A New Era of Responsibility

In his first address to a joint session of Congress, President Obama laid out his plan to confront the global economic crisis.

Acknowledging that for many Americans the state of the economy is "a concern that rises above any others", President Obama laid out his plan to strengthen the economy and spur economic growth not just in the U.S., but worldwide.  "We are working with the nations of the G-20," he said "For the world depends on us to have a strong economy, just as our economy depends on the strength of the world’s."

The President also reiterated before both chambers of Congress his commitment to engaging with the global community in confronting the security challenges of the 21st century.  "In words and deeds, we are showing the world that a new era of engagement has begun.  For we know that America cannot meet the threats of this century alone, but the world cannot meet them without America," he said. [full text]

U.S. fire recovery teams to join the Victorian bushfire effort

At the request of Emergency Management Australia (EMA) and Victoria firefighting authorities, up to 60 U.S. fire recovery specialists are expected to arrive early Sunday to assist Australia as it copes with its worst natural disaster ever.

“The team will include experts on burned area rehabilitation, incidence management, aviation support and mid-and senior-level management-- all areas identified by Australian state and national officials as crucial in the aftermath of these unprecedented bush fires,” explained U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to New Zealand Dave Keegan. “Australia and New Zealand have been such wonderful neighbours and have helped us in our times of need-- we are happy to return that help.” … (more)

Embracing the Enduring Importance of Shared Values

An OpEd by Charge d'Affaires Dave Keegan, as it appeared in the NZ Herald of Monday Feb 16, 2009.

The United States Wants and Needs Friends Like New Zealand, writes Dave Keegan

I was nearly 10 in 1961 when President Kennedy's inauguration speech was beamed across the black-and-white TV sets of the United States. Hearing our new President challenge us to "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country", inspired us to think we could make a difference. Kennedy's words still echo in the American spirit. His call reinvigorated Americans' desire to serve, and my 27 years as an American diplomat are my response to that call … (more)

United States Emphasis on Cooperation and Partnership

Washington — Vice President Biden says the United States will be guided in its foreign relations by the principle that there is no conflict between its security and its ideals — each reinforces the other.

“Our administration rejects a false choice between our safety and our ideals. America will vigorously defend our security and our values, and in doing so we believe we’ll all be more secure,” Biden said. While the United States pledges to do more, America will ask more from its partners as well, he said.

Biden emphasized that Obama has ordered the terrorist detention facility at the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, closed within a year. The action was taken by the new president less than 48 hours after he took the oath of office January 20.

“America will not torture. We will uphold the rights of those who we bring to justice,” he said … (more)

U.S. Congratulates PM Tsvangirai

Washington — The Obama administration has extended its congratulations to Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai for becoming the country’s prime minister, but says it is waiting to see evidence of true power sharing and effective governance before offering additional development assistance or easing its targeted sanctions against President Robert Mugabe and his key supporters.

Acting State Department spokesman Robert Wood said February 11 that the United States is reserving judgment on the new government. “We need to see evidence of good governance and particularly real, true power sharing on the part of Robert Mugabe before we are going to make any kind of commitment,” he said … (more)

Green Jobs:  The Pathway to a Strong Middle Class

President Obama's new "Middle Class Task Force" is a major initiative targeted at raising the living standards of middle-class, working families in America.  The task force is lead by Vice President Joe Biden, and it is comprised of top-level administration policy makers.

The task force’s first meeting is scheduled for February 27, when the focus will be green jobs as a pathway to a strong middle class.

Green jobs are jobs that provide products and services which use renewable energy resources, reduce pollution, conserve energy and natural resources and reconstitute waste… (more)