Home > Jay Bookman > Archives > 2009 > January > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTuesday, America’s promise will be kept
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On Jan. 20, 2008, a longshot candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination came to Atlanta to speak at the home church of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the occasion of the King holiday.
That isn’t so long ago, but a lot has changed. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs, their homes or both; many others lucky enough to still collect paychecks are anxious about their future and that of their family, and roughly $7 trillion in value has disappeared from Wall Street, destroying not just wealth but confidence.
Much has changed for that one-time longshot as well. Tomorrow, one year to the day from his speech in Atlanta, Barack Obama will take the oath of office, becoming our nation’s 44th president and our first of African heritage.
To celebrate the event, Americans of every race, creed and age are converging by the millions on Washington. Hundreds of millions, perhaps billions, both in this country and around the world, will gather to watch on television as Obama delivers his inaugural address, probably the most anticipated in living memory.
In fact, the popularity and even reverence in which Obama is already held by some is a little disconcerting. Part of it can be attributed to Obama’s own gifts, and part to an eagerness to change leadership after eight years under a president widely perceived as a failure. But there’s also a whiff of desperation to the fervor, a sense that the crowd wants more from Obama than any one person can deliver.
I suspect Obama will say as much in his address. If his past rhetoric is any guide, he will speak in terms of “we,” not of “I,” stressing the idea that he alone, and government alone, cannot solve our problems. In fact, he may draw heavily on the dual themes of his speech a year ago at Ebenezer Baptist, in which he preached about the importance of unity and the power of hope.
In that speech, Obama noted the importance that King himself had placed upon unity as a force for good.
“‘Unity is the great need of the hour. Unity is how we shall overcome’,” Obama said, quoting King. “It is the great need of this hour as well. Not because it sounds pleasant; not because it makes us feel good; but because it’s the only way we can overcome the essential deficit that exists in this country.”
That deficit, Obama said, was not the budget deficit or trade deficit, but a moral deficit. A people that no longer thought it important to look out for one another —- that in fact saw it as a sign of weakness —- could not thrive in the years ahead, he suggested. But through unity and sacrifice, the hope of progress could never be a false hope.
“Imagining and then fighting for and struggling for and sometimes dying for what didn’t seem possible before —- there are no false hopes in that,” Obama said. “Imagine if John F. Kennedy had looked up at the moon and said, ‘That’s too far —- false hopes, we can’t go there.’ Imagine if Dr. King had stood on the Lincoln Memorial and said, ‘Y’all go home. We can’t overcome.’”
Earlier this month, Obama and his family paid a visit of their own to the Lincoln Memorial, a step widely interpreted as evidence of Obama’s interest in Lincoln. Presidents have long found comfort in stories of their predecessors. President Bush, for example, has cited his own father, along with Ronald Reagan, Teddy Roosevelt and Harry Truman, as his role models.
Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, looking out at the reflecting pool and beyond it to the Capitol, Obama probably had thoughts of King as well.
On those same steps in 1963, speaking on live national television, King stressed the importance of acting in “the fierce urgency of now.”
King spoke of the power of unity, noting that “many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.”
In that same speech, of course, King also spoke of his hopes for America, his dream that one day this country would make good on its promise of equality and freedom. Obama is proof that too was not a false hope.
Comments
By BDAtlanta
January 19, 2009 8:31 AM | Link to this
America is back on track!!!
By Copyleft
January 19, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this
Looking forward to a great eight years (though a lot will be devoted to repairing the damage of the previous administration).
By Eric1
January 19, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this
Finally!
By what is this world coming to?
January 19, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this
And by “we” obummer is referring to the fact that he plans to take what is mine and make it yours. He talks about unity but we’ll see how much unity he’s interested in once he, pelosi, and reid begin trying to push through legislation that will create far more division than unity. Yes the country could use more unity - by realizing that we are the greatest country in the world, that nations who oppose us and who are jealous of us should get out of the way, and that giving special treatment to certain groups of people (whether it be based on income, race, or gender) does more harm than good. Just wait a few months; there will probably be a lot of people questioning the “change”.
By AJC/DNC Management
January 19, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this
{{{{The shimmering image of Obama we see in the media at the moment is not the man himself but, rather, a dim reflection of the commentators’ grandiose self-image, adorned with the obscure glamour of a year-round suntan.-The Australian}}}}
{{{{Rah Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah Oblahma Oblahma Yah Yah Blah!!-Urinal/Kult of BaraKKK}}}}
By Mrs. Godzilla
January 19, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this
Fooey on the sour grapes!
Y’all are missing a great time, your loss.
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this
There was never a promise to elect the most liberal person ever (black or white, male or female) to the off of president. That is sad for our political direction, our foreign policy, our individual liberties, our unborn children and thus our entire future.
God’s word teaches us to pray for our leaders and I will do that but always in the context of may God’s will be done.
By Paul
January 19, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this
[[a lot has changed]] – in the context of the burning issues of the campaign, isn’t it interesting a major issue that propelled Pres-elect Obama to the top of the heap was the ‘failure’ in Iraq and how quickly and quietly that became a nonissue in the primaries, the general election and in the media?
But back to your thread. A major test to ‘unity’ will be what Spkr Pelosi does – not what she says.
Do you think that possibly, as the child of a recent immigrant, not the descendant of slaves (although regardless of recent ancestry, he did have to contend with the residual effluent of that experience and its lingering attitudes, same as SecState General Powell), that Obama’s interest was also in how Lincoln dealt with the incredible divisiveness and political hatred that existed in this country not just during, but after the Civil War? And how it was the victors who continued some of the most spiteful hatred?
Many here reflexively mock any Biblical reference, but as Dr. King, a minister, was cited throughout this thread, I’ll offer an example I think appropriate. A guy named Lot and his family were being led by an angel (can represent light, inspiration, etc) from a pretty lousy place (people were pretty selfish – oh, and no doctrinal or interpretive challenges, please. That’s not the object here). They were told to not look back but to keep looking and moving forward. His wife looked back at the place they’d just left and “turned into a pillar of salt.” Did she really? Who knows, but salt was used to preserve food – it stopped the growth of anything, good or bad, it kept it locked in time – and you can’t move forward as well if you’re always looking back and obsessing.
And in Pres-elect Obama I see a guy who as a matter of course looks at the now and future – he doesn’t keep looking back. That’s part of the “promise” of America.
By DutyOfficer
January 19, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this
There was never a promise to elect the most liberal person ever (black or white, male or female) to the off of president. That is sad for our political direction, our foreign policy, our individual liberties, our unborn children and thus our entire future.
AT EASE Gomer!
By AJC/DNC Management
January 19, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this
Duhzilla: The same mindless machinery of fiction that spent the last 8 years tearing down the office of the President of the United States has now been redirected into blowing up Oblahma into some sort of magnificent gift to mankind.
Unity?
Puh leeze.
