Home > Jay Bookman > Archives > 2008 > November > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USElection reveals ‘real America’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An election is much more than a mechanism for picking leaders. It’s part of the process by which a nation defines and reinvents itself, the means by which it expresses its dreams and fears.
The election of 2008, for example, was not merely a battle over whether Barack Obama or John McCain would be our next president. That’s an important decision, but it alone could never have stirred the depths of passion we saw on both sides.
This was also a battle for higher stakes, a fight over what America means to its citizens and to the world.
That kind of debate happens in other nations too, but I think the stakes are higher here. We are a nation defined by boundaries on the map, but not by boundaries of the mind or heart or history. There is nothing fixed or final about America, no limits to what we might do or become beyond those set in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. And even those limits are more plastic than many would admit.
For example, we Americans have agreed since our founding that “all men are created equal.” It seems a simple, straightforward premise, but those words have a very different meaning today than when they flowed from the quill of Thomas Jefferson.
His concept of equality did not extend to black Americans or Native Americans or to women of any race, but subsequent generations have fought to realize the untapped potential in Jefferson’s phrase. More than 200 years later, the words are the same but the meaning has changed.
That’s why it’s so foolish to talk about a “real America” or “real Americans.” There can be no “real America,” at least not in the singular sense. Instead, each American citizen has his or her own concept of America — an image of what our country was in the past, what it is today and what it ought to be tomorrow.
We each have our own private America, so to speak, and it is very real to us.
For that reason, we can all be un-American or even anti-American in someone else’s eyes, in the sense that we challenge the America they carry around in their head. Elections are part of the means for working out such conflict peaceably, to come to some sort of consensus.
Sometimes it isn’t easy. In the last few weeks of the campaign, as polls began to make the final outcome pretty clear, I was struck by the number of people insisting that the America they knew could never elect a man like Obama as president. It simply could not happen.
Others were certain that if Obama were elected the nation would be doomed.
In a way, they were right. Their America, the America in their heads, could never elect Barack Hussein Obama as president.
Now that it happened anyway, their concept of America is in need of some serious recalibration.
A lot of black Americans have also been forced to recalibrate, although for them the surprise is a little more pleasant. They too had an image of an America — forged through centuries of heartache, pain and repression —- that could never elect a black person as president.
As we saw Tuesday night, seldom have so many been so joyous about being so wrong.
Another great moment came Wednesday morning, in a statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
“One of the great things about representing this country is it continues to surprise; it continues to renew itself; it continues to beat all odds and expectations,” Rice said, her eyes watering. “You just know that Americans are not going to be satisfied until they really do form that perfect union. And while the perfect union may never be in sight, we just keeping working at it and trying.”
“As an African-American, I am especially proud because this is a country that’s been through a long journey in terms of overcoming wounds and making race not the factor in our lives,” she said. “That work is not done, but yesterday was obviously an extraordinary step forward.”
Unfortunately, words on paper can’t make you hear the marvel in Rice’s voice as she spoke. Her “real America” turned out to be a better place than she knew, and the discovery thrilled her.
She wasn’t the only one.
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Comments
By Jen
November 6, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
First?
By Faizah
November 6, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this
I hope Obama is not just talk. I hope he is not all flash. I am happy for America and the blacks especially, to have this moment in history. It is a long time coming. With this change, I hope the stereotypes about blacks come down and we can all truly be equals. I am about to be laid off work because that sadly is the trend we are in. Bush did not cause the economy to turn sour. There are a lot of greedy leaders out there (Bill Clinton and Al Greenspan to start with) that started the deregulation of Wall Street and allowed it to continue unchecked. It is greed of the leaders that has caused so many of us to be in this lousy times that we are in now. Let the power above shine His light and guide us all to better times.
By Mike
November 6, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
Yawn. More partisan bleating.
Hey Jay, we get it. You don’t like Palin, McCain, conservatives or Republicans.
Do you have anything else to tell us?
By bob
November 6, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
Barak Obama is progress a page turned on American history.Barak Obama is history. How more American can you be?! His part African heritage gives him this definite identity where African Americans can find answers about their own heritage. His Anglo Saxon heritage of many generations of white Americans is the heritage of our history. All that in one guy. We could not have done better and I am so proud to see that America made the perfect choice for our future…
By Kim
November 6, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Jay, we get it. You don’t like Palin, McCain, conservatives or Republicans.*
Do you have anything else to tell us?
Did you even read the article?
By J`
November 6, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
JAY, Apparently neither does the rest of America.
By learningisjoy
November 6, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
This was a nice pondering, but I feel compelled to defend Thomas Jefferson since indeed, in his vision when crafting the Declaration of Independence, he did include black Americans among the “all men” he referred to. At the time of the writing of that great document he had already resolved to free his own slaves and together with others in the Continental Congress, he fought to keep a clause from his original draft that addressed the practice and abolition of slaver, but it was removed to appease the Southern colonies at that time so they would sign the Declaration. It was predicted at that time that history would never forgive them, and indeed war was eventually the result of that early omission. Not that that changes your excellent point. Thanks for the commentary.
By Cheryl
November 6, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Why is it such a big deal that a black man is president? Aren’t blacks people just like anyone else? Most every race, creed, color or religion has been persecuted at some point in their history and for long periods of time. Why are blacks so special? What makes their plight so unique? The only difference I see is that they revel in their misery and use it as a trademark to define who they are.
And if this is the “real” America - heaven help us. The only talk I heard on the street yesterday was “FINALLY we can stick it to those “rich” people”. He got elected because he appealled to and bought the low class vote. The low class in us that what to punish people for success and bring them down to our own level by taking money away from them and giving it to the low class. Rather than provide opportunities for everyone to climb to a higher level.
I don’t care how you define “unAmerican” or “antiAmerican”… I hope the “real” people of this country aren’t that selfish. Which it appears they are - how can we ever “rise above” when the majority of us just want to pull everyone down to their level.
That brings me great “hope” and the real American dream will “change” and change for the worse - to selfish, self serving people.
By mike
November 6, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this
Hi Kim I read the article and I never liked Condi but I really admire and take to heart what she said. Maybe as we move on each day, there is always the chance of hope for those who just dont get it. Now I can really truly believe any thing is possible.
By hillbilly ragger
November 6, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
I’m glad that Obama mentioned the dreams of The Founders in his opening sentence of Tuesday night’s speech. It brought this whole thing full circle, and presumably inspired thoughtful columns such as Jay’s today.
