this office to help advance efforts aimed at preventing more tragedies like this. We won’t prevent them all—but that can’t be an excuse not to try. It won’t be easy—but that can’t be an excuse not to try.
And I’m not going to be able to do it by myself. Ultimately if this effort is to succeed it’s going to require the help of the American people—it’s going to require all of you. If we’re going to change things, it’s going to take a wave of Americans—mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, pastors, law enforcement, mental health professionals—and, yes, gun owners—standing up and saying ‘enough’ on behalf of our kids.
It will take commitment and compromise, and most of all, it will take courage. But if those of us who were sent here to serve the public trust can summon even one tiny iota of the courage those teachers, that principal in Newtown summoned on Friday—if cooperation and common sense prevail—then I’m convinced we can make a sensible, intelligent way to make the United States of America a safer, stronger place for our children to learn and to grow.”
— President Obama at a news conference today
