Business

‘Get in the Game’: Obama Lectures Chamber of Commerce on ‘Mutual Responsibility’

Working to reaffirm his commitment to creating jobs and to reassure Americans that his administration is a friend of the private sector, President Barack Obama addressed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Monday. But while taking time to address the group may seem like an olive branch offering from the Obama administration, the president’s remarks seemed to demonstrate a continuing divide between the president and the business community.

Throughout the course of his speech, the President stressed that businesses owe certain responsibilities to the nation. “I understand the challenges you face. I understand you are under incredible pressure to cut costs and keep your margins up. I understand the significance of your obligations to your shareholders and the pressures that are created by quarterly reports,” Obama said. “I get it.”

In return, Obama suggested the government’s responsibility is to “encourage American innovation.” The president also used his speech to garner support for his investment priorities, including infrastructure development and education reform.

At times, he was more direct in demanding businesses take on a more charitable role, suggesting that corporate profits “be shared by American workers”:

Of course, your responsibility goes beyond recognizing the need for certain standards and safeguards. If we’re fighting to reform the tax code and increase exports to help you compete, the benefits can’t just translate into greater profits and bonuses for those at the top. They should be shared by American workers, who need to know that expanding trade and opening markets will lift their standard of living as well as your bottom line.

We cannot go back to the kind of economy – and culture – we saw in the years leading up to the recession, where growth and gains in productivity just didn’t translate into rising incomes and opportunity for the middle class.

While he continues to try and move toward the ideological center in the run up to his 2012 reelection bid, his liberal base may not be as supportive as he hopes.

“Two weeks ago the President promised that he would work to rebuild people’s faith in government – meeting with the biggest lobbyists in the country is hardly a step in the right direction,” said Erica Payne, the founder The Agenda Project, a 501(c)4 that works with progressive organizations to coordinate messaging.

The group launched this online ad condemning Obama’s decision to even speak to the Chamber:

“Go talk to whoever you want to, but let‘s not have a lot of illusions about who you’re going to talk to,” Payne added. “Obama went to meet with lobbyists for the biggest 45 corporations in the country, all of whom are opposed to very basic reforms, environmentalism, all of it.”

“Let’s just not lie about it,” she said.

In addition, several protesters gathered outside the Chamber building — joined by Ralph Nader — and accused Obama of turning his back on labor unions:

Will the president’s outreach to the business community win him favor with the American public?  If the last two years are any indication, this meeting of the minds will likely be short-lived.

Comments (353)

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  • Bobby Hawk
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:12pm

    I have no idea where the Obama administration keep pulling up this 2 trillion figure. I think is simply some estimated figure they throw out simply because no one has rejected it. Obamas comments are all based on his belief which is rooted in the doctrine of Marx and Engels. All of the comments he made show his full knowledge and agreement with the dialectic of materialism (oppression vs the oppressor). The federal government is not working with business, they are working against business.
    Personally, I have seen my health care costs in 2011 skyrocket, thanks to Obama care. Business has had their hands chained for years by our government. We keep two complete departments staffed just to support implementation and control of government regulation, not to mention the attorneys we hire to keep the executives out of jail for some minor slip up. This and taxation is why so many businesses move off shore. Finally there is tort. The legal system lives like leaches on a host related to manufacturing in the United States. Tort costs for businesses in the USA are staggering. Its not the cost of labor in most products which makes the USA a disadvantage, its the combination of regulation, taxation, health care and tort costs. Until these issues are addressed, business in the United States can not expand and tank on more employees or take further risks.

    Report Post »  
  • ilikai
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:10pm

    Of course he understands the pressures that business is under, thats what he is putting unions in charge of GM and telling the investors to suck eggs in hell. Thats the mutual understanding he wants… for the companies to bow to the great one and hand over their factories to him. Then he can get acorn to run them into the ground so deep we will never be a manufacturing nation again.

    Report Post » ilikai  
  • suran
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:10pm

    Time for him to step – no, RUN – over to the sidelines and get OUT of the game. He is one of the most dangerous dictators, er, Presidents, we have ever had. I guess “dictator” is correct, actually, since he refuses to provide documentation to Issa, etc. He does only what he wants to do, not what he must do.

    Report Post » suran  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:10pm

    This guy is the most useless man who has EVER occupied the White House. He does not represent anyone I know that can actually think, communicate, or work. I’m soooo ashamed of this BARACKRACY and all that it is doing to this county. Obama is the prince of purposeful destruction and must be stopped. We have got to educate the youth who still have a chance to understand reality and vote this poser out in 2012!

    Report Post »  
  • mcFirst
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:08pm

    Have you seen the tax code BO. The whole thing is you strong arming business and people. We are all well aware of thie mutual term.

    My online business is in sales tax certificate h#ll, can you tell the states its a mutual interest to have one place to register for sales taxes.

    Report Post » mcFirst  
  • DashRipRock
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:08pm

    Obama adressing the Chamber of Commerce.

    Is about like Hitler entering a Jewish beauty contest.

    Report Post »  
    • okiegrama
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:38pm

      Dash

      Right on! Best one I’ve heard in a long time! Unfortunately I now cannot get the VISUAL out of my head!

      Report Post »  
    • Xcori8r
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:55pm

      Just replace it with Rosie O’Donnell giving posing tips at a Playboy Playmate seminar.

