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                  Obama to Give Keynote at SXSW Tech Festival

   by VOA News

   U.S. President Barack Obama makes an appearance at a
   music-and-technology festival in Austin, Texas, Friday to showcase his
   administration's effort to embrace technological progress.

   The annual[1] South by Southwest Festival has become a mecca for
   innovators and startup operations to share and market their ideas.
   Obama's appearance to deliver Friday's keynote address is the first by
   a sitting president.

   ''

   Government engagement

   Obama is expected to promote the ways his administration uses
   technology to better the lives of the American people. The White House
   released a statement to that effect Thursday, saying online technology
   has simplified the process of applying for student aid, accessing
   health care information, and apply for immigration services.

   Obama is also expected to mention a product that blocks illegal
   "robocalls," or automated phone calls, that was funded with a
   government grant, and a partnership with a private company that created
   an online "diaper bank" for low-income families with small children.

   Controversies
   Obama's appearance is creating a stir. Gun enthusiasts will hold a
   rally near the site where the president is scheduled to speak. This
   year's festival is the first one since Texas' "open carry" law went
   into effect earlier this year. The measure makes it lawful for citizens
   to carry a range of different firearms in public, as long as they are
   carried in a holster.

   The group, Open Carry Texas, said on its Facebook page that its members
   simply want to exercise their right to carry a weapon and distribute
   literature about their stance on gun laws.

   But firearms, concealed or otherwise, are outlawed at the festival
   itself -- so Open Carry participants will be limited to a small
   gathering on the grounds of the state capital building.

   ''

   Skipping Reagan funeral
   Also controversial is Obama's decision to keep his engagement at the
   festival rather than attend the funeral of former first lady Nancy
   Reagan, who died Sunday at age 94.

   First lady Michelle Obama will attend the service in Simi Valley,
   California instead, along with a number of past and present public
   officials from both sides of the aisle.
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   [2]http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-keynote-at-south-by-southwest-t
   ech-festival/3231508.html

References

   1. http://www.sxsw.com/
   2. http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-keynote-at-south-by-southwest-tech-festival/3231508.html