Biden Bits: “Spellbound by Fearlessness and Freedom”…

May 20, 2024 12:01 pm EDT Tiff Biden Tweets (Open Thread) Comments Off on Biden Bits: “Spellbound by Fearlessness and Freedom”…
Biden Tweets Logo. Image by Lenny Ghoul.

It’s Monday…

President Biden’s public schedule for 05/20/2024:

10:00 AMThe President receives the President’s Daily BriefClosed Press
12:40 PMThe President departs Wilmington, Delaware en route to Fort Lesley J. McNair
1:40 PMThe President departs Fort Lesley J. McNair en route to the White House
1:50 PMThe President arrives at the White House
5:15 PM
Remarks		The President and The Second Gentleman deliver remarks at a celebration for Jewish American Heritage Month at the White House. The VICE PRESIDENT attends.

President Biden and the Second Gentleman Attend a Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration


National Museum of African American History and Culture/Brown v. Board of Education turns 70/Morehouse College 2024 Spring Commencement Tweets

From Friday…

Remarks by President Biden at the National Museum of African American History and Culture; the YouTube is 26 minutes and 08 seconds long.

The video clip is 43 seconds long.

President Biden: Although I wasn’t old enough to be deeply involved with the beginning of this effort, when Brown v. Board passed, it was a gigantic deal. The point I wanted to make to you all, and I know you know it–but I think it’s worth mentioning is the physical courage it took to do what was done by your parents or grandparents. And I mean it and some of you as well. It just took pure physical courage to do what you did and what they did. And it changed the world. It changed the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being here.

Readout of President Biden’s Meeting With Brown v. Board Plaintiffs and their Families:

In honor of the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, President Joe Biden hosted a delegation of plaintiffs and family members representing the historic decision in the Oval Office. Members of the delegation represented litigants from the five cases that were combined under the Brown v. Board decision, including Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Briggs v. Elliott, Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County, Belton (Bulah) v. Gebhart, and Bolling v. Sharpe.

President Biden reiterated his longstanding effort to honor the legacy of historic changemakers that paved the way for progress and hard-fought rights for Black Americans and all Americans. The President and the delegation also highlighted the continued need to advance educational equity and underscored the White House’s strong commitment to addressing racial disparities in our education system, despite attacks on educational rights, the erasure of Black history, and the elimination of affirmative action in university admissions. President Biden and Vice President Harris remain committed to driving greater equality and opportunity within our education system and society.

The meeting participants included:

Readout of President Biden’s Meeting With Brown v. Board Plaintiffs and their Families. 05/17/2024.

Brown v. Board Family Members:

  • Cheryl Brown Henderson: Daughter of Named Plaintiff, Oliver Brown
  • Darl Everett, Jr.
  • Victoria Benson
  • Jeffrey Benson
  • Lusandra Everett

Briggs v. Elliott Family Members:                                                         

  • Ada Stukes Adderley
  • Ky Adderley
  • Dawn Lucas
  • Nathaniel Briggs: Son of Named Plaintiff, Briggs

Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward Family Members:

  • John Stokes: Original Plaintiff
  • Joan Cobbs
  • Ernest Johns
  • Robert Johns
  • Roderick Johns

Gebhart v. Belton Family Members:

  • Joan Anderson
  • Original Plaintiff
  • Carol Anderson Neff
  • Tai Ingram
  • Christopher Michael Neff
  • Rene Ricks-Stamps: Daughter of Named Plaintiff, Belton

Bolling v. Sharpe Family Members:

  • Adrienne Jennings Bennett: Original Plaintiff
  • Curtis Bennet, Sr.
  • Curtis Bennet, Jr.
  • Kim Relaford
  • Letitia Alexander

HBCUs are responsible for 40 percent of Black engineers in America, 50 percent of Black teachers, 70 percent of all Black doctors and dentists, 80 percent of all Black judges — and, by the way, I put more on the bench than anybody ever has –(applause) — and 100 percent of Black vice presidents.  (Laughter and applause.)  You got it.

Remarks by President Biden at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 05/17/2024.

Today, the resistance comes in other insidious forms.  An extreme movement led by my predecessor and his MAGA Republican allies, backed by an extreme Supreme Court, gutted affirmative action in college admissions. 

