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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Daily Political Wire

George Wenschhof

Will Latest Jobs Proposal From Obama Work? - the answer for the short term is unlikely. It is a mix of tax cuts for businesses and more spending on infrastructure. The Washington post has more details here.

I have been calling for several years now for a real jobs program.

What is needed is a nationwide federally funded public service employment program to put the unemployed back to work now in areas which have been hot the hardest by the lingering recession. As one who previously administered the federally funded Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), this is a program which will work to immediate put many of the unemployed to work.

In fact, a requirement should be for those receiving unemployment benefits that they must register for the new public service employment program and once employed through the program their unemployment benefits would end.

This results in a win-win for all involved as work is being performed in a much needed public service area.

This would be a modern version of the Civilian Conservation Corps signed into law by President Roosevelt in 1933 which lasted until 1942. The CCC was responsible for putting the unemployed back to work following the Great Depression.

The model for today would include all public service areas to include municipal government and nonprofit organizations which have been hit the hardest by the recession. The rebuilding of the nation's infrastructure would be a perfect fit for this program.

Senate Democrats Want Cash From Obama Campaign - worried they will not be able to raise the funds they need in what promises to be a spirited and heavily contested reelection effort next year.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has already requested 10 million from the Democratic National Committee and the Obama reelection campaign. Politico.com has more here.

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Only 26% Approve of Obama's Handling of The Economy - a new Gallup poll shows the effect the dismal economy is having on the president. Gallup.com has more here.

In spite of this, Obama continues to beat Republican candidates in polls, reflecting the weakness of the Republican field.

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AFL-CIO Stands with Obama -
although they have disagreed on some issues, the AFL-CIO political director said they will support President Obama's reelection effort. TheHill.com has more here.

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Attacks in Israel leave at Least 6 Dead - early reports indicate gunmen opened fire in a variety of locations near the Egypt-Israel border with one incident a firing on a bus loaded with passengers. Reuters.com has more here.

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Obama To call For Syrian President To Step Down -
the NY Times is reporting President Obama will make a statement calling for president Bashar al-Assad to step down amidst the brutal government crackdown against protesters.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will announce new U.S. sanctions against Syria today. The NY Times has more here.

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"I Am Not a Witch" Walks out of Interview -
tea party darling and former Republican Delaware Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell walks out of interview with CNN's Piers Morgan.



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