President Barack Obama and the “White Revolution”

Commander Jeff Schoep, National Socialist Movement leader

A Leading White Supremacist Discusses the President and How the Economy and Racial Issues Have Increased Group Membership

The following is an excerpt from the National Socialist Movement's (NSM) website:

"The NSM, America's National Socialist Party, is the largest and most active National Socialist party in America.

The NSM's core beliefs include: defending the rights of white people everywhere, preservation of our European culture and heritage, strengthening family values, economic self-sufficiency, and reform of illegal immigration policies, immediate withdrawal of our national military from an illegal Middle Eastern occupation and promotion of white separation. 

The National Socialist Movement was founded in 1974 and saw membership surge under the leadership of the charismatic Jeff Schoep. Schoep has worked to implement a new direction for the Party, which includes focusing on a truly American National Socialist Movement; a movement that will give Americans the choice of electing a Party to power that will take the best of both Socialism and Capitalism in order to create a system that will stop the decay while bringing innovation, prosperity and security to our American Patriots!” 

Like the interview with "The Insurgent's" Tom Metzger, From The G-Man contacted Schoep and offered him an opportunity to discuss his organization in greater detail, in addition to a host of issues that are having a significant impact on the country.

The comments and images provided by Schoep may be viewed as extremely offensive by many readers, but in negotiating the terms of this interview, the NSM leader was assured his First Amendment rights would be respected. 

The purpose of this interview is not to fan the flames of hatred, but to initiate a national dialogue on the dire economic, social and political state of the country, our elected officials, and the future of race relations.

G-Man: I’d like to begin by asking you a very direct question. What was your gut reaction when the major news networks announced that Senator Barack Obama had been elected the 44th President of the United States of America?

Schoep: This is a question I have been asked countless times by various news media since the election, and my answer usually surprises people. Many people seem to be hung up on the fact that the President is Black, or that many believe him to be Muslim, but I do not see the issue in such simple terms. For decades, we have had presidents whom we believe did not serve the American people's best interests or desires. It matters not what color his skin is. What matters is if he is another tool of the Zionists. That question has already been answered when you consider the fact that Obama has continued the George Bush war-mongering in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world.

G-Man: Was it the fact that someone with little legislative experience had been elected that upset you most?

Schoep: As I mentioned in the previous question, his race was not a major factor for me and neither was his lack of experience. My concern was, and still is, who would be pulling the puppet strings. The Zionist lobby, and its allies in the halls of government, is what concerns me more than anything. Obama is simply a tool of a much more powerful hidden hand. If the strings controlling the puppet were severed, then we could speak about Obama's skills or lack thereof.

G-Man: Many within the white nationalist movement believe that the election of President Obama has spawned a “white revolution” in America. The Huffington Post recently reported that Ku Klux Klan membership has dramatically increased in the state of Colorado and could spread to other states. As far as the NSM is concerned, could you explain the term and note why this so-called revolution should be taken seriously?

Schoep: I cannot speak about specifics regarding the Klan, or other White Nationalist groups, but in regards to the NSM, we have experienced a steady growth in the United States. The reflection of this growth is, in my opinion, not due to the election of Obama at all. Sure, maybe a small number of people joined when a Black man was elected, but that is not the key reason based on what we hear from our ranks. 

Most people that join us are doing so because of the serious problems in America, such as the sinking economy, the lack of jobs, low wages, and the illegal alien problem. If we took a poll next week asking what factor contributed to each person joining our cause, I would wager that less than five percent joined because of the President's race. Perhaps, that number might drop to as low as one percent. That is why his race is not really an issue for us. 

We have much more serious problems in this nation than President Obama's skin color. The White Revolution is coming, and its strength will increase as the racial demographics continue to change. For the first time in American history, the current generation, and those to come after, will have it worse than the one before them, and the levy is going to break at some point!  

G-Man: Unlike the New Black Panther Party, Ku Klux Klan or Skinheads, the NSM stresses that non-violence is key to accomplishing the organization’s objectives. With reports of racial attacks on the rise throughout the country, do you believe the NSM will be able to adhere to this policy in the future?