[snip]

My predecessor and his extreme MAGA friends are responsible for taking away other fundamental freedoms, from the freedom to vote to the freedom to choose.  But I’ve always believed that the promise of America is big enough for everyone to succeed.  And I mean that: everyone to succeed.  (Applause.)

Remarks by President Biden at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 05/17/2024.

The founders of Morehouse understood something fundamental: Education is linked to freedom.  Because to be free means to have something that no one can ever take away from you.  (Applause.) 

And that’s the power of an education.  That’s why the Brown decision we commemorate today is so important. 

The work of building a democracy is — of possibility, of a democracy worthy of our dreams starts with opening the doors of opportunity for everyone without exception.  And we can do it. 

Remarks by President Biden at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 05/17/2024.

From Saturday..

But let’s be clear, I know real power when I see it. 

Later today, in the Oval Office, I’ll be meeting with the presidents of the Divine Nine.  (Applause.)  You all think I’m kidding, don’t you?  Well, I’m proud that we’re the first admi- —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE PRESIDENT:  You — you got it.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)  I can tell there’s no — anyway.  (Laughter.)

We’re the the first administration in history to have a working group from the Divine Nine in the White House.  And I asked them to do that from the very beginning. 

Remarks by President Biden at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 05/17/2024.

The video clip is 44 seconds long.

But we know, 70 years after Brown v. Board, there are some forces trying to deny freedom of opportunity for all Americans. 

A few minutes ago, I talked with some of the Little Rock Nine, who were determined to integrate a public school in Little Rock, Arkansas, 67 years ago.  (Applause.)

[snip]

They’re a living reminder that “once upon a time” wasn’t that long ago.  And all the progress we’ve made is — still have more to do.  And there are still groups that are trying to erase it. 

[snip]

My predecessor and his extreme MAGA friends are responsible for taking away other fundamental freedoms, from the freedom to vote to the freedom to choose.  But I’ve always believed that the promise of America is big enough for everyone to succeed.  And I mean that: everyone to succeed.  (Applause.)

That’s what Brown is all about.  That’s what we’re all about.  That’s what America is about. 

Remarks by President Biden at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 05/17/2024.

From Sunday…

The video clip is 24 seconds long.

The founders of Morehouse *[one of our nation’s most important institutions.] understood something fundamental: Education is linked to freedom.  Because to be free means to have something that no one can ever take away from you.  (Applause.)

And that’s the power of an education.  That’s why the Brown decision we commemorate today is so important. 

Remarks by President Biden at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 05/17/2024.

*the White House took a sentence from a different section of his remarks and placed it in the video*

Remarks by President Biden at the Morehouse College Class of 2024 Commencement Address | Atlanta, GA; the YouTube is 35 minutes and 33 seconds long.

Class of 2024, four years ago, it felt probably like Saturday.  Four years later, you made it to Sunday, to commencement, to the beginning.  And with faith and determination, you can push the sun above the horizon once more.  You can reveal a light hope — and that’s not — I’m not kidding — for yourself and for your nation. 

Remarks by President Biden at the Morehouse College Class of 2024 Commencement Address | Atlanta, GA. 05/19/2024.

And the desire to know what freedom is, what it can be is the heart and soul of why this college was founded in the first place, proving that a free nation is born in the hearts of men spellbound by freedom.  But the — that’s the magic of Morehouse.  That’s the magic of America.

Remarks by President Biden at the Morehouse College Class of 2024 Commencement Address | Atlanta, GA. 05/19/2024.

LGBTQI+ Tweet

From Friday…

Statement from President Joe Biden Marking International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, my Administration stands in support and solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people around the world as they seek to live full lives, free from violence and discrimination. This is a matter of human rights, plain and simple. The United States applauds those individuals and groups worldwide working to defend the rights of LGBTQI+ people wherever they are under threat. And we are grateful for the contributions that LGBTQI+ people make every day across our nation. 

