The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 04, 2012

Remarks by the President at Naturalization Ceremony

East Room

10:58 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Good morning, everybody. 

AUDIENCE:  Good morning, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT:  Secretary Napolitano, Director Mayorkas, distinguished guests, family and friends -- welcome to the White House.  Happy Fourth of July.  What a perfect way to celebrate America’s birthday -- the world’s oldest democracy, with some of our newest citizens. 

I have to tell you, just personally, this is one of my favorite things to do.  It brings me great joy and inspiration because it reminds us that we are a country that is bound together not simply by ethnicity or bloodlines, but by fidelity to a set of ideas.  And as members of our military, you raised your hand and took an oath of service.  It is an honor for me to serve as your Commander-in-Chief.  Today, you raised your hand and have taken an oath of citizenship.  And I could not be prouder to be among the first to greet you as "my fellow Americans."

Looking back, it was an act of extraordinary audacity -- a few dozen delegates, in that hall in Philadelphia, daring to defy the mightiest empire in the world, declaring "that these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States."

Two hundred and thirty-six years later, we marvel at America’s story.  From a string of 13 colonies to 50 states from sea to shining sea.  From a fragile experiment in democracy to a beacon of freedom that still lights the world.  From a society of farmers and merchants to the largest, most dynamic economy in the world.  From a ragtag army of militias and regulars to you -- the finest military that the world has ever known.  From a population of some 3 million -- free and slave -- to more than 300 million Americans of every color and every creed. 

With this ceremony today -- and ceremonies like it across our country -- we affirm another truth:  Our American journey, our success, would simply not be possible without the generations of immigrants who have come to our shores from every corner of the globe.  We say it so often, we sometimes forget what it means -- we are a nation of immigrants.  Unless you are one of the first Americans, a Native American, we are all descended from folks who came from someplace else -- whether they arrived on the Mayflower or on a slave ship, whether they came through Ellis Island or crossed the Rio Grande.

Immigrants signed their names to our Declaration and helped win our independence.  Immigrants helped lay the railroads and build our cities, calloused hand by calloused hand.  Immigrants took up arms to preserve our union, to defeat fascism, and to win a Cold War.  Immigrants and their descendants helped pioneer new industries and fuel our Information Age, from Google to the iPhone.  So the story of immigrants in America isn’t a story of "them," it’s a story of "us."  It’s who we are.  And now, all of you get to write the next chapter. 

Each of you have traveled your own path to this moment -- from Cameroon and the Philippines, Russia and Palau and places in between.  Some of you came here as children, brought by parents who dreamed of giving you the opportunities that they had never had.  Others of you came as adults, finding your way through a new country and a new culture and a new language. 

All of you did something profound:  You chose to serve.  You put on the uniform of a country that was not yet fully your own. In a time of war, some of you deployed into harm’s way.  You displayed the values that we celebrate every Fourth of July -- duty, responsibility, and patriotism.

We salute a husband and father, originally from Mexico, now a United States Marine, joined today by his wife Silvia and daughter Juliett.  Becoming a citizen, he says, is "another step in the right direction for my family."  So today we congratulate Francisco Ballesteros De La Rosa.  Where’s Francisco?  (Applause.)

We salute a young woman from El Salvador, who came here when she was just six, grew up in America, who says she "always had a desire to serve" and who dreamed of becoming -- who dreams of becoming an Army medic.  So we congratulate Luisa Childers.  Luisa.  (Applause.)

We salute a young man from Nigeria who came here as a child. "I left Nigeria," he says, "with the dream that we all have a destiny in life and we are all born with the resources to make a difference."  We are confident he will make a difference.  We congratulate Oluwatosin Akinduro.  (Applause.)

We salute a young man from Bolivia, who came to America, enlisted in our military and has volunteered to help care for our veterans.  He’s becoming a citizen, he says, to be a "part of the freedom that everybody is looking for."  And so we congratulate Javier Beltran.  (Applause.)

It has taken these men and women -- these Americans -- years, even decades, to realize their dream.  And this, too, reminds us of a lesson of the Fourth.  On that July day, our Founders declared their independence.  But they only declared it; it would take another seven years to win the war.  Fifteen years to forge a Constitution and a Bill of Rights.  Nearly 90 years, and a great Civil War, to abolish slavery.  Nearly 150 years for women to win the right to vote.  Nearly 190 years to enshrine voting rights.  And even now, we’re still perfecting our union, still extending the promise of America.

That includes making sure the American dream endures for all those -- like these men and women -- who are willing to work hard, play by the rules and meet their responsibilities.  For just as we remain a nation of laws, we have to remain a nation of immigrants.  And that’s why, as another step forward, we’re lifting the shadow of deportation from serving -- from deserving young people who were brought to this country as children.  It’s why we still need a DREAM Act -- to keep talented young people who want to contribute to our society and serve our country.  It’s why we need -- why America’s success demands -- comprehensive immigration reform.

Because the lesson of these 236 years is clear -- immigration makes America stronger.  Immigration makes us more prosperous.  And immigration positions America to lead in the 21st century.  And these young men and women are testaments to that.  No other nation in the world welcomes so many new arrivals.  No other nation constantly renews itself, refreshes itself with the hopes, and the drive, and the optimism, and the dynamism of each new generation of immigrants.  You are all one of the reasons that America is exceptional.  You’re one of the reasons why, even after two centuries, America is always young, always looking to the future, always confident that our greatest days are still to come.

So, to all of you, I want to wish you the happiest Fourth of July.  God bless you all.  God bless our men and women in uniform and your families.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

And with that, I want you to join me in welcoming onto the stage one of America’s newest citizens.  Born in Guatemala, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, served with honor in Afghanistan.  And I know he’s especially proud because, in a few days, his father Walter -- who’s also here today -- will become a naturalized American citizen as well.  Where’s Walter?  There he is over there.  (Laughter.)  Good to see you, Walter.  (Applause.)  Please welcome, Lance Corporal Byron Acevedo to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Right here.

MR. ACEVEDO:  I’m nervous.  (Laughter.) 

(The Pledge of Allegiance is said.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, everybody.  Have a great Fourth of July.  Congratulations to our newest citizens.  Yay!  (Applause.)

END         
11:09 A.M. EDT 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 30, 2012

WEEKLY ADDRESS: An All-Hands-On-Deck Approach to Fighting the Colorado Wildfires

In this week’s address, President Obama spoke to the American people from Colorado, where he had just finished touring areas impacted by the devastating Waldo Canyon fire, meeting with first responders as well as families affected by the fires. The President thanked the brave firefighters and countless volunteers who are providing food, water, and shelter to those in need, and made clear that his administration will continue to bring all resources available to assist efforts to combat the fires. The federal government has marshaled thousands of firefighters, hundreds of fire engines, and more than 100 aircraft, including 19 airtankers that are available for us as of today, to support firefighting efforts in a number of Western states including Colorado. 

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Colorado Springs, CO
June 30, 2012

 Hello, everybody.  I'm here in Colorado Springs, visiting some of the devastating fires that have been taking place over the last several days.  As many of you have been watching on television, entire communities are under threat. And we had a chance to tour some of the devastation that has been taking place in some of the subdivisions here.

Firefighters are working 18 hours a day, around the clock, trying to make sure that they get this blaze under control.  We've got volunteers who are out here who are making sure that these firefighters have the food and the water and all the resources that they need.  And we've been engaging in some unprecedented coordination between federal, state, and local communities to try to bring this fire under control.

And one of the things I've done here, in addition to saying thank you to these firefighters, is to let them know that all of America has their back.  One of the things that happens, whether it's a fire here in Colorado, or a tornado in Alabama or Missouri, or a flood or a hurricane in Florida, one of the things that happens here in America is when we see our fellow citizens in trouble and having difficulty, we come together as one American family, as one community.  And you see that spirit and you see that strength here in Colorado Springs, where people are working together, promising each other to rebuild.  We've got to make sure that we are there with them every step of the way, even after this fire is put out. 

So for those of you who can provide some help, you should get on the online site of the American Red Cross.  They're very active in this community and you can make your contributions there.  We're going to continue to make sure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Forest Service, our military and National Guard and all the resources that we have available at the federal level are brought to bear in fighting this fire.

But this is a good reminder of what makes us Americans.  We don't just look out for ourselves; we look out for each other.  And one of the things that I told these firefighters is that we can provide them all the resources they need, but only they provide the courage and the discipline to be able to actually fight these fires. And it's important that we appreciate what they do not just when our own communities are struck by disaster.  It's important that we remember what they do each and every single day, and that we continue to provide support to our first responders, our emergency management folks, our firefighters, our military -- everybody who helps secure our liberty and our security each and every day.

So, America, I hope you guys remember the folks during these times of need.  I know this is a little bit unusual -- we don't usually do weekly addresses like this, but I thought it was a good opportunity for us to actually focus attention on a problem that's going on here in Colorado Springs.  We never know when it might be our community that's threatened, and it's important that we're there for them.

Thank you very much.

