Obama triples the volunteer corp

[ProSense]

Obama urges citizens to undertake national service

By ANN SANNER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – Calling on Americans to volunteer, President Barack Obama signed a $5.7 billion national service bill Tuesday that triples the size of the AmeriCorps service program over the next eight years and expands ways for students to earn money for college. "What this legislation does, then, is to help harness this patriotism and connect deeds to needs," said Obama, a former community organizer in Chicago.

"It creates opportunities to serve for students, seniors and everyone in between," he said. "And it is just the beginning of a sustained, collaborative and focused effort to involve our greatest resource — our citizens — in the work of remaking this nation."

Joining Obama was Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who has been battling brain cancer. Kennedy championed the legislation with Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and the bill was named in honor of the Massachusetts Democrat.

Kennedy told the audience that included former President Bill Clinton, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former first lady Rosalyn Carter that Obama's efforts echoed those of his late brother, President John F. Kennedy.

"Today, another young president has challenged another generation to give back to their nation," Kennedy said, citing his brother's advocacy for the Peace Corps.

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[babylonsister]

1. Wow! Very impressive. GOBAMA! nt

[JuniperLea]

2. I received a call today, from Boys and Girls Town...

My grandmother used to volunteer for the original Boys Town in Omaha... I put in an application to volunteer last week, and the call came today.

Thanks for nudging me, President Obama! Thanks for setting such a wonderful example, Grandma! Oh, and RIP sweet lady! :hi:

[babylonsister]

7. That's very cool, JuniperLea!

:thumbsup:

[BlooInBloo]

3. Triples his betrayal, you mean.

:P

[Sparkly]

4. This is great!!

:thumbsup:

[Cha]

5. I love this..it will perpetuate

the building of a strong foundation for our country that can't be undone.

[Ocracoker16]

6. I hope this encourages people to do service for others

There are so many people in need here in this country. The government can't help everyone so we have to try to volunteer in our communities. Service can be a lot of fun as well.

[AtomicKitten]

8. OMG!! It's the reeducation camps!! Michelle Bachman was right!

K&R Great news!!!

[Reterr]

9. Very cool.eom

[SpartanDem]

10. So when do we get our uniforms?

[tomreedtoon]

11. Must be nice for the rich.

Nobody I know has time to volunteer. This last week I worked 66 hours. When I wasn't working I had to sleep to try to keep my heart from stopping. And the poor people I know (like one librarian who was kicked out of her job 5 years ago, and who hasn't been able to get a job since) are spending all their time scrabbling for work just to pay their share of the rent.

Volunteerism will be limited to the rich, who don't need to work, and their children. I mean, it'd be nice to have the time to volunteer, but the America of the forty hour week and the living wage is gone forever.