E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSThe day before President Obama is set to end his vacation on Martha’s Vineyard, he warned residents up and down the Eastern Seaboard that Hurricane Irene could be “historic.”
“All indications point to this being a historic hurricane,” the president said near his vacation home.
Today, on top of convening a conference call with the members of his emergency response team, the president spoke with the affected governors and mayors of major cities in the path of the storm.
For the last few days, the president has had multiple briefings on the status of the hurricane as well as FEMA preparations with the FEMA Director Craig Fugate, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Chief of Staff Bill Daley, and other officials.
The president stressed that if anyone is in the path of the hurricane they need to “take precautions now.”
“Don't wait. Don't delay," he said. "We all hope for the best, but we have to be prepared for the worst."
As for FEMA preparations the president said, "FEMA has millions of liters of water, millions of meals and tens of thousands of cots and blankets, along with other supplies, pre- positioned along the eastern seaboard. And the American Red Cross has already begun preparing shelters in North Carolina and other states.”
And President Obama concluded with people taking responsibility for their own safety: “The federal government has spent the better part of last week working closely with officials in communities that could be affected by this storm to see to it that we are prepared. So now is the time for residents of these communities, in the hours that remain, to do the same. “
Leave a Comment:
Thoughts & prayers to all those who are in Irene's path!
She is now being called 'the Storm of the Century'.
Powerful words to live by...
Absolutely!....
......all of those in the path of Irene need to take heed, keep yourself and your families out of harms way!
"Storm of the Century"
Down grade, joblessness, plunging approval numbers ......
Well, at least we now know what it takes to blow Obama off the golf course.
Off topic - but look what the GOP Congress was up to. It's really unbelievable what the Republicans are doing to our country. Please - vote them out next year. Please. How much more information do you need to realize that they are out to screw you and just blame it on President Obama.
Pay attention to them. They mean business. Take back your country from this SOBs.
Think Progress:
A new report by the investigative website Pro Publica has revealed that Congress diverted $30 billion in bailout money allocated to help struggling homeowners prevent foreclosure in order to pay down the national debt instead.
There were more than 1 million foreclosure filings in the first half of 2011 alone, yet only a fraction of the government aid that was supposed to reach homeowners has been spent-
The original TARP legislation stipulated that unused bailout money should be returned to the Treasury to reduce the debt. However, Congress has the power to “re-route” these funds so that they fulfill their original purpose of helping homeowners through loan modification programs and other plans. But it’s unthinkable that Republicans will take such action, even to help struggling families stay in their homes.
GOP lawmakers have consistently prioritized reducing the deficit over the more pressing concerns of chronically high unemployment and foreclosure. Their willingness to let billions that could be used to aid homeowners go to paying down the debt instead is perhaps the clearest illustration to date of their skewed priorities.
__________________________________
Best of luck to all this weekend. Hurricanes can be brutal.
The difference between President Obama and George Bush, in regards to storm preparation, is that President Obama understands people and how to lead. Bush saw his position as limited and detached, just saying "you got everything you need?" to FEMA, where President Obama realizes he needs to communicate the necessity to prepare directly to the citizens, and to make sure the various departments communicate with him and each other.
And now the rwnjbbers on this board may proceed to freak out at me....
Grow up, Bob.
An American Tragedy
You know what Amy? Sometimes I think President Obama is the only decent human being left in this country as far as leadership goes.
What the hell happened to the US?
Money. Which as always, trumps caring about people. The Koch Bros. saw to that. And the GOP responded.
President Obama. He took what America had to offer and excelled. And now he is our President.
Thank God.
Yes Bob, grow up and stop your dumb a$$ fake outrage.
Great point Amy - Obama is leading.
From Martha's Vineyard.
And fear not from anyone about freaking you out. You do bad all by yourself. I just loved you "he must be dead cause he had no insurance" comment.
That actually qualifies as a Bevism. Or are we going to have to create a new category?
Amy-isms
I have no doubt the tea people who just so happen to have lower approval than of Muslims and Atheist will find a way to twist anything to belittle our President.
