The Associated Press reports that,
President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed a $5.7 billion bill that triples the size of the AmeriCorps national service program and expands ways for students and seniors to earn money for college through their volunteer work.
The new law also makes a pitch for mentoring programs, park improvements and working with the poor.
Obama says the law is the boldest expansion of opportunities to serve the country and communities since the creation of AmeriCorps. He says it’s time for a new era of service.
He was joined at the bill signing by Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy, for whom the bill is named. Also on hand were Vice President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
Obama is following through on a campaign promise here, but still, is it appropriate to do this now when he is asking a large segment of society (those who make more than $250,000 per year) to shoulder the burden of his already profligate spending?
Perhaps someone needs to tell the President that while it may be a smart thing to try to make good on his campaign promises, it’s reckless to try to make good on them all at once.
Please leave a comment answering these questions:
- What do you think about all of these billion dollar spending bills?
- Do they represent the dangerous expansion of government at the expense of the private sector?
- Or are they merely necessary measures to mend the economy and shift power from reckless corporate enterprise to the people?
- Is it too much?
- Just about right?
- Not enough?
Let’s start a conversation on this because I think it’s the critical issue of our time.
6 responses so far ↓
1 Larry // Apr 21, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Sounds great. Where do I sign up?
Do we get Obama Uniforms to wear?
2 Peter // Apr 21, 2009 at 8:20 pm
He doesn’t have enough money for uniforms.
3 Larry // Apr 21, 2009 at 8:46 pm
What about Obama badges or patches to sew on?
4 Dan in Parker CO // Apr 21, 2009 at 9:34 pm
I think its a great idea. I just wonder if any of it will be taxed.
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6 howard m. wyllie // Oct 18, 2009 at 3:27 am
does anyone know where we can get a detailed list of the expendatures of Americorp.? This is worrisome when you consider
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