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Stars Make Video For Obama's Public Service Plan

The Presidential Pledge

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher got their star friends to participate in this video, The Presidential Pledge, urging everyone to embrace public service, a key point of the Obama Administration.

Will it work? I don't know, but it's a nice effort.

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    Your taxes in action. (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by lentinel on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 12:00:21 AM EST
    - a Classroom Corps to help underserved schools

    Underserved schools = not properly funded by government. Many found in ghetto areas.

     - a Health Corps to serve in the nation's clinics and hospitals

    Health care professionals underpaid. Hospitals understaffed.

    - a Clean Energy Corps to achieve the goal of energy independence

    While pollution continues unabated from industries, we turn out our lights and turn down our heat. Oil companies get to keep windfall profits. Coal industry gets money for filthy "clean coal" technology.

     - a Veterans Corps to support the Americans who serve by standing in harm's way.

    Veterans' Hospitals are a disgrace. The government abandons the wounded. The government continues to put Americans in "harm's way" (where they might be killed or maimed) and will not adequately protect them or help them.

    Government will continue to misappropriate our money. They will blame it on us for not volunteering enough.

    I don't disagree but taxes (5.00 / 2) (#2)
    by oldpro on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 01:53:15 AM EST
    will never cover all the needs in this country or in most countries.

    Those of us who have been volunteering and doing public service all our lives could really use a little help.  It makes a difference in people's lives...ours...and others.

    And remarkably, it often results in jobs, training and economic development.  Volunteering is not a useless pasttime.  None of our Habitat volunteers think so when we hand over the keys to that single mom with the handicapped kid and see the looks on their faces.

    Parent

    I did not mean (5.00 / 2) (#3)
    by lentinel on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 05:15:29 AM EST
    to denigrate the service of those who volunteer.
    I think you're great.
    I'm moved by what you wrote.

    What I am angry about is that the government should be supporting the projects you and I care about. They do have a ton of tax money. They are sending it to banks. They are giving it to other financial institutions responsible for cheating us. They are making bombs with it. They are fighting endless and pointless wars with it.

    What you are doing is infinitely valuable.

    But I am angered that the government is not doing more, much more, to help you.

    Parent

    OK. But meanwhile, (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by oldpro on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 12:18:57 PM EST
    I need YOUR help!  (Not you particularly, but the general 'you.')

    Or somebody does...

    Just pick something...one damn thing...a beach or street in your area which needs litter pickup, a kids' program who needs a coach or sponsor, a local fundraiser for things you SAY you care about but did ''you help or send them money/buy a ticket?

    If not, just do it.  Then do it again.

    To quote myself, "Don't make me call your Mom!"

    Parent

    How's this? You're BOTH right! (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by allimom99 on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 04:19:05 PM EST
    Many of us (myself included) are already working in the community. Yet we need to hear from celebrities that we need to do more? Exactly what is it that Demi and Ashton have been doing for the last 8 years to help anyone?

    i am unmoved by celebrities selling me ANYTHING - let me see them actually getting their hands dirty, not just giving a few of their oh-so-plentiful $$$.

    Sorry, glad they care and all, but where have they been until now?

    Parent

    Yup. No kiidding. (none / 0) (#9)
    by oldpro on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 06:33:58 PM EST
    Volunteering/service is wonderful (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by sallywally on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 06:07:55 PM EST
    and we can each do it according to our personal situations, talents, and personalities.

    You know, is it service to participate in the League of Women Voters? Write letters to the editor, our senators and congresspersons? Go to animal shelters and pet the cats/dogs? And so forth?

    What I don't like is what the Repubs have made of it. You know, a thousand points of light?

    Would work better if it was 50% shorter.... (none / 0) (#4)
    by Key on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 11:23:45 AM EST
    Too long....

    It was lovely (none / 0) (#5)
    by MyLeftMind on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 11:32:32 AM EST
    Maybe you just weren't crying during it so you felt jaded or disconnected.  

    Try again.

    Parent