###

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 29, 2012

Remarks by the President After Viewing Wildfire Damage

Fire Station No. 9, Colorado Springs, CO

1:35 P.M. MDT

THE PRESIDENT: Well, we just had a chance to tour some of the damage that’s been done by this devastating fire. I’ve had a chance to thank Mayor Bach as well as Governor Hickenlooper. And the entire congressional delegation, members of the fire service, the Forest Service, as well as local fire officials have gotten a full briefing.

I think what you see here is an example of outstanding coordination and cooperation between federal, state and local agencies. We have been putting everything we have into trying to deal with what’s one of the worst fires that we’ve seen here in Colorado. And it’s still early in the fire season, and we still got a lot more work to do. But because of the outstanding work that’s been done, because of not only the coordination but also some unprecedented arrangements that have been made with military resources combined with the civil resources, we’re starting to see progress.

Obviously, as you saw in the some of these subdivisions, the devastation is enormous. And our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families who have been affected.

One of the things that I’ve tried to emphasize is that whether it’s fires in Colorado or flooding in the northern parts of Florida, when natural disasters like this hit, America comes together. And we all recognize that there but for the grace of God, go I. We’ve got to make sure that we have each other’s backs. And that spirit is what you’re seeing in terms of volunteers, in terms of firefighters, in terms of government officials. Everybody is pulling together to try to deal with this situation.

Now, as I said, we’re not completely out of the woods yet. These folks, some of them have been working 18-hour days, 20-hour days, trying to make sure that these fires get put out. They’re going to be carefully monitoring the situation, and ultimately they’re going to need a little bit of help from Mother Nature in order to fully extinguish these fires.

In the meantime, some lessons are being learned about how we can mitigate some of these fires in the future, and I know that the Mayor and Governor, and other local officials are already in those conversations. It means that hopefully, out of this tragedy, some long-term planning occurs, and it may be that we can curb some of the damage that happens the next time, even though you obviously can’t fully control fires that are starting up in these mountains.

Last point I just want to make -- and that is that we can provide all the resources, we can make sure that they’re well-coordinated, but as I just told these firefighters, what we can't do is to provide them with the courage and the determination and the professionalism, the heart that they show when they’re out there battling these fires.

When we had a chance on site to see some guys who had just saved three homes in a community that had been devastated, for those families, the work and the sacrifice of those firefighters means the world to them, and they are genuine heroes.

And so we want to just say thank you to all the folks who have been involved in this. We’re proud of you. We appreciate what you do each and every day. And so for folks all around the country, I hope you are reminded of how important our fire departments are, our Forest Service is. Sometimes they don’t get the credit that they deserve until your house is burning down, or your community is being threatened. And you have to understand they’re putting their lives at risk to save us and to help us. We’ve got to make sure that we remember that 365 days a year, not just when tragedies like this strike.

Thank you very much, everybody.

END        1:39 P.M. MDT

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 29, 2012

Remarks by the President During Tour of Fire Damage

Mountain Shadows Residential Neighborhood, Colorado Springs, CO

THE PRESIDENT:  First of all, I want to say to Mayor Bach, Governor Hickenlooper and the congressional delegation, and most importantly, all the guys on the ground who have been fighting this fire -- we are so grateful to see the extraordinary coordination that’s taking place between the state, federal, municipal, all the agencies -- everybody who have put everything they got into this thing.

This has been a devastating early fire season for Colorado.  This community obviously is heartbroken by the loss of homes.  They’re lucky because of the quick action that’s been taken that we haven’t seen a lot of loss of life.  But for those families who have lost everything -- their possessions, who have been displaced -- our thoughts and prayers are with them.

What I’ve said is, is that the federal government is going to do everything we can to coordinate assistance, not just short-term but long-term.  In fact, one of the good things that we’ve been seeing is some innovative ways in which some military assets have been deployed alongside the traditional assets that are used in these firefights.

So we’re going to have a long way to go before all these fires are put out.  We need a little bit of help from Mother Nature.  But I hope that people all across the country recognize that when challenges like this happen, all of us come together as one American family.  And we’re seeing similar disasters -- some of the flooding in Florida.  Obviously, we’ve been seeing tornadoes and other natural threats.  But what always is inspiring to me is whenever I come to these communities, the strength, the resilience, the degree to which people are willing to work together -- it’s a reminder of what is the most important aspect of this country, and that is its people and the way that we are willing to get each other’s backs.

And so I just want say again, Mr. Mayor, you did an outstanding job.  Governor, as always, you’re on top of things.  And I think I speak for the congressional delegation in saying the federal government will continue to do everything we can to help coordinate relief.  But we certainly have a ways to go before these fires are out.

Q    What do you think when you see just this stuff right here?

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, what’s remarkable is obviously how devastating these fires are.  Once they hit a house and they take root, it is very difficult for anybody to imagine the kind of devastation and how quickly it happens. 

And obviously, what’s also tragic is, is that the nature of these fires, you can have a house that is perfectly fine on one side and then another house that’s completely destroyed on the other.  But because of those outstanding firefighters that we just saw, three of those homes were safe.  And for those three families, those folks are heroes. 

And when you think about 18-hour days and the kind of effort that these guys are putting in, the danger that they’re putting themselves under, it’s a testament to our Forest Service and our firefighters.  And we just got to make sure that we are giving them the best equipment, all the resources that they need.  But what we can’t give them is their courage.  They bring that to the table from the start. 

Thank you, guys.

 

END                1:08 P.M. MDT  

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 29, 2012

Remarks by the President After Viewing Wildfire Damage -- Colorado, Springs, CO

Fire Station No. 9
Colorado Springs, CO

1:35 P.M. MDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, we just had a chance to tour some of the damage that’s been done by this devastating fire.  I’ve had a chance to thank Mayor Bach as well as Governor Hickenlooper.  And the entire congressional delegation, members of the fire service, the Forest Service, as well as local fire officials have gotten a full briefing.

I think what you see here is an example of outstanding coordination and cooperation between federal, state and local agencies.  We have been putting everything we have into trying to deal with what’s one of the worst fires that we’ve seen here in Colorado.  And it’s still early in the fire season, and we still got a lot more work to do.  But because of the outstanding work that’s been done, because of not only the coordination but also some unprecedented arrangements that have been made with military resources combined with the civil resources, we’re starting to see progress.

Obviously, as you saw in the some of these subdivisions, the devastation is enormous.  And our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families who have been affected.

One of the things that I’ve tried to emphasize is that whether it’s fires in Colorado or flooding in the northern parts of Florida, when natural disasters like this hit, America comes together.  And we all recognize that there but for the grace of God, go I.  We’ve got to make sure that we have each other’s backs.  And that spirit is what you’re seeing in terms of volunteers, in terms of firefighters, in terms of government officials.  Everybody is pulling together to try to deal with this situation. 

Now, as I said, we’re not completely out of the woods yet.  These folks, some of them have been working 18-hour days, 20-hour days, trying to make sure that these fires get put out.  They’re going to be carefully monitoring the situation, and ultimately they’re going to need a little bit of help from Mother Nature in order to fully extinguish these fires.

In the meantime, some lessons are being learned about how we can mitigate some of these fires in the future, and I know that the Mayor and Governor, and other local officials are already in those conversations.  It means that hopefully, out of this tragedy, some long-term planning occurs, and it may be that we can curb some of the damage that happens the next time, even though you obviously can’t fully control fires that are starting up in these mountains.

Last point I just want to make -- and that is that we can provide all the resources, we can make sure that they’re well-coordinated, but as I just told these firefighters, what we can do is to provide them with the courage and the determination and the professionalism, the heart that they show when they’re out there battling these fires.

When we had a chance on site to see some guys who had just saved three homes in a community that had been devastated, for those families, the work and the sacrifice of those firefighters means the world to them, and they are genuine heroes. 

And so we want to just say thank you to all the folks who have been involved in this.  We’re proud of you.  We appreciate what you do each and every day.  And so for folks all around the country, I hope you are reminded of how important our fire departments are, our Forest Service is.  Sometimes they don’t get the credit that they deserve until your house is burning down, or your community is being threatened.  And you have to understand they’re putting their lives at risk to save us and to help us.  We’ve got to make sure that we remember that 365 days a year, not just when tragedies like this strike.

Thank you very much, everybody.

END               
1:39 P.M. MDT

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
June 28, 2012

Remarks by the First Lady at a Campaign Event

Memphis Cook Convention Center
Memphis, Tennessee

1:56 P.M. CDT
 
MRS. OBAMA: Yes! (Applause.) Thank you so much. You guys look good. (Applause.) You’re holding up in all this heat, aren’t you? (Laughter.) Let me tell you, I am thrilled to be here with all of you today.
 
And I want to start by thanking Jackie for that very kind introduction, but also, not just for her outstanding service and support to this campaign, but what she and her family have given to this country as military family members, Blue Star family members. So let’s give her a big round of applause. (Applause.)
 
And I also want to recognize your --
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER: -- cure for PTSD!
 
MRS. OBAMA: Okay. Yes, indeed. Yes. That’s a serious issue, and we will -- we’re definitely working on it. That’s why we need four more years. Four more years. (Applause.)
 
