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Subscribe to RSSNearly one year after the tornado that devastated Joplin, Mo., President Obama delivers the commencement speech for Joplin's high school graduation ceremony.
A year after a deadly tornado flattened the city of Joplin, Mo., in 32 minutes, taking with it 161 residents and thousands of homes, President Barack Obama told the city's graduating high school seniors Monday night that the country can learn from their persevering spirit.
“That story is part of you now,” Obama said at Joplin High School's commencement ceremony at Missouri Southern State University. “You've grown up quickly over the last year. You've learned at a younger age than most that we can't always predict what life has in store for us. No matter how we might try to avoid it, life can bring heartache. Life involves struggle. Life will bring loss.”
On May 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado – the strongest ever measured – ripped through Joplin, claiming among its victims one graduating senior returning home from commencement and six other public school students. It also destroyed 7,500 buildings, including Joplin High School.
When Obama last visited, one week after the tornado a year ago, the area was declared a federal disaster area. It was the deadliest tornado in six decades.
Joplin: Before and after tornado cleanup
Joe Raedle / Getty Images
Joplin High School was destroyed in a tornado a year ago Tuesday that claimed 161 residents. President Barack Obama gave the keynote address to the 428 graduating seniors on Monday night.
"It's bittersweet," senior student Taylor Camden told Reuters after the seniors finished a commencement practice on Friday. "It's going to be a sad, emotional day for a lot of people just to be at graduation. We all lost something, and everyone here lost their high school."
After the tornado, every high school student received a MacBook laptop, courtesy in part to a $500,000 donation from the United Arab Emirates. Singer Katy Perry sponsored the prom in part and someone else organized a prom dress drive. The girls received free makeup. One woman who lost her home and business, made 1,500 cupcakes for the prom.
Read President Barack Obama's remarks
“I imagine that as you begin the next stage in your journey, you will encounter greed and selfishness; ignorance and cruelty. You will meet people who try to build themselves up by tearing others down; who believe looking after others is only for suckers," Obama said.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP
President Barack Obama with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, left, and Superintendent C.J. Huff, right, applaud the Class of 2012 at the Joplin High School commencement ceremony on Monday.
“But you are from Joplin. So you will remember, you will know, just how many people there are who see life differently; those who are guided by kindness and generosity and quiet service.”
Joe Raedle / Getty Images
From left, Morgan Osburn, David Hoosier and Kim Hoosier spend a quiet moment together in front of a memorial built for their friend Lance Hare who was killed by a tornado that hit Joplin, Mo. a year ago.
Rachel Berryhill, who took shelter in a bathroom with her family when the tornado tore the roof off their house, already lives that mantra. She told Reuters that she no longer stresses about the small things in life, like the style of clothes she wears.
"I've become more caring, more attached to people," she said. "I'm trying to live my life in a better way."
On Monday evening, Deborah Allen watched her eldest grandson graduate with a happy but also heavy heart.
“This day is joyful," she said. "Tomorrow will probably be a time of sadness for a lot of people."
Melissa Rogers, whose twins Devin and Danielle were graduating, said she watched Joplin grow stronger over the last year.
“It wasn’t that we didn’t know it before, we didn’t really have the opportunity, but since the tornado we’ve just all really come together,” she said. For Rogers, too, the event stirred up emotions. She lost two loved ones in the storm.
Teachers and students told the St. Louis Dispatch that fights and disciplinary violations declined dramatically.
Throughout the prepared speech, Obama wove in stories of the city’s efforts to rebuild, noting that at the first town hall meeting, residents were handed Post-It notes and asked to write down their hopes for the city’s future. More than 1,000 notes covered a wall, inspiring the city’s planners today.
In the last year, two-thirds of the destroyed homes have received building permits to rebuild, according to Reuters, and the city has rebuilt with help from thousands of volunteers.
The president praised those volunteers, telling of a man from Japan who flew in because Americans had helped after the tsunami, of a busload of football players who drove in to dig through the rubble, and of a 9-year-old boy who donated $360 from a car wash he had organized. He praised the schools superintendent, who decided to keep students in Joplin, fashioning a school out of a vacant box store at the mall, according to the St. Louis-Dispatch. A food court doubled as the cafeteria.
“There are so many good people in the world,” Obama said to the 428 graduating seniors. “There is such a decency, a bigness of spirit, in this country of ours. Remember that. Remember what people did here. And like the man from Japan who came to Joplin, make sure to pay it forward in your own life.”
Joplin, Mo., marks the anniversary of the deadly tornado that ripped the town part. WCNC's Jinah Kim reports.
Reuters and NBC's Ali Weinberg contributed to this report.
More content from msnbc.com and NBC News:
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oh my god everyone look how nice of a person president obama is. im sure he is doing this out of the kindness of his heart and definetly not any sort of public relations move.
Rahl emanual never pass up a disaster!!!!!!!
If you had bothered to read his entire commencement speech, you would have seen how he honored the students and residents of Joplin for all that they've accomplished. Politics was not part of what he had to say. Please remember that when thinking of any President. It isn't always about political gain.
Funny you mention that Scotty, because for 8 years every time Bush did something similar after a disaster, the liberal Left made nasty comments and stated he was staging a photo op. It amazes me how so many people have forgotten the hate on Bush (which continues to permeate today even while the current president allows Rome to burn).
