US

Can the Center for American Progress Really Use the Presidential Seal in Self-Promotion?

Americans for Limited Government is calling on the U.S. Justice Department to take action against a liberal think tank for using seal of the American President on a new policy publication.Can the Center for American Progress Really Use the Presidential Seal in Self Promotion?

The conservative interest group claims the use of the official seal is restricted under law and may not be used for the purpose of “conveying, or in a manner reasonably calculated to convey, a false impression of sponsorship or approval by the government of the United States.” Fox News also reports:

The law allows exceptions for educational and historical uses as well as limited usage by news media. The White House counsel can also grant an exception under an executive order.

Bill Wilson, president of Americans for Limited Government, reportedly sent a letter to White House counsel Bob Bauer asking if the Obama administration had granted a special exception for CAP’s “The Power of the President: Recommendations to Advance Progressive Change,”  a policy publication which offers suggestions for President Obama to pursue the progressive agenda through executive orders in lieu of legislative initiatives.

“The Center for American Progress’ use of the seal appears to indicate presidential endorsement of its agenda,” Wilson said in a statement. “The question is whether the White House granted an exception in this case or not.”

“If it did, that would appear to be a stretch beyond the intent of the law and the order, in which exceptions are supposed to be provided for educational, historical and news purposes,” he said. “If it did not, then it would appear to be a violation of the law by the Center for American Progress.”

The Center for American Progress has since responded, claiming the organization purchased a photograph of the seal from the Associated Press, offering no further clarification on its use of the seal on its publication.

In response, Manning said, “They’re admitting they did not get permission.  So the operating question is: Is the White House going to take action to protect the seal because it violates the statute?” he said.

Comments (179)

1 2 3 ... 5
  • NoBromides
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 8:01pm

    AG Holder will slime his way out of doing anything….in fact, he will probably find a way to praise the actions of the socialist/liberal group. Remember, we have been shown that there is no justice at this level (unless you are a white conservative male.)

    Report Post » NoBromides  
  • roughneck.seay
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:58pm

    There are alot of people just looking for a reason to impeach obama… The pour guy is in over his head. If he likes his job, he’d better relearn economics, memorize the constatution, and the bill of rights, and find a momma to teach him right from wrong. Seams to me like he got mixed up with the wrong people. I’m not defending him in the least, I just think this guy honestly don’t know any better….lol I think he and his administration should admit that, and step down with some dignity. I think people would respect him for that. I know I would. His silence on this is more evidence that he has no spine…

    Report Post » roughneck.seay  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 10:02am

      Its not that he doesnt know, he opposes it all. Everything being done to this country is intentional. Read Saul Alinsky, Cloward and Piven. He IS an enemy of the United States. He IS the Fifth Column that was mocked for so long. He IS a traitor.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • capecodsully
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 1:35pm

      He didn’t get in with the wrong people, he isn’t getting bad advise from the people in his administration. HE IS THE WRONG PEOPLE, and he chose the people around him because they share his communistic view of how this country should be. He is a dumb ass, but he’s smart enough to know how to follow commie directions on how to dismantle a republic.

      Report Post »  
  • temple62
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:56pm

    Two years from now we’ll need to clean this seal and disinfect the entire White House for the progressive mold that has creeped into our culture!.

    Report Post » temple62  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:53pm

    They are liberal communists they can do whatever they want. We on the other hand are just misguided citizens, so therefore we can’t do anything without their permission.

    Report Post »  
  • brliantedj
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:52pm

    Just wait until justice dept. gets a hold of this travesty! They’ll be punished like the “New Black Panthers”. Oh yeah, justice will prevail.

    Report Post »  
    • NEAF
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 11:49am

      I love your sense of humor :)

      Report Post » NEAF  
  • aro5o75
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:41pm

    The CfAP is Soros funded, just like Obowma. Nothing will come of this.

    Report Post » aro5o75  
    • Dont Drink Cool Aid
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 8:40am

      Sure something will come of this, there just won’t be any comment. They‘ll replace the presidential seal with Obama’s campaing logo.

      Report Post » Dont Drink Cool Aid  
  • megaman
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:40pm

    hed better do something

    Report Post » megaman  
  • 82dAirborne
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:38pm

    They have no honor. They have no self respect. They have no love of or respect for our great nation. They will use the seal for as long as they can and then without a word it will be absent from their publications.