But I want to thank your terrific Mayor, Mayor Wharton, who’s also -- (applause) -- and he and his wife have been amazing. And also your Congressman, Steve Cohen. (Applause.) And while Congressman Cohen couldn’t be here today, he’s been doing an outstanding job, and we are grateful for his leadership. (Applause.) And I also want to thank -- yes, please. Yes, yes. (Applause.)
 
And I also want to thank Beverly Robertson and Erica Thomas -- there they are. (Applause.) Thank you for your wonderful remarks, firing it up, and for all your good work in the community. We are coming; we’re going to visit. We’ll get this done, and then we’ll come and do some stuff. (Laughter.)
 
And, of course, I want to recognize our amazing Host Committee for making this event such a success. It is just -- we couldn’t do this without you. This is an amazing turnout.
 
And I also want to give a big shout-out to all the grassroots volunteers, our team leaders, our folks who are doing the work, our organizers. (Applause.) You all are the folks who are doing the hard work -- making those calls, knocking on those doors. So, just keep it up. Keep it up. We will get this done.
 
And finally, I want to thank all of you for taking the time to be here today. And I know that coming out on a hot afternoon -- it is the afternoon, right? I lose track of time. (Laughter.) We are in the middle of the day, right? -- you all coming out; and I know you’re doing it while you have busy lives of your own. I know you all have jobs and careers you’re handling. I know that many of you have classes to attend, summer school to get through. You’ve got families to raise, kids to keep on the straight and narrow, right?
 
But I also know there’s a reason why you’ve taken time out of your busy lives to be here today. And it’s not just because we support an extraordinary man -– who happens to be my husband and our President. (Applause.) I’m a little biased, but I think our President is pretty awesome. (Applause.) And we’re here not just because we want to win an election -- which we do, and we will. (Applause.)
 
We’re here and we’re doing all this because of the values we believe in. That’s why we’re here. We’re doing this because of the vision for this country that we all share. We’re doing this because we want all of our children to have good schools -– the kind of schools that push them, and inspire them, and prepare them for the good jobs and opportunities of the future. We want for our parents and grandparents the opportunity to retire with some dignity -– because we believe that after a lifetime of hard work, they should be able to enjoy their golden years, right? We want to restore that basic middle-class security for our families -- because we believe that in America folks shouldn’t go bankrupt because someone gets sick. We believe in America that you shouldn’t lose your home because someone loses a job. We believe that responsibility should be rewarded, and hard work should pay off. And we believe that everyone should do their fair share, but play by the same rules. (Applause.)
 
And the thing I saw again and again -- we have to remind ourselves, these are basic American values. The basics. They’re the values that so many of us were raised with, including myself. And I share my story everywhere I go because I’m proud of where I come from. My father was a blue-collar city worker at the city water plant, and my family lived our entire lives in a little apartment on the South Side of Chicago. My parents never had the kinds of educational opportunities we had. But let me tell you something about my mom and dad -- growing up, I saw how they saved and sacrificed, how they poured everything they had into me and my brother. They held us to the same high standard of excellence because they wanted us both to have the kind of education they could only dream of.
 
My parents did everything in their power to support my college education. And while pretty much most of my college tuition came from student loans and grants -- how many people can relate to that? -- (applause) -- my dad still had to pay a small portion of that tuition himself. And every semester, he was determined to pay his share of that bill on time. He was so proud to be sending his kids to college, and he did all he could to lessen our financial burden by ensuring that neither me nor my brother ever missed a registration deadline because his check was late. Like so many people in this country, my father took great pride in being able to earn the kind of living that allowed him to handle his responsibilities to his family. He took great pride in being able to pay his bills, and to pay them all on time. That was important to him. That gave him his identity.
 
And more than anything else, that’s what’s at stake. That’s why we’re here. It’s that fundamental promise that no matter who you are or how you started out, if you work hard, you can build a decent life for yourself and an even better life for your kids. And what we have to remember, all of us together: It is that promise that binds us together as Americans. It is what makes us who we are. It makes us special.
 
But from now until November, Barack is going to need all you all to get out there and tell everyone you know about our values. (Applause.) We need you to tell folks about that vision, and help them understand everything that’s at stake in this election.
 
When it comes to the economy, you can start by telling folks how Barack fought for tax cuts for working families and small businesses -- (applause) -- because, as Jackie said, he understands that an economy built to last starts with the middle class and with folks who are creating jobs and putting people back to work.
 
And I want you to remind people how, back when Barack first took office, this economy was losing an average of 750,000 jobs every single month. That’s what he inherited. Remind people about that. But also let them know that for the past 27 straight months, we’ve actually been gaining private sector jobs –- a total of 4 million jobs in just two years. Let them know. (Applause.)
 
So while we still have a long way to go, more work to do to build this economy, today, millions of people are collecting a paycheck again; millions of people like my dad are handling their business, able to pay their bills again.
 
You can also remind people about how all these folks in Washington were telling Barack to let the auto industry go under, with a million jobs on the line. They just said, let it go. But Barack had the backs of American workers; he put his faith in the American people. And as a result, today, the auto industry is back on its feet again and people are back at work, providing for their families. (Applause.) We need you to let folks know about that.
 
And when it comes to health care -- oh, health care -- (applause) -- please, please tell people about the historic reform this President passed. And you can tell them that today’s Supreme Court decision was truly a victory for families all across this country. (Applause.) It is truly a victory. You can tell people how, because of this reform -- help them understand -- insurance companies will have to cover preventative care, things like contraception, cancer screenings, prenatal care without any extra cost. That’s what this reform will do. Folks will no longer be able -- insurance companies will no longer be able to cap your coverage when you get too sick. They won’t be able to deny you coverage just because you have a preexisting condition -- no more. (Applause.) Because of this reform -- remind people -- millions of our senior citizens have saved hundreds of dollars on their prescription drugs -- because of this reform. And our young people can now stay on their parents’ insurance until they’re 26 years old. (Applause.) And that is how 6.6 million young people are getting the health care they need today. That’s what health reform is about. We need you to let people know. Help them understand.
 
When it comes to education, you can tell them that Barack knows what it’s like to be drowning in student debt. Back when we first started out, we were together as a couple -- just got married, were trying to build a life together -- our combined student loan bill was higher than our mortgage. I know a lot of people can relate to that. That’s nothing new. But that is why Barack doubled Pell Grants, helping 4 million more students afford the education they need for the jobs of the future. He understands our student needs. (Applause.)
 
When it comes to increasing opportunities for all of our young people, I want you to tell people how Barack has been fighting for the DREAM Act. And he’s been doing it because he believes that it’s time to stop denying responsible young people opportunities in this country just because they’re the children of undocumented immigrants. It’s time to stop that. (Applause.)
 
When it comes to keeping our country safe, you can remind folks that Barack kept his promise to bring our troops home from Iraq. (Applause.) Remind them about how our brave men and women in uniform finally brought to justice the man behind the 9/11 attacks. (Applause.) Remind them.
 
And you can tell them that our troops no longer have to lie about who they are to serve the country they love -– and that’s because Barack ended “don’t ask, don’t tell.” (Applause.) Let people know how important that is.
 
And when it comes to supporting women and families in our country, you can tell people how Barack fought to make it easier for women to get equal pay for equal work. (Applause.) The first bill he signed was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. And people have to understand why he signed this bill, why he knew this was one of the first things he needed to do -- because he knows that closing that pay gap can mean the difference between women losing $50, $100, $500 from every paycheck, or having that money in their pockets to buy gas and groceries and put clothes on the backs of their children. And he did it because when so many women are now breadwinners for our families, he knows that women’s success in this economy is the key to families’ success in this economy. (Applause.)
 
And finally, when it comes to the Supreme Court, don’t forget to tell people about those two brilliant justices Barack appointed, and how, for the first time in history, our daughters and our sons watched three women take their seat on our nation’s highest court. (Applause.)
 
I could go on and on and on. But what is important to understand is that all of that and so much more, it’s all on the line, it’s all at stake this November. And in the end, it all boils down to one simple question we have to ask ourselves: Are we going to continue the change we’ve begun and the progress we’ve made? Or will we allow everything that we worked for, that we fought for to just slip away?
 
AUDIENCE: No!
 
MRS. OBAMA: No, we know what we need to do, Memphis, right? (Applause.) We cannot turn back now. We need to keep moving forward. (Applause.) And more than anything else, that’s what we’re working for –- the chance to finish what we start; the chance to keep fighting for the values we believe in and the vision we all share. I don’t care what party you are, what race you are. This is American values that we’re fighting for. That’s what my husband has been doing every single day as President.
 
And let me tell you, over the past three and a half years, I have seen up close and personal what being President looks like. And let me share with you, I have seen how the issues that come across a President’s desk are always the hard ones –- the problems with no easy, clear solutions; the judgment calls where the stakes are so high, and there is no margin for error.
 
And as President, you’re going to get all kinds of advice and opinions from all kinds of people. But let me tell you, at the end of the day, when it comes time to make that decision, as President, all you have to guide you are your life experiences; all you have to draw on are your values, is your vision. That is it. In the end, it all boils down to knowing who a President is and what he or she stands for.
 
