On Tuesday we can finally oficially welcome Barack Obama as the new President of the United States and good riddance to George Bush. I'm pretty optimistic in Obama's leadership abilities and feel he'll get the country going in the right direction.
I'm so optimistic about Obama being sworn in that I'm actually more excited about him becoming President than I am happy to see Bush go; and I'm very anti-George Bush.
Posted by ISIS (Member # 1780) on :
I am happy too. They said he is taking the same route to the White House that Abraham Lincolon took. You know the thing I think is so dumb about our country is...if terrorists want to get the president....they know where he is going to be...months in advance, so they have plenty of time to prepare for it. I have never understood that. Abraham Lincoln is Obama's idol/hero.
This recession is horrible. Circuit City just went out of business- every store, that was 34,000 jobs.
There's alot of little places that went out of business- that are near me, restaurants that I really liked- are gone. It is a bummer.
They said at the Golden Globes, that when people are in a recession/depression they like to watch movies even more than usual, because it is an escape from all the bad stuff.
Posted by Stitch Groover (Member # 2895) on :
It's going to be shown live on TV here around 3am on Wednesday morning, I'm seriously considering getting up to watch. It's such a historic moment, I don't want to miss it.
What time does it start in Washington DC? I need to know so I can get up at the right time during the night to watch.
[ 19. January 2009, 01:48: Message edited by: Stitch Groover ]
Posted by Paul Dangerously, you iceholes.... (Member # 1022) on :
Am I the only one that has concerns about how Obama will pan out as President? I'm sure he'll do his best, and have the backing of Congress and Senate for a lot of things, but all I see in all the media feeds is him being hyped up out of all reason.
I can't help but think he's on a hiding to nothing. The expectations of the US nation are so huge, and sat squarely on his shoulders. It's going to be so difficult for anyone to live up to this level of hope. And I don't believe he's the right man to bring the country back down to earth.
Posted by Stitch Groover (Member # 2895) on :
I see what you're saying Paul. There's an incredible amount of both hype and hope placed on Obama's shoulders, and people are forgetting that he's just a man. He can only do what he can do.
I think what has people so excited is that the inauguration is a symbol of change. After President LameDuck Bush, American and the world needs to be revitalised, and perhaps, just perhaps, people will see the inaugurations as a sign that it's OK to progress, to make changes for the better in their lives.
I'll admit, while I always liked Obama, I was hoping that Hillary would get the Dem ticket, because of her track record and familiarity with the White House, plus her policies supporting gay and lesbian rights.
Personally I'd love if he turned out like President Jebediah Bartlett - inteligent, wise, flawed, but who always puts the best interests of his country first.
Posted by ISIS (Member # 1780) on :
I would have liked to have seen Hilary as President too, even though I know someone who worked for her, and she said she was really mean...I guess you have to be.. to do that job...to some degree.
I think it has to be tremendous pressure, I mean everyone is pressuring you...and you take the blame for everything that goes wrong in the whole world.
I can't imagine knowing all the horrible things that are going on, and it's up to them to try and fix them....that has to be insane pressure.
Posted by deathbystereo80 (Member # 2005) on :
Well, congratulations America!!!
I left work early today, just to watch the inauguration on CNN. His speech did not disappoint me, and I sincerely hope for a better future with a better understanding and communication between the nations.
European Greetings, Toni
Posted by Sammy Reign In Blood Hain (Member # 3150) on :
I'm also very interested to see what Michelle Obama is going to do with her powers of first lady. She seems to be a very dynamic lady and I'm expecting big things from her.
Posted by ISIS (Member # 1780) on :
I have been watching all the coverage off and on. Everyone seems to be so happy about him being President. I think people are breathing a sigh of relief, and everyone had been so depressed . So, wether he is wonderful or not, just the fact that people are so moved by him, and have such love for him already- that is awesome.. that he can be that for people. Maybe he is going to turn things around. We sure need someone to do something.
They seem very devoted as a family, they seem to have good morals, and are intelligent and carry themselves with dignity and respect, and that's what we need. So, I am really glad he's in office.
Posted by Paul Dangerously, you iceholes.... (Member # 1022) on :
Wnd the difference between him and McCain was.... what?
America has some serious questions to answer before Obama gets too far into his term of office.
1. Why did we elect him? Was it a) because we needed a change from either Bush or republicans, and he was the only choice? Or b) because he is black, and therefore historic? Or c) because he can really make a difference? If people are being really honest with themselves, for most people it was A or B.
