第一篇：奥巴马电台演讲2011-2012
6.Ending Subsidies for Big Oil Companies Saturday, March 17, 2012
Hi, everybody.As I’m sure you’ve noticed over the past few weeks, the price at your local pump has been going up and up.And because it’s an election year, so has the temperature of our political rhetoric.What matters most to me right now is the impact that rising prices have on you.When you’ve got to spend more on gas, you’ve got less to spend on everything else.It makes things harder.So I wanted to take a minute this weekend to explain what steps my Administration is taking when it comes to energy – most importantly, producing more of it while using less of it.The truth is: the price of gas depends on a lot of factors that are often beyond our control.Unrest in the Middle East can tighten global oil supply.Growing nations like China or India adding cars to the road increases demand.But one thing we should control is fraud and manipulation that can cause prices to spike even further.For years, traders at financial firms were able to game the energy markets, distort the price of oil, and make big profits for themselves at your expense.And they were able to do all that because of major gaps and loopholes in our regulations.When I took office, we did something about it.The Wall Street reforms I signed into law are helping bring energy markets out of the shadows and under real oversight.They’re strengthening our ability to go after fraud and to prevent traders from manipulating the market.So it’s not just wrong, but dangerous that some in Congress want to roll back those protections and return to the days when companies like Enron could avoid regulation and reap enormous profits, no matter who it hurt.What’s more, at a time when big oil companies are making more money than ever before, we’re still giving them $4 billion of your tax dollars in subsidies every year.Your member of Congress should be fighting for you.Not for big financial firms.Not for big oil companies.In the next few weeks, I expect Congress to vote on ending these subsidies.And when they do, we’re going to put every single Member of Congress on record: They can either stand up for oil companies, or they can stand up for the American people.They can either place their bets on a fossil fuel from the last century, or they can place their bets on America’s future.So make your voice heard.Send your representative an email.Give them a call.Tell them to stand with you.And tell them to be honest with you.It’s easy to promise a quick fix when it comes to gas prices.There just isn’t one.Anyone who tells you otherwise – any career politician who promises some three-point plan for two-dollar gas – they’re not looking for a solution.They’re just looking for your vote.If we’re truly going to make sure we’re not at the mercy of spikes in gas prices every year, the answer isn’t just to drill more – because we’re already drilling more.Under my Administration, we’re producing more oil here at home than at any time in the last eight years, that’s a fact.We’ve quadrupled the number of operating oil rigs to a record high, that’s a fact.And we’ve opened millions of acres on land and offshore to develop more of our domestic resources.Those are the facts.But we can’t just rely on drilling.Not when we use more than 20 percent of the world’s oil, but still only have 2 percent of the world’s known oil reserves.If we don’t develop other sources of energy, and the technology to use less energy, we’ll continue to be dependent on foreign countries for our energy needs.That’s why we’re pursuing an all-of-the-above strategy.As we develop more oil and gas, we’re also developing wind and solar power;biofuels, and next-generation vehicles – and thousands of Americans have jobs right now because of it.We need to keep making those investments – because I don’t want to see those jobs go to other countries.I want to create even more of them right here in America.And after three decades of inaction, we raised fuel economy standards so that by the middle of the next decade, our cars will average nearly 55 miles per gallon.That’s nearly double what they get today.That means you’ll only have to fill up every two weeks instead of every week.And that will save the typical family more than $8,000 over the life of the car – just by using less gas.Combined, these steps have helped put us on a path to greater energy independence.Since I took office, America’s dependence on foreign oil has gone down every single year.In 2010, for the first time in 13 years, less than half the oil we used came from foreign countries.We can do even better.And we will.But what we can’t do is keep being dependent on other countries for our energy needs.In America we control our own destiny.So that’s the choice we face – the past, or the future.And America is what it is today because we have always placed our bets on the future.Thanks, and have a great weekend.7.Investing in a Clean Energy Future March 10, 2012
Hi, everybody.I’m speaking to you this week from a factory in Petersburg, Virginia, where they’re bringing on more than 100 new workers to build parts for the next generation of jet engines.It’s a story that’s happening more frequently across the country.Our businesses just added 233,000 jobs last month – for a total of nearly four million new jobs over the last two years.More companies are choosing to bring jobs back and invest in America.Manufacturing is adding jobs for the first time since the 1990s, and we’re building more things to sell to the rest of the world stamped with three proud words: Made in America.And it’s not just that we’re building stuff.We’re building better stuff.The engine parts manufactured here in Petersburg will go into next-generation planes that are lighter, faster, and more fuel-efficient.That last part is important.Because whether you’re paying for a plane ticket, or filling up your gas tank, technology that helps us get more miles to the gallon is one of the easiest ways to save money and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.The recent spike in gas prices has been another painful reminder of why we have to invest in this technology.As usual, politicians have been rolling out their three-point plans for two-dollar gas: drill, drill, and drill some more.Well, my response is, we have been drilling.Under my Administration, oil production in America is at an eight-year high.We’ve quadrupled the number of operating oil rigs, and opened up millions of acres for drilling.But you and I both know that with only 2% of the world’s oil reserves, we can’t just drill our way to lower gas prices – not when consume 20 percent of the world’s oil.We need an all-of-the-above strategy that relies less on foreign oil and more on American-made energy – solar, wind, natural gas, biofuels, and more.That’s the strategy we’re pursuing.It’s why I went to a plant in North Carolina earlier this week, where they’re making trucks that run on natural gas, and hybrid trucks that go further on a single tank.And it’s why I’ve been focused on fuel efficient cars since the day I took office.Over the last few years, the annual number of miles driven by Americans has stayed roughly the same, but the total amount of gas we use has been going down.In other words, we’re getting more bang for our buck.If we accelerate that trend, we can help drivers save a significant amount of money.That’s why, after 30 years of inaction, we finally put in place new standards that will make sure our cars average nearly 55 miles per gallon by the middle of the next decade – nearly double what they get today.This wasn’t easy: we had to bring together auto companies, and unions, and folks who don’t ordinarily see eye to eye.But it was worth it.Because these cars aren’t some pie in the sky solution that’s years away.They’re being built right now – by American workers, in factories right here in the U.S.A.Every year, our cars and trucks will be able to go further and use less fuel, and pretty soon, you’ll be able to fill up every two weeks instead of every week – something that, over time, will save the typical family more than $8,000 at the pump.We’ll reduce our oil consumption by more than 12 billion barrels.That’s a future worth investing in.So we have a choice.Right now, some folks in Washington would rather spend another $4 billion on subsidies to oil companies each year.Well you know what? We’ve been handing out these kinds of taxpayer giveaways for nearly a century.And outside of Congress, does anyone really think that’s still a good idea? I want this Congress to stop the giveaways to an oil industry that’s never been more profitable, and invest in a clean energy industry that’s never been more promising.We should be investing in the technology that’s building the cars and trucks and jets that will prevent us from dealing with these high gas prices year after year after year.Ending this cycle of rising gas prices won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight.But that’s why you sent us to Washington – to solve tough problems like this one.So I’m going to keep doing everything I can to help you save money on gas, both right now and in the future.I hope politicians from both sides of the aisle join me.Let’s put aside the bumper-sticker slogans, remember why we’re here, and get things done for the American people.Thank you, God bless you, and have a great weekend 8.Taking Control of Our Energy Future Saturday, March 3, 2012