From Day One of my presidency, my Administration has made advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ people a priority. In my first month in office, I signed a Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World, directing that our diplomacy and development work around the world be conducted in a manner that reflects our commitment to the equal human rights of this population. We have stood up against laws that target LGBTQI+ people for criminal prosecution; worked to protect LGBTQI+ refugees, who are especially vulnerable to exploitation and abuse; and launched a Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally, to ensure that our efforts to confront the scourge of gender-based violence address the unique risks and barriers that LGBTQI+ people face. I also signed an Executive Order directing my Administration to work to prevent the use of so-called “conversion therapy” – an abusive and discredited practice that often targets children.  And my Administration continues to engage with governments, faith leaders, families, and communities worldwide to protect and promote respect for human rights, including LGBTQI+ rights.

Efforts like these have yielded tangible results. During the past year, the United States has responded to abuses of LGBTQI+ people abroad. We’ve developed an approach to foreign assistance that ensures LGBTQI+ people aren’t overlooked in our work. We’ve expanded access for LGBTQI+ people through our refugee programs. And the Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons, whom I appointed, is driving rapid response to proposed anti-LGBTQI+ legislation around the world. We’ve seen how American leadership makes a difference; over the past decade, a growing number of nations have decriminalized same-sex conduct, often with the encouragement of the United States.

Yet we know there is much more to do. LGBTQI+ communities around the world still face hate-fueled violence and discrimination. They still struggle to attain equal access to healthcare, housing, employment, education, and justice. Like all human beings, LGBTQI+ people deserve equality – equal rights, equal citizenship, equal dignity. It is our shared moral responsibility to fight back against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, just as we must fight back against all hate-fueled violence, at home and abroad.

Today marks the 34th anniversary of when the World Health Organization made the wise and overdue decision to declassify ‘homosexuality’ as a mental disorder. That was a victory for LGBTQI+ people and human rights defenders everywhere. 30 years later, the work of equality continues. The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to be a part of it.

Statement from President Joe Biden Marking International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. 05/17/2024.

Humanitarian Assistance Arrived in Gaza Tweets

From Friday…

U.S. Central Command:

Show more =’s This unique logistics capability facilitates the delivery of lifesaving humanitarian aid enabling a shared service for the international community to use to serve the people of Gaza.

@USAID:

@State Dept., from 05/16/2024:

National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby spoke with the press on Friday to provide an update on the humanitarian aid to Gaza…

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby; the YouTube is 56 minutes and 42 seconds long:

So, earlier today, I think you all know, the first shipments of humanitarian assistance arrived on the shores of Gaza through the multinational humanitarian maritime corridor that the President announced during his State of the Union Address. 

As we speak, additional aid from the United States and other countries is arriving in Cyprus, where it will be screened by Israeli authorities and loaded onto ships for delivery via the maritime corridor — the temporary pier that we’ve been talking about.  And here you can see trucks, just today — these inc- — the first truck includes palates from the UAE, as a matter of fact, heading across that causeway — that temporary causeway onto the beach.

And once in Gaza, once on the beach, the aid will be distributed to those in need by the United Nations.

So, in less than two months, the United States was able to assemble a complex, multinational logistical mechanism to facilitate the delivery of lifesaving assistance in Gaza, to galvanize commitments from partners around the world, and to leverage the United Nations’ logistical capabilities to facilitate the distribution of this aid inside the — inside the — Gaza.

So, this is a humanitarian effort.  And contrary to what we’ve been seeing out there in the information space, particularly in the region, it is designed solely — only — for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.  There’s no other purpose for this than humanitarian assistance.

And we’re obviously grateful for all the U.S. service members and our teams at USAID and the State Department for their tireless work over the past few weeks to get this going.

Through the humanitarian maritime corridor, USAID plans to provide initial contributions of more than 170 metric tons of nutrient-rich food bars to support 11,000 of the most vulnerable children and adults; ready-to-use therapeutic foods to treat more than 7,200 cases of severe wasting in children; and nearly 90 metric tons of critical supplies, such as plastic sheeting for shelter, jerry cans to hold clean water, and hygiene kits to support more than 33,000 people.  And just today, as you’re seeing here, we were able to get more the 300 pallets of some of that material in there.

Now, today was just a start.  It was the first day.  There’s still work that has to be done to reach what we call “initial operating capability.”  But we hope to be able to increase the number of pallets that get in over the coming days and keep that sustainable.  And we’ll keep you updated, of course.

