PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO BUSINESS OWNERS YOU KNOW!

"The most important advertising in the world is 100% free. It's word-of-mouth from trusted friends."

Please forward this to every business owner you know, then let me know who they are (name and email address).

I won't contact them, but if the folks you refer to me engage in a project worth $150 or more, I'll send you 10% of the contract price as a thank you!

ELANCE CLIENTS’ COMMENTS
ABOUT THE SERVICES OF KRISTINE M SMITH

“Kristine is the best writer I have ever met. I received article of excellent quality. Highly recommended professional. Thank you very much!” —bciuk (Re: Web copy for a pickup truck rental site in Belize, Central America)

“Quick, very responsive, professional, and good with words. My first elance experience and she was great. I would recommend and use again! ” —Globotact (Re: Sales Letter)

“Professional, prompt, perfectionist and a wonderful communicator. We will be using Kris's talent again. Perfect provider, multi-talented. A+++” waratah29 (Re: Marketing Kit Review and Edit)

“We love working with Kris. We've hired her for several projects and she always exceeds our expectations. Terrific communication, turn-around time and superior copy every time! ” —jcwhelanllc (Re: Website Copy)

“Working with Kris was great. Project started on Wednesday and was 100% completed on Friday. Less than 48 hours! If you need copywriting of any sort, you need Kris!” —bulldog875 (Re: telemarketing script)

“Wow! She is super fast, very professional and knowledgeable...Kris told me I would have the first draft by noon the next day, yet she delivered the same day! She was very on point with what I wanted, and she added a few tips for me to make this a great ad campaign. I will definitely be posting more jobs for her in the near future! You will not be disappointed with her work, her fees, nor her turnaround times. But please don't take up all her time, I need her too! :) Great job Kris, thank you!!” —sekodirect (Re: 30 second voice ad script)

“It was a pleasure to work with Kristine again. Her work is exceptional, and her turnaround time is incredible! I highly recommend her!” —Lynn2412 (Re cover letter for submitting manuscript)

“Kris is like fine wine she just keeps getting better and better:) I am afraid she may get so busy I won't be able to keep working with her and I still have to tell the Elance world you can't get anyone any better than she is-thanks AGAIN for connecting us!” —larrysherpa (Re: writing/copy-enhancing blogs)

“I am delighted with the wonderful work that Kris produced for me. She had the job done within hours of contacting her. I highly recommend her and will use her for future work. Thanks Kris!” —tatwalsh (Re Sales copy for thecribsandbeddingstore.com)

I was in a tight bind and needed the job done immediately -- I only had a few hours to complete. Kris came to my rescue and did an amazing job: she didn't cut any corners. Not only did she come through in a pinch, she kept a quality standard so high only a few can reach. ” —warmwisdom (Re: time-sensitive project)

“You are a one of a kind genius. I love it, love, it love it. Excellent work. Your word pictures are equivalent to paintings by DaVinci. I had an instinct about you that you’ve very well confirmed.” R.H. New York (Re: website copy.)

“I’ve read over the (revised) manuscript. Brilliant! Thank you for sharing your light and wisdom. I praise God that he set you in my path. Another miracle to record for me. I just wanted to thank you. I’m so happy that your love for the Lord caused you to gravitate toward my project and touch it like you did. 7 million thank yous would not be enough so I will give you 7 million and 1!” C.W., author (Re: manuscript editing/copy-enhancement)

Hi everybody,

Over the past few years I have been looking for great copywriters to work with. As a non-native English speaker, that search has sometimes been frustrating, so I thought I'd share one with you that I really enjoy working with:

I found Kristine M. Smith via Elance: http://kristinemsmith.elance.com. She does good work for me in incredible quick turnaround times for pretty much half of what I would pay here in Europe (I pay her $50/hour).

I hope this helps somebody else who needs good copy.

Best,
TJ, PPC Genius

P.S. Full disclosure: this is totally unsolicited; Kris did not ask for a reference and paid me nothing for this one. (Re: Website copy-editing and enhancement, email copy-editing and enhancement)

“I think you work too cheap, Kris; put your price up, you are worth it. When I posted the original job, I had 5 bids, one I didn’t rate very highly, two were of a similar price to yours [$240] and then there was this other fella who bid almost 700 bucks. I went with my gut in choosing you and I'm glad I did. I would've gone with you had you bid $400. I will use you every time going forward and will recommend you to anyone I know who needs a great copywriter. NF, Australia (Re: sales landing page and e-book copy-editing and enhancement.)”

“Kris, Busy morning… but if I may curse for one sec and say HOLY SH*T! Wow, this is great stuff!!!!” P.P. (Re: Website Content Writing)

“A fantastic job. Kris was an enormous help. The job was completed early, and to a very high standard. Kris took the information I gave her about the product, the target market, and the talking points regarding the needs of my potential customers and incorporated them all in a concise and fast paced sales pitch, using language geared toward my target market. Upon seeing the first draft, my very few insignificant changes were carried out immediately and the final sales letter was returned with 26 hours of commencing the job. I would Highly Recommend Kris to anyone. ” NF, Australia (Re: sales page)

“Kristine is quick, honest and produces high quality content.” —Lyonscars

“I was extremely satisfied with the sales copy. It was very professional. It was done very quickly. Kris did a lot more than she was asked for and threw in lots of excellent free advice. I will definetly use Kris again. Barry (Ebook author)” —flyfisher1000 (Re: Sales Page Copy)

“Excellent Communication Skills. Exceed expectation for timely delivery and professionalism. Will continue use her expertise in my writings and editorial work. Thank You Kris. ” EVENTEUSA (Re Website Copy, Welcome Letter, Consultations)

“Kris did an excellent job on an extremely short deadline. I'm thrilled with her work.” GeralynD, author (Re: Manuscript Editing)

“Kristine was amazing to work with. She over delivered completing the project almost within hours!!! Her communication, enthusiasm and writing ability make her one of the best Elance providers I have worked with. I highly recommend!!! ” —jeffreyd81 (Re: Squeeze Page Copy)

“Kris exceeded our expectations. She was able to deliver way before schedule exactly what we wanted. We are technical and she was able to capture the essence of our expertise and deliver it for the layperson. We will work with her again for sure. Kris is great and extremely quick. She gives the best service and is so willing to do the best job possible. She is the best!” —Rainwater (Re: Website Content/Sales Copy)

“Kris was super fast, super keen, super enthusiastic and kept me on my toes ! Above all though she was passionate about my project and this was felt and translated into great copy. I will be using Kris for quite sometime I imagine.” —firstaidkits (Re: Product Description and Personal Testimonial)

“Kris is truly in tuned with the writing needs of my company. I love working with her. She is highly recommended. Thanks again Kris.” —bizwiz99 (Re: Slogan, Tagline, Product Description)

“Kristine is awesome. She moves at the speed of light. I have used her three times now and her work is great” —vendcentral (Re: Video Scripts)

"If a magical Wordsmith is what you need, then look no further. What a great energy to collaborate with! Brilliant is all I can say. Kris is a gifted consultant and wordsmith. She inspired me to perfection. I would love to work with her again! ” CW, Christian Author (Re: Sales Page and Manuscript Editing)

“Kristine is super fast, precise and creative. A+++ Thanks for the GREAT work!” —hawami (Re: Website Content)

“I'm thrilled with the significant improvements Kristine made to the content of my landing/sales pitch page. What took me two paragraphs to explain she was able to eloquently state in just a sentence or two! Work was done within just a few hours of our agreement. She's a complete professional. I'll be back for assistance with my broadcast emails to my subscribers and for any future content work. I'm very pleased.” —4homex3777 (Re: Improve Copy of Landing Site Page)

“Fantastic work Kris - you produced excellent material from the little information we provided. You captured the spirit [of] our business and presented our work exceptionally well. Our team are now looking forward to updating more of their content. Very satisfied.” —campaustralia (Re: Client Testimonial, Case Study, Sales Profile)