Hi, everybody.Earlier this week, I spent some time with the hardworking men and women of the American auto industry, who are busy writing a new chapter in America’s story.Just a few years ago, their industry was shedding hundreds of thousands of jobs.Two of the Big Three – GM and Chrysler – were on the brink of failure.If we had let this great American industry collapse – if we had let Detroit go bankrupt – more than one million Americans would have lost their jobs in the middle of the worst recession since the Great Depression.I refused to let that happen.These jobs are worth more than just a paycheck – they’re a source of pride and a ticket to the middle class.These companies are worth more than just the cars they build – they’re a symbol of American innovation and a source of our manufacturing might.So in exchange for help, we demanded responsibility.We got the companies to retool and restructure.Everyone sacrificed.And three years later, the American auto industry is back.Today, GM is the number one automaker in the world.Chrysler is growing faster in America than any other car company.Ford is investing billions in American plants and factories, and plans to bring thousands of jobs back home.All told, the entire industry has added more than 200,000 new jobs over the past two and a half years.And they’re not just building cars again – they’re building better cars.Thanks to new fuel efficiency standards we put in place, they’re building cars that will average nearly 55 miles per gallon by the middle of the next decade.That’s almost double what they get today.That means folks will be able to fill up every two weeks instead of every week, saving the typical family more than $8,000 at the pump over time.That’s a big deal, especially as families are yet again feeling the pinch from rising gas prices.So what’s happening in Detroit will make a difference.But it won’t solve everything.There’s no silver bullet for avoiding spikes in gas prices every year.There’s no shortcut to taking control of our energy future.We have to pursue an all-of-the-above strategy that helps develop every source of American energy.And we have to do it now.The good news is, we’ve been making progress.Take a look at this chart.Six years ago, 60% of the oil we used was imported.Since I took office, America’s dependence on foreign oil has decreased every single year.In fact, in 2010, for the first time in thirteen years, less than half the petroleum we consumed was imported.Part of that is because we’re producing more oil here at home than at any time in the last eight years.But we can’t just drill our way out of this problem.While we consume 20 percent of the world’s oil, we only have 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves.We’ve got to develop new technology that will help us use new forms of energy.That’s been a priority of mine as President.And because of the investments we’ve made, our use of clean, renewable energy has nearly doubled – and thousands of Americans have jobs because of it.Now we need to keep at it.And to do that, we need to make the right choices.Here’s one we can make right now.Every year, $4 billion of your tax dollars go to subsidizing the oil industry.These are the same companies making record profits – tens of billions of dollars a year.I don’t think oil companies need more corporate welfare.Congress should end this taxpayer giveaway.If you agree with me, I’m asking you to e-mail, call, or Tweet your representative.Tell them to stop fighting for oil companies.Tell them to start fighting for working families.Tell them to fight for the clean energy future that’s within our reach.Because the sooner we all get started, the sooner we’ll get there together.Thanks and have a great weekend.9.An All-Of-The-Above Approach to American Energy Saturday, February 25, 2012 Hello, everybody.In the State of the Union, I laid out three areas we need to focus on if we’re going to build an economy that lasts: new American manufacturing, new skills and education for American workers, and new sources of American-made energy.These days, we’re getting another painful reminder why developing new energy is so important to our future.Just like they did last year, gas prices are starting to climb.Only this time, it’s happening earlier.And that hurts everyone – everyone who owns a car;everyone who owns a business.It means you have to stretch your paycheck even further.Some folks have no choice but to drive a long way to work, and high gas prices are like a tax straight out of their paychecks.Now, some politicians always see this as a political opportunity.And since it’s an election year, they’re already dusting off their three-point plans for $2 gas.I’ll save you the suspense: Step one is drill, step two is drill, and step three is keep drilling.We hear the same thing every year.Well the American people aren’t stupid.You know that’s not a plan – especially since we’re already drilling.It’s a bumper sticker.It’s not a strategy to solve our energy challenge.It’s a strategy to get politicians through an election.You know there are no quick fixes to this problem, and you know we can’t just drill our way to lower gas prices.If we’re going to take control of our energy future and avoid these gas price spikes down the line, then we need a sustained, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy – oil, gas, wind, solar, nuclear, biofuels, and more.We need to keep developing the technology that allows us to use less oil in our cars and trucks;in our buildings and plants.That’s the strategy we’re pursuing, and that’s the only real solution to this challenge.Now, we absolutely need safe, responsible oil production here in America.That’s why under my Administration, America is producing more oil today than at any time in the last eight years.In 2010, our dependence on foreign oil was under 50% for the first time in more than a decade.And while there are no short-term silver bullets when it comes to gas prices, I’ve directed my administration to look for every single area where we can make an impact and help consumers in the months ahead, from permitting to delivery bottlenecks to what’s going on in the oil markets.But over the long term, an all-of-the-above energy strategy means we have to do more.It means we have to make some choices.Here’s one example.Right now, four billion of your tax dollars subsidize the oil industry every year.Four billion dollars.Imagine that.Maybe some of you are listening to this in your car right now, pulling into a gas station to fill up.As you watch those numbers rise, know that oil company profits have never been higher.Yet somehow, Congress is still giving those same companies another four billion dollars of your money.That’s outrageous.It’s inexcusable.And it has to stop.A century of subsidies to the oil companies is long enough.It’s time to end taxpayer giveaways to an industry that’s never been more profitable, and use that money to reduce our deficit and double-down on a clean energy industry that’s never been more promising.Because of the investments we’ve already made, the use of wind and solar energy in this country has nearly doubled – and thousands of Americans have jobs because of it.And because we put in place the toughest fuel economy standards in history, our cars will average nearly 55 miles per gallon by the middle of the next decade – something that, over time, will save the typical family more than $8,000 at the pump.Now Congress needs to keep that momentum going by renewing the clean energy tax credits that will lead to more jobs and less dependence on foreign oil.Look, we know there’s no silver bullet that will bring down gas prices or reduce our dependence on foreign oil overnight.But what we can do is get our priorities straight, and make a sustained, serious effort to tackle this problem.That’s the commitment we need right now.And with your help, it’s a commitment we can make.Thank you.10.Continuing to Strengthen American Manufacturing Saturday, February 18, 2012
Hello, everybody.I’m speaking to you this week from the Boeing Plant in Everett, Washington.Boeing has been in this community for half a century.But it’s what they’re doing here today that has folks really excited;because at this plant they’re building the plane of the future – the Dreamliner.It’s an impressive sight.And, to be honest, part of why I came was to see it up close.But I also came because this is a great example of how we can bring jobs and manufacturing back to America.You see, the last few decades haven’t been easy for manufacturing in this country.New technology has made businesses more efficient and productive – and that’s good – but it’s also made a lot of jobs obsolete.The result has been painful for a lot of families and communities.Factories where people thought they’d retire have left town.Jobs that provided a decent living have been shipped overseas.And the hard truth is that a lot of those jobs aren’t coming back.But that doesn’t mean we have to settle for a lesser future.I don’t accept that idea.In America, there’s always something we can do to create new jobs and new manufacturing and new security for the middle-class.In America, we don’t give up, we get up.Right now, that’s exactly what we’re doing.Over the past 23 months, businesses have created 3.7 million new jobs.And manufacturers are hiring for the first time since the 1990s.It’s now getting more expensive to do business