Category Archives: The White House

A Few Thoughts on Michelle Obama’s Healthy Food Crusade

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Picture Courtesy of Getty Images


Yes, there have been critics of First Lady Michelle Obama’s health initiatives, but what she’s doing is certainly needed. Americans are not nearly as healthy as we would like to believe, so anyone trying to change this reality is a hero (or She-ro) in my book. Unveiled last year, Obama’s “Let’s Move” Campaign” has been praised for its strong stance on health and wellness.
Every First Lady has a project that dominates their time in the White House. Nancy Reagan talked about drug use. Barbara Bush supported literacy programs. Hillary Clinton embraced universal health care. Laura Bush focused her attention on education in general. With big shoes to fill, Michelle Obama had to make a big splash with her activities, and she has done just that.

Last week, she appeared with executives from Wal-Mart. The retailer announced that it was offering more healthy foods, and promised to push its suppliers in the same direction. They also pledged to make even more food items healthier and affordable in five years, and open more stores in historically underserved areas.

Though she’s taken some unnecessary hits by critics, this is very clearly a huge victory for her campaign. Huge. For years, I’ve argued that millions want to “eat right”, so to speak, but healthy foods typically cost more. If you’re trying to save money, many go for what’s affordable. That’s a fact. So politics aside, Michelle Obama’s efforts are making a difference.

Happy Birthday, Michelle Obama

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Greetings first lady. You are, without a doubt, an amazing woman. No, not just because of your position, but because of your perspective. In one short year, you have led efforts to bring a rich diversity of cultural events to The White House. You have rallied support for the historic Lilly Ledbetter Bill, an inspiring victory by any measure. You push for greater educational opportunities and access for young people, and vigorously support military families, among other things.

There is so much on your plate. But you manage to do so much, so gracefully. You walk and talk with heads of state, and Kings and Queens, and you do it all, from what I gather, without ever losing your common touch. Yes, millions can relate to you. You run a busy office, yet your girls have to do their homework, and you and the president feel compelled to attend PTA meetings. I love the fact that you eat dinner together, as a family.

You rock, on so many levels.

Let me say this: when all is said and done Mrs. Obama, you will have transformed your position, and raised the bar to new, commanding heights of achievement. At the current rate, I wouldn’t bet against it. Your success is proof of what The Woman’s Movement was fundamentally about: choice. And your choices have led you to this point, where you are making sure that even greater choices are afforded to the next generation.

Continue representing the very best of what humanity has to offer. Continue to inspire the people of the world with your dazzling style, unquestionable intellect and visionary leadership. Continue to walk in the footsteps of awesome, historical women – from whose legacies we receive knowledge, and from whose spirits we receive strength.

Happy Birthday First Lady. Here’s wishing you many more years of great health and happiness.

President Obama’s Aggressive Move on Job Creation

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I am very happy that President Obama is being more aggressive on job creation. Everyone knows he came in with a tall order: to clean up an unbelievable mess while simultaneously preventing our economy from falling off a cliff. Yes, his first year has a been a legislative and diplomatic success, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

And yes, the Stimulus Bill has worked. It created and saved jobs. So says a report by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. In fact, The USA TODAY examined data that shows how stimulus cash has lifted Blue & Red States alike, and has offset a major drop in tax collections. And if that’s not enough, the ultra conservative Wall Street Journal even admitted that the stimulus (which they campaigned against) is helping the U.S. climb out of the current recession.

But, the jobs picture still isn’t improving fast enough for many Americans.

So yesterday, President Obama brought together Big Labor, Big Business, and ordinary citizens to field questions, and share his thoughts on what he can do immediately to reverse job losses. According to my sources, President Obama is going to lay out his plan of action next Tuesday.

Among the things he’s considering: getting the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make it easier for small businesses to get guaranteed loans; freeing up more capital for start up ventures; and tax breaks to small and mid-sized businesses that hire workers. He is also looking for ways to jump start an impressive number of green jobs now, instead of waiting for the impending Climate Bill, which Obama will sign next year.

With Americans hurting, this is the right move.