"Very professional. Thinks thoroughly before doing unlike others who just wants to do it for the money. Great sounding board and person to enhance work, pushes it to a new level. Full of ideas. Versatile. Strongly recommend!” —howenow (Re: Chinese Astrology Website Squeeze/Opt-in Page)

“Another great project and it was done in [what seemed like] minutes. You can’t beat the quickness. Will use again!!” —tkelly79 (Re: Telemarketing Script)

“Quality of work was very good right from the first draft. Extremely good with communication, too. Once I'd sent all relevant info for the job it was completed within hours, excellent! High quality work delivered quickly and at a great price, Highly recommended!” —Eddieb69 (Re: Sales Page for E-book)

“What a provider, quick,professional and knowledgeable. If you need someone who is a great writer, communicator and knows a lot about writing on the web don't go past Kris. 5 stars is not good enough try 5 stars ++++++++++” —mcsmac (Re: web copy and content)

“Another great project. Kris's writing is always great and she is very honest with her time spent on project and her bids. Will use again!!” —tkelly79 (Re: 300 word article)

“I absolutely love this provider! I have used her many times in the past and always go back for more! She is an excellent writer and copywriter; you will not find anyone better!” —mjcgcrew (Re: blog posts, mission/vision statement/ ad copy)

“Kris is a pleasure to work with - super fast and the quality of her work is unbeatable. ” —warmwisdom (Re: copy enhancement of two articles)

“Kris, was very responsive with the project. She met all my expectations and completed the job and more on time! She was very prompt in replying to my msg's (even if i wasn't) :) I would recommend her again Thank you Patrick Traynor www.fitnessasylum.co.uk” —pmtray (Re: Profile writer)

“Thank you Kristine, This is the second job you have done for me and once again you did not disappoint!!! You would be a valuable asset to anyone’s team. Thank you for professionalism and patience. I highly recommend!!!!!!” —tgjandula (Re: Introductory Email Letter)

“Thanks so much Kris! You have a real gift for writing, and I hope others take advantage of all the services you have to offer. Your turn around time is amazing, and the quality work really shines through. :)” —jkvicky (Re Sales Page)

By far the best elancer! Work was done within a couple hours of accepting bid and my sales have jumped since I added the new content. Will use again!! ” —tkelly79 (Re: Two Press Releases, Web Content)

“I was tempted to leave bad feedback so I could keep Kris all to myself… Kris performed well above my expectations. She completed my assignment at light-speed, is an excellent writer, and was a joy to work with. A++!” —housedawg (Re: Sales page for new website)

“Kristine is one of the best providers I've ever come across on elance. Couldn't recommend her enough! We're going to be working together for quite a while!” —the_islander (Re: Sales email copywriting)

“You simply can't go wrong with Kris. Second time using her services and once again very happy. Not only that, the workload of the job was less then expected and Kris reduced her fee accordingly. Honesty like that is hard to find now a days!! Thanks again!!” —LandL

“Excellent work and very prompt with work carried out. Would recommend highly and will use again.” —TonyMartin (Re: Marketing Consultant)

“Kris has the ability to immediately "get" her customer and audience, and it was very easy to convey my objectives for the essay. She exceeded my expectations and was a pleasure to work with. ” —jccamc (Re: Essay)

“Kristine is extremely professional and efficient… delivered quality work in a very short deadline. Kristine provided great advise and guidance and was flexible too by working with me to create something that truly reflected me and my style. Thank you, Kristine. ” —ginaterry (Re Back Cover Sales Copy for Book

“Kris not only produced an excellent product in record time and professional manner, she went the extra novel (“extra mile” for writers) by providing more content than requested and some very creative SEO ideas. ” —paulheitman (Re: Landing page copy)

“I have been seriously blessed to have met Kristine. She is honest, hardworking and very responsive. And she knows her craft. She is my number ONE supplier for copywriting....There are lots of work to conquer and she will be the first one to contact.” —ephron (Re: Copywriting)

“Excellent writer, made the press release come to life. Not afraid to give her opinion on what might be a bad idea.” —keningraham (Re: Press Release)

“Kristine work was excellent. She turned the work around very quickly and actually exceeded what we had asked. I will definately be working with her again.” —KitShah (Re: Copywriting)

“Response was immediate. Turnaround was also quicker than expected [even though] expectations were ASAP. Nice, Friendly, even helped answer a few other questions I had about press releases. Will use again and would recommend to anyone. Thanks!” —fishfanatic (Re: Press Release)

“Thanks for the great work Kris! I will definitely work with you again sometime very soon! Thanks for taking such a great liking to my project, understanding it, and catering it to my needs. I am really proud of the piece you presented and greatly appreciate all of your efforts!” —seaneratust (Re: PR for a New Website)

“Talking about being pleased. You were such an instrumental asset to work with ,contribution to our contents. Please know that your dedication and hard work are appreciated, and I look forward to our next opportunity to work together. Thank you again for sharing the expertise that helped bring this work to a positive conclusion.” —iphoneapps (Re: Web Content)

“This was our first project with Elance and Kris made it a great one. She was very easy to work with, was always ready to make recommendations were needed, and was very timely with her work. We'll definitely be using her again for our next project. ” —PRogusky (Re: Website Copy)

“I highly recommend this person as the quality and timeliness of the work is fantastic and I will be a repeat customer.” —Mackie (Re: Write and Format E-Book)

“She delivered exactly what I wanted quicker than I thought it could be done.” —Derby278 (Re: Speech for Company Christmas Party)

“Prompt, efficient and professional. She my expectations exactly and then some. Only shortly after receiving my talking points she had a rough draft to me and finished the project well before I needed it. I would recommend her to anybody and she can always expect my return business. Thank You Kristine!” —smebellis (Re: Biography Writing)

“Kris was absolutely amazing! She went above and beyond to get the work done. This was my first time ever doing anything with Elance and I was so pleased BECAUSE of Kris! She did things with excellence, she was timely, she exceeded my expectations! Kris you rock! Thank you!” —dannyraythompson (Re: Press Release)

“Kris wrote a great article for my website. I am very satisfied with her work and her style of writing. Highly recommended to everyone. I will be back soon.” —dream2reality (Re: Marketing Article)

Uh... can I Say WOOOOOW! Great job. I love it. You really summed it up well. AMAZING value. Thanks. Your copy is excellent. I am shocked you did it in one morning... less than 12 hours after I hired you! -- Sandra E (Landing/Squeeze Page Copy)

ABOUT KRISTINE M SMITH

Freelance writer for 35 years. Rank in the Top 5 for Copywriters and in the Top 60 for sales writing (under Best Match search). Fast, reliable turnaround time and fun to work with! Please check out my portfolio, client feedback and certified test results.


Invite me to bid on your project and I'll send you an article I wrote and a content questionnaire I compiled (FREE!) to help you give copywriters and other wordsmiths everything they need to deliver OUTSTANDING results to you.

DeForest Kelley (Dr. McCoy on STAR TREK) was my mentor in real life (he launched my writing career), so if you're a Trek fan, please come see me first. I'll "transport" you!

Ted Crail, Pultizer Prize nominee, called me "a helluva writer" and a well known on-air personality in the Pacific Northwest seconds the motion.

"Kris does good work for me with incredible quick turnaround for pretty much half of what I would pay here in Europe (I pay her $50/hour)." TJO, Dutch client

How can I help you win?

Learn more at: http://kristinemsmith.biz/

Back Cover Copy for SERVAL SON/SPOTS & STRIPES FOREVER



COPYRIGHT MAY 27, 2011


If you have ever wondered what it would be like to own (and be owned by) a wild animal—especially a wild cat—get ready to experience it in a way you never have before.



