Obama Tells Mayors He "Will Call Them Out" For Misusing Stimulus Funds
Invoking his own name-and-shame policy, President Barack Obama warned the nation's mayors on Friday that he will "call them out" if they waste the money from his massive economic stimulus plan.
"The American people are watching," Obama told a gathering of mayors at the White House. "They need this plan to work. They expect to see the money that they've earned — they've worked so hard to earn — spent in its intended purposes without waste, without inefficiency, without fraud."
In the days since the White House and Congress came to terms on the $787 billion economic package, the political focus has shifted to how it will work. Obama has staked his reputation not just on the promise of 3.5 million jobs saved or created, but also on a pledge to let the public see where the money goes.
His budget chief this week released a 25,000-word document that details exactly how Cabinet and executive agencies, states and local organizations must report spending. It is a system meant to streamline reports so they can be displayed on the administration's new Web site, Recovery.gov.
Meanwhile, Gov. Bobby "I really want the Republican nomination in 2012" Jindal has already said that he will refuse a portion of the stimulus funds designated for extending unemployment benefits. Because, you know, Louisianans have really been oh-so-prosperous since Katrina, haven't they? Since Republicans don't actually care about Americans and our economic worries, this is making Jindal a hero within his party (I bet Romney wishes he was still governor of Massachusetts so he could turn down the money too). But with any luck. it will be a hollow victory when Jindal won't even be able to deliver his own state in the primaries.
We don't need any more welfare coming from states counties and cities. It's time to clean house.
Jeanne
End Corporate Welfare NOW!
statusquObama, change you can only pretend in
What about the bankers and the first bailout?
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
the Chewbacca defense when it comes to that question...
Yes ex-smokers do often turn to chewin' baccy.
I had no opinion on Pres. Obama using the phrase, "I screwed up," but this one sounds a little too schoolyardish, like george hw's, "I'm gonna kick his ass."
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Please please please back your shit up Mr. President!!!
That sounds more painful than a dingleberry.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Doth my eyes deceive me? Responsibility from a leading politician? Tis' madness!
Madness... THIS IS... *shot*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-uyWAe0NhQ
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
He doesn't need to call them out he needs to jail a few of the corrupt fuckers.
obama is trying to establish transparency. it won't be easy be we all need to get involved. this guy can't do it on his own. i am glad he called out the mayors. after 8 yrs. of BUSH i'm ready for transparency and
responsibilty. let's give 'hope" a chance.
is a useless sack of garbage.
/apologies to garbage.
I heard last night on PBS, but I can't remember if it was the Leher Newshour or Bill Moyer's Journal, that they want mayors and governors to publically announce when they accept federal bailout money, so we don't have any who denounce it, and then secretly accept it.
My guess is that's what rick perry intends.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
rep. james clyburn(D-SC) put it in the stimulus bill that those that take/use the stimulus funds announce it to their constituents. i believe it was the SC governor who was talking big do-do against the stimulus but NOW like about 22 other lawmakers they are already spending it. i believe this was discussed on washington weekly.
That's another show I watch on Fridays (no social life), so I could've heard it there.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
once and for all, let me get this straight: Wolf says that Obama's rep is very much on the line with the stimulus package. What he doesn't say is that Bush did everything in his power to drive this nation down economically and never did anything to try and revive it. Oh well, it was just another baseball team. Then Obama comes along after biding his time and seeing all the wrongs the clown admin achieved for the last eight years and he puts forth a stimulus package which may or may not work as it was intended. But hell, let's put the blame on him in any case. Wolf is still playing his old game. point the finger and run. he never really looks into the why this country if in the shape that it is, only that obama is now in charge and he needs to do something and do something fast. Well, he did with the stimulus package and that was a bold stroke. it's easier to sit on the sideline and criticize. wolf still sucks.
...I would be more afraid of my local constituents who elected me...
...than I would of Obama's "heavy hand of justice"
...(and yes) how ironic that banks dont have to answer to anyone but yet locally elected officials must "get with the program" ...or else!!!
audit-prosecute-incarcerate
I'm sure that will go over big with the working people of his state. Even if he does end up taking the money, by just say he would not will be enough to bury him if his opponents work it correctly.
As far as any of the other Republicans who could not care less about the working class and will not take the money I say GREAT!! More money for us in California to get out of this Republican induced nightmare.
By ignoring the less fortunate of his state, Bobby Jindal has furthered the "family values" platform of the GOP. Republican leaders, take note! He is the next step in promoting the extreme right of your party!
but rolls all over and pees himself when the bankers refuse to tell him/us where the FIRST TRILLION FUCKING DOLLARS went...
...isnt it!
audit-prosecute-incarcerate
Yeah; what Woody said!
Rush Limbaugh is what a smart person thinks a stupid bigot sounds like.
Pulleaze. These mayors, governors and other leaders, NEED this bailout cash just to balance their budgets Obama. They are in debt up to their eyeballs, and even using this bailout, still will be. Another bailout is the only alternative. It's either that, or every town, city and state will start slashing social services to save money.
Well we here in Arizona are getting screwed thanks to this doppelqanger government of ours.
They sure like to huff and puff in public, but as we watched the Dems get stomped on again -in spite of a huge majority continually, the Republicans are still in control.
Thanks to his booty to McCain by desperately pretending he must have our ex Gov Napolitano, we are now stuck with a right wing extremist Government and other whackos like Joe the Sheriff.
All the seniors and disabled just received notices that the state of Arizona will no longer pay prescription co-pays.
While around Sedona, billions are being spent on useless and decorative construction work on roads that can literally go nowhere -for tourists that stopped coming long ago.
It really pissies me off when these idiots in the Federal Administration take Senators or Governors from states where they are badly needed - in order to run a beaurocracy in D.C. that many other qualified people could fill.
Then, the states slip back into the hands of right wing nutcases, creating a huge political void. WTF are these idiots in D.C. thinking?
Rush Limbaugh is what a smart person thinks a stupid bigot sounds like.
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