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11 Nov 2010 09:42

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Politics: Obama: Skip the politics, let’s listen to fiscal commission’s ideas

  • Before anybody starts shooting down proposals, I think we need to listen, we need to gather up all the facts. If people are, in fact, concerned about spending, debt, deficits and the future of our country, then they’re going to need to be armed with the information about the kinds of choices that are going to be involved, and we can’t just engage in political rhetoric.
  • President Barack Obama • Offering firm – but vague – support for his fiscal commission’s work. An early version if his report was released yesterday, and it specifically made Democrats very angry (and Republicans as well, over proposed massive defense cuts). Obama’s point? Let’s look at their ideas, avoid the politics and start talking about what makes most sense. That said, though, Obama’s not offering specifics until he sees the full report, which isn’t coming along until December 1. Plus, he’s in Seoul, not DC. source

21 Oct 2010 10:27

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U.S.: U.S., Saudi Arabia: Let’s make a (massive ongoing weapons) deal!

  • $60
    million
    the size of the weapons contract the U.S. plans to sign with the Saudi government
  • 20
    years
    the length of said contract; the U.S. is signing it to help protect its security and economic interests source
  • Will Congress object to the deal? If Congress has any issues with the deal (which includes upgrading older equipment, along with new F-15s and helicopters) they have 30 days to raise them. A senate panel has already been given the tip-off.

09 Aug 2010 21:00

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U.S.: Robert Gates does the unthinkable: He proposes cutbacks

  • 10% cut in Defense Department contractors proposed source
  • 3,000 jobs could disappear thanks to the massive contractor cuts and other proposed cuts
  • $530B the size of the Defense Department’s budget, which usually increases 2-3 percent yearly
  • 1% the amount the budget will increase next year, which is why they need to make cuts

24 May 2010 22:00

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U.S.: Obama nails down a compromise on “don’t ask, don’t tell”

  • first Lawmakers will vote on a repeal of the Clinton-era “gays in the military” policy, as part of a compromise Obama worked out.
  • second If it passes, the Defense Department will do a study of its effect on troops. Then, if it’s feasible, it’ll go through. Not bad, bro. source

24 Nov 2009 23:29

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U.S.: Not a good month to be an Obama staffer tied to Gitmo

  • first Gregory Craig, who was in charge of policy for detainees, left the White House. Time has a great article about his downfall here.
  • second Phillip Carter, a Defense Department official in charge of closing Guantanamo, resigned for “personal reasons.” Hmm. source