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20/1/15
Watching the State of the Union: What you need to know
Your memo:
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16/1/15
The State of the Union
We're heading to the Capitol this Tuesday, where President Obama will deliver his sixth State of the Union address since taking office in 2009.
Now, the idea of the State of the Union is as old as this nation itself -- it's literally written into the Constitution.
But new technologies have transformed the address from a simple letter to Congress into something that was broadcast over the radio and then over the television -- and the Founding Fathers wouldn't believe how folks are able to watch the speech today.
There, you'll find all kinds of charts and graphics and data that you give a deeper look at the points the President will make in his speech. Because, as citizens, every one of us ought to be as informed as we possibly can about the actions our government takes. That's exactly what this "enhanced" speech does.
You won't just get an opportunity to hear, straight from the President, where we stand as a nation and what this Administration wants to see happen this year -- you'll get context that helps tell the story of where we've been and what these ideas mean for you personally.
It's the same opportunity Americans have been getting for more than 200 years. It just looks a little different now.
Make sure you're watching this Tuesday.
15/1/15
Your memo to the President
For the past several months, staff across the White House have been submitting memos to the President about the State of the Union.
They suggest new policies, share updated data, make recommendations for the year ahead -- and right now, President Obama and our team are going through those memos to figure out what will make the cut for the night of the big speech.
This year, we want you to play a part in that process, too -- and we're doing something we haven't done before. We're going to send a special memo to the President, sharing what the American people would like to see progress in during the time we have left -- and why. We're calling it a "Citizens' Memo."
Here's something a young woman from Tennessee named Caitlin wrote to the President in a letter:
"Things aren't always what you want, but you can make them what you want."
Here's the bottom line: President Obama will act wherever he can to make progress for the American people, but he can't do everything on his own. That's not how democracy works. It's going to take a Congress willing to work together, and American people willing to stand up and fight for the future they'd like to see for this country.
That's what we're doing here. And this isn't just a one-issue, check-a-box question. We want to know why that issue is personal for you, and what you're willing to do to see it get done.
You can do that here -- and we'll make sure the President hears about it.
Thanks,
14/1/15
Important for our students
In this day and age, it's a given that communities need access to the Internet. It's important for our students, and it's important for business. It's how you're reading this email.
Too many communities are struggling to offer the service that a 21st-century economy demands.
President Obama is taking action to help more communities like yours make strategic investments for better broadband access and speed.
13/1/15
Your memo to the President
For the past several months, staff across the White House have been submitting memos to the President about the State of the Union.
They suggest new policies, share updated data, make recommendations for the year ahead -- and right now, President Obama and our team are going through those memos to figure out what will make the cut for the night of the big speech.
This year, we want you to play a part in that process, too -- and we're doing something we haven't done before. We're going to send a special memo to the President, sharing what the American people would like to see progress in during the time we have left -- and why. We're calling it a "Citizens' Memo."
Here's something a young woman from Tennessee named Caitlin wrote to the President in a letter:
"Things aren't always what you want, but you can make them what you want."
Here's the bottom line: President Obama will act wherever he can to make progress for the American people, but he can't do everything on his own. That's not how democracy works. It's going to take a Congress willing to work together, and American people willing to stand up and fight for the future they'd like to see for this country.
That's what we're doing here. And this isn't just a one-issue, check-a-box question. We want to know why that issue is personal for you, and what you're willing to do to see it get done.
You can do that here -- and we'll make sure the President hears about it.
Thanks,
10/1/15
Can you answer this one question?
In less than two weeks, the President will deliver the State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress.
The State of the Union is a tradition that's as old as the presidency itself -- but here's something we haven't always been able to do:
Ask you, the American people, what you'd like to see come out of it.
So tell us: What would you like to see get done in the next two years?
We're putting together a special memo ahead of the speech -- one comprised of the voices of Americans from across the country, sharing that one simple but powerful thought.
Change will take work from every single one of us. So after you respond, share what you're willing to do to help see it through.
Thanks for adding your voice -- we'll be in touch as we get closer to January 20.
3/1/15
The year's best photos:
All year long, official White House photographers are hard at work capturing Presidential moments for the history books.
And at the end of every year, Chief Official White House Photographer Pete Souza chooses the very best -- from tens of thousands of images -- for his Year in Photographs. The collection is full of deeply moving moments -- from the serious and official, to the funny and behind-the-scenes.