      Report Post » Xcori8r  
  • Penny2
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:04pm

    Economics !!!! Obama doesn’t even know what that word means. He needs to stop trying to tell the business community how to spend their money.

    Report Post »  
  • flyguync
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:04pm

    If there was a question and answer session I wish someone would have informed Mr. Obama that publically-traded companies already share their profits – with shareholders (you know, mutual funds, 401k, etc.). If the workers want a stake in the company, buy some stock!

    Report Post »  
  • Margaret Thatcher
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:58pm

    Let’s see. Pass all kinds of regulation harming business, propose raising energy costs significantly, demonize industries, take over companies and industries. And this clown tells business “they need to do their part”. If any companies/industries give this guy campaign money – they are out of their minds*.

    *Of course GE, Google, and scam “green” companies will.

    Report Post »  
    • logic_error
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 7:12pm

      Yes, they need to do they part! Those scums lobby hard to get a lot of things go their way (well… like getting the right to drill in Iraq and stuff.. but i am not gonna get into that now) and what they do to make even more money? They ship the freaking jobs overseas for cheap labor…. The fact is , those companies don’t really give a damn about you or me. All they want if money. If they can make it by denying u healthcare or closing a factory in your town and build one in India, THEY WILL.
      Did you just call Google a company of scums??? Really? Google has contributed in our society. We all use Google and do not pay a cent for it. They did it without any sort of handout from government or anybody. Their main operation is base here in the USA. They could easily relocate to India or some other country where there is plenty of engineers and escape paying taxes but they are still here. Google is one of the most patriotic companies we have. By the way Exxon Mobile didn’t pay any taxes in 2009. Halliburton moved their headquarters to Dubai to escape paying taxes.

      Report Post »  
  • LittleMac
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:51pm

    I am continually confused at how obama has made it to where he is, with such a terrible understanding of basic economics. He’s either: the worst liar ever, or the dumbest president ever. Does he honestly believe that if he keeps saying something, it will eventually become true?

    Report Post » LittleMac  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:37pm

      He used to have followers. Now he has Czars.

      Report Post » Showtime  
  • Showtime
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:49pm

    Obama, STEP DOWN AND GO AWAY if you’s like the economy to improve.

    Report Post » Showtime  
  • MBA
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:49pm

    Forgive me for repeating myself but “cram it clown”!

    Report Post »  
  • inexiletill2012
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:48pm

    Socialism…….. an economic and political theory advocating public or common ownership and cooperative management of the means of production and allocation of resources.

    Barack Obama….Socialist President of The United States of America
    January 20, 2009 – January 19, 20(?)

    Report Post » inexiletill2012  
  • epeel2
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:46pm

    I’d get in the game, but I never liked playing with cheats who lie, cheat and change the rules at their convenience! Push back and wait it out. They won’t be there forever1

    Report Post »  
    • rnurmikko
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:45pm

      I’m with you. The game is rigged and he plays the race card when you push back. The little manchild is leaving soon.
      Maybe someone with experience can take over. I’ve seen too much.

      Report Post » rnurmikko  
  • DashRipRock
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:46pm

    Obama is to Prosperity

    What Lizzy Borden was to home healthcare.

    Report Post »  
  • TeaPartyPatriot
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:45pm

    “Chamber of Commerce audience applauds — twice in 35-minute speech…”

    and just who applauded:

    1. jeff immelt, ceo of Government Electric
    2. Dan Akerson, ceo of Government Motors, and
    3. Lloyd Blankfein, ceo of Government Sachs.

    “You Lie!” hussein’s message to the Chamber is clear: “Help fund my re-election or I’ll vilify and demonize you even more than I already have.”

    That’s what is called EXTORTION, and it is an IMPEACHABLE OFFENSE.

    Report Post » TeaPartyPatriot  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:29pm

      He’s also working to shut down our power sources, another impeachable offense.

      V-MAN MACE  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:33pm

      @Sinista Mace –
      And where will that put us after he has EVERYBODY on rechargeable electric cars?
      Sitting ducks, because he has the GPS “crosshairs” taken by the “census” people!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 9:15pm

      Agreed Showtime, but not me. I know how to generate high voltage electricity from the smallest charge, and recharge 2-3 batteries with one almost dead battery.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 9:18pm

      I had a blog describing Obama and GE’s connections, and the advent of “snitch meters”.

      I live in a city where they’re trying to put microchips in our trashcans, and make us pay for it, to boot, pay for our own surveillance.

      I had to subsequently remove my blog due to pressures from the Department of Homeland Security.

      I don’t want the Feds coming to my house.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:23pm

      Thanks for the names of BO’s cheering squad, all day long as I listened to Beck, Rush, & Hannity, the Fox News commentators, kept leading up to this story with “Obama Addressed BIG BUSINESS TODAY!”, then followed with the fact it was the US Chamber of Commerce, I kept screaming at the radio, “Doesn’t Fox News no the Chamber represents SMALL BUSINESS IN AMERICA!” Finally my husband told me to be the one to tell them. (Hopefully they read the Blaze.)
      I wonder when the Chamber became Big Business? Any Help?

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
  • RobR
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:45pm

    It was kind of nice to see an Obama audience only clap when appropriate, rather than like trained seals at Sea World, for a change.

    Report Post » Barack Must Go  
  • betterthantv
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:43pm

    Our Marxist-in-Chief at his finest! It’s really scary how clueless this man is. STOP TELLING PEOPLE WHAT TO DO WITH THEIR MONEY!!!!!!!