All of this assi- — assistance is in addition to thousands of tons of food and other non-food items that are being provided by a number of international partners, including, as I said, the UAE, the United Kingdom, EU, to name a few, as well as resources to support the overall mission, including critical equipment to move that assistance.

We anticipate an increase in the flow of assistance from additional countries and organizations utilizing and steadily scaling up, as I said, the humanitarian maritime corridor every single day that goes by. 

In recent days, we’ve seen some progress in the number of trucks entering Gaza via the land crossings as well.  Yesterday, more than 360 trucks moved into Gaza.  Between April 5th and May 16th, an average of 176 trucks entered Gaza every single day.  It’s not enough.  I recognize that.  We all recognize that.  But it’s — but it is — it is ongoing, and we’re hoping to get it increased.  And, obviously, we’re going to continue to work with Israel to that end.

I do want to make one important point on this before I leave this topic.  There is a robust security plan for this effort, and we remain vigilant to potential threats to a- — to the — our service members that are working on the pier and humanitarian aid organizations and workers helping with the distribution and the collection at the marshalling area on the — on the ground. 

It remains a top priority.  We’re going to remain laser-focused on ensuring the safety of everybody involved in this effort.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby. 05/17/2024.

Armed Forces Day Tweet

From Saturday…

A Proclamation on Armed Forces Day, 2024:

Our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve Forces comprise the greatest fighting force the world has ever known.  Throughout the annals of history, they have stood on the frontlines of freedom — risking everything to keep the light of liberty burning bright at home and around the globe.  On Armed Forces Day, we honor their service.  We remember their selfless sacrifices.  We renew our solemn vow to them and their families, caregivers, and survivors.

Our Nation has many obligations but only one that is truly sacred:  to train and equip those we send into harm’s way and care for them and their families when they come home.  Since I came into office, I have signed over 30 bipartisan bills to support our service members, our veterans, and their families.  That includes the PACT Act — the most significant law in our Nation’s history to help the millions of veterans who were exposed to toxic substances and burn pits during their military service.  Further, we are working to ensure that service members and their families have access to the mental health care they need — an important step toward ending the silent scourge of suicide that has already taken too many lives. 

At the same time, we are working to give service members, veterans, and their families some well-deserved breathing room.  My Administration helped fix the student loan system, easing the burden of $160 billion of student debt for nearly 4.6 million Federal student loan borrowers through various actions.  This year, I took the most comprehensive set of administrative actions in our Nation’s history to support the economic security of military families, spouses, caregivers, and survivors.  We are making it easier for military spouses to find work by making it easier for the Federal Government to hire them, encouraging employers to offer more flexible leave policies, and lowering the cost of child care for military families.  Through the First Lady’s Joining Forces Initiative, we are taking further action to support military and veteran spouses in finding and keeping good-paying jobs as well as health and wellness resources. 

As Commander in Chief, I am committed to ensuring that every member of our military feels safe and respected — and that means ensuring inclusivity, dignity, and decency remain at the core of the culture of our Armed Forces.  I am proud to have implemented historic, bipartisan reforms to our military justice system, which better protect victims and ensure prosecutorial decisions for sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes are fully independent from the chain of command.  One of my earliest acts in office was to end the ban on transgender Americans serving openly in the military.  My Administration will continue to stand up to all forms of harassment and hate within our ranks so that all our service members can thrive.

No matter how high the cost, how great the risk, or how heavy the burden — through long deployments and dangers, frequent moves and challenging trainings, and the many other unique burdens of serving our country — our Nation’s Armed Forces have always met the moment.  They exemplify the very best of our Nation.  Today — and every day — let us honor their service, sacrifice, courage, and commitment.  Let us continue to meet our sacred obligation to them and their families, caregivers, and survivors.

May God bless and protect our service members and veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, continuing the precedent of my predecessors in office, do hereby proclaim the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day.

I direct the Secretary of Defense, on behalf of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, on behalf of the Coast Guard, to plan for appropriate observances each year, with the Secretary of Defense responsible for soliciting the participation and cooperation of civil authorities and private citizens.  I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to provide for the observance of Armed Forces Day within their respective jurisdictions each year in an appropriate manner designed to increase public understanding and appreciation of the Armed Forces of the United States.  I also invite veterans, civic leaders, and other organizations to join in the observance of Armed Forces Day each year.