You don't want to miss this one: Check out the best images of 2014 and the stories behind them.
31/12/14
With just hours until 2014
2014 has been a big year -- from economic milestones, to once-in-a-lifetime moments from behind the scenes of the presidency. With just hours until 2014 officially comes to a close, now is the time to check out the White House's year in review feature. Check out 2014: The Year in Review. We promise, you won't want to start 2015 until you've seen it. |
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29/12/14
23/12/14
You should know who these women are:
Katherine Johnson. Maria Klawe. Barbara McClintock. If none of those names sound familiar to you, it's time to change that.
Because the groundbreaking, and largely unsung, work and discoveries of these women -- and many more like them -- helped shape modern science. And inspiring more young women to pursue careers in science and technology starts with simply sharing these stories.
Once you do, you can add an untold history of your own, and then make a commitment to honor the legacy of these remarkable women in the best possible way: by encouraging a young woman to pursue a career in science.
Incredible, inspiring stories like these ones can only fade into obscurity if we don't tell them. And the only way we'll see more like them is if we get the word out now.
Let's write these stories back into history permanently so that we can help create more of them.
20/12/14
You still have time to enter
It was mid-December last year when my high school film teacher approached me with the opportunity to contribute to the White House Film Festival -- a tradition they're carrying on again this year.
The title of the festival itself was pretty intimidating, but also extremely exciting. I felt compelled to participate because of the challenge it would present for me, someone devoting her life to filmmaking. Last year's prompt -- technology -- really resonated with me. Without it, I wouldn't be able to make the films I have so far, or gotten the opportunities I've received.
Making my film offered me the chance to enter a world of professionalism that I knew I'd need to be comfortable in if I was to go on to be a filmmaker. It gave me the opportunity to work together with my peers, and to turn to my mentors for advice and guidance.
And here's a little advice for anyone thinking of entering: When planning out a film -- no matter how short or long -- make sure it's founded in real substance. Focus on the point you want to get across, and let the voices and opinions of others fill in the blanks for you.
I'm in college now, so I'm one year past eligible, but I highly encourage other young filmmakers to get involved. Participating in the White House Film Festival gave me opportunities that I could not have dreamed of if I hadn't taken the chance and contributed.
It just might change their lives.
Thank you,
Shelly
18/12/14
The U.S. and Cuba
Yesterday, after more than 50 years, we began to change America's relationship with the people of Cuba.
We are recognizing the struggle and sacrifice of the Cuban people, both in the U.S. and in Cuba, and ending an outdated approach that has failed to advance U.S. interests for decades. In doing so, we will begin to normalize relations between our two countries.
I was born in 1961, just over two years after Fidel Castro took power in Cuba, and just as the U.S. severed diplomatic relations with that country.
Our complicated relationship with this nation played out over the course of my lifetime -- against the backdrop of the Cold War, with our steadfast opposition to communism in the foreground. Year after year, an ideological and economic barrier hardened between us.
That previous approach failed to promote change, and it's failed to empower or engage the Cuban people. It's time to cut loose the shackles of the past and reach for a new and better future with this country.
I want you to know exactly what our new approach will mean.
First, I have instructed Secretary of State John Kerry to immediately begin discussions with Cuba to re-establish diplomatic relations that have been severed since 1961. Going forward, we will re-establish an embassy in Havana, and high-ranking officials will once again visit Cuba.
Second, I have also instructed Secretary Kerry to review Cuba's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism -- a review guided by the facts and the law. At a time when we are focused on threats from ISIL and al Qaeda, a nation that meets our conditions and renounces terrorism should not face such a sanction.
Third, we'll take steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to -- and from -- Cuba. These steps will make it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba. They will make it easier for Americans to conduct authorized trade with Cuba, including exports of food, medicine, and medical products to Cuba. And they will facilitate increased telecommunications connections between our two countries: American businesses will be able to sell goods that enable Cubans to communicate with the United States and other countries.
Learn more about the steps we're taking to change our policy.
These changes don't constitute a reward or a concession to Cuba. We are making them because it will spur change among the people of Cuba, and that is our main objective.
Change is hard -- especially so when we carry the heavy weight of history on our shoulders.
Our country is cutting that burden loose to reach for a better future.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
14/12/14
Do you know who Ada Lovelace is?
