Posted on 04/21/2009 3:46:32 PM PDT by Freedom56v2
By ANN SANNER, Associated Press Writer Ann Sanner, Associated Press Writer – 6 mins ago
WASHINGTON – Calling on Americans to volunteer, President Barack Obama signed a $5.7 billion national service bill Tuesday that triples the size of the AmeriCorps service program over the next eight years and expands ways for students to earn money for college. "What this legislation does, then, is to help harness this patriotism and connect deeds to needs," said Obama, a former community organizer in Chicago.
"It creates opportunities to serve for students, seniors and everyone in between," he said. "And it is just the beginning of a sustained, collaborative and focused effort to involve our greatest resource — our citizens — in the work of remaking this nation."
Joining Obama was Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who has been battling brain cancer. Kennedy championed the legislation with Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and the bill was named in honor of the Massachusetts Democrat.
Kennedy told the audience that included former President Bill Clinton, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former first lady Rosalyn Carter that Obama's efforts echoed those of his late brother, President John F. Kennedy.
"Today, another young president has challenged another generation to give back to their nation," Kennedy said, citing his brother's advocacy for the Peace Corps.
The service law expands ways for students and seniors to earn money for college through their volunteer work. It aims to foster and fulfill people's desire to make a difference, such as by mentoring children, cleaning up parks or buildings and weatherizing homes for the poor.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
That’s my point—volunteers do not get paid. This is the first step towards being snatched off the street and made to fight in the monkeys third country regime against anyone who would protest his “policies”.
5.7 Billion...wow...Just heard Jeb Hensarling (Republ. House Study Group) stating the total amount that has been spent is 12.8 triiiilllion—when will it end???!
screw obama !!!i’m not one of his lil commies
...said Obama, a former community organizer in Chicago.
LOL, and they taut that as a good thing, and it was his only qualification to be president.
Oh My!
My husband is in his 66th year and works every day that the Lord sends, just about. I suppose I’m semi-retired at 62, but I’m not able at this particular time to volunteer for outside work beyond what I already have to do in the scheme of things just keeping things going around our house and office.
The only service to our nation I will be a part of is to have this usurper removed from office and prosecuted for what he is doing to our country!
Firefly!!!!
I would like to see the zero try to tell Mel to go and do mandatory “volunteer” service, ah!
Orin Hatch is pushing this crap,too?What a puke,he needs his ass voted out.Fat Teddy won’t fade away quietly,I’m sorry,I don’t feel bad about his condition either.I don’t care if that makes me mean spirited .He’s a national disgrace along with the rest of the whole rotten bunch.That includes John McCain who I know backs this also.
I've read the newly signed bill in its entirety out of concern. It is not a horrible bill and is so over-loaded with rules and conditions that I see very little coming of it.
The only genuinely disturbing language allows for acorn-type organizations to receive $1-10 million in annual grants.
HR1444 though is truly fascistic and bears close watching.
Paying people to volunteer makes it just a job.
Nothing wrong with working a job, mind you. But that’s just what it is.
Glorying these new jobs as “volunteer opportunities” is just spin.
The real questions are whether or not (1)these new jobs are the business of the federal government in the first place and (2) if so, are the taxpayers going to get a good value for the billions being put out for the work?
The answer to (1) is no and to (2) is hell no. Afterall, if the people would already be hired and on the payroll if the work was needed.
It is very frustrating because the Republicans supporting this will not acknowledge the dark side of this bill. They have to know what the ramifications are, but don’t seem to care?! :(
Yep! "Harness" as in "restrict", "restrain", or "control".
Paying people to volunteer makes it just a job.
Nothing wrong with working a job, mind you. But that’s just what it is.
Glorying these new jobs as “volunteer opportunities” is just spin.
The real questions are whether or not (1)these new jobs are the business of the federal government in the first place and (2) if so, are the taxpayers going to get a good value for the billions being put out for the work?
The answer to (1) is no and to (2) is hell no. Afterall, if the people would already be hired and on the payroll if the work was needed.
If you go read the bills (which have been linked to in previous FR posts) these “volunteer opportunities seem to also be opportunities for indoctrination. Also, they are not jobs if they become mandatory...another issue explored in the bill.
I perform my national service every April 15th...
It is very important to make it clear from the very start that anyone who associates with this monstrosity should be social outcasts.
AmeriCorps must be equated with a “go away!” and a horrified door slam in the face. “We don’t want your kind here!” is the statement.
These people must be abhorred and shunned like they had a loathsome and contagious disease they are offering to spread. Especially children and teenagers need to feel social rejection because of their membership.
“We retain the right to refuse service to AmeriCorps.”
“We do not hire AmeriCorps.”
“AmeriCorps in UnAmerican.”
I perform my national service every April 15th...
5.56mm
I’m scratching my nose with that same digit.
NEVER!!! YOU @#!%^&
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