{{{{Rah Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah Oblahma Oblahma Yah Yah Blah!!-Urinal/Kult of BaraKKK}}}}
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 9:23 AM | Link to this
Duty Officer
Sorry pal but you are no longer in my chain of command. Rocks and shoals out back?
Worship of a national leader by lemmings is “fraught with peril” and never a good idea.
By DB, Gwinnettian
January 19, 2009 9:23 AM | Link to this
Nice piece. Dovetails with my personal assessment of being “cautiously optimistic” about the four years ahead, with an emphasis on the “cautious.” Although I’m not quite as much of a Debbie Downer as you about Obama’s prospects for accomplishing what he sets out to do—he’s proven me wrong too many times so far, already.
Having said that, I never doubted since, oh, about mid-2007 that the man had what it took to win the nomination and the election. So I’ll take one last nitpicky issue with your characterization of Obama’s candidacy as “longshot” this time last year; I think anyone who’d been paying attention knew that he was a far more talented campaigner than his competition. The only open question really was what kind of coattails did the Clintons have, and they weren’t enough to compensate for a sometimes shaky, unfocused campaign.
Enjoy the festivities, Jay. You’ve earned ‘em. Wish I could be there in DC. But as Lou Reed once sang, “Some of us people, we gotta work.”
(and yeah, I know you’re workin’ today, but I hope this effort is truly a labor of love for you.)
Oh, and Andy? Please don’t forget to quote from the American Spectator profusely in the days ahead. Because whenever you do, it reminds me of what your heroes have become as a result of their crap, shock doctrine ideology.
By Mrs. Godzilla
January 19, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this
Andy….
Sorry you can’t be a good enough American to celebrate the moment!
Your loss.
Garth Brooks rocked last night and Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen made tears roll down my cheeks.
The audacity of hope….try it, you’ll like it.
By Paul
January 19, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
AJC/DNC Management
Luckovich’s ‘toon today kinda illustrates my earlier post. However, true to form, he had the Reps continuing the attitudes of some Dems, not Dems continuing their old attitudes.
Lots of talk about the transition, little credit to the unprecedented involvement and completely new steps being taken, unasked, by the outgoing Administration (altho CBS Sunday Morning show had a good segment). Regardless, I think this ‘toon pretty well sums up Pres Bush’s motivation in all this:
Link: [Why Bush is Handling the Transition As He Is}(http://www.investors.com/editorial/cartoon.asp)
BTW - the others on that page are pretty good, too
By mm
January 19, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this
It’s killing the wingnuts that Obama has yet to do something evil that they’ve been predicting.
Bwa.
By Uncle Sam
January 19, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this
Uncle Sam wants you to embrace the change. Feel the energy. Leave that which is old and stale for the history books and move forward. We will, we will, ROCK YOU!
Everybody! Keep an eye on Biden. He may be holding back for the right moment but I think he can dance too. Ellen has already shown us that Barack and Michelle can get down. Now, we need to see Joe and Jill strut their stuff and the evening of dance will be complete. There will be plenty of business to get down to once the first and second couples have had a chance to show us that they can get down and boogey. We Will, We Will, ROCK YOU!
Everybody!
By mm
January 19, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this
We’ve had Bush say “I’m the decider”.
We’ve had Cheney say “Who cares what the American public wants”.
No wonder true Americans are looking at Obama as the savior. He’s saving us from 8 years of tyranny.
You don’t thumb your nose at the people who elected you.
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this
“I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” Thomas Jefferson
The day after tomorrow, those lined up for government assistance will still not be happy. In fact, when the miracles do not occur, they will become increasingly unhappy with their deliverer.
By AJC/DNC Management
January 19, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
Senator Horse Face’s housekeeper tells us why she will be a bueno Congressman-
{{{{Senora Kennedy she is from famous senator family. Senora Kennedy father was El Presidente. She have tio who is senator. She have many cousin who also is senator, even all the ones with the drug problems. Why she is only one who no is senator? This is no fair to her. In my old country was the law that all family of el Presidente is also Senator or Minister until the revolucion.-Iowa Hawk.}}}}
Si.
By CommunistAJC
January 19, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this
Bookman, I’m ALWAYS weary of the media building up people. Especially politicians. You’re in for a hard crash landing comrade. Just read an article that said that Obama will keep unemployment below ten percent. Last time I checked Bush did that already. Buckle up ladies and gentlemen and transgendered. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.
By Paul
January 19, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this
Management
Let’s try that link again for the non cut-n-pasters:
Link: Why Bush is Handling the Transition As He Is
By CommunistAJC
January 19, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
Late Show Top Ten
Top Ten Signs Obama’s Getting Nervous
By Copyleft
January 19, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this
“Worship of a national leader by lemmings is fraught with peril and never a good idea.”
Good point, Corporal… I keep wondering when the Republicans are going to give up nominating Ronald Reagan for sainthood.
By AJC/DNC Management
January 19, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
!!!!!Off Topic Comment #2!!!!!!
{{{{In other words, during what was supposed to be massive global warming, the biggest chunks of ice on earth grew larger. Just as an aside, do you remember when the hole in the ozone layer was going to melt Antarctica? But don’t worry, we’re safe now, that was the nineties.}}}}
{{{{Dr. Kunihiko, Chancellor of Japan’s Institute of Science and Technology said this: “CO2 emissions make absolutely no difference one way or the other … every scientist knows this, but it doesn’t pay to say so.” Now why would a learned man say such a crazy thing?-MichiganLive}}}}
Brrrrrrr, damn, it’s cold outside.
By DB, Gwinnettian
January 19, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this
“Offered governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, $100,000 to buy his old Senate seat back”
That’s a good ‘un.
Commie, in the spirit of national unity, I will proclaim right now that any guy who loves White Castle and MST3K can’t be all bad. Perhaps we’ll find other common ground in the years ahead.
By getalife
January 19, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this
As I proud Independent who knows both parties suk, all he has to do is govern for the middle class and poor to even up the last eight years.
The number one rule in politics is never, ever trust a politician so my expectations of Obama is just even it up.
By Redneck Convert
January 19, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this
Well, I reckon Bookman is blaming My President for the problems in the economy. When everybody knows it’s Clinton’s fault. If he had of left that intern alone, God wouldn’t be punishing us today.
Anyhow, I can’t hardly wait till this Obama does something wrong so we can start talking about impeaching him. Things have come to a sorry pass when the best President we ever had will be flying back home to Texas tomorrow and this sorry excuse for a rabble rouser takes over. I just hope AJC Commie don’t have a stroke when Obama gets swore in. I can take it, but I’m not sure he can.
Have a good day everybody.
By what is this world coming to?
January 19, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this
$160 million spent on inauguration activities. More money spent in DC nightclubs than at any point since recession hit. (with many patrons probably complaining about being able to afford mortgage and car payments). 10 inaugural balls (with many networks broadcasting them all day long and calling it “news”). More worry over what kind of dog the kids will have than the kind of policies their father wants to sign into law. If this is the kind of “hope” and “change” that obama promised to this country, it’s no wonder so many legislators wanted to leave town. The media, hollywood, and too many clueless voters have proven once and for all that obama is nothing more than a celebrity. Never before has so much superficial hype surrounded an incoming president. Yes, electing a black president is significant; but just as it was not a good enough reason to base a vote on 2 months ago, it’s not a good enough reason to turn such a large mass of people into celebrity worshipers. Just give the kool-aid a few months to settle and then see if it still tastes sweet.
