The Briefing Room
General Category => National/Breaking News => Topic started by: mystery-ak on August 20, 2014, 03:12:43 pm
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http://www.whdh.com/story/26323667/obama-to-speak-on-death-of-american-journalist (http://www.whdh.com/story/26323667/obama-to-speak-on-death-of-american-journalist)
Obama to speak on death of American journalist
Posted: Aug 20, 2014 4:51 AM CST Updated: Aug 20, 2014 8:09 AM CST
ROCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - President Barack Obama is expected to make a statement today about the beheading of American journalist James Foley by militants with the Islamic State extremist group.
Foley was kidnapped in Syria in November 2012. The militants said his killing is in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes in Iraq. Islamic State is also threatening to kill American journalist Steven Sotloff, who was kidnapped near the Syrian-Turkish border in August 2013.
Foley's family confirmed his death on a webpage created to rally support for him. His mother, Diane Foley, said in a statement on the webpage he "gave his life trying to expose the world to the suffering of the Syrian people."
At Foley's family home in Rochester, a light burned yellow in a center upstairs window and a yellow ribbon adorned a tree at the foot of the driveway. The Rev. Paul Gousse, of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, where the Foleys are parishioners, spent about 45 minutes at the house but left without commenting.
Foley, 40, worked in a number of conflict zones in the Middle East, including Syria, Libya and Iraq. He and another journalist were working in the northern province of Idlib in Syria when they were kidnapped near the village of Taftanaz.
After Foley disappeared, while contributing video for Agence France-Presse and the media company GlobalPost, his parents became fierce advocates for him and all those kidnapped in war zones. They held regular prayer vigils and worked with the U.S. and Syrian diplomatic corps to get whatever scraps of information they could.
Diane Foley, asked in January 2013 if her son had reservations about going to Syria, said softly: "Not enough."
He had seen the dangers to journalists up close.
Upon his release from Libya and return to the United States, he recalled in an interview with The Associated Press seeing a colleague, South African photographer Anton Hammerl, killed by forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. He tried to pull his friend's body out of harm's way but was turned back by heavy fire.
"I'll regret that day for the rest of my life. I'll regret what happened to Anton," Foley said. "I will constantly analyze that."
Foley also covered the war in Afghanistan but called the Libyan fighting the worst he had ever experienced to that point.
New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan released a statement on the tragic death: "A talented and fearless photojournalist, James Foley brought us images that connected us to events across the globe, illuminating stories of both heartache and hope and helping us better understand the world we all share. The appalling actions of ISIS are a crime against humanity and the values that we all hold dear. I join all Granite Staters and people around the world in mourning the tragic loss of James Foley, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."
Senator Jeanne Shaheen also released a statement on the journalist's murder: “James Foley was a respected and accomplished journalist who devoted his life to one of our most important freedoms - the freedom of press. Everyone who knew him recognized his dedication to his work and his commitment to sharing his eye-witness reporting of world events. His murder was a cowardly act of terrorism and underscores the threat that ISIL poses to the freedoms we hold dear. My thoughts are with the Foley family and everyone who knew and loved James, both in New Hampshire and around the world.”
Senator Kelly Ayotte sent out a message via Twitter: “Our hearts are broken for the Foley family. James Foley was an innocent civilian who was bravely performing his job as a journalist. This barbaric and heinous act shocks the conscience and highlights the truly evil nature of the terrorists we confront, who must be defeated. My thoughts and prayers are with James Foley's family at this extremely difficult time”
Foley grew up in New Hampshire and studied history at Marquette University. He later taught in Arizona, Massachusetts and Chicago before switching careers to become a journalist, which he viewed as a calling.
"Journalism is journalism," Foley said. "If I had a choice to do Nashua (New Hampshire) zoning meetings or give up journalism, I'll do it. I love writing and reporting."
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FOX News Radio @foxnewsradio 39s
Video of #beheading is authentic - expect President @BarackObama to mention it in his live statement.