You're right scotty, no politics at all with Obama. Everything he does is from the goodness of his heart.
I don't know 10tacle . Bush did a bang up job with Katrina.
I was waiting on a Katrina comment. Most people are too ignorant to know this (especially those who do not live in hurricane prone areas), but it's up to the local and state governments to make preparations and responses both before and after a disaster. The federal government comes in third place.
And regarding New Orleans, the US Army Corps. of Engineers had millions of dollars to build up the levees, but failed to do so and spent it elsewhere. I'm not saying that Washington didn't have anything to do with the failures, but it was a failure of monumental proportion from the leaders that had first dibs on responsibility for their city and state respectively: Nagin and Blanco.
Highspeeddirts;
Why did the Mayor and Governor not use the 300 + buses to move citizens out of N.O.? Why did they have no disaster plans in place? Why did it take the Governor 3 or 4 weeks to ask for federal assistance? Without a formal request from a governor, the federal government cannot intervene. It's part of the separation of powers provision of the Constitution. So place the blame where it belongs, with the Mayor of N.O and the Governor of Louisiana that so badly served the people of their city and state. Both Democrats if memory serves.
The big difference between Katrina and Joplin -
George Bush spoke to a bunch of TV cameras.
Barack Obama spoke to graduating seniors.
yes..a great place that has survived //hopefully Obama will not..are you kidding ..what Arab King did he have with him..what a frigging joke to the people of Joplin and the rest of the country,,,yikes! get him the Hell out of ofice! Jesus we work and live every day in our own space...and struggle while his family vacations..
Sorry to break it to you Nerm_L...Bush was on the ground in New Orleans and Mississippi and was crucified for it. And what was there to celebrate in New Orleans...a demolished stadium, rampant stealing, people taking their FEMA money to the casinos? Joplin is a better photo op because it isn't a blinding spotlight on everything wrong with making people so dependent on government!
Don't kid yourselves, everything Obama does is a carefully calculated strategic move for political gain.
Including the 14,000 mile photo op victory lap trip to Kabul, to spike the football.
He's been doing this since he was a Jr Senator.
Dbrown5665; Zach D, et all: I just can't understand why you all have so much venom directed to President Obama and sometimes I can't help but wonder if you are all like this because he is balck or because his thinking is way ahead of most of his contemporaries. The man give soothing and comforting words to a community that is still suffering from loss of gigantic proportion, and I wonder if you ever took the time to read the address itself before you begin spewing all this hot ash and lava without provocation. I did not detect a trace of politics in the speech as presented, and no politician with a trace of human compunction would use such occasion to engage in partician politics. But to you it seems any mention of the president gets your blood roiling. You need help and fast. Work on your thinking and logical information processing. It was not so long ago that romney spoke at Liberty University, I did not see much words of advise for the graduating class, it was all politics, and you have the audicity to come here now accusing the President of using this bittersweet occasion for political again. Can you read at all?
Zach, never pass up a chance to bring out the right wing hatred to a solemn occasion.
Bush was so compassionate during Hurricane Katrina.....he had made a tough decision the night it hit.
He went to John McCains birthday party! All these people dying and losing everything, losing their whole lifes worth of work, losing homes and all their possessions while Bush is singing, "Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Johnnie, Happy birthday to you....!"
starsailing,
Was he supposed to put his life and the entire country on hold while waiting for the Governor to ask for federal assistance? Perhaps he should have flown down there and strong armed the state administration into signing a Declaration for Federal Assistance.
Ya know, when I was reading this article, looked for political speech, and I found none.
Upon realizing that there were no political talking points, my immediate thought was, when would the conservatives be putting their spin on this.
Well, then I saw the very first post...
Sure didn't take them long, eh?
It's pathetic how people will use whatever excuse they can to turn something into a political rant. I saw the headline, read the article then came to the comments section already knowing what I was going to see. And you didn't hesitate a moment before spewing more anti-Obama bull@!$%#. So predictable.
The destruction and death toll in the State of Alabama last year was more widespread and more deadly than in Joplin. I wonder if Obama will go there next. I suggest you not hold your breath. He has already written-off red states so don't expect to see him there.
EVERYTHING Obama does at this point in time is for political purposes. If you think otherwise, you are naive.
Jim-145534 - Missouri is a red state. Rick Santorum carried EVERY county in the primary. If you look at the 2008 electoral college map, Missouri is RED...
You will meet people who try to build themselves up by tearing others down;
In the presidents own words, obviously talking about himself.
This begs the question, when will Obama grow up?
This begs the question, when will you??
Wow, Kaybeetoys, how mature of you! You honestly make yourself sound liek a 9-year-old saying nanny nanny boo boo or something. Use some reasoned arguments, and that may make your point better.
Dennis-2803501
I think kaybeetoys response was appropriate to the post made by xsited1. You chided one poster but not the other.....
How about you, xsited?
Dennis, I suppose you have a more mature answer for xsited's moronic insult to the President.
The President started these divisive wars just like Poland started World War II.
The republicans attack people and when they fight back you say your victims started it by defending themselves.
Your strategy is very clever, but hypocritical and destructive for our country.
You will destroy America if you can't boss it. And you probably think you're a patriot.