By AJC/DNC Management
January 19, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
{{{{To celebrate the event, Americans of every race, creed and age are converging by the millions on Washington.}}}}
Hotels.com, Washington DC, 1/19/09- 1/20/09, Rooms available
I guess there aren’t that many “news” reporters in America.
Have fun at YOUR party.
By Bosch
January 19, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this
Paul,
Wow, that was an awesome post @ 9:13. The Lot reference? Priceless. Master Card would be proud. I think you need to apply to be the next conservative columnist.
getalife,
Independent? That reminds me of Lou Dobbs and you are NOTHING like him. He was practically about to explode the other night covering that plane crash because he couldn’t blame someone for something or complain about anything.
To all,
Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. I hope you all remember the sacrifices and vision of that man, and may we all work for progress to improve the continuing social experiment we call the United States of America.
By Uncle Sam
January 19, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this
It’s the end of the world as we know and that’s what the world is coming to. Embrace the change.
By The Messiah
January 19, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah, right, a good leader who is throwing a $150MILLION “coming out” party while he crys about our economy being in the gutter!!!!!He could have “fixed” lots of things, like starving children, if he had gone for a normal inauguration.History will be made allright-150 MILLION of it for the coronation of the king! Where is the outrage from you pandering writers for this record breaking waste of money that you heaped on GB who spent only $40 mill?????
By Mrs. Godzilla
January 19, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this
The media myth about the cost of Obama’s inauguration
The old rules still apply, if a GOP’er says it, it probably aint true.
By Bullseye
January 19, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this
A must read for today. http://www.usconstitution.net/dream.html
By Paul
January 19, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this
Messiah 10:50
[[He could have “fixed” lots of things, like starving children, if he had gone for a normal inauguration.]]
Maybe, considering the times and the historic nature, this is a “normal” scope for this inauguration?
Bosch
Glad you appreciated it. Conservative columnist? Well, thanks but no thanks. My experience is conservative readership are okay with conservative columnists who criticize other conservatives for straying from “conservative principles” by they aren’t too accommodating to those who lead with ideas that directly contradict “conservative principles.”
Come to think of it, same holds true for the liberal base and their columnists, although I think Jay pushes the boundaries with some of his threads.
I caught your speculation on the Cylon/Earth/Human thing. Laughed, as I’d had a discussion with a friend on the very same ideas. I thought I was complimenting the guy when I said I was amazed at such creative thought from an engineer. Apparently engineers don’t consider that a compliment.
But we came to the conclusion that many of the plot elements derive from one more round at the bar!
By Dusty
January 19, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
OK
I’ll just wait and see what happens after the coronation. Is Queen Elizabeth coming to see if she has been outdone? I read that Bow Wow was coming.
By Jumping Jacks in a Flash
January 19, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
How does one pull up 2000 year old memories.
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this
To Copyleft
Reagan was a humble man.
Obama is an arrogant man.
To All
Obamunism starts at noon tomorrow.
Off Topic
Since PETA wants to call fish sea-kittens, maybe Obama can issue an executive order tomorrow afternoon designating unwanted unborn babies as fetus-kittens.
Maybe at least that might help save a few lives?
By Bosch
January 19, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this
Paul,
Which is EXACTLY the reason you should apply. Change. Remember? It’s the topic of the day. You could be the standard by which all columnist aspire to. Think about it - you could be famous, be a pundit on the news channels, then we could all sit around and blog about how crazy you are. It’d be great!
And, I don’t think there’s anything funny about “we all may be Cylons” hypothesis. This is real life, man. :-)
Dusty,
I was talking to my mom last night and she was talking about the Queen’s coronation and how her second grade teacher walked them all down to her house to watch it. My mom and my sisters woke me up at 4:00 in the morning to watch Princess Diana and Prince Charles get married - I fell back asleep almost immediately, but they were very excited. Watched the coverage ALL day. I remember watching the first time the Space Shuttle took off - we watched it when I was in school - it was very exciting.
Believe it or not, many, many Americans are that excited about tomorrow.
By RW-(the original)
January 19, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this
You know Jay B, I have to agree with hillbilly ragger.
—-that felt strange to type—-
One year ago today, or tomorrow, Obama was hardly a longshot. He may have still been a slight underdog, but he had long since left the ranks of the Ralph Naders of the world.
And of course he’ll talk about “we” instead of “I.” Does “We are the ones, we’ve been waiting for” ring any bells? Surely that didn’t mean he and hairplugs.
By Copyleft
January 19, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this
Trying to change the subjecd since your own comment came back to bite you, Corporal? I’m not a bit surprised.
It seems that “fawning worship” is okay when it’s Reagan, but should be roundly condemned in Obama’s case, hmm? Hypocrisy, thy name is conservatism.
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this
To Dusty
Plese see When Bush told us to just go shopping
To Copyleft
Sorry, nice try:
For Reagan it was political admiration.
For Obama it’s mass hysteria and celebrity worship by people who “mostly” can’t even tell you who their two senators are.
BIG difference ……….. and too bad if you can’t see it ……….. makes you part of the psychology.
*Sonar to bridge ……… *
By Andy the Welcher
January 19, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this
Whine wingnuts whine… What does Pride come before?
Nothing changes tomorrow, nothing. Corporate interests still rule the day, it becomes Non-profit corps and those engaging in liberal causes that benefit, no longer oil and defense contractors, but it’s all the same.
The Corporal with still be boastful and sure that he’s gods martyr, and Andy will still be a welcher and a moron. Nothing changes tomorrow, but we’ll have a mucher nicer looking first lady…
By GayGrayGeek
January 19, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this
Copyleft @ 11:57 - The Wingnuts, Republican’t’s, and Republican’t Wingnuts apparently believe that workshipping anyone other than St. Ronnie and The Blessed Nancy means worshipping False Idols…
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this
To Andy the Welcher
Pathetic that you would say that about the current 1st Lady especially based on how kind the Bush’s have been to the Obama’s during the transition ….. but it doesn’t surprise me.
What changes tomorrow is that we will swear in as President the most liberal person in the history of this Republic. If you think that is good ….. fine ….. time will tell.
58 million of us think otherwise.
Stay tuned.
By Shawny
January 19, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this
Media Matters is a lefty blog. Sure, Newsmax and the other source may have been slanted when talking about the $160M cost, but here ABC says it is $170M.
What recession?
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this
Jay
Please delete Ramona! Is no one watching these to catch them before they get posted?
To Andy the Welcher
Excuse me: I meeant most liberal President (not person).