    Report Post » betterthantv  
  • barrycooper
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:38pm

    Meeting of the minds? Obama doesn’t “get it”. Infrastructure and education? The only possible take on that which does not result in viewing him as a lunatic is the observation that both sectors include lots of union members, and lots of money that will flow to him in 2012.

    We spend per capita as much per education as Norway. Spending is not the problem. Nor have I seen ANY business contract EVER fall through as a result of the inability to get the product to market. I HAVE seen several freeways get rebuilt that had NO problems. Many of you don’t realize this, but ALL Federal projects have to pay Davis-Bacon Wages, which is to say Union scale wages. THOSE people did well with our childrens inheritance. Neither Obama nor the Union bosses care a whit about most of our children, just those of likely Democratic voters.

    Have people already forgotten him accusing the Chamber of taking foreign money? Obama is a first rate creep. He is a liar, morally corrupt, intellectually inept, and fundamentally contemptuous of most of the people he has sworn to protect and defend. But what does an oath mean to someone like him?

    Report Post »  
    • annieoakley
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 10:17am

      I didn’t forget. And he should be careful because HE TOOK FOREIGN MONEY FROM HAMAS. Pamela Geller has proof. Check out atlasshrugs.com. She has it in her archives and it looks like the money came from Georgia, USA however the town name is from the Country ? former USSR state of Georgia.

      Report Post »  
  • EPROM
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:36pm

    You gotta Love the people who have created a $14,000,000,000,000 deficit lecturing the Chamber of Commerce on “Mutual responsibility”.

    Report Post » EPROM  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:25pm

      Not “deficit,” Honey. DEBT. Deficit is a shortfall of what’s brought in to pay the bills. Debt is the total owed already that has this incredible growing interest rate, putting us deeper and deeper into a bad ending.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Goldmember
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:11am

      Blow it out your butt Obama, You speak of social justice and re-distribution of wealth, then slam small business with healthcare bills and debt that our children cannot pay. You are scum.

      Report Post » Goldmember  
    • annieoakley
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 10:10am

      Amen to that!

      Report Post »  
  • randy
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:36pm

    I’m a small Business owner. and ya know what? I don’t owe anyone anything OBAMA!

    Report Post » randy  
    • bestartist
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:10pm

      Here,here, me too.
      I’m a self employed professional illustrator who works 7 days a week, and owes no one, ESPECIALLY obama, anything!
      Plain and simple, Obama lies
      Fool me once, shame on you
      Fool me twice, shame on me

      Report Post » bestartist  
    • iheartusa
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:58pm

      I have been self employed for over 18 years and have little respect for politicians who have never even worked in the private sector. The whole idea of self employment is that you take the risks, work your a$$ off and hopefully reap the rewards. Lots of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. FYI, the National Chamber of Commerce was and is supportive of the DREAM Amnesty Act, now just how does that help the unemployed American worker?

      Report Post » iheartusa  
  • Welcome Black Carter
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:35pm

    “Share corporate profits”
    That used to be called a “PAY CHECK”

    Report Post » Welcome Black Carter  
    • lovepeace
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 5:00am

      My thoughts exactly, a paycheck.

      Report Post »  
    • MrObvious
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 7:50am

      The typical business owner gives far more, of their own money, to charity than PBHO, NP, HR or BF do.
      Progressives have no problem being charitable with other peoples money.

      Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:33pm

    suggesting that corporate profits “be shared by American workers”:
    ————-
    What about corporate losses ?
    Will they be shared by the “ American workers ” too ?

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:47pm

      Socialism 101, take and share your labor among everyone, if you become useless or don’t produce, then to the death panel.

      Sir Bernard Shaw said it best, “One should have to come before a board and justify his existance, if one cannot, then there should be a humane way to end that life”.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • WILLIAM E.
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:52pm

      Said the same thing when it spewed out of his mouth. How about the risk,mega hours, sleepless nights etc. The fellow has no idea @ all. 0,zip, nada !!

      Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:09pm

      So how about this :
      Currently as a business owner, even if I don’t make a profit , I have to still pay my employees and my bills and taxes . For that I may borrow or beg from lenders or banks or spend my own savings or even sell my car .
      Just to keep my commitment to my employees , I use my credit and my assets .
      From now on, how would Comrade Hussain like that when my employees do not make me a profit, I raid their savings / assets to pay the company bills and taxes ? Can I put a lien on their 529s until the company’s obligations are met ? How about my employees borrow money from banks/privatelenders/drug pushers using their own credit, to prop up the business when its on its way downhill ? I’d like my employees to be solely responsible for not only borrowing that money but also responsible for paying it back to the lenders, because you see they are in the game !!

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:17pm

      Cheez, Obama is trying to make slaves out of every American, black, white, Hispanic, you name it. He cares nothing about the American people, what we want, what we demand. He has jgone along for two years with BIG deaf ears (no excuse not to hear — he certainly “heard” the Egyptians)!

      Everybody here at the Blaze knows what is going on. And, Glenn Beck has people watching what the other hand is doing, just as he pointed out tonight.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:46pm

      @Showtime
      Not slaves, but drones…Remeber, resistance is futile.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • MOVETERAN
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:30pm

      @Cheewiz

      You can only raid savings account and take property, with the Obama plan, if your the government so no you can’t do that you indivdualist, selfish, entrepreneur. Geez, what are you thinking? I mean your speaking more of that American Dream, bologna that Obologna hates.