And we all know who my husband is, right? (Applause.) We all know what Barack Obama stands for. (Applause.) He is the son of a single mother who struggled to put herself through school and pay the bills. He’s the grandson of a woman who woke up before dawn every day to catch a bus to her job at the bank. And even though Barack’s grandmother worked hard to help support his family, and she was good at her job, like so many women, she hit that glass ceiling, and watched men no more qualified than she was be promoted up that ladder ahead of her.
 
So believe me, Barack knows what it means when a family struggles. This is not a hypothetical for him. He knows what it means when someone doesn’t have a chance to fulfill their potential. And today, as a father, believe me, he knows what it means to want something better for your kids. Those are the experiences that have made him the man, but more importantly, the President, he is today. That's what we’re working for. (Applause.)
 
So when there’s a choice about our children’s futures -- about investing in their schools, about helping them attend college without a mountain of debt -- you know where Barack stands.
 
When it comes time to stand up for workers and our families, so folks can make a decent wage, save for retirement, see a doctor when they’re sick, you know what Barack Obama is going to do.
 
When we need a President to protect our most basic rights, no matter who we love, or where we’re from, or what race or gender we are, you can count on my husband, because that’s what he’s been doing every single day as President of the United States. (Applause.)
 
But I have said this before, and I will keep saying it everywhere I go: He cannot do this alone. That was never the promise. Barack has said this election will be even closer than the last one. So he needs your help. Sitting on the sidelines is simply not an option if we want to keep this country moving forward. It’s not an option. Barack needs you to be actively and passionately engaged. He needs you to keep doing what you’re doing, making those phone calls. He needs you to organize those events in your communities. He needs you to join one of the neighborhood teams. As Jackie mentioned, these are groups of people all over the city, all over the country, who are giving a little bit of their time and energy to make a difference for this campaign. And everything we do on the ground for this campaign runs through those teams. They’re critical.
 
So today, we have got volunteers at the back of the room. You all hold up -- where are our volunteers? We got -- there they are -- (applause) -- who can answer any questions and get you all signed up. This is a working meeting today. (Applause.) We want you working.
 
And once you’ve signed up, I want you to think about it like this: We need you to multiply yourselves. Do you understand? Multiply yourselves. We need you to reach out to everyone in your life -- your friends, family, neighbors -- and shake them up a little bit. Tell them how to get involved. Tell them to go to barackobama.com and find ways that they can help. Multiply yourselves.
 
And let me just say, if you have any doubt about the difference that you can and will make working this hard, I just want you to remember that in the end, this election could all come down to those last few thousand people that we register to vote today. (Applause.) It could all come down to those last few thousand folks that we help get to the polls on November the 6th. So understand, with every conversation you have -- every conversation you have, remember that this could be the one that makes the difference. This could be the one. That is the kind of impact that each of us can have. And that's why I’m so passionate when I talk to you all. You all will make the difference.
 
But I’m not going to kid you, this journey is going to be long. It is going to be hard.
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER: And ugly! (Laughter.)
 
MRS. OBAMA: And as I say, there will be plenty of twists and turns along the way. (Laughter.) In a more diplomatic way. (Laughter.)
 
But what we have to understand and remember -- that is how change always happens in this country. But if we keep showing up, if we keep fighting the good fight, doing what we know is right, then eventually we get there. We always do. We have never gone backwards. Maybe not in my lifetime, maybe not in our lifetimes, but maybe in our children’s lifetimes, maybe in our grandchildren’s lifetimes. Because what I remind myself is that in the end, that's what this is all about. If we remember that -- that's what this is all about. It’s about our children, their future.
 
That's what I think about when I tuck my girls in at night. Every night I’m on the road, I come home and I think about the world I want to leave for them and for all of our sons and daughters. I think about how I want to do for them what my dad did for me. I want to give all our kids that foundation for their dreams. They all deserve it. I want to give them the opportunities worthy of their promise, because all our children are worthy. I want to give our kids that sense of limitless possibility –- (applause) -- that belief that here in America, there is always something better out there if you’re willing to work for it. That's what we’re doing this for. (Applause.)
 
So we can’t turn back now. No, we have come so far. We have come so far. But we have so much more to do.
 
So let me ask you one last question, Memphis: Are you in?
 
AUDIENCE: Yes!
 
MRS. OBAMA: No, no, no, are you really in?
 
AUDIENCE: Yes!
 
MRS. OBAMA: I mean, the kind of roll-up-your-sleeves in, the kind of multiplying-yourselves in, the kind of having those uncomfortable conversations with the people in your lives, the kind of working hard to inform folks about what's going on and shaking people up and making sure they’re not confused, and understanding what's at stake? I mean, that kind of in?
 
AUDIENCE: Yes!
 
MRS. OBAMA: Because I am so -- have you noticed how fired up I am? (Applause.) We are going to make this happen. Four more years. More work to do. A better future for our young people.
 
Thank you all. God bless. (Applause.)
 
END
2:19 P.M. CDT

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
June 28, 2012

Remarks by the First Lady at the African Methodist Episcopal Church Conference

Gaylord Opryland Resort
Nashville, Tennessee

11:05 A.M. CDT
 
MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, my, my, my.  (Applause.)  Please, you all rest yourselves.  Thank you so much.  Let me tell you, it is such a pleasure and an honor to join you today in Nashville for your 2012 General Conference.
 
I want to start by thanking Bishop McKenzie for her introduction.  And I want to honor her for the history she’s made --
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Amen!
 
MRS. OBAMA:  Absolutely.  (Applause.)  For the example she has set and for her inspired leadership in this church.
 
I also want to thank Mayor Dean for his service to this city and for taking the time to join us here today. 
 
And finally, I want to thank all of the bishops, pastors, and lay leaders in AME churches here in America and around the world.  (Applause.) 
 
You all are part of a proud tradition, one that dates back to the founding of that first AME Church and the founding of this nation and has shaped its history every day since.  You all know the story -- how back in the late 1700s, a man named Richard Allen bought his freedom from slavery -- (applause) -- became a minister, and eventually founded a Methodist church called Bethel Church – or “Mother Bethel” as we know it today.  That first AME church was located in a blacksmith’s shop, and that first congregation had just a few dozen members. 
 
But there’s a reason why one pastor called Bethel’s founding “a Liberty bell for black folks.”  (Applause.)  There’s a reason why W.E.B. Dubois said that Bethel Church “belongs to the history of the nation rather than to any one city.” 
 
You see, before long, that little church had grown to 1,000 members, and soon, AME Churches were cropping up all across this country.  Over the years, these churches served as stops on the Underground Railroad.  (Applause.)  They founded universities that educated generations of black leaders.  They hosted civil rights marches, meetings and rallies, even under the threat of being vandalized, bombed or burned to the ground.  Icons like Frederick Douglas and Rosa Parks, leaders like Jim Clyburn, trailblazers like Oliver Brown of Brown v. Board of Education, Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine -- they all worshipped at AME churches.  (Applause.) 
 
So did many of the quiet heroes who never made the headlines –- the maids walking home in Montgomery, the young people riding those buses in Jackson, the men and women who stood up and sat-in because they wanted something better for their children. 
 
I know that I am here today because of those heroes.  (Applause.)  My husband is in the White House today because of them.  (Applause.)  Because of those heroes, today my daughters and all our children and grandchildren can grow up dreaming of being doctors and lawyers, CEOs and senators, and yes, maybe even the President of the United States of America.  (Applause.) 
 
That is the legacy of the AME church –- and of African American churches and denominations across the country.  But let’s be clear, a legacy is not an end unto itself.  (Applause.)  As another pioneering AME woman, Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams, once said -- (applause) -- she said, “You do the best you can and try to leave a legacy, but somebody has to carry it on.”  (Applause.) 
 
And that’s what I want to talk with you about today.  I want to talk about how we carry on the legacy that is our inheritance as Americans, as African Americans, and as members of the AME church.  I want to talk about what we can learn from our history about the power of being an active, engaged citizen in our democracy. 
 
Now, back when Frederick Douglas was still working on a plantation, back when Rosa Parks was still riding that segregated bus, the injustices we faced were written in big, bold letters on the face of our laws.  And while we may have had our differences over strategy, the battles we needed to fight were very clear.  We knew that to end slavery, we needed a proclamation from our President, an amendment to our Constitution.  To end segregation, we needed the Supreme Court to overturn the lie of “separate but equal”.  To reach the ballot box, we needed Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act. 
 
So yes, we moved forward and we won those battles, and we made progress that our parents and grandparents could never have imagined.  But today, while there are no more “whites only” signs keeping us out, no one barring our children from the schoolhouse door, we know our journey is far from finished.  (Applause.) 
 
But in many ways, the path forward for this next generation is far less clear.  I mean, what exactly do you do about children who are languishing in crumbling schools, graduating from high school unprepared for college or a job?  And what about the 40 percent of black children who are overweight or obese, or the nearly one in two who are on track to develop diabetes in their lifetimes?  What about all those kids growing up in neighborhoods where they don’t feel safe; kids who never have opportunities worthy of their promise?  What court case do we bring on their behalf?  What laws do we pass for them?
 