The President is being Presidential - this part of our common culture escapes Romney - Being Connected
I heard the president speak with genuine concern and actions speak louder than words in my world:
"The president praised those volunteers, telling of a man from Japan who flew in because Americans had helped after the tsunami, of a busload of football players who drove in to dig through the rubble, and of a 9-year-old boy who donated $360 from a car wash he had organized" - I hope you read the article?
This is what the 1% the 10% can never get their heads around which is the dire straits of Americans that we relie on the generosity of strangers and kind fortune: think of the efforts of this president to resist drastic cut-backs on FEMA and other "Safety Net Programs" the truth behind these fine Americans the elected officials are patting themselves with one hand while cutting the programs that I would deem subsistence level assistance if any from local and national agencies most of which are gone now or not staffed and funded so they are only a facade...smoke and mirrors there are no well paying jobs even just for rasing a small family can one find that kind of pay here when the hoopla settles and reality sets in the reality of life starts anew.
I am an independent but this guy - our president - all things considered I mean I try to find reasons not to vote for him and the only one of concern is the national health care plan, he has de that is in large measure Romney's own mandated health plan Romney invented - I cannot reconcile the two all of Romney's words only just listening to them confirm the flip flopping and off subject phony set of words leaves one with the question..."hey he (Romney) never answered the question again". Who is he? Strange.............
The impact on Americans with little to no health insurance is so long coming a disgrace...the richest country in the history of the world....what a sad and deadly system to enrich those that don't need it at the death of hundreds of thousands of Americans...hundreds of thousands and more just hanging on of course the wait and approval review process is running well and profits are great.
Soon the Windfall...millions new means Billions more more - THERE IS NO BETTER WAY? SINGLE PAYER?
Are you kidding, this clown has grown up, and become a socialist.
fool2
Only a fool would not realize the republican agenda when the president was first sworn in. Claiming the president is the most divisive is laughable at best. Claiming he started the wars is plain delusional.
exsit - - Begs the question - when will you grow up - background please - red states? Surely you are not educated - nor can you grasp empathy - versus - who cares
Background would love to know where your computer is under your false name - Too ashamed to identify yourself? Little coward !
Great boost for the community I am not a fan of the prez I hope he was sincere! WE all pay for this but I am glad to do it!
Yeah ... as sincere as a hyena.
Proud.............you are being very gracious..........
Wow is there any democrats on here? The president is a good man, and you Republicans are like broken record players with little evidence to back up your claims that Obama is such a bad president. This is a great story, and I'm proud that Obama is our president. P.S. studies show that there is a correlation between conservatism and a lower IQ.
huh, eh? The President is a good man? Are you KIDDING me? You and I must live in parallel universes because that's not what I see when he blames Bush for all his mistakes. When he plays class, race and gender warfare and divides people instead of uniting them. When he says horrible things about his opponent because he has no record to stand on. This man is NOT a good man, he's a political animal who will do whatever it takes as a narcissist to remain in the spotlight!
Obama and his puppet Little Timmy, head of the US Treasury, just today gave away the US Treasury coffers to China for unlimited access to debt buying. You liberals think that is great or something?
Oh, and speaking of IQs and Conservatism (a laughable study based on "evolutionary novel" and nothing else...I've read the "study"), let's give it up for Conservatives being proven to be more knowledgeable about the US political process and US history: http://dailycaller.com/2012/04/22/science-say-gop-voters-better-informed-open-minded/ )
Studies conducted by Democrat leaning "scientists".
Fights, no record to stand on? Are you from 2007-2008 or something? Please tell us about your travel through time. And we'll get you caught up on his accomplishments.
I repeat Mogul, NO RECORD TO STAND ON!
Fights,
Perhaps I attended a different graduation but I didn't hear any type of division tonight from Obama. I read a great deal in your post.
Yes, I'm sure Obama picks his public appearances carefully. However, how anyone could not be moved by what happened in Joplin is beyond me. I believe the President is sincere.
And I don't even plan on voting for the man! But I'm sick of people like you dividing this country. I don't like Obama's policies but I do think he is a good person.
Lizzie: take those rose colored glasses off. NOBODY has divided this nation up more socially, economically, and especially racially than Obama. NOBODY.
10tacle, what about the obstructionists in congress that stated that their number one goal is to make President Obama a one term President, without even giving him a chance?
10tacle,
One man cannot divide a country. This country is divided because we let it become that way. We buy into the media hype that it is us against them, right against left, blue against red, Republicans against Democrats, Obama against Romney, Fox against MSNBC.
Obama didn't do that to us. We did it to ourselves. And as long as we continue to blame others (or look for someone to blame) for our problems, we will never unite.
Ever heard the expression "be the change you want to see in the world?" Live it. Stop blaming Obama for your division and work on fixing it.
what you have to always remember when it comes to the right. they always cry about what someone else does. is because it what they would do. hating because unions have a voice regrading there empolyment. instead of getting there own voices for better benifits . they want to tear them down. they always cry cause it's what they would do.
Obama 2012!
Haters don't let up for a minute. Just blinded by hate. Truly sad when one's life is but a speck in time.
Odumbo gone in 2012! yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh
I've traveled throught the Bible Belt and know how strong their communties are. Regardless of our
political issues, our president did take the time to show his support for Joplin. No party can repair
the damage caused by this disaster, but we can accept their kindness and affection.