      Report Post » MOVETERAN  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:49pm

      I seem to remember there were a few Dems back in 2007, after they took over the House, suggesting to fix Social Security, they seize all 401k’s, pension funds, and retirrement funds. Then incorporate them into 1 system, social security. I forget who exactly was putting the plan forward, but as soon as it hit public attention, it quickly died, and of couse the denial, “We were never seriously considering that” from Pelosi.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:32pm

    So once again Obama declares his plan of “share the wealth” in coached and not to vague series of words such as – charity, and sharing of profits with workers, etc. I just wish he would be honest about what he wants to do to this country, so we could have an honest and out in the open debate. I think though the uproar would be incredible, and still would not change the minds of the administration and the nightmares they plan for the future.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Midwest Blonde
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:46pm

      When he was interviewed by O’Reilly yesterday, he denied he was into this “share the wealth” crap. Yeah like we believe him on that one…. here is he pushing the share stuff…. The thing is, if we are left alone, we DO share, with whom we wish to share. For the government (or any official of gov) demands we share, it’s BS…. Plain and simple.

      Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
    • Firelight
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:53pm

      Obama is the central planner there will be no debate. –message from the Dark Side—

      Report Post »  
    • MOVETERAN
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:30pm

      Ultimately it comes down to how to break the bank. It is about how to break the economy. Is is about breaking the AMERICAN SPIRIT that the world envies us for having. It is about breaking the beliefs of the individual, the rights of the individual, and breaking the power that is generated when each individual believes in a “Yes I Can”. We are a country of individuals that historically come together when the time is needed. We support each other by taking care of ourselves. Each individual is capable of so much more when the restraints are removed. So it is more about removing “I” and “ME” from the American vocabulary and way of thinking.

      Report Post » MOVETERAN  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:17pm

      Snow
      Have you heard from MTCLIMBERJIM ?
      I enjoyed his posts.
      Pennsylvania

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:45pm

      @pa patriot

      Have not heard from mountainclimberjim. Will keep an eye out for his postings though, thanks.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • ANTISOCIAL-IST
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:53pm

      500,000 were outside his window ready to debate and arrongant-in-chief said he didn’t notice. what debate?
      i don’t know: did stalin debate with his opposition;hitler;mussolini;moa;chavez;castro; and all the other socialist/communist scum of the earth? oh, maybe you think every dictator just comes in and says, okay, we’re taking over your country, your freedoms, you constitution, etc. not in a country that still has a 2nd amendment. slow and easy. why do you think this kook is going to church, doing super bowl interviews on fox, etc.? reelection. he doesn’t have to create a violent overthrow. BIBLE: if not for the elect, the whole world will be deceived. he’s good. he’s charismatic. he’s a smooth operator. and we have a country of oh-so-trusting citizens that think it could never happen here. he’s a nice guy. c’mon, just give him a chance. blah, blah, f-ing blah. WAKE UP. it’s already begun.

      Report Post » ANTISOCIAL-IST  
    • lovepeace
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 4:54am

      @Snowleopard (love the name)
      He IS being honest. It‘s all there and he’s too arrogant to have a dialogue. It is and will be how he says it is and will be.
      I think there is an incredible insecurity in this man. Usually is with such arrogance. Like the real truth of this man is he absolutely doesn’t know who he is…so he’s playing this dangerous co-dependant game with the country , like he could co-opt an identity from others who know who they are

      Report Post »  
  • gramma b
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:29pm

    As if it were up to him what businesses do with their money. This speech sounds like a veiled threat.

     
    • TruthTalker
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:33pm

      It’s not veiled, he is opening the curtain to let them peak at his plan.

      Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:35pm

      While he continues to try and move toward the ideological center in the run up to his 2012 reelection bid
      ———–
      I really need to puke on that one….BRB

      cheezwhiz  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:37pm

      This speech sounds like a veiled threat.
      ——-
      Didn’t see a veil ……

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • what4
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:38pm

      Thats right, Business is not a Game Obummer! Get into retirement Obama!

      Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:45pm

      Of course, your responsibility goes beyond recognizing the need for certain standards and safeguards. If we’re fighting to reform the tax code and increase exports to help you compete, the benefits can’t just translate into greater profits and bonuses for those at the top. They should be shared by American workers, who need to know that expanding trade and opening markets will lift their standard of living as well as your bottom line.
      ————-
      Translation :
      Just because you follow the laws and regulations doesn’t mean you are free to prosper and innovate. If you want me to take my boot off your throat, you will comply by giving in to the extortion by me and my unions.

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • pajamash
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:45pm

      “I’ve ordered a government-wide review…” – apparently there is a black hole that sucks up all the government-wide reviews as I have yet to hear of one that has come back with answers!

      Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:47pm

      Thats right, Business is not a Game Obummer!
      ———–
      Taking business advice from Obama is like taking make-up advice from Nancy Pelosi

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Firelight
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 5:49pm

      Message from the Dark Side—–He is in charge and do not forget it.

      Report Post »  
    • 8jrts
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:04pm

      “I understand the challenges you face. I understand you are under incredible pressure to cut costs and keep your margins up. I understand the significance of your obligations to your shareholders and the pressures that are created by quarterly reports,”

      How in the world would he understand any of this???? When did he ever work in the private sector?????