A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to visit the U.K. Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing Street. During a tour of the residence, we were shown a painting of an elegantly dressed woman. "Of course, you know Lady Lovelace," we were told.
Imagine our surprise to learn that we were staring at a portrait of the woman who is considered to be the world's first programmer. Our group had never heard of her.
Ada Lovelace's experience remains all too familiar: So many of the breakthrough contributions of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields continue to go untold, too often fading into obscurity.
Then add an untold history of your own, and make a commitment to share these stories in any way you can to help inspire more young women and men to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Women were central in the early teams building the foundation of modern programming. They unveiled the structure of DNA. Their work inspired new environmental movements and led to the discovery of new genes. It's past time to write their stories permanently into history, so they can stand side by side with the extraordinary men like them who have used their technical and innovation skills to bring needed solutions and discoveries to our world.
And here's what's worth noting: Telling and sharing these stories will actively help create more of them in the future.
Research shows us that a key part of inspiring more young people to pursue careers in science and technology is simply sharing the stories of role models like them in these fields who have had a significant impact on our world.
Stories like that of Rosalind Franklin, whose research was essential for revealing the structure of DNA. There's Katherine Johnson, who calculated key flight trajectories during the Space Race. The ENIAC team -- six young women "Computers" who were the first digital programmers in America. Or Navy Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, who first developed computer languages and a compiler to translate them into machine code.
You just might inspire the next Ada Lovelace.
Thanks,
Megan
4/12/14
Following through after Ferguson
Following Michael Brown's tragic death, millions of people across the nation and around the world have focused their attention on unfolding events in Ferguson, both grieving together and making their voices heard.
In recent days, many have been captivated by ongoing developments, anguished emotions, peaceful protests -- and, too often, deeply unfortunate images of unnecessary destruction. And this tragic incident has sparked a necessary, national conversation about the need to ensure trust and build strong relationships between law enforcement officials and the communities they serve.
Events in Ferguson have revealed a deep distrust between a community and its police force. But this reality is not limited to one location. Other communities around this country know this struggle all too well. And it's abundantly clear that every single one of us has a role to play in tackling this problem together, as a nation -- to identify those things that bind us, and to be honest with one another about the things that continue to divide us.
In August, President Obama ordered a review of federal funding and programs that provide equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. Yesterday, the Administration released that review's findings -- and announced key next steps to strengthen the trust in and effectiveness of the policing of our communities.
Learn more about yesterday's announcements, and the findings of the Administration's review.
Here are the next steps we're taking:
- Creating a new task force to promote the expansion of 21st century community-oriented policing.
- Reforming how the federal government equips local law enforcement, particularly with military-style equipment.
- Advancing the use of body-worn cameras and promoting proven community policing initiatives.
I know this has been a difficult time for people in Ferguson, and for many others across the country. It will take time for things to get better. But as I assured Ferguson residents during my visit there, in August, the Obama administration is firmly committed to making the progress we need -- and that all of our citizens deserve.
The changes that the President announced yesterday are exactly the sorts of programmatic steps that will bring the right people together to engage in a constructive, national conversation -- so we can build trust, address persistent concerns, and protect public safety while respecting the rights of every American.
Last Tuesday, addressing the public, the President said, "[to] those who are prepared to work constructively, your President will work with you." I am committed to answering the President's call to see this through -- as are the men and women of the United States Department of Justice.
Thank you,
Eric H. Holder, Jr.
23/11/14
Very few people see the President prepare for a big speech.
He's energetic, but calm. He'll walk over, take a look at the space where he'll be speaking, and sit quietly as he reads through his remarks. Sometimes, he'll make small changes up until the very end.
Last night, we went behind the scenes to capture what that looks like.
The President is acting on his own to help fix our immigration system because he knows this debate deserves something better than politics as usual.
And the plan he laid out last night addresses as much of the problem as he can: It cracks down on illegal immigration at the border; prioritizes the deportation of felons, not families; and increases accountability so that more than 4 million undocumented immigrants have the opportunity to pay taxes and play by the rules.
Learn more about that plan here.
The actions the President is taking are a first step. Congress still has to finish this job -- they could even do it before the end of this year.