Bush had a tough decision to make the night Hurricane Katrina hit. What to get John McCain for his birthday. While Katrina hit, all those people dying, losing their homes, their posessions, their whole lifes work, everthing swept away. President Bush was at John McCains birthday party in Arizona. I will never forget that famous speech. "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you,. Happy birthday dear Johnnie, Happyyyy Birthdayyyyy to youuuuuuuuuuu! Oh boy cake and ice cream!"
Proud,
You obviously couldn't care less if Joplin was annihilated,
it's just another opportunity to get on newsvine and insult the President.
Insult the "President"??? You can call this socialist a 'President' all you want, but he's a joke!! He's a disgrace to the office. Do I care Joplin was annihilated? Yes, I sure do, but my insulting this so called "President", is justified in every way. I will tell you straight out......I simply detest this socialist mongrel. I have never been so embarrassed, felt so humiliated, as I do with this phony "President"!!! He's a black socialist muslim, and I want absolutely no part of him or his socialist plans!! He's destroying this nation, taking from those that have, and giving to those who want it!!!! I am doing everything I possibly can to get this hockey puck out of office..........and quickly!!! Am I biased, in a word..........YES! I don't care what anyone thinks, this thug totally stinks!!!
well, sugarfoot, i guess you should start looking for another country to move to because chances are this president is going to be reelected and since you're so 'embarassed and humiliated', feel free to move somewhere else, so you regain your self esteem. i'll tell you what, a bigger load of C$$% i've never heard from anyone. what? you think you sound 'cool?' or everyone here is impressed by your tirade, that sounds like so much right wing, radical blah, blah, blah? i could almost quote you before you started typing because we've all heard the same parrot babble a thousand times coming from the rest of the lemmings out there who can't form an independent thought so they just repeat over and over and over what their Fox overlords feed them. i don't agree with everything the president does. i don't think there has ever been a president that did everything right all the time for everyone. he's the president, not the messiah and i think people were sooooo desperate after the eight years of H**l that we had just gone through they wanted to believe that he could work miracles, which of course he couldn't, so everyone just turned on him.
give it a break. there is not now and never will be a instant gratification solution to the problems in this country. but people like you who are so obviously filled with hatred for any kind of compromise and anybody that doesn't agree with your own tight anal viewpoint, keep this country divided. i'd be glad to help enlighten you, but my guess is you'll or one of your fellow foxites will just come back at me with some lame insult. (like i give a d**m)
Well Sugafoot you truly have come out as bigomist - All I can say is I remember working at 3M on the 4 to 12 shift - I as a graduate of U of C with an Economics Degree who couldn't find work and three children to raise - worked at 3 M rewinding tape - when I applied as a women for quality control jobs was told we didn't hire women
OK - I became a Union Steward - come and get me big boys
Have you ever worked in a sweat shop? Piece Meal - my women were out performed everyone - and they sent the trime share guys around to raise the standards - I called my women to downtime
Everytime
we outperformed they sent their guys around to keep our salaries low - downtime !
You want to know about corporate and unions - Unions protected the workers from being shafted
Corporations wanted you to perform but - not too much! Pure and simple
Now let's talk about Corporations and I will you an earful
Mr Binkie I think your "handle" along with your comment "Obama 2012" puts you in a class of people that should be locked away in an asylum someplace, so the thinking people of this country don't have to put up with your kind of ignorance!
@Chen-Litchfield,
You proved the point. People who believe different than you should be locked away? It's laughable that you actually believe you're a "thinking person".
So let's think about this for a minute. Uh... never mind.
Man that would suck. You are wanting to watch your child graduate and instead you have to put up with this sanctimonious SOB doing a campaign speech.
Hey Obama why is it Joplin can recover in a year with no help from you but Chocolate City in LA still has not recovered?
Uh, noooo... you'd feel honored that the President of the United States of America came to your little town, and you'd remember it all your life.
What is wrong with people who are so disrespectful of a good man? Too 'chocolate' for you?
No, kay, too marxist for us.
Ummmm....
Proud, sweetie, you do realize Joplin received a great deal of federal money, correct? Joplin is pulling itself up but there is certainly a lot of help coming from different places.
Louisiana has not recovered because they don't want to, apparently. I live in Houston and we have received many of New Orleans third generation welfare queens.
I am from Diamond, Mo, which is 15 minutes from the Joplin area (and still have family there). No one had to tell me that the people there banded together and helped each other and themselves clean up this mess. The people of N.O. are still waiting on the government and FEMA to rebuild their homes. They have taken no action to make it happen for themselves. They are too lazy to make it happen for themselves. There are so many programs to help Katrina victims get back on their feet and they CHOOSE to remain on welfare and say, "Woah is me. Won't anyone help me." They had plenty of opportunity for help and pissed it away.
The reason they still aren't home is because the city of New Orleans got rid of their crime and murder problem when Katrina hit.
Plus that, New Orleans was Bush's failure.
the sad part is all whom speak with a negitive voice. did not commit anything good to this discussion or to jophlin.
I'm confident Americans will see through his lies, deceit and feigned empathy this time around.
We can only hope, but there are so many people out there who only believe the lies and crap he spouts. It is sickening.
GCCal - too bad he can't be like that paragon of honesty and sincerity Mitt Romney... his middle names are "opportunist" and 'disingenuous."