The author, Kristine M. Smith, does not advocate the keeping of wild pets, especially wild cats, wild dogs and simians. To the contrary, for the many reasons she explains and has endured, she is opposed to wild animal ownership for most people. The commitment is brutal, the risks enormous, the memories indelible (good and bad).


But there are times when adopting a wild one in need seems uncontrollable, a part of your destiny. If you’ve felt the tug, this book will introduce you to what you’ll be getting into. Look before you leap.


You are responsible for all you tame.




About the Author: Kristine M Smith is an animal behaviorist and advocate with decades of combined experience as a wildlife rehabilitator, captive animal caretaker, and humane educator. She is also a well-regarded copywriter, writing for businesses around the world. Find out more at kristinemsmith.biz.

Get a Hanky! Thanks for This, Cathy Strote!

http://www.porcelainunicorn.com/

Get Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Jacket or Help His Tigers at Shambala

A Message to Michael Jackson's fans from actress Tippi Hedren:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/06/15/michael.jackson.thriller.jacket.tigers/index.html

You can have a direct association with Michael through his tigers "Thriller & Sabu" who have been living at The Shambala Preserve outside of Acton, California since 2006 when Michael decided never to return to Neverland.


A part of the proceeds from the auctioning of Michael's "Thriller" Jacket he wore in the world wide record breaking 1982 "Thrilller" album will be donated to "The Roar Foundation" founded in 1983 by Tippi Hedren. It is the finanacial 501 (C) 3 support arm for the Shambala Preserve.


The auction of the "Thriller" jacket will occur through Julien's Auctions on June 25th and 26th, 2011 in their Beverly Hills gallery along with many of Michael's possessions.


The Shambala Preserve has been rescuing big cats bred and born in captivity right here in the United States to be sold as "pets" or to be used for financial gain in "traditional" circuses, night club acts and roadside zoos.


At Shambala "Thriller" and "Sabu" tigers are given the best of human care, best diet and veterinary care by our four veterinarians, one of whom cared for them when they lived at Neverland.


They now live in a huge area of 22,000 sq. ft. on the shore of the Shambala Lake.


"Thriller" is a thrill! She's independent, feisty and lets all of us know when she wants to be left alone. Sabu knows all of her moods and highly respects each one of them!


Find out how to come to a Shambala "Afternoon Safari" to meet them, or possibly stay overnight in one of our two authentic African Safari tents located nearby the magnificent "Thriller" and the very patient "Sabu".


See the links above or phone 661.268.0380.

Help Michael's animals live out the rest of their lives in peace and harmony at the place Michael chose for them: Shambala (a sanskrit term meaning "a meeting place of peace and harmony for all beings, animal and human.")

See the jacket and other auction items here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/43522565#43522565?from=en-us_msnhp&GT1=43001

THANK YOU!!!























And please help us by making a donation. Thriller thanks you!







With Love for Thriller and all the Wild Ones,















Tippi Hedren

The Roar Foundation - The Shambala Preserve

From THE INNER JOURNEY

"... no matter what our difficulties may be, we recognize that there is a deep untroubled stream flowing below all surface troubles and that we are of one substance with that stream. The soul knows no difficulties."
-- James Thornton


Masters teach that we can experience two completely different states of reality at the same time -- from the personality and from the soul.


Author Pema Chödron talks about being hungry, cold and tired but at that same time deeply content. Ram Dass speaks of how the emotional heart can be breaking while we recognize that all is unfolding perfectly.


Allowing our soul to be present with the discomforts of the personality shifts our experience of the discomforts.


"True self simply refers to the aspect of our being that is completely aware of its expanded nature no matter what we may be experiencing in our lives." -- Martia Nelson

Got a Touching Note from a De Kelley Lass in Cork Ireland

Over the weekend I received a lovely email from a lady named Mary Tim (Kelly) Crowley in Cork Ireland about my book, DeFOREST KELLEY: A HARVEST OF MEMORIES.

She writes, "After reading it I feel I have just lived through with you the finish of a beautiful man's life... He was and still is loved... I thank God he had someone [to care for him]. Your book, and Terry Lee Rioux's [From Sawdust to Stardust, the Biography of DeForest Kelley, Star Trek's Dr. McCoy] helped us know him more.  I have sent his Actor's prayer to my nephew [Thomas Kelly] who also wants to be an actor. If he can be a good man like Mr. Kelley then he could be a good actor. It shines through. I was a fan of his since the first STAR TREK days, even skipping everything else on Friday nights. Now after reading his stories I have wept and laughed with you and felt with you. Thank you!"

****awwwww*****  Emails like this just make my day. They are far and few between anymore because the book came out so long ago, and I haven't been publicizing it much.  (You know a copywriter's first obligation is always to her clients. Like a mechanic, my own "vehicles" needs come last!)

This is just a reminder to those of you who have read the book that you may be passing on a blessing by recommending it to someone else who hasn't read it yet.  Just sayin'!  I would surely appreciate the boost whenever you get a chance to do something like this.  And if you haven't already written a review of it at Amazon, that would be another great way to give it a boost.  There are a lot of great reviews there, but I can always use more!

Thanks!

Kris

P.S. Hey, if you haven't read it yet and want to, and will commit to writing a review of it and recommending it to (or buying it for) at least two more people (I will want their names if you're recommending it, NOT if you're buying it), I will even send you the e-book version of HARVEST OF MEMORIES to read.

So send me an email to kristine m smith AT msn DOT com (no spaces between words) asking for the book and I'll send it to you free (IF you'll promise to tout it to others in the ways just mentioned).

OK, I'll Keep Going...

Ten people (of the 36 who follow me) have either emailed me or commented here that I should keep this blog going, so I will. That's better than 30%, which is a pretty hefty margin.  The rest have not checked in lately to vote either way, so perhaps I'll be getting more feedback as the days pass. But as of now, it seems this blog is entertaining enough people for me to keep going. 

One follower wants to see less Obama stuff here.  I'm happy to do that on off-election years for the most part unless something noteworthy or truly egregious develops. I thought the recent "244 Obama Administration accomplishments" were noteworthy, so that's why I published that one.  And of course I thought the Trumped up (pun intended) Birther nonsense was worthy of castigation. Otherwise, I think I've been pretty apolitical of late.. well, except for my Obama-Biden Cafe Press Store. I put that up 'cause I came up with a clever idea and decided to see if I can make any money on it.  So far, not yet! But we're very, very early in the game.  Most people are avoiding thinking about politics until they absolutely have to at this stage.  I know I am!

I don't think the President is going to have any problem winning re-election unless some unknown and presently undeclared GOP nominee steps up to the plate and surprises everyone. None of the declared candidates has a chance of beating him. The ones dilly dallying about running are too far right and conservative to do much better. So I don't foresee a change in leadership in 2012.  That's good from my perspective. So I don't foresee my "rushing to the defense of Obama" much in the future.  Of course I'll vote, though. I probably won't involve myself in the "Get Out the Vote" campaign though except to help fund it.  Hopefully I'll be too busy writing for clients to be as available as I was during the last election!

Our septic tank system is due for an inspection, so Jackie and I (and George Rebar and Phil and Wendy McNiven) have been on a reconnaissance mission trying to find all the portals. If we don't find them, the inspectors will charge us $95/hour to locate them.  They've found three of the four and I think I've located the fourth one (within six feet or so) just tonight.  (The map had two different scale legends. They were using the "wrong" one, I think. The one I spotted makes more sense.)

This weekend Phil cut up the larger fallen logs that were standing between me and finishing the goat fence. So I spent this weekend (when not at church watching wee ones) hacking my way through dense undergrowth (long dead blackberry vines, brand new blackberry vines, and other green undergrowth) with a machete, a rake and a wood saw. Of course, the goats insisted on "helping" Phil and me, which means we had to be very careful not to saw a hoof, leg or nose while sawing, cutting and hacking.  I can't help it: even when the goats are seriously "in the way" I love the starch out of them...  They act so much like they're "appreciating" every inroad I make for them, what's not to love?  It's like they're our little "cheering section" every step of the way...

