Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2013

GREEK  INDEPENDENCE  DAY: A NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION OF

GREEK AND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, 2013

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Each year, America celebrates Greek Independence Day to strengthen the bonds between the birthplace of democracy and the world's oldest republic. We recognize the enduring contributions of Greek Americans, woven into the fabric of our national life. And we reflect on the ancient Hellenic principles that inspired our Founders to vest the powers of government in the hands of the people.

In both America and Greece, we are inheritors to great republics, entrusted to safeguard the ideals that make representative government work. Our peoples have learned that democracy flourishes when we respect our differences, hold fast to the principles that unite us, and move forward with common purpose. It is a legacy lived by generations of Greek Americans, who for centuries have helped write proud chapters in our country's history and continue to enrich the character of our Nation.

Today, we congratulate Greece, a valued NATO ally, as it commemorates the 192nd anniversary of its independence, and we pledge our continued solidarity as the country works to rebuild its economy. In the face of hardship, America stands with the people of Greece, confident they can meet the challenges of the 21st century while upholding their ancient ideals.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2013, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

AMERICAN GREEK COMMUNITY SUPPORTS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

...Fed up, disgusted, and pissed off, from Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's many references to Greece, its people, and the hellenic civilization, as a bankrupt nation in Tampa, Florida, and the privatization of medical insurance+ not to mention throwing America, and the women's liberation movement back to the Dark Ages of 1930's by refusing to women who are victims of rape and incest the right to abortion- the American Greek community strongly supports president Barack Obama.

BARACK OBAMA SALUTES RAY BRADBURY

Ray Bradbury died today, but writers around the world are reflecting on this great author’s legacy. President, science fiction fan and author Barack Obama shared this tribute:

For many Americans, the news of Ray Bradbury’s death immediately brought to mind images from his work, imprinted in our minds, often from a young age.  His gift for storytelling reshaped our culture and expanded our world.  But Ray also understood that our imaginations could be used as a tool for better understanding, a vehicle for change, and an expression of our most cherished values.  There is no doubt that Ray will continue to inspire many more generations with his writing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

William Morrow will publish Shadow Show: All-New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradburyin July, a tribute to this great science fiction writer. In a spooky coincidence, Neil Gaimanrecorded the audiobook version of his contribution yesterday, “The Man Who Forgot Ray Bradbury.”

The book also includes work by Dave Eggers, Joe Hill, Audrey Niffenegger, Margaret Atwood and Alice Hoffman.

Sam Weller, one of the book’s editors and the author of The Bradbury Chronicles: The Life of Ray Bradbury posted this message: “I’ll never see you again. I’ll never see you again. I’ll never see you again. The problem with death, you once said to me, is that ‘it is so damned permanent.’ I will miss you dear man, mentor, father, friend. I type these words through heavy tears. I thank you for 12 glorious years of life, learning and laughter. You have blessed me and my family beyond measure, and for that, I thank you. I LOVE YOU.”

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/writers-pay-tribute-to-ray-bradbury-in-upcoming-collection_b52634

FORMER US PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON: "IF OUR OPPONENT SUCCEEDS, SO MUCH OF WHAT WE'VE FOUGHT SO HARD FOR WILL BE ROLLED BACK"....

I've been in President Obama's shoes before -- less than six months to go before an election to let you finish what you started. It was tough enough back then, but this election is going to be tougher.

We're facing a tidal wave of anonymous, unlimited spending. The other side has pledged to throw more than 1 billion dollars into tearing down our president.

It's unprecedented.

Fortunately, so is the grassroots organization you're building.

Pitch in what you can today to strengthen the campaign -- and you'll be automatically entered to join me and President Obama in New York City, with the campaign covering transportation and accommodations.

If our opponent succeeds, so much of what we've fought so hard for will be rolled back. Health care reform -- which many presidents, including me, tried to pass and couldn't -- will be gone. Same goes for the opportunity for millions more Americans to afford to go to college, and a growing economy that works for middle-class families.

Our opponent is actually advertising a more extreme version of the policies that got us in trouble in the first place: policies that will leave us with more debt, weaker regulations on risky investments, and fewer jobs.

All of that's at stake between now and November, but here's why I'm feeling good about our chances: I know people like you have the President's back.