Take the blinkers off...
Think that may be blinders you were referring to and sheep like you don't ususally wear blinders but, in the case of the article, I think you may have thought "outside the box".
Just like any President, everything this President does is a political move. Always has been always will be....President CO is not any better than any of the others. Anyone who thinks otherwise just has their head in the proverbial dark spot.
EH5471: Democrats are here. It seems to me though that Democrats use their minds to think and analyse facts before they speak wisely. Unlike some other people who make statement they cannot back up with facts, and when challenged by common decency, they refer again to lies, half truths and negative assumptions to back up their original ies. Sooner or later, they cannot recognize or differentiate between truth and lies. Democrats are a wise lot, they make statement of truth once, and are ready, willing and able to defend their statement with verifiable facts. Once they have done their jobs, they let it go at that. It takes intellectual minds to know that you gain nothing by arguing with those who refuse to see verifiable truths and prefer instead to live in the darkness if ignorant denial. That is why voices of truths are not agitating here.
Obviously some of the commentators didn't hear or internalize the speech by the president because it failed to inure any good will. Nothing the president does satisfies certain people for whatever reason.
Hey haters. You just confirmed my vote for President Obama.
Thank you FR for covering this wonderful commencement speech for the students of Joplin. The sentiment the President put into words speaks volumes about the generosity of spirit of people the world over.
Yes, we all need to play it forward.
One of my favorite sayings and activity is "Random act of kindness".
Can all you partisans and cynics stop hiding behind your moniker and think about what the people of Joplin have gone through and have done in the last year.
As soon as you learn that the term is "pay it forward".
Talk to the Hand,
Thanks for the correction.
sometimes I get caught with my spelling ,even with the spell check.LOL
I am a terrible speller, but a great conversationalist.:)
I'm a sweet, friendly, honest (sometimes too honest), caring girl in search of "the one".I've been single for over two years so i got Queenna2011 on-----millionαirEcoNneCt.c`oM-------to find my Mr right..it is the first and best club for wealthy people and their admirers. …you don’t have to be rich ,but you can meet one there , maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends!
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lkew
Too bad he can not hear his own advice. Grow up Buckwheat.
Lemme me guess, you aren't a racist? You even have one black friend, am I right?
marco: Your comment is evidence to those who deny it, that racism toward President Obama does exist.
Great speech, Mr. President. To the rest of you, your nastier side is showing. PS - I'm being kind to you fools who never, ever have anything to say but vitriol.
Amen cathy. Obama 2012.
We can only hope that these constant naysayers will never have to face what these residents of Joplin faced last year. It would be a miracle if any of these people could survive and pull together the way Joplin did, with help from around the world.
BTW, pav, Joplin DID have help from the president, through his visit a week after the storm touring the devastation and seeing that FEMA and others were there to give FEDERAL assistance to their recovery. Until you have experienced that kind of devastation, STFU.
What a joke this idiot is and the bigger joke is the morons who follow this idiot!
Well anti-trust, I live in Joplin and did experience that devastation. The President delcared as disaster area as he should have done. FEMA did provide financial assistance as they should have with the taxpayer dollars we have supported our government with since the creation of federal income taxes. It is not Obama's money, it is not FEMA's money, it is a return on our investment in the national govt. However, that is available to all hard hit disaster areas...what made this different was hard work, church and community volunteers and an organized local govt. None of which was seen in New Orleans and Tusculoosa but was seen in Greensberg.
Bill-742678 Thank you for showing your true colors Your just a fecal matter republican same thing trash is trash good night loser republican party BAHAHAHA
What's your point? There are conservative Democrats as well as liberal Republicans. Your post only gives evidence to your own conservatism.
bill,
We all apreciate your intelligent and insightful comment.
Now STFU.
Sorry Bill - AFRAID TO GIVE HIS LAST NAME - is the biggest joke - one liners doesn't sell here we thinking people and your BS - without a basis for your beliefs is just that BS
Go Home - hey big idea volunteer your time get involved or are you afraid
Better idea the Euro is at an all time low Travel get your sorry butt off the couch and - go Billie Boy
You people are sickening. The man is taking time out of campaigning to do what we pay him to do. What have any of you clowns done for the people of Joplin? Let me answer for you. Zip.
He can't say it so I will. Put it where the sun don't shine.
He isn't the President anymore or right now. He is campaigning for the position. Nothing more.
And Mark from Augusta what exactly have you done for the people of Joplin. I will give the president his due and say he gave a good speech to the brave people of Joplin. I will also say that he takes every opportunity to campaign. There is nothing wrong with that. Every president has done it. But with all that said, he is a terrible president and we need someone else there now. Down with Obama in 2012.
I could care less if Mr Obama was republican what disappoints me is the disrespect for THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
"took time out of his campaigning"??? Right. He's been campaigning for the last 3 years. Where have you been?
look what people can do without governments help. you didn't hear these people crying for help and getting handouts like in new orleans. it's been 7 years now and new orleans with all the handouts is still a mess
Ah, but they DID get government help, from the state and the federal governments. That is partly how they were able to have school re-opened in 87 days. That is why the president gave acknowledgement to FEMA in his introductory remarks. But, I guess you had your ears closed during all of that. They also had help from around the world, IF you had followed the year-long story of their recovery.