Is Anybody Out There???

Don't labor for the admiration of the crowd, but be content

with a few choice readers."

~ Horace (BC 65-8) Latin Lyric Poet

I haven't received much feedback or many comments on this blog for weeks, perhaps months, now. I'm wondering how many of my 36 followers are actually following me anymore. If you are, would you send me a brief email to kristine m smith AT msn DOT com and let me know?

It seems a waste of time if no one if getting much out of this blog.
And if you are getting something from this, please let others know so they can follow, too...

Sometimes it seems like I'm whispering into the wind...

Please let me know.

Thanks!

Update on SERVAL SON: SPOTS & STRIPES FOREVER

I have at least three high-profile animal welfare advocates looking over my manuscript to see if they will either endorse, review or write a blurb for it for the cover, back cover or inside leading pages.  One of them, if he commits, will blow you right out of the water! Keep reading...

I'm getting feedback... no suggestions, yet, for additional information... so it looks like the book is pretty much a done deal. The readers have found upwards of eight corrections--most of them just typos--and most of them were found by all who have read the manuscript.  But Sandy King and David Sol found a few no one else spotted, so they get the Eagle Eye Award for best spotters!

Tippi Hedren (Shambala/The Roar Foundation angel) is reading the book this week. Deaken lived with her for 15 months, so she's intrigued.

Vernon Weir (with the American Sanctuary Association) has it, too, as does Adam Roberts of Born Free USA (formerly the Animal Protection Institute, where I worked from 1981-1985).

David Sol, an animal welfare advocate,wildlife educator, and tiger dad, is reading it. Lion dad Edward E. Smith has read it.

I've just emailed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (!!!!) to see if he will agree to read and endorse, review or write a blurb for it. He's my "kindred Kennedy" of the bunch (after his dad; I adored him, too)--we've both been "animal crazy" almost since infancy.

RFK Jr. doesn't know me (yet) but I've known about him since his father ran for the Presidency in 1968. Bobby Jr. was traipsing around the Kennedy compound with coati mundis, dogs Brumus and Freckles and, later, as a young man, he became a falconer. If he would run for President, I would support him. He is very passionate about the environment and making the world a safer place for people and animals. Plus he's just plain brilliant. I doubt he'll ever run--it seems the Kennedys are getting out of the political realm altogether--but I would be deleriously happy if he would. (Not a chance, probably.) After Obama's second term ends, we need someone who will return us to some semblance of sanity where the environment and animals are concerned. 

I've just read "DOMINION: The Power of Man, The Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy" by Matthew Scully (former speechwriter to George W Bush, oddly enough, but I totally forgive him that "sin," after reading this amazing book!). DOMINION was recommended to me by David Sol. Scully's book uses a lot of heavy duty, multi-syllabic language (ten dollar words where two dollar words would suffice quite nicely) so it's quite the slog, but worth every step.

Now I'm in the middle of another book David Sol recommended, "The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival," by John Vaillant.  This one is about the Siberian (Amur) tiger in Russia. Vaillant is a true story teller (not an academic like Scully). It's a riveting tale from start to finish.

Both books are well worth your time, if you want to read them. Just be forewarned: you'll want to become a vegetarian after reading Scully's book. We've never, in our history as a species, treated our livestock as badly as we do in this day and age... and it is an absolute horror to read about it... especially if you've ever known a calf, a steer, a pig, or a chicken in real life. I wept.  And I'm equally guilty of being a consumer of their flesh. (Well, never veal calves, and rarely pigs... but eggs and chickens, and cattle, yes.) 

We need to get back to basics and allow the animals we use for food to have lives that include sunshine, exercise and other "creature comforts" before we turn them into whatever we put on our plates. I really need to re-think my diet, too.  If I can't find 100% free range products, I need to say, "No, thank you" altogether...

Ethically, morally, I just can't turn my head and pretend these things aren't happening to sentient fellow creatures who fear, hurt and wish to avoid pain and anxiety as much as I do...all for my plate!  It's just not right.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Great thanks to Sue Morgan for this link. If you want to eat animals that are not factory-farmed, check it out: http://www.eatwild.com/

R.I.P. DeForest Kelley

T'was 12 years ago today I held De's hand for the last time. Seems a long time ago to me now... for the first time. It's easier on me this year, THANK GOD!  I also thank God for De's life and his influence on mine.

Amen and amen.

Badass Cowboy DeForest Kelley--Blast from the Past

De as Ike Clanton in a YOU ARE THERE episode

http://www.40discos.com/video/E0xIpA5XRrU.html

De in Gunsmoke episode

http://www.40discos.com/video/kDZprWuEXds.html

De in Trail of Revenge

http://www.40discos.com/video/3oCcdla72WQ.html

De as Dr Belden  in VIRGINIAN "Man of Violence" episode

http://www.40discos.com/video/PrZ2EViZiZY.html

De in Edward G Robinson Movie as Ed Clary

http://www.40discos.com/video/Fc2vTyBkmXk.html

De in Black Saddle Apache Trail Pt 1

http://www.40discos.com/video/ebCYEhlA2ic.html

De in Black Saddle Apache Trail Pt 2.

http://www.40discos.com/video/9XJ_UAsH7a8.html

De in Bonanza episode "The Honor of Cochise" Pt 1
http://www.40discos.com/video/xTa-LxjTYd4.html

De in Bonanza episode "The Honor of Cochise" Pt 2
http://www.40discos.com/video/gviJIkHoXnk.html

These two are dubbed in Spanish:

De as Toby Jack Saunders in Apache Uprising, Pt 1
http://www.40discos.com/video/Ub-tNjspzjA.html

De as Toby Jack Saunders in Apache Uprising, Pt 2
http://www.40discos.com/video/d9XTZAqXDMc.html

Jackie's Fine!

Jackie spent just one night in the hospital before they turned her loose and sent her home with anti-inflammatory and pain meds. All of her tests checked out fine except that her bloodwork showed she had strained herself somehow.  I immediately knew "how": lifting that horrendously heavy 330' of 5' tall goat wire with Phil and me on Saturday! We had both totally forgotten about THAT little escapade!

The funny thing is that I started experiencing the same symptoms, but to a far lesser degree, the evening she came home (Monday).   But I added to the earlier strain by volunteering at the church Monday evening to carry dozens of boxes of clothes from one room to another; it took me 90 minutes. On the return trip each time, I carried chairs to another room, so I was a busy beaver for the whole time.  I think that's what finally compromised me! And boy howdy--it HURT!  I could hardly breathe for a couple of days! One thing I didn't do was head to the hospital 'cause I knew exactly what caused it. IDIOCY!  Trying to do the work of a spring chicken when I'm an old hen.  That's what caused it!

We live and learn.

I've landed five new clients the last two days, so I've been writing from sun-up to sun-down all this week--sometimes later.  Ka-ching, ka-ching.  Does my heart good.

We had to repair the goat truck to the tune of almost $200. Ugh. One of the wheels was about to come off, it turns out.  It has been making this horrible noise ever since Jackie bought it--I've taken four or five trips to the feed store in it--but I figured Jackie and Phil knew all about it because they drove it before they bought it.  It's a 1988 Dodge Ram; a clunker, but good enough for a farm truck and trips to the dump, ya know?

So on Saturday, I said, "Jackie, I think you should drive with me to the feed store and make sure that what I'm hearing you and Phil heard before you bought this bucket of bolts. Every time I step on the brake going downhill, it sounds like a cement mixer--lots of clunking and thumping."

