The Bishop and the Butterfly: Murder, Politics, and the End of the Jazz Age
    Ramona's picture

    Barack Obama and the Chamber of Mostly Shallows

    By Ramona on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 10:56am | Politics, Humor & Satire
    Now, on some issues, like the Recovery Act, we've found common cause. On other issues, we've had some pretty strong disagreements. But I'm here today because I'm convinced we can and must work together. Whatever differences we may have, I know that all of us share a deep belief in this country, our people, and the principles that have made America's economy the envy of the world.
    President Barack Obama speaking to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2/7/11

     "I just dropped my butter knife.  Can I borrow yours?"

    America's success didn't happen by accident. It happened because of the freedom that has allowed good ideas to flourish, and capitalism to thrive. It happened because of the conviction that in this country, hard work should be rewarded; that opportunity should be there for anyone willing to reach for it. And it happened because at every juncture in history, we came together as one nation and did what was necessary to win the future.  POTUS, again.
    Loud cheers.  "He said 'Capitalism', right?"

    We still have, by far, the world's largest and most vibrant economy. We have the most productive workers, the finest universities and the freest markets. The men and women in this room are living testimony that American industry is still the source of the most dynamic companies, and the most ingenious entrepreneurs.  POTUS, same speech
    "Free markets, YAY!"
     "Shut up, idiot, he's talking about American industry."

    But we also know that with the march of technology over the last few decades, the competition for jobs and businesses has grown fierce. The globalization of our economy means that businesses can now open up shop, employ workers and produce their goods wherever there is internet connection. Tasks that were once done by 1,000 workers can now be done by 100, or even 10. And the truth is, as countries like China and India grow and develop larger middle classes, it's profitable for global companies to aggressively pursue these markets and, at times, to set up facilities in these countries.  POTUS
     "All right!  That's what I'M talkin' about!"

    These forces are as unstoppable as they are powerful. But combined with a brutal and devastating recession, they have also shaken the faith of the American people - in the institutions of business and government. They see a widening chasm of wealth and opportunity in this country, and they wonder if the American Dream is slipping away. President Obama

    "So. . .Steelers or Packers?  You a bettin' man?"

    We cannot ignore these concerns. We have to renew people's faith in the promise of this country - that this is a place where you can make it if you try. And we have to do this together: business and government; workers and CEOs; Democrats and Republicans. Obama
    "Jesus, somebody spilled sauce on my tie."

    We know what it will take for America to win the future. We need to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build our competitors. We need an economy that's based not on what we consume and borrow from other nations, but what we make and sell around the world. We need to make America the best place on earth to do business. O
    "See that guy behind me?  Don't look!  I met him at a party last year.  He could buy and sell both of us.  Wanna say hello but I can't remember his name. Shit! Know him?  Don't look!"

    And this is a job for all of us. As a government, we will help lay the foundation for you to grow and innovate. We will upgrade our transportation and communications networks so you can move goods and information more quickly and cheaply. We will invest in education so that you can hire the most skilled, talented workers in the world. And we'll knock down barriers that make it harder for you to compete, from the tax code to the regulatory system.
    "Yeah, I've heard that song and dance before.  Show me the money, buddy.  Show me the money."

    But I want to be clear: even as we make America the best place on earth to do business, businesses also have a responsibility to America.
    Now, I understand the challenges you face. I understand that you're under incredible pressure to cut costs and keep your margins up. I understand the significance of your obligations to your shareholders. I get it. But as we work with you to make America a better place to do business, ask yourselves what you can do for America. Ask yourselves what you can do to hire American workers, to support the American economy, and to invest in this nation. That's what I want to talk about today - the responsibilities we all have to secure the future we all share.  Barack Hussein Obama
    "Picked up another place on Hilton Head.  Love those short sales!"

    Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.  BHO
    "Where's that waitress with the coffee?  Is it hot in here?  What time is it?"

    We have faced hard times before. We have faced moments of tumult and change before. We know what to do. We know how to succeed. We are Americans. And as we have throughout our history, I have every confidence that will rise to this occasion; that we can come together, that we can adapt and thrive in a changing economy. And we need look no further than the innovative companies in this room. If we can harness your potential and the potential of the people all across our country, there will be no stopping us.
    Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.  That guy still talking
     "Okay, so. . .I'm ready for that drink.  How about you?"
    *
    *
    Topics: 
    Politics
    Humor & Satire

    Comments

    I'm really embarassed for him that he went there.  If he wanted to talk to Donohue he should have summoned him to the White House, sat him down and served him water without ice.


    by Michael Maiello on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 11:13am

    I'm really embarassed for him

     

    And this is from a guy who's not embarrassed by the signature on his paycheck...(con respetto)


    by jollyroger on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 7:33pm

    From The Economic Populist:

    President Obama gave a speech today to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a conciliatory message, why he even offered up a symbolic fruit cake. But the gifts Obama is bearing ain't no house warmers, they are more offshore outsourcing, bad trade deals, corporate tax reduction wish lists and key multinational corporate players in the White House.