in places like China.Meanwhile, America is more productive than ever.And companies like Boeing are realizing that even when we can’t make things cheaper than China, we can make things better.That’s how we’re going to compete globally.For Boeing, business right now is booming.Last year, orders for commercial aircraft rose by more than 50 percent.To meet that rising demand, they’ve put thousands of folks to work all over the country.We want to see more of this.We need to make it as easy as we can for our companies to create more jobs in America, not overseas.And that starts with our tax code.No company should get a tax break for outsourcing jobs.Instead, tax breaks should go to manufacturers who set up shop here at home.Bigger tax breaks should go to high-tech manufacturers who create the jobs of the future.And if you relocate your company to a struggling community, you should get help financing that new plant, that new equipment, or training for new workers.It’s time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding businesses that create jobs here in America.And Congress should send me that kind of tax reform right away.Another thing we’re doing is to make it easier for companies like Boeing to sell their products all over the world, because more exports mean more jobs.Two years ago, I set a goal of doubling U.S.exports over five years.And we’re on track to meet that goal – ahead of schedule.We have a big opportunity right now to build not only an economy that will help us succeed today, but an economy that will help our kids and their kids succeed tomorrow.We know what we need to do.We need to strengthen American manufacturing.We need to invest in American-made energy and new skills for American workers.And above all, we need to renew the values that have always made this country great: Hard work.Fair play.Shared responsibility.We can do this.Ask the folks in Everett.Right here, a few years ago, the first Dreamliner took off on its maiden trip.Thousands of employees came to watch.One was an executive office administrator named Sharon O’Hara.As Sharon saw that first plane take flight – a result of so much hard work – she got goose bumps.In her words, she said, “We said we would do it and we did.” That’s the story of America.We said we would do it, and we did.That’s the can-do spirit that makes us who we are.We’ve seen challenging times before.But we always emerge from them stronger.And that’s what we’re going to do again today.Thanks, and have a great weekend.
第二篇：奥巴马电台演讲2011-2012
1.Calling on Congress to Prevent Student Interest Rates from Doubling Saturday, April 21, 2012
Hi.This week, I got the chance to sit down with some impressive students at Lorain County Community College in Ohio.One of them was a woman named Andrea Ashley.Two years ago, Andrea lost her job as an HR analyst.Today, she’s getting certified in the fast-growing field of electronic medical records.Before enrolling at Lorain, Andrea told me she was looking everywhere trying to find a new job.But without a degree, she said that nobody would hire her.Andrea’s story isn’t unique.I’ve met so many Americans who are out there pounding the pavement looking for work only to discover that they need new skills.And I’ve met a lot of employers who are looking for workers, but can’t find ones with the skills they’re looking for.So we should be doing everything we can to put higher education within reach for every American – because at a time when the unemployment rate for Americans with at least a college degree is about half the national average, it’s never been more important.But here’s the thing: it’s also never been more expensive.Students who take out loans to pay for college graduate owing an average of $25,000.For the first time, Americans owe more debt on their student loans than they do on their credit cards.And for many working families, the idea of owing that much money means that higher education is simply out of reach for their children.In America, higher education cannot be a luxury.It’s an economic imperative that every family must be able to afford.That’s why next week I’ll be visiting colleges across the country, talking to students about how we can make higher education more affordable – and what’s at stake right now if Congress doesn’t do something about it.You see, if Congress doesn’t act, on July 1st interest rates on some student loans will double.Nearly seven and half million students will end up owing more on their loan payments.That would be a tremendous blow.And it’s completely preventable.This issue didn’t come out of nowhere.For some time now, I’ve been calling on Congress to take steps to make higher education more affordable – to prevent these interest rates from doubling, to extend the tuition tax credit that has saved middle-class families millions of dollars, and to double the number of work-study jobs over the next five years.Instead, over the past few years, Republicans in Congress have voted against new ways to make college more affordable for middle-class families, and voted for huge new tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires – tax cuts that would have to be paid for by cutting things like education and job-training programs that give students new opportunities to work and succeed.We cannot just cut our way to prosperity.Making it harder for our young people to afford higher education and earn their degrees is nothing more than cutting our own future off at the knees.Congress needs to keep interest rates on student loans from doubling, and they need to do it now.This is a question of values.We cannot let America become a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of people struggle to get by.We’ve got to build an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules.That’s how the middle class gets stronger.That’s an economy that’s built to last.And I’m not only going to take that case to college campuses next week – I’m going to take it to every part of the country this year.Thanks, and have a great weekend.2.It’s Time for Congress to Pass the Buffett Rule
April 14, 2012
One of the fundamental challenges of our time is building an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules.And as many Americans rush to file their taxes this weekend, it’s worth pointing out that we’ve got a tax system that doesn’t always uphold the principle of everyone doing their part.Now, this is not just about fairness.This is also about growth.It’s about being able to make the investments we need to strengthen our economy and create jobs.And it’s about whether we as a country are willing to pay for those investments.In a perfect world, of course, none of us would have to pay any taxes.We’d have no deficits to pay down.And we’d have all the resources we needed to invest in things like schools and roads and a strong military and new sources of energy – investments that have always bolstered our economy and strengthened the middle class.But we live in the real world, with real choices and real consequences.Right now, we’ve got significant deficits to close.We’ve got serious investments to make to keep our economy growing.And we can’t afford to keep spending more money on tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans who don’t need them and didn’t even ask for them.Warren Buffett is one of the wealthiest men in the world.But he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary.That’s just the way the system is set up.In fact, one in four millionaires pays a lower tax rate than millions of hardworking middle-class households.As Warren points out, that’s not fair and it doesn’t make sense.It’s wrong that middle-class Americans pay a higher share of their income in taxes than some millionaires and billionaires.This week, Members of Congress are going to have a chance to set things right.They get to vote on what we call the Buffett Rule.It’s simple: If you make more than $1 million every year, you should pay at least the same percentage of your income in taxes as middle-class families do.On the other hand, if you make less than $250,000 a year--like 98 percent of American families do--your taxes shouldn’t go up.That’s all there is to it.It’s pretty sensible.Most Americans support this idea.One survey found that two-thirds of millionaires do, too.So do nearly half of all Republicans.We just need some Republican politicians to get on board with where the country is.I know they’ll say that this is all about wanting to raise people’s taxes.They probably won’t tell you that if you belong to a middle-class family, then I’ve cut your taxes each year that I’ve been in office, and I’ve cut taxes for small business owners 17 times.But the thing is, for most Americans like me, tax rates are near their lowest point in 50 years.In 2001 and 2003, the wealthiest Americans received two huge new tax cuts.We were told these tax cuts would lead to faster job growth.Instead, we got the slowest job growth in half a century, and the typical American family actually saw its income fall.On the flip side, when the most well-off Americans were asked to pay a little more in the 1990s, we were warned that it would kill jobs.Instead, tens of millions of jobs followed.So we’ve tried this trickle-down experiment before.It doesn’t work.And middle class families have seen too much of their security erode over the past few decades for us to tell them they’re going to have to do more because the wealthiest Americans are going to do less.We can’t stop investing in the things that will help grow our economy and create jobs – things like education, research, new sources of energy – just so folks like me can get another tax cut.So I hope you’ll ask your Member of Congress to step up and echo that call this week by voting for the Buffett Rule.Remind them that in America, prosperity has never just trickled down from a wealthy few.Prosperity has always been built by a strong, thriving middle class.That’s a principle worth reaffirming right now.Thank you, God bless you, and have a great weekend.3.Easter and Passover Greetings from President Obama April 7, 2012
