Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama spoke at a town hall meeting in North Carolina April 19, 2011

 Today President Obama attempted to put the brakes on the rumor machine pumping out innuendo and cheap shots about his birth certificate. One of the requirements to run for President of the United States is that a candidate has to be a natural born citizen, according to the U.S. Constitution.

In 2008, the Obama campaign posted a birth certificate normally sent out by the state of Hawaii. This is the same certificate used to get a driver’s license, is recognized by the Federal Government, and is used in all legal matters. For whatever reason, this document did not not stop the rampant rumors about where Obama was born.

President Obama’s legal counsel requested and got the long form of his birth certificate from the Hawaii State Department of Health and released it today. Both birth certificates are posted on the  White House blog.

Also at the White House, President Obama spoke to reporters about the controversy: “… we provided additional information today about the site of my birth. Now, this issue has been going on for two, two and a half years now.  I think it started during the campaign.  And I have to say that over the last two and a half years I have watched with bemusement, I’ve been puzzled at the degree to which this thing just kept on going.  We’ve had every official in Hawaii, Democrat and Republican, every news outlet that has investigated this, confirm that, yes, in fact, I was born in Hawaii, August 4, 1961, in Kapiolani Hospital.

We’ve posted the certification that is given by the state of Hawaii on the Internet for everybody to see.  People have provided affidavits that they, in fact, have seen this birth certificate.  And yet this thing just keeps on going.

Now, normally I would not comment on something like this, because obviously there’s a lot of stuff swirling in the press on at any given day and I’ve got other things to do.  But two weeks ago, when the Republican House had put forward a budget that will havehuge consequences potentially to the country, and when I gave a speech about my budget and how I felt that we needed to invest in education and infrastructure and making sure that we had a strong safety net for our seniors even as we were closing the deficit, during that entire week the dominant news story wasn’t about these huge, monumental choices that we’re going to have to make as a nation.  It was about my birth certificate.  And that was true on most of the news outlets that were represented here.

And so I just want to make a larger point here.  We’ve got some enormous challenges out there.  There are a lot of folks out there who are still looking for work.  Everybody is still suffering under high gas prices.  We’re going to have to make a series of very difficult decisions about how we invest in our future but also get a hold of our deficit and our debt — how do we do that in a balanced way.

And this is going to generate huge and serious debates, important debates.  And there are going to be some fierce disagreements — and that’s good.  That’s how democracy is supposed to work.  And I am confident that the American people and America’s political leaders can come together in a bipartisan way and solve these problems.  We always have.

But we’re not going to be able to do it if we are distracted.  We’re not going to be able to do it if we spend time vilifying each other.  We’re not going to be able to do it if we just make stuff up and pretend that facts are not facts.  We’re not going to be able to solve our problems if we get distracted by sideshows and carnival barkers.

We live in a serious time right now and we have the potential to deal with the issues that we confront in a way that will make our kids and our grandkids and our great grandkids proud.  And I have every confidence that America in the 21st century is going to be able to come out on top just like we always have.  But we’re going to have to get serious to do it.

I know that there’s going to be a segment of people for which, no matter what we put out, this issue will not be put to rest.  But I’m speaking to the vast majority of the American people, as well as to the press.  We do not have time for this kind of silliness.  We’ve got better stuff to do.  I’ve got better stuff to do.  We’ve got big problems to solve.  And I’m confident we can solve them, but we’re going to have to focus on them — not on this.

Thanks very much, everybody.

 ###

The full text of President Obama’s remarks here.

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House -- President Obama cheers on kids rolling Easter eggs on the White House lawn April 25, 2011

One more Easter tradition. The 133rd White House Egg Roll event drew 30,000 people from across the country today. Besides the popular Easter egg roll, there were healthy cooking demonstrations, storytime readings by celebs like Geena Davis and John Lithgow and musical performances by Willow Smith and others.

The theme this year, “Get Up and Go!” More on this event over on the  White house blog.

The midnight deadline to file 2010 tax returns is fast approaching. Usually, the deadline for filing federal tax returns is April 15, however, this year we got a three -day-grace period. The reason: Emancipation Day fell on a Saturday, but was celebrated as a legal holiday on April 15 in Washington, D.C.

Emancipation Day commemorates the day, April 16, 1862, when President Abraham Lincoln signed an order freeing the slaves in the District of Columbia — six months ahead of signing the Emancipation Proclamation — freeing slaves everywhere in the country.

Despite the extra few days, thousands of taxpayers are scrambling to meet that midnight deadline. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has filed his income tax returns and they’re posted on the White House Blog.

