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President Obama today took his case for investing in education and innovation out west, where he toured Intel's semiconductor manufacturing facility and met with student scientists.
He also used the opportunity to announce that Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini would join his Council on Jobs and Competitiveness -- which is being headed by another prominent CEO, General Electric's Jeff Immelt. The council is set to meet for the first time at the White House on Thursday, Feb. 24.
Even as he tries to convince the American public that he is serious about reining in government spending to help bring down a massive deficit, Obama has consistently argued that the country must also invest in areas that can help lay the foundation for long-term growth, from infrastructure to research and development.
"If we want the next technological breakthrough that leads to the next Intel to happen here in the United States -- not in China, not in Germany -- but here in the United States, then we have to invest in America's research and technology" he said. "If we want companies like yours to be able to move goods and information quickly and cheaply, we've gotta invest in communication and transportation networks like new roads and bridges, high speed rail, high speed Internet."
Republicans say "investment" is just code for more spending, and that the country's massive deficit requires deep cuts not just in the budget for Fiscal Year 2012, which doesn't start until October, but for the remainder of this year. House Speaker John Boehner has vowed that the Republican-controlled House will not to approve even a temporary spending bill that does not include big cuts.
Obama has also stressed the need to encourage more students to study math, science, engineering and technology and his budget includes a goal to use $100 million to prepare 100,000 instructors in these subjects over the next decade and to recruit 10,000 such teachers in the next two years. During his trip to Intel's Hillsboro, OR plant today, he chatted with student finalists in the company's Science Talent Search competition, before delivering his remarks.
"We can't win the future if we lose the race to educate our children," Obama said. "In today's economy, the quality of nation's education is one of the biggest predictors of a nation's success. It is what will determine whether the American Dream survives."
The president hailed Intel as a positive example of a company that understands the importance of having a pipeline of skilled workers, noting that Intel had invested some $50 million in Oregon schools and often hired them to fulfill hi-tech jobs.
"You're not just a good corporate role model, you're a corporation who understands that investing in education is also a good business," he said. "It's good for the bottom line."
The president was in the San Francisco Bay area Thursday night to meet with a dozen technology business leaders -- including the founder of social media juggernaut Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg; Yahoo! President and CEO Carol Bartz; ailing Apple Chairman and CEO Steve Jobs; Google Chairman; and CEO Eric Schmidt and Oracle Co-Founder and CEO Larry Ellison -- to talk about ways to promote innovation and private sector job growth.
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Perhaps he might want to focus on the $1.65 trillion in debt that is being incurred this year.
I don't know, seems kind of important.
But hey, where are all those green jobs he promised, touted, talked about? He wasn't blowing smoke was he?
I don't believe he was blowing smoke. I think he is an ivory tower dreamer, who actually believes the nonsense he spews.
When his dreams do not come true, he does not reevaluate- he blames Bush.
He is really good at fomenting unrest, however. Now it is up to the governors dealing with these wildcat strikes to sue OfA and the DNC into oblivion.
That will be a change I can believe in.
I want a hi-tech choo-choo, one that goes real fast to somewhere not important and then in a year my taxes will go up to cover the cost of these really cool choo-choos..............oh yeah and on this fast choo-choo I'll turn off my 3G and hook-up to the free internet, because the internet is free...
Wake up people! The world is kicking our butts in everything form education, to more advanced ways to travel! We are still living in the dark ages where these thing are concerned! We call ourselves the greatest country on earth! Lets keep going the way we have been for so long and see how long that holds!!!!!
It never ceases to amaze us that the Republican supporters keep their heads in the sand refusing to recognize who Broke this country. Blame President Obama all you want but you cannot erase the Truth, you can fantisize, lie, distract but when it's all over the truth still prevails. It's that kind of denial that cause our country to be brought to the brink now Americans are fighting back in WI, so stay turned this is coming to a City near you.................................................................................
Ok June how about this - republicans and democrats are all to blame for the horrible problem we now find ourselves in. But here we are.