For millions of Americans, this weekend is a time to celebrate redemption at God’s hand.Tonight, Jews will gather for a second Seder, where they will retell the story of the Exodus.And tomorrow, my family will join Christians around the world as we thank God for the all-important gift of grace through the resurrection of His son, and experience the wonder of Easter morning.These holidays have their roots in miracles that took place thousands of years ago.They connect us to our past and give us strength as we face the future.And they remind us of the common thread of humanity that connects us all.For me, and for countless other Christians, Easter weekend is a time to reflect and rejoice.Yesterday, many of us took a few quiet moments to try and fathom the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for all of us.Tomorrow, we will celebrate the resurrection of a savior who died so that we might live.And throughout these sacred days, we recommit ourselves to following His example.We rededicate our time on Earth to selflessness, and to loving our neighbors.We remind ourselves that no matter who we are, or how much we achieve, we each stand humbled before an almighty God.Christ’s triumph over death holds special meaning for Christians.But all of us, no matter how or whether we believe, can identify with elements of His story.The triumph of hope over despair.Of faith over doubt.The notion that there is something out there that is bigger than ourselves.These beliefs help unite Americans of all faiths and backgrounds.They shape our values and guide our work.They put our lives in perspective.So to all Christians celebrating the Resurrection with us, Michelle and I want to wish you a blessed and Happy Easter.And to all Americans, I hope you have a weekend filled with joy and reflection, focused on the things that matter most.God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.4.Passing the Buffett Rule So That Everyone Pays Their Fair Share March 31, 2012
Hello.Over the last few months, I’ve been talking about a choice we face as a country.We can either settle for an economy where a few people do really well and everyone else struggles to get by, or we can build an economy where hard work pays off again – where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules.That’s up to us.Today, I want to talk to you about the idea that everyone in this country should do their fair share.Now, if this were a perfect world, we’d have unlimited resources.No one would ever have to pay any taxes, and we could spend as much as we wanted.But we live in the real world.We don’t have unlimited resources.We have a deficit that needs to be paid down.And we also have to pay for investments that will help our economy grow and keep our country safe: education, research and technology, a strong military, and retirement programs like Medicare and Social Security.That means we have to make choices.When it comes to paying down the deficit and investing in our future, should we ask middle-class Americans to pay even more at a time when their budgets are already stretched to the breaking point? Or should we ask some of the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share?
That’s the choice.Over the last decade, we’ve spent hundreds of billions of dollars on what was supposed to be a temporary tax cut for the wealthiest two percent of Americans.Now we’re scheduled to spend almost a trillion more.Today, the wealthiest Americans are paying taxes at one of the lowest rates in 50 years.Warren Buffett is paying a lower rate than his secretary.Meanwhile, over the last 30 years, the tax rates for middle class families have barely budged.That’s not fair.It doesn’t make any sense.Do we want to keep giving tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans like me, or Warren Buffett, or Bill Gates – people who don’t need them and never asked for them? Or do we want to keep investing in things that will grow our economy and keep us secure? Because we can’t afford to do both.Now, some people call this class warfare.But I think asking a billionaire to pay at least the same tax rate as his secretary is just common sense.We don’t envy success in this country.We aspire to it.But we also believe that anyone who does well for themselves should do their fair share in return, so that more people have the opportunity to get ahead – not just a few.That’s the America I believe in.And in the next few weeks, Members of Congress will get a chance to show you where they stand.Congress is going to vote on what’s called the Buffett Rule: If you make more than $1 million a year, you should pay at least the same percentage of your income in taxes as middle class families do.On the other hand, if you make under $250,000 a year – like 98 percent of American families do – your taxes shouldn’t go up.You’re the ones struggling with the rising cost of everything from college tuition to groceries.You’re the ones who deserve a break.So every Member of Congress is going to go on record.And if they vote to keep giving tax breaks to people like me – tax breaks our country can’t afford – then they’re going to have to explain to you where that money comes from.Either it’s going to add to our deficit, or it’s going to come out of your pocket.Seniors will have to pay more for their Medicare benefits.Students will see their interest rates go up at a time when they can’t afford it.Families who are scraping by will have to do more because the richest Americans are doing less.That’s not right.That’s not who we are.In America, our story has never been about what we can do by ourselves – it’s about what we can do together.It’s about believing in our future and the future of this country.So tell your Members of Congress to do the right thing.Call them up, write them a letter, pay them a visit, and tell them to stop giving tax breaks to people who don’t need them and start investing in the things that will help our economy grow and put people back to work.That’s how we’ll make this country a little fairer, a little more just, and a whole lot stronger.Thank you.5.President Obama Says House Must Pass Bipartisan Transportation Bill Saturday March 24, 2012
Hello.This week, I traveled across the country to talk about my all-of-the-above energy strategy for America – a strategy where we produce more oil and gas here at home, but also more biofuels and fuel-efficient cars;more solar power and wind power and other sources of clean, renewable energy.Now, you wouldn’t know it by listening to some of the folks running for office today, but producing more oil at home has been, and will continue to be, a key part of my energy strategy.Under my Administration, we’re producing more oil than at any other time in the last eight years.We’ve quadrupled the number of operating oil rigs to a record high.And we’ve added enough oil and gas pipeline to circle the entire Earth and then some.Those are the facts.But as I’ve been saying all week, even though America uses around 20 percent of the world’s oil, we only have around 2 percent of the world’s known oil reserves.So even if we drilled everywhere, we’d still be relying on other countries for oil.That’s why we’re pursuing an all-of-the-above strategy.We’re producing more biofuels.More fuel-efficient cars.More solar power.More wind power.This week, I was in Boulder City, Nevada, where they’ve got the largest solar plant of its kind anywhere in the country.That’s the future.I was at Ohio State University, where they’ve developed the fastest electric car in the world.That’s the future.I don’t want to cede these clean energy industries to China or Germany or any other country.I want to see solar panels and wind turbines and fuel-efficient cars manufactured right here in America, by American workers.Now, getting these clean energy industries to locate here requires us to maintain a national commitment to new research and development.But it also requires us to build world-class transportation and communications networks, so that any company can move goods and sell products all around the world as quickly and efficiently as possible.So much of America needs to be rebuilt right now.We’ve got crumbling roads and bridges.A power grid that wastes too much energy.An incomplete high-speed broadband network.And we’ve got thousands of unemployed construction workers who’ve been looking for a job ever since the housing market collapsed.But once again, we’re waiting on Congress.You see, in a matter of days, funding will stop for all sorts of transportation projects.Construction sites will go idle.Workers will have to go home.And our economy will take a hit.This Congress cannot let that happen.Not at a time when we should be doing everything in our power – Democrats and Republicans – to keep this recovery