President Obama and First Lady Michelle filed jointly and reported an adjusted income of $1,728,096 in 2010. The majority of the president’s income is from his book sales. The Obamas paid $453,770 in federal taxes. Also, they donated  $245,075 to 35 different charities.

The Obamas’ tax return in their home state of Illinois shows they paid $51,568 in taxes for 2010.

More on the Obamas tax returns and those of Vice President, Joe Biden, and his wife Dr. Jill Biden here.

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House -- President Obama spoke to the nation from the White House about the 11th hour budget deal April 8, 2011

After weeks of haggling and last minute wheeling-and-dealing, the powerful Democratic and Republican leaders in Washington , D.C. have reached a historic agreement. It happened last night, shortly before the government would have had to shut down for lack of a budget.

The deal include a one-week funding extension, which quickly passed the Senate and the House. President Obama is expected to sign it today.The president spoke to the nation from the White House about the bipartisan deal Friday night. Here is the full text of his statement from the White House blog.

THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening.  Behind me, through the window, you can see the Washington Monument, visited each year by hundreds of thousands from around the world.  The people who travel here come to learn about our history and to be inspired by the example of our democracy — a place where citizens of different backgrounds and beliefs can still come together as one nation.

 Tomorrow, I’m pleased to announce that the Washington Monument, as well as the entire federal government, will be open for business.  And that’s because today Americans of different beliefs came together again.

In the final hours before our government would have been forced to shut down, leaders in both parties reached an agreement that will allow our small businesses to get the loans they need, our families to get the mortgages they applied for, and hundreds of thousands of Americans to show up at work and take home their paychecks on time, including our brave men and women in uniform.

This agreement between Democrats and Republicans, on behalf of all Americans, is on a budget that invests in our future while making the largest annual spending cut in our history.  Like any worthwhile compromise, both sides had to make tough decisions and give ground on issues that were important to them.  And I certainly did that.

Some of the cuts we agreed to will be painful. Programs people rely on will be cut back.  Needed infrastructure projects will be delayed.  And I would not have made these cuts in better circumstances. 

But beginning to live within our means is the only way to protect those investments that will help America compete for new jobs — investments in our kids’ education and student loans; in clean energy and life-saving medical research.  We protected the investments we need to win the future.

At the same time, we also made sure that at the end of the day, this was a debate about spending cuts, not social issues like women’s health and the protection of our air and water.  These are important issues that deserve discussion, just not during a debate about our budget.

I want to thank Speaker Boehnerand Senator Reid for their leadership and their dedication during this process.  A few months ago, I was able to sign a tax cut for American families because both parties worked through their differences and found common ground.  Now the same cooperation will make possible the biggest annual spending cut in history, and it’s my sincere hope that we can continue to come together as we face the many difficult challenges that lie ahead, from creating jobs and growing our economy to educating our children and reducing our deficit.  That’s what the American people expect us to do.  That’s why they sent us here.

A few days ago, I received a letter from a mother in Longmont, Colorado.  Over the year, her son’s eighthgrade class saved up money and worked on projects so that next week they could take a class trip to Washington, D.C.  They even have an appointment to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The mother wrote that for the last few days the kids in her son’s class had been worried and upset that they might have to cancel their trip because of a shutdown.  She asked those of us in Washington to get past our petty grievances and make things right.  And she said, “Remember, the future of this country is not for us.  It’s for our children.”

Today we acted on behalf of our children’s future.  And next week, when 50 eighth graders from Colorado arrive in our nation’s capital, I hope they get a chance to look up at the Washington Monument and feel the sense of pride and possibility that defines America — a land of many that has always found a way to move forward as one.

Thank you

###

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama addressed the nation from the National Defense University Washington, DC, March 28, 2011

U.S. military action in Libya has been in the news and on the minds of many Americans lately. Tonight President Barack Obama defended his decision to have U.S. aircraft and ships join a coalition in a push back against the rampage of Muammar Qaddafi.  President Obama delivered his address from the National Defense University in Washington, DC.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Last month, Qaddafi’s grip of fear appeared to give way to the promise of freedom.  In cities and towns across the country, Libyans took to the streets to claim their basic human rights.  As one Libyan said, “For the first time we finally have hope that our nightmare of 40 years will soon be over.”

Faced with this opposition, Qaddafi began attacking his people.  As President, my immediate concern was the safety of our citizens, so we evacuated our embassy and all Americans who sought our assistance.  Then we took a series of swift steps in a matter of days to answer Qaddafi’s aggression.  We froze more than $33 billion of Qaddafi’s regime’s assets.  Joining with other nations at the United Nations Security Council, we broadened our sanctions, imposed an arms embargo, and enabled Qaddafi and those around him to be held accountable for their crimes.  I made it clear that Qaddafi had lost the confidence of his people and the legitimacy to lead, and I said that he needed to step down from power.