    We have to remember every incident such as this. I am making notes to insure that I do remember every act of disrespect they commit. 2012 will be here before we know it.

    Very simple solution: Remember and vote. Don’t vote for a party, vote for people and ideas. Vote in such a way that will allow you to sleep at night. Until November 2012 keep a close eye on the folks we voted for this past November. Call them – email them, stay on them to do (or at least attempt to do) what we were promised! If they don’t, they too can & will be replaced. We have to make sure that they remember that.

    Much of the responsibility is ours. It’s easy to get excited and gung-ho for a few months. We have to remain that way until things change. As we used to say in the Rapid Deployment Force: This is a no-sh%t real world situation. THIS IS NOT AN EXERCISE!!!!!!

    Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • war-n-peace
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:57pm

      82D-Respect, Honor, Integrity…these are not ideas the progressives are familiar with unless we are talking about ways to dupe people into believing they have any of the before mentioned qualities. They are foreign concepts to them. Perhaps because their major influences are foreign to the USA..

      Report Post » war-n-peace  
    • chickenlittle
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 10:09am

      Send me a copy of those notes, please… I also want to be sure I haven’t forgotten anything… there’s so much to keep track of in such a short span of time, I barely have the time to READ them all, let alone write notes.

      Report Post » chickenlittle  
  • demssuck
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:35pm

    there one in the same,obama is a communist an he’s alineing himself with the enemy

    Report Post »  
  • Rob_M
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:33pm

    They are running the country behind the scenes anyway.

    Report Post » Rob_M  
  • isobamamadd
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:09pm

    LAW MEANS NOTHING to the LIBERALS … LIBERALS ARE Communists and SHREDDING EVERYTHING AMERICAN is their GOAL ….

    Report Post »  
  • RobR
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:59pm

    If Obama endorsing their agenda takes the heat off and makes everything Ok, I think We the People already know the answer.

    A quid pro quo by a sitting president is a terrible thing……and a waste of America’s integrity. That hasn’t stopped Obama to date, why would any right minded person think anything would change…..really?

    Report Post » Barack Must Go  
  • Randyrocker
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:46pm

    Obama had more respect for that sewer rat Tony Resko than he now has for the United States of America and the office of the President.

    Report Post »  
  • RedinLouisville
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:44pm

    LOL at the idea Holder will do anything about this.

    Report Post » RedinLouisville  
  • New-American-Saviors
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:40pm

    If we had a real President I’d be all for respecting the Office. This guy has deflated the Meaning.

    Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 5:36am

      Remember the new seal Obama’s minions put on the Oval office rug, along with the Sahara desert basement-den furniture ? And the creative quotes they put in to enhance their signature ?Something doesn’t smell right with these people, they are acting for long term keeps.

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
  • mcpbob
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:40pm

    THe most corrupt administration that i have ever seen or know about, it is a disgrace, and the american people sould not stand for such abuse of power, thank god there is only 2 more years of this bullcrap that we have to stand for and we have to restore respect to the office of presidency

    Report Post » mcpbob  
    • john w. gault
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:49pm

      Do you really think we’ll have a presidential election in two years??? I will be surprised…Hugobama will steal or postpone the election…

      Report Post »  
    • flintandsteel
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:31pm

      Mr. Gault,

      When that happens (no elections) I will run out in the street with my rifle and see many others with the same intent. I am suprised that this lunacy has lasted this long. I know that our forefathers (whose graves are now white hot from all the spinning) would have taken up arms long ago to put an end to the farce of the “regressives”.

      Report Post » flintandsteel  
    • john w. gault
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 8:06pm

      There is legislation to remove those guns and ammo from our homes. God help the U.S. when the brownshirts, TSA, etc. show up at our doors and ask for our weapons. It will be difficult to organize with the controls the government has on the web, cell phones, etc. It will have to be an overwhelming and immediate move by the people or our guns and our country will be taken from us.

      Report Post »  
    • Agentuntomyself
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 9:04pm

      @Gault,
      To which I will reply, “weapons? what weapons? I’m sorry officers, but we don’t own any weapons.” And then I will swallow the key to my gun safe.