By DB, Gwinnettian
January 19, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this
Ramona, are you upset because you couldn’t become RNC chair?
By Andy the Welcher
January 19, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this
Ahhhh….
You read into my statement what you wish to, much like your prayers that Obama fails.
I never said anything other than I think Michelle Obama is nicer looking than Mrs. Bush, does that automatically mean that I’m saying I find Laura Bush unattractive??? In fact I think Laura Bush was the classiest person in all of Dubya’s failed administration.
At least I’m not openly wishing for, and advocating, her abject failure to the detriment of the entire country, so that my political ideology will triumph, all the while tossing out bible verses to make up for my hubris and my lack of adherance to the scriptures I quote.
Oh, and don’t make bets with Andy because: Andy’s a welcher
ew
By AmVet
January 19, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this
The “unity theme” of we are all in this together, is the medicine this nation desperately needs after years of the toxic disease of “Screw you, I’m with the decider”. Lets hope it is not a placebo.
The vast majority of Americans are willing and eager to move forward, as a rational, reasonable people, knowing full well that the enormous problems we face, are going to affect ALL of us, not just Democrats, Independents or Republicans. Black and white, rich and poor, we are indivisible and are still seeking that elusive liberty and justice for all.
And the decent among us, of course, have always prevailed over the indecent and irresponsible. (Notwithstanding the abuse and plundering of the nation’s resources as witnessed recently.) And this election, as much as anything, symbolizes that broad array of good and different peoples who have come together.
Yes, there are the 22%ers, who are certain to blame Obama for anything and everything. And are already doing so. Though the man has yet to spend one second as the leader of the free world.
They will call him a socialist, though the most infamous American socialists in history are getting ready to leave our White House. They will call him an income redistributionist, though the scourge of corporate welfare has ballooned over the past few decades under the “leadership” of these men. They will call him a lover of terrorists and an Arab, though they know naught of what they speak.
So the time has finally arrived when these outdated voices of intolerance, intransigence and partisan hate, as embodied in this fake conservatism, will not be heard in any meaningful way, over this new and deafening roar of good will by an American people determined to reclaim our role as the shining beacon of light on the hill. And they may never again.
Godspeed Mr. Obama.
A new day of light is at hand.
ONE MORE DAY .
By Mrs. Godzilla
January 19, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this
Shawny,
Yes Media Matters is a liberal website.
Did you happen to read it? Perhaps attempt to check it’s veracity? For that matter did you do any research on your own on the subject?
Obama’s is more expensive, but did you happen to note that the figure being tossed around for the cost of W’s inauguration did not include about 100 million for security and crowd control? While the estimate for Obama’s does include that? When comparing them fairly and honestly the increase is not too substantial - especially when you take into consideration the expected crowd this year. (Can’t quickly find data on how many attended Bush inauguration but Clinton’s 2nd only had 250,000)
Shawny, and all the rest of you - this is the kind of silliness that has cost the GOP respect.
By RW-(the original)
January 19, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this
When something like that 12:13 can even get posted before eventually being deleted it really makes you wonder what the point of this insipid delay really is.
By DB, Gwinnettian
January 19, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this
RW, the insipid delay has kept us safe from terrorists since 9/11.
By Paul
January 19, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla
I like my reason of inauguration costs of “and that’s as it should be” better. Succinct. No apologies. States it as if it’s obvious.
By Tom
January 19, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
Yes! BushDrunk will soon be done and gone. America’s most spectacularly incompetent footnote, the oily residue left on the pavement after his administrations giant SUV of ineptitude is nearly ready to be hauled to the crusher. And no matter how bleak and tense things are now, he can never ever come back!
In time, there will be no further need, when traveling abroad, to say, “I’m Canadian.” Or…German. Or…. We may lay aside that false evangelical panic/religiosity. No more need to pretend that everybody is deeply steeped in hateful homophobic intolerance. With luck, the Nation will again slowly cleanse itself. It is good.
By Paul
January 19, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla
Guy just called into O’Reilly taking him to task for “all the negative coverage you give Obama.” He was asked for one example. His example was “well, today you reported that Rev Wright is speaking in Washington DC during the inauguration.”
That’s biased coverage?
A few callers later a guy called in asking BOR when he and Obama were going to get married ‘cause BOR “loves him so much.”
Perception, Mrs. G. It’s all perception.
By RW-(the original)
January 19, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
hillbilly ragger,
It couldn’t have because the delay only hit the scene a couple of years ago and for no apparent reason. Sort of like the italics vanishing here a few days ago.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I bet the various service workers are glad the Obama coronation is sparing no expense after they lost their butts when the federal government started shaming troubled companies out of schmoozing their best clients.
It kind of makes you wonder how these companies are expected to pay us back if we aren’t going to let them advertise or market themselves effectively, but I digress.
By @@
January 19, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this
Speaking for myself only, jay, unity is inconceivable.
If the resulting and well-deserved, I might add, blowback directed towards the leftist pundits and bloggers impedes Obama’s progress, then so be it.
Let the stench stick where it may.
By Paul
January 19, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
@@
I think the reaction of the farfarleft to Pres-elect Obama’s picks and policy refinements is that “unity” meant “do it our way.”
By Andy the Welcher
January 19, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this
Nuff said… Some of are just incapable of seeing any other POV than your narrow view. @@,Andy,Dusty, and Corporal are prime examples of those who know the true path.
Why, pray tell, are you 4 not running for office? Perhaps because it’s easier to sit back and whine than to actually DO anything to help us all see “the light”???
speaking of stench… Whine wingnuts whine… and pray for failure, because that validates your political ideology and that’s what matters most.
Andy’s a welcher
ew
By CommunistAJC
January 19, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this
Corporal of the Guard, Bookman only pulls conservative comments. Not ignorant trailer trash libs like Romona.
By AmVet
January 19, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
Unlike his imperious predecessor, we can always hope that PE Obama shows some basic integrity and respect for the United States Constitution.
This president never found an article therein he wouldn’t circumvent, given a chance.
Nearly 250 years later and we’re still trying to end taxation without representation.
Long live the King! The King is dead!
01-20-09 Mission Accomplished.
By @@
January 19, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
AtWelcher:
(((Why, pray tell, are you 4 not running for office?)))
Because the Office of President is a difficult undertaking. It comes complete with complex decision-making responsibilities that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.
That ^^^ is an intricate detail that you leftist bloggers have overlooked for the past eight years. You’re too simple-minded to appreciate the vast realities of the office.
Eeewwwww, indeed. For you uber-leftists, President Obama may prove to be the biggest welcher when it comes to the “likes” of people such as yourself.
By Paul
January 19, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this
AmVet 1:22
[[we can always hope that PE Obama shows some basic integrity and respect for the United States Constitution]]
Until it comes to the rights and privileges of the Executive vs the Legislative. I don’t think Pres-elect Obama is going to make a list and turn them all back over to Congress.
By mm
January 19, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this
Bush was always good at fudging numbers:
He left the security bill out of the total for his inauguration.