In the face of the world’s condemnation, Qaddafi chose to escalate his attacks, launching a military campaign against the Libyan people.  Innocent people were targeted for killing. Hospitals and ambulances were attacked.  Journalists were arrested, sexually assaulted, and killed.  Supplies of food and fuel were choked off.  Water for hundreds of thousands of people in Misurata was shut off.  Cities and towns were shelled, mosques were destroyed, and apartment buildings reduced to rubble.  Military jets and helicopter gunships were unleashed upon people who had no means to defend themselves against assaults from the air.

Confronted by this brutal repression and a looming humanitarian crisis, I ordered warships into the Mediterranean.  European allies declared their willingness to commit resources to stop the killing.  The Libyan opposition and the Arab League appealed to the world to save lives in Libya.  And so at my direction, America led an effort with our allies at the United Nations Security Council to pass a historic resolution that authorized a no-fly zone to stop the regime’s attacks from the air, and further authorized all necessary measures to protect the Libyan people.

Ten days ago, having tried to end the violence without using force, the international community offered Qaddafi a final chance to stop his campaign of killing, or face the consequences.  Rather than stand down, his forces continued their advance, bearing down on the city of Benghazi, home to nearly 700,000 men, women and children who sought their freedom from fear.

At this point, the United States and the world faced a choice.  Qaddafi declared he would show “no mercy” to his own people.  He compared them to rats, and threatened to go door to door to inflict punishment.  In the past, we have seen him hang civilians in the streets, and kill over a thousand people in a single day.  Now we saw regime forces on the outskirts of the city.  We knew that if we wanted — if we waited one more day, Benghazi, a city nearly the size of Charlotte, could suffer a massacre that would have reverberated across the region and stained the conscience of the world.

It was not in our national interest to let that happen.  I refused to let that happen.  And so nine days ago, after consulting the bipartisan leadership of Congress, I authorized military action to stop the killing and enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973.

We struck regime forces approaching Benghazi to save that city and the people within it.  We hit Qaddafi’s troops in neighboring Ajdabiya, allowing the opposition to drive them out. We hit Qaddafi’s air defenses, which paved the way for a no-fly zone.  We targeted tanks and military assets that had been choking off towns and cities, and we cut off much of their source of supply.  And tonight, I can report that we have stopped Qaddafi’s deadly advance.

In this effort, the United States has not acted alone. Instead, we have been joined by a strong and growing coalition. This includes our closest allies -– nations like the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Turkey –- all of whom have fought by our sides for decades.  And it includes Arab partners like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, who have chosen to meet their responsibilities to defend the Libyan people.

To summarize, then:  In just one month, the United States has worked with our international partners to mobilize a broad coalition, secure an international mandate to protect civilians, stop an advancing army, prevent a massacre, and establish a no-fly zone with our allies and partners.  To lend some perspective on how rapidly this military and diplomatic response came together, when people were being brutalized in Bosnia in the 1990s, it took the international community more than a year to intervene with air power to protect civilians.  It took us 31 days.

Moreover, we’ve accomplished these objectives consistent with the pledge that I made to the American people at the outset of our military operations.  I said that America’s role would be limited; that we would not put ground troops into Libya; that we would focus our unique capabilities on the front end of the operation and that we would transfer responsibility to our allies and partners.  Tonight, we are fulfilling that pledge.

Our most effective alliance, NATO, has taken command of the enforcement of the arms embargo and the no-fly zone.  Last night, NATO decided to take on the additional responsibility of protecting Libyan civilians.  This transfer from the United States to NATO will take place on Wednesday.  Going forward, the lead in enforcing the no-fly zone and protecting civilians on the ground will transition to our allies and partners, and I am fully confident that our coalition will keep the pressure on Qaddafi’s remaining forces.

In that effort, the United States will play a supporting role — including intelligence, logistical support, search and rescue assistance, and capabilities to jam regime communications. Because of this transition to a broader, NATO-based coalition, the risk and cost of this operation — to our military and to American taxpayers — will be reduced significantly.

So for those who doubted our capacity to carry out this operation, I want to be clear:  The United States of America has done what we said we would do.

The full text of President Obama’s address on the White House.gov website here.

Photo: Roberto Stuckert/Filho/PR -- President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff greet school children at Planalto Palace In Brasilia March 19, 2011

President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff paused to greet some school children before heading into a meeting at Planalto Palace in Brasilia. (the photo is from Flickr)

President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha arrived in Brazil today — the first stop on a five-day trip to strengthen economic ties with  three countries. The other two are Chile and El Salvador.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama signs a book of condolence in Washington D.C. for the victims of that earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan last Friday March 17, 2011

As the crisis in devastated Japan worsens, concern grows in the U.S. Today President Barack Obama went to the Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C. and wrote a message in a book of condolence, before heading to the White House rose garden to update the American people on that tragic situation.