      Report Post »  
    • john w. gault
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 9:18pm

      Agent, they will drag your safe out into the yard and arrest you.You will have to digest that key. Americans will have to move quickly with weapons and ammo in hand or we lose. I’m not sure that the people are prepared and willing to make the ultimate sacrifice…

      Report Post »  
  • NC
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:30pm

    Wasn’t there a similar misuse of the presidential seal, or at least a facsimile thereof by Obama during his campaign?

    When they were questioned about the use, they stopped using it and the matter was dropped.

    NC (scratching his head about the elite getting away and the common folk getting no way)

    Report Post » NC  
    • GingerC
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 9:41am

      NC, I am not sure about during the campaign, but during the transitition he used one.

      Report Post »  
  • PeterThePainter
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:28pm

    Its not as though;

    1. The attorney General would do anything.
    2. The White House will respond.
    3. The media will say one word about it.

    But, if Glen Beck were to have a hacker place this seal anywhere near his name;

    1. Instantly, there would be an arrest.
    2. The White House would be interupting National TV programming.
    3. For 37 weeks it would be constantly aired.

    Then, it was found out to be a hack job;

    Silence……………………

    Report Post »  
  • Dale
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:25pm

    I recall when Reagan said “I paid for this microphone…”, and he was justified. However, George Soros, thinking he paid for the presidency, thinks he can use the presidential seal, even if they only claim to have purchased it from AP. Well, George, the presidency, and it’s seal, belong to the PEOPLE. You and your agenda lost (badly) in the last election. I’m certain you are as tone deaf as your minion obomba, but you and your agenda are doomed. While you may temporarily hold the white house and (in)justice department, the tide (I use the term advisedly) is turning and soon we will have you on the run. I concur that it will be interesting to see if obomba or holder do anything in this matter.

    Report Post » Dale  
    • ron the veteran
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:56pm

      its time for us to demand obama resign or be removed by congress. hes dont more than enough to remove him bribary fraud election fraud not to mention his ineligibility to be prez in the first place.

      Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:19pm

    The Center for American Progress has since responded, claiming the organization purchased a photograph of the seal from the Associated Press,
    ————————————-
    and why is AP in the business of selling pictures of this seal ?

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
  • seeker9
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:16pm

    I do not recall the Center for American Progress on the presidential ballot in 2008. They can take their progressive agenda and shove it!

    Report Post » seeker9  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:14pm

    When Sorea$$ purchased the Presidency of USA,
    Sora$$ bought EVERYTHING that comes with that office.
    Now everything belongs to spooky doode, he paid a good price for all that stuff.
    Shutup and quit complaining. you little people
    Its not your office anymore

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Highland
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:15pm

      Hey, that president – er, presidential seal, that’s what we meant – is bought and paid for. What do you mean we can’t use it?

      Report Post » Highland  
    • Marylou7
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:21pm

      That just about says it all. We all know Soros is the president or people should know it.

      Report Post » Marylou7  
    • what4
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 10:56pm

      The Kenyen born muslim isn’t worthy of it!

      Report Post »  
    • Fear The Voices
      Posted on November 27, 2010 at 11:24am

      Good point Cheezwhiz-

      Since the agenda Obozzo is following hasn’t totally been originated by him or his abomination, it actually stems from the Soros funded CAP, they have basically bought the administrations approval. I don’t expect them to say crap about it.

      Report Post » Fear The Voices  
  • www.PoliticalTs.com
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:11pm

    Of course they can, they are Liberal, they can do anything they want. Oh, by the way, firsties!

    Report Post » www.PoliticalTs.com  
  • UlyssesP
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:07pm

    If they didn’t take action against the New Black Panthers, they won’t for this.

    Report Post » UlyssesP  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 1:29am

      ROFL – the New Black Panthers only has 2 members and it was Bush that won’t do anything about them – gees, get your stories straight! http://maboulette.wordpress.com

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • GingerC
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 9:44am

      Wrong Walkwithme1966… the Bush Administration is the one that brought the charges against the NBPs… it was Holder that dropped them.

      Report Post »  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 9:58am

      New Black Panthers Has many more than two members and when they are in the street calling for killing whitey… maybe you jail them for whatever infraction you can to keep em off the street. Kind of like Capone. And yes, it was Bush Admin that went after them and Holder who dropped the case prior to sentencing. According to the Social Justice Dept, voter intimidation laws only work one way… SCREW WHITEY!!!