 

Schoep: We have stood by our non-violent policy and will continue to do so. If our people are all locked up for engaging in illegal activity, we will not be able to accomplish anything of value for our future generations. The National Socialist Movement is a legal party in the United States, and as long as we are allowed our rights as American citizens and the freedoms to pursue our goals within the law, there is no reason for us to reach outside of the law. If the system were to ban us from the political process, or deny us our rights as American citizens, then one could consider other less savory options. Until that day comes, we shall remain law-abiding.

G-Man: According to a 2003 report on the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) website, you were selected one of the "40 to Watch" in America and the NSM was cited as one of the fastest-growing neo-Nazi groups in the U.S.

On occasion, you’ve proclaimed that the NSM is gaining political power.

You’ve also made it abundantly clear that – or you could say: Blacks have contributed to the country’s downfall and that President Obama must not be re-elected.

Having said that, which GOP candidate best reflects the views of the NSM and would most likely earn the NSM’s support in the 2012 election, if they obtained the nomination?

Schoep: The SPLC is a fundraising boogeyman that is worth millions of dollars, or perhaps well beyond that. In my opinion, they offer nothing of value to anyone other than to fill their own pocketbooks with funds raised from people who fear anything that does not fit within their extreme far left agenda. We are considered the largest white civil rights group in America, by both friends and foes, so I suppose that counts for something. 

Many Black people have contributed to the downfall of America, which can be proven via crime statistics, the number of Black men in prison, and by visiting any inner city in America. This is not to say all Black people are bad. I know of many that work hard and provide for their families. However, a large percentage are not doing that and their ought to be some accountability in the Black community for it. Racial separation is the best course of action. I will not endorse any of the GOP candidates publicly. They are not our concern.

G-Man: President Barack Obama played a major role in ending the reign of the most notorious terrorist in the world, Osama bin Laden. First Lady Michelle Obama has done what many consider to be exceptional work in aiding and honoring military veterans and their families. Even though they’re Black, would you and the NSM be willing to admit that the President and the First Lady deserve to be praised for these accomplishments?

Schoep: Regarding the demise of Bin Laden, this is a very complicated matter. We are not Bin Laden fans, by any means. However, his war against the U.S. was due to U.S. policy in support of occupied Palestine -- known to some as Israel. Bin Laden made a critical mistake in attacking the U.S., and the NSM does support the U.S. military and our troops, many of whom also support the NSM. That said, we do not agree with the policy of sending U.S. troops to be the world's police force like an occupational Roman Army. 

Truth be told, this question would be better suited for a debate. I am not able to discuss the issue at greater length due to my time constraints. Trust me; I would be able to write a book on this touchy subject. I am not aware of much that Mrs. Obama does, as I do not pay attention to it. Therefore, I cannot really comment on her efforts. If she is helping military veterans, then that is a good thing. Again, the Bin Laden matter is very complicated: from the intrusion into Pakistan, to the dumping of his body at sea, to the whole war with Afghanistan. There are so many complications that I would rather not elaborate at this time.

G-Man: "The Turner Diaries" , written by Andrew MacDonald, a pseudo-name used by William L. Pierce, is considered to be the Holy Grail of the Ku Klux Klan, Neo-Nazis and other militia groups. The book was published in 1978 by the National Alliance, a Nazi faction led by Pierce. Members of these groups interpret the book as a blueprint for the complete elimination of the federal government and every nigger, "wop", "gook", "Jew bastard", and “race-mixer”. It also outlines the methods of extermination, and how the members of these groups were going to infiltrate some of the highest levels of government to launch a national attack. Has Pierce’s work been misinterpreted in any way?

Schoep: Dr. Pierce has passed away. Therefore, neither you nor I would know if he had been misinterpreted. I will say that I have the book, and it is very entertaining from start to finish.

G-Man: Provide a brief and uncensored assessment of the following: the Middle East, Rush Limbaugh, Alex Jones, Rachel Maddow, Jews, same-sex marriage, the current state of Black leadership in America, and interracial dating.

Schoep: The Middle East is a mess for the Zionists, being surrounded by neighbors that despise them on every side. I do believe the Jews deserve a homeland. However, occupied Palestine is not a good place for them. A wise man once stated the island of Madagascar would be better for the Jews, and I tend to agree with that.

