President Obama shares his New Year's resolution: doing whatever it takes to move the economy forward and ensure that middle class families regain the security they've lost in the last decade.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Gingrich Singles Out Black Welfare Recipients
The former House speaker says he's promoting "paychecks, not food stamps."
By Zach Toombs
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
DOJ Expands Rape Definition To Include Men and Children
For the first time since 1927, the Department of Justice is expanding its definition of rape.
By Madison Mack
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Woman Sues Cop For Asking Her on Date
A cop gave a woman a speeding ticket and then two days later tracked her down and left her a note on her car asking her out to dinner.
Sources:WFLDWMAQChicagoistABCBangstyle
By Emily Spain
Anchor: Christian Bryant
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Deported Dallas Teen Returning to U.S.
Jakadrien Turner was deported after being arrested for shoplifting and giving a fake name.
By Adnan S. Khan
Anchor: Jim Flink
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Study: Brain's Abilities Decline After Age 45
A new study shows the brain's ability to reason, recall information and use words starts declining 15 years earlier than previously thought.
Sources:TheTodayShowNPRNewScientistBBC
By Steven Sparkman
Anchor: Jim Flink
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Marine Biologist Federally Indicted for Feeding Whales
A California woman was indicted Wednesday for reportedly violating federal law by feeding killer whales in 2004 and 2005.
Sources:KNTVSanFranciscoChronicleFoxNews
By Danny Matteson
Anchor: Christian Bryant
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Friday, January 6, 2012
Joining Forces with the NCAA
First Lady Michelle Obama and NCAA President Mark Emmert speak on the national initiative Joining Forces, which mobilizes all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they deserve. http://joiningforces.gov
Krueger: 'The Economy is Continuing to Heal'
Statement on the Employment Situation in December
WASHINGTON, DC – Alan B. Krueger, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, issued the following statement today on the employment situation in December.
Today’s employment report provides further evidence that the economy is continuing to heal from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. It is critical that we continue the economic policies that are helping us to dig our way out of the deep hole that was caused by the recession that began at the end of 2007.
Most importantly, we need to extend the payroll tax cut and continue to provide emergency unemployment benefits through the end of this year, and take other steps the President has proposed in the American Jobs Act.
Private sector payrolls increased by 212,000 jobs and overall payroll employment rose by 200,000 jobs in December. The unemployment rate fell 0.2 percentage point to 8.5 percent, the lowest level since February 2009. The drop in unemployment over the month was mostly due to employment growth, not lower labor force participation. The unemployment rate has fallen by 0.9 percentage point in the last 12 months.
Despite adverse shocks that have created headwinds for economic growth, the economy has added private sector jobs for 22 straight months, for a total of 3.2 million payroll jobs over that period. In the last 12 months, 1.9 million private sector jobs have been added on net in 2011, more than in any year since 2005. Nonetheless, we need faster growth to put even more Americans back to work.
Sectors with net job increases in December included transportation and warehousing (+50,200), health care and social assistance (+28,700), retail trade (+27,900), manufacturing (+23,000), leisure and hospitality (+21,000), and construction (+17,000). Local governments lost 14,000 jobs and state government employment was unchanged.
The monthly employment and unemployment numbers are volatile and employment estimates can be subject to substantial revision. Therefore, as the Administration always stresses, it is important not to read too much into any one monthly report.
Today’s employment report provides further evidence that the economy is continuing to heal from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. It is critical that we continue the economic policies that are helping us to dig our way out of the deep hole that was caused by the recession that began at the end of 2007.
Most importantly, we need to extend the payroll tax cut and continue to provide emergency unemployment benefits through the end of this year, and take other steps the President has proposed in the American Jobs Act.
Private sector payrolls increased by 212,000 jobs and overall payroll employment rose by 200,000 jobs in December. The unemployment rate fell 0.2 percentage point to 8.5 percent, the lowest level since February 2009. The drop in unemployment over the month was mostly due to employment growth, not lower labor force participation. The unemployment rate has fallen by 0.9 percentage point in the last 12 months.