In the aftermath of recovering from a crippling 9.0 earthquake and a powerful tsunami, Japan is now struggling to avoid a nuclear catastrophe. At around 12:30 Pacific Time today, President Obama delivered a speech from the White House. Here is the text from the White House blog.

President Obama: “We Will Stand with the People of Japan”

Good afternoon, everyone.  Over the last several days, the American people have been both heartbroken and deeply concerned about the developments in Japan.

We’ve seen an earthquake and tsunami render unimaginable — an unimaginable toll of death and destruction on one of our closest friends and allies in the world.  And we’ve seen this powerful natural disaster cause even more catastrophe through its impact on nuclear reactors that bring peaceful energy to the people of Japan.

Today, I wanted to update the American people on what we know about the situation in Japan, what we’re doing to support American citizens and the safety of our own nuclear energy, and how we are helping the Japanese people contain the damage, recover and rebuild.

First, we are bringing all available resources to bear to closely monitor the situation, and to protect American citizens who may be in harm’s way.  Even as Japanese responders continue to do heroic work, we know that the damage to the nuclear reactors in Fukushima Daiichi plant poses a substantial risk to people who are nearby.  That is why yesterday, we called for an evacuation of American citizens who are within 50 miles of the plant.  This decision was based upon a careful scientific evaluation and the guidelines that we would use to keep our citizens safe here in the United States, or anywhere in the world.

Beyond this 50-mile radius, the risks do not currently call for an evacuation.  But we do have a responsibility to take prudent and precautionary measures to educate those Americans who may be endangered by exposure to radiation if the situation deteriorates.  That’s why last night I authorized the voluntary departures of family members and dependents of U.S. officials working in northeastern Japan.

All U.S. citizens in Japan should continue to carefully monitor the situation and follow the guidance of the U.S. and Japanese governments.  And those who are seeking assistance should contact our embassy and consulates, which continue to be open and operational.

Second, I know that many Americans are also worried about the potential risks to the United States.  So I want to be very clear:  We do not expect harmful levels of radiation to reach the United States, whether it’s the West Coast, Hawaii, Alaska, or U.S. territories in the Pacific.  Let me repeat that:  We do not expect harmful levels of radiation to reach the West Coast, Hawaii, Alaska, or U.S. territories in the Pacific.  That is the judgment of our Nuclear Regulatory Commission and many other experts.

Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health experts do not recommend that people in the United States take precautionary measures beyond staying informed.  And going forward, we will continue to keep the American people fully updated — because I believe that you must know what I know as President.

Here at home, nuclear power is also an important part of our own energy future, along with renewable sources like wind, solar, natural gas and clean coal.  Our nuclear power plants have undergone exhaustive study, and have been declared safe for any number of extreme contingencies.  But when we see a crisis like the one in Japan, we have a responsibility to learn from this event, and to draw from those lessons to ensure the safety and security of our people.

That’s why I’ve asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to do a comprehensive review of the safety of our domestic nuclear plants in light of the natural disaster that unfolded in Japan.

Finally, we are working aggressively to support our Japanese ally at this time of extraordinary challenge.  Search and rescue teams are on the ground in Japan to help the recovery effort.  A disaster assistance and response team is working to confront the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.  The U.S. military, which has helped to ensure the security of Japan for decades, is working around the clock.

To date, we’ve flown hundreds of missions to support the recovery efforts, and distributed thousands of pounds of food and water to the Japanese people.  We’ve also deployed some of our leading experts to help contain the damage at Japan’s nuclear reactors.  We’re sharing with them expertise, equipment, and technology so that the courageous responders on the scene have the benefit of American teamwork and support.

And the American people have also opened up their hearts.  Many have given generously to support the ongoing relief efforts.  The Red Cross is providing assistance to help meet the immediate needs of those who’ve been displaced.  And I would encourage anybody who wants to lend a hand to go to usaid.gov to learn more — that’s usaid.gov — to find out how you can be helpful.

As I told Prime Minister Kan last night, and reaffirmed at the Japanese embassy here in Washington today, the Japanese people are not alone in this time of great trial and sorrow.  Across the Pacific, they will find a hand of support extended from the United States as they get back on their feet.  After all, we have an alliance that was forged more than a half century ago, and strengthened by shared interests and democratic values.  Our people share ties of family, ties of culture, and ties of commerce.  Our troops have served to protect Japan’s shores, and our citizens have found opportunity and friendship in Japan’s cities and towns.