So she got in and we went to Del's (about six miles away). Sure enough, she'd never heard the noise before.  So we took it to our mechanic (the guy who sold it to us) and Jackie said, "Hey, ride with me a bit and take a listen..." 

They got all of a quarter block away and he said, "Stop, turn around, I've heard enough... Let's get this off the road NOW!"

So they did.  It turns out I was driving a seriously compromised, dangerous bucket of bolts!  It's all better now--sounds like a real truck!!  I'm just very glad that the angels on my shoulders advised me not to take the BIG hill down into Puyallup (my usual route). That may have been just the extra pressure the wheel needed to put me somewhere I don't want to go at the bottom of that hill in oncoming traffic.

God watches over me.  He does, indeed!

Ladies, If You're Having Gynecological Problems, Check Out This Link!

http://wladieshealth.blogspot.com

My Sister is in the Hospital

Please keep my younger sister in your prayers. I took her to the hospital yesterday because she was experiencing chest pain.

They've ruled out a major heart attack (although not a minor one--with women it's hard to tell) and pulmonary edema and are planning to put her through a stress test today to see how she does with that.

She remains in a lot of pain and is on serious (narcotic) painkillers. It's now believed (theorized, based on test results) that she may have pulled a muscle when she, Phil and I were moving the 330' goat fence around at one point or at some other point when she was working in the yard this weekend.

She's going to be off work for a few days because she can't walk without it really hurting her. She says it takes her 20 minutes to stop hurting like "h---" after she gets up to use the bathroom. She even asked me to call and tell our other sister about the situation because it hurts her to talk--moves her lungs and chest muscles too much.

OUCH!  I can't even imagine.  I'll be able to bring her home today if she passes the stress test okay.

Thanks for your prayers!

Kris

I feel for her. I'm a real wimp when it comes to pain.

The Rest of the Goat Fence is GOING UP!!!

I spent five hours today putting up another third of the goat fence. This time Jackie and I got wire fencing--330' feet of it. OMG!  It's so much harder to put up than the panels--but we're saving money this way.  The goats are loving their expanded pasture. Good thing: the work is half-killing me!  Anything for my goatlings...

If you'd like to contribute to the extension, I would surely appreciate any help you can give. It cost us $400 for this part.  I THINK we have enough now to complete the circuit. If not we'll buy panels for the last few feet. I'm so battered and bruised from rolling wire and attaching clips, it's almost funny.  I went to the doctor for a check-up and she was seriously concerned about all my bruises, until I said, "I have goats. 'Nuf said?"  She just laughed and nodded.

I'll take additional photos soon so you can see how happy the goats are now.  Thanks again for all your help to date (those of you who have contributed "bucks for my does" (the green kind).

244 Accomplishments of President Obama

SHARE THE FACTS !

If someone asks you what Obama has done for them lately, here's something you can print out and hand them OR email to them.

ETHICS


• Ordered the White House and all federal agencies to respect the Freedom of Information Act and overturned Bush-era limits on accessibility of federal documents (2009)


• Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible (2009)


• Placed limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House (2009)


• Placed limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration (2009)


• Signed a measure strengthening registration and reporting requirements for lobbyists (2009)


• Ordered that lobbyists must be removed from and are no longer permitted to serve on federal and White House advisory panels and boards (2009) * Note: After saying he would not hire lobbyists, a few have been hired in the Administration

• Companies and individuals who are delinquent on their taxes or owe back taxes are no longer allowed to bid for federal contracts (2009)

• Initiated the “e-Rulemaking Initiative” (in cooperation with Cornell University) to allow for online public “notice and comment” of federal laws and initiatives (2010)

• Issued the “Open Gov Directive” ordering all Cabinet departments to promote transparency and citizen participation in their policies (2010)


• Signed extensions on banning lobbyists from serving on agency boards (2010)


• Developed the “Do Not Pay List” with data on contractors and recipients of federal funds who are deemed to be ineligible because of fraud and abuse (2010)


GOVERNANCE


• The White House website now provides information on all economic stimulus projects and spending, along with an unprecedented amount of information on our government (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era practice of circumventing established FDA rules for political reasons (2009)


• Ended the Bush-era practice of having White House staff rewrite the findings of scientific and environmental regulations and reports when they disagreed with the results (2009)


• Limited the salaries of senior White House aides (salaries cut to $100,000) (2009)


• Has urged Congress to adopt “Pay-Go” (whereby each dollar of spending is offset by a dollar in cuts or revenues, which was used in the `90s but abandoned in the `00s) (2010)

• Has been holding open meetings with Republican leaders, although they complain of a lack of access and information (2010)


• Signed the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (2010) * Note: To curb wasteful spending


• Tasked federal agencies to develop plans for disposing of unneeded real estate and then to eliminate unnecessary or non-economical lands, properties, etc. (2010)


NATIONAL SECURITY


• Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane (which wasn’t even used in Iraq/Afghanistan) and other outdated weapons systems (2009)


• Announced his intention to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay (2009) * Note: The closure has been delayed due to massive opposition but it remains on the agenda.


• Stated his interest in housing terrorists at a new federal “super max” facility in the US (2009) * Note: this has been delayed in the face of massive opposition but it remains on the agenda


• Cut the expensive Reagan era missile defense program, saving $1.4 billion in 2010 (2009)


• Cancelled plans to station anti-ballistic missile systems in Poland and the Czech Republic (2009)

• Replacing long-range, expensive missile systems with more efficient smaller systems (2009)


• Increased US Navy patrols off the Somali coast in response to pirating (2009)


• Established a new cyber security office and appointed a cyber security czar (2009)


• Ordered the first nation-wide comprehensive cyber threat assessment (2009)

• Instituted a new Nuclear Posture Review, revising US nuclear deterrence policy to encourage more nations to join the 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (2010) * Note: Components of the policy include: a pledge to stop nuclear testing; a pledge to not build a new generation of nucs; identifying nuclear terrorism, rather than a launch from another nuclear state, as the major threat; a pledge to not use nucs on a non-nuclear state in a conventional conflict; etc.


• Executive orders to block payment, transfers, exports, etc… of individuals and organizations support the regimes of North Korea, Iran, Somali pirates, and other foreign threats (2010)


• Presidential Memoranda to extend certain provisions of The Trading with Enemies Act which was to expire in September 2010 (2010) * Note: This includes freezing assets and banning trade that benefits the Cuban regime; however further efforts at normalizing travel to Cuba are supported


• Signed bill for southwest border security and increased funds and agents on the Mexican border (2010)


• Signed the Comprehensive Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act to deal with foreign regimes like Iran and North Korea (2010)

GOT OSAMA BIN LADEN



IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN


 Began the phased withdrawal of US troops from Iraq (2009); continuing the withdrawal (2010)


• Changed the US military command in the Afghan conflict (2009)


• Tasked the Pentagon to reorganize US policy in Afghanistan; the new policy includes 30,000 additional troops deployed, priority training of Afghan forces, developing agriculture and infrastructure, limiting aerial bombing, etc. (2009)


• Ordered the Pentagon to send additional helicopters to assist US Marine units and Special Forces in Afghanistan (2009)

• Increased unmanned drone strikes on Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan (2009)


• Ended the Bush-era “stop-loss” policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date (2009)



MILITARY & VETERANS


• Ordered the Pentagon to cover expenses of families of fallen soldiers if they wish to be on site when the body arrives back in the US (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era “blackout” imposed on media coverage of the return of fallen US soldiers (2009) * Note: The media is now permitted to cover the story pending adherence to respectful rules and with the approval of the fallen soldier’s family

• Ended the Bush-era “black out” policy on media coverage of war casualties (2009) * Note: Full information is now released for the first time in the War on Terror

• Ordered better body armor to be procured for US troops (2009)


• Funding new Mine Resistant Ambush Vehicles (2009) * Note: The old Hummers were very vulnerable to roadside explosives and an alarming percentage of our soldiers lost in Iraq were on account of IEDs

• Working to increase pay and benefits for military personnel (2009)


• Improving housing for military personnel (2009)


• Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses (2009)


• Ordered that conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other neglected military hospitals be improved (2009)


• Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military to a post-Cold War, modern fighting force (2009) * Note: Bush announced in 2001 his intention to do this but backed off the reforms after 9/11, which include: new procurement policies; increasing the size of Special Ops units; deploying new technologies; creating new cyber security units; etc.