Despite adverse shocks that have created headwinds for economic growth, the economy has added private sector jobs for 22 straight months, for a total of 3.2 million payroll jobs over that period. In the last 12 months, 1.9 million private sector jobs have been added on net in 2011, more than in any year since 2005. Nonetheless, we need faster growth to put even more Americans back to work.
Sectors with net job increases in December included transportation and warehousing (+50,200), health care and social assistance (+28,700), retail trade (+27,900), manufacturing (+23,000), leisure and hospitality (+21,000), and construction (+17,000). Local governments lost 14,000 jobs and state government employment was unchanged.
The monthly employment and unemployment numbers are volatile and employment estimates can be subject to substantial revision. Therefore, as the Administration always stresses, it is important not to read too much into any one monthly report.
Archbishop Dolan to be Elevated to Cardinal
Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo
“I would like to offer congratulations to my friend Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan on the announcement that he will be elevated to Cardinal in the Catholic Church. Archbishop Dolan has been a faithful and dedicated leader, who has always put service to others as his first priority. Our state has been blessed by Archbishop Dolan’s vision and leadership, and I offer him my support and friendship as he continues to lead the Catholic Church here in New York.”
Photo courtesy of http://www.archny.org.
Photo courtesy of http://www.archny.org.
Kodak to File for Bankruptcy
The Wall Street Journal reports the iconic Eastman Kodak Co. is preparing to file for bankruptcy. The U.S. media aren't taking the news very well.
Sources:FoxNewsMSNBCTheWallStreetJournal
By Harumendhah Helmy and Danny Matteson
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Feds Inform Public of Interest Rate Changes
Analyst say the move will give the public a better idea of how long they have to take advantage of low interest rates.
Sources:TheNewYorkTimesFoxBusiness
By Jim Flink
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
U.S. Opens Dialogue with Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood
The U.S. opens dialogues with the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist party set to gain majority in Egypt's parliament. Some say it isn't a good idea.
Sources:TheNewYorkTimesFoxNewsNowLebanon
By Harumendhah Helmy
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Parents Question Lethal Force in Middle School Shooting
Texas police shot and killed a 15-year-old at school for reportedly refusing to put down a pellet gun.
By Emily Spain
Anchor: Emily Spain
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Tim Russert, This One's for You!
Will David Gregory Ask "The G-Man's" Question at the Facebook/"Meet the Press" GOP Debate?
America, Black America in particular, "The G-Man" has thrown down the gauntlet. At the close of last week's edition of "Meet the Press", host David Gregory indicated that the show would be teaming up with Facebook to host a GOP debate on Sunday, January 8, in Concord, New Hampshire. The debate will be held two days before the New Hampshire primary. Gregory also invited viewers to log on to Facebook and submit questions, which may be asked during the debate. Well, guess who logged on and submitted a question? I can tell you one thing. It wasn't "Lady Blah-Blah", also known as Michele Bachmann.
Those close to me know that I still have love and a tremendous amount of respect for the late and legendary Tim Russert, and to say that I miss him on Sunday mornings would be an understatement. I don't mean any disrespect to Gregory. It's just a fact, and I'm sure there are millions of loyal fans of Russert and the show that feel the same way. With 2012 being the year of what could be the most important election of our lifetime, America, and the news industry for that matter, is in dire need of more Tim Russerts.
In posing this very direct question to the selected candidates, From The G-Man is attempting to hold the Republican Party accountable by forcing them to acknowledge and respect the Black vote, which is something they never do. Moreover, posing this question is this news site's way of honoring a man that many considered to be "the gold standard" in broadcast news from the early 80's until his shocking death in 2008.
Yes, America, I feel extremely confident in stating that this is a question Russert would've asked, especially since he was ready, willing and able to take on the issue of race. Don't take my word for it. Check out the master in his riveting interview with entertainer Dr. Bill Cosby and Dr. Alvin Poussaint. Ask yourself this question after watching it: How many network news hosts would've devoted an entire hour to covering the issue of race on a Sunday morning public affairs show?
Here is the question that was submitted for this Sunday's debate. It will be a miracle if Gregory poses it to the candidates.