moving forward.The Senate did their part.They passed a bipartisan transportation bill.It had the support of 52 Democrats and 22 Republicans.Now it’s up to the House to follow suit;to put aside partisan posturing, end the gridlock, and do what’s right for the American people.This is common sense.Right now, all across this country, we’ve got contractors and construction workers who have never been more eager to get back on the job.A long term transportation bill would put them to work.And those are good jobs.We just released a report that shows nearly 90 percent of the construction, manufacturing and trade jobs created through investments in transportation projects are middle class jobs.Those are exactly the jobs we need right now, and they’ll make the economy stronger for everybody.We’ve done this before.During the Great Depression, America built the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge.After World War II, we connected our states with a system of highways.Democratic and Republican administrations invested in great projects that benefited everybody, from the workers who built them to the businesses that still use them today.So tell Congress that if we invest in new technology and new energy;in new roads and bridges and construction projects, we can keep growing our economy, put our people back to work, and remind the world why the United States is the greatest nation on Earth.Thanks and have a great weekend.
第三篇：奥巴马电台演讲6.09
Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address The White House Saturday, June 09, 2012
This week, I spent some time talking with college students about how we can make higher education more affordable.And one of the things I told them was how proud I was that they were making that investment in themselves – because in today’s economy, the best predictor of success is a good education.That’s not just true for our individual success;it’s also true for America’s success.New jobs and new businesses will take root wherever they can find the most highly-educated, highly-skilled workers.And I want those workers to be American workers.I want those good-paying, middle-class jobs to take root right here.So it should concern everyone that right now – all across America – tens of thousands of teachers are getting laid off.In Pennsylvania alone, there are 9,000 fewer educators in our schools today than just a year ago.In Ohio, the number is close to 7,000.And nationwide, over the past three years, school districts have lost over 250,000 educators.Think about what that means for our country.When there are fewer teachers in our schools, class sizes start climbing up.Our students start falling behind.And our economy takes a hit.The point is: teachers matter.One study found that a good teacher can increase the lifetime income of a classroom by over $250,000.A great teacher can change the course of a child’s life.So the last thing our country needs is to have fewer teachers in our schools.Now, I know states are still going through some tough times.I realize that every Governor is dealing with limited resources and many face stark choices when it comes to their budgets.But that doesn’t mean we should just stand by and do nothing.When states struggle, it’s up to Congress to step in and help out.In 2009 and in 2010, we provided aid to states to help keep hundreds of thousands of teachers in the classroom.But we need to do more.That’s why a critical part of the jobs bill that I sent to Congress back in September was to help states prevent even more layoffs and rehire even more teachers who had lost their jobs.But months later, we’re still waiting on Congress to act.When it comes to this recovery, we can’t fully control everything that happens in other parts of the world.But there are plenty of things we can control.There are plenty of steps we can take, right now, to strengthen our economy.Putting teachers back in our kids’ classrooms is one of those steps.And there’s no excuse for inaction.You work hard.Your leaders should, too.Especially at this make-or-break moment for the middle class.I know this is an election year.But some things are bigger than an election.Some things are bigger than politics.So I hope you’ll join me in telling Congress to do the right thing;to get to work and to help get our teachers back in the classroom.We can’t afford to wait any longer.Thanks and have a great weekend.
第四篇：奥巴马电台演讲2011-2012
16.Continuing to Grow the Economy in the New Year Saturday, January 7, 2012
Hello, everybody.This week, I traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, to talk with folks about the biggest challenge we face as a country – rebuilding our economy so that, once again, hard work pays off, responsibility is rewarded, and anyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, can make it if they try.That’s the economy America deserves.That’s the economy I’m fighting every day to build.Now, to get there, the most important thing we need to do is get more Americans back to work.And over the past three years, we’ve made steady progress.We just learned that our economy added 212,000 private sector jobs in December.After losing more than 8 million jobs in the recession, we’ve added more than 3 million private sector jobs over the past 22 months.And we’re starting 2012 with manufacturing on the rise and the American auto industry on the mend.We’re heading in the rightdirection.And we’re not going to let up.On Wednesday the White House will host a forum called “Insourcing American Jobs.” We’ll hear from business leaders who are bringing jobs back home and see how we can help other businesses follow their lead.Because this is a make or break moment for the middle class and all those working to get there.We’ve got to keep at it.We’ve got to keep creating jobs.And we’ve got to keep rebuilding our economy so that everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share – and everyone plays by the same rules.We can’t go back to the days when the financial system was stacking the deck against ordinary Americans.To me, that’s not an option.Not after all we’ve been through.That’s why I appointed Richard Cordray as our nation’s new consumer watchdog this week.Richard’s job is simple: to look out for you.Every day, his sole mission is to protect consumers from potential abuses by the financial industry and to make sure that you’ve got all the transparent information you need to make the important financial decisions in your lives.I nominated Richard for this job last summer.And yet, Republicans in the Senate kept blocking his confirmation – not because they objected to him, but because they wanted to weaken his agency.That made no sense.Every day we waited was a day you and consumers all across the country were at greater financial risk.So this year, I’m going to keep doing whatever it takes to move this economy forward and to make sure that middle class families regain the security they’ve lost over the past decade.That’s my New Year’s resolution to all of you.Thank you, and have a great weekend
17.Working Together in the New Year Saturday, December 31, 2011
Hello, everybody.As 2011 comes to an end and we look ahead to 2012, I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year.The last year has been a time of great challenge and great progress for our country.We ended one war and began to wind down another.We dealt a crippling blow to al-Qaeda and made America more secure.We stood by our friends and allies around the world through natural disasters and revolutions.And we began to see signs of economic recovery here at home, even as too many Americans are still struggling to get ahead.There’s no doubt that 2012 will bring even more change.And as we head into the New Year, I’m hopeful that we have what it takes to face that change and come out even stronger – to grow our economy, create more jobs, and strengthen the middle class.I’m hopeful because of what we saw right before Christmas, when Members of Congress came together to prevent a tax hike for 160 million Americans – saving a typical family about $40 in every paycheck.They also made sure Americans looking for work won’t see their unemployment insurance cut off.And I expect Congress to finish the job by extending these provisions through the end of 2012.It was good to see Members of Congress do the right thing for millions of working Americans.But it was only possible because you added your voices to the debate.Through email and Twitter and over the phone, you let your representatives know what was at stake.Your lives.Your families.Your well-being.You had the courage to believe that your voices could make a difference.And at the end of the day, they made all the difference.More than anything else, you are the ones who make me hopeful about 2012.Because we’ve got some difficult debates and some tough fights to come.As I’ve said before, we are at a make-or-break moment for the middle class.And in many ways, the actions we take in the months ahead will help determine what kind of country we want to be, and what kind of world we want our children and grandchildren to grow up in.As President, I promise to do everything I can to make America a place where hard work and responsibility are rewarded – one where everyone has a fair shot and everyone does their fair share.That’s the America I believe in.That’s the America we’ve always known.And I’m confident that if we work together, and if you keep reminding