Obama Pitches Public Service—On the Net

Google search leads to prez call for reform

(NEWSER) - The White House has launched a stealth attack on Wall Street in a controversial but deft Internet ad. A link to "Help Change Wall Street" pops up when users search "Goldman Sachs SEC" on Google. The link takes users to mybarackobama.com and features a photo of Obama and his call for Wall Street reform, noting "too little accountability on Wall Street and too little protection for Main Street." The ad was purchased by the White House political wing, Organizing for America, reports ABC News . More»

Hollywood in cahoots with the prez to force us to volunteer

(NEWSER) - Apparently, Hollywood’s dumb-named “iParticipate” campaign is the worst thing since the Great Leap Forward. Sixty network shows will work volunteerism and community service into the plot this week, and in Glenn Beck’s mind, this, coupled with Obama's own push for volunteerism, is the stuff conspiracies are made of. “Well, this is fantastic. It’s almost like we’re living in Mao’s China right now!” he cried last night; he even had a man sitting on his set dressed as Mao as a visual aid. More»

(NEWSER) - President Obama promised to use the Internet to give Americans a greater voice in government—but in keeping that promise, he’s given America’s fringe a chance to shout at him, the New York Times reports. When the administration asked for ideas on how to make the government more transparent, it was bombarded with messages about marijuana, UFOs, and Obama’s birth certificate. More»

Obama, recession boost interest in volunteer group

(NEWSER) - During a commencement address last month, Barack Obama singled out the Peace Corps as an American institution dedicated to "opportunity, equality, and freedom." As the Los Angeles Times reports, the president's glowing praise—combined with Obama-era idealism and a weak job market—has contributed to a 16% jump in applications to join the volunteer agency. More»

(NEWSER) - President Obama today signed a bill to triple the size of the AmeriCorps national service program to 250,000 positions over eight years, CBS News reports. Obama signed the legislation with Sen. Ted Kennedy—"one of the finest leaders we've ever had"—nearby. The law, named after Kennedy, is designed to encourage Americans of all ages to join. Most AmeriCorps workers earned $12,000 or less last year in jobs such as working with children, the elderly, or building houses, notes CBS. More»