He left food and energy out of his monthly inflation numbers.
And best of all, he lied about the recession for over a year.
You just can’t trust that guy to tell the truth. Or any wingnut, for that matter.
By Andy the Welcher
January 19, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this
Exactly! Whining is much easier! Well played.
Am I one of “those people” now?
That’s the problem with Uber-rightists like you and the Hillbilly from Wasilla, you’re only american if you support “us”… otherwise you’re one of “those people”… Nice.
Oh, BTW don’t bet with Andy because: Andy’s a welcher.
ew
By Paul
January 19, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
mm 1:35
[[He left food and energy out of his monthly inflation numbers.]]
Dept of Labor’s done that for decades. You really don’t think Pres Obama will direct the Dept of Labor to include it, do you?
Note: there are a couple of different inflation indices. One includes, one doesn’t. They’re used for different purposes.
By mm
January 19, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this
@@ at 1:23,
“Because the Office of President is a difficult undertaking. It comes complete with complex decision-making responsibilities that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.”
That explains completely why Bush was a failure.
By @@
January 19, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this
AtWelcher:
(((Am I one of “those people” now?)))
Your posts would indicate that you’re a leftist.
What or who did you think I meant?
By mm
January 19, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this
Paul,
So you’re saying Bush chose to use the index that excludes them. Same difference.
By AmVet
January 19, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
Paul, agreed.
Remember the Contact on America? Remember the ONE thing Slick Willy liked about it? Yep, the Line Item Veto.
One day soon when you look up the term US Congress in a thesaurus, you’ll see words like spineless and abdication of responsibility.
I know that some here rely almost exclusively on faith, and abhor facts and numbers; nonetheless a couple come to mind at this auspicious occasion.
Federal Debt Jan. 20, 2001 - $5.6Trillion
Federal Debt Jan. 20, 2009 -$10.6Trillion
Federal Deficit Jan. 20, 2001 - $220Billion
Federal Deficit Jan. 20, 2009 - $407Billion (And that’s if you believe the lie that defense spending only increased 64%.)
The steal and spend BushCo never met a bloated bill he would veto.
Not one.
In fact to show you how the legislative branches and executive branches under the apparatchik Republicans merged into THE singular Exulative branch, Bush went more than five years without exercising his veto power AT ALL(!) simply because he did not have to: the lockstep Republicans who controlled Congress gave him everything he wanted.
But those days are through.
79,200 seconds.
By Bud Wiser
January 19, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
If success were to be predicated on one’s expectations, then we would all be as rich as Bill Gates, and as smart as Albert Einstein.
Equally, if success is predicated upon one’s political affiliation, then the rewards are meaningless unless shared by all. The last eight years have had mixed blessings…. we are safer than before, but at a very steep price. We are not as well off as before, and hopefully the new administration will not further wreck the economy; hell, we’ve already had the train wreck, we don’t need now to be bulldozed over the side of the cliff as well.
I wish the new president well, but with what I’ve seen so far as appointments, my expectations have been considerably diminished. We need more Clintonians back in Washington like a diabetic needs to sit down with a gallon of Blue Bell ice cream, and a spoon.
By david wayne osedach, san diego/ U.S.A.
January 19, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this
The demands on President Obama are enormous. He will have a short honeymoon (in office) as many are suffering from the economy. He is only one man. Let him do his best.
By Paul
January 19, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this
mm
Uh, no. The Dept of Labor publishes both. My recollection (in spite of the number of posts, I do not have time right now to go back and check) is that some in the Administration said “but if you discount for these two factors the rate is the same or lower than it’s been” and Administration opponents jumped all over that, even accusing the Administration of “misleading” Americans.
I think it was a poor argument - kinda like saying “hey, your body’s in the same shape it’s always been… discounting for those extra 40 pounds…”
AmVet
[[Remember the ONE thing Slick Willy liked about it? Yep, the Line Item Veto.]]
Yup, the view always changes when you’re on the other side of the fence.
Your numbers? That’s why I argued that when Reps accused the Dems of “Tax and Spend” Dems should’ve said “It sure beats your No Tax but Still Spend! “
Have you noticed? Many in America followed the Rep (Congress and Administration) and Dem (Congress) examples with their personal lives - Spend and Spend!!!
By Mrs. Godzilla
January 19, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this
Romona has been pulled and “banned”.
By Paul
January 19, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this
Mrs. G 2:19
That’s one of the nice things about this blog -
By Mike
January 19, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
Here’s hoping that Obama has great success. We need him to.
By Dusty
January 19, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this
Would you folks mind holding all the applause for Obama until he becomes president?
He has done nothing yet because he is NOT YET PRESIDENT.
And PLEASE don’t say on Wednesday morning that the country has changed and all problems have been solved. At least wait over the weekend before you tell us that Washington is now WonderLand and Alice the Omnipotent has stepped through the mirror and changed it all.
JUST WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS, will ya’!!!!
By Dusty
January 19, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this
Dear Paul,12:38
Awwwww…’they’ did not include the cost of HANGOVER CURES after the staggering sufficency of forth coming parties in D.C.. Now I ask you”Is that fair?” Even Clingons (or Cligons..whatever) can figure better than that!
By Mrs. Godzilla
January 19, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this
Dusty,
He has already accomplished a mighty feat.
Have you seen his approval rating? It requires that about half the folks who voted for McCain are pleased with him so far and are willing to be patient because of the situation our Nation finds itself in.
By Paul
January 19, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this
Dusty
LOL! I read your 2:30 post and thought “Plenty of Reps’ll use the occasion to Party Hearty! Dems and Reps’ll both join each other in celebration and they’ll both have some great hangovers!”
Then came your 2:44. Ah, great minds thinking alike…
(See, Mrs G? So much for humility!).
out for a while -
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this
To My Conservative and Liberal Friends
I just submitted this as an editorial letter for tomorrow. Wish me luck or not …..
AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
“Dear Sir: You are now my President. I did not vote for you because I had hoped for a conservative as the first African-American President, an event which was overdue. However, as a Christian I am commanded to pray for those in positions of authority. My primary prayer will be for your personal safety in a very dangerous world. I will also pray that your heart will be softened and changed regarding the plight of our unborn children, that you will never appease evil and those who seek to destroy our Republic and that you will have the wisdom to appoint Supreme Court justices who will interpret and not usurp our Constitution. May God bless you Mr. President and may God bless America.”
By AJC/DNC Management
January 19, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this
{{{{By Mrs. Godzilla January 19, 2009 2:19 PM Romona has been pulled and “banned”.}}}}
Duhzilla: Just curious but that sounds exactly like a report that someone at the AJC/ Kult of baraKKK would give.
You on the staff?
By Mrs. Godzilla
January 19, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
Andy,
No, I was offended by the post and requested it’s removal.
Were you the author?
By AJC/DNC Management
January 19, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this
Duhzilla-
You work for the AJC/ Kult of baraKKK, you should know whether I am or not.
(Of course not.)