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
  • roberja
    Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:06pm

    Let me guess….the White House will say nothing.

    Report Post »  
    • MAULEMALL
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:17pm

      2 more years of these low class scumbags… Just ghetto thumpin trash…

      Report Post » MAULEMALL  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:22pm

      Of course nothing will be said, or they will just spin the usual time-worn ‘blade the right/tea party/people of america” messages.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • 2
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 6:51pm

      NO they can’t.

      The Hammer is going to jail and so will Pelosi plus a few others.
      Just have to get BO out of the House.

      Everyone better start getting ready for the next election.
      Act like your Live, Liberty and Freedom depend on it, because they do.

      Start talking to more people. If you tried last year try again and in 6 Months go back to those people and work work work. The Progressives are in 5th gear and will not let up.

      Unless your done trying. If you are just remember today. Today you are FREE!

      Report Post »  
    • ron the veteran
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:39pm

      that seal belongs to the american people for the presidents use only not for any left wing nutbag orgs use. they are not the president nor do they have any rights to use that seal. democommies are trying to cheapin everything american. its time to put them all behind bars where all traitors belong. the one thing congress has the right to do is remove obama for his ineligibility. common january! obama its time for you to go directly to jail. your an enemy of this nation along with your commie union buddys. it is time the commie swamp pelosi has aloud is drained and all these unamericans be locked up for the rest of their lives. know this commies like its written in stone america is not ever going to fall to you. your heads will roll if you want to try us. is my freedom worth your life? it is to me.

      Report Post »  
    • paleoconservatarian
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:49pm

      I think the WH knows who wears the pants in it’s relationship with CAP. That’s why the policy paper had the official seal on it. They were telling the president… “This is your new policy. It’s official.”

      Report Post » paleoconservatarian  
    • PeterThePainter
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 7:55pm

      Happy Thanksgiving to all, here’s a link that may make that turkey taste better….hyperinflation…

      http://www.shadowstats.com/article/hyperinflation-2010.pdf

      Report Post »  
    • oldoldtimer
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 8:15pm

      Wait. Isn’t the Center for American Progress a progressive organization run by Soros? So this would be Soros using the Presidential Seal. Guess we were right about Obama being the dummy and Soros was pulling the pupet strings. Dummies always read from a script provided by the puppet master. Same reason one of Soros‘ key assistants is now M O’s chief of staff. She can keep a finger on every thing going on at the WH.

      Report Post »  
    • LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 9:02pm

      That’s funny considering it the CAP who is endorsing the president. I just can’t believe they actually published their instruction manual which was clearly written for obama. I‘d say ’unbelieveable’, but really it’s not anymore.

      Report Post » LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA  
    • Hobo Boondocks
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 9:04pm

      You have it all wrong. The seal is now a seal of approval by the president. It signifies that everything you read herein already IS on the presidents’ agenda, even though they are presented as Recommendations to Advance Progressive Change.

      Report Post »  
    • lobster
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 9:18pm

      No, it‘s all Bushs’ fault. These clowns have nothing to support ANYTHING they do. They couldn’t care less about that old document. The Constitution of the United States of America. For crying out loud I think it would be a great idea if the CinC would produce a real birth certificate.

      Report Post »  
    • 229Mick
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 10:45pm

      OK, if they say nothing then I’m putting the presidential seal on my limo! Better yet, I’ll put a DEA logo on my Jeep so I can go wheeling wherever I want! Sweet!

      Report Post » 229Mick  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 10:54pm

      I guess that FIB FBI identification in my secreat underground bunker can finaly see the light of day.

      Report Post »  
    • Miami
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 11:20pm

      People,

      Please Obama was born in Hawaii, you’re being sucked into their diversion. It was the left who set the first story of Obama not being American. I would not put it past his own crew set it out there. To distract from the questions of his history, not his birth history but his communist descendancy on both sides of his family tree. Not to say his mentors, by his own writings he has professed his desires for Marxist teachings. Sought out radical influences, for what purpose?

      Lets not forget what class it was he taught, Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals” ( a Marxist ) who said by any means possible. Lying, cheating or conspiring it doesn’t matter because the ends justify the means.

      Obama has down right lied to the people time and again. When caught they just lie again, they just don’t care as long as it gains them time.