The help they got from the governemnt was needed and deserved and was legitimate. That is one good thing the government can do. We who support what has been done to rebuild Joplin can also point out that Obama is a shameless loser who came to Joplin not because he cares but because he wanted to get votes for himself. What did he do when the people in Iran needed his support? He kept quiet! What did he do when the people in Egypt needed him? Nothing! What would he have done about Joplin if Missouri were not a state with a Democrat governor and a key to victory in November? Nothing! God bless you, Joplin. But God will judge Obama.
Of course they got government help, from FEMA, state and local disaster funding as well, and nothing wrong with that. If ever there was a need for government help this was it, If we are rebuilding Iraq and Afghanistan, why not Joplin?
You Know Dennis - I have a son named Dennis - he is brilliant - he writes games - he is married to a muslim woman - he makes probably more in a year than in your lifetime - yet he has more empathy in his right toe than you can ever imagine plus she is getting her degree in the health industry - AAACED all of her exams
My family - daughter - in - law Director of Physical Therapy - just invented a device where these autistic children can communicate - goes to Granada twice a year to take care of those children left behind
My vet in Virginia - went every year to Botswana to teach them about animal husbandry
So many people doing good
My husband Commissioner in WA on Environmental Issues
Myself elected official in New Jersey - Chairman of the Rent Control Board for 7 years -
Go back further - Chairman of the Cancer Board in VA - and Ran the Fauquier Hospitaql Thrift Shop
I could go on and on what the hell have you done?
My entire family has been invested in making this country work
WHAT HAVE YOU EVER DONE?
Dennis, the President was in Joplin to give a commencement address to the high school on the one year anniversary of the disaster. He was there to lift those people up, to congratulate them on what they have done, and to inspire them on to even greater things. That is why he was there! That is his job. He is the President of the the United States--not President of the World. His duty is to us, not Iran, not Egypt, not Libya, not Syria. We Americans have done quite enough for people in other nations. If they want to have freedom, they need to rise up and take for themselves. Only then will they appreciate it! We cannot give them their freedom. They must claim it; just like we did. We Americans do not owe it to the world to take care of them and to intervene in the internal affairs of every other nation. We need to take care of our own house first. We have wasted American blood, sweat, and tears--not to mention our treasure--pursuing a fools errand in Iraq. It is time to bring all our military home! It is time to repair our crumbling infrastructure! It is time to take care of our own people's needs. Let those who want freedom fight for it. We cannot free them.
Obama will get re-elected. I am already seeing threw Romneys lies. A NO vote for Romney.
The biggest liar of them all is in office right now. But since you must be a democrat, I am sure you do not see any of those lies do you royalstar. A HUGE NO for the Obama this November.
75% of Romneys foreign policy cabinet he hired are former Bush people....Bush 1 and 2 was so fun crashing the economy, Romney is putting in place the same people to do it all over again!
"threw"?
Must be that liberal education at work.
starsailing,
So, according to you, Romney has already "hired" his foreign policy cabinet huh ? Geez, I must have missed the election ! I guess Romney WON, right ?? I mean, since YOU say he has "hired" his cabinet ... it must be true then, right ???
Put down the bong sir and step away from the keyboard with your hands behind you so I can see them !
this is nothing more than a photo opp for your president, not mine
Really? you are not American? huh
Obama is not your President or my President. He is the President of our Country, which is the same country we all pledge allegiance to.
Bruce, I think some pledge their allegiance to Grover Norquist.
Did any of you catch Romney's graduation speech at Liberty. And, you want him to run this great country of ours?
Obama/Biden 2012.
While you may bash Obama that is not the point. Do it somewhere else. The point is that we now have 400 + young people who truly understand the need to give to our community. Not from taxes or Government handouts but because they have live it. This country needs to grow up and get back to helping your fellow man. I don’t care if he is a crack addict, an alcoholic, or a LSOB. The bottom line is if you let government help these people shame on you. Government is not going to know or understand who is ‘milking the system’ there going to give a ‘minimum’ which in many cases is too much. Also there is no peer pressure. If I have to look at you as a store clerk that might have helped me with some food assistance do you think I going to be buy booze? What we have done is taken the personalization out of helping our fellow man. Become sterile and there is no accountability.
Joplin you have lived and survived one of the worst situations that you will experience. You did not survive because the United States Government helped you. You survived because your neighbors and mankind helped you. LIKE THE MAN SAID……. PAY IT FORWARD
Colin, you are absolutely correct. And what I heard Obama say to those graduates was that it wasn't FEMA or any other government agency that tauting; it was the people of Joplin that he was applauding and thanking for their own hard work and perseverance.
President Obama gave a heartfelt speech and I thank him for coming. My parents lost nearly everything in the Joplin tornado.
It was an honor and a privilege for him to return to Joplin.
He spoke about unity and working together. Let's try doing that.
Please, stop the hate.
Sara,
thank you for your post.
Yes, it is about people coming together. Now if we can do this more often and not just in a time of disaster we will be better as a people.
Sara, while I feel for you very much and admire you for wanting unity, I must say that the comments about Obama are not about hate. What he is doing to our country is shameless and horrible. He is a Marxist, a racist, a narcissist, and a pathological liar. He will ruin our country and take away our every freedom, if he is not stopped. I am happy that he came to Joplin, because it may encourage some there and may help with continuing efforts to rebuild there. But never mistake an act like that from a man liek him as kindness or unselfishness. EVERYTHING that this shameless, dishonest man does is for personal benefit.