Limbaugh? I do not listen to his Republican radio show. Many years ago, he bragged about his support of Israel, and that was enough for me. Never listened to him again. Alex Jones? I do not listen to his show, either. Rachel Maddow? Who is she?

I think I have already covered my opinion of Jews, but I would like to mention one more thing. One of our Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, stated in 1789, in the Pinckney  papers, and I'm paraphrasing here, "If we do not remove the Jew from America within 200 years our children will curse us." I believe he also referred to them as vampires. 

The Jews have been thrown out of nearly every nation they ever inhabited in the past, from England, to Germany, to Spain, to Ethiopia, and the list goes on. Either the Jews have done some horrible things in each and every nation to all races, or they are just eternal victims. I, for one, have a hard time swallowing the fact that everyone hates Jews just for the sake of hating Jews. They have done evil things throughout history. This is why it is critical that they have their own homeland. If they did, they couldn't persecute anyone and no one could persecute them.

Same sex-marriage is anti-life, pro-death, and is an abomination in the eyes of anyone with a moral compass. Homosexuality is a mental illness, and allowing them to marry is not something that should be tolerated in a healthy society.

As far as the current state of Black leadership in America, let me repeat what I said previously. I feel the black community should take responsibility for its youth, high crime rates, and other problems. I do believe there are some positive Black leaders that are doing their part in turning things around. Some of them urge a return to Africa, and the Black Muslims, along with Minister Louis Farrakhan, have set many Black youth on a more productive path.

Interracial dating is an abomination leading to the downfall and destruction of both cultures involved. No culture benefits from racial mixing, and most people are not accepting of this practice, despite popular media claims. It viewed as  destructive for both cultures. People are so concerned with pure-bred dogs, horses, and other animals, but some would like us to believe that it is not as important among humans. 

Just as you cannot give away a mixed breed dog, because no one wants it, you can sell a pure bred for a much greater amount. The same level of care and concern should be expressed when it comes to our own bloodlines. Everyone has the right to be proud of their bloodline and where they come from. 

If you mix the races, you create a mongrel, and that child's bloodline is destroyed to the point where and he or she cannot really identify with either race. It is a selfish and horrible thing for any parent to consider doing to a child. The call to preserve one's bloodline echoes throughout time, history, and it reinforces our cultural identity. Anyone who would seek to rob one of that destiny is a sick and selfish individual.

G-Man: What lead to the formation of the Viking Youth Corp (VYC) and what are some of its future goals?

Schoep: The VYC is a very small division of the NSM that primarily consists of teenagers of NSM members. Other youth can join it, but they can only do so with the written permission of their parents. The division is simply a starting point for young people to enter the adult division of the NSM when they are of age to do so. NSM membership is limited to those 18 and older.

G-Man: A number of people I’ve spoken to, from high-ranking politicians to hard-working Americans, have stated their number one concern for President Obama is that he could suffer the same fate as brothers John and Robert F. Kennedy. Would Jeff Schoep have any remorse if an assassin’s bullet ended the life of America’s first Black president? 

Schoep: I do not wish for the death of the President, nor would I ever advocate such a thing!

  

To obtain more detailed information on the National Socialist Movement, click here: The National Socialist Movement

Photos courtesy of the National Socialist Movement. 

Vice President to Visit 'American Seating Company'

Biden Will Tout President's Economic Plan at Michigan Landmark

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, February 1st, Vice President Biden will travel to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he will visit American Seating Company’s factory.

At 10:45 AM EST, the Vice President will discuss with workers the Administration’s plan to help businesses bring manufacturing jobs back to America by eliminating incentives to ship jobs overseas and offering tax credits for insourcing.

American Seating Company is a 125-year-old company that makes seats for buses, trains, stadiums, and concert arenas.  The company has done its work in Grand Rapids since the 1880s, and 75 percent of its components come from Michigan, Indiana, or Ohio.

The President is proposing to eliminate unfair tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas that put companies like American Seating at a disadvantage.