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Richard Geraghty @rpgeraghty 1m
What does BHO regret most, the red line in Syria, ISIS is the JV team, his Admin is the most transparent or U can keep Ur health plan?
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bve_4_4IAAA--xD.jpg)
Vox @voxdotcom 52m
A Syrian town's moving tribute to James Foley
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bve_4_4IAAA--xD.jpg)
Where did you find that photo? link?
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Has he even said a thing about that 2 star general getting murdered in Afghanistan?
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http://www.weeklystandard.com/print/blogs/obama-fundraises-speech-isis-beheading_803467.html (http://www.weeklystandard.com/print/blogs/obama-fundraises-speech-isis-beheading_803467.html)
Obama Fundraises Before Speech on ISIS Beheading
Daniel Halper
August 20, 2014 12:26 PM
In a few minutes, President Obama will address the nation about the beheading of an America by the terrorist group ISIS. But before facing the cameras, Obama sent out a fundraising appeal.
"Nothing has ever been more important than fighting for folks like you. You are my priority," writes Obama.
"And right now, a focus of that fight has to be getting people who really care about making things better for you elected. The upcoming elections could determine whether or not we have a Congress who will work with me to help you.
"That's why it's so important I spend some time helping Democrats campaign and win. I can only tackle the issues that matter to you with some help. Will you help me out, Daniel?"
He then asks for $3, $10, $25, $50, $100, or whatever else one would like to donate. And adds:
"We've got fewer than 80 days left until the election, and I know I can count on you to vote for our guys -- but I need you to take the next step and make an investment that will help us win in November.
"The bottom line is this: We can make so much progress if we work together as a team -- you, me, and Congress. Chip in $3 or whatever you can to help make that a reality."
(http://www.weeklystandard.com/sites/all/files/images/obamafundraiser.jpg)
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Is o at the WH or Martha's?
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posted on twitter
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Obama will be speaking from Martha's Vineyard
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To whom will he first give a "shout out"?
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Has he started yet?
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Peter Baker @peterbakernyt 12s
“We are all heartbroken,” Obama says of the murder of James Foley.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BvfyQXxCAAAQGq7.jpg)
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"we will bring these criminals to justice." Just kinda paraphrasing in advance.
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CNN NationalSecurity @NatSecCNN 24s
POTUS: Jim (Foley) was taken from us in an act of violence that shocks the conscience of the entire world
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt 18s
Obama on ISIS: “No faith teaches people to massacre innocents. No just god would stand for what they did yesterday.”
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I was one of about 200 guest invited to see George W. Bush board Air Force one out of Seattle after he spent the day with the troops at JBLM. He was flying from JBLM to Boeing Field by his helicopter, and was after landing going to walk our line and shake hands and talk with us, his local campaign volunteers a bit – But while in flight he got word of a captured soldier in Iraq that was beheaded. CHANGE OF PLANS. We were told he would instead go directly to a bank of press microphones and give a statement before boarding Air Force One. Stepping off the helicopter he looked very somber, but at the same time angry and determined. Like the secret service said, he gave us a quick glance and a nod, and walked over to the microphones, and he boarded, giving us a quick wave. That is how a leader responds……
Not fund raising , and looking at his watch wondering if this press conference will still allow him time to put in another 9 holes.
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David Chalian @DavidChalian 23s
Obama: "ISIL speaks for no religion. . . no just God would stand for what they did yesterday. . ."
Noah Rothman @NoahCRothman 20s
"No just God would stand for what they did yesterday, and what they do every single day."
Charlie Spiering @charliespiering 26s
Obama: “People like this ultimately fail"
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Richard Grenell @RichardGrenell 11s
Obama now talking like ISIS is Varsity
Roger Simon @politicoroger 37s
Pres Obama: "We will be vigilant and we will be relentless."
Gerald F Seib @GeraldFSeib 1m
Obama says that when Americans are killed "we'll do what's necessary to see that justice is done."
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The White House @WhiteHouse 19s
"Today, the American people will say a prayer for those who loved Jim." —President Obama on ISIL’s murder of Jim Foley
jimgeraghty @jimgeraghty 2m
"People like this [ISIS] ultimately fail." Because we kill them before they can succeed, right, Mr. President?