Tell that to the divider in chief. "Trayvon could be my son", "the evil rich", and on and on.
Dennis,
I would like you to meet Talk to the Hand.
Now both of you go out and have a beer and solve the worlds problems, but do take a cab home.
Talk to the Hand.
You and your buddies are almost funny. Obama could bring world peace, cut all taxes, end world hunger and all you'd say is he's grandstanding and someone else did it.
Besides you all show your ignorance everytime you use the marxist and socialist without any clue what they really mean. You don't have a clue how far away his policies are from either of them.
Just be honest with us you just hate him for what he is as a person (I won't call you racist or bigot that's to easy)
Haters gotta hate Sara, it's all they've got. Kinda feel sorry for them.
While you may bash Obama that is not the point. Do it somewhere else. The point is that we now have 400 + young people who truly understand the need to give to our community. Not from taxes or Government handouts but because they have live it. This country needs to grow up and get back to helping your fellow man. I don’t care if he is a crack addict, an alcoholic, or a LSOB. The bottom line is if you let government help these people shame on you. Government is not going to know or understand who is ‘milking the system’ there going to give a ‘minimum’ which in many cases is too much. Also there is no peer pressure. If I have to look at you as a store clerk that might have helped me with some food assistance do you think I going to be buy booze? What we have done is taken the personalization out of helping our fellow man. Become sterile and there is no accountability.
Joplin you have lived and survived one of the worst situations that you will experience. You did not survive because the United States Government helped you. You survived because your neighbors and mankind helped you. LIKE THE MAN SAID……. PAY IT FORWARD
Odummy never passes up an opportunity for phony pandering to people he hates; you know, in odummy's words, the people of Joplin likely are the ones who cling to guns and God.
Wow. Just as vicious and dumb as ya' can get, aren't you?
Joplin may have grown up...
...but Prez-0 sure hasn't...
Childish.
I don't remember reading that President Obama signed a pledge against the United States with Grover.
Anybody that vote Republican are really voting against themselves. The Republicans have nothing for the United States except hate for women; hate for the blacks; hate for the brown; hate for the poor; hate for the existing children and now hate for the Native Americans. They just about got everybody in their hater hat. When will they come for you?
Wow, slightlyoldie, exactly how far deep in the tank are your for Prez-0? The only hatred I've heard since 01/20/2009 has been spewed outta the mouths of him, his Propaganda Department (MSM) or his lemmings, such as yourself.
Since everyone know that his followers do not believe in individual accountability, private property, liberty, democracy, or individual independence of thought, you must fall in one of three categories:
Socialist
Communist
Anarchist
...just pick one & move on...
That Joplin tornado is a kind of metaphor of what Obama is doing to our country – utter destruction. Like the people of Joplin, we must persevere. We must hang tough and defeat Obama and his evil agenda.
The only thing being destroyed are your brain cells apparently. Stop watching Faux News and go outside for a change.
Actually, the clean up effort is where you can find the metaphor. Just as Obama had to clean up the disaster that Bush left prior to his arrival. Frankly, he's done a GREAT job.
Still blaming Bush eh? How very sad.
Well I'm sure not going to praise him for the 4 million jobs that were created under obama, and the fact the my investments have recovered nicely from the mess the he created.
Yeah a bunch of sickos here. The man not only did what we are paying him for but he meant it. He didn't have to go there. He didn't need do this for political points. He did it because he wanted to.
What have any of you clowns done for those people in Joplin? Zip.
Be serious. He did it for votes plain and simple.
The same amount obama has.No wait I contributed funds for the recovery. Obama sent the money to Haiti.
Pandering to the college grads with his same old message. Although it may be truly heartfelt, he has no clue what to do next. Never has, never will. He could get 10 terms (heaven forbid and yet possible with his moves toward "anarchy" and the liberal cheer of "I know what is best for you. Now eat your peas.) And still no figure out that the puppeteers he has chosen to follow won't give a damn about him after he achieves his "link" to the final goal.
And BTW Mark, I am not paying him to give speeches to college grads. His campaign better be.
Good grief, Hand, it's Joplin HIGH School that's celebrating its commencement. Glad to see you're paying close attention to the story.
proudamericanvet - prove it Obama did not send money to Haiti
Are you brain dead?
Where the hell do these ideas come from? Your dreams?
The money sent to Haiti was all pledges across the world
Duh! This truly is a new one!
i did not see Obama beating a path to Tuscaloosa, Alabama who also received a very destructive tornado not more than a couple weeks earlier. Perhaps the fact that Alabama did not vote for him, and Missouri did had something to do with it. What he did not say to the graduating seniors is after you get out of college don't expect a job unless you take up environmental studies. Of course if everyone does that then it will not pay more than minimum wage. Never waste a disaster Obama, unless it occurs in a red state.
Romney 2012 The only choice.
Amen Larry.
Actually he did visit them. Get your facts straight Larry. Quit watching so much fox news
Well, he did visit them...and I believe Missouri went for McCain.
Where do you guys come up with this stuff. I am amazed at the ignorance of some people. Just because you say something and believe something doesn't make it true.