I can hear it now, that the President told people to be prepared for the storm is twisted somehow into he was threatening them. Now Cantor with his we have to make cuts elsewhere in the government to pay for the storm damage now that is a threat.
Snidley Whiplash Cantor I can see him now tying social security to the train tracks with his evil smile and praying for lots of damage.
Can this thread please be just about the hurricane?
None of us is a match for nature.
My thoughts are with those in or near the projected path, including family and friends.
Notice that even in the face of a pending disaster - all the right wing nut jobs can do is continue to HATE the President?
And these jack-wagons wrap themselves in the flag and decry they're the only REAL Americans...
If that's their idea of real Americans they can stuff it!
The update to this story is that the President is returning to Washington this evening. That's certainly good news in several ways. First, if he had waited any longer, he might well have been stuck outside of town with no good way to get in. Second, it is vital that he be involved in monitoring the hurt and damage wrought as Irene tears up the East Coast - including the seaport town where my two sons live - and participate in the relief efforts as they unfold.
This is not a political issue. It is a national issue in which the interests of all Americans are affected.
Let us hope that the preparations of the various states, and the City of New York, will have been effective.
Oh the warming oceans... Not to worry folks, everything is under control...
Obama has already done more damage, ruined more lives than any hurricane ever could.
Say TruePatriot - you might want to google CERN cloud study.
Man made global warnimg has bitten the dust.
But hey, I love warm oceans. Out here the Pacific is only about 68. Mighty cold out in the surf.
President Obama has done more good for the country in 2 and half years than President Bush in 8 years.
whao......rather than praying and hoping for the very best, this buffoon keep displaying his stupidity.
One wouldn't be surprised if this JA end's up blaming Obama for bringing Irene upon the nation.
We shall over come for this too shall pass. Be safe.
President Obama has run up more debt for the country in 2 and half years than President Bush in 8 years is more accurate and certainly indisputable.
The world markets, S&P, the American people all agree ........ that ain't "good."
Spanky-
Great point Amy - Obama is leading.
From Martha's Vineyard.
Spanky, awesome isn't darling? He played golf, bicycled, took his beautiful wife out to dinner, and handled Libya.
Look Spanky, President wasn't clearing brush on his vacation like Georgie boy; he was clearing Dictators.
http://obamadiary.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/mg_3728.jpg?w=655&h=368
President Barack Obama talks on the phone with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, in Chilmark, Mass., Aug. 23. White House Photo by Pete Souza
But the right wing and you will distort the and say the President is blaming the "slowing economy" on the recent natural distortions of mother nature.
Okay, darling you can go back to your silliness now.
I remember a little storm... A storm that travelled through Florida first... made it's way across the state and into the Gulf. This storm raged on and on as it made it's path, growing stronger each day. It looked like it was going to slam dead on into New Orleans but at the last minute it veered to the east about 80 miles and hit just to the west of Gulfport.
There was a democrat governor by the name of Blanco and a democrat mayor named Nagen at the time of this storm. Both of them hated the president SO much they wouldn't declare their respective state and city to the federal government. I also remember a press that punished the President for not taking action to protect the people. Little did anyone realize that any form of emergency aid has to be delcared FIRST. So... the unknowing population immediately blamed the inaction on the federal government and the president. I remember liberals foaming at the mouth with anger at Bush... because he didn't send in the troops to help the people in New Orleans.... These same liberals never even questioned the procedures of the liberal governor of Louisiana.
The stories grew on the liberal front. They accused the president of using some sort of machine on a satellite to blow the hurricane into New Orleans (when it never even hit that city) and they also accused the president of blowing up levys because they claimed he hated black people.
Now these same liberals are trying to accuse those of us on the right that we are blaming Obama for sending Irene up the coast.
Does anyone see a pattern of liberal lunacy in these thought patterns? No one is accusing Obama for Irene... He's protecting himself at Martha's vineyard... He's staying ahead of the storm. He's even watching it on The Weather Channel... like most of the normal folk are. Gee, he could even be called one of us for the moment... until he rises above everyone else, spreads his wings and flies above Irene.... I'm certain the right won't accuse him of blowing up levys.