• Ended the Bush-era practice of awarding “no-bid” defense contracts (2009)


• Improving benefits for veterans as well as VA staffing, information systems, etc. (2009)


• Authorized construction of additional health centers to care for veterans (2009)


• Suspended the Bush-era decision to purchase a fleet of Marine One helicopters from suppliers in favor of American made helicopters (2009)


• Ordered a review of the existing “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military (2010)


• New GI Bill for returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan (2009)


• Signed bill providing assistance for caregivers of veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan (2010) * Note: The omnibus bill does the following: Training, funding, and counseling for caregivers; promoting pilot childcare programs for women vets under treatment at the VA; independent oversight to prevent abuse; readjustment counseling for National Guard and reservist units; etc.


• Eliminated co-payments for veterans who are catastrophically disabled (2010)

• Fulfilled campaign promise to have combat troops (90,000) out of Iraq by August 31, 2010 (2010)


• Established a new interagency task force to assist veterans owning small businesses (2010) * Note: The efforts include promoting federal contract opportunities, improve access to loans and capital, mentor assistance programs, etc.

• Signed The Families of Fallen Heroes Act, which covers the moving costs of immediate family members of those lost in service (military, intelligence, and security personnel) (2010)


FOREIGN POLICY

• Closed the Bush-era “secret detention” facilities in Eastern Europe (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy allowing “enhanced interrogation” (torture); the US is again in compliance with Geneva Convention standards (2009) * Note: Obama has permitted some controversial interrogation techniques to continue


• Restarted international nuclear non-proliferation talks and reestablished international nuclear inspection protocols (2009) * Note: Bush withdrew from non-proliferation talks and dismantled the inspection infrastructure


• Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic (2009) * Note: These were suspended under Bush


• Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions (2009) * Note: These were suspended under Bush


• Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office (2009)


• Banned the export of cluster bombs (2009)

• Overturned Bush-era plans to increase the US nuclear arsenal (2009)


• Authorized the Navy SEALS operation that freed by force the US shipping captain held by Somali pirates (2009)


• Restored the US commitment to the UN population fund for family planning; overturned the ban on providing funds internationally for family planning (2009) * Note: The family planning efforts were suspended under Bush

• Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return “home” to visit families (2009)


• Extended an offer of engagement (free from sanctions and penalties) to Iran through December 31, 2009 (Iran did not accept the offer) (2009)


• Sent envoys to the Middle East and other parts of the world, reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy (2009)


• Authorized discussions with North Korea and the private mission by former president, Bill Clinton, to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons (2009)


• Authorized discussions with Myanmar and the mission by Senator Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive (2009)


• Renewed loan guarantees for Israel (2009)


• Signed the USIFTA trade agreement with/for Israel (2009)


• Authorized a $550m advance for Israel (six months prior to the scheduled date) in order to accommodate Israeli’s economic and financial needs (2009)


• Continued agreements with Israel for cultural exchanges, immigration, etc. (2009)


• Spoke on Arab television, spoke at an Egyptian university, and met with Arab leaders in an effort to change the tone of US-Arab relations (2009)

• Ordered the US to finally pay its dues to the United Nations (2009)

• Attended the Summit of America’s meeting in Trinidad and Tobago (2010)

• Dispatched several envoys and initiated talks with numerous nations (2010)

• Signed a nuclear limitation treaty with Russia (2010) * Note: The agreement calls for both countries to reduce their nucs by one-third (1,500) and launch systems by half (800)


• Hosted nuclear non-proliferation summit for several nations (2010)

• Executive Order to establish support offices in the State Department to assist the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan (2010)


• Presidential Memoranda to continue drug interdiction support with Columbia (2010)


ECONOMY
• Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants…) (2009) * Note: Bush was the first president since Herbert Hoover to not make infrastructure a priority


• Authorized the US auto industry rescue plan and two GMAC rescue packages (2009)


• Authorized the housing rescue plan and new FHA residential housing guarantees (2009)

• Authorized a $789 billion economic stimulus plan (2009) * Note: 1/3 in tax cuts for working-class families; 1/3 to states for infrastructure projects; 1/3 to states to prevent the layoff of police officers, teachers, etc. at risk of losing their jobs because of state budget shortfalls


• Instituted a new rule allowing the public to meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (in as quickly as one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying (2009)


• Authorized a continuation of the US financial and banking rescue plans initiated at the end of the Bush administration and authorized TARP funds to buy “toxic assets” from failing financial institutions (2009)


• Authorized the “Cash for Clunkers” program that stimulated auto sales and removed old, inefficient, polluting cars from the road (2009)

• Convened a “jobs summit” to bring experts together to develop ideas for creating jobs (2009)

• Ordered the FDIC to beef up deposit insurance (2009)



• Ended the Bush-era policy of protecting credit card companies (2009) * Note: In place of the old policy, new consumer protections were instituted and the industry’s predatory practices were banned

• Authorized the federal government to make more loans available to small businesses and ordered lower rates for federal loans to small businesses (2009)

• Placed a 35% tariff on Chinese tires and a few other products such as pipes after China was found to be illegally “dumping” exports below cost (2009) * Note: Clinton, Bush I, and Reagan all refused to “get tough” on China’s predatory trade practices; Bush II refused four times during his presidency


 In November 2009, Obama extended unemployment benefits for one million workers
and expanded coverage for some existing homeowners who are buying again (2009)


• Called on Congress to deliver a “Jobs bill” (2010)




• Credit card companies are prohibited from raising rates without advance notification or arbitrarily if customers are paying bills on time (2010)


• Signed a bill to extend unemployment benefits set to expire (2010)

• Signed historic Wall Street reform bill (2010) * Note: Designed to reregulate and end abusive practices and promote consumer protections

• Signed the HIRE Act to stimulate the economic recovery (2010) * Note: The bill includes: tax cuts for small businesses who hire someone unemployed for at least two months; small businesses can write off their investments in equipment this year; etc.

• National Export Initiative established to enhance federal support (technical assistance, training, trade missions, etc.) and coordination efforts to help US businesses export products and services (2010)


• Initiatives to promote a “Wireless Broadband Revolution” (2010) * Note: Among other things, broadband is finally being considered as necessary infrastructure, with efforts to expand use, access, and spectrum…


• Expanded agricultural credit to farmers during current economic crisis (2010)

• Signed bill - US Manufacturing Enhancement Act (2010)


• Signed bill - Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance (2010)


TAXES


• Negotiated a deal with Swiss banks to permit the US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals (2009)


• Ended the Bush-era policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs (2009) * Note: The new policy promotes in-sourcing investments to brings jobs back to the US

• Signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which provides small tax cuts for 95% of “working families” (2009) * Note: The tax cuts were not as big as was suggested during the 2008 campaign


• Convened an advisory board that is looking into simplifying the tax code (2009)


• Ordered the closing of offshore tax safe havens (for individual and business tax evaders) (2009)

• Reduced taxes for some small businesses to stimulate the economic recovery (2009)

• Extended the Home Buyers Credit for first-time home buyers (2009)

• Proposed doubling the child tax credit (2010)


• Called for the repeal of the capital gains tax for small businesses (2010)

• Proposed rolling back the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans (2010) * Note: This would be for families earning over $250,000/year and would return their tax rates to the 1990’s level