Image courtesy of http://www.americanseating.com

West Wing Week: 1/27/12

2012 State Of The Union Address: Enhanced Version

White House Briefs

Helping American Businesses Succeed

President Obama discusses steps he's taking to ensure that more goods and products stamped "Made in America" are sold in the United States and around the world.

White House Briefs

White House Briefs

Weekly Address: Continuing to Grow the Economy in the New Year

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.

Politics in Action: S. J. 24 and S. J. 10

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

S. J. Res. 24 – Proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment

(Sen. Udall, D-CO, and 5 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes S. J. Res. 24. We do not need to amend the Constitution for only the 28th time in our Nation’s history to do the job of restoring fiscal discipline. Instead, we must – as members of both parties have done in the past – move beyond politics as usual and find bipartisan common ground to restore us to a sustainable fiscal path.

S. J. Res. 24 would impose serious risks for our economy. It risks accelerating economic downturns by requiring the government to raise taxes and cut spending in the face of a contraction, which would accelerate job losses. The President proposed a balanced approach to restore fiscal sustainability and in a way that does not slow the Federal Government's ability to initiate actions that help stabilize the economy and keep future recessions from becoming worse.

By contrast, under S. J. Res. 24, a minority in a single house of Congress could block the will of the majority and the Executive to waive its provisions when our country faces a downturn. If S. J. Res. 24 had been in effect in recent years, such a minority in one house would have been able to prevent efforts to override the requirement for tax increases or spending cuts, risking an even deeper contraction and pushing the economy into a second Great Depression.

Further, S. J. Res. 24 ducks responsibility and does not take the Nation's fiscal challenges head-on. Rather, it could result in handing the hard decisions that our elected representatives in the Congress should be making to the Federal Courts.

S. J. Res. 24 is not a solution to the Nation's deficits. The President has proposed a plan that cuts the deficit by $4 trillion, including the deficit reduction already locked in by the Budget Control Act, and the Administration is committed to working with the Congress on a bipartisan basis to achieve real deficit reduction.

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

S. J. Res. 10 – Proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment

(Sen. Hatch, R-UT, and 47 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes S. J. Res. 10. We do not need to amend the Constitution for only the 28th time in our Nation’s history to do the job of restoring fiscal discipline. Instead, we must– as members of both parties have done in the past –move beyond politics as usual and find bipartisan common ground to restore us to a sustainable fiscal path.

S. J. Res. 10 would set a severe and unrealistic spending cap that would undercut the Federal Government’s ability to meet its core commitments to seniors, middle class families and the most vulnerable, while reducing our ability to invest in our future. This cap could result in severe cuts to programs like Medicare and Social Security that are growing due to the retirement of the baby boomers, putting at risk the retirement security of millions of Americans, and it could result in significant cuts to education, research and development, and other programs critical to growing our economy and winning the future.

S. J. Res. 10 also would impose serious risks for our economy. It risks accelerating economic downturns by requiring the government to raise taxes and cut spending in the face of a contraction, which would accelerate job losses. The President proposed a balanced approach to restore fiscal sustainability and in a way that does not slow the Federal Government's ability to initiate actions that help stabilize the economy and keep future recessions from becoming worse.

By contrast, under S. J. Res. 10, a minority in a single house of Congress could block the will of the majority and the Executive to waive its provisions when our country faces a downturn. If S. J. Res. 10 had been in effect in recent years, such a minority in one house would have been able to prevent efforts to override the requirement for tax increases or spending cuts, risking an even deeper contraction and pushing the economy into a second Great Depression.

Further, S. J. Res. 10 ducks responsibility and does not take the Nation's fiscal challenges head‑on. Rather, it could result in handing the hard decisions that our elected representatives in the Congress should be making to the Federal Courts.

S. J. Res. 10 is not a solution to the Nation's deficits. The President has proposed a plan that cuts the deficit by $4 trillion, including the deficit reduction already locked in by the Budget Control Act, and the Administration is committed to working with the Congress on a bipartisan basis to achieve real deficit reduction.

Image courtesy of http://mindmillion.com

White House Briefs

The President Speaks on Housing and the Economy

The President speaks about Project Rebuild, part of the American Jobs act that will help the private sector put construction workers back to work rehabilitating vacant or abandoned homes and businesses, which will help stabilize home prices across the country.