Finally, I call upon all Americans to display the flag of the United States at their homes and businesses on Armed Forces Day, and I urge citizens to learn more about military service by attending and participating in the local observances of the day.

Proclamation 10585 of May 19, 2023, is hereby superseded.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

A Proclamation on Armed Forces Day, 2024. 05/17/2024.

Consumer Finance.gov (CFPB) Tweet

From Saturday…

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Supreme Court Ruling on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Today’s Supreme Court ruling is an unmistakable win for American consumers. Since President Obama and I created it in the wake of the Great Recession, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has worked to protect consumers from abusive practices by lenders, servicers, and special interests, and has lowered costs for hardworking families by going after junk fees. Under my Administration, the CFPB has delivered: providing nearly $9 billion in consumer relief and working to save consumers $20 billion per year going forward on credit card late fees, overdraft fees, and other junk fees.

Every step of the way, while the CFPB and I have fought for the middle class, Republicans in Congress and in states across the country have stood with special interests who want to keep ripping families off. In the face of years of attacks from extreme Republicans and special interests, the Court made clear that the CFPB’s funding authority is constitutional and that its strong record of consumer protection will not be undone.

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Supreme Court Ruling on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 05/16/2024.

From Consumer Finance.gov 05/16/2024.

Statement on Supreme Court Decision in CFPB v. CFSA:

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a statement today regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in CFPB v. Community Financial Services Association of America:

“For years, lawbreaking companies and Wall Street lobbyists have been scheming to defund essential consumer protection enforcement. The Supreme Court has rejected their radical theory that would have devastated the American financial markets. The Court repudiated the arguments of the payday loan lobby and made it clear that the CFPB is here to stay.”

“Congress created the CFPB to be the primary federal watchdog protecting consumers from predatory and abusive practices in the financial sector. Since the CFPB opened its doors in 2011, it has delivered more than $20 billion in consumer relief to hundreds of millions of consumers and has handled more than 4 million consumer complaints.”

“Today’s decision is a resounding victory for American families and honest businesses alike, ensuring that consumers are protected from predatory corporations and that markets are fair, transparent, and competitive.”

“This ruling upholds the fact that the CFPB’s funding structure is not novel or unusual, but in fact an essential part of the nation’s financial regulatory system, providing stability and continuity for the agencies and the system as a whole. As we have done since our inception, the CFPB will continue carrying out the vital consumer protection work Congress charged us to perform for the American people.”

Statement on Supreme Court Decision in CFPB v. CFSA. 05/16/2024.

Infrastructure Tweet

From Saturday…

Wynonna Earp Nicole Haught GIFfrom Wynonna Earp GIFs

National Peace Officers Memorial Service Tweet

From Monday…

The video clip is 57 seconds long.

Remarks by President Biden at the National Peace Officers Memorial Service; the YouTube is 15 minutes long.

Throughout my career, I’ve unfortunately spoken at too many funerals of too many police officers — extraordinary, brave, heroic public servants who kept us safe.  Being a police officer is not just what you do; it’s who you are.

You’re just like all the women and men in law enforcement I grew up with in Scranton and Claymont, Delaware.  You always run toward danger as others run away from it.  Most of you, even when you were kids, you did it, long before you became an officer.  You run toward the cries for help knowing that you could be of help.  It’s part of your DNA to serve, to protect, to defend.

[snip]

I often say: There is no greater responsibility of government than ensuring the safety of the American people and those who sacrifice to protect us all.

We’ve made a lot of progress, but there’s still much more to be done.

Remarks by President Biden at the National Peace Officers Memorial Service. 05/15/2024.

“New” from the White House…

05/17/2024:

  • A Proclamation on World Trade Week, 2024; NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 19 through May 25, 2024, as World Trade Week.  I call upon all Americans to observe this week and to celebrate with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
  • A Proclamation on National Hepatitis Testing Day, 2024; NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 19, 2024, as National Hepatitis Testing Day.  I encourage all Americans to join in activities that will increase awareness about viral hepatitis and what we can do to prevent and treat it.

05/18/2024:

05/19/2024:

05/20/2024:

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About Tiff 3038 Articles
Member of the Free Press who is politically homeless and a political junkie.