Jay, I owe you an apology for last evening’s temper tantrum. I had allowed myself to become angered by a troll and I should know better than that. I’m sorry.
To the rest of you, I think it’s time for this character I play on the Internets to go away. It’s been fun, but I’m not real interested in maintaining my crummy little blog nor do I want to wind up feeling like I have to knock down silly people posting here.
I’ll probably be back in these comments threads as another character, one more like my real self, in a few weeks, perhaps a few months. For those of you who knew me and liked me as I’ve been, and who had kind words at times, thanks for the encouragement.
For those who are well to the right of me, who are still bitter about how things turned out on Tuesday, all I can say is try to see things truly from another person’s perspective, and try not to think the worst of that person. There are a lot of great people out there in this great country of ours.
So long, folks. And thanks, Jay, for all that you do.
By Proud Black Man
November 6, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
Thanks Jay. Nothing else needs to be said.
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
Management apparently didn’t care for this one:
The Illinois Democrat failed to win a majority of white votes in any Southern state, and exit polls indicate that a deeper racial divide may persist here than in other regions.
When a state such as MN which as a percentage has about one seventh the black population of GA votes 60-40 for the black man, while GA votes in numbers more closely reflecting the percentage breakdown by race (52-47 McCain/Obama) (62% white - 30% black), that suggests, yeah there may be a deeper tendency here towards some sort of racialization as compared with other places. The operative word here being may - again, don’t wanna strain your capacity for ‘nuance’ here, I know conservatives don’t do nuance any more, but I have to point out.
But hey, just look at the progress! How many Georgian whites do you think would have voted for a black presidential candidate - with roughly equivalent qualifications - in, say, 1972?
Nowadays we can just hear it said that there may be a deeper racial divide here, whereas then the results would have been clear as day.
Also, look on the bright side, at least we’re not ALABAMA! (61-39 to 72-27%).
By trey_trey
November 6, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
this election was about race. obama talked about “hope” and “change”. while he could of been elected by talking about about cornflakes or fabric softener. it did’nt matter what he said. the “community” would have come out of the woodwork! like flys to a rotted piece of meat in the sun.
By Ben
November 6, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
I guess four years ago when Bush beat Kerry by a similar percentage, that was also the ‘real’ America? This isn’t the sign of any sea change, it’s just people reacting to eight years of media brainwashing.
I haven’t seen many McCain supporters say things like, “I didn’t vote for him, he’s not MY president” like I saw so many Kerry supporters do four years ago. Obama is going to be my President, and I hope he does a good job, even though I think the other guy was a better choice.
By Ray
November 6, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
The election of the Annointed One signals a change in the outlook of the black community toward their role as citizens of this great land, or we should hope so. They have a choice now that they have never had. Or they can continue to bask under the government umbrella like the lady on You Tube when asked why she voted for Obama….. “Now I’m goin’ to get my house paid off and the credit card people ain’t goin’ to bother me no more”. I wonder how his election is going to change the fact that over 40M people in this country pay no federal income tax. That number will no doubt rise.
I don’t give a tinker’s damn about Mr. Wonderful’s struggle for personal identity or his wife’s problems with America. His media persona will no doubt continue, He will be able to do no wrong and we who think that he is still an empty suit will have to go along or the dreaded R word will no doubt rear it’s ugly head when we disagree with what he is doing. Bookman and his cronies will see to that. A free ticket to nowhere with more questions than answers….. and our country is at stake.
By nick carbone
November 6, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
mr bookman’s commentary of what defines a real american is on the mark if he is talking about a legal us citizen working hard at his or her american dream oe even one in the legal process of becoming a us citizen. in my opinion the rest do not qualify. we also must realize there are certainly levels of contribution to our real america by real americans. for example, in my opinion, american soldiers of the 82nd and 101st airborne division at bastone during world war two contributed, many with their lives more to maintain the real america than the many politicians will ever do in their lifetimes.
By Copyleft
November 6, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
Well said, Jay. Too many right-wingers think they, and they alone, get to define what “America” and “patriotism” mean.
They’re wrong. We ALL get a say in what America is and what it stands for.
By trey_trey
November 6, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
you are right, your not ALABAMA. ALABAMA IS UNDEFEATED!
By GOPs got to go
November 6, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Ragger,
Have you been contacted for a cabinet position?
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Oops, should have checked my facts first. Looks like Minnesota wasn’t as overwhelming as a thought. It went Obama 54-44%.
But still, my point stands. MN is 87-4% white to black (no that’s not a typo) as compared with GA’s 62-30. So I’m not a math whiz, but that tells me the likelihood that any given white voter in MN votes for the black man as compared to one in GA is going to be astronomically higher.
Now, is it possible that there may be some residual racial aversion at work in that disproportion? I would assert that to deny that, all but disqualifies you as a serious observer.
By trey_trey
November 6, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
you are right, your not ALABAMA. ALABAMA IS UNDEFEATED!
By Jon
November 6, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
Throughout the campaign, the American people were told it was not about race, but about policy. Yet, in every report, every commentary, every reaction to Obama, it is mentioned that he is Afro-American, what a great day this is for Afro-Americans, the relating-back to MLK, the giant step forward, etc etc. This campaign was more about race than substance, which —- while I fully support racial equality — means Obama WAS elected because of his [half]-race — and he was a Democrate — not because he is a great leader. However, Obama is only half Afro-American, was raised by white grandparents and repeatedly said he was not campaigning as an Afro-American. Why, then, is his victory repeatedly stated to be a “victory for all Afro-Americans”. It is more troubling to me that he was elected as America’s first Afro-American president, instead of being elected as the person more qualified for the job … and a leader most qualified to represent the USA to the rest of the world. God help us that the real meaning of his election has been lost by advancing the cause of Afro-Americans. I thought it was about advancing the cause of Democracy. Obama was elected because he was Democrat … not because he was Obama. Any Democrat would have won the White house. Obama just happens to be half Afro-American … and that is his legacy; not that he is (or will be) a great leader.
By matt
November 6, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Partisan beating?
What, from a republican.
Did you not notice that for eight years straight Fox news poked finger in our eye, every hour of every day. Defended Bush over his lies and enabled Bush to do even more destruction.
Do you think we forgot about that?
By AJC/DNC Management
November 6, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
In a way, they were right. Their America, the America in their heads, could never elect Barack Hussein Obama as president. Now that it happened anyway, their concept of America is in need of some serious recalibration.
Any decent American should be appalled and disgusted by these liberals running around calling people who didn’t vote for Oblahma “racists.”
