Posted on 01/15/2005 5:31:02 PM PST by Wolfstar
President and Mrs. Bush did not make any public appearances today as the prepare for this week's 2nd Inaugural. The President proclaimed Sunday as National Sanctity of Human Life Day and Religious Freedom Day.
Today's Presidential Radio Address dealt with the issue of Social Security. For those interseted in reading the entire transcript (it's not long), click here: whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/01/20050115.html
QUOTE OF THE DAY: When President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act in 1935, the average life expectancy was about 60 years, which meant that most Americans would not live to become eligible for benefits, then set at age 65.
Today, most Americans enjoy longer lives and longer retirements. And that presents a looming challenge. Because Social Security was created as a pay-as-you-go system, current retirees are supported by the taxes paid by current workers. Unfortunately, the ratio of workers to retirees is falling steadily. In the 1950s, there were about 16 workers paying in for each person drawing out. Today, it's about three workers for every beneficiary. And by the time today's workers in their mid 20s begin to retire, there will be just over two.
Presidential Radio Address, Jan. 15, 2005
'Ack, no pics of those losers on the Dose!!!
You broke the rule'
please forgive me...didn't realize it was against the rules for this thread...
someone had said they missed the photoshopped pics of 'the bad man' and that one with cheese and monkeys was too good to be missed!
Isn't it fabulous to know we have a President who can "nudge" someone (like many of us do) and enjoy a good laugh? Shows how relaxed and how much fun this President has, and how much he enjoys people.
In case you didn't know, I just love this President.
And First Lady.
And Barney and Beazley......
And Veep Cheney and his brainy, pretty wife.
And .....well, you get the picture.
Don't you?
Thanks for the info--hopefully it will be at my library tomorrow.
Thanks, snugs. For whatever reason, I had it in my head that the VP was around 61. Given that he's turning 64, he looks wonderful considering his health history. I hope he has many years ahead of him to enjoy these last four years in office, and then enjoy his grandchildren.
Tell me which picture, and I'll try to re-trace my photo
meanderings ..;-)
You're right. GWB is always authentically himself. What the media simply cannot seem to wrap it's collective mind around is the fact that there is no artifice to the man. What you see is what you get, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. He is not a "sophisticate" in the sense they think of the term. He is, instead, a true son of the authentic American heartland.
As for BahBah's special, she's hopeless. But the first couple were fine and the dogs were very cute. They didn't show the accident on the carpet. If it really happened, it was just before BahBah and her crew went into the Oval Office. She walked in and the first thing out of her mouth was the bit about the puppy piddling on the carpet. Personally, I think that was done to embarrass the first couple. As you said, they still don't get it -- and never will.
All that kind of stuff is, is joke bait for our impish President. Mrs. Bush seemed a little put off by BahBah's opening with the puppy piddle, but BahBah's camera crew were smart to focus on the dogs, which softened the moment.
Miss B is only 2 1/2 months old and about as cute as any puppy could be. She's a feisty little one. Did you catch it when the President said it's going to be fun watching that "little girl grow up." He is already totally smitten with that puppy.
You are more correct than you may know, Snugs. The actual swearing in takes place on the Senate floor according to Senate rules. The photos with the VP, the senators and their families are ceremonial only, and are intended as keepsakes for the senators. They send them to extended family, friends and constituents.
Our presidents serve the dual role of head of state (ceremonial head, like your Queen) and the equivalent of your Prime Minister (operational head). In the head of state role he -- and his 2nd in command, the VP -- perform a great many ceremonial duties. Some are pleasant, like when championship sports teams visit the WH. Others must be tedius as can be, such as when they have to stand around having their photos taken with long lines of people for ceremonial purposes.
STARWISE, I love that photo you posted in #152.
And the photo you posted in #153 always touched my heart. The man wears his heart on his sleeve -- and the media think that's "unsophisticated."
I know a lot of people think our Dubya looks a great deal like his dad. I actually think he favors his mother more. I like that photo of him when he was probably in his early 20's. I also like the way his face has aged -- gracefully and with a type of handsomeness that comes with maturity.
Grin...we just had a record 15 consecutive days of rain. Longest consecutive stretch of rain in recorded history for Southern California. But as is typical of this area, now you'd never know it rained. Forecasts call for low 80's in most areas this week.
Thank you for confirming what I thought was probably the case with the photos otherwise it seemed strange why you would have the official ceremony and then the posed photo one. I agree with you some duties must be fun and others tedious
They are beautiful. I'm glad that both the President and Vice President will receive a pair. When VP Cheney retires, the small state of Wyoming is going to have a huge gift of his papers and effects. VP's don't build libraries like presidents do, but their papers are usually donated to a university. I'm not sure if it's been officially decided yet, but I think VP Cheney's will go to the University of Wyoming.
As the most important VP in U.S. history never to become president, Dick Cheney's effects will be a tourist and researcher's magnet.
That shield is great, hoosiermama! Is there a way to buy them?
We've been in a drought for the last few years and would welcome a few days of slow, steady rain . . . well, wait till it's a little warmer so the water can soak in. It was -4 (four BELOW zero)! this AM when I took the car out to warm it out. Low 80's sound perfect to me!
Tell the soldier Wolfstar loves him or her. If I were not over the age that they take enlistees, I'd join up to help win this fight. But since I can't, my eternal gratitude goes to those who are out there representing me.
I agree with you about the Pres. aging gracefully. Some people just look *old* but he is aging gracefully, as are his mom and dad, and of course lovely Laura. Must be their good living. :-)
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