BUDGETING


 Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut federal spending (2009)


• Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify wasteful spending and practices (2009)


• Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient (2009)


• Overturned the Bush-era practice of not listing certain federal programs in the federal budget (2009) (2010) * Note: Bush did this (so did Reagan) in an effort to hide programs and make the budget look smaller; such “off budget” items are now included in the annual budget


• Full appropriations for war are now included in the budget (2009) (2010) * Note: Bush did not list many of the appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan, and War on Terror


• Funds for emergency appropriations are now included in the budget (2009) (2010)

• Proposed a three-year freeze on federal discretionary spending beginning in 2011 (2010)


• Is in the process of cutting 120 federal programs identified as either wasteful or unnecessary (2010)


• Established a bipartisan commission on fiscal responsibility, staffed by House and Senate members and private citizens, tasked with submitting proposals to balance the budget (2010) * Note: In the face of Republican opposition, the powers of the commission were watered down


• Established a bipartisan commission on the future of Social Security, tasked with submitting proposals to preserve and strengthen Social Security (2010) * Note: In the face of Republican opposition, the powers of the commission were watered down


• Cut $20 billion from federal budget and has pledged to cut at least this much every year (2010)


• Ultimately decided to cancel planned new presidential helicopter fleet and stick with marine One (2010)


• Freezing all discretionary spending for next three years, except on national security (2010)


• Presidential Memoranda to freeze discretionary awards, bonuses, etc. for federal political appointees (2010)

• Beginning to use “Pay-As-You-Go” (Pay-Go) to offset budget expenditures with budget cuts or revenue enhancements (2010)



HEALTHCARE


• Removed Bush era restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research (2009)

• Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research (2009)

• Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children (2009)

• Established an independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare (2009)


• Reversed some of the Bush-era restrictions that prevented Medicare from negotiating with pharmaceutical firms for cheaper drugs, allowing government to again competitively bid (2009) * Note: Obama had promised to lift all restrictions but, while he did negotiate with drug companies for them to lower their costs the deal only lifted some restrictions

• Expanding government vaccination programs (2009)

• Issued new disease prevention guidelines and priorities for the CDC (2009)

• Authorized the FDA to finally begin regulating tobacco (2009)

• Tasked federal labs to prioritize research on and deployment of H1N1 vaccines (2009)


• Asked multiple congressional committees to bring forward a healthcare reform bill; held dozens of public hearings and town halls on the issue (2009) (2010)


• Established a new council on National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health to be chaired by Surgeon General and charged with promoting healthy lifestyles and integrative healthcare (2010)

• When accusations to the contrary arose, an Executive Order was signed to reaffirm that federal funds are not to be used for abortion services (2010)


• Historic healthcare reform bill signed - $940 billion over 10 years (2010) * Note: 32 million additional Americans will receive healthcare coverage and costs will be lowered for most Americans, but many of the goals are phased in over four years


Components of the bill

- Prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to individuals/family members with pre-existing health conditions; a temporary plan is being developed to cover high-risk individuals with pre-existing conditions until the full reforms go into effect in 2014

- Prevents insurance companies from placing lifetime limits on benefits

- Bans “rescission” so insurance companies can’t cancel coverage if individuals keep their policies current or if they become ill

- An individual’s out-of-pocket healthcare expenses are capped




 Closes the “donut hole” (Part D) for Medicare prescription drug coverage (under Bush, Medicare helped pay for drugs up to $2,600 and above $4,550, but individuals had to pay 100% of the costs in between these amounts); now Medicare helps cover costs irrespective of the amount – seniors will now pay only 25% of drug costs up to $4,550 and only 5% of drug costs above that amount

- In 2010, an emergency provision will offer seniors a $250 rebate on the costs incurred within the “donut hole”


- Individuals living at or below the poverty line were eligible for healthcare under Medicaid, but by 2014 individuals/families living slightly above (making up to $14,404/$29,327) the poverty line will also be eligible for benefits


- Individuals/families making less than $43,320/$88,200 per year will qualify for government subsidies to help purchase health insurance
- All individuals must have health insurance or face a government fine; all large (over 50 employees) employers must offer health insurance to employees or pay a fine
- Small businesses can get a tax credit if they offer health care


- There are hardship exemptions if individuals can’t afford health insurance


- Families can keep their children in college on their plans through age 26


- Promotes health insurance “exchanges” so consumers can buy “wholesale”

- Creates consumer assistance offices to help consumers file complaints or appeal decisions from insurance companies; beginning in 2011, insurance companies can no longer make excessive rate hikes without justification and approval, and those doing so may be barred from participating in new health insurance exchanges


Funding sources:


- Large employers (over 50 workers) that don’t offer health benefits will be charged a $2,000/worker fee; if the employer offers coverage but employees instead purchase federally subsidized insurance the fee is $3,000/worker receiving federal subsidies or $750/worker (whichever is lower)


- Annual fees on pharmaceutical companies ($27 billion), health insurance companies ($60 billion), and medical device-makers ($20 billion)


- Annual penalties on individuals who do not have health insurance (up to a maximum of $695/person)


- Increase in the Medicare payroll tax from 1.45% to 2.35% for individuals making $200,000+ and families making $250,000+


- 3.8% tax on unearned income for millionaires

- Insurance companies will be subject to a tax on each high-end insurance plan (so-called “Cadillac” plans) they offer


Miscellaneous:

- Illegal immigrants are not eligible for insurance or subsidies


- By Executive Order, such federal funding can’t be used for abortion


- The federal government will assist states by covering all of the increased expenses of expanding Medicaid coverage (90% of costs after 2020)


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT


• Removed a ruling that now allows individual states to enact automotive fuel efficiency standards above federal standards (2009)


• Offered attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles (2009)


• Overturned Bush-era rule that weakened the Endangered Species Act (2009)


• Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions (2009)


• Signed a measure requiring energy producing plants to begin producing 15% of their energy from renewable sources (2009)


• Announced that the federal government would reengage in the long-delayed effort to clean up “Superfund” toxic waste sites (2009)

• Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production (2009) * Note: Much of Obama’s energy reform was killed by Senate Republicans


• Proposed a new refuge for wild mustangs (2009)


• Cancelled several Bush-era mountain-top removal and mining permits (2009)


• Reengaged in international treaties and agreements to protect the Antarctic (2009)

* Note: Bush had withdrawn from such efforts


• Asked Congress for an energy reform and “cap and trade” bill (2009) * Note: The Congress failed to pass such a bill

• Developing plan to lease US coastal waters for wind and water-current energy production (2009)

• Overturned Bush-era policies that allowed uranium mining near national parks such as the Grand Canyon (2009)

• Expanded the Petrified Forest National Park (2009)

• Signed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act that protects millions of acres of scenic, historic, and recreational lands and trails (2009)


• Requiring that government buildings and facilities be retrofitted to save energy costs (2009) * Note: These green retrofits are moving very slowly


• Authorized studies in several western states to determine how to support large-scale solar installations (2009)


• Attended the Copenhagen talks and, after the talks were stalled, negotiated an international (voluntary) agreement on reducing carbon emissions and raising funds to assist developing nations in offsetting carbon emissions (2009)


• Banned importation of pythons in response to a growing population of pythons damaging the Florida Everglades (2009)


• Committing the federal government to increasing research and use of renewable, clean energy sources such as wind, biomass, etc. (2009)

• Executive orders establishing a federal initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all federal operations (2009) (2010)


• Called for exploring the possibility of additional off-shore oil drilling in the Gulf, Atlantic, and off Alaska (but not in ANWR) (2010)

• Agreed to consider increases in nuclear energy production and requested a study on the feasibility of nuclear power plant construction (2010) * Note: Nearly all energy initiatives were defeated by Republican opposition in Congress


• Increased investment in clean energy projects (2010)