You see, today, the connection between our laws and our lives isn’t always as clear as it was 50 years or 150 years ago.  And as a result, it’s sometimes easy to assume that the battles in our courts and legislatures have all been won.  It’s tempting to turn our focus to what’s going on in our own lives and with our own families, and just leave it at that. 

And make no mistake about it, change absolutely starts at home.  (Applause.)  Change absolutely starts with each of us, as individuals, taking responsibility for ourselves and our families because we know that our kids won’t grow up healthy until our families start eating right and exercising more.  That’s on us.  (Applause.)  We know that we won’t close that education gap until we turn off the TV, and supervise homework, attend those parent-teacher conferences, and serve as good role models for our own children.  That’s on us. 
 
But while we certainly need to start at home, we all know that we cannot stop there because the fact is that our laws still matter.  Much like they did 50 years ago, or 150 years ago, our laws still shape so many aspects of our lives:  Whether folks are paying their fair [share of]* taxes, or not; whether we invest in roads and schools, and the jobs that come with them, or not; whether our sons and our daughters who wear our country’s uniform get the support and benefits they’ve earned, or not.  You see, those decisions are made by the folks sitting in Congress and in our White House.  They’re made by the folks in our state legislatures and city halls.  And we all know who’s supposed to select those folks, don't we?  We know who’s supposed to tell those folks what to do, right?  We are.  That’s our job.  That is our most fundamental right and our most solemn obligation –- to cast our ballots and have our say in the laws that shape our lives.
 
Dr. King knew that.  That’s why back in 1965, he came to Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma and declared -- (applause) -- he said, “When we get the right to vote, we will send to the statehouse not just men who will stand in the doorways of our universities…but men who will uphold the cause of justice.”
 
John Lewis understood the importance of that right.  That’s why, just months after Dr. King’s speech, he faced down a row of billy clubs on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, risking his life so that we could one day cast our ballots.  (Applause.) 
 
But today, how many folks do we know who act like that right doesn’t even matter?  How many of us have asked someone whether they’re going to vote, and tell us, “No, I voted last time,” or “Is there really an election going on?  Really?”, or “Nah, nah, it’s not like my vote’s gonna make a difference.”  How many times have we heard that?  After so many folks sacrificed so much so that we could make our voices heard, so many of us just can’t be bothered.
 
But let’s be very clear, while we’re tuning out and staying home on Election Day, other folks are tuning in.  (Applause.)  Other folks are taking politics very seriously.  And they’re engaged on every level.  They’re raising money.  They’re making their voices heard –- and their issues known –- from City Hall to Washington, DC.  And I know that in the face of all of that money and influence, it can start to feel like ordinary citizens just can’t get a seat at the table.  And that can make you feel helpless and hopeless.  It can make you feel or think that you’re powerless.
 
But I’m here today because that’s simply not true.  We are not helpless or hopeless.  (Applause.)  Time and again, history has shown us that there is nothing –- nothing -– more powerful than ordinary citizens coming together for a just cause.  (Applause.)  And that is particularly true of folks in the AME church.  And I’m not just talking about the big speeches and protests that we all remember.  I’m talking about everything that happens between the marches, when the speeches are over and the cameras were off.  I’m talking about the thousands of hours that folks like Roy Wilkins and Daisy Bates spent strategizing in cramped offices late at night.  I’m talking about the folks in Montgomery who organized carpools and gave thousands of rides to perfect strangers.  I’m talking about the volunteers who set up drinking fountains and first aid stations on the Washington Mall and made 80,000 bags of lunches for folks who marched on that August day.  I’m talking about the tireless, the thankless, relentless work of making change –- (applause) -- you know, the phone-calling, letter-writing, door-knocking, meeting-planning kind of work.  (Applause.)  That is the real work of democracy –- what happens during those quiet moments between the marches. 
 
It’s kind of like church.  Our faith journey isn’t just about showing up on Sunday for a good sermon and good music and a good meal.  It’s about what we do Monday through Saturday as well -- (applause) -- especially in those quiet moments, when the spotlight’s not on us, and we’re making those daily choices about how to live our lives.
 
We see that in the life of Jesus Christ.  Jesus didn’t limit his ministry to the four walls of the church.  We know that.  He was out there fighting injustice and speaking truth to power every single day.  He was out there spreading a message of grace and redemption to the least, the last, and the lost.  And our charge is to find Him everywhere, every day by how we live our lives. 
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Yes.
 
MRS. OBAMA:  That is how we practice our faith. 
 
You see, living out our eternal salvation is not a once-a-week kind of deal.  (Applause.)  And in a more literal sense, neither is citizenship.  Democracy is also an everyday activity.  And being an engaged citizen should once again be a daily part of our lives.  That is how we carry on that precious legacy we've inherited -- by recommitting ourselves to that day-to-day, vitally important work that has always paved the way for change in this country.
 
What does that mean?  That means being informed.  It means following the news, and learning about who's representing us, and how our governments work.  It means showing up to vote -- and not just every four years, but every year in every election.  (Applause.)  It means engaging with the folks we elect, following how they vote and how they spend our hard-earned tax dollars.  And if you don’t like what you see, then let them know, or better yet, run for a seat at the table yourself.  (Applause.)
 
And I know I am preaching to the choir here.  I know that many of you have been active and engaged for decades.  And I'm here today to urge you to continue that work and bring others along with you.  Because we know that the only way to be heard above all the noise is to lift our voices up together. 
 
So I want you to talk to your friends and your family, your neighbors.  Talk to them.  Talk to folks in the beauty salons, the barbershops, the parking lot at church.  Tell them what's happening on the city council and out in Washington.  Let them know.  Find that nephew who has never voted -- get him registered.  (Applause.)  Start an email list or a Facebook group.  Send people articles about issues you care about, and then call them to make sure they've read them.
 
And to anyone who says that church is no place to talk about these issues, you tell them there is no place better -- no place better.  (Applause.)  Because ultimately, these are not just political issues -- they are moral issues.  They're issues that have to do with human dignity and human potential, and the future we want for our kids and our grandkids.  And the work of inspiring and empowering folks, the work of lifting up families and communities -- that has always been the work of the AME Church.  (Applause.)  That’s what you all do best.
 
Think about it for a minute.  Folks just don’t turn to all of you in times of spiritual crises.  They come to you with financial crises and health crises and family crises of all kinds.  That’s why AME churches are taking on issues from HIV/AIDS to childhood obesity to financial literacy.  Every day, you all are giving folks the tools they need to take control of their lives and get back on their feet.
 
And if you're not already doing this, I'm here to ask you to take that work to the next level.  So the next time you organize that food drive, pair it with a meeting at city hall and ask what they're doing to fight hunger in your community.  If you've got an exercise ministry or a health ministry, maybe they can work with your town council to clear out a walk-in trailer, clean up a local park.  Keep on doing that great work with your youth groups, but start showing up at those school board meetings and make sure those kids are getting the education they deserve.  (Applause.)  Take it to the next level.
 
In the end, I think that Bishop McKenzie put it best when she said -- and this is her quote -- she says, "It's a tragedy when you fail to climb the mountain of opportunity after your season of preparation."  She says, "It's a tragedy when you fail to try to exercise the gifts that God has given you, even in the face of difficulty.  It's a tragedy."  And God has given us so many blessings and gifts, and such a long season of preparation.  And after so many years of toil and struggle, it is time to climb that mountain of opportunity.  It's time.  (Applause.)  It is time. 
 
And I know that mountain may seem high.  I know there are days when you just want to come home and put up your feet, kick back with the kids.  I know that sometimes the problems we face seem so entrenched, so overwhelming that solving them seems nearly impossible.  But during those dark moments, I want you to remember that doing the impossible is the root of our faith.  It is the history of our people, and the lifeblood of this nation.  (Applause.) 
 
Because if a young shepherd could defeat a giant -- (applause) -- if a man could lead a band of former slaves against the most powerful city in the land until its walls tumbled down, if a simple fisherman could become the rock upon which Christ built his church -- (applause) -- then surely, we can do our part to be more active citizens.
 
If Ernest Green could face down an angry mob to get an education, if Rosa Parks could sit unmoved on that bus, if Richard Allen could transform a blacksmith's shop into a church that changed history, then surely -- surely -- we can get our communities more engaged in our democracy.  If so many people could sacrifice so much for so long to leave this magnificent legacy for us, then surely we can find a way to carry it forward for our children and our grandchildren.
 
And when you grow weary in this work -- and you will -- when you think about giving up -- and you will -- I want you to think about a photo that hangs today in the West Wing of the White House. 
 
It is a picture of a young black family visiting the President in the Oval Office.  The father was a member of the White House staff, and he brought his wife and two young sons to meet my husband.  In the photo, Barack is bent over at the waist -- way over.  And one of the sons, a little boy just 5 years old, is reaching out his tiny hand to touch my husband's head.  And it turns out that upon meeting Barack, this little boy gazed up at him longingly and said, "I want to know if my hair is like yours."  (Applause.)  And my husband replied, "Well, why don’t you touch it and see for yourself."  So he bent way over so the little boy could feel his hair, and after touching my husband's head, the boy exclaimed, he said, "Yeah, it does feel the same."  (Applause.) 
 