Politics in Action: H.R. 3078, 3079, 3080 and 2832

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

H.R. 3078 – United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act

(Reps. Cantor, R-Virginia, and Farr, D-California)

The Administration strongly supports H.R. 3078, which approves and implements the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, signed by the United States and Colombia on November 22, 2006, and amended through a protocol on June 28, 2007.

The Agreement advances U.S. national economic interests and meets the negotiating principles and objectives set out by Congress in the Trade Act of 2002.

Under the Agreement, over 80 percent of U.S. industrial and consumer goods exports (not including petroleum) will gain duty-free access to the Colombian market immediately upon implementation.

This will help to level the playing field, since 91 percent of our imports from Colombia have enjoyed duty- free access to our market. U.S. agricultural exports in particular will enjoy substantial new improvements in access to Colombia's market.

Currently, no U.S. agricultural exports enjoy duty free access to Colombia. Once the Agreement enters into force, almost 70 percent, by value, of current U.S. agricultural exports will be able to enter Colombia duty-free immediately.

The Agreement contains state of the art provisions to help protect and enforce intellectual property rights, reduce regulatory red tape, and eliminate regulatory barriers to U.S. exports.

The Agreement also contains high standards for protecting labor rights, carrying out covered environmental agreements, and ensuring that key domestic labor and environmental laws are enforced, combined with strong remedies for non-compliance.

Colombia has already made significant reforms related to the obligations it will have under the labor chapter, including measures taken under the Colombian Action Plan Related to Labor Rights. The Administration will ensure that Colombia has successfully implemented key elements of the Action Plan before the Administration will bring the Agreement into force.

The Agreement forms an integral part of the Administration's larger strategy of doubling exports by the end of 2014. In addition, the Agreement represents an historic development in our relations with Colombia, a steadfast strategic partner for the United States and a leader in the region.

The Agreement reflects the commitment of the United States to supporting democracy and economic growth in Colombia. The Agreement will also help Colombia battle production of illegal crops by creating alternative economic opportunities.

The bill also extends the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), which helps countries in their fight against drug production and trafficking by expanding their economic alternatives. Extension of this program will restore, until the entry into force of the Agreement, the access that Colombian goods had enjoyed under ATPA prior to its expiration in February 2011.

H.R. 3079 – United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act

(Reps. Cantor, R-Virginia, and McDermott, D-Washington)

The Administration strongly supports H.R. 3079, which approves and implements the United States–Panama Trade Promotion Agreement, signed by the United States and the Republic of Panama on June 28, 2007.

The Agreement advances U.S. national economic interests and meets the negotiating principles and objectives set out by the Congress in the Trade Act of 2002. Since 1985, our trade relationship with Panama has been characterized by the unilateral trade preferences that the United States provides through the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) program. This program has contributed to economic growth and development and export diversification in Panama.

The Agreement will build on the success of the CBI program. Today, Panama is one of the fastest-growing economies in the Western Hemisphere. Most imports from Panama currently enter the United States duty-free, but U.S. exports to Panama face substantial tariffs.

The Agreement will create significant new opportunities for American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses by opening Panama's market and eliminating barriers to U.S. goods, services and investment.

Upon entry into force of the Agreement, Panama will immediately eliminate its tariffs on over 87 percent of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial goods and on more than half of U.S. exports of agricultural goods, by value.

The Agreement also contains state of the art provisions to help protect and enforce intellectual property rights, reduce regulatory red tape, and eliminate regulatory barriers to U.S. exports.

The Agreement contains high standards for protecting labor rights, carrying out covered environmental agreements, and ensuring that key domestic labor and environmental laws are enforced, combined with strong remedies for non-compliance.

The Agreement is an important part of the Administration's efforts to spur economic growth, increase exports, and create jobs in the United States, while promoting our core values.

The Agreement forms an integral part of the Administration's larger strategy of doubling exports by the end of 2014. It will strengthen our economic and political ties with Panama, support democracy and freedom, and contribute to greater competitiveness and economic growth in both countries.