"This question is for Romney, Santorum, Paul, Gingrich and Perry, and it is being asked in the spirit and tone of the late, great Tim Russert. You all have been associated with controversies surrounding the issue of race, particularly where Blacks are concerned. In Romney's case, the Mormon church refused to allow Blacks to become priests prior to and during the civil rights period; Santorum made comments in Iowa about Blacks on welfare; Paul has failed to offer a clear explanation of the racist articles that appeared in his newsletter; Gingrich has a long history of making questionable comments regarding the Black community; and Perry had "Niggerhead". Having said that, would you all "man-up" now and provide an explanation as to why Black America should support you?"
Gary Glennell Toms - Creator and Editor-in-Chief, "From The G-Man"
This commentary is from the heart and....From The G-Man.
Tim Russert photo source: Flickr
Author: hyku from Winter Haven, FL, USA
Permission: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic
Meet the Press clip uploaded to YouTube by todobeso70
Tim Russert photo source: Flickr
Author: hyku from Winter Haven, FL, USA
Permission: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic
Meet the Press clip uploaded to YouTube by todobeso70
'FTG' Presents... 'When an Angel Speaks'
Social Commentary from Bishop Terry Angel Mason
On December 30, 2011, From The G-Man published a special feature entitled Terry Angel Mason: "PRIDE of the LGBT Community", which can be read via the following link:
http://fromthegman.blogspot.com/2011/12/terry-angel-mason-pride-of-lgbt.html
The article was extremely well-received and Bishop Mason was offered an opportunity to submit articles to this site on an ongoing basis. He has graciously accepted the invitation and will serve as a contributing writer. Having said that, From The G-Man now presents the first installment of Bishop Mason's "When an Angel Speaks".
http://fromthegman.blogspot.com/2011/12/terry-angel-mason-pride-of-lgbt.html
The article was extremely well-received and Bishop Mason was offered an opportunity to submit articles to this site on an ongoing basis. He has graciously accepted the invitation and will serve as a contributing writer. Having said that, From The G-Man now presents the first installment of Bishop Mason's "When an Angel Speaks".
The Endangered Middle Class is on Life Support.. and the Republicans are Poised to Pull the Plug!
Part 1: Don't Blame the President! Don't Blame the Congress!
Blame yourselves!
It is January 2012, and the insanity of the 2012 presidential election has begun. I believe the word "insanity" is appropriate and succinct because of the axiom which states that "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." This adage takes on an even more prophetic and Nostradamean meaning when you consider that this fall, once again, the American people are going to the polls in an insane attempt to select a President to lead them out of the morass, muck and mire that has afflicted our country and symbolized its politics!
I contend that "insane" is the correct word because unless we do something different, we will not effect any meaningful change, no matter who wins the White House this fall. Moreover, that different thing that we MUST DO is pause for a moment and reflect upon our choices and the actions that WE MUST TAKE in order to save our country, which is dangerously teetering on the edge of the abyss.
I contend that "insane" is the correct word because unless we do something different, we will not effect any meaningful change, no matter who wins the White House this fall. Moreover, that different thing that we MUST DO is pause for a moment and reflect upon our choices and the actions that WE MUST TAKE in order to save our country, which is dangerously teetering on the edge of the abyss.
Firstly, we must vote according to our own self-interests. This is usually what most voters do, but in this presidential election we must intelligently re-define what our BEST self-interest is, and because I am advocating for the endangered middle class, I assert that the most important and critical self-interest we have is SURVIVAL!
The Republican party is hell bent upon destroying us, the Endangered Middle Class. Why else would Congressional and Senatorial Republicans try to eliminate Social Security and Medicare through the Ryan Plan, in addition to killing almost every job bill that the White House has proposed? The proposed bills could have added thousands, if not tens of thousands, of high paying jobs to a crippled economy.
The Democratic Party has been feverishly attempting to resuscitate a grievously ailing national economy and the Republican Party is withholding the critical assistance needed to heal the patient. Why is this? You need only to look back upon Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's vow in 2008 when he said, "The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president."