And every couple of weeks, the White House photographers change out all the photos that hang in the West Wing -- except for that one.  See, that one, and that one alone, has hung on that wall for more than three years. 
 
So if you ever wonder whether change is possible in this country, I want you to think about that little black boy in the Oval Office of the White House touching the head of the first black President.  (Applause.)  And I want you to think about how children who see that photo today think nothing of it because that is all they've ever known, because they have grown up taking for granted that an African American can be President of the United States.  (Applause.) 
 
And I want you to think of the stories in the Bible about folks like Abel and Noah; folks like Abraham and Sarah, and the verse in Hebrews that says, "All these people were still living by faith when they died.  They did not receive the things promised.  They only saw them and welcomed them from a distance."  (Applause.)  Through so many heartbreaks and trials, those who came before us kept the faith.  They could only see that promised land from a distance, but they never let it out of their sight. 
 
And today, if we're once again willing to work for it, if we're once again willing to sacrifice for it, then I know -- I know -- we can carry that legacy forward.  I know we can meet our obligations to continue that struggle.  I know we can continue the work of those heroes whose shoulders we all stand on.  And I know we can finish the journey they started and finally fulfill the promise of our democracy for all our children.
 
Thank you, and God bless.  (Applause.)

END
11:32 A.M. CDT

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 28, 2012

Remarks by the President on Supreme Court Ruling on the Affordable Care Act

East Room

12:15 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon.  Earlier today, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act -- the name of the health care reform we passed two years ago.  In doing so, they've reaffirmed a fundamental principle that here in America -- in the wealthiest nation on Earth – no illness or accident should lead to any family’s financial ruin. 

I know there will be a lot of discussion today about the politics of all this, about who won and who lost.  That’s how these things tend to be viewed here in Washington.  But that discussion completely misses the point.  Whatever the politics, today’s decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold it.

And because this law has a direct impact on so many Americans, I want to take this opportunity to talk about exactly what it means for you. 

First, if you’re one of the more than 250 million Americans who already have health insurance, you will keep your health insurance -- this law will only make it more secure and more affordable.  Insurance companies can no longer impose lifetime limits on the amount of care you receive.  They can no longer discriminate against children with preexisting conditions.  They can no longer drop your coverage if you get sick.  They can no longer jack up your premiums without reason.  They are required to provide free preventive care like check-ups and mammograms -- a provision that's already helped 54 million Americans with private insurance.  And by this August, nearly 13 million of you will receive a rebate from your insurance company because it spent too much on things like administrative costs and CEO bonuses, and not enough on your health care. 

There’s more.  Because of the Affordable Care Act, young adults under the age of 26 are able to stay on their parent's health care plans -- a provision that's already helped 6 million young Americans.  And because of the Affordable Care Act, seniors receive a discount on their prescription drugs -- a discount that's already saved more than 5 million seniors on Medicare about $600 each.

All of this is happening because of the Affordable Care Act. These provisions provide common-sense protections for middle class families, and they enjoy broad popular support.  And thanks to today’s decision, all of these benefits and protections will continue for Americans who already have health insurance.   

Now, if you’re one of the 30 million Americans who don’t yet have health insurance, starting in 2014 this law will offer you an array of quality, affordable, private health insurance plans to choose from.  Each state will take the lead in designing their own menu of options, and if states can come up with even better ways of covering more people at the same quality and cost, this law allows them to do that, too.  And I’ve asked Congress to help speed up that process, and give states this flexibility in year one. 

Once states set up these health insurance marketplaces, known as exchanges, insurance companies will no longer be able to discriminate against any American with a preexisting health condition.  They won’t be able to charge you more just because you’re a woman.  They won’t be able to bill you into bankruptcy. If you’re sick, you’ll finally have the same chance to get quality, affordable health care as everyone else.  And if you can’t afford the premiums, you'll receive a credit that helps pay for it. 

Today, the Supreme Court also upheld the principle that people who can afford health insurance should take the responsibility to buy health insurance.  This is important for two reasons. 

First, when uninsured people who can afford coverage get sick, and show up at the emergency room for care, the rest of us end up paying for their care in the form of higher premiums. 

And second, if you ask insurance companies to cover people with preexisting conditions, but don’t require people who can afford it to buy their own insurance, some folks might wait until they’re sick to buy the care they need -- which would also drive up everybody else’s premiums.

That’s why, even though I knew it wouldn’t be politically popular, and resisted the idea when I ran for this office, we ultimately included a provision in the Affordable Care Act that people who can afford to buy health insurance should take the responsibility to do so.  In fact, this idea has enjoyed support from members of both parties, including the current Republican nominee for President.

Still, I know the debate over this law has been divisive.  I respect the very real concerns that millions of Americans have shared.  And I know a lot of coverage through this health care debate has focused on what it means politically. 

Well, it should be pretty clear by now that I didn’t do this because it was good politics.  I did it because I believed it was good for the country.  I did it because I believed it was good for the American people.

There’s a framed letter that hangs in my office right now.  It was sent to me during the health care debate by a woman named Natoma Canfield.  For years and years, Natoma did everything right.  She bought health insurance.  She paid her premiums on time.  But 18 years ago, Natoma was diagnosed with cancer.  And even though she’d been cancer-free for more than a decade, her insurance company kept jacking up her rates, year after year.  And despite her desire to keep her coverage -- despite her fears that she would get sick again -- she had to surrender her health insurance, and was forced to hang her fortunes on chance. 

I carried Natoma’s story with me every day of the fight to pass this law.  It reminded me of all the Americans, all across the country, who have had to worry not only about getting sick, but about the cost of getting well. 

Natoma is well today.  And because of this law, there are other Americans -- other sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers -- who will not have to hang their fortunes on chance.  These are the Americans for whom we passed this law. 

The highest Court in the land has now spoken.  We will continue to implement this law.  And we'll work together to improve on it where we can.  But what we won’t do -- what the country can’t afford to do -- is refight the political battles of two years ago, or go back to the way things were. 

With today’s announcement, it’s time for us to move forward -- to implement and, where necessary, improve on this law.  And now is the time to keep our focus on the most urgent challenge of our time:  putting people back to work, paying down our debt, and building an economy where people can have confidence that if they work hard, they can get ahead. 

But today, I’m as confident as ever that when we look back five years from now, or 10 years from now, or 20 years from now, we’ll be better off because we had the courage to pass this law and keep moving forward. 

Thank you.  God bless you, and God bless America.

END               
12:23 P.M. EDT

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 27, 2012

Remarks by the President at a Picnic for Members of Congress

South Lawn

7:12 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, everybody! 

AUDIENCE:  Hello!

THE PRESIDENT:  Now, you don’t have to worry, I will not be singing.  We have professionals for that.  (Laughter.)  But on behalf of Michelle and myself, I just want to say welcome.  We have a perfect day for a picnic.  It is spectacular. 

We want to thank, as usual, our outstanding Marine Band.  (Applause.)  They can play anything at any time.  And we’re so grateful for their service to our country.  Obviously, that goes to all our men and women in uniform, and today is a great day for us to acknowledge everything they do to provide our liberty and way of life.

I want to say a special welcome not only to the members of Congress, but most importantly to their families -- (applause) -- because Michelle reminds me every day how difficult it is to be married to a politician.  (Laughter.)  And the sacrifices that all of you make -- the birthday parties that get missed, or the soccer games that you’re late to, the travel that keeps you away from your loved ones -- all of that obviously is in service of our country, and you guys are serving alongside those of us who hold elective office.  So we’re thrilled that you have at least one day where you got a chance to be together in Washington and nobody is arguing. 

So that also just reminds me that for all the political differences that are sometimes expressed in this town, we are first and foremost Americans -- not Democrats or Republicans.  (Applause.)  And I think all of us want to make sure that during extraordinarily challenging times for this country that we constantly keep that in mind.  That’s what the people who sent us here are expecting.  And I know that each of us in our own way are hopeful that because of the work that we do here we pass on something a little better and a little brighter to our kids and our grandkids. 

And so, I’m looking forward to continuing to work with you.  I’m glad I see some folks here in shorts -- (laughter) -- and some Hawaiian shirts.  And so everybody is dressed appropriately for a picnic.  If you still have your tie on, take it off.  (Laughter.)  Make sure to enjoy the barbecue, enjoy the music. 

MRS. OBAMA:  Go see the garden.

THE PRESIDENT:  Go see the garden if you want.  And we are going to be coming down on this rope line and I want to be able to shake everybody’s hands.  I warn you in advance that because the line is long, it’s going to be hard for us to pose for individual pictures for everybody.  The exceptions that we make are kids who are 12 and under.  How about that?  That’s going to be our cutoff.  (Applause.)  So little kids, if you want a picture, I don’t mind.  I can’t say no to little kids.  You bigger folks, you’re just going to get a handshake and maybe a kiss if -- (laughter) -- unless you haven’t shaved, in which case -- anyway, everybody have a wonderful time. 