What should we do? Keep spending money and pretend everything's going to be all right? You realize we are totally hosed, that the debt service will kill the entire economy, right? Do you agree that there has to be less spending?
And how about Wisconsin - do you think its "fair" that the government union folk contribute zero dollars toward their own retirement? How about health care, is it fair they pay less than those in private industry? Yo ok with that?
TeabaggerRepublicans want you to believe all the problems facing the Nation is caused by the President Obama......even when COMIC SPEAKER BOEHNER cry.
I'll take a shot at it:
Because Boehner cries, in two years we spent over 3 trillion dollars and unemployment rate is over 9%, gas prices is over $3 a gallon, food prices are on the rise, the new budget that's full of tax increases.
How did I do? Was I right?
Spanky
I found that a large% if the jobs for Intel are H1B and they outsource a lot. This helps us how? Why can't anyone just tell it like it is? Most companies can do well with the government handing them tax exempt bonds.
You republicans make me laugh with all your nonsense. Just face the truth, who got us in to all this mess. yes George W. Bush. Now lets say if George W. Bush wouldn't of left a deficit for President Barack Obama, you guys still would be pestering at a democratic president. Its just the way of life for you guys. A honest man tries to fix the problems and you guys just complain. Hey I was in the freaking Army for 4 years I was a Specialist, in the Third Armored Calvary Regiment. I was in Iraq for freaking 13 months in North East Iraq near Talafar City. I came back out of the army and couldn't find a job guess what I didn't have health care or anything. I still couldn't find work. You know what tho, I went and looked for a job and now am I trucker I move freight to move this economy going. As for you guys complaining of not enough jobs their are many jobs in this country, some people just don't want to take them. Stop hating on the President I believe he is doing a great job. Some people will just never be satisfied with anything.
"If we want the next technological breakthrough that leads to the next Intel to happen here in the United States -- not in China, not in Germany -- but here in the United States, then we have to invest in America's research and technology.
6300 patents and innovations that led to such things as water filters, smoke detectors, fog-less goggles, velcro , cordless tools, invisible braces, memory foam, magmatic strips on credit cards, ear thermometers, invisible braces ,cable tv, and cell phones. All from the research done by NASA.
He wants to invest in research and techology but turns the one entity that does this into a muslim outreach program. Go figure.
Muslims in SPAAAAAACE.
Rocco, you wrote: "He wants to invest in research and techology but turns the one entity that does this into a muslim outreach program. Go figure" What does this mean?
Rocco,
Can you think of any invention or new technology that would remain our sole domain??
No, there is nothing that can't be produced overseas cheaper. Go try and buy an American manufactured TV. You won't.
We have priced ourselves out of the competition. We are just too expensive. New companies don't move their plant to India or China, they start them up there in the first place.
Then fill freighters with the goods and ship them here to Wall Mart and Target.
And who protects the shipping lanes for all that freight around the globe?
Please Insult Me
Thanks...... shouldn't have skipped most of my English classes. But, Professor, are you taking my RIGHT away cause of this error.
Strange how people in this country can't speak the President's English. Nowhere in any other country do the govt spend billions on immigrants to learn their national language as a second language. What a waste. Typical of Socialism.
Typical of Socialism.
Socialism pertains to governmental control of the mean of productions(nationalization) and the equal allocations of resources('spreading the wealth') . Not sure how ESL has any connections to an economic model created in the 18th century. If anything, your incorrect usage of socialism give credence to our President's focus in improving the public education system.
this country borrow china alot of money and already deficit obama too good to be dreaming , american people and american country yours going down.
Its amazing. Barry Bama still keeps borrowing. Just review his budget.
This is what i want to see prom our President, a focus on jobs and economy. Well done Mr. President - do not get distracted and stay focused.
Anyone who thinks education is not a good investment needs more education.
Please review. You will see how wall street continues to flip us all the bird.