Kelly O'Donnell @KellyO 1m
Obama: "A group like ISIL had no place in the 21st century"
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jimgeraghty @jimgeraghty 21s
So what's the plan, besides, being vigilant and relentless? I'm all for that, of course…
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I am sure tee time was right after this *speech*.......
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S.E. Cupp @secupp 2m
Obama condemns ISIS beheading. So stipulated. But what are we going to do about it? "Remain vigilant" is not a plan of action.
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He wasn't this upset about the 2 star general getting murdered in Afghanistan was he!
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“We are all heartbroken,” Obama says of the murder of James Foley.
Good thing he isn't 'pissed off' or there would be a 'strongly-worded letter' in someone's future...
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He wasn't this upset about the 2 star general getting murdered in Afghanistan was he!
Nope....spoke of the General in passing...
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Nope....spoke of the General in passing...
When did he do that?
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DW Ulsterman
8 mins ·
Barack Obama gives presser about how "appalled" he was over ISIS beheading of American journalist James Foley. Within minutes of wrapping up that presser he rushed off to the golf course. No joke...
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When did he do that?
A few days after the General was murdered...he was giving a presser on something else and mentioned at the end his sympathies to the General's family....that was it..
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http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/215604-obama-returns-to-golf-course-after-condemning-isis (http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/215604-obama-returns-to-golf-course-after-condemning-isis)
By Justin Sink - 08/20/14 01:51 PM EDT
Shortly after delivering a statement denouncing the execution of American journalist James Foley by Islamist militants in Iraq, President Obama hit the golf course on Wednesday.
Obama completed the statement at a school in Martha’s Vineyard where he is vacationing, before arriving minutes later at a local golf club.
The president planned to play a round with former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning, private equity investor Glenn Hutchins, and longtime friend Cy Walker, according to the White House.
It is the seventh round of golf for the president during his vacation on the Massachusetts island, but the first round since Sunday. The president briefly flew back to Washington Sunday night for meetings at the White House, but returned on Tuesday to his vacation home.
Last week, White House spokesman Eric Schultz acknowledged there were "ongoing complicated situations in the world" as the president was looking to squeeze in a summer vacation. But he said Obama had remained "engaged."
"I think, as many have observed over the past few days, there’s never a perfect time for the president to take some time away with his family," Schultz said.
"But I think we can also all agree that it’s valuable to recharge your batteries. And I just don't think the American people begrudge their president for taking some downtime with his family," he added.
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Last week, White House spokesman Eric Schultz acknowledged there were "ongoing complicated situations in the world"
Just last week the admin was bragging about how smooth and wonderful things are around the world. Different day, different story.
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Amazing fellow, that Obama.
He's destroying the country, and the world, and yet all he does is play.........
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Obama: "ISIL speaks for no religion. . . no just God would stand for what they did yesterday. . ."
Not even the Bible thumpers in the Midwest with their guns? Not Christians are domestic terrorists? I thought the big guy in islam was Mohammed. No GOD would stand for this but Mohammed did and would. This is a clever diversion by Obama of reality.
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"But I think we can also all agree that it’s valuable to recharge your batteries. And I just don't think the American people begrudge their president for taking some downtime with his family," he added.
He said without a hint of irony. **nononono*
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He said without a hint of irony. **nononono*
Unprincipled toadies are like that...
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UNREAL: Barack Obama Knew ISIS Planned to Behead American Journalist While he Played Golf - See more at Liberty News (http://www.libertynews.com/2014/08/unreal-barack-obama-knew-isis-planned-to-behead-american-journalist-while-he-played-golf/#sthash.S2Lt63Cw.pF5dlxMw.dpuf) (quoting ABC News (http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/08/white-house-knew-of-recent-isis-threat-to-kill-us-journalist/) story).
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I'm sure killing more people and waging more war will resolve this crisis; it has worked so well in the past.