      Report Post » 8jrts  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:06pm

      “Regulations can be good.” BHO.

      “Please step into the showers after your long train ride, it will be refreshing.” Nazi Guards.

      Regulations kill and hamper buisness, in his world Obama sees regulations as a way to “Even” things up. In his own worldview, you MUST take from those on top to give others a chance to rise. So this entire speech is nothing more than him telling the buisness leaders, “Step into the showers, for your own good”.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Devil Dog 7175
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:08pm

      Typical Chicago politics…..2012 just around the next corner, just hang on for a little bit more.

      Report Post » Devil Dog 7175  
    • jakartaman
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:09pm

      Barry was lecturing business leaders on how business is suppose to work!
      This guys arrogance knows no bounds!
      Come on 2012!

      Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:12pm

      @8jrts
      He worked for a law firm, in his own words, he used it as an opportunity, to go undercover, learn how they think. In his own words (sic), he hates buisness and will not rest until we all are “Equal”. But just remember, only the pigs get to wear clothes, because some animals are more equal than others.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:12pm

      For Obama to lecture the Chamber or any institution on business is like a construction worker giving a lecture to heart surgeons on transplants. Why would any organization even consider listening to ths guy when it comes to making a profit, increasing market share, hiring employees, etc. No credibility whatsoever. Oh…but the drive-by media champions his knowledge and wisdom….ABOUT WHAT?

      Report Post »  
    • DisillusionedDaily
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:14pm

      I have heard that rhetoric before. When I was in the IBEW they always used to say the profits belong to the workers. I have also heard it in videos of pro-communist rallys and demonstrations. Kinda lets you know exactly what kind of government Obama really believes in, don’t it?

      Report Post » DisillusionedDaily  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:30pm

      If he uses that tone to talk at us two years into his takeover, imagine what it will be like post 2012.

      Report Post »  
    • cbrown
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:35pm

      What’s wrong with requesting American companies to not outsource all their jobs? Short term profits this sounds good but long term we all will suffer. It is govt imposing anything but requesting companies to do think about what they have have done lately for America.

      Outsourcing not only costs us jobs but we loose our identity a bit day by day. Profit is important but sensible long term strategy is important too. American workers when given a chance they can prove that they are most productive workforce in the world.

      Report Post » cbrown  
    • rodamaa
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:36pm

      To this despot, it is his money and our lives are under his control.

      Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:38pm

      Honestly, I’m pretty sure that if The Blaze posted an article about the President taking a dump, you Blazers would jump on him for dishonoring the U.S.

       
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:45pm

      @PubliusPencilman
      No, just the fact he uses the constitution to wipe himself afterwards.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • dr_funk
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:54pm

      If I invent some breakthrough product, and nobody else has ever figured out how to do it, and I pay some workers to follow my instructions on how to put it together or how to run the assembly line, Obama would have me give the lion’s share of the profits to the people working my assembly line instead of my keeping it and paying my employees what THEY agreed to work for.

      Obama has clearly never run a business. Nor will he ever. There is no such thing as a “business” under communism, only government-controlled industries like GM.

      Report Post »  
    • solaveritas
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:54pm

      Reagan had it right. Create a business environment so “ALL BOATS RISE”.

      Lower taxes so corporations won’t “outsource corporations’ work”.

      GIVE UP ON FANATICAL ENVIRONMENTALISM (agw), YOU IDIOT!!!!!!

      Report Post » solaveritas  
    • cbrown
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 6:56pm

      @kryptonite Union jobs are decreasing. I really don’t care about them. Outsourcing is a major problem in the US today. It does reduce cost but hurts us with our customers. We cannot feed ourselves being only a service industry. Imagine “TheBlaze” being outsourced …

      Report Post » cbrown  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:00pm

      cbrown

      What’s wrong with requesting American companies to not outsource all their jobs?
      ————
      Whats wrong with Obama REMOVING the reasons which compel American companies to outsource ?
      You know little things like stiffling corporate taxes, multiple layers of regulatory bureaucracies,
      threats of lawsuits over the most trivial matters or even non-matters, manipulation of currency by China, cost of material and human resources …….

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Mister President
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:02pm

      @cbrown

      There’s nothing wrong with requesting it; however, if he doesn’t enact policies that make it worthwhile and sensible for them to not outsource jobs, then he’s just blowing smoke. If there is one thing you must understand about most people in power and especially this guy, actions speak louder than words.

      His economic policies are not favorable to business; his life-philosophy isn’t favorable to business. The financial regulation bill didn’t do anything to fix the problems that caused the collapse. They just created more red tape and bureaucracy for business and will probably actually play a part in the next collapse. The health care bill hardly has anything to do with ‘affordable care’ for all; it’s more about power and control. Actions speak louder than words. He thinks he can order the companies to hire. In his ideal America, he’d be able to do just that. Fortunately, this isn’t his ideal America.

      Actions speak louder than words.

      Report Post » Mister President  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:03pm

      Lecture is the correct term .. this guy is like a boring college professor that puts everyone to sleep. Give me a break .. Obama could LEARN from the business community .. and yet he lectures them!