We need to contact Fox/ MSNBC/every media you can, to get this mess straighten out. PLEASE REVIEW............
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/warning/view/
www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/why-isnt-wall-street-in-jail-20110216?page=6
Barry Otero is always focused on the Wrong Thing.
At a time when Unions are bankrupting the States,,, he banks the Unions.
When we have a massive Deficit and face Bankruptcy,, he dreams of spending more.
Liberals have zero common sense,, and they are the only ones who don't realize that Obama is a disgrace.
Obama's Deficit Panel said we HAD TO CUT SPENDING,, and he ignores their proposals -- and proposes a Budget that results in National Debt rising to $24 Trillion in 10 years ?????????
What an idiot !
How does anyone excuse the Democrats hiding in Wisconsin ? They should all be recalled - and definitely not paid --- who else gets paid for not showing up ? Oh ,, I forgot,, Union Teachers.
The Big Lie is the Government can spend money to improve education . We spend more money on education and have a failing education system. The Government doesn't improve education,, it destroys it just like it is destroying Health Care.
There is not a single claim about Obama Care that is becoming true, Obama lied about everthing. Check your premiums... !
Liberals are incapable of pulling the plug on Gov. Spending... They simply cannot face the fact that Socialism fails.
Last comment for you Liberals,,, Every State in America is facing bankruptcy due to Entitlements,, mostly due to Medicare, Medicade and Union Pensions. So Obama bases Obama Care on Medicare and Medicade and the Unions and Big Business get a complete pass on Obama Care ? To date,, 915 Waivers and show me a Union that has to pay --- and Obama backs the Unions 100% -- his largest base of voters... Totally insane and in complete violation of the US Constitution that requires all people and states be treated evenly..
Yet New Jersey and Florida get a complete pass on Obama Care... what a joke...
When we have a Debt that threatens every single American and their children,, Obama and the Democrats run and hide... they can't even take Obama's Deficit panel solutions seriously.
I am ashamed to call Obama our President,, and you idiots that actually believe his garbage are not paying attention...
Impeach Obama !
Wisconsin is merely the first State that will be forced to tackle the Union Pensions and Health Care issues. New Jersey is already involved, and Ohio and a continuous parade of States including New York and California will be forced to do exactly what Wisconsin is doing.
The Liberals are desparate. After Obama's silly Budget Proposal,, even Democrats in Washington are trying to figure out how to excuse his Budget. But he can continue his assault on America and the Dems are going to be eradicated in the next election.
Not even the National Media can cover for Obama's Socialism anymore. I wonder why the Communist organizations in America.. all back Obama ? Odd isn't it ?
LOL
Actually, here in New York, our governor is actually negotiating with the unions without taking away their collective bargaining. The unions are grumbling, but they're willing to pay more into their pensions and health-care. Surprising what dialog can accomplish that brute force cannot. I may disagree with liberals on most issues, but I'd rather live in a blue state that understands the idea of compromise rather than a red state that has a rigid adherence to party dogma.
Even George Bush was smart enough to realize that Afghanistan was unwinnable with a corrupt government in place and Pakistan being undependable as an ally.
Barry Obama said " The Afghanistan is the true war, not Israel which is unwinnable "
How are we doing in Afghanistan ?
Better yet, what are we doing in Afghanistan ?
One of the first priorities should be to get our brave troops out of Barry's War.. And we can bring the boys home from the Unwinnable War in Iraq,, which we happened to win ,,, Barry has such a accurate mind --- translated,, he always right in his own mind,, no matter how obvious it is he is wrong :-)
You do realize that it was former President Bush that instigated Operation Enduring Freedom, right? To call it President Obama's war is like saying it's the police fault that you crashed your car because you were running away from a ticket.
If you are the future of the Republican party, then it's as good as dead.
Is umemployment below 8 % as Obama Promised ?
Is Gitmo closed as Barry promised ?
Are the Southern Borders secure as Barry suggests ?
Has the National Debt gone up by almost $4.5 Million with Barry at the Captains Chair ?