2/11/14
Women deserve equal pay:
Women deserve equal pay: Women who work full-time still earn just 78 cents for every dollar that men earn. That's why President Obama supports the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would help women fight for the equal pay they deserve. And that's why President Obama was in Rhode Island today. He spoke about what we can do as a country to help women succeed, saying, "We have to raise our voices to demand that women get paid fairly." So if you agree that women deserve equal pay, here's one of the best ways you can help make it a reality: Forward this email, and share the message on Facebook or Twitter.
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19/10/14
An Ebola update from President Obama
Today, President Obama spoke to the nation about Ebola -- how the Administration is responding, and what you should know.
The Ebola virus is a public health and national security priority, and the President has directed the Administration to continue to take aggressive measures at every level of government.
President Obama reiterated that, while Ebola is a serious disease, Americans need to understand the facts and be guided by the science: Ebola is not easily transmitted. And we know how to fight it.
Have more questions? Here's what public health officials want you to know.
12/10/14
How $10.10 would affect you...
A lot of people are observing October 10 (or 10/10) as National Minimum Wage Day, a day to show support for raising the national minimum wage to $10.10.
But for the millions of hardworking Americans earning the minimum wage, every day is national minimum wage day. Every day, heartbreaking decisions that no one should have to make. Do I pay rent or fix the car? Do I go without this meal so my kids can have more to eat?
If raising the minimum wage seems like a no-brainer, that's because it is. And a new whiteboard video from the White House spells it out -- in less than 2 minutes.
The current national minimum wage of $7.25 just doesn't cut it. Not when its value has been eroded by inflation. Not when it buys about 20 percent less than it did when President Reagan took office in 1981.
Raising the minimum wage isn't just the right thing to do to strengthen families -- it's the smart thing to do to strengthen businesses: People would have more money to spend on goods and services. Businesses would see higher productivity and lower worker turnover, too. Without costing taxpayers a single penny.
I've traveled around the country to meet and talk with people who would benefit from a higher minimum wage. People like Austraberta, a 71-year-old grandmother from Texas who's worked as a janitor for more than 30 years -- and still is barely making ends meet.
She said a few more dollars per hour "would be incredible."
That may not seem like much to some. But for Austraberta, it would mean more food on the table, and the hope for a brighter future for her family.
In America, in 2014, we should be able to make that possible for everyone in our country.
And we can:
Right now, there's a bill before Congress that would raise the national minimum wage to $10.10 -- without any new taxes or new spending. And not only would it help workers survive, it would help the whole economy grow.
Make sure to watch the new whiteboard video, and share it with anyone that needs to see it.
A Millennial explains it all:
If you’re known as a "Millennial," you're a child of the digital age. You've traded in dial-up for wi-fi, nighttime dramas for Netflix, and DVDs (or even VHS tapes) for downloads. You still haven’t given up on vinyl.
But what many don’t realize is that "Millennials" -- the tech-savvy, innovative generation that we are -- are also already making an impact on our country's future.
The White House Council of Economic Advisers just finished a deep-dive into the Millennial generation to paint a picture of who we are, the challenges we face, and the role we'll play in building America's 21st century economy.
Given the way many of us like to consume our news, here's a breakdown of the key points from the report that you need to know -- in list form, of course. (But if you’re old school, you can read the full report here.)
- We are now the largest, most diverse generation in the U.S.
- We're shaped by technology, we value creativity, and we’re innovative (see also: Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr).
- More of us are going to college, especially women. But when you couple that with rising tuition, we are left with an ever-increasing share of the student loan debt burden.
- Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, we are much more likely to have health insurance without being job-locked (which means we can pursue that start-up idea we keep telling people about).
- We are moving into urban areas and we’re paying rent. We’re less likely to own a home during our 20s than previous generations.
Coming of age during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression means that young Americans face certain obstacles on the path forward. But no generation is better equipped to overcome them.
That is why President Obama is championing policies that will help unleash the creative energy of young Americans so we can break into new sectors of our economy and develop new enterprises.
The President has increased support for higher education and is giving nearly 5 million Americans the chance to cap student loan payments at 10 percent of their income. He is pushing Congress to pass fair pay legislation and to raise the national minimum wage. He created initiatives to connect more Americans to the internet and empower innovation.
Whether acting with Congress or on his own where he can, the President will continue to invest in our teachers and schools, make education more affordable and accessible, build on our technology boom, expand health coverage and homeownership, and train every hardworking American with the skills they need to find a job they want.