We didn’t vote for Kerry, Gore or Clinton, all white men, because they were unrepentant hardcore liberals. Same as Oblahma is, regardless of what his color is.
You liberals are the ones that classify people based on their color and designate “special” considerations for them because of it, why is that, feeling a little guilty of your inner bigot?
I don’t have that problem and you assigning your sicknesses to me is just another sickness of yours.
By BeeJay
November 6, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bookman, you try to sound all righteous and lofty, but you’re not.
Cheryl, well said. All of you, go read Cheryl’s post. No one is being righteous and lofty, just low class, biased, and selfish.
By GOP is gone
November 6, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Say it’s OK, Ray.
You can always go live with Sarah in Alaska. With all those guns and wild animals I am sure there is work for a good Facial repair guy.
In your long medical career, haven’t you come across at least one black person who was fiscally responsible and maybe treated one white deadbeat?
By any chance do you have need of an unlicensed Plummer? Ted could hook you up with a generous contractor.
By hillbilly ragger
November 6, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
(I guess I’ll stick around for this thread, then I’m gone. Honest.)
GOP’s got to go @ 8.26, ha ha. No.
If you look at my crummy blog, I’ve been Deep Thinking about bailing on this long-running internet persona for about a month, now.
By Middle Class Tax Payer
November 6, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
I have also noticed that there is more of a racial division in Georgia, Alabama,Tennessee and South Carolina, Texas,Oklahoma,Missisippi, Louisianna based on the voting breakdown. Evidently the republicans see it also. I wonder how they intend to capture the young voters, minorities, independents, etc. while maintaining this conservative and evangelical base. If they do it right, they could regain the white house. This will be interesting from a political perspective.
Jay, I too am leaving this blog as I find myself becoming angry at some of the bloggers here based on what they are saying. I bet that you are screening out posts that are even more vile and hateful. I will continue to visit the site to read and monitor the thoughts of your readers. Have a good day.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 6, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Just another liberal mau mauing himself before the great spineless mob of Euroweenies:
Old Europe has disdained this country for years as racially prejudiced, though for years some of our most beloved popular figures have been African Americans. At this point we have had black generals in our military, black members of our presidential cabinets, black Supreme Court justices, black political leaders throughout the states, and black CEOs all over the lot. No European nation has shown such tolerance to color, ethnic origins, or religious and political disagreement. Spare us your canards about racial prejudice in the Great Republic, and may I remind our European critics that 2009, the year in which Senator Obama will be inaugurated to the presidency, is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator.-AmSpec
Yeah, when are they going to put a Muslim at the top?
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
the dreams of The Founders in his opening sentence of Tuesday night’s speech
I agree, Hillbilly! That was for me the most striking and moving part of his speech, next to “Is there anyone out there who still doubts?” Sends chills down my spine.
And did anyone else notice the haunting parallel between “dreams of The Founders” and “dreams of my fathers” here?
David Gergen was right: we haven’t seen an American leader (on any level) who speaks like this since Reagan. (And that’s saying something considering Bill Clinton was no slouch either.)
By A Latina in Florida
November 6, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
The whole world is celebrating. Barack is all of us, and his campaign was our campaign. He will continue to mobilize us to influence our government by contacting our lawmakers directly, and the USA will be better than ever.
With all of us invested in this country and connected in ways that were not possible before, we will take back our government. Welcome to the dawning of a new age.
YES WE DID!!
By Lou
November 6, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
I hope our elected officials will realize their job is to guide our country NOT immediately begin their process for re-election. I hope we return to a system of checks and balances by ALL THREE BRANCHES of our government. “Race” not a factor! Americans now have to be designated by genus and speces: African Am. Mexican AM. Indian AM. Chinese AM. This is pernicious racism and will cease only when Black Americans realize they ARE “Americans” not Black Americans.
Personally I wish re-election was a level playing field and funded by the government and “big money” america was prohibited from playing ANY role. LOU
By Dennis
November 6, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Jay; This is very good, however it tells us more about you than anyone else.
It is a shameful reflection on you that you had no similar feelings regarding America’s ability to make a choice in 2000 or 2004. (Please don’t throw out the one or two non-negative articles you may have written about Bush. The 700+ articles you wrote attacking him or someone associated with him trumps those.)
It is very interesting is how Republicans have responded to Obama’s victory. Compare that to how Democrats, including, since this is your blog especially, you responded to either of Bush’s victories.
Of course you are thrilled with the outcome this year. You have been campaigning for this for a long time.
But someone needs worry, to express concern about the path we are on. Is this the path that voters thought they were choosing? Do not forget almost half of the votes cast were for someone other than President-elect Obama.
By Ray
November 6, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
GOP,
Sour grapes don’t taste so good right now. I’m having trouble digesting them. Deadbeats thrive on both sides of the racial divide. Treated lots of both. My point centers on how black America is going to react to this new president. They can either say that it is an opportunity to throw off this victim mentality and become American citizens with responsibilities, self reliance and hard work or they can look at it as an opportunity to raise the ante on government handouts. Which do you think will happen? Are all of you Obama supporters looking at his election with such rose colored glasses that you cannot see that crime, teen age pregnancy, gang violence and murder still prevail in every large city in America. And white America is not killing the best and brightest of the black community….. they are killing their own at an alarming rate. Is the Annointed One going to change that? If this election is a referendum on race in this country, then Obama has a big job ahead of him. He only mentioned it in passing in the whole campaign but it is the biggest problem facing black America ….. the elephant that no one wants to confront. How would you handle that?
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Management: Yeah, when are they going to put a Muslim at the top?
You’re missing the point as only a conservative ideologue can.
As I posted Tuesday night after Obama was projected the winner, within minutes of the news coming out the Le Figaro newspaper was already asking its readers “Seriez-vous pretes de voter pour un president noir de France?”
What has happened in America has started a dialogue in all the other advanced Western countries, one that now can’t be stopped.
Now, not only can we never look at ourselves the same way again, but neither can they. The bar has been raised.
By hillbilly ragger
November 6, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
@ 8.39 And did anyone else notice the haunting parallel between “dreams of The Founders” and “dreams of my fathers” here?
Actually, no, not me, until now.
Haven’t read his books yet. Plan to soon. Honestly, I didn’t read them more because I am very easily swayed by skillful prose, and I didn’t want to become more of an Obama fanboy than I already was.
Weird, huh?
By Middle Class Tax Payer
November 6, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
AJC/DNC Management,
One last comment. Your 8:38 AM post is the best one that I have seen from you. Do you see how much better you are when you do not use talking points from the Fox News Channel?