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this
I assume Romana was finally deleted. I just wonder why it took all day?
By Mr Snarky
January 19, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this
And they say all our prophets are dead.
By Mrs. Godzilla
January 19, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this
Andy, silly boy, If I worked for the AJC and knew who you really were and where you really lived…I’d post it here.
Over the years a number of folks have wanted to take a poke at you…..
By Curious Observer
January 19, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
How interesting that Dusty is urging us to wait until Obama is president before we applaud him!
She has spent two years disrepectfully calling him an empty suit. Does she expect to reverse her opinion after the swearing-in tomorrow? Or does she think we will all come over to her side? I suppose we will see how respectful she is, given her penchant for scolding us all and reminding us that we were being disrespectful of the Office of the President every time we criticized George W. Bush.
By GayGrayGeek
January 19, 2009 3:25 PM | Link to this
Mrs. G., remember that Andy is a Wingnut and can only parse the world in Republican’t-style “Them Or US” binary conditions. Thus, if you requested the post be pulled because it was offensive (and, boy-howdy, was it ever) then you simply MUST work for the AJC because…because…because Andy says so!
By jasper
January 19, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this
Hey kids, just in case you forgot. Happy Robert E. Lee birthday. What are the odds?
By Dusty
January 19, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this
Now now Ms Godzie,3:10
I thought dissent was the elixir of the lib agenda, they whom love to quote Jefferson.
Now Andy is the best dissenter on this blog and YOU WANT TO POKE HIM FOR DISSENT?
You can’t have it both ways. A blog with straight liberalese language would be boring with little veracity. Even Bookman doesn’t mind a few Republican types raising his blog numbers. Get WITH IT, madame!
By CommunistAJC
January 19, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla, Here is my observation on this so-called poll that says Obama has an 80% approval rating. Here goes: Obama is like the football team that the media is just in love with. Let’s call him oh I don’t know, Ohio State. Turn the clock back two years. Ohio State was, to ESPN, the best college football team ever. Best offense and best defense. According to ESPN polls, Ohio State would defeat Florida by 31 points. FLorida didn’t stand a chance against this giant. Fast forward to the BCS National Title game. Florida wins 41-14 over the “best team ever.” My point is this. Obama has yet to make an executive decision. It’s all hype. Reality will kick in soon enough and if this guy doesn’t turn the country around and get the economy going well, it ain’t gonna be pretty. Let’s talk about a year from now and see where his approval rating is.
By GayGrayGeek
January 19, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this
Curious - Well, we’re talking Dusty, right? She who has perfected the art of Republican’t Hypocrisy, right?
But, yes, I’m looking forward to 8 years of RESPECTFUL references about Obama from the DustBuster, and The Esquire, and @@, and…
By GayGrayGeek
January 19, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this
DustBuster - We’re talking about YOUR hypocrisy, dear. As of Noon tomorrow, you will speak only RESPONTFULLY of the person who occupies the office of President Of The United States, correct? After all, it’s what you’ve insisted everyone else do for the past 8 years, so we can expect you to Lead By Example, correct?
By Mrs. Godzilla
January 19, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
dusty
dissent is ok, it’s your request that we hold our applause and the reasons why that i found comment worthy.
and no, i didn’t say i wanted to poke Andy. read my post more carefully.
commie
i am fascinated by how you see things. it’s so unique.
By Barackalypse Now
January 19, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
Liberals trash George W. Bush for 8 years and now they expect conservatives to “get behind” their candidate. Hypocrisy at it’s best.
By CommunistAJC
January 19, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla, The difference between Barack and Reagan is Reagan actually did something before he went down in history as one of the greatest presidents of all time. Reagan didn’t have to be told he was great. He just was. Obama has yet to accomplish anything in the White House and the liberal clowns declare him the new Son of God. Good luck with that one. Hey, you know what? Obama supporters remind me a lot of Scientologist. One big cult.
By Dusty
January 19, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this
Curious Observer@3:24
You may be CURIOUS but you are not ACCURATE. I have in no way declared Obama an empty suit. I did not vote for him but I have not made false accusations about him as was done to President Bush for eight years.
I do not think Obama has the experience to be President of the USA but I will give him a chance to prove otherwise. But I will NOT applaud for actions that have not been taken. His job as president will be difficult enough. I don’t plan to make it more difficult in any way although I may disagree at times. Just the American Way as you libs love to say.
I have to leave. Try to be more accurate if you can.
By AJC/DNC Management
January 19, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this
{{{{WASHINGTON (AP) - The wife of Vice President-elect Joe Biden let it slip that her husband had a pick of two jobs in the Obama administration. Jill Biden said President-elect Barack Obama gave Biden the choice of being secretary of state or vice president. The vice president-elect tried to hush his wife as soon as the words came out of her mouth, with a loud “shhh!” Jill Biden said the job of vice president was better for the family, because as secretary of state he would travel too often.}}}}
Aahhh, yes, the lovely wife has foot in the mouth disease just like Hair Plugs does.
Nice way to treat the woman too, Joe.
And like Oblahmi says, we all must pitch in for America, unless of course it involves too much traveling.
geez
By Dusty
January 19, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this
GGG @3:35
RESPONTFULLY? Is that Canadianese or pig latin?
That is my RESPONT and I stick with it!!
By Mrs. Godzilla
January 19, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this
commie
you betcha…I was at the ceremony where we annointed him with holy oil and proclaimed him the new Son of God. We did it at one of our Order of Obama meetings. It was one of our biggest, every liberal in America in my front room all 67,066,915 of them. Glad I bought tha big couch! Refreshments were served and you weren’t invited.
By CommunistAJC
January 19, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla, I’m glad that I was not invited because I don’t worship people. Especially people who’ve never accomplished anything other than being a community organizer. We’ll see though. Maybe he will prove me wrong and be a great president.
By AmVet
January 19, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this
Here’s some accuracy.
Since Dusty practically begs for this kind of attention, here goes.
Downstairs, The Corporal wrote what I considered to be a great piece about how he will not be silent about stop losses, mismanaged occupations, lower admission standards, etc.
And as an honorable Viet Nam veteran, I consider his input valuable and think his voice SHOULD be heard. Even when we disagree on any given topic. And often we do.
But not Dusters. No way. It’s her way or the highway on this stuff.
It is obvious she actually believes that this greatest of all nations would be better if there were never any anti-war voices. And NO dissent on matters military. And given the chance, I honestly think she would do her best to ensure they were all silenced.
To wit, she repeatedly questioned if I ever served because of our disagreements about this occupation.
Now I realize that her grandpappy rode up Bunker Hill with Teddy Roosevelt and that her daddy made Audie Murphy look like a pencil pusher, and that her hubby blah, blah, blah….and her kid……………
But I have never seen a person so completely fascistic in her opinions. Specifically, if you, and I mean anyone, disagree with her on any of these matters, you are a treasonous non-patriot, anti-American terrorist lover.
Day after day after day, this woman shows up here to do one thing and one thing only. Berate and flame those who do not adhere to her interpretations of….whatever.