The Republican party is hell bent upon destroying us, the Endangered Middle Class. Why else would Congressional and Senatorial Republicans try to eliminate Social Security and Medicare through the Ryan Plan, in addition to killing almost every job bill that the White House has proposed? The proposed bills could have added thousands, if not tens of thousands, of high paying jobs to a crippled economy.
The Democratic Party has been feverishly attempting to resuscitate a grievously ailing national economy and the Republican Party is withholding the critical assistance needed to heal the patient. Why is this? You need only to look back upon Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's vow in 2008 when he said, "The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president."
The Republican Party officials do not care about the economy because THEY HAVE MORPHED INTO THE PARTY OF THE RICH! This is why they do not worry about the Endangered Middle Class because they cannot relate to us. They don't know how hard it is to balance a shrinking paycheck against rising expenses. They don't know the pain of losing long held treasured jobs because of greedy avaricious bank initiated financial recessions. They don't lose sleep at night worrying about staving off foreclosure on their homes, despite the fact that MANY ALREADY HAVE LOST their homes! So why should The Republican Party care about us the Endangered Middle Class? The answer is THEY DON'T AND THEY WILL NEVER CARE! Why not? The answer is simple. It is not in their best self-interest to do so. Period!
This brings me to the crux of my argument, which is the important and irrefutable fact that it is not enough to re-elect President Obama. We must ALSO elect Democratic congressional representatives and Democratic senators to aid Obama in implementing his policies. It is not enough to just vote for the man with the vision! We must also put in place people who support that vision and the visionary!
President Obama should not have to do all the heavy lifting! It is our responsibility to give him some help! It is imperative that we elect enough Democrats to regain control of the House of Representatives and MAINTAIN control of the Senate. Hello, Endangered Middle Class America, ARE YOU LISTENING?!! It is only by the regaining and maintaining control of Congress and The White House can we thwart and undo the grievous damage inflicted upon our beloved nation.
This brings me to the crux of my argument, which is the important and irrefutable fact that it is not enough to re-elect President Obama. We must ALSO elect Democratic congressional representatives and Democratic senators to aid Obama in implementing his policies. It is not enough to just vote for the man with the vision! We must also put in place people who support that vision and the visionary!
President Obama should not have to do all the heavy lifting! It is our responsibility to give him some help! It is imperative that we elect enough Democrats to regain control of the House of Representatives and MAINTAIN control of the Senate. Hello, Endangered Middle Class America, ARE YOU LISTENING?!! It is only by the regaining and maintaining control of Congress and The White House can we thwart and undo the grievous damage inflicted upon our beloved nation.
The Republicans are masters of distraction! Their current strategy is to portray Obama as someone unable to fulfill "pie-in-the-sky" campaign promises. But what they don't tell you is that every promise he has attempted to keep, promises ranging from rescuing the economy to delivering jobs, the Republican Party has thwarted, obstructed, if not down right killed!
Divided government does not work, especially if one faction of government acts like a bunch of jealous extremists that would be willing to destroy our beloved country to make or win an ideological point. Remember the debt ceiling crisis and how perilously close the Republican Tea Party Congressional officials brought us to defaulting on our national debt, which would have destroyed our economy and plunged the world into a global depression? This unnecessary political posturing resulted in the downgrading of America's credit rating. Moreover, the Republican Party had the audacity and malevolent cunning to blatantly lie and falsely attribute this debacle to Obama.
An anonymous writer who wrote under the pseudonym General R. Never said, "People deserve the government they permit!" Furthermore, if we don't WAKE UP and vote in our own best interest by voting for Obama and other Democrats, then we, the Endangered Middle Class, deserve the inevitable pain, misery, heartache and death that will surely come when the Republican Party pulls the plug on us. I don't know about you, but I don't plan on "going gently into that good night." I'm going to vote for every good democrat I can find!
Editor's Note: From The G-Man welcomes all viewpoints. If any clergy representative -- particularly those that support Republican or conservative views -- would like to offer rebuttals to Bishop Mason's article(s), you are invited to contact this news site.
