Obama promises 2.5 million jobs. And not just as quickie mart

So Obama’s gone and done it now – he’s promised to give 2.5 million good paying jobs to Americans, through his energy and jobs program.

He wants a big enough stimulus plan to matter, jobs for people, and health care. The question is – is Congress going to be willing to open up the purse strings that far?

Hey, Obama – we got some questions for you?

Before Obama becomes President, there’s still some things to clear up. And Lee Camp of 23/6 is just the guy to ask them.

Important, deep, probing questions about Obama’s character. Or, at least a test of basic intelligence.

Change comes to the Senate: Less about timing, than about credibility

There’s a joke around the Mormon church that after every meeting of the Presidency, a plate of chocolates are passed around from the most senior to the most junior members. And by the time the most junior members (and by “junior” I mean “60 years old”) get the plate, all that’s left are the dark chocolate.

One day, the newest member asked aloud if perhaps they could forgo tradition and go in reverse. At which point the leader of the Mormon church stated “Brother, if you live long enough, you’ll get the milk chocolates.”

Now, I’m sure it’s a joke, and I can tell that story (I’m still a Mormon), but it’s interesting to see how the mantra of “change” is reaching into the hallowed halls of the Senate. Used to be, if you wanted to be in the leadership of committees, that went to those who had lived the longest and gathered the most support through outliving the competitors. Now, it looks like leadership roles in the Senate are going to those who are most competent in their jobs.

You’ve got Waxman, an environmentalist who is now in control of the Energy committee in the senate, over the former holder Dingell, who was squarely in the palm of the auto industry. The young whippersnappers are speaking up for their positions – and with the election of Obama inspiring them, more of them are getting it.

Nerds in control! Obama’s transitition co-chair plays with elves

Kevin Werbach, who co-chairs the Transition Team for President Elect Barack Obama, plays World of Warcraft, and belongs to two guilds.

My brain just exploded. Please tell me that Obama plays as a gnome or something.

Obama’s web site shifts from presidential election to service

This is just cool. Now that President Elect Obama is turning off the gas to his presidential campaign (after all, he won), he’s now using his web sites enrollment lists to send out notices to volunteer for causes like helping the homeless and fighting fires.

I’m good with that.

How many people are showing up for the Obama swearing in? Holy s&*(!

Looks like Washington is going to be one packed town, with 4 million people expected to show up for the Obama swearing in ceremony.

Ye-ow.

Obama: Part of “change” includes “climate”

President Elect Obama has come out and stated he’s still on task to cut down on global climate change before it gets any worse by cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

In a way, it might be a good time. If the economy is shifted to more green energy, it spawns new jobs and technologies, cut costs for people, increases public transportation.

What the heck is taking Missouri so long?

Look, Obama’s not going to win Missouri. Yes, it’s a big deal that Missouri, which has picked the same winner for President as their state picks, won’t pick the newly elected President of the United States.

At least if you live in Missouri. The rest of the country doesn’t give a crap.

But just what is taking Missouri so long to make up their damn minds about who won the Presidential election in their state?

My bet: they’re being stubborn. Just pick already.

Obama funding condoms. And The Pill. And – common sense

As a religious person, I’m suppose to be a foam-at-the-mouth freakout over abortion, and deny that anyone should have sex before their married.

As a reasoning human being, though, I figure I’d rather a thousand teenagers be making safely than there be one abortion. So for President Elect Obama likely to renew funding for birth control clinics so they can get contraception into the hands of those who would use it to prevent unwanted pregnancy, I say thank goodness.

Obama already reaching out to federal employees

As someone who does work in the federal government, I found this interesting. President-Elect Obama has drafted some letters to federal employees with interesting details:

The letters, sent to employees at seven agencies, describe Obama’s intention to scale back on contracts to private firms doing government work, to remove censorship from scientific research, and to champion tougher industry regulation to protect workers and the environment. He made it clear that the Department of Housing and Urban Development would have an enhanced role in restoring public confidence in the housing market, shaken because of the ongoing mortgage crisis.

Wait – actually listening to scientists? And cutting down on contractors more interested in the bottom line than actually getting work for citizens done? Well, that’s a start.