Above all, I am confident that Japan will recover and rebuild because of the strength and spirit of the Japanese people.  Over the last few days, they’ve opened up their homes to one another.  They’ve shared scarce resources of food and water. They’ve organized shelters, provided free medical care, and looked out for their most vulnerable citizens.  One man put it simply:  “It’s a Japanese thing.  When hard times hit, we have to help each other.”

In these hard times, there remains, nevertheless, hope for the future.  In one small town that had been flattened by the tsunami, emergency workers rescued a four-month-old baby who had been swept out of her parents’ arms and stranded for days among the debris.  No one can say for certain just how she survived the water and the wreckage around her.  There is a mystery in the course of human events.

But in the midst of economic recovery and global upheaval, disasters like this remind us of the common humanity that we share.  We see it in the responders who are risking their lives at Fukushima.  We show it through the help that has poured into Japan from 70 countries.  And we hear it in the cries of a child, miraculously pulled from the rubble.

In the coming days, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure the safety of American citizens and the security of our sources of energy.  And we will stand with the people of Japan as they contain this crisis, recover from this hardship, and rebuild their great nation.

###

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet the family of Christina Taylor Green after the State of the Union address in Washington DC January 25, 2011

President Barack Obama remembered the victims of the Arizona tragedy in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, January 25.  After his speech, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greeted John, Roxanna, and 11-year-old Dallas Green. The family of Christina Taylor, the youngest victim of that shooting massacre on January 8, 2011. Christina and five others were killed, when a gunman fired on a gathering in front of a Safeway store near Tucson, Arizona.  U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Arizona) and 12 others were wounded in the attack.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Sam and Millie Engel at a Burbank City Council meeting in June 2010

I got an early morning e-mail from my Burbank neighbor, Sam Engel, gushing about last night’s State of the Union Address by President Obama. The economy and jobs were big topics in the president’s speech, but what thrilled Sam and his wife Millie the most  is when Obama pointed to a Denver middle school as an example of innovation and educational reform.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama delivered the State of the Union Address to the nation January 25, 2011

The reason, Sam and Millie’s daughter, Kristin Waters, is the former principal of  Bruce Randolph school. Here’s what President Obama had to say about that school’s success story: 

“You see, we know what’s possible from our children when reform isn’t just a top-down mandate, but the work of local teachers and principals, school boards and communities. Take a school like Bruce Randolph in Denver. Three years ago, it was rated one of the worst schools in Colorado — located on turf between two rival gangs. But last May, 97 percent of the seniors received their diploma. Most will be the first in their families to go to college. And after the first year of the school’s transformation, the principal who made it possible wiped away tears when a student said, “Thank you, Ms. Waters, for showing that we are smart and we can make it.” (Applause.) That’s what good schools can do, and we want good schools all across the country.”

Sam says he and Millie get emotional every time they watch that segment of the president’s speech: “Our eyes tear up and our throats choke each time we replay the portions of the speech that reference Kristin’s achievements.” The Engels raised four children in Burbank. Millie once taught in the Burbank Unified School District. A son, Dave, has been teaching fifth grade in the BUSD for over twenty years.

A local newspaper reporter phoned the Engels before the president finished speaking last night. Dr. Kristin Waters, who is now the instructional superintendent for high schools in Denver, is getting a lot of media attention as well. In an interview with the Denver Post, Dr. Waters said, “it feels awesome,” for the president to spotlight that Denver middle school.  Also, she said, “It is an inspiring story and shows that with the focus in the right places, kids can be successful.”

The full text of President Obama’s State of the Union Address here on the White House website.

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House --President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome President Hu Jintao of China to the White House for a state dinner January 19, 2011

A glitzy state dinner for President Hu Jintao of China at the White House, last Wednesday. It was the first formal dinner for China in more than 13 years. The last one was during the Bill Clinton Administration.

At the affair, First Lady Michelle Obama dazzled in a gorgeous red and black gown by the late British designer, Alexander McQueen. The more than 200 guests dined on an American feast of Maine lobster, rib eye, double stuffed potatoes, and apple pie with ice cream for dessert.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- Jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater performed during a reception at a White House state dinner January 19, 2011

 The entertainment  at the reception featured a jazz concert with performances by Grammy winners, Herbie Hanock and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- (l-r) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, ex-President Bill Clinton, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, ex-President Jimmy Carter, Dr. Jill Biden, and V.P. Joe Biden listen to performances during a reception at a state dinner January 19, 2011

 Along with two ex-presidents and their wives, the guest list included entertainers Jackie Chan, Barbra Streisand, fashion designer Vera Wang, numerous politicians, business leaders, and human rights activists.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama helps paint fruit in a Washington DC school as part of a service project on MLK Day January 17, 2011

Today President Obama honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by picking up a brush and helping paint artsy and inspiring characters in the cafeteria of Stuart Hobson Middle School in Washington, DC. Also,  First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia, took part in this mentoring project as well.  