      Report Post »  
    • Nobamazone
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:12pm

      @ pencil
      if Sarah did it she would be doing it wrong and racist for flusing that crap, after all, it is crap of color
      oh yea, and it would be Glenns fault for saying the word crap at some point, and since there were toilets at most tea party rally’s then they obviously had some fault in there as well
      silly silly, get a life

      Report Post » Nobamazone  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:16pm

      PubliusPencilman
      There you go again.
      Belittle the persons who post to protect the Left.
      Remember “Chew and Screw”
      You are the best.

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • cbrown
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:31pm

      @cheezwhiz & @mr president – You folks have some good points. Democrats are for more regulations and entitlement society. They are not going away and it is part of doing business. As a biz do I like 7.625% for social security – maybe not but it is not bad way to take care of our elderly. I do not like the current health care law but the existing system is screwed up too.

      Our corporate taxes are among the lowest, our regulatory is bad but we better than 95% of the world,
      lawsuits has to be reformed but for most business (except medical) it is less than 1% of our cost.

      Chinese manipulate their currency – Yes, solution? Cost/short term profit is number one reason we outsource jobs. I don’t blame companies for doing this but i do my part for supporting American jobs and workers.

      cbrown  
    • Rogue
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:35pm

      Oh boy, oh boy…. I‘m anxiously awaiting Austan Goolsbee’s next whiteboard explanation of how redistributing wealth, suffocating regulations, and complete government oversight will save the economy and create jobs for everyone. I’m sure since no one in the White house understands the basics of economics, and since they are convinced all American’s are morons, it shouldn’t be that hard to skew the numbers until they fit. “See this circle here? This is the number of jobs we will lose if giant corporations don’t pay all profits directly back to the unions…um… I meant, the workers.”

      Report Post » Rogue  
    • stopthecrazies
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:40pm

      i‘m surrprised it was’nt more of a campain speach….mr. “i did’nt move to the middle”

      Report Post »  
    • florida123
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:41pm

      This guy is absolutely dead from the neck up! He is completely hopeless!!! Threatening the Chamber to spread the wealth is a grand idea to get them to expand their business………NOT!

      Report Post » florida123  
    • exdem
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:47pm

      He has ruined our economy and now he will blame business for his failures. This guy is psycho!!!

      Report Post »  
    • lketchum
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 7:57pm

      This sounded a lot like a threat.

      Report Post » lketchum  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:00pm

      @ cbrown

      —————-
      Here are some cold hard facts.
      I’ve never ever found ANY business-owner , big or small who has problems paying their share of SS taxes or health insurance costs for their employees. But we all have a problem when after paying those monies we are told by the government that SS and Medicare are broke and may not be there for our employees, WHEN THEY WILL BE ELIGIBLE , even though they have paid into it . Yet every illegal and every anchor baby gets to mooch off welfare and foodstamps and free education and free medical and free housing NOW. Everytime parcel taxes on our properties go up, they are to provide free schooling to illegals and their kids and for giving spanish lessons to illegals and anchor babies in public schools, or to provide after school programs and rec rooms for kids of people who DO NOT EVEN WORK.
      No employer minds the regulation and monitering of their business. But they do mind the same
      “ regulators” and “ file pushers” drooling for bribes at every step they can.
      If as a business owner I have to pay into the system which will not be there for my employees when there time comes because it has been looted by those who never worked and shouldn’t even be here,
      if I know that the more the regulators, the more the bribes and extortions I have to pay ,
      if I know that my employees would rather sue me and financially harm me rather than let trivial matters go,
      I’m already in a third world country in USA , but paying first world price.
      I’d rather move to a third world country and get it over with .

      cheezwhiz  
    • waggie
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:05pm

      It’s clear that he thinks Americans should “share” their profits with other countries, another way of saying “social justice”. He’s right, he does get it, but he doesn’t care. He belongs as president in another country, a socialist one. Not here.

      Report Post » waggie  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:33pm

      Didn’t he just criticize the CC during the election as being useless?

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • ANTISOCIAL-IST
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 8:41pm

      By: Herman Cain
      Monday, February 7, 2011

      A week ago I attended and spoke at a private conference in California, which was hosted by two very successful and prominent businessmen. These businessmen and their wives have hosted this same conference in Palm Springs for the last eight years, where many of the invited attendees are also successful people.

      Attendees heard presentations and participated in discussions on issues of national importance. The conference was held at a very nice private resort, but this year for the first time the conference was protested by 1,000-plus union members representing various labor organizations.

      They gathered across the street from the main entrance of the resort, hoping to get some media attention such that the conference would be disrupted. They did get some media attention, but the conference was not interrupted. Maximum on-site security plus local police assistance prevented that from happening.

      Many of them wore their union-identifying T-shirts, such as Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and carried signs objecting to a private gathering by private citizens on private property.

      They had megaphones leading chants toward the resort, expressing their objections to those assembled. They rushed the police line knowing that they would be arrested. About 25 of them got their wish.

      Their objections? The attendees were successful and conservative, with the audacity to have a meeting and talk about shared beliefs in limited government, our free market system and constitutional liberties.

      My initial reaction, and that of many others, was to wonder how anyone could object to a group of citizens peacefully assembling – people who happened to be like-minded conservatives in a free country like ours. The only obvious answer is that they do not want a free country consisting of people who can think and make decisions for themselves. They want a country dominated by big government in our lives and union domination of businesses and of our workforce.