Spanky -- How about you get control of yourself and stop shooting from lips. I'm not interested in pretending to converse with a punk like you. Ta Ta.
President Obama has run up more debt for the country in 2 and half years than President Bush in 8 years is more accurate and certainly indisputable.
Bob,
You should do a fact check. Under President Bush 6.1 Trillion. Under President Obama 2.4 Trillion.
"Spanky -- How about you get control of yourself and stop shooting from lips. I'm not interested in pretending to converse with a punk like you. Ta Ta."
Hey, TP- Speaking of storms, who do I sound like?
"And you- yer doin' a heckova job, Spahnky!"
DBO, you're being too kind. "Brownie" might have been incompetent, but there's no evidence he spent all his time posting in a forum, or being a Legend In His Own Mind. Someone who is interested in sincere debate is one thing, but being an insulting, demeaning, and arrogant arse is something I don't tolerate.
WAIT!!!
Let me guess who you're referring to?
*jeopardy music plays*
Who is Skanky?
[Legend In His Own Mind. Someone who is interested in sincere debate is one thing, but being an insulting, demeaning, and arrogant arse is something I don't tolerate]
OH...OH...pick me...PICK ME!!
I'll take "@!$%#s" for 500, Alex...
Well gosh there TruePatriot you sure did tell me.
It's ok big guy I get it. Being challenged and have to back up your little tirades would be just too much.
Just not your bag.
Plus I'd probably want to steer well clear of the CERN studies if I held your beliefs as well.
LOL - Mickey, you are the law of physics: To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction. But you don't pretend to converse while talking down to the other poster. And like Feisty, your posts are often hilarious because truth is funny.
Did someone say something, or just passing gas...?
Came to this thread expecting to see the usual classy posts
Was not disappointed
Ditto both of these comments. Do not short-sell this storm.
Excellent advice AM!
OK, now I am officially scared.
Amy -
I've been having a bad feeling about this one all week. I hope I'm wrong. From the looks of the track, I may end up on your front lawn sometime Sunday afternoon. Okay if I bring the cats with me?
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL
Excellent advice AM!
Feisty, I ditto you and Anna Molly
My concern goes out to all those on the East Coast particularly those who post here the 2 Pats in Boston and PA, Navy, Steeler Fan, No Jo All Blow (pun intended) and any one else I missed.
On the other hand, I like to add do NOT blame the President for the weather like FOX NOISE did the day after the earthquake.
As I said posted...
Right-wing media attacked President Obama for happening to be on a golf course at Martha's Vineyard when a magnitude 5.8 earthquake rattled much of the East Coast. From attacking Obama over such things as putting Dijon mustard on a burger to using environmentally friendly eggs at the White House Easter Egg Roll, the right-wing media have a long history of these absurd attacks.
http://mediamatters.org/research/201108240017
Definitely OBS (Obama Derangement Syndrome)!!!
Let's not have this abnormality dominate the news when we should be focusing on the needs of the American people.
You are always welcome in my home, JoAnne PA! And the kitties too!
Amy, the hurricane is a slow mover, which means it will be weaker by the time it hits Northern New England.
Just stay huddled by your candles and pray to your God --Obama and the Government..
You are so delusional, Obama and the government is our God.
You really don't have a clue what and why liberals think they way they do. You have bought into a bunch of right wing propaganda and it kinda of makes you look silly repeating them.
OK, Bob! :)
Hey JoAnne---come on west & hang out with us in Pittsburgh!
Serioiusly--I hope everyone stays safe. One of the things I love about FR is knowing people from all over the country but it also means more people and their loved ones to worry about when weather and other disasters strike.
Thanks for the shout out, Bev----we should be safe here in western Pennsylvania. Thoughts are with those on the east coast.