Photo: Samantha Appleton/White House -- First Lady Michelle Obama and daughter Malia paint on a cafeteria wall as part of a service project at Stuart Hobson Middle School in DC January 17, 2011

 THE PRESIDENT: 

Dr. King obviously had a dream of justice and equality in our society, but he also had a dream of service, that you could be a drum major for service, that you could lead by giving back to our communities.  And that’s what this program is all about and that’s what these participants are all about.

Michelle and I the girls are extraordinarily proud that each year on Martin Luther King’s birthday this is how we celebrate, is making sure that we’re giving a little something back to the community.  And I hope that all the projects that are taking place all across the country on this day are getting similar attention, because this is part of what America is all about.  And after a painful week where so many of us were focused on tragedy, it’s good for us to remind ourselves what this country is all about.  This kind of service project is what’s best in us and we’re thrilled with everybody who is participating.

#################

More of President Obama’s remarks and additional details about the program on the White House blog.

 First Lady Michelle Obama advises parents on what to say to their kids about the Tucson mass shooting

Photo: from the White House Blog -- First Lady Michelle Obama sat between President Obama and Astronaut Mark Kelly, the husband of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords at the memorial for the mass shooting victims January 12, 2011

Today, First Lady Michelle Obama released an open letter to parents on what to say to their kids about that mass shooting in Arizona last Saturday, that killed six, wounded more than a dozen others — including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Dear parents,

Like so many Americans all across the country, Barack and I were shocked and heartbroken by the horrific act of violence committed in Arizona this past weekend.  Yesterday, we had the chance to attend a memorial service and meet with some of the families of those who lost their lives, and both of us were deeply moved by their strength and resilience in the face of such unspeakable tragedy. 

As parents, an event like this hits home especially hard.  It makes our hearts ache for those who lost loved ones.  It makes us want to hug our own families a little tighter.  And it makes us think about what an event like this says about the world we live in – and the world in which our children will grow up.

In the days and weeks ahead, as we struggle with these issues ourselves, many of us will find that our children are struggling with them as well.  The questions my daughters have asked are the same ones that many of your children will have – and they don’t lend themselves to easy answers.  But they will provide an opportunity for us as parents to teach some valuable lessons – about the character of our country, about the values we hold dear, and about finding hope at a time when it seems far away.

We can teach our children that here in America, we embrace each other, and support each other, in times of crisis.  And we can help them do that in their own small way – whether it’s by sending a letter, or saying a prayer, or just keeping the victims and their families in their thoughts.

Read the rest of First Lady Michelle Obama’s open letter here on the White House website.

President Obama speaks at memorial for Arizona shooting victims

Photo: RSchumacher/The Arizona Republic -- President Obama makes a point during his speech at a memorial for victims of that rampage shooting in Arizona January 12, 2011

 President Obama’s emotionally charged and inspirational speech at the “Together We Thrive: Tucson and America” memorial for victims of the shooting rampage in Arizona last Saturday, is still being talked about today.

The president spoke before thousands at the University of Arizona and he began his remarks this way:

PRESIDENT OBAMA: To the families of those we’ve lost; to all who called them friends; to the students of this university, the public servants who are gathered here, the people of Tucson and the people of Arizona:  I have come here tonight as an American who, like all Americans, kneels to pray with you today and will stand by you tomorrow.  (Applause.)

There is nothing I can say that will fill the sudden hole torn in your hearts.  But know this:  The hopes of a nation are here tonight.  We mourn with you for the fallen.  We join you in your grief.  And we add our faith to yours that Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the other living victims of this tragedy will pull through.  (Applause.)

The full text of the president’s speech here on the White House website.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- A moment of silence observed at the White House for Arizona shooting victims January 10, 2011

President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and the White House staff stood outside in freezing temperatures at 11 a.m. Eastern Time today — to honor the innocent victims of last Saturday’s shooting rampage in Arizona. They were joined in that moment of silence by Americans across the nation.

Photo: www.whitehouse.gov -- President Obama at the White House reacts to the tragic shooting in Arizona January 8, 2011

Remarks by the President on the Shootings in Tucson, Arizona

The White House

THE PRESIDENT:  As many of you are aware, earlier today a number of people were shot in Tucson, Arizona, including several who were meeting at a supermarket with their congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords.  We are still assembling all the facts, but we know that Representative Giffords was one of the victims.  She is currently at a hospital in the area, and she is battling for her life.

