The Obama Administration: September 1-15, 2009

This article is the sixteenth in a continuing series chronicling the unfolding history of the Obama Administration. The writer's opinions are not offered, leaving the readers to arrive at their own conclusions.

“So I want everybody here to hear my words: We will not go back to the days of reckless behavior and unchecked excess that was at the heart of this crisis, where too many were motivated only by the appetite for quick kills and bloated bonuses. Those on Wall Street cannot resume taking risks without regard for consequences, and expect that next time, American taxpayers will be there to break their fall.” __Brack Obama, President of the United states of America, September 14, 2009

Day222/Sep1st/Tuesday: The President was briefed by senior government officials in the Oval Office of the White House on preparedness and response efforts surrounding the 2009 H1N1 flu virus in the Oval Office. Participants included United States Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, White House Homeland Security Advisor and CDC director John Brennan, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Tom Frieden.

The President addressed national preparedness for the H1N1 flu virus from the Rose Garden of the White House. “I don't want anybody to be alarmed, but I do want everybody to be prepared,” the President said. He added, “We're also making steady progress on developing a safe and effective H1N1 flu vaccine, and we expect a flu shot program will begin soon. This program will be completely voluntary, but it will be strongly recommended.” Transcript Video

The President declared a major disaster existed in the State of New York and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Erie Counties. struck by severe storms and flooding during the period of August 8-10, 2009. Source

The President hosted a dinner celebrating Ramadan and contributions of American Muslims in the State Dining Room of the White House. Among the President's remarks: “So tonight, we celebrate a great religion, and its commitment to justice and progress. We honor the contributions of America's Muslims, and the positive example that so many of them set through their own lives. And we rededicate ourselves to the work of building a better and more hopeful world.” Transcript Video

Day223/Sep2nd/Wednesday: The President spoke by telephone with Yukio Hatoyama, the President of the Democratic Party of Japan, to congratulate him on the results of the Lower House elections. The President stated his strong wish to work with Mr. Hatoyama and the Japanese government on behalf of the people of both nations to strengthen global economic recovery, combat climate change, ensure the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, defeat al Qaeda and its allies in Afghanistan, and build peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. Source

The President traveled to Camp David.

Day224/Sep3rd/Thursday: The President announced his intent to nominate the following individuals for key administration posts:

Barbara J. Bennett, Chief Financial Officer, Environmental Protection Agency
Michael Punke, Deputy Trade Representative - Geneva, Office of the United States Trade Representative

Thomas Paul D'Agostino, Under Secretary for Nuclear Security of the Department of Energy and Administrator for Nuclear Security of the National Nuclear Security Administration, will continue serving in his current role. Source

Vice-President Joe Biden addressed the 200 days of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) at the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C. Among the Vice-President's remarks:

“"eight out of 10 of the largest financial institutions in America, including Goldman, Morgan Stanley, American Express, as well as 16 smaller banks, have repaid the government in full, and I might add, at a $4 billion profit for the taxpayer.”

“Analysts from Moody's to IHS Global Insight, to the Economic Policy Institute and others all estimate the Recovery Act has created or saved between 500,000 to 750,000 jobs. As a matter of fact, some notable economists suggest the number is as high as a million.”

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