      Conservative voters are fighting back against big government and unfair union practices against businesses through the ballot box. Just consider the impressive result of last November’s elections in Congress, governorships and state legislatures around the country. As conservatives continue to make congressional and legislative gains, the liberals and the unions are resorting to demonstrations and even violence to shut us up, or worse yet, to stop us from even daring to think and believe differently from their view of the world.
      This type of liberal lunacy and attempted intimidation is not going to work. Too many people are smarter than that, and too many people are not going to just surrender their right to assemble, or any other rights in a free country. The people of Illinois successfully made their case to a federal judge to remove an injunction not allowing school children to have a moment of silence at the beginning of their school day.

      I can only speculate that the lunatic that filed for the injunction in the first place was afraid that the school children might think about God. If the liberals are that afraid of an energized conservative movement in this country, then we are winning.

      Big Brother government not only wants to tell us what to eat, how much to eat, when to eat, when to retire, how much to retire on, when to get sick and how to die, they want to tell us when to think, what to think, and when to not think at all.

      That dog won’t hunt. Liberal lunacy is not in our national DNA.

      Report Post » ANTISOCIAL-IST  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 9:00pm

      CBrown: “Union jobs are decreasing.”
      ————
      Where have you been, man? Obama has been empowering his unions since day one of his presidency, beginning with his initial three pro-union executive orders. That is why Stern was his most frequent guest in 09. Unions got the bulk of the stimulus money, health care exemption and undeserved stock shares in Chrysler. If Obamacare is not defunded, rest assured unionization will grow exponentially. Most importantly, Obama has been pushing for and will not give up until card check is passed. Whether with the carrot or the stick – most likely the latter – Obama will have his way:

      Don Todd, Americans for Limited Government’s head of research and a former DOL agency head under George W. Bush, told The Daily Caller that the Obama administration wants to “shame” companies into unionizing.

      “In a worst-case scenario, your union organizer comes to you, offers you a deal to unionize, you say, ‘no,’ and, the next thing you know, OSHA’s [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] at your door,” Todd said in a phone interview. “Then, Wage and Hour show up, and they want to publicize it. They always find something wrong – it’s like with bed-checks in boot camp in the army.”
      Todd said some companies will fight the DOL’s intimidation tactics, but many will give in to unionizing forces.

      http://dailycaller.com/2011/01/18/obama’s-department-of-labor-encourages-forces-unionization/

      Also FYI: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2009/01/30/obama-idUKN3037997020090130

      If you think outsourcing is bad now, know this: unionization will effectively kill what is still left of the private sector.

      Report Post »  
    • DirectlyUnPCman
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 9:44pm

      How about you get out of the game Obama?

      Report Post » DirectlyUnPCman  
    • 8jrts
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 9:45pm

      @ Darmok
      Working as an associate while in law school doesn’t give him a great understanding of business in the private sector. Nor does his work as a law professor. Those that can do, those that can’t teach.
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_life_and_career_of_Barack_Obama#Settling_down_in_Chicago

      Report Post » 8jrts  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 9:52pm

      CBROWN

      Wrong on so many levels

      a. Our corperate tax rate is one of the highest in the world

      b. Profits are not the reason jobs are going away
      automation is 1 robotic machine in detroit canreplace as many as 7 employees

      c. the only thing that was and still is wrong with healthcare
      is that our old system treated those who come here from other
      countries illegally and over burden it.

      So nice try

       
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 9:57pm

      PUBLIUSPENCILMAN
      Not if he took a dump: His administration definitely does that multiple times a day, we, {the average American people} just don’t like being the ones they dump on.

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 9:59pm

      @8jrts
      agreed, in his own words he said he used it as an opportunity to get insight into how capitalist think, he called it “going behind enemy lines”
      Just goes to show where his true nature lies.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:01pm

      Oh……. you mean in addition to the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world. Gotcha, you are so right Barry. It is the greedy self employed business owners, ok. Never mind they take the risks in business, go in debt, comply with an oppressive “big brother” government that pretty much takes what it wants………. they should be giving more!!!! Why don’t you lecture to your economy destroying money baron buddy George Soros on charity then we might listen !!!

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:01pm

      CHEEZWHIZ, I’m with you! Everytime I hear that man’s (and I use that term lightly) voice I want to puke. I can just picture that arrogant stance without even seeing him. All this PR is just that, PR. He doesn’t mean one word and people need to remember that.

      Report Post »  
    • FreedomMissMeYet
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:12pm

      90% of the businesses in the Chamber of Commerce I belong to have less than 10 employees. Fully 96% of businesses die by year 10 and that was before the great recession. Only 1 out of 400 businesses reach gross revenues of $1MM per year. Incidentally, that is Revenue, not Profits, they could actually lose money annually.

      So who is O challenging? Is it the 4% that Survive and beat the odds of Obama’s bastion of socialist, anti-competitive policies, and bureaucracies? What a hypocrite.

      Report Post »  
    • TruthLover
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:22pm

      Aww, those poor protesters. Their messiah’s halo is slipping!

      Report Post » TruthLover  
    • jzs
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:22pm

      I don’t think you guys read the news, except FOX maybe. Corporate profits are better than ever. The stock market recovering. Wall Street is making record profits. The world is somewhere between good and great for the rich.

      How much of those record profits are coming your way, especially if you’re unemployed?

      During Reagan and during Bush the divide between the richest and the rest of us increased year by year. Dick Armey has convinced you that if the rich become even richer, you’ll benefit. But you don’t actually. The discrepancy in income between the rich and and the rest of us increases year by year whenever conservatives how power in government (Reagan and Bush).