About Global Author Terry Angel Mason
Terry Angel Mason is an internationally renowned author, columnist, keynote speaker, poet, singer, songwriter, minister, and Civil Rights activist who currently resides is Southern California. He is the author of three popular titles, Love Won't Let Me Be Silent, They Say That I am Broken, and The Dream Keeper, set to be released in 2012. A revered leader and global change agent, Terry Angel Mason's mission is to inspire, educate and empower millions around the world, and promote love and acceptance for all people. A highly sought after author and activist, Mason has been featured in (Lee Bailey's) eurweb.com, Healthy Black Men, The East County Magazine, Five (5) Magazine, Whosoever Magazine, SGL Weekly Magazine, Outword Magazine, The NBJC Newsletter, The Advocate, Frontier Magazine, Broadway World, The Windy City Times Newspaper, New Pittsburgh Courier, New England Informer, Our Weekly Magazine, Out Impact, The San Diego Gay and Lesbian News, The San Diego Gay and Lesbian Times, The San Diego Union Tribune, ME Magazine, POZ Magazine, The New Civil Rights Online Magazine, A&U Magazine, Religious Tolerance, Marriage Equality International, Homorazzi, BN&S News Commentary, Real Health Magazine, Q Magazine, MSNBC News Vine, ILGA, Out Military Online Magazine, Proud Parenting Web Magazine, Fuse Magazine, Echelon Magazine, The Bay Area Reporter, Connextions Magazine, and in many other publications.
Divided government does not work, especially if one faction of government acts like a bunch of jealous extremists that would be willing to destroy our beloved country to make or win an ideological point. Remember the debt ceiling crisis and how perilously close the Republican Tea Party Congressional officials brought us to defaulting on our national debt, which would have destroyed our economy and plunged the world into a global depression? This unnecessary political posturing resulted in the downgrading of America's credit rating. Moreover, the Republican Party had the audacity and malevolent cunning to blatantly lie and falsely attribute this debacle to Obama.
An anonymous writer who wrote under the pseudonym General R. Never said, "People deserve the government they permit!" Furthermore, if we don't WAKE UP and vote in our own best interest by voting for Obama and other Democrats, then we, the Endangered Middle Class, deserve the inevitable pain, misery, heartache and death that will surely come when the Republican Party pulls the plug on us. I don't know about you, but I don't plan on "going gently into that good night." I'm going to vote for every good democrat I can find!
Editor's Note: From The G-Man welcomes all viewpoints. If any clergy representative -- particularly those that support Republican or conservative views -- would like to offer rebuttals to Bishop Mason's article(s), you are invited to contact this news site.
About Global Author Terry Angel Mason
Terry Angel Mason is an internationally renowned author, columnist, keynote speaker, poet, singer, songwriter, minister, and Civil Rights activist who currently resides is Southern California. He is the author of three popular titles, Love Won't Let Me Be Silent, They Say That I am Broken, and The Dream Keeper, set to be released in 2012. A revered leader and global change agent, Terry Angel Mason's mission is to inspire, educate and empower millions around the world, and promote love and acceptance for all people. A highly sought after author and activist, Mason has been featured in (Lee Bailey's) eurweb.com, Healthy Black Men, The East County Magazine, Five (5) Magazine, Whosoever Magazine, SGL Weekly Magazine, Outword Magazine, The NBJC Newsletter, The Advocate, Frontier Magazine, Broadway World, The Windy City Times Newspaper, New Pittsburgh Courier, New England Informer, Our Weekly Magazine, Out Impact, The San Diego Gay and Lesbian News, The San Diego Gay and Lesbian Times, The San Diego Union Tribune, ME Magazine, POZ Magazine, The New Civil Rights Online Magazine, A&U Magazine, Religious Tolerance, Marriage Equality International, Homorazzi, BN&S News Commentary, Real Health Magazine, Q Magazine, MSNBC News Vine, ILGA, Out Military Online Magazine, Proud Parenting Web Magazine, Fuse Magazine, Echelon Magazine, The Bay Area Reporter, Connextions Magazine, and in many other publications.
