[silent_jonny]

Quote of the Day:

President Bush: The time for action is now. This is a difficult period for millions of American families. Every extra dollar they have to spend because of high gas prices is one less dollar they can use to put food on the table, or to pay the rent, or meet their mortgages. The American people are rightly frustrated by the failure of Democratic leaders in Congress to enact common-sense solutions -- like the development of the oil resources on the Outer Continental Shelf.

There are now just a couple of days left before Congress leaves for its August recess. Legislation to open up this offshore exploration is pending in both the House and the Senate -- all Democratic leaders have to do is allow a vote. They should not leave Washington without doing so.

Photo of the Day:

President George W. Bush embraces members of the African Children's Choir Wednesday, July 30, 2008, thanking them for their musical performance at the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper

[ConorMacNessa]

Good evening.

[silent_jonny]

Dose Ping!

Please Pray for President Bush

Please wait for the "All Clear" before posting or reposting pictures and graphics.

[silent_jonny]

President George W. Bush walks out of the West Wing to join his Cabinet Members to make a statment telling congress to open up the outer continentinel shelf to new oil drilling before the August recess on July 30, 2008 in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC.

[silent_jonny]

President George W. Bush speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House about the economy and energy reserves after a Cabinet meeting July 30, 2008.

President Bush: Good morning. I just finished a good Cabinet meeting, and I want to thank the members of my Cabinet for serving our country. We discussed the challenges facing our economy, amongst other things, and we spent time on the high gasoline prices. Every one of our citizens who drives to work or runs a small business is feeling the squeeze of rising prices at the pump, and they expect their elected leaders in Washington to take some common-sense action.

To reduce pressure on prices, we need to increase the supply of oil -- especially here at home. So in June, I called on Congress to lift the legislative ban that prevents offshore exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf. Unfortunately, Democratic leaders in Congress have refused to allow a vote. And now Congress is about to leave for its August recess without taking any action on this vital priority for the American people.

[Kaslin]

Great photo of the day.

[silent_jonny]

President George W. Bush makes a statement with members of his Cabinet in the Rose Garden at the White House July 30, 2008 in Washington, DC. Bush demanded that Congress lift the ban on off-shore oil exploration of the outer continental shelf before taking their summer recess.

President Bush: There is now a growing agreement across our country that the government should permit the exploration and development of these offshore oil resources.

Exploration of the OCS would increase our supply of oil here at home. Experts believe that currently restricted areas of the OCS could eventually produce up to about 18 billion barrels of oil. That's almost 10 years' worth of America's current oil production.

Exploration of the OCS would also create jobs for our citizens. Yesterday, I visited the Lincoln Electric Company in Cleveland, Ohio -- it's a business that produces welding products used for offshore exploration. If Congress were to permit exploration of the OCS, it would mean jobs at businesses such as these. American drivers on -- are counting on Congress to lift the ban on offshore exploration -- and so are American workers.

[silent_jonny]

President George W. Bush with his Cabinet Members and Vice President Dick Cheney makes a statment telling Congress to open up the outer continentinel shelf to new oil drilling before the August recess on July 30, 2008 in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC.

[silent_jonny]

Left to right: Chief of Staff Josh Bolten, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, OMB Director Jim Nussle, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and Attorney General Michael Mukasey.

President Bush: Bringing OCS resources online is going to take time -- and that means that the need for congressional action is urgent. So I've lifted the executive restrictions on offshore exploration.

I've done my part. And that means the only thing now standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is the United States Congress.

The sooner Congress lifts the ban, the sooner we can get this oil from the ocean floor to your gas tank.

Some members of Congress say they object to exploration of the OCS, but they are in favor of other actions -- such as taking oil out of the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Well, if you agree that we need more oil, it makes no sense to say you're for draining our nation's limited Strategic Reserve, but against tapping into the vast resources of the Outer Continental Shelf.

[silent_jonny]

Pictured are: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Vice President Dick Cheney (behind President Bush), Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake, Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt, Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer, Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston, Director of the National Drug Control Policy John Walters, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Chief of Staff Josh Bolten, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, OMB Director Jim Nussle, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and Attorney General Michael Mukasey.

President Bush: The time for action is now. This is a difficult period for millions of American families. Every extra dollar they have to spend because of high gas prices is one less dollar they can use to put food on the table, or to pay the rent, or meet their mortgages. The American people are rightly frustrated by the failure of Democratic leaders in Congress to enact common-sense solutions -- like the development of the oil resources on the Outer Continental Shelf.

There are now just a couple of days left before Congress leaves for its August recess. Legislation to open up this offshore exploration is pending in both the House and the Senate -- all Democratic leaders have to do is allow a vote. They should not leave Washington without doing so.

Thank you very much.

[silent_jonny]

President George W. Bush waves to reporters after making a statement with members of his Cabinet in the Rose Garden at the White House July 30, 2008 in Washington, DC.

[silent_jonny]

President Bush, left, walks with first lady Laura Bush to a signing ceremony for the United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 in the East Room of the White House Wednesday, July 30, 2008, in Washington.

President George W. Bush is introduced to the podium by Mrs. Laura Bush Wednesday, July 30, 2008 in the East Room of the White House, prior to signing H.R. 5501, the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

Mrs. Bush: Welcome, everyone, to the White House. Thank you all very much for coming for this signing of the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008.

I'm so glad you all are here. Americans can be proud that our country is leading the efforts against global HIV/AIDS. And I'm proud of my husband's leadership in launching the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. (Applause.)

