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WASHINGTON, Oct 13 -- The Chilean people have inspired the world, President Obama said as he applauded the rescue of miners at Camp Esperanza.
Rescue efforts were still underway as Obama spoke in the Rose Garden at an event highlighting college tax credits. Some 18 of the 33 miners had been retrieved after more than two months underground in the mine in the Atacama desert in northern Chile.
"This rescue is a tribute not only to the determination of the rescue workers and the Chilean government but also the unity and resolve of the Chilean people," the president said. "I want to express the hopes of the American people that the miners who are still trapped underground would be returned home safely as soon as possible."
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters in the morning press gaggle that the president would likely call Chilean President Sebastian Pinera. Pinera has heard from presidents from around the region and from British Prime Minister David Cameron, according to his Twitter account.
Gibbs also said President Obama watched the rescue as it unfolded last night.
"Let me also commend so many people of goodwill -- not only in Chile, but also from the US and around the world who are lending a hand in this rescue effort," Obama said in the Rose Garden. "From the NASA team that helped design the escape vehicle to American companies that manufactured and delivered parts of the rescue drill to the American engineer who flew in from Afghanistan to operate the drill."
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That Chile has been so successful in this endeavor is wonderful - for all the bad news in the world, it's nice to see something good become a major story.
At the same time, though, I can't help but think about the sinking of the Kursk back in 2000.
I second that Exodite Dragon. It truly is nice to see something good become a major story.
This is Truely an amazing moment.. however i find it quite Disturbing that the President Fails to mention the Contributions of the Ingenuity of American Business that Made the Rescue of these Miners Possible at a much Faster Rate..
Since it was a a Company in PA that Designed the Drill head that cut thru the Rock and made it possible to get these Miners out even faster then predicted
Obama Hates this country and would never point out just how great American Business is.. Instead he makes them the Villian on a Daily Basis in this country.
Steve -
Did you even read the article above before you started typing?
"Let me also commend so many people of goodwill -- not only in Chile, but also from the US and around the world who are lending a hand in this rescue effort," Obama said in the Rose Garden. "From the NASA team that helped design the escape vehicle to American companies that manufactured and delivered parts of the rescue drill to the American engineer who flew in from Afghanistan to operate the drill".
Steve - you are a real idiot aren't you? Just can't post anything good without bashing our President. I don't think it is necessary to discuss the companies that made anything that helped with the rescue on this day - it is much more appropriate to say Thanks be to God for this amazing rescue, and lets hope the mining corporations in the USA are not too cheap to rescue our own next time.
Don't feed the trolls.
If there was actually something good to say about this President i would. but there isnt.. Facts are he is a Failure and the Majority of the American people Realize this.. and their Vote will be Against the Policies of this Failed Administration come Nov 2..
'kay, great, Steve-O. And when the Republicans drop the ball this round the other side will no doubt get a pass from you to point out the litany of @!$%#-ups they'll have incurred, ad infinitum, ad nauseam.
...oh @!$%#. I tried to talk to you like an adult again. My bad.
Steve-505729
There was once a civilization of people many years ago who did not have the skills or intelligence to make effective weapons. So, when confronted, they choose to throw their feces at their opponents. The idea was to make the environment so unpleasant that the opposition would just leave. Over time it was proven that this will not work against those willing to think through a problem and find ways to solve them.
In reading the majority of your posts it seems that once again someone is playing in their poop. It didn't work then and it won't work now. So, it may be best that you go wash your hands and go upstairs. Your mom has your dinner ready. Leave the conversation to adults.
You can usually Tell when you have spoken the Truth, because thats when most liberals attack you.. Thanks.. appreciate your Acknowledgement..
Steve, how many times do I have to remind you? I hate you because you're stupid, not because you're conservative.
If you were black, I would hate you for being stupid - not for being black.
If you were Muslim, I would hate you for being stupid - not for being Muslim.
If you were Jewish, I would hate you for being stupid - not for being Jewish.
If you were liberal, I would hate you for being stupid - not for being liberal.
If you were my grandmother, I'd kick you down the stairs for being stupid - not for refusing to get me a Red Rider BB Gun for Christmas fifteen years ago.
Steve, pay attention....this is some of what My President said
"From the NASA team that helped design the escape vehicle to American companies that manufactured and delivered parts of the rescue drill to the American engineer who flew in from Afghanistan to operate the drill."
Got it!!!!
Just one more thing......what happened finally in that Upper Big Branch mine tragedy.......? Such a terrific loss of life by an owner who didn't give a rats azz!
Buuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrnnnnnnnnnnnn!
Oops - sorry, chilled - didn't notice that you'd beaten me to the punch when I posted above. But hey, great minds and all that.....
And Steve - seriously - isn't the fact of this incredible rescue itself way more important than who gets what credit for it?
I like coconuts.
Steve is obviously not here to laud the efforts launched to save the Chilean miners- but to engage in mindless Obama-bashing. At least he could get his facts right.
One point I would like to make is that I would LOVE to see this kind of effort when miners in America are buried in an explosion. Maybe the US mining companies who endeavor to skirt the safety regs should take note. It is very possible to protect and save miners working underground-- it just requires some planning and expense on your part!
Those that show what Gibbs said Obama says... can not find a video where he really said it.
As un-important who gets credit is I'd still like to hear your president say a good word for America. I have heard a lot of things to knock America from both POTUS AND FLOTUS