We also know that at least five people lost their lives in this tragedy.  Among them were a federal judge, John Roll, who has served America’s legal system for almost 40 years; and a young girl who was barely nine years old.

President Obama’s remarks from the White House website/blog.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama speaks on the phone with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer about the deadly shooting in Tucson today January 8, 2011

Photo: www.whitehouse.gov -- President Obama tapes New Year's Day address at the White House January 1, 2011

Looking out for the middle class, growing the economy, and creating jobs are at the top of President Obama’s to-do list for 2011. Oh, and Obama is vowing to work with anyone –Democrat or Republican — who has a good idea. Here is the full text of the president’s comments today in his weekly address.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
January 1, 2011

Hello, everybody.  As we close the books on one year and begin another, I wanted to take a moment today to wish you a very Happy New Year and talk a little bit about the year that lies ahead.

At the start of 2011, we’re still just emerging from a once-in-a-lifetime recession that’s taken a terrible toll on millions of families.  We all have friends and neighbors trying to get their lives back on track.

We are, however, riding a few months of economic news that suggests our recovery is gaining traction.  And our most important task now is to keep that recovery going.  As President, that’s my commitment to you: to do everything I can to make sure our economy is growing, creating jobs, and strengthening our middle class.  That’s my resolution for the coming year.

Still, even as we work to boost our economy in the short-term, it’s time to make some serious decisions about how to keep our economy strong, growing, and competitive in the long run.  We have to look ahead – not just to this year, but to the next 10 years, and the next 20 years.  Where will new innovations come from?  How will we attract the companies of tomorrow to set up shop and create jobs in our communities?  What will it take to get those jobs?  What will it take to out-compete other countries around the world?  What will it take to see the American Dream come true for our children and grandchildren?

Our parents and grandparents asked themselves those questions.  And because they had the courage to answer them, we’ve had the good fortune to grow up in the greatest nation on Earth.

Now it’s our turn to think about the future.  In a few days, a new Congress will form, with one house controlled by Democrats, and one house controlled by Republicans – who now have a shared responsibility to move this country forward.  And here’s what I want you to know: I’m willing to work with anyone of either party who’s got a good idea and the commitment to see it through.  And we should all expect you to hold us accountable for our progress or our failure to deliver.

As I’ve said since I first ran for this office, solving our challenges won’t be quick or easy.  We have come through a difficult decade; one of new threats and new trials we didn’t expect when it began.  But a new year and a new decade stretch out before us.  And if we just remember what America is capable of, and live up to that legacy, then I’m confident that we are poised for a period of progress – one in which our economy is growing, our standing in the world is rising, and we do what it takes to make sure America remains in the 21st century what it was in the 20th: the greatest country in the world.

Thanks for listening.  And Happy New Year.

#################

President Obama’s address is from the White House website.

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House -- President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama pose for the cameras in front of the Official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room December 5, 2010

 Christmas greetings from the First Couple included a joint message to everyone on this special day.

Remarks of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
December 25, 2010

THE PRESIDENT:  Merry Christmas, everybody.  Michelle and I just wanted to take a moment today to send greetings from our family to yours.

THE FIRST LADY:  This is one of our favorite times of year.  And we’re so fortunate to be able to celebrate it together in this wonderful home.

This is the “People’s House.”  So Barack and I try to open it to as many people as we can, especially during the holiday season.

This month, more than 100,000 Americans have passed through these halls.  And the idea behind this year’s theme, “Simple Gifts,” is that the greatest blessings of all are the ones that don’t cost a thing – the comfort of spending time with loved ones…the freedoms we enjoy as Americans… and the joy we feel upon giving something of ourselves.

So in this time of family, friends, and good cheer; let’s also be sure to look out for those who are less fortunate, who’ve hit a run of bad luck, or who are hungry and alone this holiday season.

THE PRESIDENT:  Because this is the season when we celebrate the simplest yet most profound gift of all: the birth of a child who devoted his life to a message of peace, love, and redemption.  A message that says no matter who we are, we are called to love one another – we are our brother’s keeper, we are our sister’s keeper, our separate stories in this big and busy world are really one. 

The full text of the Obamas’ remarks here on the White House website.

Photo: White House Blog -- 2010 NBA World Champion Los Angeles Lakers and President Obama came together for an afternoon of education and service projects with some Washington DC kids December 13, 2010

The repeat World Champion Los Angeles Lakers went  to the White House to celebrate a championship win last year. So this time around, they did something different to honor their latest accomplishment.

Earlier this month, on December 13, the Lakers visited with members of The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. Part of the time was spent with the kids assembling care packages and writing letters to wounded military men and women, as well as putting together special gift kits for the homeless in DC. For fun, the players and coaches joined with the kids in a skills building game called, “Big Brain Academy Challenge.”