Thanks, Amy and Steeler Fan - at this point, it's really tempting! I think I'm pretty well stocked up on the essentials - batteries, canned goods, water, etc. - as well as the REALLY important stuff like munchies and wine and of course cat food! And I probably have enough candles to keep the whole neighborhood going for a week. My biggest worry right now is my basement flooding, and I guess if that's the worst that happens, I'd have to count myself among the fortunate. Hope to see everyone back here safe and sound on Monday!
Some good news is that the National Hurricane Center no longer thinks that this storm will strengthen and will in fact weaken. However, because it is such a large storm, it will produce a large storm surge, particularly for those east of the eye. (Which could be Long Island, CT, and RI). So heed the advice of local emergency management officials, the National Weather Service, and the National Hurricane Center if you are in the path of the storm.
If you need more info, go to NOAA's official website.
Good luck up there!!
Thanks for the info Grimey!
I know you watch hurricanes closely being from FL and all.
Will you be joining us over at the Dew Drop Inn this evening?
In spite of the storm, we're having a Birthday party for your neighbor Gingerbread Mamma! ;o)
Feisty---I'm sure at the DDI we will pass the hat for the benefit of storm victims. I'll buy the first round of "Hurricanes"!
Sounds perfect SF!
If made properly - they do pack quite the punch! ;o)
[In spite of the storm, we're having a Birthday party for your neighbor Gingerbread Mamma!]
...will there be cake...?
No - I'm making a Grand Manier (sp?) tort for her instead!
The optics of cake & hurricanes just doesn't work... ;o)
That reminds me of a new drink I had this summer, a "Dark and Stormy." Yum!
Since everyones' sharing, here's a great recipe:
One Rock glass...
Four ounces of Maker's Mark...
...were you expecting more...?
Dang double post!
I'm glad Obama is watching the Weather Channel. He should be concerned since many of the mid-Atlantic states will be declaring for Federal assistance. I certainly hope the people in those states are fleeing the area. Not a fun time... I know from personal experience that evacuating for hurricanes is not any fun. It's even less fun coming home to the damage.
Let's hope this thing misses NYC... Massive damage would be the defining words if it slams Manhatten.
Anna Molly - when do you start back?
One hopes that if the people in the hurricane area need governmental assistance, their elected officials won't have to look for matching spending cuts before aid can be sent!
...But Eric of Can't, Virginia has already stated that ...'cuts first, then aid'...!
As is always the case, when the East Coast overreacts, nothing happens. I guess that is why everyone is overreacting. I don't see anything except the very wealthy's beach front homes being hit hard by this storm. Do they want the middle class to foot their repair bills maybe? I think so!
Now this my GOTP friends is what it looks like when your Nation's Leader is being proactive.
I lived through one, in 1984, that was a Cat. 2 that was scary enough for me.
"Now this my GOTP friends is what it looks like when your Nation's Leader is being proactive"
The President did not end his vacation early, did he? And yet the pathetic moonbat Messiah worshippers manage to think press releases about the President having "briefings" is "proactive leadership".
Give it a rest.
Bob can't stand it and will continue to complain about the smallest point.
How dare President Obama do a good job when Bob needs something, anything to hate him about.
Bob (numbers) - your snark has been overcome by events. See my post 1.12 above.
And then go wash the rotten egg off your face.
Did I just find something I can agree with Frosty on? Nice post.
Too bad Obama didn't worn us about the economic storm swirling around his lack of leadership and poor economic policies.
Hurricane Irene has weakened.
Irene will likely be similiar to Obama's Presidency...starting out with much sound and fury, hyped by the media...
But way overrrated and a flat failure.
"Too bad Obama didn't worn us about the economic storm swirling around his lack of leadership and poor economic policies"
Too bad no one 'worned' us about the lame garbage the right would post about some guy taking a vacation. OR cutting it short. OR being in charge, unlike his predecessor. OR mentioning his predecessor. OR- and this is the biggie- using a teleprompter!
Now Obumma can Predict Hurricanes, Scares more people, This must be his new plan for creating jobs.