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Honestly, I didn’t read them more because I am very easily swayed by skillful prose, and I didn’t want to become more of an Obama fanboy than I already was.
It’s an interesting point. I suspect there was something of that for me too.
By "The Corporal"
November 6, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Jay
This election has revealed the real America and that’s not necessarily a good thing. The electorate has changed and as a result this election sadly turned into a beauty contest. Race was not and should not have been the issue and it was long past time for a person of color to become President. However, the problem is President Elect Obama is the wrong person, at the wrong place and at the wrong time.
Now that he has been elected, it’s almost comical to see how he is already trying to throw water on the expectations of the masses. Welcome to the real world Mr. President.
Tuesday, I prayed that McCain would win.
However, as an American, my prayer today is that God bless Obama, guide him, give him wisdom, give him a change of heart on many moral issues, instill in him courage when needed and most of all protect him from any who would do him harm.
By Bosch
November 6, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Good morning bloggers!
Yes - I’m glad that I woke up today and Obama is still the President-elect and yesterday wasn’t some weird dream.
Nice column Jay, as usual.
One thing about the news coverage of Obama’s victory is the incredible emotion of people who were watching and how that has been captured - globally - not just here.
To those who think it doesn’t matter what others think of us here in the ol’ U.S. - just take a gander of the celebrations around the world. Do we march in the streets in victory when a new leader is chosen in France? Great Britain? Kenya? Hell, even Italy -did we yell Whoo — HOO when Burlusconi one of the greatest criminals in the world became Italy’s new prime minister again? No. People have always looked to us for greatness, and now we have it back.
I was thinking last night, all Obama has to do is to surround himself with good, SMART, people and demand accountability and boot out anybody who even thinks about stepping out of line, and he’ll be the greatest President this country has even seen. Better than FDR.
By hillbilly ragger
November 6, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Corporal @ 9.01, nice post, thanks.
You’re all right sometimes.
By David
November 6, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Jay,
I think this may be your most eloquent post this month. It would be nice if there were some recalibration, but I don’t see it happening here just yet.
Some people, as evidenced here on this blog, just don’t get it.
They see the world in terms of dualities- good and evil, right and wrong, black and white, or just Democrat and Republican. When they are able to discern events without the filter of their paradigms, then they have a chance to truly “recalibrate” their perception of America.
By TN Gelding
November 6, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Great piece, Jay.
I’m still dismayed by the different perceptions of who we are and what we stand for.
By leni
November 6, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
a Roman Spring for the sixty-eighters enjoy while lasts
By hillbilly ragger
November 6, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
(And by “nice” I meant Corporal’s last two paragraphs @ 9.01, not the silly ones that precede it.)
By Proud Black Man
November 6, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Ray,
You are correct that the black community has some issues that need to be corrected. You are wrong to believe that we are not doing it. Having a black president will make it easier for us to teach some of the brilliant young black minds that it is now feasible for them to utilize their talents to accomplish the American dream. They can now watch the media outlets and not see themselves displayed only as gang bangers,pimps, idiots,criminals, athletes, thugs because of their dress and music, etc.etc.
Why do you think so many of us were crying(including the black media and entertainers). Its all about our children who now can believe that they can be whatever they can be. But we have to remind them that racism is still there and they still have to fight for their rights.
You can help us by directing those”deadbeats” in the right direction during your treatments. Obama knows how and so do we. We need people like you to help us. Stop complaining and put your talents to better use.
By hillbilly ragger
November 6, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Leni @9.13, aren’t you the one who implied with your “judenraus” bit yesterday, that Obama was some kind of Israel-hating anti-Semite?
Want to explain why American Jews voted 3:1 for the man? I’m still waiting for that.
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Jay: We each have our own private America, so to speak, and it is very real to us….For that reason, we can all be un-American or even anti-American in someone else’s eyes… Bosch: People have always looked to us for greatness
I suggested in a recent post that the US is the only country in the world that is at least as important as an idea as an actual political entity (though of course we also happen to be the most important one of those, too, but not necessarily forever).
The difference between the Left and the Right in America reflects the different ways we have of trying to come to terms with that, which is a never-ending and difficult — even traumatic — process of self-reinvention, as Jay says. Only in America is it possible to say: “so-and-so or such-and-such is un-American”. But do you notice that at least since the McCarthyite era it has been predominantly the Right which has leveled the charge? Yet at the same time it’s also the Right that most fiercely protests the meddling of other countries, esp. European, whose gaze troubles them and about which they never cease to fret (just look at Management’s posts this morning).
And yet the Right gave us the neo-conservatives, who unflinchingly believed in the power of America as an idea to change the world. What does that say about the inability of the Right to resolve these tensions?
Anyway, as they once said abroad, but not lately (though they might once again be inclined to say it):
Nous sommes tous Americains.
Amen.
By Truthman
November 6, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
McCain’s people are turning on Palin now that the election is over. This is from the current issue of Newsweek:
“The McCain campaign found out last week when the aides sought reimbursement. One aide estimated that she spent “tens of thousands” more than the reported $150,000, and that $20,000 to $40,000 went to buy clothes for her husband. Some articles of clothing have apparently been lost. An angry aide characterized the shopping spree as “Wasilla hillbillies looting Neiman Marcus from coast to coast,” and said the truth will eventually come out when the Republican Party audits its books.”
“Wasilla hillbillies…” That”s great!!!
HAIL OBAMA, VANQUISHER OF NEO-CON TROLLS!!!
P.S. I could care less if the neo-cons don’t support the Obama administration. They’re completely out of power and will just have to suck it up or move!
By Joey
November 6, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
David (9:08): Good post. You are exactly correct.
Jay clearly has the ability to see and to point out to us Republicans and Democrats; Right and Wrong, Night and Day, Good and Evil. Jay and others of the Democrat persuasion do need to learn to “discern events without the filter of their paradigm”.
Rohm Emanuel is a good trigger for the “recalibration of perception” of what we can expect over the next several year.
By GOP is gone
November 6, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Ray,
Go down to Rite-Aid and buy a very large bottle of Pepto Bismal, it will settle that tummy right down. Or get a better bottle of Red next time.