God bless you.  God bless America.  (Applause.) 

END
7:16 P.M. EDT

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
June 26, 2012

Remarks by the President at a Campaign Event

The Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theaterr
Miami Beach, Florida

8:01 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Miami!  (Applause.)  Thank you.  It is good to be back in Miami.  (Applause.)

Now, let me just, first of all, recognize a few people who are here.  First of all, wasn’t Maytee wonderful?  Give her a big round of applause.  (Applause.)  She is an example of what this campaign is all about.  And I could not be prouder to have folks like her involved every single day, out there in the grassroots, making a difference.  So, all of you who are out there volunteering, knocking on doors, making phone calls, I love you and I’m grateful to you.  (Applause.)

A couple of other people I want to acknowledge -- first of all, outstanding Congresswoman and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz is in the house.  (Applause.)  We love Debbie.  My Florida finance chair, Kirk Wager, is here.  (Applause.)  Abigail and F.J. Pollack did a great job -- thank you.  (Applause.)  I want to thank Enrique Santos for emceeing.  (Applause.)  Somebody who has become just a great friend and an extraordinary person, and also sings and dances pretty good -- Marc Anthony.  (Applause.) 

Finally, it would be incomplete if I did not congratulate the city of Miami for having the world champion Miami Heat here in town.  (Applause.)  You guys earned it.  And since one of my favorite people is Alonzo Mourning, who’s here, and Tracy Mourning, I just wanted to give them a special shout-out.  (Applause.)  Alonzo looks like he can still play.  (Laughter.)  Hasn’t aged a bit -- unbelievable.  I’m getting all gray, and he just looks the same.  (Laughter.)  Except he doesn’t have that flattop.  (Laughter.)

Now, Miami, I’m here not just because I need your help -- although I do, and I will get to that.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  I love you!

THE PRESIDENT:  I love you back.  (Applause.) 

But I’m mainly here because your country needs your help.
Back in 2008, we came together to reclaim the basic bargain that built this country, the essence of America, what created the largest middle class and the most prosperous economy on Earth.  We came together because we believe that in America, your success shouldn’t be determined by the circumstances of your birth.  If you’re willing to work hard, you should be able to find a good job.  (Applause.)  If you’re willing to meet your responsibilities, you should be able to own a home, maybe start a business; give your children a chance to do even better than you did -- no matter who you are, no matter what you look like, no matter where you came from, no matter what your last name, no matter who you love.  That is the promise of America.  (Applause.)

And we came together in 2008 because we felt that basic bargain, that simple dream was slipping away for too many people, and it had been for a decade.  We’d gone through a decade where manufacturing was leaving our shores, and a surplus had turned to a deficit; a few folks were doing really well but more and more people were struggling to get by, no matter how hard they worked. And the costs of health care and college were going up and up and up, and people were borrowing with credit cards and home equity loans to try to maintain their standard of living.  But it just got harder and harder.  And all this culminated in the worst economic crisis that we’ve seen in our lifetimes.  And because of that crisis, that dream felt like it was even farther away. 

Now, the good news is the American people are tougher than tough times.  And over the last three and half years we’ve fought back.  (Applause.)  And when some said let’s let Detroit go bankrupt, we believed in the American worker and we believed in American manufacturing, and now Detroit is back on top and we are selling cars all over the world.  (Applause.)  People who lost their jobs went back and got retrained -- maybe a 50-year-old sitting back in a classroom in a community college, and suddenly finding an entire new career opening up to him.  Small businesses, through the SBA, were able to get some financing and keep their doors open and keep their payrolls, and make sure that the families who depended on that business were still able to succeed.

Now, we’ve still got a long way to go.  We lost 9 million jobs in that recession.  And although we’ve created more than 4 million since I’ve taken office, and 800,000 in the last few months alone -- (applause) -- this has been a steep climb.  And we understand from our friends and our neighbors in our own lives how much more work we have to do.  Too many folks out there still without a job; too many people here in Florida still seeing their homes underwater.  So we understand how much work we have left. 

But the debate in this election is not whether we need to do better.  Everybody understands the economy is not where it needs to be.  A lot of folks are still struggling -- we’ve got to do better.  The debate in this election, though, is about how do we do better -- how do we grow our economy faster?  How do we create more good jobs?  How do we pay down our debt?  How do we reclaim that basic bargain and rebuild our middle class that has made us the greatest nation on Earth?  That’s the question in this election.  That’s the choice in this election.  (Applause.)  

And this is not just a manufactured debate.  This is not one of those Washington-Beltway-insider arguments that don’t mean anything.  This is the defining issue of our time.  It’s a make-or-break moment for the middle class, but also for all those folks who still aspire to the middle class, who are still trying to climb into a life of security for their families.  The next President, the next Congress, is going to face a set of decisions on the economy and on deficits and on taxes that will have an enormous impact not just on our country today, but on the country that we pass on to the next generation. 

And understand that what’s holding us back from meeting these challenges is not the lack of technical solutions; it’s not the lack of big ideas.  What’s holding up back right now is we’ve got a stalemate in Washington.  We’ve got a stalemate between two fundamentally different views, two fundamentally different visions of where this country should go. 

And you know who’s going to break that stalemate?  You.  You’re going to break that stalemate.  This election is your chance to move this country forward and make sure it does not go backwards.  (Applause.)

So let me just break down this choice, because I want everybody to be very clear about it.  Governor Romney and his allies believe that we should go back to the top-down economics of the last decade. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  They believe that if we eliminate regulations and we cut taxes by trillions of dollars, we just leave the market alone, that everybody will prosper.  They argue that if we help corporations and wealthy investors maximize their profits by whatever means necessary -- whether it means layoffs or outsourcing or union busting or whatever means are available
-- that that will automatically translate into jobs and prosperity that benefit everybody.

Last week it was reported Governor Romney’s old firm owned companies that, according to this article, were pioneers in the business of outsourcing American jobs to places like China and India.  And yesterday his advisors were asked about this, and they tried to clear it up by explaining that there’s actually a difference between outsourcing and offshoring.  (Laughter.)  I’m not making that up.  You can’t make something like that up.  (Laughter.)

Now, if you’re a worker whose job just went overseas, you really aren’t looking for somebody to explain to you the difference between offshoring and outsourcing.  What you need is somebody who’s going to wake up every single day fighting for your job, fighting for American jobs.  That’s what you want.  (Applause.)

You want somebody who will close the outsourcing loopholes in our tax code.  You want somebody who will give tax breaks to companies that create jobs in manufacturing here in the United States, not ship them overseas.  (Applause.)

And the reason this is relevant is because this is part of their overall economic vision, an overall economic plan that he and the Republicans in Congress share and they will implement if they are elected.  And it’s there for all to see it -- they put it on the table.  It’s been voted on in Congress.  It’s right on Governor Romney’s website.  They’re going to rollback all kinds of regulations on banks and polluters and insurance companies and oil companies.  That’s part one of the plan.

Part two of the plan is not only to keep all the Bush tax cuts in place, including for the wealthiest Americans, but also add another $5 trillion in tax cuts on top of that, which includes a 25 percent tax cut for every millionaire in the country. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  Now, you may be wondering -- because I can tell this is a smart crowd -- (laughter) -- how do they spend $5 trillion on new tax cuts and then claim that their plan would reduce the deficit?  That’s a good question.  (Laughter.)

They start by proposing a trillion dollars in cuts to things like education and training and medical research and clean energy -- $1 trillion out of that part of the budget that is helping to make us more competitive.  But that’s not enough.  They also proposed eliminating health care for about 50 million Americans and turning Medicare into a voucher program. 

But that’s still not enough.  It still doesn’t get you to $5 trillion.  So they’ll also then have to eliminate deductions, which effectively will raise taxes on the middle class by taking away tax benefits for everything from health care, college, retirement, homeownership -- so that could cost middle-class families thousands of dollars. 

That’s their entire economic plan.  That’s it.  So when Mr. Romney says he’s some financial wizard who can fix our economy, that’s exactly how he intends to do it.

Now, there are folks out there who think this plan sounds like a good idea.  They want to give the policies of the last decade another try.  And if so, they should vote for Mr. Romney. They should reelect the Republicans who have been running Congress.  Together, they will take America down this path.  They are more than qualified to do it.  They will do it.  Take them at their word, they will do it.  (Laughter and applause.)

But you and I remember how it worked out the last time we tried this philosophy.  These policies have been tested, and they have failed.  And the reason is because there’s another vision out there for America -- the one I believe in, the one you believe in.  A vision that says, prosperity never comes from the top down; it comes from a strong and growing middle class, and all those strivers who are fighting to get into the middle class, and successful, thriving small businesses that become medium-sized businesses and big businesses. 