Follow Angel Mason on Twitter at http://twitter.com/
Photo courtesy of Bishop Terry Angel Mason
Addabbo: 'I Am an Advocate for Community Input on This Project'
Senator Responds to Cuomo's Aqueduct Convention Center Proposal
Queens, NY – New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) has issued a response to Governor Andrew Cuomo's State of the State speech that was delivered yesterday, specifically on Cuomo’s proposal to build the “world’s largest convention center at Aqueduct”.
Senator Addabbo stated, "I am enthusiastic about the idea of a convention center at the Aqueduct Racetrack site, but I also believe we should proceed forward in a cautious manner. I am an advocate for community input on this project and feel most people would want to see plans or drawings for the proposal. Given our current economic situation, I would certainly work toward creating the thousands of jobs and revenue to the city and state the convention center brings."
Governor Andrew Cuomo's State of the State Address
Watch live streaming video from newyorkstateofficeofthegovernor at livestream.com
Facebook Apologizes For Removing How-To Abortion Post
An abortions rights activist posted steps for a do-it-yourself abortion on her Facebook page.
By Evan Bush
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Federal Judge Rules GPS Tracking on Vehicles OK
A federal judge ruled the FBI did not need a warrant to place a GPS tracking device on a suspect's car.
By Adam Falk
Anchor: Gary Cotton
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Parasite Fly Turns Honeybees Into 'Zom-bees'
Parasitic flies that lay eggs in the bees' abdomens cause bees to abandon their hive.
By Laishi Zhou
Anchor: Gary Cotton
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
John McCain Endorses Mitt Romney
A day after Mitt Romney narrowly wins the Iowa Caucus he gets the endorsement of 2008 candidate John McCain.
Sources:CNNFoxNewsPoliticoWeeklyStandard
By Gary Grisby
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Perry Stays In, Says He's Looking Forward to S.C.
After saying he needed to reassess his campaign, Perry tweeted he was ready for South Carolina, confusing some media outlets.
Sources:CNNTwitterPoliticoTheBostonGlobe
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Newsy Now: Breaking Headline News
Romney tops Iowa Caucus; Bachmann ends campaign; Obama to make recess appointment; Chevron to pay $18 billion in damages; Yahoo! has a new CEO.
By Harumendhah Helmy
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Meeks: 'I Fully Support the President's Recess Appointment of Richard Cordray'
Congressman Says Cordray is "Eminently Qualified"
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6), Senior Member of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement on President Obama’s decision to recess appoint Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
I fully support the President’s recess appointment of Richard Cordray to the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. As a former state attorney general and its current Director of Enforcement, Mr. Cordray is eminently qualified to head the CFPB.
In the year and a half since Congress created the CFPB, Republicans have engaged in systematic obstructionism to prevent the new Bureau from having the powers to protect Americans from unscrupulous and predatory lending practices. With a director now in place, the Bureau can finally issue rules to strengthen disclosure and enhance transparency.
Despite the complaints made by many of my Republican colleagues, a strong consumer protection agency will not and should not hurt those members of the financial services industry who currently adhere to existing state and federal regulations. Rather, a strong CFPB will serve to help both consumers and industry members alike by cracking down on those entities that have been operating outside of the law for far too long, thus creating a fair, competitive, and transparent marketplace. Empowering the CFPB signifies a great stride in our financial regulatory process as we will now have the ability to efficiently regulate all financial products on one level playing field.
I congratulate the President on making this very important appointment for American consumers.
I fully support the President’s recess appointment of Richard Cordray to the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. As a former state attorney general and its current Director of Enforcement, Mr. Cordray is eminently qualified to head the CFPB.
In the year and a half since Congress created the CFPB, Republicans have engaged in systematic obstructionism to prevent the new Bureau from having the powers to protect Americans from unscrupulous and predatory lending practices. With a director now in place, the Bureau can finally issue rules to strengthen disclosure and enhance transparency.
Despite the complaints made by many of my Republican colleagues, a strong consumer protection agency will not and should not hurt those members of the financial services industry who currently adhere to existing state and federal regulations. Rather, a strong CFPB will serve to help both consumers and industry members alike by cracking down on those entities that have been operating outside of the law for far too long, thus creating a fair, competitive, and transparent marketplace. Empowering the CFPB signifies a great stride in our financial regulatory process as we will now have the ability to efficiently regulate all financial products on one level playing field.