folks in Washington what’s at stake, then we will move this country forward and guarantee every American the opportunities they deserve.Thanks for watching, and from Michelle, Malia, Sasha, Bo and myself, Happy New Year.18.The President and First Lady Thank our Troops for their Service December 24, 2011 THE PRESIDENT: Hi everyone.As you gather with family and friends this weekend, Michelle, Malia, Sasha and I – and of course Bo – want to wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.THE FIRST LADY: This is such a wonderful time of year.It’s a time to honor the story of love and redemption that began 2,000 years ago „ a time to see the world through a child’s eyes and rediscover the magic all around us „ and a time to give thanks for the gifts that bless us every single day.This holiday season at the White House, we wanted to show our thanks with a special holiday tribute to some of the strongest, bravest, and most resilient members of our American family – the men and women who wear our country’s uniform and the families who support them.THE PRESIDENT: For many military families, the best gift this year is a simple one – welcoming a loved one back for the holidays.You see, after nearly nine years, our war in Iraq is over.Our troops are coming home.And across America, military families are being reunited.So let’s take a moment to give thanks for their service;for their families’ service;for our veterans’ service.And let’s say a prayer for all our troops standing post all over the world, especially our brave men and women in Afghanistan who are serving, even as we speak, in harm’s way to protect the freedoms and security we hold dear.THE FIRST LADY: Our veterans, troops, and military families sacrifice so much for us.So this holiday season, let’s make sure that all of them know just how much we appreciate everything they do.Let’s ask ourselves, “How can I give back? How can my family serve them as well as they’ve served us”
One way you can get started is to visit JoiningForces.gov to find out how you can get involved in your community.THE PRESIDENT: Giving of ourselves;service to others – that’s what this season is all about.For my family and millions of Americans, that’s what Christmas is all about.It reminds us that part of what it means to love God is to love one another, to be our brother’s keeper and our sister’s keeper.But that belief is not just at the center of our Christian faith, it’s shared by Americans of all faiths and backgrounds.It’s why so many of us, every year, volunteer our time to help those most in need;especially our hungry and our homeless.So whatever you believe, wherever you’re from, let’s remember the spirit of service that connects us all this season – as Americans.Each of us can do our part to serve our communities and our country, not just today, but every day.19.Honoring Those Who Served in Iraq
December 17, 2011 This week marked an historic moment in the life of our country and our military.For nearly nine years, our nation has been at war in Iraq.More than 1.5 million Americans have served there with honor, skill, and bravery.Tens of thousands have been wounded.Military families have sacrificed greatly – none more so than the families of those nearly 4,500 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice.All of them – our troops, veterans, and their families – will always have the thanks of a grateful nation.On Thursday, the colors our Armed Forces fought under in Iraq were formally cased in a ceremony in Baghdad before beginning their journey back home.Our troops are now preparing to make their final march across the border and out of the country.Iraq’s future will be in the hands of its own people.Our war there will be over.All of our troops will be out of Iraq.And this holiday season, all of us can finally say: welcome home.This is an extraordinary achievement – one made possible by the hard work and sacrifice of the men and women who had the courage to serve.And there’s a lesson to learn from that – a lesson about our character as a nation.See, there’s a reason our military is the most respected institution in America.They don’t see themselves or each other as Democrats first or Republicans first.They see themselves as Americans first.For all our differences and disagreements, they remind us that we are all a part of something bigger;that we are one nation and one people.And for all our challenges, they remind us that there is nothing we can’t do when we stick together.They’re the finest our nation has to offer.Many will remain in the military and go on to the next mission.Others will take off the uniform and become veterans.But their commitment to service doesn’t end when they take off the uniform – in fact, I’m confident the story of their service to America is just beginning.After years of rebuilding Iraq, it is time to enlist our veterans and all our people in the work of rebuilding America.Folks like my grandfather came back from World War II to form the backbone of the largest middle class in history.And today’s generation of veterans – the 9/11 Generation of veterans – is armed with the skills, discipline, and leadership to attack the defining challenge of our time: rebuilding an economy where hard work pays off, where responsibility is rewarded, where anyone can make it if they try.Now it is up to us to serve these brave men and women as well as they serve us.Every day, they meet their responsibilities to their families and their country.Now it’s time to meet ours – especially those of us who you sent to serve in Washington.This cannot be a country where division and discord stand in the way of our progress.This is a moment where we must come together to ensure that every American has the chance to work for a decent living, own their own home, send their kids to college, and secure a decent retirement.This is a moment for us to build a country that lives up to the ideals that so many of our bravest Americans have fought and even died for.That is our highest obligation as citizens.That is the welcome home that our troops deserve.Thank you.20.Ensuring a Fair Shot for the Middle Class Saturday, December 10, 2011
Today, America faces a make-or-break moment for the middle class.After the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes, some still want to return to the same policies that got us into this mess.They’re the same policies that have stacked the deck against working Americans for too long.They’re part of a philosophy that says we’re better off when everyone is left to fend for themselves and play by their own rules.But I have a different vision.I believe that we are greater together than we are on our own.I believe that this country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone engages in fair play.To ensure fair play, last year, we passed the toughest financial reform in generations.See, for too long, the rules weren’t the same on Wall Street as they were on Main Street.Risky bets were made with other people’s money.Some folks made a lot of money taking advantage of consumers.It was wrong.And this irresponsible behavior on the part of some contributed to the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.So this financial reform refocuses the financial sector on what’s really important: getting capital to entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses, and financing to millions of families who want to buy a house or send their kids to college.A key part of that was putting in place the first-ever consumer watchdog – someone whose job it is to protect American families from being taken advantage of by mortgage lenders, payday lenders, and debt collectors.Tens of millions of Americans use these services.Protecting them from unscrupulous practices is an important job.And that’s why I nominated Richard Cordray to serve as the head of this consumer watchdog agency.As the former Attorney General of Ohio, Richard helped recover billions of dollars on behalf of retirees and stood up to dishonest lending practices.He has the support of most Attorneys General across the country, both Democrats and Republicans.Members of Congress from both parties say he’s more than qualified for the job.And yet on Thursday, Republicans blocked his nomination.They refused to even allow it to come up for a vote.That doesn’t make any sense.Do Republicans in Congress think our financial crisis was caused by too much oversight of mortgage lenders or debt collectors? Of course not.And every day America has to wait for a new consumer protection watchdog is another day that dishonest businesses can target and take advantage of students, seniors, and service members.So I refuse to take “no” for an answer.Financial institutions have plenty of high-powered lawyers and lobbyists looking out for them.It’s time consumers had someone on their side.And while they’re at it, Republicans in Congress should stop the games and extend the payroll tax cut for working Americans.Because if they don’t, nearly 160 million Americans will see their taxes go up at the end of this month.Congress can’t end the year by taking money out of the pockets of working Americans.Now is not the time for playing politics.Now is the time to do what’s right for the American people.No one should go home for the holidays until we get this done.So tell your Members of Congress, don’t be a Grinch.Tell them to do the right thing for you and for our economy.Thank you.20.