      Report Post » Miami  
    • ihveit
      Posted on November 25, 2010 at 11:40pm

      someone replied:
      2 more years of these low class scumbags… Just ghetto thumpin trash…

      ihv quit insulting the gettho thumping trash.. this admin would be moving upwards to gain that qualification

      Report Post »  
    • Marine Recon Dad
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 1:13am

      They will.. Friday night info dump….. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 3:18am

      Just goes to show who “thinks” (is?) really running the Presidency … Obama is our Vacationer and Chief. If you need someone to bow to dictator though HE”S YOUR MAN!

      Report Post »  
    • Pirateblind
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 7:07am

      the white house dont give a damn obamas with them all the way. happy thanksgiving and whatnot

      Report Post » Pirateblind  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 9:33am

      oldoldtimer Has it just about right. The Center for American (commie) Progress is George Soros, the Puppet Master in Chief, the CEO. CAP is the Board of Directors for the “New American Government”, putting out policy, bills, instructions, and hit lists. Obama is just the face. CAP says rule by executive order. Obama rules by executive order. Its hard to believe that even though all of this is extra Constitutional, it is being done in the light of day, and most of America really doesnt care. Give me LIBERTY or give me DEATH.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • Peters
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 9:49am

      Take a closer look from the angle that the AP is said to have sold the image of the seal. In other words, the AP is authorized or was given authorization to act on behalf of the US government in this regard? Put another way, in some circles, the AP is recognized as being one and the same with the Obama government?

      This becomes more curious when looking at the promo-language of how the AP constructs statements on their web site http://www.apimages.com/: “No matter what you need, AP Images delivers.” That’s just a little too confident; it’s a claim that is so arrogant in fact that you would believe that a higher power is standing in the shadows.

      That language appears in their “AP Partners” section of their sales brochure yet the US Government isn’t listed as a partner . . . It’s kind of too similar to the way George Soros works, from behind the scenes, orchestrating and authorizing, financing and planning.

      Perhaps, where there’s smoke, there’s fire . . .

      Report Post »  
    • America_First
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 9:59am

      Greetings,

      After perusing the comments, I agree…but how many have taken a few moments to review this document Titled…

      “The Power of the President…Recommendations to Advance Progressive Change”.

      It should be titled “The Progressive Manifesto For The Communization of America”.

      The items covered in these 54 pages will take over every aspect of our lives. Resulting in a federal government where bureaucrats rule while neutralizing congress.

      We The People must insist that “yobama the Steaming Pile” be Impeached and brought to trial for the traitor he is…In addition we must insist on reestablishment of the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HCUA) and investigate everyone associated with, “yobama the Steaming Pile” including bureaucrats at every level in every federal, state and local agency, if found guilty of treason on Monday…Tar and Feather the bastard on Tuesday…

      As Michael Savage has said and written “The future of America hangs in the balance like a loose tooth.”…“Read ”Trickle Up Poverty” today…Keep America Free…

      If not we can kiss America goodbye…

      Report Post »  
    • CultureWarriors
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 10:04am

      @roberja : Funny how that works. The Pres is too busy playing golf and Holder is too busy defending terrorists. This small stuff, besides they would probably support it, but only when it’s an extreme left wing group. If this were the Tea Party you know Holder would be all over it.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIoEUTqhYmA
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAN9f9clmig

      Report Post » CultureWarriors  
    • HKS
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 10:33am

      The tail is wagging the dog. The dog is much bigger. If the dog ever wakes up, the tail is in trouble.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • WhatsUp
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 11:31am

      Of course the White House will say nothing because the Center for American Progress (Soros funded) is the “intellectual wellspring for Democratic policy proposals, including many that are shaping the agenda of the new Obama administration.” http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aF7fB1PF0NPg

      Report Post » WhatsUp  
    • HKS
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 11:46am

      Since the center for American progress is a George Soros organization and Obama is a George Soros Minnie me, that would make George Soros the president of the United States through the Minnie me. He would have the power to use whatever the Minnie me has acquired, including the use of the presidential seal. So he does. I suppose he could be called the shadow government and he is.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • MrsHess
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 3:37pm

      If a Conservative group did this… can you imagine the fallout?

      Report Post »  
    • rebel
      Posted on November 26, 2010 at 7:35pm

      i say slap on the wrist. shame on you! now get back to doing what i’m supposed to do

      Report Post » quiet little lamb  
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