There is very little actual analysis or reasoned discussion on her part.
She seems virtually incapable of such.
Ms. Goebbels, you are entitled to your opinions, of course. But know that many people here think they are repulsive.
There is a new day at hand. And a chance for you to heal yourself.
20 more hours.
By Mrs. Godzilla
January 19, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this
commie
good for you!
worshipping people is out!
By RW-(the original)
January 19, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this
Actually, Mrs. G, you said that if you were in a position to facilitate those that might want to take a poke at AJC/DNC-M you would do it.
That would make you at least as guilty and if you did it as an AJC staff member this paper would soon have a new owner. Wouldn’t it be ironic if you made Andy’s nickname become a reality?
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this
To Jasper
Yes, and Wednesday is the birthday of Stonewall Jackson.
1) A man who if he would have been at Gettysburg would have had the high ground the first day no matter what and history would have been changed forever - maybe for the better.
2) A man who was almost prosecuted before the war by authorities in Lexington, Va. because he was teaching black adults how to read in violation of Virginia law.
3) A man who after the Battle of Bull Run and his personal acclaim sent a letter to his pastor with his offering he had forgotten to forward to the Sunday School class that he taught for little black boys.
4) And many other things left out of our revisionist history books ………….
By Pogo
January 19, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this
Yea. That’s right. Celebrate. Sooner or later we’ll see the numbers on exactly who footed the bill of this lallapalooza of an inauguration. We knew the tax payers were getting stiffed up front. But what we didn’t know is about those executives from companies that have received tax dollars for bail outs who are donating hundreds of thousands of dollars (our dollars probably) to Obama’s shindig, and he’s taking the money. Sickening. Purely sickening. We think we have seen big money men in the White House? We ain’t seen no big money guys compared to this president. He is motivated, guided and dominated by big money and really, what else could he be seeings how he is a product of Chicago politics. This country is big time trouble.
By CommunistAJC
January 19, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this
AmVet, I’m guessing Dusty questioned your service because many people make up stuff. I get called a liar all the time when I inform someone that I went to Duke. I get called racist because of the stripper-lacrosse non-scandal that turned out to be a big fat lie. You should not get too offended when people question you. One, they don’t know anything about you, and two, just look at some of the names on this site. Hell, I call myself CommunistAJC.
By Andy the Welcher
January 19, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this
“And PLEASE don’t say on Wednesday morning that the country has changed and all problems have been solved. At least wait over the weekend before you tell us that Washington is now WonderLand and Alice the Omnipotent has stepped through the mirror and changed it all.
JUST WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS, will ya’!!!”
Pure gold… you can’t make this stuff up. The conservative trolls that live here have time and time again heralded the SPECTACULAR failure that Obama is SURE to be, now one of those very same folks is asking that we “WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS”?
Oh and Corporal you left out this part of your letter: I have prayed time and time again that you are a spectacular failure to bolser my hopes that “conservative” principles will prevail, even in the face of overwhelming evidence that conservatism of the 21st century is nothing more than corporate socialism. I know that for my drerams to come true and my political ideology to triumph, the lives of some 6 billion Americans must be adversly affected, but the ends always justify the means when one is a Republican.
Andy’s a Welcher
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
To Andy the Welcher
Cute but only God knows my heart.
P.S. I am not a Republican. You should have seen the nasty letter I sent them. I am a conservative …….. BIG difference.
By AmVet
January 19, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this
Commie, agreed.
I read where your Blue Devilness was doubted. And also where your writings about that scandal were racist. I never can figure out why the people who write that stuff do.
Maybe I’m naive, (maybe???) but I tend to think most people don’t make up stuff about themselves to bolster their credibility on a blog. Besides I could tell everyone that I graduated summa cum laude from MIT and if I wrote like a semi-literate idiot what difference would it make?
The reality? I went to night school for two years after the service and am just shy of having an Associates Degree.
But I can hold my own…
By Dusty
January 19, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this
Poor Amvet..took him awhile to get that one together@4:04
I have never questioned your military service, AmVet. Just your mental stability. Your last post shows why that is suspect.
Andy the Welcher@4:15
Saying WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS does not mention failure. You threw that in. Your reading comprehension is somewhat on the wandering side. See if you can get help for that.
In the meantime, WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS before you start the applause.
In other words, don’t say “The baby is cute!” until the baby is born. Get it??
By CommunistAJC
January 19, 2009 4:37 PM | Link to this
AmVet, I do get angry when people write that Duke is a racist school. The former DA was disbarred and run out of town after that mess. It just proves that people should not jump to conclusions before a case is tried and all the evidence is shown. I’ll have to admit, your comments are written with more integrity than most other comments. As for your degree, great job! I have a buddy who served in the Navy and still has an unused GI Bill. It’s his decision to make but I can’t help but feel a little irritated about it not being used. He earned it. It’s America’s way of saying thanks.
By CommunistAJC
January 19, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this
A reality for all Bush haters.
http://www.slate.com/id/2209133/
By The Conservative
January 19, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this
We can start by allowing that everyone is conservative on at least one issue. Nobody is 100% liberal.
Conservatism has to mean something other than a verbal litmus test which possesses all the authenticity of the ancient insurgents’ claim, “I’m Spartacus”.
Conservatism must be an American phenomenom. It must mean the perpetuation of America as a free republic. The living constitution is the foundation of conservatism. The constitution lives to protect the ever-broadening definition of who can be an American. Everyone is Spartacus.
Conservatism cant be a fraternity or a sect or even a party. Conservatism can live as itself, belying definition. Conservatism has to be more than the pledge of no new taxes or the pride of staying off the dole, or even the heartfelt support of military action, (no matter how far fetched the logic must go to enlist that support).
Conservatism 09: It’s how you feel when you look at the flag.
By AmVet
January 19, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this
“I have never questioned your military service, AmVet.”
OK, Dusty, You’re right. I’m wrong. I just made it all up.
Commie, thank you.
A few here notwithstanding, I sense a strong tendency for some of us to find some mutual ground. And begrudging respect for each others opinions.
And for me this is encouraging.
Perhaps this is the best thing this new president can offer us.
I have always been convinced, in spite of the media’s and others attempts to portray otherwise, that the things that unite us FAR outweigh the things that divide us.
We cannot change the past. But we can create a better future. For us and the generations to come.
And I’m certain that most of us want that. And that if we have to, we will, like our forefathers before us, mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor for this country.
From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
By Corporal of the Guard
January 19, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this
To the Conservative
Liberals believe that politics can change culture.
Conservatives believe that culture changes politics.
Following is an editorial on the subject of our flag and what it means:
“As an aging veteran who fought under it, I will put up my faded “Old Glory” again this July 4 morning. As I do, I will ponder the original meaning of the symbols it contains: The stars —- a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which we first aspired; the blue field of vigilance and perseverance; the red stripes for those who gave their lives for freedom and the white stripes for purity of ideals.”