I congratulate the President on making this very important appointment for American consumers.
President Obama Announces Recess Appointments
Obama: "The American People Deserve to Have Qualified Public Servants Fighting for Them Every Day"
WASHINGTON, DC – President Obama announced today his intent to recess appoint four individuals to fill key administration posts that have been left vacant.
Richard Cordray, Director, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Sharon Block, Member, National Labor Relations Board; Terence F. Flynn, Member, National Labor Relations Board; and Richard Griffin, Member, National Labor Relations Board.
“The American people deserve to have qualified public servants fighting for them every day - whether it is to enforce new consumer protections or uphold the rights of working Americans. We can’t wait to act to strengthen the economy and restore security for our middle class and those trying to get in it, and that’s why I am proud to appoint these fine individuals to get to work for the American people,” said President Obama.
Cordray is Chief of Enforcement at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Immediately prior, Cordray served as Attorney General of Ohio from January 2009 to January 2011. As Attorney General, Cordray recovered more than $2 billion for Ohio’s retirees, investors and business owners and took major steps to help protect its consumers from fraudulent foreclosures and financial predators.
Prior to his tenure as Ohio’s Attorney General, Cordray spent two years as Ohio’s State Treasurer and four as the Treasurer of Franklin County, Ohio. In 2008, he received a Financial Services Cham pion award from the U.S. Small Business Administration and a Government Service Award from NeighborWorks America.
In 2005, he was named “County Leader of the Year” by American City & County Magazine. Earlier in his career, Cordray was an adjunct professor at the Ohio State University College of Law (1989-2002), served as a State Representative for the 33rd Ohio House District (1991-1993), was the first Solicitor General in Ohio’s history (1993-1994), and was a sole practitioner and Of Counsel to Kirkland & Ellis (1995-2007).
Cordray has argued seven cases before the United States Supreme Court, including by special appointment of both the Clinton and Bush Justice Departments. Cordray is a graduate of Michigan State University, Oxford University, and the University of Chicago Law School.
He was Editor-in-Chief of the University of Chicago Law Review and later clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justices Byron White and Anthony Kennedy.
Block is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs at the U.S. Department of Labor. Between 2006 and 2009, she was Senior Labor and Employment Counsel for the Senate HELP Committee, where she worked for Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
Block previously served at the National Labor Relations Board as senior attorney to Chairman Robert Battista from 2003 to 2006 and as an attorney in the appellate court branch from 1996 to 2003.
From 1994 to 1996, she was Assistant General Counsel at the National Endowment for the Humanities, and from 1991 to 1993, she was an associate at Steptoe & Johnson.
She received a B.A. in History from Columbia University and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center where she received the John F. Kennedy Labor Law Award.
Flynn is currently detailed to serve as Chief Counsel to NLRB Board Member Brian Hayes. Mr. Flynn was previously Chief Counsel to former NLRB Board Member Peter Schaumber, where he oversaw a variety of legal and policy issues in cases arising under the National Labor Relations Act.
From 1996 to 2003, Mr. Flynn was Counsel in the Labor and Employment Group of Crowell & Moring, LLP, where he handled a wide range of labor and employment issues, including collective bargaining negotiations, litigation of unfair labor practices, defense of ERISA claims, and wage and hour disputes, among other matters.
From 1992 to 1995, he was a litigation associate at the law firm David, Hager, Kuney & Krupin, where he counseled clients on federal, state, and local employment and wage hour laws, NLRB arbitrations, and other labor relations disputes.
Flynn started his law career at the firm Reid & Priest, handling labor and immigration matters from 1990 to 1992. He holds a B.A. degree from University of Maryland, College Park and a J.D. from Washington & Lee University School of Law.
Griffin is the General Counsel for International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). He also serves on the board of directors for the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee, a position he has held since 1994.