      Yes, we can have a country where every government decision supports the accumulation of wealth by the richest. We can allow companies to pollute the water supply and air (compliance with laws that reduce pollution hit the bottom line for any company), we can allow companies to put carcinogens into our water supply, we can eliminate the minimum wage so a company can figure out what your willing to work for, we can get rid of anti-trust laws so that eventually every industry has a single owner who can charge you, the customer whatever they want because you have no alternative except to buy from them.

      Yeah, we can have that. Or we can have a country that supports all Americans.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • bulletsinthegun
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:40pm

      hot dog stand opens on Monday Shuts down on Friday, Barry forgort the union that wants dues to run the stand, forgot the teamsters to deliver the dogs and buns and forgot the goverment that needs to issue permits and wants taxes. sold the dog for $3.00, Real cost $6.00, can’t figure out what went wrong.

      Report Post » bulletsinthegun  
    • Restoreamericanow
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:46pm

      Obama isn’t “reaching out” he’s outlining his plan on how to use their ill-gained profits. To him, they‘re robbers and he’s a twisted Robin Hood.

      Report Post » Restoreamericanow  
    • 1911a1
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:55pm

      here mr Obama , look at this and tell us how this is gonna work !

      http://www.usdebtclock.org/

      LOL just gander at that will ya , you lefties wanna explain how that is gonna work ? LMAO

      Report Post » 1911a1  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 10:57pm

      Rumor has it that President Obama can only go through double doors. It seems he can not get his head through the smaller single doorway.

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on February 7, 2011 at 11:12pm

      This man is the biggest disgrace to ever set foot in office!

      What a hypocrite to give a speech on Mutual responsibility when Wikileaks just recently revealed that in order to sign START with Russia Obama behind the backs of the British secretly gave the Russians their confidential information about the British nuclear arsenal, undermining one of our most important allies.

      If this is not evidence that Bama is a Commie traitor I don’t know what is.

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
    • No1YaKnow
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:50am

      Outreach? Why not call it what it is? Reach out and grab ‘em by the throat and demand they redistribute ALL of their profits to unions. Workers already share in the “profits” by way of a paycheck. Some jobs do not pay as well as others, true. But this “collective” b.s. is too much. The worker didn’t pay the corporate taxes, capital gains, put up the capital to keep going, etc.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 5:48am

      Obama wants corporations to get more religion. Socialist-communist religion, that is.

      Report Post »  
    • Miguelito
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:46am

      No, Obama thinks its up to him to say where profits go…mostly to his friends…the Chicago Way! Obama lied to Bill O when he said he did not believe in redistribution of wealth. Don’t care what he says…action speaks louder than words and he is full of words…words that attempts to foul the dumbed down individuals. He does not care about the little people he just uses them to get what he wants and its not good for America. People, its ok to acknowledge that we were duked! Obama is the master duker. Search and pray for the truth! We have been lied to for a long long time.

      Report Post »  
    • Jackers
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:02am

      I have no respect for President Obama or for the open-border, cheap-labor Chamber of Commerce… Furthermore, while Obama perpetually sits on the fence on every issue (foreign and domestic) trying so hard to please all sides, he ends up pleasing no sides…

      A President that cannot take a stand one way or another is a President that cannot lead… 2012 can’t come soon enough!

      Report Post » Jackers  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:04am

      So to lay it out plain:

      Business is restricted by countless laws. It is taxed unto the gills; it’s employees are taxed for their paycheques, their profits are taxed, their stock is taxed if it goes up and they sell it, they almost all have some kind of “social responsibility” department if they’re medium sized or larger, and it keeps countless individuals employed and productive. On top of this, businesses offer products which others need and which others wouldn‘t produce without the company’s presence.

      And now they’re being lectured by a smug little toad who has never run anything so complex as a lemonade stand, about how they need to do more?

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • hud
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:45am

      Supposedly, 77 million voted for Bozo, we desperately need to revise the criteria for voting rights. First criteria would be a working brain, and some knowledge of our political system.

      Report Post »  
    • DisillusionedDaily
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:05pm

      @JZS…..I invite you to take a large portion of your life savings and invest it into opening your very own business. Build your product and sell it to the public. Pay your business taxes to the federal, state, county and local governments. Pay for health care insurance for your employees. Hire a couple of employees for the sole purpose of making sure you do not violate any OSHA, Labor or EPA rules. Make sure the drivers and trucks that deliver your products are all in compliance with Commerce Department and all State transportation laws. Put a lawyer on retainer in case someone hurts themselves and files a frivolus law suit to screw you out of a few million dollars. Now, instead of writing yourself a paycheck for all of the work you have done, call your employees to a meeting and divide everything you have earned equally among them. Got a warm, fuzzy feeling?

      Would you be willing to do that? If not, then why do you advocate that others do that?

      “When ignorance gets started it knows no bounds.”
      Will Rogers

      Report Post » DisillusionedDaily  
    • FoundersRedPill
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:15pm

      I think we have a complete economic moron as president….has he even had a real job….where he had to actually do something productive? Anyone know if he had a job going through high school?

      Report Post » FoundersRedPill  
    • FoundersRedPill
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:24pm

      Sorry a misspelling…..a complete MOE-RON

      Report Post » FoundersRedPill  
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