This is one of the greatest days in the history of politics for the United States of America.
I'm just feeling humbled to be able to witness it.
How do others feel?
Actions will speak louder than words. I'm only mildly interested in what Obama has to say and FAR more interested in what he manages to DO.
(But being fair, I considered hopping on the Green Line and heading down into DC to watch the festivities today. Then I realized I'd kill someone in the throng of people. Not having a social day today.)
While I am proud of the fact that my country is able to exchange power so peacefully, I am very tired of this whole rock-star/Mardi Gras mentality that is occuring around this inauguration. I don't want to hear any more reports on what Angelina Jolie is wearing to the inauguration, whether Bono is performing there and who makes the president's ties.
All I can say is I hope President Obama enjoys today's festivities because considering what is going on in the world and at home he isn't going to have a lot of fun this year.
Actions will speak louder than words. I'm only mildly interested in what Obama has to say and FAR more interested in what he manages to DO.
Agreed, he gives a pretty speech but now it's time to put up or shut up!
How do others feel?Honestly?
I'm worried someone is going to try and kill him.
Pretty much seconded. I hate to state something political, but in a certain Palin convention people were saying 'kill him!' and 'terrorist!'. Palin did nothing to stop them.
So, yes, I am greatly afraid that he will be assassinated. Two well-known people have already been murdered for helping blacks, and one of them was a president. I'm just hoping it does go up to three.
All of this sounds very negative. No thoughts of hope? Nothing positive?
|
How do others feel?Honestly?
I'm worried someone is going to try and kill him.
Pretty much seconded. I hate to state something political, but in a certain Palin convention people were saying 'kill him!' and 'terrorist!'. Palin did nothing to stop them.
Actually, the Secret Service investigated those charges and found that they had no basis. Here is the link.
Secret Service Agent Bill Slavoski, who is in charge of the bureau in Scranton, said agents interviewed more than 20 people who were at Tuesday’s rally for Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. He said they could not find anyone other than Times-Tribune reporter David Singleton who had heard someone shout “Kill him!” during a warmup speech by congressional candidate Chris Hackett before Mrs. Palin arrived on stage.
|
All of this sounds very negative. No thoughts of hope? Nothing positive?
Howsabout this, I remember staying up with my wife in my arms on the night of the election. As we were watching his acceptance speach she was wiping the tears from her eyes.
I know people might think it's silly for black people to make a hubabaloo about his skin color. But it really is tremendous how far our country has come. Growing up in the south and in a particularly redneck area, I have seen and known the power of racism. I remember when I was in middle school and the high school I was supposed to be going to had a clan protest outside its gates. When I married a wonderful black woman I honestly didn't think I'd be able to tell my children that they could be president one day, having grown up surrounded by it I always thought that there was still too much ignorance and bigotry in the world to elect a black person president let alone a person who was of mixed heritage. Hell I remember co-workers telling me that it was okay to get the occasional jungle fever, but you don't have a relationship with them (still one of the memories that pisses me off the most)
Knowing that I was wrong has been one of the most profoundly wonderful moments of my life, and seeing how much more meaningful it was for my wife who was moved to tears (and she is not a cryer) even though I didn't vote for him I am extremely grateful that he won, and look forward with hope at what he might be able to accomplish with his presidency. Because I still work with rednecks and I have heard the ignorant comments that haven't been quelled by this.
We have reached the day that we can have a black president, now I await the day that we can have a black george bush and people won't blame his race.
And it's still great that I can tell my children that they can be anything they want to be and believe it. I can't describe how wonderful that truly is.
|
|
So, yes, I am greatly afraid that he will be assassinated. Two well-known people have already been murdered for helping blacks, and one of them was a president. I'm just hoping it does go up to three.
Obama was elected in 2008 so he's safe. It's only presidents who get eected in years that end in 0 that people try to assassinate.
How do others feel?Honestly?
I'm worried someone is going to try and kill him.
Pretty much seconded. I hate to state something political, but in a certain Palin convention people were saying 'kill him!' and 'terrorist!'. Palin did nothing to stop them.
So, yes, I am greatly afraid that he will be assassinated. Two well-known people have already been murdered for helping blacks, and one of them was a president. I'm just hoping it does go up to three.
So if something does happen to Mr. Obama (GOD FORBID!!!)its' Sarah Palin's fault becuase of something she may or may not heard at rally of 20 thousand??? I'm assuming from your constant attacks on Bush on the other threads that you don't watch Fox News? The point is she was on yesterday and said that President Obama has her full support and she will do whatever he asks to help the American people in these critical times.