• Executive Order to develop a new strategy for and commitment to ocean and lake resources, and for scientific research on water quality (2010)


RIGHTS


• Instituted enforcements for equal pay for women (Lilly Ledbetter Bill) (2009)


• Appointed Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina, to the Supreme Court (2009)


• Held the first Seder in White House (2009)


• Appointed a diverse Cabinet and diverse White House staff (2009)


• Spoke at the annual dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights organization (2009)


• Signed the first major piece of federal gay rights legislation that includes acts of violence against gays under the list of federal hate crimes (2009)


• Reversed the Bush-era practice of politicizing Justice Department investigations and prosecutions against political opponents (2009)


• Pushing for some of the 9/11 perpetrators to be tried in federal court (2009) * Note: The process has moved at a snail’s pace and, in the face of opposition, Obama has remained quiet


• Signed an extension of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Bill to provide federal research and support for treating the disease (2009)


• Allowed the State Department of offer same-sex benefits for employees (2009)


• Proposed that the Pentagon repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy; placed a “freeze” on current efforts to remove alleged homosexuals from the military (2009)


• After eight years of neglect, the Justice Department and EEOC are again enforcing employment discrimination laws (2009)


• Convened the White House Tribal Nations Conference, inviting representatives from 564 federally-recognized Indian tribes (2009)

• Provided increased school projects for Indian lands and increased funds for the Indian Health Service (2009)


• Signed an Executive Order mandating that his Cabinet develop plans to work with and consult Indian tribes on issues impacting Indian lands (2009)

• Commissioned a study to develop alternatives to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (2010)


• Called for federal agencies to look into recognizing gay partnerships in terms of benefits (2010)


• Signed an Executive Order for the President’s Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2010)


• Increased funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2010)

• Signed Executive Order to promote the federal government as a “model employer” when it comes to hiring the disabled (2010) * Note: This includes new efforts to increase the recruitment, hiring, and training for the disabled

• Programs to assist Spanish speakers with the US Census (2010)


• Elena Kagen appointed to Supreme Court (2010)


• Tasked all federal agencies to develop new strategies to address HIV/AIDS (2010)


• After organizing studies on the topic in 2009, tasked the Pentagon to eliminate “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (2010)

• Signed Fair Sentencing Act (2010) * Note: The Administration continues to deescalate marijuana interdiction and raids; increased dramatically the amount of cocaine one must possess to be sentenced to jail; eliminated mandatory sentencing for first-time drug abusers and simple possession


EDUCATION


• Authorized construction funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access in K-12 public schools (2009)

• Increased funding for school construction (2009)


• Increased funding available for student loans (2009)


• Expanded the national youth service program (2009)


• Streamlined the federal student loan process to save $87 billion over the next 10 years (2009)


• Changed the rule to allow students struggling to make college loan payments to refinance their loans (2009)


• Beginning discussions with Congress for education reform (2009) * Note: Much of Obama’s education reform has been sidelined by opposition in Congress


• Initiated a “Race to the Top” competitive federal grant program for states who develop innovative policies (2009)


• Instituted a “judgment review” allowing families with student loans to petition to have their current financial status determine the loan rather than the previous year’s finances (2009)

• Launched “Educate to Innovate,” a public/private partnership making $236 million available for science, mathematics, and technology education programs (2009)


• Proposed capping the maximum amount students must pay on student loans (as percentage of their income) (2010)


• Proposed reducing student loan obligations for individuals going to work in community and public service jobs (2010)


• The federal government will offer direct student loans, cutting out the cost of private banks (“middle man”) who increase the costs in order to make a profit (2010)


• Increased investment in technologies for schools/education (2010)


DISASTER RESPONSE


• Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness (2009)

• FEMA once again reports directly to the president (2009) * Note: Bush removed FEMA (prior to the Hurricane Katrina disaster) from this status


• Demonstrated an immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters (2009)


• Ordered that funds be released and red tape be streamlined for the ongoing Hurricane Katrina recovery effort in the Gulf Coast (2009)

• Timely and massive relief effort in response to the January 2010 earthquake and ensuing humanitarian crisis (2010)


Components of the response:

- The FBI’s National Center for Disaster Fraud was tasked to look into possible fraud with organizations soliciting funds for relief

- Announced the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund


- Established an emergency Haiti Task Force in the State Department


- Established a website with information, resources, and a posting of a “person finder” online to help families and friends to locate loved ones


- Joint aid and relief planning with the U.K.

- Sponsored a resolution in the UN Security Council for additional security and police forces in Haiti

- Dispatched the US Navy floating hospital (USNS Comfort) and, within 5 days, 9 naval and relief ships, 5 Coast Guard cutters, 8 Coast Guard aircraft, and 12,000 US military personnel

- Initial dispatch of several ships and cargo planes full of humanitarian aid and supplies, 6 search/rescue teams (500 personnel), and 265 Department of Health & Human Services personnel for emergency medical and aid support

- Established a mobile US air traffic control center at the destroyed airport in Port-au-Prince


• After the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a freeze was placed on new deep water projects (2010)


• Executive Order to establish new security measures to minimize accidental release of bio and chemical agents; new strategies for public health and bioterrorism response (2010)


• Established a national commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon spill to examine facts and report a plan of action; new efforts to prevent offshore spills (2010)


• After a slow start in responding to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the White House is promoting a long-term plan to reconstruct the damaged Gulf and negotiated with BP the establishment of a multi-billion dollar trust fund for victims of the spill (2010)


• Extended national flood insurance program for those in need during current economic crisis (2010)



OTHER INITIATIVES


• New federal funding for science and research labs (2009)


• Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program (2009)

• Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program (2009)


• Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud (2009)


• Ordered the DEA to stop raids on medical marijuana usage (2009)


• Ordered a review of existing “mandatory minimum” prison sentencing (2009)


• Signed an order to limit airport tarmac delays and the time passengers had to sit in the plane/on the tarmac during delays (2009)


• Restored the EPA to “Cabinet level” status (2009) * Note: Bush removed the EPA from this status

• Beginning discussions with Congress for comprehensive immigration reform (2010)


* Note: Much of Obama’s immigration reform had been stalled by opposition in Congress


• Commissioned expert panels and reports from NASA; announced a new direction for human space flight that involves funding a new heavy lift-launcher and jettisoning the Ares 1 program; boosting NASA’s budget by $1 billion in 2011 (2010)

• Ordered a ban on text-messaging for all commercial truck and bus drivers (2010)

• Signed bill – FAA Air Transportaiton Modernizatin and Safety Improvement Act (2010)


P.S. IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING…


• The Obamas paid for the renovations of the private living quarters in the White House with their own money rather than using the funds provided to all new first families (2009)


• The Obamas reused many Christmas ornaments from previous White House trees rather than buy new ones (2009)

• The Obamas used LED energy-saving lights on White House Christmas tree (2009)


• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; donated the award money for the prize to several charities (2009)


• Planted a garden for the White House’s vegetables and flowers (2009)


• Installed a swing set/playground for the Obama daughters and children of White House employees (2009)


• Held over 150 public town halls, press conferences, interviews, etc. in first year in office (2009) * Note: Official numbers are not available on such things, but this seems to be a new record high


• Less than 30 days of vacation in first year in office (2009) * Note: Official numbers are not readily available on such things, but this seems to be a new record low


...And A FAMILY MAN !


B4B NOTE: Special Thanks to Robert P. Watson, Ph. D., Professor of American Studies, Lynn University who compiled this list and writes " Like all presidents, Barack Obama has made mistakes. But, as a presidential historian, I have been struck by claims being put forward by Obama’s many critics and the news media that he has accomplished little when, in fact, his presidency is easily one of the most active in history."

And Thanks to our friend Sherry Lou Meeks.

Thank You Mr. President !


Print It...Pass It On...


SHARE THE FACTS !