H.R. 3080 – United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act

(Reps. Cantor, R-Virginia, and Levin, D-Michigan)

The Administration strongly supports H.R. 3080, which approves and implements the United States – Korea Free Trade Agreement, signed by the United States and the Republic of Korea on June 30, 2007, and carries out provisions of the exchange of letters concluded between the United States and Korea in February 2011.

Increased U.S. exports expected under the Agreement will support more than 70,000 American jobs. The Agreement will bolster our economic competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific region and strengthen our ties with a key U.S. ally.

The Agreement will level the playing field for U.S. businesses, workers, farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, investors and service providers by offering them unprecedented access to Korea's nearly $1 trillion economy, and meets the negotiating principles and objectives set out by Congress in the Trade Act of 2002.

The Agreement eliminates tariffs on over 95 percent of U.S. exports of industrial and consumer goods to Korea within the first five years and, together with the agreement entered into through an exchange of letters in February 2011, addresses the concerns of American automakers and workers regarding the lack of a level playing field in Korea's auto market.

The Agreement also ensures that almost two-thirds of current U.S. agricultural exports will enter Korea duty-free immediately. In addition, the Agreement will give American service providers greater access to Korea's $580 billion services market.

The Agreement forms an integral part of the Administration's larger strategy of doubling exports by the end of 2014. The Agreement contains state of the art provisions to help protect and enforce intellectual property rights, reduce regulatory red tape, and eliminate regulatory barriers to U.S. exports.

The Agreement also contains high standards for protecting labor rights, carrying out covered environmental agreements, and ensuring that key domestic labor and environmental laws are enforced, combined with strong remedies for non-compliance.

H.R. 2832 – Generalized System of Preferences and Trade Adjustment Assistance Extensions

(Rep. Camp, R-Michigan, and 3 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly supports enactment of H.R. 2832, which renews the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) programs.

The TAA provisions renew coverage for American workers whose jobs have been adversely affected by global competition. These workers need, and would benefit from, job retraining and other services.

As the United States expands access to other markets through new Free Trade Agreements, the Federal Government can help ensure that American workers are provided with the tools they need to take advantage of opportunities for retraining and other services and to compete in the global economy.

The TAA provisions preserve the key goals of the 2009 TAA program reforms (which expired in February, 2011), such as covering service workers and workers whose jobs shift to China, India, and other countries, to help ensure workers adversely affected by global competition are given the best opportunity to acquire skills and credentials to get good jobs.

The Administration estimates that this version of TAA will provide significant savings when compared to a straight extension of the full 2009 program.

The Administration is pleased that this legislation also renews and extends the GSP, one of the United States' largest preference programs. The GSP program provides preferential, duty-free entry to the United States for up to 4,800 products from 129 designated beneficiary countries and territories.

Many GSP imports are used as inputs by U.S. companies to manufacture goods here in the United States. The program is particularly important to American small businesses, many of which rely on the program's duty savings to stay competitive.

The lapse in GSP authorization has already cost U.S. businesses tens of millions of dollars in additional import duties, increased costs to American manufacturers and consumers, and undercut efforts by poor countries to grow their economies and fight poverty. Timely passage of this legislation will address these concerns.

Image courtesy of http://free.clipartof.com.

White House Briefs

Weekly Address: Fighting for the American Jobs Act

President Obama discusses the letters he receives every day asking for action on jobs and calls on Congress to pass the American Jobs Act right away to cut taxes, create jobs and provide a win for the American people.

White House Briefs

President Obama Answers Questions on the American Jobs Act

President Obama stops by an Open for Questions with Interactive One event to take questions on the economy and jobs.

Weekly Address: Putting Country Ahead of Party

From a farm in the Midwest, President Obama talks about the determination and integrity of the American people and calls on Congress to put aside their differences to grow the economy.

President Obama Announces Jobs Initiative for Post 9-11 Veterans

West Wing Week: 7/21/11 or "Two Minute Warning"

This week, walk side by side with the President as he continues his focus on finding a balanced deal in deficit negotiations, meets with Warren Buffett, calls the international space station, makes an important personnel announcement and hosts an education roundtable discussion with business leaders.