We don’t need more top-down economics.  We need a plan for better education and training and energy independence and innovation and new infrastructure, and we need a tax code that encourages companies to keep jobs here in the United States and asks wealthy Americans to help pay down our deficit -- that’s what we need.  That’s what we’re fighting for.  And that’s why I’m running for a second term as President of the United States of America.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT:  Listen, listen, Miami, we do not expect government to solve all our problems.  This notion that somehow all we believe in are government solutions -- look at the record. Over the last three years, I cut taxes for the typical working family by $3,600.  (Applause.)  Cut taxes for small businesses 18 times.  Eliminated billions of dollars of regulations that don’t make sense -- aren’t making people safer or healthier.  I don’t believe we should be in the business of helping people who refuse to help themselves.  I believe in individual responsibility.  (Applause.)

I believe no education program is going to be better than parents doing their job at making sure that kids are instilled with a love of learning.  But I do share the belief of our first Republican President, a guy named Abraham Lincoln, that through our government we should do together what we can’t do as well for ourselves.  (Applause.)

The belief that we are a team, that’s how we built this country -- together.  We built railroads and highways, the Hoover Dam, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Interstate Highway System, the Transcontinental Railroad -- we built those things together.  We sent my grandfather’s generation to college on the GI Bill.  We did that together.  (Applause.)  We made investments in sending a man to the moon and helping to create the Internet -- we did those things together. 

We did those things because there is such a thing as a common good.  There’s the understanding that these investments we make, make us all richer.  They give us all opportunity.  We don’t do it just for one person or for one group.  We understand that we move forward as one nation and as one people.  That’s the lesson of our past.  That’s the right vision for our future.  That’s why I’m running for a second term as President of the United States.  I believe in that vision.  I believe in it.  (Applause.)

I’m running to make sure that every American, every young
person has a chance to get the skills and training that today’s
jobs require.  And that's why we want to recruit an army of new teachers and pay them better, and hire them in areas like math and science, and give 2 million more Americans the chance to go to community colleges to upgrade their skills to get the jobs that local businesses are looking for right now.  (Applause.)

That's why we want to make higher education affordable for every young person who is willing to work for it, not just by offering loans and grants, but also by getting schools to hold down their college tuition.  It's the right thing to do.  That's the choice in this election, and that's why I'm running for President. (Applause.)

I want us to be in control of our own energy future.  That's good for our economy, our security.  It's good for our planet.  That's why we need to end government subsidies for oil companies that are already making a lot of money.  (Applause.)  Let's double down on investments in clean energy -- in solar and wind and biodiesel, fuel-efficient cars.  That would be good for all of us. 

I want to make sure that America continues to be the best place for innovation and discovery.  It's why we need to continue investing in research and development.  And after a decade of war, it's time for us to start doing some nation-building here at home. (Applause.) 

I ended the war in Iraq, as I promised.  We are winding down the war in Afghanistan.  I want to take half the money we’re no longer spending on war and put it to use putting people back to work rebuilding our roads and our runways and our ports and our wireless networks.  That’s the choice in this election.  (Applause.)

The other side will say, well, we can't afford to do all that -- deficits, debt, that's our problem.  Well, I put forward a plan that will reduce our deficit by $4 trillion in a way that’s balanced and responsible, a detailed plan that cuts spending we can’t afford -- and there's waste in government programs that don't work -- that also strengthens programs like Medicare for the long haul, and reforms our tax code so that the wealthiest Americans pay a little more. 

And, by the way, that approach -- just like their approach has been tested, our approach has been tested, because that formula of a tax code that is balanced and fair is what produced those surpluses under Bill Clinton.  (Applause.)  It's what got our economy creating 23 million new jobs.  (Applause.)  It's what got the engines of our economy moving.  And, by the way, it was good for business.  We created a lot of millionaires and a lot of billionaires during those times, because they had a lot of customers for their services and their products.  (Applause.)  And there are a lot of patriotic, successful Americans -- including here tonight -- who would be willing to do a little bit more for their country because they understand the concept of a common good.  They understand we're in it together. 

Now, Governor Romney disagrees with my vision.  That's what democracy is all about -- we choose.  His allies in Congress disagree with my vision.  They’ve got a different approach.  Neither of them will endorse any policy that asks folks like me or Marc Anthony -- (laughter) -- to pay even a nickel more in taxes.  That's the reason we haven’t reached an agreement on our deficit. It’s the reason my jobs bill that independent economists say would put an additional million people back to work has been voted down time and time again.  It’s the biggest source of gridlock in Washington these last three years. 

And the folks who can break this stalemate are you.
(Applause.)  You can decide.  On every challenge we face, you get the final say.  That's how our democracy works.  You can decide.  You can decide whether we decide to keep our brave men and women in Afghanistan indefinitely, as Mr. Romney wants to do, or whether we stick to the timeline that I set that will finally bring our troops home.  (Applause.)  That will be your decision.

You can decide whether or not we go back to restricting access to birth control or defunding Planned Parenthood, or whether you believe that women in America should control their own health choices.  That will be your decision.  (Applause.)

You can decide whether we should roll back Wall Street regulations that we put in place to prevent taxpayer bailouts and to protect consumers.  You can decide whether it makes sense, as Mr. Romney wants to do, to roll back the reforms that we put in place that prevent insurance companies from discriminating against people who are sick. 

I believe it's the right thing to do.  I believe health reform was the right thing to do.  I believe it was right to make sure that over 3 million young people can stay on their parent's health insurance plan.  (Applause.)  I believe it was right to provide more discounts for seniors on their prescription drugs.  I believe it was right to make sure that everybody in this country gets decent health care and is not bankrupt when they get sick.  (Applause.)  That's what I believe.  But it's up to you.  You decide. 

It's your decision whether we go back to the days when you could be kicked out of the U.S. military just because of who you are and who you love.  (Applause.)  I believe ending "don't ask, don't tell" was the right thing to do.  (Applause.)  

You can decide whether or not it makes sense to stop denying the opportunity of responsible young people -- to allow them to stay here and prosper here and get educated here, just because they’re the children of undocumented immigrants.  (Applause.)  They are Americans through and through, except for their papers. I believe it was the right thing to do.  (Applause.)  But, ultimately, it's up to you.  (Applause.)   

And you know what, you can also decide whether we're going to continue to have elections decided by multimillion dollar donations, instead of the voices of ordinary citizens.

AUDIENCE:  Booo -- 

THE PRESIDENT:  This is going to be a close election.  It's going to be close because there are a lot of folks still struggling out there.  But it's also going to be close because the other side will spend more money than at any time in United States history on negative ads that have a very simple message.  They will say the economy is bad and it's all my fault.  (Laughter.)  That will be their message.  I mean, they will have variations to the same theme.  They'll say, well, he can't fix it because he thinks government is always the answer, or he can't fix it because he didn’t make a lot of money in the private sector, or he is in over his head, or he thinks everybody is doing just fine. 

That’s what the scary voices in the ads will be saying.  That’s what Mitt Romney will say.  That’s what the Republicans in Congress will say.  And since you are in a battleground state, you will hear this a lot. 

And I understand it's a theory to win an election.  It's sure not a plan to create jobs.  (Applause.)  It's not a plan to grow our economy.  It's not a plan to restore the American Dream.

And so, ultimately, the question for all of you is how much are you willing to fight for this?  (Applause.)  If you agree with me and if you believe this economy grows best when everybody gets a fair shot and everybody does their fair share and everybody is playing by the same set of rules -- if you believe in the common good, if you believe we’re a team, if you believe we do best when we work together, then I’m going to need you.  And I’m going to need you to go out there and work hard. 

And by the way, this is not a Democratic idea or a Republican idea.  You vote for anybody -- Republican, Democrat, independent -- anybody who shares these values and shares this vision, because there was a time when Republicans would express these same values and these same visions.  And I think there are a lot of Republicans and independents out there who recognize that we can’t go back to you’re-on-your-own economics, that don’t believe we should just tell the young person who can’t afford college, you’re on your own, or tell somebody who’s working hard, but doesn’t have health care, tough luck. 

But it’s going to require us to work hard.  It’s going to require us to have faith.  In 2008, I used to tell you, in the height of all the excitement, I would remind people I'm not a perfect man, and I said I’d never be a perfect President --

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  You are!  (Applause.) 

THE PRESIDENT:  But what I said was -- I made a promise -- I said I’d always tell you where I stood, and I’d always tell you what I believed, and I would work as hard as I could, as hard as I knew how, every single day, every minute of every day, for you. (Applause.)  That I would be thinking about you, and I’d be fighting for you and advocating for you -- (applause) -- for all those folks out there all across the country who know what struggle is, but also know what it means to overcome struggle. 

And I’ve kept that promise.  I’ve kept that promise because my faith in the American people is undiminished.  And as I travel across the country, I see your decency and I see your strength and I see your resilience, and I am inspired.  And so I am just as determined as I ever have been.  (Applause.)

I believe in this country and I believe in you.  And if you still believe in me, I’m going to need you to stand with me in this election -- (applause) -- and get on the phone, and knock on doors, and talk to your friends, and talk to your neighbors.  And we are going to fight, and we are going to struggle, and we're going to finish what we started in 2008, and remind the world just why it is that America is the greatest nation on Earth.  (Applause.) 

God bless you.  God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.) 

END
8:30 P.M. EDT