Also, helping sponsor the event, the league’s global social outreach program, NBA Cares.

“The Lakers have a proud tradition of performing community service in the L.A. community, and I’m glad that they took the time to help us during the holiday season here in Washington, D.C. We celebrate that spirit of service off the court — because it’s very hard to do what these guys do on the court, but everybody can serve off the court,” President Obama said later at a ceremony honoring the Lakers.  The full text of the President’s remarks on the White House website.

More on this event in this story on the  Lakers website. You can get updates on the Lakers in the sports section,  in the middle column,  of this blog.

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House --President Obama gets help from mother-in-law Marian Robinson, daughters Sasha abd Malia, as well as First Lady Michelle Obama in pushing the button to light the National Christmas Tree, Washington DC, December 9, 2010

For the 88th time, the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony took place in Washington, DC last night.  The first family had t he honor of pushing the button that lit up a 40-foot Colorado blue spruce.

Photo: Lawrence Jackson/White House --National Christmas Tree shines bright with lights in Washington DC, December 9, 2010

Photo: Pete Souza/White House --Blues master BB King performed , "Merry Christmas Baby," at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Washington, DC, December 9, 2010

 The President commented on the history and the resilience of the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony:

President Obama:

Often, the ceremony itself has reflected the pain and sacrifice of the times. There were years during the Second World War when no lights were hung, in order to save electricity. In the days following Pearl Harbor, Winston Churchill joined President Roosevelt to wish our nation a Happy Christmas even in such perilous days.

But without fail, each year, we have gathered here. Each year we’ve come together to celebrate a story that has endured for two millennia. It’s a story that’s dear to Michelle and me as Christians, but it’s a message that’s universal: A child was born far from home to spread a simple message of love and redemption to every human being around the world.

It’s a message that says no matter who we are or where we are from, no matter the pain we endure or the wrongs we face, we are called to love one another as brothers and as sisters.

And so during a time in which we try our hardest to live with a spirit of charity and goodwill, we remember our brothers and sisters who have lost a job or are struggling to make ends meet. We pray for the men and women in uniform serving in Afghanistan and Iraq and in faraway places who can’t be home this holiday season. And we thank their families, who will mark this Christmas with an empty seat at the dinner table.

On behalf of Malia, Sasha, Michelle, Marian — who’s our grandmother-in-chief — (laughter) -– and Bo — don’t forget Bo — (applause) — I wish all of you a merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season.

The full text of President Obama’s remarks on the White House website here.

Photo: Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Images/Los Angeles Times -- After getting injured in a basketball game, President Obama heads back to the White House with a busted lip in Washington DC, November 26, 2010

President Barack Obama probably has a very sore lip today, after being injured in a pick-up basketball game, with friends and White House aides, at Fort McNair in Washington DC, yesterday. During the game, President Obama got elbowed in the  mouth and had to leave because of a busted lip. A short time later, he reportedly received 12 stitches at the White House.

The Los Angeles Times has a report today on the incident and the player who whacked the president with his elbow.

 Earlier in the week, President Obama had an easier time throwing out high-fives during a food giveaway at Martha’s Table, a community based non-profit in DC. It has become an annual tradition of service for the Obamas who volunteer their time to help others on the day before Thanksgiving.  

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama gives a high-five to a little boy during a food giveaway in Washington DC, November 24, 2010

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House -- President Obama presents the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta at White House ceremony today November 16, 2010

A rare ceremony at the White house today. President Barack Obama presented U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, Salvatore Giunta, with the nation’s highest military award — the Medal of Honor.  Sgt. Giunta is the first living service member from either the Iraq or Afghanistan wars to receive this award.

The Medal of Honor is awarded for “conspicuous gallantry” way beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Giunta doesn’t think he did anything special. President Obama says Giunta comrades’ report of his heroism tell a different story.

President Obama:

“Staff Sergeant Giunta, repeatedly and without hesitation, you charged forward through extreme enemy fire, embodying the warrior ethos that says, “I will never leave a fallen comrade.” Your actions disrupted a devastating ambush before it could claim more lives. Your courage prevented the capture of an American soldier and brought that soldier back to his family. You may believe that you don’t deserve this honor, but it was your fellow soldiers who recommended you for it. In fact, your commander specifically said in his recommendation that you lived up to the standards of the most decorated American soldier of World War II, Audie Murphy, who famously repelled an overwhelming enemy attack by himself for one simple reason: ‘ They were killing my friends.’ ”

President Obama remarks, including some of the harrowing details of Sgt. Guinta’s actions on October 25, 2007, and more on the White House Blog.