I do totally agree with you about the state of inner city America. I have read the statistics on the leading cause of death in young black males being homicide, and I will agree to it being black on black killing. I feel the solution, or at least part of it, is in education. When school tax dollars come from property taxes, the affluent areas have a huge upper hand, thus perpetuating the downward spiral. Black men need to man up and take care of their families. Black woman have traditionally been the backbone of their family. Of course there are exceptions to all things, but I digress. Give the inner city schools more money, invest in after school programs for the kids, have some community role models for kids and parents. After all think of the kids who have grown up with these terrible parents, how are they supposed to know any better? I can not believe that ANY mother does not want a better life for her children, no matter how uneducated she is. I do see how having a Black President will be an inspiration to people of color, a role model who is not a rap artist or a sports figure, Someone with a brain who was not given everything, but who worked hard for it.
Look into the condition of inner city schools and it will appall you. The kids who attend these schools can only feel not worthy of any hope, their Government does not think their futures are worth investing in. Look at the difference from say Milton High, with it’s huge Property tax base, and say Carver High with low income housing no small tax base. Can’t are government at least level the playing field with more cash? For God’s sake we can funnel it to AIG but not care a lick for our own children. Those kids do not have to think they are not worth saving, it will be far less expensive than giving out welfare and paying for bigger prisons.
Ordinary citizens of every school district need to become involved with their schools, regardless of having any children in these schools. I have a friend who has never had any children of her own but who serves on the PTA board and teaches the teens in her church. She is not a teacher and she is black, educated, recently married and lives in an at risk community by choice. Being a native New Yorker and Brooklynite, she is brave and spunky. And she is also very outspoken about the plight of inner city kids.
I voted for Obama on his platform. I will say it again, if I have to pay more taxes to help out the country I love then so be it. I am blessed to live here and would not have any other way. I do not lack for anything in life and opposed to what Cheryl see as being selfish, can pay my fair share. I would challenge her to look up selfish and then take a long look in the mirror.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 6, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Sen. John Kerry is considered the front-runner for the nation’s top diplomat. The senator from Massachusetts selected Obama to be the keynote speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, where Obama delivered the critically acclaimed speech that put him on the map.
Secretary of State John Kerry visits China-
Ah so, cin I git me one dem chopstickies?
Nuclear Holocaust ensues.
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Ray,
Your point is a perfect crystallization of why the contemporary conservative movement in America is on the brink (or past it) of utterly defaullting on any credibility and viability it might have once had and is thus facing its greatest possible crisis.
When Reagan became its icon, taking over the movement founded by Buckley as a gesture of protest agains runaway statism and levelling, he gave a movement that had always been marked by dour pessimism an unmistakable Western and almost naively optimistic streak. It was echt American optimism and idealism.
The crisis of today’s conservatism in America lies in the fact that the movement has been effectively overtaken by the sentiment you express, which is profoundly pessimistic and narrow. There’s nary a trace left of the boundless optimism represented by Reagan.
The culprit?
I think a lot of it has to be laid at the feet of the likes of Limbaugh and Hannity and the rest of the AM radio hatchet crew.
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 6, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Real Americans want to make sure that the counts in Georgia are accurate.
From Brad Blog:
Georgia
Incumbent Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss seized only 49.9 percent of votes so far, narrowly missing the 50 percent majority that is required in Georgia to avoid a runoff race. Therefore he’ll likely face off against Democratic challenger Jim Martin in a December 2 runoff election if some 50,000 absentee and other ballots that are still being counted fail to tip his percentage numbers. Voting System: Georgia uses AccuVote paperless touchscreen machines made by Premier Election Solutions statewide.
Note: Speaking of “company towns”, GA was the first, along with MD, to adopt Diebold’s wholly unverifiable touch-screen systems across the entire state. MD has since decided to replace the system with paper-based optical-systems, following scientific report after report warning about failure after failure with those Diebold touch-screen systems. MD will be replacing them for the 2010 election. The error-prone, easily-hacked, inaccurate touch-screens were first used in 2002 in GA, when Chambliss defeated incumbent Max Cleland in a surprising and controversial upset which has raised many questions about the machines, and Diebold’s now-admitted secret patching of the systems, with uncertified software, just before the election.
By "The Corporal"
November 6, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Headline After a campaign built on audacious hope, Obama moves to avoid unrealistic hype.
The masses are not going to be happy if he doesn’t deliver. They need that gas and those mortgage payments.
By RW-(the original)
November 6, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Interesting point about us all being individuals, Jay B. It sounds like you’re already bucking the President-elect who just got done telling us we aren’t individuals. Apparently we’re just cogs in some collectivist scheme of his, but with intrepid news men like you on his case we should be fine.
Soixante huitard ,
You’re on such an incredible roll of wrongheadedness today I almost hate to break your stride. Yesterday I said I would support Obama when I thought he was right and speak out when I thought he was wrong. I was immediately attacked by the left as being anti-American.
Your election analysis that presupposes that all votes in the last election were for or against skin color is patently absurd. Please carry on, I could use a good laugh when I get back from the forest. I suggest you do a comparison of the white vote breakdown in other elections first and see if your conclusion can be supported.
ragger,
Why is it that you’re a contributor to the blog and anyone that doesn’t share your narrow world view is a troll? Instead of going away why not just learn to control yourself? Perhaps if you took on someone else’s point of view on it’s merits rather than being swayed by the skillful prose in the fever swamps you’d find that many of us are perfectly happy to discuss and defend our views.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
52% of Americans think Obama is doing a good or excellent job as President-elect.—Rasmussen
Let’s hope Obama’s plans include putting polling companies out of business.
Off to the forest! See y’all upstairs at happy hour.
By Wrecked 'em
November 6, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Amen Truthman, apparently the Palinacs don’t seem as upset, when the Fox Opinion Network reveals Palin couldn’t name the members of NAFTA, didn’t know South Africa was a country inside the continent of Africa. They screamed the liberal media was attacking her, but now that the McCain team lets the secret out of the bag, she’s not smarter than a 5th grader, maybe the Repugs really do want to have someone on their level…
By AF
November 6, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Jay,
Thank you.
When Obama won, it was a moment of wonder and awe. Perhaps it is a trite way to express it but I saw the American dream fulfilled, again, the story of “You, too, can be President of the United States” kind of dream that American parents tell their child.
This time it is fulfilled for an African-American. I am a 63 year old white woman of the South. I have believed we would, at some time in some unknown future, get here. As Cynthia Tucker said, it seemed some distant “not yet” promise. When “not yet” became NOW it was emotional, a release of tension I had so long I forgot it was there, a relief that this great country had stepped closer to being all that it promises it could be.
Thank you for putting into beautiful prose what is so hard to express.
By "The Corporal"
November 6, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
To Copyleft
Check our previous blog.
