Posted on 01/03/2005 3:07:17 PM PST by GretchenM
President and Mrs. Bush, former Presidents Bush and Clinton visited the embassies of the nations hardest hit by the Asian quake and tsunami: Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. He asked both (interestingly, Carter didn't make the list) to lead a nationwide charitable fund-raising effort for victims of the Asian tsunamis, through private contributions, non-governmental and international organizations. The White House's Freedom Corps, which helps facilitate volunteer efforts around the country, will assist the two former presidents in soliciting private contributions.
The president hosted a reception for new members elected to Congress and their spouses in the East Room; the swearing-in is tomorrow.
Alert: today's thread is laced with photos of The Impeached One. Other than that, enjoy your visit to Sanity Island!
Quotes: (to the Congressmen-elect) "I look forward to your energy and your ideas. I'm ready to work with you. And there's no doubt in my mind we can accomplish big things for our country."
"We want the Indian government, the Indian people to know that we'll help in any way we can. I've asked President Clinton and President Bush to lead an effort to raise private contributions to go to the families of those who have suffered, and to help provide food, medicine, water, shelter, whatever the Indian government thinks is necessary."
At the Indonesian embassy: "It's our honor to come today to pay our respects for those in Indonesia who suffered under this tremendous disaster. I appreciate the former Presidents joining me. I'm proud Laura is here, too, as we sign the condolence book."
"I'm so grateful that both President Bush and President Clinton have taken time out of their busy schedules to not only serve as a catalyst for people to give money to help, but also to join me and Laura in paying our deepest respects to those nations that have been affected by the tsunamis."
Addressing a reception for new members of Congress and their spouses in the East Room
Hello, how are you?
Dose going up!
Please wait to post or repost photos till the All Clear!
I'm having cable installed as I do this so there may be pauses.
Good evening, G. I watched the talk to the new members today and enjoyed it.
Good evening
I see we have a new flightsuit pic...too bad it's LT Dan.....thanks for the dose.
Thanks for the DOSE Gretchen. I've MISSED it!
There's a thread with a pic of Dan Rather in a FLIGHTSUIT! LOL!
I won't post it, but I'll link it if anyone wants a good, disgusting laugh. :o)
Good afternoon and Happy New Year.
Just in time for under 10?
Congratulations, MamaB! I'm fine and really glad to have cable (signed up on a deal).
Good evening trust you had a good new year
Top Ten!
Not! Rrrrr....
Hello! Top 10?
Signing condolences book at Indian embassy
Announcing the two former presidents as ambassadors to raise donations for tsunami victims' relief
Glad to hear you will have cable at long last what stations will you be able to view?
With Sri Lankan Ambassador Devinda Subasinghe 
Anyone notice a similarity in how 41 and 43 write their names?
I was in Tennessee so I didn't have to watch our 20 inches of beautiful snow melt. It just disappeared as we travelled south.
Now it's raining and disgusting! Such is an Ohio winter. Sigh.........
How have you and your family been?
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