Archive for April 21st, 2009

Obama’s Release of Classified CIA Memos Opens Door to Prosecutions

Posted in Barack Obama on April 21st, 2009 by John H – 1 Comment

Obama paid his first visit to CIA Headquarters Monday in an effort to show his support for the agency concerned by his recent authorization to release classified CIA documents related to harsh interrogation techniques including waterboarding.

Obama acknowledged the release of the memos has been difficult for the intelligence community. But he told the CIA staff not to be discouraged that they’ve made mistakes.

“I have fought to protect the integrity of classified information in the past and I will do so in the future,” said Mr. Obama. “And there is nothing more important than protecting the identities of CIA officers. So I need everybody to be clear - we will protect your identities and your security as you vigorously pursue your missions.”

During a question and answer session with reporters Tuesday, Obama did not rule out charges against former Bush administration officials who wrote the opinions justifying the “harsh” interrogation techniques.

So much for this being a time for reflection, not retribution…

Obama Picks Maria Eitel to Run National Service Program

Posted in G.I.V.E. Act on April 21st, 2009 by John H – Be the first to comment

Obama has named Maria Eitel, president of the Nike Foundation, to serve as Chief Executive Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service ahead of his plans to sign a landmark bill spending $6 Billion dollars on increasing volunteerism in the U.S. later today.

from the White House….

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 21, 2009

President Obama Announces Intention to Nominate Maria Eitel to be Chief Executive Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service

WASHINGTON - Today, President Barack Obama announced his intention to nominate Maria Eitel to be Chief Executive Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service.

President Obama said, “I am pleased to announce my intent to nominate Maria Eitel to be CEO for the Corporation for National and Community Service. Maria brings a unique blend of skills and management experience that will help her successfully lead the Corporation during our Administration’s bold expansion of national service programs. Maria is genuinely passionate about the role of national and community service as a vehicle for engaging and mobilizing citizens in social change, and will bring new, creative thinking to the growth and mission of the Corporation.”

“I am deeply honored to be nominated to become CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. President Obama and all those who champion service have led us to this historic moment to redefine citizenship in this country. Should I be confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to helping make President Obama’s vision a reality for everyone,” said Maria Eitel.

Maria Eitel , Nominee for Chief Executive Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Maria Eitel is the President of the Nike Foundation and a Vice President of NIKE, Inc. As president of the Nike Foundation, she has lead the Foundation’s work to increase opportunities for the world’s most disadvantaged girls.

Prior to becoming the Foundation’s first president, Ms. Eitel served as Nike Inc.’s first vice president for corporate responsibility, leading the development and implementation of the company’s first corporate responsibility agenda.
Before Nike, Ms. Eitel served as European corporate affairs group manager for Microsoft Corporation where she managed corporate, public and community affairs for the company’s European headquarters. Prior to Microsoft, she worked with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and MCI Communications Corp.

From 1989 to 1992, Ms. Eitel served in the White House as deputy director of media relations and later as special assistant to the President for media affairs. Ms. Eitel graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University, a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, and is an alumnus of the Stanford University Business School Executive Program.

The Serve America Act (S. 277) is the Senate version of the House’s G.I.V.E. Act (H.R.1138) that was passed last month by a vote of 79 - 19.  The bill has since been renamed “The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act” after the Senator who sponsored it and is currently suffering from a brain tumor.

Very fitting…