Do you like Obama's Budget Plan to sink another $1 Trillion plus in this current year ?
Are 28 States in lawsuits against our Government over Health Care ?
Do you feel safer today than under George Bush ?
Do you have comfort in the fact that Obama's entire ADministration has less than 8% experience in private industry,, yet they know how to manage our economy ?
Is there anyone left from his Original Staff ? Where did Summers , Rhomer , Gibbs, Axelrod , Orzag all flee to ?
Do you feel good about his 42 Czars ( ie,, Shadow Government ) that are all in place without Congress approval ?
What is Van Jones ( Registered Communist and Ex- Green Jobs Czar ) doing today ?
Should the President be sending his own political organziations staff like MoveOn. Org to Wisconsin to back the Unions ?
Did Obama Whiff on the Budget ?
Is Obama really focused on Technology and Education when America is scared to death about Unemployment and National Debt ? Could a President be further from the real issues of the day or more Misguided in his vision ?
Did Obama really forecast a National Debt of $24. 5 Trillion with his first 10 year budget ?
Is there anyway that America would NOT be Bankrupt if his vision were to become true.
Can person have a brain and believe in Obama ?
The facts are pretty clear , except for the naive and those dependent on the Government..
NO !
I see the debt rising. I hear calls for spending cuts. and i agree there should be efforts to make these cuts for whatever is not a necessity. However, if you attempt to overwhelm the budget with excessive cuts the Economy will essentially go into trauma. Heavy budget cuts equql heavy job losses. jobloss in the public sector equals loss of income to pay for services and products in the private sector, and thus joblosses in the private sector will result. This double jobloss scenario means the government will not have the tax revenue it needs to generate funds that keep needed programs in place (police/firefighters/teachers/inspectors/etc) and the necessary industries that provide the cutting edge technologies that keep american products on the market will no longer be there. sure...we can make total spending cuts, but it goes hand in hand with total tax revenue losses necessary to reducing the debt. kitchen table economics is not the same as national economics!
Do what Reagan did: raise taxes. If the great 'saint' of conservatism can do it 11 times and still be considered a conservative (he's not), then the GOP really has no defense against President Obama doing the same (unless taxes are somehow communist in nature, which is laughable).
OBAMA has attention defecit disorder! One day its "laser like focus on jobs" and the next day it education, then technology, then windmills, then solar. oh and then "laser like focus on jobs". Truth is, this Jackass can't focus on what is important cause he doesn't have a clue as to what is really important.
Your stupid statement is proof of the why ALL other countries will gain the advantage over this one. You must have ALL of the above to make it dumb, dumb. I know it is hard for your little brain to focus on more than one thing at a time. That's why you are not President and our President Obama has a big brain and CAN focus on more than one thing at a time. OK?
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BLT-739-CALLER ID SCREENER-An Easier Way To Decide Which Calls To Take
New telephone accessory enables the user to block calls from certain number. Prevents a phone from ringing constantly; blocked numbers don't ring.
Eliminates the need to constantly monitor caller identification services to determine whether or not the user wants to pick up the phone or not.
Guides unwanted callers to a separate answering machine/service, they'll never know their number has been blocked.
Ensures that each time phone rings it's something of importance.
Also can be used by advertisers to sell there services and products on mobile devices without disturbing an irritating the consumer with unwanted calls and messages.
Subject- New phone service product concept
BLT-739- CALLER ID SCREENER- AN Easier Way To Decide Which Calls To Take
New telephone accessory enables the user to block calls from certain numbers. Prevents a phone from ringing constantly; blocked numbers don't ring.
Eliminates the need to constantly monitor caller identification services to determine whether or not the user wants to pick up the phone or not.
Guides unwanted callers to a separate answering machine/service, they'll never know their number has been blocked.
Ensures that each time phone rings it's something of importance.
Also can be used by advertisers to sell their services and products on mobile devices without disturbing an irritating the consumer with unwanted calls and messages.