Doesn't sound like someone that would be gleefully dancing around the corpse of ex-political adversary.
I think there are allot of sick people out their American and foreign born that would love to try to hurt the new President for many reasons but to finger point at the Gov. of Alaska as the primary cause for some imaginary crime is a bit naive.
All of this sounds very negative. No thoughts of hope? Nothing positive?
Sorry for my negativity. I just very thin-skinned when the media circus goes into full slobber mode. I am very proud of the fact that after only fifty years since Dr. King and others began the Civil Rights movement that the American electorate has chosen an African American for the top spot. My worry is that everyone is putting to much 'hope' for 'change' on his shoulders and I don't think he is going to have an easy presidency. Also remember that the president is not the entire government. He will have to work with Congress, which hasn't been very effective lately.
As to the assasination fears, I'm sure the Secret Service is in full DEFCON 16 mode now, and will be for most of Obama's term. No one is under any illusions that he will be a prime target for anyone with a racist/terrorist agenda. Lets hope their constant training pays off.
|
|
Obama was elected in 2008 so he's safe. It's only presidents who get eected in years that end in 0 that people try to assassinate.
So, yes, I am greatly afraid that he will be assassinated. Two well-known people have already been murdered for helping blacks, and one of them was a president. I'm just hoping it does go up to three.
Hey if you believe that I'd like to sell you this rock I have that keeps tigers away ;)
|
|
So if something does happen to Mr. Obama (GOD FORBID!!!)its' Sarah Palin's fault becuase of something she may or may not heard at rally of 20 thousand???How do others feel?Honestly?
I'm worried someone is going to try and kill him.
Pretty much seconded. I hate to state something political, but in a certain Palin convention people were saying 'kill him!' and 'terrorist!'. Palin did nothing to stop them.
So, yes, I am greatly afraid that he will be assassinated. Two well-known people have already been murdered for helping blacks, and one of them was a president. I'm just hoping it does go up to three.
As I pointed out earlier, the secret service said that the incident was made up. However, even in the original story it was reported that the shouts happened before Gov. Palin had arrived on stage. It was during the introduction remarks and by all reports Sarah Palin was not even in the building.
All of this sounds very negative. No thoughts of hope? Nothing positive?
'Hope is the denial of reality.'-Raistlin Majere
While I have great hopes for Obama, I'm a rather cynical person about politics. He's been elected, and it's a historic moment in this country. No denying that. But I also understand that whatever a President promises, he has to get Congress to actually help him do. And the Supreme Court as well. There are things that the President can do because he's the head of the Executive Branch of the federal government, but a lot of what any President wants to accomplish has to be done in joint action with Congress and must remain constitutional to avoid the challenge of the Supreme Court. Obama, like many another President-Elect, has promised change. I'll hope for it, but in the end, I will wait till he's out of office to see what he manages to accomplish during his term or terms. My hope is that he'll do more than many presidents and actually manage to enact some of the changes he's spoken of. But time will tell what he actually manages to do. You need hope to build a dream, but it takes hard work to actually make that dream a reality.
|
|
As to the assasination fears, I'm sure the Secret Service is in full DEFCON 16 mode now, and will be for most of Obama's term. No one is under any illusions that he will be a prime target for anyone with a racist/terrorist agenda. Lets hope their constant training pays off.
The National Guard has deployed 12,500 soldiers in Washington D.C. for today's ceremony.
As a non-american of some 40 years of age:
This is the first time in my memory that any American president has been elected with such a sense of hope and optimism being raised OUTSIDE America. For the first time I think I can understand what made JFK such an iconic figure, and why assassination of JFK such a shock to the American nation and the world.
So, I think whether you are republican or democrat, that is something that needs to be recognised - there's alot of expectation *internationally* riding on him- whereas the international community *expected* Bush to be... well, frankly, a dunce. Possibly a well meaning dunce, but a dunce never the less. (And they did not misunderestimate him there!)
This in turn means two things:
1. America (as a nation) will garner more respect internationally...much needed respect that it has lost under Bush.
2. America will be expected to achieve more on the multi-lateral international scene.
A bit of a two edge sword, I think you'll agree.
After all, one doesnt expect the class dunce to win scholarships...but the A+ student is expected to do so.
Incidentally, thats nothing to do with how good/bad the man's domestic policies are, or whether he'd have made a better/worse president than John McCain...merely a comment on the feeling that seems predominant over here right now (and amoungst my friends over the channel in Europe).
|
|
Anti-Pony Playing cards would sell quite well here!*hisses loudly*
My cards!I had to fight through nearly two dozen foul Norweges to get these cards and I'm not going to sell them for any price that is less than several dollars!