And I can't wait to meet you. I hope you'll give it a shot:

https://donate.barackobama.com/Presidents

Thanks, and good luck,

Bill Clinton

UNITED STATES PRSIDENT BARACK OBAMA ON HELLENIC INDEPENDENCE DAY 191st ANNIVESARY (MARCH 25)

...AND A STATEMENT FROM THE AMERICAN HELLENIC COUNCIL OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Dear Hellenes & Philhellenes,  Today (March 25th) marks the 191 st anniversary from the timeMetropolitan Germanos raised the Greek revolutionary flag at the Monastery of Aghia Lavra in Kalavryta. The past few years have been tough for Greece. As Greek Prime Minister Papademos said, Greece is facing the largest crisis since 1974. In the past few months, Hellenism stood at the brink of its fourth tragedy since the end of World War II; the first was the Civil War, the second was the 1967 Junta, and the third was Cyprus. The history of the modern Hellenic Republic has been turbulent, to say the least, with its fair share of both pain and triumphs.  There are a variety of reasons that one can argue brought the country to where it is today, but today is a day to be proud and hopeful,  a day to look forward and pledge to work hard (whether in Greece or abroad) to make Greece what Kolokotronis, Ypsilantis,Byron, Feraios, Makrygiannis, Kapodistrias, and other worthy leaders of the past once dreamed of. Happy Greek Independence Day! The Board of Directors The American Hellenic Council

GREAT EXPECTATIONS. LESS THAN THREE DAYS TO GO!

Arianna Huffington: In one week, the U.S. Constitution will be front and center as Barack Obama solemnly swears to "preserve, protect, and defend" it. Given all that has happened over the last eight years, that oath is not nearly as pro-forma as it used to be. During his final press conference yesterday, President Bush said that when it came time "to protect the homeland" he would "worry about the Constitution of the United States." It wasn't clear, as it hasn't been for most of his time in office, whether his concern was directed at upholding the document or circumventing it. So one of the questions facing the new president is: Will his promise to protect and defend the Constitution include an investigation into the assaults on it perpetrated by members of the Bush administration?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

BE THE CHANGE...

"THIS IS OUR MOMENT, THIS IS OUR TIME..."

(Από πάνω προς τα κάτω...)

1) Ινδονησία, Τζακάρτα.

2) Ομπάμα (η πόλη), Ιαπωνία.
3) Αθήνα, Ελλάδα.

4) Συγκινημένη η αδερφή του δολοφονημένου Μάρτιν Λούθερ Κινγκ. "Εχω ένα όνειρο...", είπε ο αδικοχαμένος πολιτικός ηγέτης σαράντα χρόνια πριν. Ο Ομπάμα το έκανε πραγματικότητα.

5) Ιερουσαλήμ, Ισραήλ.

FIRST HAND ANALYSIS ON OBAMA'S VICTORY....

(...) In the first election of the 21st century decided by the end of Election Day, Democratic Senator Barack Obama was elected President, beating Republican Senator John McCain. Obama, 47, is the United States of America's first black president. Despite his race, despite his being a liberal Midwestern Senator running with an east coast Democratic Senator, despite running against an incredibly well-respected and admired Republican with great independent voter appeal (at least back in the day), Obama took it decisively.
It was a good year for Democrats, what with the economy melting down and the last dying breaths of the miserable presidency of universally despised Republican president George W. Bush, but it did look, for minute, like it might be another close one. If, for example, Hillary Clinton had won the Democratic nomination, as it was predicted she would last year, we probably would've seen a repeat of the "50+1" strategy of fighting the election only in two or three "swing states" (Kerry states + Ohio = victory!), and probably another 49/48 popular vote split. But Obama fought in "red states" like Indiana and much of the mountainous southwest. The map expanded, and stupid Ohio and Florida were justifiably stripped of a great deal of their terrible importance. Obama finally won with more than 50 percent of the popular vote, the first time a Democrat managed that feat in a generation.
Obama ended up a much stronger candidate than even his early partisans could've predicted, with a calm, intelligent, cool demeanor. That demeanor got him labeled a stuffy egghead early on, especially when contrasted with Hillary Clinton's newfound fiery populism, but in a time of great upheaval, "appearing presidential" suddenly looked good. And he looked presidential in three debates, while his opponent, John McCain, sputtered and shouted and, in Joe Biden's memorable words, "lurched" around the stage of the town hall.

Text by Pareene.

Image: (c) Jana Kohl and Robert Sebree,

http://www.ararebreedoflove.com/,

used with permission from (c) holder.

CHANGE FOR AMERICA...

A NEW CHAPTER FOR USA STARTS TODAY...

WOULD YOU TRUST THE FUTURE OF YOUR CHILDREN TO THESE TWO CLOWNS OF POLITICS? NOT IN THIS LIFE...

McCAIN'S OBAMA DEBATE NOTES....

http://www.vanityfair.com

SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN AT LAST NIGHT'S PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE...

...warned that America-if he's elected-is going to attack everybody from China, to North Korea, to Iran in order to "liberate" them from themselves and give his financial ponsors disguised as "independent contractors" billions of dollars from taxpayers' money. But he forgot to let us know how he's going to fight financial poverty in USA. Most essentially how he's going to give Americans back their financial freedom and the homes they lost due to greedy Wall Street's subprime house of cards that resulted in thousands of foreclosures from East to West coast.