Beltway Insider: Immigration Breakdown; Ferguson; Ebola Vaccine; Obama Children Targeted; Stop VAW Day

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Published on Sunday, 30 November 2014 16:34

Written by Janet Walker

President Obama reluctantly accepted the resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, the second Senior Cabinet official to give notice, as the White House begins the transition into the final quarter of the Obama presidency.

According to Gallup, President Obama's job approval, over the past week, increased two percentage points to 44% of those polled who approve of his effectiveness as President and those who disapprove of his effectiveness as President decreased four percentage points to 51%. 

Immigration Breakdown

President Obama, in an effort to streamline acceptance of his immigration proposal, has continued to outline key areas that answer challenges and anticipated blockage by the soon to be Republican lead Senate.

Benchmarks behind the Immigration Bill do not open the southern border and hand the keys to those wishing to enter the country now. The President has said his immigration plan does not benefit any person who has recently arrived illegally, or those wishing to gain illegal entry.

The Obama Immigration Fix-it Plan centers on those who have been here for at least five years, and those who have legal children.

The difficulties of gaining entry, illegally, into the U.S. brings every type of modern day bandit into the picture as illegal's run the risk of being robbed, raped and brutally traumatized on the journey.

The final leg, from inside the Mexican border to Brownville, Texas, illegal's have been known to be smuggled in through hollowed out logs and some, with little air, die. 

The plight is heart wrenching and those who enter into the United State illegally are breaking the law. They should be identified and deported and those who attempt to gain illegal entry will face that end.

Many people believe illegal's currently residing in the U.S. should be allowed to earn citizenship, if they meet pre-determined criteria.

Latin American, or Latino, immigrants should be subject to the same requirements that all immigrants live by, a five year waiting period, before potentially earning legal residency or gifted with citizenship through marriage, and finally taking and passing a citizenship test.

Although Obama states particulars of his immigration plan will not allow certain illegal's citizenship and is very clear on what group of the potentially 11million illegal immigrants receive the gifts, he has often backtracked or flip-flopped on issues in the past which make the pool of possible immigrants larger than the 5million stated.

With Immigration a sure hot button issue in every upcoming election until a compromised bill can be created and passed, President Obama's current plan that includes executive orders are, in reality, a showman's effort to shift blame and create a smoke and mirrors bill which gives the appearance of a greater good for a vast amount of individuals who broke the law, sending the message that crime, in fact, does pay, to enter the United States and have continued to break the law to stay.

The Executive Order Breakdown

The President's determinations to sign immigration executive orders are simply a plan to shift the blame for ineffective immigration legislation to the Republicans.  Executive Orders are often written with veiled language which prevents implementation on the ground level and in this case are time delayed and carry time sensitivities.

Seventeen Executive Orders were signed into law after the horrific Sandy Hook School Shooting, the third anniversary of which were are approaching, and not one single school shooting has been stopped.

Executive Orders are for show, and in this case to strong-arm Senate and House Republicans as the GOP holds the majority in both houses in the next session beginning January 2015.

Ferguson Explodes, Spawns Violence

Violence, in the aftermath of a grand jury decision not to indict Ferguson Missouri Police Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager, has exploded across America with demonstrators taking to the streets in more than 90 cities.

"First and foremost, we are a nation built on the rule of law.  And so we need to accept that this decision was the grand jury's to make.  I join Michael's parents in asking anyone who protests this decision to do so peacefully.  Let me repeat Michael's father's words:  '"Hurting others or destroying property is not the answer.  No matter what the grand jury decides, I do not want my son's death to be in vain.  I want it to lead to incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone."'  Michael Brown's parents have lost more than anyone.  We should be honoring their wishes," President Obama said in a released statement.

Those wishes, however honorable, fell on predominately deaf ears as Ferguson became the nucleus in a wave of violence that spread, in the past week, as hundreds of thousands of people across America, from New York City to Oakland to Los Angeles to Miami, Chicago, Cleveland all unified, joined in protest at the grand jury's decision that exonerated the police officer.

The nation had approximately three hours, from the time it was announced a decision had been reached to the time it would be made public, to prepare for the surge of violence expected to accompanying either verdict.

Supporters of Michael Brown, the Ferguson, MO., teen shot dead in broad daylight, also urged calm in the wake of the much anticipated decision.

Protestors in Ferguson, in rage retaliation, took to the streets, burning property, looting businesses, overturning cars, and were met by the Missouri National guard deployed by Governor Jay Nixon in anticipation of the expected violent reaction.

"I also appeal to the law enforcement officials in Ferguson and the region to show care and restraint in managing peaceful protests that may occur," the President said in a released statement.

Few cities experienced the rage violence that Ferguson experienced. With Oakland, California, being the exception, most protests were strong in numbers, as the 99%'ers took up the cause believing the decision was a clear sign of a broken judicial system, disrupted traffic, closed bridges, snarled commutes, and attempted to stop annual traditions as the decision came on the heels of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Ferguson Timeline

On August 9, at 12:00pm (1:00pmEST) Michael Brown and Dorian Johnson, were walking to his family home in Ferguson, MO, a small suburb, approximately 12miles outside St. Louis.

From all accounts, the two recent high school graduates were walking in the street. They were stopped by Officer Darren Wilson, who approached in his cruiser, and ordered to move to the sidewalk.

The two, who had no idea a convenience store robbery within an accessible radius point had just occurred, refused and a mild scuffle or a push shove situation ensued. From this point, accounts are that Officer Wilson attempted to exit his vehicle to which Michael Brown shoved the door.

That action, coupled with possible match of the robbery suspect, ignited the situation and the two African American teens broke away and ran in different direction.