Facts are true whether you believe them or not. MO voted for McCain. Obama visited Tuscaloosa after the tornados. Deal with the truth please.
Eh, he did stop over briefly on his way to Cape Canaveral for another family vacation. Took some pictures and wished them well.
If you had any legitimacy you just lost it with that comment. Garbage.
First he didn't visit Alabama. But then he did, but only for a photo op. Can you people on the right even keep your stories straight? And can you pretend to hide your hatred for the man a little bit? It makes you look pitiful.
Obama did visit Tuscaloosa a little over a year ago. Later, when Joplin was hit, he visited there as well. He has chosen to revisit Joplin, however, I do not recall anything about a return visit to Tuscaloosa, AL. Obama will not carry Alabama where conservative values rise above the vagueness of "hope and change". That is the reason you are unlikely to see him return to the hardest hit State (tornado wise) in the country last year.
Seriously folks, the POTUS merely made a speech to the Joplin seniors and you are politicizing it? Its been a year and yes Joplin is recovering but not recovered.
Joplin Pop. 175,000 with $3 Billion in damage from tornado in 2011, 161 lives lost
Roughly $17,143 in damage for every resident
NOLA Pop. 1.2 Million with $81 Billion in damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, 1,861 lives lost
Roughly $67,500 in damage for every resident
Both received government aid, both deserved it, one was bigger meaning it takes longer to rebuild. Let's not politicize tragedy. When somebody does something good you praise it whether you agree with the rest of the person's beliefs. I happen to believe the POTUS is a good human being and is doing a good job.
He is a good human being. Leave it at that and we can agree. The thoughts are there, the execution stinks.
I am fine with people not agreeing that he is doing a good job. Its not okay to attack his integrity or try and claim he is trying to destroy America. There shouldn't be question that he is doing, at the very least, what he thinks is best.
I rest my case. What he "thinks" is best isn't necessarily best.
And what Bush did certainly wasn't either. We just agreed that no president is perfect and that Obama isn't intentionally trying to ruin America. I feel I have made as much progress as I can with any Conservative. Good Night!
O'Bummer is a pusillanimous piece of filth. He is of the Order "Invertibrate", Genus "Democrat" species "Slimeball".
This country cannot afford 4 more years of this Socialist regime.
cactuscat - at least you believe in Science! (Not that belief should have anything to do with that)
Since your Science seems to be okay, I suggest you work on English. First, look up Socialist, then look up pusillanimous, then work on history and look up May 2, 2011. Should be enough proof that your vocabulary choice is incorrect.
RDJ, these fools don't realize that as soon as they utter 'Odumbo' 'Obummer' or something else just as childish, they lose all credibility to undecided people and any other rational thinking human being. All they do is throw out terms like socialist, communist, marxist, etc etc etc, but yet they come up with no ideas on how to solve any of our problems. In fact, they are a big part of the problem!
How to restore America: (For those who flunked Economics)
1. Stop Government spending by taking the "teeth" out of the SEIU and other government Unions.
2. Eliminate the EPA and fold the few things required into Commerce.
3. Eliminate the NLRB.
4. Rescind Taft-Hartley and all related legislation.
5. Substantially reduce foregin aid
6. Exploit as many new petroleum resources as possible without REALLY harming the environment.
7. Do away with the Fed.
8. Stop printing money to solve our debt problems.
9. Lower taxes at both Federal and State levels and reduce regulation of business at both levels.
10 Never vote another Democrat into office again!
If we did these things, we would not have to fear the replacement of the Dollar as the Word Reserve Currency. Many nations are thinking and agreeing to have the IMF replace the Dollar with SDR's.
If you do not know what an SDR is, look it up at the International Monetary Fund website.
You had better learn what can happen if this event occurs.
1. Rampant 2 digit inflation
2. A substantial lowering of the standard of living for every American as gas 2ill rise to $10.00/gallon, bread will be $8.00 a loaf, and that is just the beginning.
Obama is a Socialist. A Socialist is a person who believes in two basic principals:
1. The redistribution of wealth from rich to poor.
2. The nationalization of major induistries.
Obama has:
1 Taken over GM
2. Put many banks in a vulnerable position.
3. tried to nationalize the country's Healthcare System.
If it quacks like a duck, sh*ts like a duck, and waddles like a duck... chances are... it's a duck!
Missouri voted for McCain.
So he is just trying to put it in play for this election.
Or on the other hand, he could be doing a decent thing. Like when Bush visited New Orleans. C'mon. It isn't always necessary to say something nasty.
I love it when White people show their ass...You are the new minority .Now you are hateful as you ever were and i am laughing all the way to the bank on your dime.While you were spending and losing your homes and jobs..I was saving and now i can buy your million dollar home in cash.You lost because you let Bush give you the snow job..........Greed did you it..Stop blaming The president for your third class citizenship.You got what you deserved
You are quite racist aren't you? Considering that African-Americans have suffered under this president worse than any other is an indicator of how well he has done. He reward the African-American population with a twenty-two percent unemployment rate. Thanks a lot bro.
White people are not the minority. Another form of trickery being implemented here. Africans and Asians and Native Americans and darker skinned Spanish might become a higher number. But, as a whole, Caucasians are by far, still the largest single group. So damned racist to look at a Japanese American and an African American and try to say, "you two are the same."