2) What are our expectations of him? Are they realistic, and in line with most presidantial changes (i.e. be better than the last guy and that's enough) or are they so hyped up that anything less than walking on water will be seen as a failure?
3) When things go bad (and they will, because they always do mid-term) how are we going to react? Will he be treated fairly, like all other presidents, or will we start picking on things like character, beliefs, background (and in his case, race) like people have actually done with all presidents in the past?
What I see now is an unsustainable wave of euphoria, which I can't really align with the reality of the tasks facing the man. america needs to come back down to earth quickly if Obama is going to have any chance at all of being remembered as a great president. He's achieved immortality for the color of his skin, but to be remembered foremost for his achievements is going to take a hell of a lot of hard work and luck.
Posted by Eddie Wilson (Member # 169) on :
I agree with Paul 100%....trust me I am happy to have Obama as president, but most young adults that I have talked to down here, including my ex-girlfriend, went and voted for the man just because of the Obama hype, because it was the thing to do, and/or because of his race. The majority had nothing to do with his beliefs or morals....I just don't understand why people vote without knowing and believing in what the candidate is saying. and I really hate when things get racial on both sides...When I have asked guys/gals why they voted for Obama, I have honestly gotten the reply "because it will be our first black president."....and on the other side I have been told that Obama will suck as president because he is black.....I mean isn't it crazy to vote or not vote based on a man's color...Society today seems so shallow, to base a vote on these petty things. I guess thats why politics really turn me off...The lies, unfulfilled promises, wasted money, etc....The presidential rally's really sicken me with the worshipping and praise....I can't take it seriously....They just tell people what they want to hear
But back to the topic, I do feel that the American society has placed great ridiculous expectations on the guy, and it seems unreachable....only time will tell of course....I hope it all goes well, but how can he be called a great president, when he hasn't done anything yet
Paul's comment is reality, plain and simple
Posted by jdocster (Member # 5752) on :
You both make some very good points...
IMHO the main problem with politics is the politicians! There is too much BS thrown around and too many people on-the-take i.e. read about lobbyists "A group of persons engaged in trying to influence legislators or other public officials in favor of a specific cause: the banking lobby; the labor lobby". This turns "most" people off to politics. We need to reform our political system. Another problem is that our political system is not taught in our schools properly. There is no incentive to get involved later in life for most people. Another problem is how we raise our children. Do your parents explain or take an interest in politics? It IS a civic duty you know... This is a great disservice to our children. It's no wonder that when we reach adulthood and are able to vote, most of us don't.
Another thing is the constant mud-slinging so as to avoid having to answer "real" questions about your campaign, what you stand for, how are you going to implement your ideas etc.
What saddens me most are the liberal policies that are being forced down our throats in this country. Slowly, quietly, over the last few decades bleeding heart liberals have taken control of the political system in this country.
Because of this, in some US cities, you can't display "Merry Christmas" signs or Christmas trees or any "Christian" religious items AT ALL...
In several states the 10 Commandments have been removed from City Hall, city court houses etc...
Press 1 for English...
English is Not the official language in this country. The Democrats keep killing the bill...
*I'm using this just as an example that happens to be relevant currently in this country. I mean no offense to anyone of Hispanic descent. This example could have been made with any ethnic group i.e. Chinese, Russian, African...
I have absolutely NOTHING against any race especially the Mexicans who are exploited in this country every day. Do you know any Mexicans? you should get to know a couple of these nice people. They work their @sses off all day for less pay, benefits (if any) etc. It's a shame how these people are treated. Who's going to do all of this work? You won't do it, I won't do it. We need to make it legal for them to come and work here. This way they can go home when they want without fear of being deported. Some kind of work visa program. Hey, it works for people from India, Ireland, Germany, Italy etc, and they learn to speak English when they come here.
All I'm saying is, shouldn't everyone be required to speak a national language? Did you know that it's a law in Mexico that you HAVE to speak Spanish before you can become a Mexican citizen? Google it...
The bottom line is, if you don't take an interest in the world around you, someone else will, and they will push their own agenda. Educate yourself people. Your way of life DOES depend on it.
End of rant...
I think I need a nap now...
[ 23. January 2009, 12:17: Message edited by: jdocster ]
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
IMHO the main problem with politics is the politicians! There is too much BS thrown around and too many people on-the-take i.e. read about lobbyists ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)