By Eric1
November 6, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Cheryl is an obvious moron. The only thing she said well exposed her for what she is. I don’t know the black people she’s talking about. I don’t anyone who revels in their misery. Her comments are repulsive and baseless. While she’s welcome to think anything she likes, I’m not anxious to know her thoughts. She certainly feels comfortable spewing that garbage from behind a computer moniter, but I doubt she’d make those same comments in public.
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
You’re on such an incredible roll of wrongheadedness today I almost hate to break your stride
:-)
OK, I’ll try!
As I was saying, I think a lot of it has to be laid at the feet of the likes of Limbaugh and Hannity and the rest of the AM radio hatchet crew.
The biggest mistake ever made by Buckley in my view was the failure to really see what would happen to his movement in the hands of blowhard ideologues with a daily megaphone. Or maybe he saw it, but just was powerless to do anything about it. But if he could see what happened to his son, it would be an awakening for him I believe.
Brooks was right. When he revealingly referred to Palin as a “fatal cancer” on the party (but then never elaborated, apparently traing to backpedal somewhat), THIS is what he was talking about.
In Buckley, the ultimate Eastern elitist and man of culture, the movement’s pessimism was offset by the Catholic injunction “it’s a sin to despair” and a belief in the continuing power of the dying embers of high culture from ages past to inspire an elite remnant who carry it on for the future.
Today that movement has fallen into the hands of the Sarah Palins, which can only mean one thing: the loss of erudition and thus the core defining principle of the movement itself.
By hillbilly ragger
November 6, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
rw @ 9.46, I don’t know the answer; nobody does. Nobody is so wise that they can truly know how the other human feels and thinks.
If someone seems like a “troll” to me, that just means they’re being unnecessarily provocative, to the extent that they’re simply interested in getting noticed than in making a reasonable point. I draw that line a certain place some days, and in another place on others.
And yeah, of course I’m a “troll” sometimes too, even though I don’t think I am when I’m doing it.
By getalife
November 6, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
The crowd booing at John’s concession speech were not real Americans thinking country first.
He could help unite this country like the Clintons and the Dem party but doubt he will.
I have a feeling with a competent government we will not have much to talk about.
By PinkoNeoConLibertarian
November 6, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
There is nothing more American than questioning our elected officials when we disagree with them. It is not only our right, it is our Duty.
However, along with that Duty comes the Responsibility to acknowledge differing points of view being valid to the one who espouses them and treating them with the respect that we would expect of them toward us.
The minute people lower themselves to screaming or using derogatory names in a feeble attempt to convey contempt is the minute they have forfeited all credibility.
By Krogit
November 6, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
I’m sincerely happy that the color barrier for the office of President has been broken. Personally, I wish that it had been by Collin Powel and not by Barack Obama. However the election process is what it is and I’m content be optimistic, hopeful and supportive (to a certain point) after all 62 million of us can’t be wrong (the amount that voted Barrack into office same as George Bush).
I am curious over the lack of enthusiasm by the hyphenated Americans when Collin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Clarence Thomas were rising to the top. Instead many in the hyphenated community were denouncing them as truly being people of color. Is there a double standard? Are you only a successful hyphen if you rise to the top via the Democratic Party? Hopefully now we can watch television without the networks shoving some politically biased liberal theme in our face few seconds. Barack should send Thank you notes to “Law and Order”, “The Practice”, “The View”, everything MTV, and “Entertainment Tonight” especially for repeatedly airing Ron Howard’s political advertisement as news worthy event, clever we’d never catch onto that. I do like your article and I’m not trying to be bitter as much as I’d like to highlight bias. If I were to pander to Barack’s color and cave to my personal beliefs in a political process I wouldn’t be fair to him or me. I do believe “all men are created equal” your comment to the plasticity of the statement is correct. You do appear to frame its writer Thomas Jefferson as being prejudice towards people different race, and sex but I’m sure you know when the document was penned, the pre-dominate theory was that inequality existed within the white male race. Each prejudice has always had to be fought one at a time because we can’t see the next one until the present one is removed.
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 6, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
In my America, Avian sipping, polo playing, club hopping, non-working heirs and heiresses don’t deserve one dime of my hard earned family paycheck. No matter what they look like.
By Bosch
November 6, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Reality King,
What if those sitting at home watching daytime soaps are retirees or work at night?
Be a little more specific in your inaccurate, baseless stereotyping, will ya’?
By Truthman
November 6, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
LUCKOVICH’S CARTOON TODAY IS PRICELESS!!
HOW ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!!
And he’s going to put it back together for RW and Andi and Corporal and Dusty as well as for Truthman and AmVet and Mrs. Godzilla and Wreck’em!!
That’s what patriots do!!
By AmVet
November 6, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Proud Black Man, @ 9:22
In all of this wall to wall coverage for a year or more, your excellent point is one that did not get much air time.
I have said repeatedly that the President of the United States gets FAR too much credit and FAR too much blame. For anything and everything.
Granted, this past one is deserving of much scorn for the numerous “unfortunate” decisions he made.
But more to the point is, “What kind of example was this man?”
Would you want your kids to be like him? To use that immense power as he has?
I certainly would not.
Is our president-elect such a man?
Time will tell.
But just restoring some common decency and integrity to the White House and gathering back up the enormous good will of the American people that was so callously thrown away by Bush/Cheney, will go a long way to answering that question…
By Krogit
November 6, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
I’m sincerely happy that the color barrier for the office of President has been broken. Personally, I wish that it had been by Collin Powel and not by Barack Obama. However the election process is what it is and I’m content be optimistic, hopeful and supportive (to a certain point) after all 62 million of us can’t be wrong (the amount that voted Barrack into office same as George Bush).
I am curious over the lack of enthusiasm by the hyphenated Americans when Collin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Clarence Thomas were rising to the top. Instead many in the hyphenated community were denouncing them as truly being people of color. Is there a double standard? Are you only a successful hyphen if you rise to the top via the Democratic Party? Hopefully now we can watch television without the networks shoving some politically biased liberal theme in our face few seconds. Barack should send Thank you notes to “Law and Order”, “The Practice”, “The View”, everything MTV, and “Entertainment Tonight” especially for repeatedly airing Ron Howard’s political advertisement as news worthy event, clever we’d never catch onto that. I do like your article and I’m not trying to be bitter as much as I’d like to highlight bias. If I were to pander to Barack’s color and cave to my personal beliefs in a political process I wouldn’t be fair to him or me. I do believe “all men are created equal” your comment to the plasticity of the statement is correct. You do appear to frame its writer Thomas Jefferson as being prejudice towards people different race, and sex but I’m sure you know when the document was penned, the pre-dominate theory was that inequality existed within the white male race. Each prejudice has always had to be fought one at a time because we can’t see the next one until the present one is removed.