… Millions worldwide face the daily reality of illness and death caused by HIV/AIDS. These men, women, and children have now found new courage knowing this: that those who are orphaned, those who are sick, those who have been abandoned will always have a friend in the people of the United States.

That is the commitment that PEPFAR has made -- and it's a commitment that we reaffirm today.

Now, the man who began this work of compassion more than five years ago: my husband, President George W. Bush. (Applause.)

[silent_jonny]

First lady Laura Bush (R) looks toward her husband, U.S. President George W. Bush, while praising his work before he signs the United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 in the East Room of the White House July 30, 2008 in Washington, DC.

[silent_jonny]

President George W. Bush is applauded as he addresses his remarks Wednesday, July 30, 2008 in the East Room of the White House, prior to signing of H.R. 5501, the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008. White House photo by Eric Draper

President Bush: Thank you. Thank you for the kind introduction. (Laughter.) And welcome to the White House for what has got to be an historic and joyous day.

I am about to sign the United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008, and I'm looking forward to it. (Laughter.) This Act is -- it's going to save millions of people, and it's -- honors the memory of two great leaders: Tom Lantos and Henry Hyde. And we're proud members of their families are here. And I'm looking forward to you all joining us when we sign the bill.

This bill embodies the extraordinary compassion of the American people. We are a compassionate nation. And that's what this bill says loud and clear. I want to thank everybody who's helped make this bill possible.

[silent_jonny]

Agnes Nyamayarow bows to applause before U.S. President George W. Bush signs the United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 in the East Room of the White House July 30, 2008 in Washington, DC. A native of Uganda, Nyamayarow is HIV positive and her husband and son both died of AIDS. Now she travels promoting anti-HIV/AIDS programs.

Mohamed Kalyesubula waves to acknowledge applause before U.S. President George W. Bush signs the United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 in the East Room of the White House July 30, 2008 in Washington, DC. A native of Uganda, Kalyesubula was near death from complications with AIDS when he recieved help from the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

President Bush: Defeating HIV/AIDS once and for all will require an unprecedented investment over generations. But it is an investment that yields the best possible return: saved lives. One of these lives belongs to Agnes Nyamayarwo. Agnes lost her husband and son to AIDS, and is HIV positive herself. Yet with the support from PEPFAR, Agnes has turned her grief into action. She has traveled the world educating others about this disease. I want to thank you for coming, Agnes. Thank you for coming all the way from Uganda. (Applause.)

Mohamad Kalyesubula is with us -- not yet, Mohamad. (Laughter.) Hold your applause. (Laughter.) Stay right there. (Laughter.)

By the time Mohamad was diagnosed, he had been bed-ridden for an entire year with HIV/AIDS. His immune system was almost wiped out. Yet antiretroviral treatment he received at a clinic supported by PEPFAR has helped his health improve. He now supports six children with money he earns at the clinic caring for others with HIV. I met him my first trip to Africa shortly after his diagnosis. He told me he had a dream, which was to come to the White House. (Laughter.) Here you are, brother. Welcome. (Applause.)

Agnes and Mohamad are proof of what many in Africa call the Lazarus effect: Communities once given up for dead are brought back to life. Today we pray that God will comfort those who suffer and mourn. We pray that he will guide those who carry out this initiative's life-saving work. And we ask for his blessings on each of you here today, and the United States of America.

HIV/AIDS activist Mohamed Kalyesubula of Uganda waves to acknowledge the applause of guests, joined by fellow HIV/AIDS activist nurse Agnes Nyamayarwo of Uganda, left, both honored by President George W. Bush Wednesday, July 30, 2008 in the East Room of the White House, at the signing ceremony of H.R. 5501, the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

[silent_jonny]

President George W. Bush is joined by Annette Lantos, right, and invited guests Wednesday, July 30, 2008 in the East Room of the White House, as he signs H.R. 5501, the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

[STARWISE]

” And the bald-headed guy on the end — (laughter) — not you, Biden, but — “ (laughter) [LOL!]

~ ~ ~

Oh, jonny ... that was priceless, and so are YOU!
Thank you for your hard work on this great Dose!
The picture with the kids is precious... such a
humble and caring man.

He’s simply the best, shoes that cannot be filled
by anyone of whom I’m currently aware.

Look at how Laura looks at him ......... *sniff*

[silent_jonny]

President Bush, right, kisses Annette Lantos, center, widow of Rep. Tom Lantos, after signing the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global leadership against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 in a ceremony of the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 30, 2008, in Washington. On the right is Bob Hyde, son of the late Rep. Henry Hyde.

President George W. Bush shakes hands with Sen. Plugs Biden (D-DE)... He'll need this ^

[snugs]

Thanks for the dose and what a gorgeous opening photo

[silent_jonny]

Mrs. Laura Bush meets members of the African Children's Choir Wednesday, July 30, 2008, prior to their musical performance at the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper

President George W. Bush embraces members of the African Children's Choir Wednesday, July 30, 2008, thanking them for their musical performance at the White House. [I couldn’t find any photos of their performance :-/] White House photo by Eric Draper

President George W. Bush (L) shakes hands with co-sponsor and US Congressman Donald Payne (C), D-NJ, as they walk through African Children's Choir after signing H.R. 5501, the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 at the White House in Washington, DC, July 30, 2008.

[silent_jonny]

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, right, meets with the United Nations envoy to Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, at the State Department in Washington, Wednesday, July 30, 2008.