    Would the U.S. Chamber of Commerce suddenly wake up and consider being interested in the nation that bears their name? Not from history. Remember when the U.S. Chamber of Commerce demanded Stimulus funds not be used to hire Americans or buy American? Or how foreign companies and nations are trying to buy our elections through them? Their list of egregious horrors against the American workforce is as long as their forked tongues.
    TDR.jpeg
    Imagine this was 1904 and Teddy Roosevelt was in Office. There is no doubt instead of promising more bad trade deals and to rewrite the corporate tax code per lobbyists' demands, we would see some sort of requirement these companies hire Americans and contribute to America. Unfortunately, this is not 1904 it's 2011 and Obama sir, is no Teddy Roosevelt.


    by miguelitoh2o on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 1:50pm

    The AFL-CIO seems to have liked the speech

    (From Greg Sargeant)

    AFL-CIO: We liked Obama's challenge to Chamber of Commerce

    By Greg Sargent

    I keep reading in various places that all those losers on the left are absolutely outraged that Obama sold them out by giving what's widely being described as an "olive branch" speech today to the Chamber of Commerce. But judging by the AFL-CIO's response, it seems some liberals actually are pleasantly surprised by how he handled it.

    AFL-CIO spokesman Eddie Vale emails a list of the passages from Obama's speech the AFL-CIO liked, where Obama seemed to challenge the Chamber to live up to its responsibilities to America and the American worker:

    Obama's reminder to business that they have a responsibility to America, that they can't just worry about shareholders and the bottom line:

    "Ask yourselves what you can do for America. Ask yourselves what you can do to hire American workers, to support the American economy, and to invest in this nation."

    Obama's reminder to business that there are important regulations:

    "For example, even as we work to eliminate burdensome regulations, America's businesses have a responsibility to recognize that there are some safeguards and standards that are necessary to protect the American people from harm or exploitation."

    His reminder to business that changes in the tax code need to benefit everyone:

    "If we're fighting to reform the tax code and increase exports to help you compete, the benefits can't just translate into greater profits and bonuses for those at the top. They should be shared by American workers, who need to know that expanding trade and opening markets will lift their standard of living as well as your bottom line. We cannot go back to the kind of economy -- and culture -- we saw in the years leading up to the recession, where growth and gains in productivity just didn't translate into rising incomes and opportunity for the middle class."

    My understanding is that labor officials expected Obama to repeat his insistence on more infrastructure spending -- which after all isn't that controversial, since the Chamber supports the idea in principle. But labor types didn't expect, and were cheered by, Obama's defense of government regulation, the emphasis on reforming the tax code so it benefits everyone, and the insistence that corporations need to ask themselves what they can do for America and its workers.

    As Digby notes, the speech wasn't exactly FDR telling "organized money" that he "welcomes their hatred," but Obama did give folks on the left more than the media previews in the lead-up to the speech might have led you to expect.

    By Greg Sargent  | February 7, 2011; 2:40 PM ET


    by rmrd0000 on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 2:42pm

    Ask yourselves what you can do to hire American workers, to support the American economy, and to invest in this nation.

    That part is pure mush and naive if meant sincerely.  When he says stuff like that without proposing any policy changes or even laying groundwork for proposed policy changes I lose respect for him.  Obama knows the corporations have fiduciary duties to their shareholders to maximize returns, which usually translates into maximizing profits.  Marjorie Kelly refers to this as the doctrine of shareholder supremacy.  So long as shareholder interests predominate over the interests of Americans seeking employment, and over communities trying to preserve their revenue base, where there is a conflict among those there is no reason whatsoever to expect that jawboning from the President is going to make a whit of difference on this issue. 

    Corporations respond to the opportunities available to them.  If they can greatly increase their profits by outsourcing they're going to do it. And they will use the full extent of their very large political influence to retain maximum outsourcing opportunities. 


    by AmericanDreamer on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 3:45pm

    File this under:

    "A triumph of managed expectations."

    I guess a master of bait'n switch can use the principle in more than one direction.  I'm awed ...


    by jollyroger on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 7:30pm