By matt
November 6, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
When Bill O’Reilly gripes about the attacks on the “white christian male power structure”. My ears twitch.
When McCain staff in pennsylvania broadcast a fake, racially inflamed story about a B carved on a woman’s face, I start to think hey, maybe there is something goin on.
When McCain campaign plunges into Ohio, flooding it with Rev Wright ads, When various right wing groups begin to speak with hopeful notions of the Bradley effect.
Yeah, then I think that racism is still alive and well. I’m sure most republicans voted against Obama for other reasons, but the McCain campaign as well as every other conservative knew full well that parts of this nation are racists and did quite a bit to rile them up.
We’ve got miles of video tape, of republicans of all stripes praying for the Bradley effect.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 6, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
By getalife November 6, 2008 10:05 AM The crowd booing at John’s concession speech were not real Americans thinking country first.
Wormy, wormy, wormy.
No more McOld, no more McInsane, no more lunatic foaming diatribes of hate and depravity, now that he no longer threatens the goony grip on power, back to being a lovely and adorable little “maverick.”
Same with Condi.
Good for them.
By Truthman
November 6, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
In my America, that which you do for the least of me, ye do for me!
Argue with that one!
By hillbilly ragger
November 6, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Folks, Redneck Convert is hilarious today. If you’ve spent any time at all on these comments threads, you really need to see it.
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 6, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Reality King
Competent government HAS been a oxymoron.
Think, Heck of a job Brownie, et al.
Those days are about over dude.
The Obama administration, and liberals and progressives, believe in good government. We will achieve it.
Yes we can.
By Truthman
November 6, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Just think! Right now, president-elect Obama is receiving his first Top Secret security briefings!!
Now, we can start to right the wrongs of the Cheney/Bush regime!!
By getalife
November 6, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Andy,
The battle is over, he lost. If he goes back and helps the President, he just might win some honor back.
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Did someone say ‘maverick’?
Oh, never mind. It was just another example of semantic and ideational Manglement.
By RealityKing
November 6, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
“The Obama administration, and liberals and progressives, believe in good government. We will achieve it.”
Like I said before, 1976 all over again…
By RealityKing
November 6, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
DOW - 209.16 -2.29%
That’s a whopping -666 since the chosen ones election. How ironic..
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Yep, and the ‘real’ America apparently lies leftward.
Concludes an article in The TimesOnline (UK):
The US is no longer a conservative nation. The Democrats have won a powerful mandate to move the country leftwards.
Is this why you’re saddened, Corporal?
By getalife
November 6, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
RK,
Both Bushes left recessions.
Daddy left it at 3300 so be happy it will not go that low.
Hopefully.
By Tim Palmer
November 6, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Obama won the popular vote at 53% (at least the last time I saw it posted). That means that 47% did not see him as their choice. If you did not follow the election or possible had limited access, you would think that Obama won 90% of the popular vote. This country is divided. I personally did not vote for the winning candidate, nor did I vote for McCain. I am a voting minority, picking a third party candidate that represented my personal views. I did this willingly, knowing my vote would not affect the outcome of the vote, however my vision of American did not have McCain or Obama at the top of the list. Most of us know that Congress really controls this country, the president is a figure head, a speaker, someone to represent our country. I like Jay’s article in that he points out we have a different idea of what that representation should be… we should be thankful of that, many, many countries do not have that right. So should we who did not vote for the winner give up our vision for 4 years? Tuck our tail and go back to our daily lives? Absolutely not. Voter turnout set records this time but still was below what it should be. If your candidate did not win, now is the time to start working toward helping your party gain ground in Congressional elections (2 years away) and the next Presidential elections (4 years). If your party did win, stay active anyway.
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 6, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Reality King
1976? Wrong again….
1776…..more like it.
Democrats do good government.
Republicans want to drown it in a bathtub, and they came pretty close these last 8 years.
By Tim Palmer
November 6, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Obama won the popular vote at 53% (at least the last time I saw it posted). That means that 47% did not see him as their choice. If you did not follow the election or possible had limited access, you would think that Obama won 90% of the popular vote. This country is divided. I personally did not vote for the winning candidate, nor did I vote for McCain. I am a voting minority, picking a third party candidate that represented my personal views. I did this willingly, knowing my vote would not affect the outcome of the vote, however my vision of American did not have McCain or Obama at the top of the list. Most of us know that Congress really controls this country, the president is a figure head, a speaker, someone to represent our country. I like Jay’s article in that he points out we have a different idea of what that representation should be… we should be thankful of that, many, many countries do not have that right. So should we who did not vote for the winner give up our vision for 4 years? Tuck our tail and go back to our daily lives? Absolutely not. Voter turnout set records this time but still was below what it should be. If your candidate did not win, now is the time to start working toward helping your party gain ground in Congressional elections (2 years away) and the next Presidential elections (4 years). If your party did win, stay active anyway.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 6, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Herein lies the deep seated emotional issues that all liberals harbor-
By getalife November 6, 2008 10:36 AM Andy, The battle is over, he lost. If he goes back and helps the President, he just might win some honor back.
Just a few short days ago, lovable grandpa John was a stark raving lunatic with cancerous growths covering his whole body and a penchant for sinking US battleships, today, now that he is no longer a threat to their insane lusting for goony power, all those former horrors are just water under thee bridge.
Why, it’s almost as though they were lying about THE EVILS OF JOHN MCBUSHIE!!!!
Hmmmm, but yet mere innocent mention of the words Sarah Palin brings forth shrieks, wails and gnashing of teeth from the pinko hack squad.
Really, what has changed in two days that has caused McCain to morph from Freddy Krueger The Viet Cong Lapdog Psychopath into fresh, sweet smelling Maverick Of Love?
His possible future undermining of the Republican filibuster?
Doesn’t this say it all though, the day after Kerry lost in 2004 I awoke that morning still believing that he was a repulsive America hating socialist and nothing has changed since then, even though the freak is basically harmless.
Could I have true beliefs and strong policy ideas instead of being just a Power Mongering Toady?
Like the libs are?
By getalife
November 6, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Lets talk new administration.
Rahm, the Clinton pit bull as Chief of staff.
Gibbs, who owned Hannity is Press Secretary.
He has many to choose from, especially those who stood up against w like Plame and Wilson.
He should fire all gop but might hire some new gop like Lugar and Hagel.