Those dirty norweges are always trying to ensure we have a pony infestation.
|
I bet Court Fool would pay you $8 and a pocket full of lint.
A whole pocket full! I shall have to hunt down his poodliness.
Those dirty norweges are always trying to ensure we have a pony infestation
They probably want 'em around so they have something tasty to eat. I can't say I blame 'em, pony is good eating.
How do others feel?Waste of $160 million.
Yeah, tell me about it. We're on the brink of a frakking depression. People are being thrown into the street due to losing their homes because of foreclosures. Children are going to bed hungry, nevermind never having had a proper education or a hope for something truly decent to come of their lives...yet we throw a F%$^ing party to the tune of 160 million dollars because a man of color [well, a person got elected. Same stupid money wasting party would have been thrown regardless] got elected.
Sure, we're headed in the right direction. What a start.
Regardless of what I feel about his politics, it proves that we have begun to judge people on their ideas and character rather then their skin color.There's only a fuss because of his skin color.
Yepp. Absolutely. And what a shame that the first non-caucasian person elected was voted in almost entirely because of their being non-caucasian.
I *HOPE* he does as he promises. I *HOPE* our children have better days ahead. My jaded *GUT* says different. Frankly, what we're seeing today is no big wonderful hug of love into what I see as the right direction we should be heading. If I were in his shoes, I personally would have made a strong move to eliminate the brujajah over the election, and save the damned money towards our NATIONAL DEFECIT.
Business as usual, instead, is what we get.
How do others feel?Waste of $160 million.
Yeah, tell me about it. We're on the brink of a frakking depression. People are being thrown into the street due to losing their homes because of foreclosures. Children are going to bed hungry, nevermind never having had a proper education or a hope for something truly decent to come of their lives...yet we throw a F%$^ing party to the tune of 160 million dollars because a man of color [well, a person got elected. Same stupid money wasting party would have been thrown regardless] got elected.
Sure, we're headed in the right direction. What a start.
Regardless of what I feel about his politics, it proves that we have begun to judge people on their ideas and character rather then their skin color.There's only a fuss because of his skin color.Yepp. Absolutely. And what a shame that the first non-caucasian person elected was voted in almost entirely because of their being non-caucasian.
I *HOPE* he does as he promises. I *HOPE* our children have better days ahead. My jaded *GUT* says different. Frankly, what we're seeing today is no big wonderful hug of love into what I see as the right direction we should be heading. If I were in his shoes, I personally would have made a strong move to eliminate the brujajah over the election, and save the damned money towards our NATIONAL DEBT.
Business as usual, instead, is what we get.
Regardless of what I feel about his politics, it proves that we have begun to judge people on their ideas and character rather then their skin color.There's only a fuss because of his skin color.Yepp. Absolutely. And what a shame that the first non-caucasian person elected was voted in almost entirely because of their being non-caucasian.
B!+@@%~s.
EDIT: I am not sure which I am more surprised by... that the filter knew that word well enough to tag, or that it apparently un-capitalized it on me.
Director of Brand Strategy
|
Regardless of what I feel about his politics, it proves that we have begun to judge people on their ideas and character rather then their skin color.There's only a fuss because of his skin color.
Anyone who says that is an example of someone who can't get past skin color. Obama has proven himself an inspiring persona, which was much of the reason he won. I seriously doubt that over half the electorate voted for him simply because of his skin color. Since the USA has no separation between a figurehead and ahead of state (like a PM and a monarch), having someone in the office of President who inspires the people is incredibly important. Whether he will prove to be an effective policy-maker remains to be seen (though I have faith he will be far better than anyone can imagine) but his ability to inspire has already been proven. A new progressive era has been initiated, whether cynics choose to believe it or not.
|
|
Yepp. Absolutely. And what a shame that the first non-caucasian person elected was voted in almost entirely because of their being non-caucasian.
Yeah I'm gonna second the vote of B@&*!+%% the fact is that if that was the reason then our first black president would have been Al Sharpton. Or the black gentleman who's name escapes me who tried to clinch the republican nomination. Note how neither of them won, but yet we have Barack Obama, so don't make rediculous claims like he was elected because he was black.
b@&&~*&s.EDIT: I am not sure which I am more surprised by... that the filter knew that word well enough to tag, or that it apparently un-capitalized it on me.
You could always go with "B0llocks"
Yeah I'm gonna second the vote of b!&*@@** the fact is that if that was the reason then our first black president would have been Al Sharpton. Or the black gentleman who's name escapes me who tried to clinch the republican nomination. Note how neither of them won, but yet we have Barack Obama, so don't make rediculous claims like he was elected because he was black.