第五篇：奥巴马电台演讲2011-2012
11.Extending the Payroll Tax Cut for the Middle Class Saturday, February 11, 2012
Hello, everybody.In recent weeks, we’ve seen signs that our economy is growing stronger and creating jobs at a faster clip.While numbers and figures will go up and down in the coming months, what cannot waver is our resolve to do everything in our power to keep stoking the fires of the recovery.And the last thing we should do is let Washington stand in the way.You see, at the end of the month, taxes are set to go up on 160 million working Americans.If you’re one of them, then you know better than anyone that the last thing you need right now is a tax hike.But if Congress refuses to act, middle class taxes will go up.It’s that simple.Now, if this sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve been here before.Back in December, Congress faced this exact same predicament.Ultimately, thanks to your voices, they did the right thing – but only after a great deal of bickering and political posturing that put the strength of our economy and the security of middle class families at risk.We can’t go through that again.Congress needs to stop this middle class tax hike from happening.Period.No drama.No delay.And no ideological side issues that have nothing to do with this tax cut.Now is not the time for self-inflicted wounds to our recovery.Now is the time for common-sense action.And this tax cut is common-sense.If you’re a family making about $50,000 a year, this tax cut amounts to about $1,000 a year.That’s about $40 in every paycheck.I know there are some folks in this town who think $40 isn’t a lot of money.But to a student or a senior who’s trying to stretch the budget a little bit further? To a parent who’s filling up the tank and looking at rising gas prices? To them, $40 can make all the difference in the world.And so can your voice.I hope you’ll pick up the phone, send a tweet, write an email, and tell your representative that they should get this done before it gets too late.Tell them not to play politics again by linking this debate to unrelated issues.Tell them not to manufacture another needless standoff or crisis.Tell them not to stand in the way of the recovery.Tell them to just do their job.That’s what our middle class needs.That’s what our country needs.In the wake of the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes, we’re getting things going again.And we’re going to keep at it until everyone shares in America’s comeback.Thanks, and have a great weekend.12.It’s Time for Congress to Act to Help Responsible Homeowners Saturday, February 4, 2012 Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been traveling around the country and talking with folks about my blueprint for an economy built to last.It’s a blueprint that focuses on restoring the things we’ve always done best.Our strengths.American manufacturing.American energy.The skills and education of American workers.And most importantly, American values like fairness and responsibility.We know what happened when we strayed from those values over the past decade – especially when it comes to our housing market.Lenders sold loans to families who couldn’t afford them.Banks packaged those mortgages up and traded them for phony profits.It drove up prices and created an unsustainable bubble that burst – and left millions of families who did everything right in a world of hurt.It was wrong.The housing crisis has been the single biggest drag on our recovery from the recession.It has kept millions of families in debt and unable to spend, and it has left hundreds of thousands of construction workers out of a job.But there’s something even more important at stake.I’ve been saying this is a make-or-break moment for the middle class.And the housing crisis struck right at the heart of what it means to be middle-class in this country: owning a home.Raising our kids.Building our dreams.Right now, there are more than 10 million homeowners in this country who, because of a decline in home prices that is no fault of their own, owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth.Now, it is wrong for anyone to suggest that the only option for struggling, responsible homeowners is to sit and wait for the housing market to hit bottom.I don’t accept that.None of us should.That’s why we launched a plan a couple years ago that’s helped nearly one million responsible homeowners refinance their mortgages and save an average of $300 on their payments each month.Now, I’ll be the first to admit it didn’t help as many folks as we’d hoped.But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep trying.That’s why I’m sending Congress a plan that will give every responsible homeowner the chance to save about $3,000 a year on their mortgages by refinancing at historically low rates.No more red tape.No more endless forms.And a small fee on the largest financial institutions will make sure it doesn’t add a dime to the deficit.I want to be clear: this plan will not help folks who bought a house they couldn’t afford and then walked away from it.It won’t help folks who bought multiple houses just to turn around and sell them.What this plan will do is help millions of responsible homeowners who make their payments every month, but who, until now, couldn’t refinance because their home values kept dropping or they got wrapped up in too much red tape.But here’s the catch.In order to lower mortgage payments for millions of Americans, we need Congress to act.They’re the ones who have to pass this plan.And as anyone who has followed the news in the last six months can tell you, getting Congress to do anything these days is not an easy job.That’s why I’m going to keep up the pressure on Congress to do the right thing.But I also need your help.I need your voice.I need everyone who agrees with this plan to get on the phone, send an email, tweet, pay a visit, and remind your representatives in Washington who they work for.Tell them to pass this plan.Tell them to help more families keep their homes, and more neighborhoods stay vibrant and whole.The truth is, it will take time for our housing market to recover.It will take time for our economy to fully bounce back.But there are steps we can take, right now, to move this country forward.That’s what I promise to do as your President, and I hope Members of Congress will join me.Thank you, and have a great weekend.13.Creating Jobs by Boosting Tourism Saturday, January 21, 2012
Hello, everybody.On Thursday, I went down to Florida to visit Disneyworld.To Sasha and Malia’s great disappointment, I was not there to hang out with Mickey or ride Space Mountain.Instead, I was there to talk about steps we’re taking to boost tourism and create jobs.Tourism is the number one service we export.Every year, tens of millions of tourists come from all over the world to visit America.They stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, and see all the sights America has to offer.That’s good for local businesses.That’s good for local economies.And the more folks who visit America, the more Americans we get back to work.It’s that simple.We can’t wait to seize this opportunity.As I’ve said before, I will continue to work with Congress, states, and leaders in the private sector to find ways to move this country forward.But where they can’t act or won’t act, I will.Because we want the world to know that America is open for business.And that’s why I announced steps we’re taking to promote America and make it easier for tourists to come and visit.Frequent travelers who pass an extensive background check will be able to scan their passports and fingerprints and skip long lines at immigration at more airports.We’re going to expand the number of countries where visitors can get pre-cleared by Homeland Security so they don’t need a tourist visa.And we’re going to speed up visa processing for countries with growing middle classes that can afford to visit America – countries like China and Brazil.We want more visitors coming here.We want them spending money here.It’s good for our economy, and it will help provide the boost more businesses need to grow and hire.And we can’t wait to make it happen.Too often over the last few months, we’ve seen Congress