The most important one right now is Treasury Sec. Should be someone who knows how to regulate and no CEO of Wall Street.
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Most of us know that Congress really controls this country, the president is a figure head, a speaker, someone to represent our country
But don’t forget, Tim, just how vitally important this ‘figurehead’ is. Look at what has happened during the recent financial crisis as a result of the current president’s lack of credibility and his lame duck status. It’s dangerous and unhealthy to have a leader be this discredited.
I also disagree with you on a more structural level. The president also has the all-important role of assembling experts in various fields to form an administration, which is a vast thing with tentacles that reach deep down into the soil of the nation’s daily life. Look at what happened during Katrina when FEMA, gutted by the current administration after being one of the prides of Bill Clinton’s administration, was shown to be utterly inept and incapable of meeting the basic needs of its citizens in need. So what the president does is send signals as to what role the government - which, again, is vast, whether you’re Reagan or Roosevelt - will play and how expertise will be defined in assigning its various tasks.
If your candidate did not win, now is the time to start working toward helping your party gain ground in Congressional elections (2 years away) and the next Presidential elections (4 years). If your party did win, stay active anyway.
Well said.
By getalife
November 6, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
I know Andy.
You just have to hate and can’t let it go.
Poor guy.
By Copyleft
November 6, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
AJC-Andy: McCain apologized, and we forgive him for being dumb enough to oppose President Obama and saying all the hateful things he said.
See that? We forgive him, now that he’s admitted he was wrong. It’s just one of the many ways we liberals are better than you.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 6, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Voters didn’t just decide on the president or Congress yesterday. Among five major energy and environmental ballot initiatives from California to Missouri, all but one were voted down.
Coloradans voted for Barack Obama and environmentally-friendly Senate candidate Mark Udall over oil-industry veteran Bob Shaffer. Yet they struck down a ballot measure that would have increased taxes on the oil and gas industries to pay for more goodies such as environmental conservation and clean energy. Opponents of the measure took it as a harbinger of higher energy taxes.
The voters don’t want it so that means the libs will just have to shove it down their throats, I mean really, there are special interests groups that must be stroked.
To hell with We The People.
By Zach
November 6, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
For myself, I’ll be happy not having to cringe in embarrassment for my country every time the President speaks at a news conference.
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Did someone say ‘maverick’?
I swear I’m hearing things these days.
By Soixante huitard
November 6, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Those effete cheese-eaters are at it again. Just listen to that Frenchy Cohen meddling in how things should work here in the US, as if they know better what being American is all about.
“I voted in Brooklyn. There was a two-hour line. I got to talking to the woman behind me. I told her that as a naturalized American I was voting for the first time. When I emerged from the voting booth the woman said: “Congratulations.:
That single word said a lot about citizenship as an idea and a responsibility, rather than a thing of blood or ethnicity or race.
And it occurred to me that Obama’s core conviction about the American saga — his belief in the connectedness of all Americans — stemmed from his own unlikely experience of American transformation. .”
See, it’s an idea that makes America so powerful.
By Paul
November 6, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
matt 10:22
[[When Bill O’Reilly gripes about the attacks on the “white christian male power structure”. My ears twitch.]]
Why? Do you want to preserve it? Wouldn’t it be better if there were more people in postitions of power telling guests, ‘look, the up and comers are going to break down this white power structure. With my skin and position I’m part of it and I’m okay with it. Why do you feel threatened?”
Truthman 10:25
[[In my America, that which you do for the least of me, ye do for me!]]
Does that include the people on matt’s videotape praying for the Bradley Effect?
(just funnin’)
your 10:31
When I heard on NPR this morning he received his first Presidential Daily Brief I laughed as I imagined the first two words that must’ve come to his mind as he listened to what he’s really facing..
I can’t print’em here…
LOL!
[[Now, we can start to right the wrongs of the Cheney/Bush regime!!]]
You mean, like not enough Predator strikes in Pakistan, no ground troops in Pakistan, not invading African nations ‘cause they don’t treat each other nice?
I was kinda’ happy with some of the wrongs…
By Truthman
November 6, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Paul,
You mean, like not enough Predator strikes in Pakistan, no ground troops in Pakistan, not invading African nations ‘cause they don’t treat each other nice?
Exactly!! There’d be no American dead in Iraq, but bin Laden would probably be dead!
By Dee
November 6, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
your comment about Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence shows you need to do more research. There is a whole lot more to it than you (obviously) know. So I dare you to research the real history of the writing of the Declaration of Independence.
By ThatOneBaldGuy
November 6, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
I was never completely sold on either McCain or Obama. I’m still not.
I love this country, the greatest country on Earth, the greatest country that has ever been. What I want from my Congressman, my Senators, and my President is that they love this country, too. If they do I can respect them even if we disagree. And if we disagree, they are still my Congressman, my Senators, and my President.
What I struggle with every day is the way that “conservatives” and “liberals” snipe and pick at each other with such hatred. Just stop it. We are ALL Americans, and it is un-American to accuse someone of being un-American just because they see things differently than you. We as Americans have the right and duty to debate issues and express our opinion. Anything else is servile and repugnant.
I will judge a new President based on his actions and what he achieves or fails to achieve, not because he is a “D” or and “R”.
I urge every American to get involved. Contact your Representative, Senators, and President about issues and state your opinion. If we all do that, we CAN hold our government accountable to the American people, something that needs to be done and hasn’t been done in some time. Our middle class is shrinking because while we are the largest part of the electorate, we are the least represented in Washington because of our own stupidity, laziness, and infighting.
I personally believe that both parties LOVE the division and mutual hatred among our citizenry, because it lets them do what they want. If there is any group that is truly capable of threatening our freedom, it is not the fundamentalists, the feminists, the gays, the NRA, or any of them. It’s our own government. THAT has been proven time after time after time throughout history.
Damn it, wake up. We don’t inherit this country from our parents, we borrow it from our children. If we’re going to leave a country for them that’s as good as or better than the one we got, it’s time to start talking to our government and sharing our gripes with them, not each other.
Get past stupid ideology, name-calling, and finger-pointing and start thinking about your country. Everything you are and everything you have is because you have the good fortune to live in the most amazing place on Earth. Start loving it as much yourself and start treating your fellow Americans as your countrymen, because that’s what they are. If we want the politicians to pull their heads out, we have to pull ours out first and make them.
By TN Gelding
November 7, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
ThatOneBaldGuy
November 6, 2008 2:57 PM
Great posting.
The politicians keep the wedge issues alive to divert attention from the real problems.