Ahhh...you see...neither of those two gentelmen were the party candidate...or made it to the ACTUAL election :)
Just think about it when our first female president is someone the likes of Palin...that'll be a sad day, because she was the first presidential candidate (running in the election, nominated and backed by party) elected because she was a woman.
Unfortunately, given the solitary history of caucasian waspy males in the upper echelon of government, the firsts have a huge potential to suck no matter what.
You could always go with "B0llocks"
b@&&~*&s.EDIT: I am not sure which I am more surprised by... that the filter knew that word well enough to tag, or that it apparently un-capitalized it on me.
Or, you could just say TESTICLES!!!
After all, that's what you're really saying when you say bullocks...
Yeah! and it's such a shame that Jackie Robinson was allowed in the major leages almost entirely because he was black too! [/sarcasm]
Yepp. Absolutely. And what a shame that the first non-caucasian person elected was voted in almost entirely because of their being non-caucasian.
You are not at all getting what I was saying.
What I was saying was, due to the white male history of presidency, ANYONE running that was of color (backed by party and formally in the election) would win.
And in like form, I'll wager the first latino and or female presidential candidates (backed by party and formally in the election) would win as well, regardless of background or political stance.
Yepp. Absolutely. And what a shame that the first non-caucasian person elected was voted in almost entirely because of their being non-caucasian.It had more to do with not being a Republican than with any issue of race.
Unfortunately, I'm not convinced you can seperate the two factors in this scenario.
Anyone who says that is an example of someone who can't get past skin color. Obama has proven himself an inspiring persona, which was much of the reason he won. I seriously doubt that over half the electorate voted for him simply because of his skin color. Since the USA has no separation between a figurehead and ahead of state (like a PM and a monarch), having someone in the office of President who inspires the people is incredibly important. Whether he will prove to be an effective policy-maker remains to be seen (though I have faith he will be far better than anyone can imagine) but his ability to inspire has already been proven. A new progressive era has been initiated, whether cynics choose to believe it or not.
What a reactionary, overtly PC response. Please rethink it. Thanks!
Anyone who says that is an example of someone who can't get past skin color.What's so historic about today's inauguration?
My response: Nothing
Millions of dumbfounded d!p$hits: He's the first black presidentYep, I'm the one who can't get past skin color.
AMEN My sister!!! Can I get a Hallelujah ? :)
Anyone who says that is an example of someone who can't get past skin color.What's so historic about today's inauguration?
My response: Nothing
Millions of dumbfounded d!p$hits: He's the first black presidentYep, I'm the one who can't get past skin color.
Don't you just love how everyone is *desperately* attempting to tie everything President Obama does to Lincoln ? :)
I mean, come on...let the man run his show his way...no shoes to fill, no shadows to cast larger than others...
|
|
I know that I didn't vote for him just because he is black. And my guess would be that the number of people who voted for him because he is black is comparable to the number of people who didn't vote for him because he is "arab".
Regardless of why people voted for the man, the simple fact that the United States of America elected a black president (and the son of an African immigrant, no less) is historical, whether you would believe so or not. This day means a lot to a lot of people, even if it means nothing to you. I put stock in symbols and momentous occasions. We still remember July, 4 as the day our country began, even though we were already effectively independent and had been at war for some time. We remember the day that Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, even though the freedom of slaves was arguably inevitable.
And finally, I am very hopeful that the next four years will see great progress in America. I hope congress and the supreme court maintain their duties to check the power of the executive branch, and I hope Obama leaves office with less power than when he gained it. And I think he is the right man at the right time for America.
I know that I didn't vote for him just because he is black. And my guess would be that the number of people who voted for him because he is black is comparable to the number of people who didn't vote for him because he is "arab".
Regardless of why people voted for the man, the simple fact that the United States of America elected a black president (and the son of an African immigrant, no less) is historical, whether you would believe so or not. This day means a lot to a lot of people, even if it means nothing to you. I put stock in symbols and momentous occasions. We still remember July, 4 as the day our country began, even though we were already effectively independent and had been at war for some time. We remember the day that Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, even though the freedom of slaves was arguably inevitable.
And finally, I am very hopeful that the next four years will see great progress in America. I hope congress and the supreme court maintain their duties to check the power of the executive branch, and I hope Obama leaves office with less power than when he gained it. And I think he is the right man at the right time for America.
Well, I see SOMEONE was awake in US History Class!!!
Well done, chap, well done<clap>
I put stock in symbols and momentous occasions.
So what price would you put on WingDings and the day you realized that defecating in your undergarments was not ok ????