drag its feet and refuse to take steps we know will help strengthen our economy.That’s why this is the latest in a series of actions I’ve taken on my own to help our economy keep growing, creating jobs, and restoring security for middle-class families.In September, we decided to stop waiting for Congress to fix No Child Left Behind and give states the flexibility they need to help our kids meet higher standards.We made sure that small businesses that have contracts with the Federal Government can get paid faster so they can start hiring more people.We made it easier for veterans to get jobs and put their skills to work.We took steps to help families whose home values have fallen refinance their mortgages and save up to thousands of dollars a year.We sped up the loan process for companies that want to rebuild our roads and bridges – putting construction workers back on the job.And I appointed Richard Cordray to be America’s consumer watchdog and protect working Americans from the worst abuses of the financial industry.These are good steps.Now we need to do more.On Tuesday evening, I’ll deliver my State of the Union Address, where I’ll lay out my blueprint for actions we need to take together – not just me, or Congress, but every American – to rebuild an economy where hard work and responsibility are rewarded.An economy that’s built to last.I hope you’ll tune in.In the meantime, I’m going to keep doing everything I can to make this country not only the best place to visit and do business – but the best place to live and work and build a better life.Thanks for watching.Have a great weekend.And I’ll see you on Tuesday 14.Helping American Businesses Succeed As you can see, I brought a few things with me for this week’s video.A padlock.A pair of boots.A candle.And a pair of socks.No, we’re not having a yard sale.And these products may not appear to have much in common.But they’re united by three proud words: “Made in America.” They’re manufactured by American workers, in American factories, and shipped to customers here and around the world.The companies that make these products are part of a hopeful trend: they’re bringing jobs back from overseas.You’ve heard of outsourcing – well, this is insourcing.And in this make or break moment for the middle class and those working to get into the middle class, that’s exactly the kind of commitment to country that we need.This week, I invited executives from businesses that are insourcing jobs to a forum at the White House.These are CEOs who take pride in hiring people here in America, not just because it’s increasingly the right thing to do for their bottom line, but also because it’s the right thing to do for their workers and for our communities and our country.I told those CEOs what I’ll tell any business leader: ask yourself what you can do to bring more jobs back to the country that made your success possible.And I’ll make sure you’ve got a government that does everything in its power to help you succeed.That’s why, in the next few weeks, I will put forward new tax proposals that reward companies that choose to do the right thing by bringing jobs home and investing in America – and eliminate tax breaks for companies that move jobs overseas.It’s also why on Friday, I called on Congress to help me make government work better for you.Right now, we have a 21st century economy, but we’ve still got a government organized for the 20th century.Over the years, the needs of Americans have changed, but our government has not.In fact, it’s gotten even more complex.And that has to change.That’s why I asked Congress to reinstate the authority that past presidents have had to streamline and reform the Executive Branch.This is the same sort of authority that every business owner has to make sure that his or her company keeps pace with the times.It’s the same authority that presidents had for over 50 years – up until Ronald Reagan.And let me be clear: I will only use this authority for reforms that result in more efficiency, better service, and a leaner government.These changes will make it easier for small business owners to get the loans and support they need to sell their products around the world.For example, instead of forcing small business owners to navigate the six departments and agencies in the federal government that focus on business and trade, we’ll have one department.One place where entrepreneurs can go from the day they come up with an idea and need a patent, to the day they start building a warehouse, to the day they’re ready to ship their products overseas.And in the meantime, we’re creating a new website – BusinessUSA – that will serve as a one-stop shop with information for businesses small and large that want to start selling their stuff around the world.This means that more small business owners will see their hard work pay off.More companies will be able to hire new workers.And we’ll be able to rebuild an economy that’s not known for paper profits or financial speculation, but for making and selling products like these.Products “Made in America.”
Thank you, and have a great weekend
15.President’s Blueprint Includes Renewal of American Values Saturday, January 28, 2011
On Tuesday, in my State of the Union Address, I laid out a blueprint for an economy built to last – an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.This week, I took that blueprint across the country, and what I saw was people who work hard and believe in each other.They believe in the America that’s within our reach.But they’re not sure that the right thing will get done in Washington this year, or next year, or the year after that.And frankly, when you look at some of the things that go on in this town, who could blame them for being a little cynical? Just two days ago, a senator from Utah promised to obstruct every single American I appoint to a judgeship or public service position – unless I fire the consumer watchdog I put in place to protect the American people from financial schemes or malpractice.For the most part, it’s not that this senator thinks these nominees are unqualified.In fact, all of the judicial nominees being blocked have bipartisan support.And almost 90 percent have unanimous support from the Judiciary Committee.Instead, one of his aides told reporters that the senator plans to, and I’m quoting here, “Delay and slow the process in order to get the President’s attention.”
This isn’t about me.We weren’t sent here to wage perpetual political campaigns against each other.We were sent here to serve the American people.And they deserve better than gridlock and games.One senator gumming up the works for the whole country is certainly not what our founding fathers envisioned.The truth is, neither party has been blameless in tactics like these.But it’s time for both parties to put an end to them.I’m asking Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, to stop this kind of behavior by passing a rule that allows all judicial and public service nominations a simple up-or-down vote within 90 days.We should also stem the corrosive influence of money in politics.The House and Senate should send me a bill that bans insider trading by Members of Congress, and I will sign it immediately.They should limit any elected official from owning stocks in industries they impact.And they should make sure people who bundle campaign contributions for Congress can’t lobby Congress, and vice versa.During my Address on Tuesday night, I spoke about the incredible example set by the men and women of our armed forces.At a time when too many of our institutions have let us down, they exceed all expectations.They’re not consumed with personal ambition.They don’t obsess over their differences.They focus on the mission at hand.They work together.If you agree with me that leaders in Washington should follow their example, then make your voice heard.Tell your Member of Congress that it’s time to end the gridlock, and start tackling the issues that really matter – an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, American skills and education, and a return to American values.An economy built to last.Thank you, God bless you, and have a great weekend
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