Officer Wilson quickly recovered, drew his weapon and shot the unarmed teen, in broad daylight, seven times. The action of the officer has been deemed justifiable. 

It has since been revealed Michael Brown was turning to defuse the situation and was killed face forward as he was backtracking or returning to the cruiser.

Following the Shooting

Ferguson erupted that day, with periodic moments of calm since.

Independent calls for separate investigations prompted U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's office to investigate for the possibility of civil rights violations. No decision has been reached in regards to federal civil rights violations against Darren Wilson.

Prominent Civil Rights leaders have joined the Brown Family in demanding justice for Michael. As this is not a single incident with police involved shootings of unarmed African American males around the country many leaders are calling for independent review of procedures.

Cleveland Shooting

A twelve year old African American boy was shot and killed by a rookie undercover Cleveland officer as he played with a pellet gun in a local park.

The boy's actions were recorded by local surveillance camera and showed he brandished the weapon with authority and pointed the non-lethal realistic handgun at a passing couple.

A witness watching the entire incident made several 9-11 calls explaining at least twice, in different and clear terms, the gun was "probably not real" and "probably a toy."

The released 9-11 officer tape indicates the information provided by the witness indicating the gun was "probably not real" was never relayed by the 9-11 operator.

The police rolled into the park and without issuing any type of diffusing orders shot and killed the boy.

An investigation is pending.

Turkey Pardon Draws Fire; Obama Children Targeted

President Obama, on Wednesday November 26, had the auspicious duty of leading the 67^th Thanksgiving Presentation Day, in which by Presidential decree he pardoned the two big birds freeing them to live out their days in a Morven Park, located at the former home of Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis.

The annual celebration ushers in the Thanksgiving Day message from the president and honors the traditions of American culture and history.

Obama Children Targeted

Tennessee Republican Congressman Stephen Fincher has been thrust into the  spotlight through an unfortunate breech of White House protocol prompted by his Communications Director, Elizabeth Lauten.

The staffer, who without concern, attacked President Obama's teenage daughters for their choices in dress, facial expressions and reactions as they stood with their father during the annual Turkey pardoning ceremony.

Sasha, 13, and Malia, 16, were unceremoniously drawn into the President's battle with the House and Senate as the communications director took the unusual tactic of attempting to injure the president by attacking his children, a common approach utilized within bitter divorces or typical bullying used in child abuse.

The surprising word choices and brutal slam, reminiscent of the nightmare from former IAC's communication director Justine Sacco, has left even the President's staunchest political foes stunned. Ms. Lauten's bullying remarks are of the same level girls are taunted with everyday, everywhere which damage their self esteem and in some cases ultimately cause suicide.

The tactic and communications director should face sanction as underage children of our leaders have been and should remain off limits to scorn, vicious attacks and damaging rhetoric served heartedly with barbs and sparring reserved for the President.

These types of attacks should not be tolerated; even as in all cases the suitable response apparently already crafted appropriating the proper amount of contrition expecting the apology to cover the damage without consequence was quickly released.

Elimination of Violence Against Women Day

Vice President Joseph Biden, a long time support of the Elimination of Violence Against Women, released a statement commemorating this day with a deep concern over the continued magnitude of this social issues.

The Centers for Diseases Control has classified violence as at epidemic proportions. There is no cure, no international coalition and no high profile celebrity interest drafted ready with PSA's broadcasting the need to "Stop the Violence."

"I am deeply concerned by the continued magnitude of this problem. Approximately one in three women across the globe is physically or sexually abused during her lifetime; many at the hands of an intimate partner. Too many women and girls are victimized by practices like human trafficking or forced marriage. Violence against women creates and maintains poverty. It threatens peace. Perhaps, most importantly, it degrades all of humanity. We all must work together to fight gender-based violence around the world, and the abuse of power in all of its forms. Today we join with the international community in renewing this commitment," the Vice-President said is a released statement.

Jordan King Visit

His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan will visit the White House on Friday, December 5 in one of the final state visits of the 2014 year.

In advance of the King's visit the White House indicated the two leaders would use the visit to speak candidly regarding the continued unrest in the region, the overflow of Syrian refugees and humanitarian needs, the threats of ISIS/ISIL, calm tensions in Israel and strengthen the relationship between the long term allies.

 "The President looks forward to discussing with King Abdullah opportunities to strengthen the U.S.-Jordan strategic partnership and advance our political, economic, and security cooperation.  The United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan enjoy a close and enduring friendship, and this meeting is another opportunity to continue our work together to promote peace, prosperity, and reform in the Middle East," the President said in a released statement.

Ebola Vaccine

Drs. Francis Collins and Tony Fauci, of The National Institute of Health, have released first phase results of clinical trials of an Ebola vaccine.

The expedited testing is part of the President's strategy to utilize the most advanced medical system in the world to combat the deadliest virus. The vaccine, which hinders the spread of the lethal virus, has shown successful in limited clinical trials and possibly on a single infected patient, who has responded well.

"This news is another important milestone in that effort, and lays the groundwork for the critical clinical trials to follow shortly in Ebola-impacted countries to determine the safety and efficacy of Ebola vaccine candidates on a larger scale," the President said in a released statement.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Resigning

President Obama announced the resignation of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Monday morning. Hagel has served in the top defense position since February 2013.

Since he has assumed the leadership role the Secretary has seen more than his share of conflicts and scandals from the rise in reported military sexual assaults to the rise of ISIS/ISIL whom he has described openly as "unlike any [terror organization] we have seen."

Hagel, a former republican senator from Nebraska, served in the United States Military during the Vietnam War earning two Purple Hearts, the Army Commendation Medal and the combat infantryman Badge.

For more information on President Barack Obama: www.whitehouse.gov

Sources: Whitehouse.org, Wikipedia.com,