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Sadly, President Obama's speech today, as regarding the savage execution of James Foley, was milquetoast.
In a nod to multilateralism, he articulated his desire for a "common effort" with America's allies to stop ISIS--albeit with no specific vision.
He declared that the terror group that beheaded an American journalist "has no place in the twenty-first century," as if his merely saying as much made it so.
He described ISIS's ideology as "bankrupt," as if that means that it could not possibly do much more harm. (Some of us would assert that the Nazis' ideology was similarly bankrupt; but that did not prevent the Nazis from murdering upwards of six million innocents between 1939 and 1945.)
Oh, and he declared that ISIS (or ISIL) is destined to "fail," because--wait for the platitude--"the world is won by those who build and not destroy, and the world is shaped by people like Jim Foley."
On the plus side, American airstrikes continued in northern Iraq today. I have heard it reported, variously, that there were either 14 or 15 such airstrikes; which is roughly double the typical amount. And that is a very good thing.
But I do believe that perception is very important; especially among a people who believe in the significance of the "strong horse," vis-à-vis the "weak horse." So I would have much preferred that president Obama had pledged to ensure that ISIS will be utterly crushed, by whatever means necessary--not merely contained, or rolled back, but crushed--however, regrettably, he said no such thing.
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So I would have much preferred that president Obama had pledged to ensure that ISIS will be utterly crushed, by whatever means necessary--not merely contained, or rolled back, but crushed--however, regrettably, he said no such thing.
Of course. **nononono*
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2730122/The-entire-world-appalled-We-relentless-Obama-vows-punish-ISIS-beheading-American-journalist-James-Foley-said-stood-stark-contrast-cowardly-killers.html
Obama spoke from his vacation on Martha's Vineyard and played golf immediately after delivering his remarks
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2730122/The-entire-world-appalled-We-relentless-Obama-vows-punish-ISIS-beheading-American-journalist-James-Foley-said-stood-stark-contrast-cowardly-killers.html#ixzz3Azk0tbdJ
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It is appalling. He's not going to let anything interfere with that vacation! He has done untold damage to our country, I really do not know if we can pull ourselves out of it.
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It is appalling. He's not going to let anything interfere with that vacation! He has done untold damage to our country...
He's Gumby dammit!
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Obama's Use of ISIL, Not ISIS, Tells Another Story
Liz PeekMonday, June 23, 2014 - 5:15am
Excerpt from Financial Times; click on link for entire article (http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Blogs/Peek-POV/2014/06/23/Obamas-Use-ISIL-Not-ISIS-Tells-Another-Story#sthash.BHacMuFY.dpuf)There has been little notice of the president’s insistent use of the acronym “ISIL” to describe the Sunni forces currently rampaging across Iraq, executing Iraqi military and creating a new massive refugee population in an already unstable area.
With the exception of Reuters and now the Associated Press, most news organizations have not referred to ISIL until President Obama began using the term, which stands for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. But when Obama used the term 5 times on June13, and 16 times in his commencement speech at West Point on June 19th, he was using his bully pulpit to make a point.
Most, like this publication, continue to use the widely accepted acronym ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or al-Sham, but both describe the same murderous organization. The difference is that the Levant describes a territory far greater than simply Iraq and Syria. It’s defined as this: The Levant today consists of the island of Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and part of southern Turkey.
Why would Obama prefer ISIL? An “army” of that territorial magnitude takes the focus off the two countries that many believe define Obama’s continued failure in the Middle East. Most likely, he would rather eliminate the connection between the chaos in Iraq with his inaction in Syria. Better that the upheaval in a country to which we committed so much blood and treasure remain the fault of George W. Bush. The president has already been tarred with having failed to secure a Status of Forces deal with Prime Minister al-Maliki, which would have allowed a contingent of American troops to stay in Iraq. ...
See also "Did Obama Imply that Israel is an Islamic State by Using the Term ‘ISIL?’" (https://www.saveamericafoundation.com/2014/08/14/did-obama-imply-that-israel-is-an-islamic-state-by-using-the-term-isil-by-laurie-sterling/)