Since 1983, he has held a number of leadership positions with IUOE from Assistant House Counsel to Associate General Counsel. From 1985 to 1994, Mr. Griffin served as a member of the board of trustees of the IUOE’s central pension fund.
From 1981 to 1983, he served as a Counsel to NLRB Board Members. Mr. Griffin holds a B.A. from Yale University and a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law.
Richard Cordray, Director, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Sharon Block, Member, National Labor Relations Board; Terence F. Flynn, Member, National Labor Relations Board; and Richard Griffin, Member, National Labor Relations Board.
“The American people deserve to have qualified public servants fighting for them every day - whether it is to enforce new consumer protections or uphold the rights of working Americans. We can’t wait to act to strengthen the economy and restore security for our middle class and those trying to get in it, and that’s why I am proud to appoint these fine individuals to get to work for the American people,” said President Obama.
Cordray is Chief of Enforcement at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Immediately prior, Cordray served as Attorney General of Ohio from January 2009 to January 2011. As Attorney General, Cordray recovered more than $2 billion for Ohio’s retirees, investors and business owners and took major steps to help protect its consumers from fraudulent foreclosures and financial predators.
Prior to his tenure as Ohio’s Attorney General, Cordray spent two years as Ohio’s State Treasurer and four as the Treasurer of Franklin County, Ohio. In 2008, he received a Financial Services Cham pion award from the U.S. Small Business Administration and a Government Service Award from NeighborWorks America.
In 2005, he was named “County Leader of the Year” by American City & County Magazine. Earlier in his career, Cordray was an adjunct professor at the Ohio State University College of Law (1989-2002), served as a State Representative for the 33rd Ohio House District (1991-1993), was the first Solicitor General in Ohio’s history (1993-1994), and was a sole practitioner and Of Counsel to Kirkland & Ellis (1995-2007).
Cordray has argued seven cases before the United States Supreme Court, including by special appointment of both the Clinton and Bush Justice Departments. Cordray is a graduate of Michigan State University, Oxford University, and the University of Chicago Law School.
He was Editor-in-Chief of the University of Chicago Law Review and later clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justices Byron White and Anthony Kennedy.
Block is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs at the U.S. Department of Labor. Between 2006 and 2009, she was Senior Labor and Employment Counsel for the Senate HELP Committee, where she worked for Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
Block previously served at the National Labor Relations Board as senior attorney to Chairman Robert Battista from 2003 to 2006 and as an attorney in the appellate court branch from 1996 to 2003.
From 1994 to 1996, she was Assistant General Counsel at the National Endowment for the Humanities, and from 1991 to 1993, she was an associate at Steptoe & Johnson.
She received a B.A. in History from Columbia University and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center where she received the John F. Kennedy Labor Law Award.
Flynn is currently detailed to serve as Chief Counsel to NLRB Board Member Brian Hayes. Mr. Flynn was previously Chief Counsel to former NLRB Board Member Peter Schaumber, where he oversaw a variety of legal and policy issues in cases arising under the National Labor Relations Act.
From 1996 to 2003, Mr. Flynn was Counsel in the Labor and Employment Group of Crowell & Moring, LLP, where he handled a wide range of labor and employment issues, including collective bargaining negotiations, litigation of unfair labor practices, defense of ERISA claims, and wage and hour disputes, among other matters.
From 1992 to 1995, he was a litigation associate at the law firm David, Hager, Kuney & Krupin, where he counseled clients on federal, state, and local employment and wage hour laws, NLRB arbitrations, and other labor relations disputes.
Flynn started his law career at the firm Reid & Priest, handling labor and immigration matters from 1990 to 1992. He holds a B.A. degree from University of Maryland, College Park and a J.D. from Washington & Lee University School of Law.
Griffin is the General Counsel for International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). He also serves on the board of directors for the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee, a position he has held since 1994.
Since 1983, he has held a number of leadership positions with IUOE from Assistant House Counsel to Associate General Counsel. From 1985 to 1994, Mr. Griffin served as a member of the board of trustees of the IUOE’s central pension fund.
From 1981 to 1983, he served as a Counsel to NLRB Board Members. Mr. Griffin holds a B.A. from Yale University and a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law.
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