“However, I sadly see different symbols slowly emerging in that sacred piece of cloth: Falling stars representing a country that is carelessly abandoning its Judeo-Christian heritage; fading blue for a lack of vigilance and perseverance; red for the injustice done to millions of our precious unborn children and white representing a surrender to our borders and national sovereignty. May God in His mercy sustain the United States of America.”
By @@
January 19, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this
GGG:
(((But, yes, I’m looking forward to 8 years of RESPECTFUL references about Obama from the DustBuster, and The Esquire, and @@, and….)
Just so you understand….
don’t bother looking forward ‘cause the viciousness of liberal bloggers here have done nothing to earn my RESPECT. Unfortunately for Obama, he solicited your support and got it.
That’s the “unity” that concerns me most.
It’s the flea infestation.
By GayGrayGeek
January 19, 2009 5:44 PM | Link to this
@@ - After the past many years of the likes of The DustBuster, The Esquire, and yourself, all bleating and insisting that Duh-Bya could Do No Wrong and therefore we all must Worship W, I’m simply pointing out “sauce for the goose, etc.”. And enjoying it immensely.
One standard, sir. One standard for all. No more of this “One harsh standard for anyone of the Democratic persuasion, a second, mild standard for anyone with a -R after their names”. No more, kind sir, no more.
By AJC/DNC Management
January 19, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this
At long last, this great nation’s most horrible and depraved period in it’s long glorious history draws to a close, a sick, stupid, degenerate and disgusting 8 years like no other before it, a time of ignorant and monumental whining and moaning that will live on in infamy, a period that will make future generations wretch and become sick to their stomachs, but still, even now, as the clouds part, the sun shines once again, the angry seas begin to recede, the flowers sprout anew in bright cheerful colors, the formerly enraged manage to crack a tiny little smile that turns into an big idiotic grin from lack of muscle use, questions still remain, doubt still lingers, as we advance together as a country into the unknown, children look up to their parents and with begging eyes ask them in wonder-
Whatever will the liberals whine about tomorrow?
By CommunistAJC
January 19, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this
YES, WE CAN KILL BABIES IN OTHER COUNTRIES WITH TAXPAYER MONEY! YES WE CAN.
Sources: Obama may quickly reverse abortion policy.
By Suzanne Malveaux CNN White House Correspondent
WASHINGTON (CNN) — President-elect Barack Obama is considering issuing an executive order to reverse a controversial Bush administration abortion policy in his first week in office, three Democratic sources said Monday.
Obama’s second full day as president falls on the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the United States. Don’t Miss
The sources said Obama may use the occasion to reverse the “Mexico City policy” reinstated in 2001 by Bush that prohibits U.S. money from funding international family planning groups that promote abortion or provide information, counseling or referrals about abortion services. It bans any organization receiving family planning funds from the U.S. Agency for International Development from offering abortions or abortion counseling.
The “Mexico City policy,” commonly referred to by critics as “the global gag rule,” was devised by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 at a population conference in Mexico City.
President Bill Clinton lifted the ban in January 1993 as one of his first acts as president, but President George W. bush reinstated it in his first executive order on January 22, 2001, the 28th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
At the time, critics — including Planned Parenthood — called the move a “legislative ambush.”
Bush defended the action, saying then: “It is my conviction that taxpayer funds should not be used to pay for abortion or actively promote abortion.”
By RB from Gwinnett
January 19, 2009 5:59 PM | Link to this
A note on the 85% (or whatever the number) approval rating. That number is for the way he’s handled the transition. Read the poll. BFD. How could you possibly screw that up? If asked, I’d say he’s doing a good job with that. So? Thats like your boss judging your job performance on how you drive to work. Irrelevant.
Personally, I hope Obama does a fantastic job as president and the nation is better off for it. However, as some have commented here today, I’m going to reserve judgement of HIS PRESIDENCY until he’s actually done something. I will note for the record, as has been noted in my comment prior to tomorrow, my judgement of what he’s actually done as a US senator since he assumed that position is a big fat ZERO approval rating. Absolutely nothing of note accomplished. Part of the problem (congress) that created the mess we’re in. Helped earn the 11% approval rating his current employer has.
Time will be the judge of Obama, as it has been for Reagan. For history to smile on him, he’ll have to earn it.
By @@
January 19, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this
GGG:
You’ll have to reference that post from me that said President Bush could do no wrong before we can carry this discussion further.
You won’t find it!
You’re more likely to find the one where I said his reluctance to veto spending bills was something I found WRONG. I never defended Republicans when they were proven to be in violation of a law. I’ve always supported the contention that people are innocent until proven guilty. I see Blagojevich as innocent until…..
Obama will indirectly get what people like YOU deserve, not necessarily what HE does.
The HARSH standard was set BY YOU. Why would I choose not to return the favor? I’m generous that way.
It’s all on you, my friend. The consequences for your actions.
By Midori
January 19, 2009 6:18 PM | Link to this
why don’t you wingnuts just dig Reagan up, run him for office, and be done with it?
By GodHatesTrash
January 19, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this
Greetings from Ronny Rayguns Airport… enjoying some Legal Seafood in the terminal, waiting for some friends.
**Yes We Did, despite you Bookman Rightwingnut morons - or maybe because of you.
Ciao, perhaps some more in the AM…
By Bud Wiser
January 19, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this
Where is Chad today? Performing the newly-he-invented-it brain implant?
I hope he can do that to himself.
I’m sure he does a lot of things to himself that he cannot share here.
By AJC/DNC Management
January 19, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this
{{{{But I have noticed that the white news anchors and commentators, who are most of them, have become incoherent in how they’re reporting all of this. They’re incoherent. There’s nothing objective. There’s nothing mature. It is pure psychobabble hero cult worship. They’re trying to outdo each other to see who can be the most loyal, celebratory, wax the most eloquent about the lofty descriptions of the personality and personage of Barack Obama.-Limbaugh}}}}
Hey, Rush read Bookman’s column.
{{{{Rah Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah Oblahma Oblahma Yah Yah Blah!!-Urinal/Kult of BaraKKK}}}}
By Paul
January 19, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this
AmVet 4:25
[[But I can hold my own…]]
AmVet, please don’t do that in public. You could get arrested.
I was thinking about some of your writings while I was out regarding the “neocon usurpation of power of the Republican Party.” Part of it, I think, began in the Congress (although there were some who were in the fringes in the Executive in the Bush the Elder days – the Perles and such who made a comeback in the Bush the Younger years). Then I began wondering about historical parallels with the Democrats, now.
The farfarLeft groups like the MoveOns have, absent Iraq, have been pretty quiet - but they still raise a ton of money. I’m thinking more of the Old Guard – the Pelosis, Rangels (banding together and protecting themselves) and Reid types (although it seems he could have a tough time next election). With the Reps it was moderates who got bypassed by the Delays and Gingriches and such. Those corresponding types are already entrenched in leadership positions in Congress. Along comes Obama – and now that we’ve been introduced to his “that was campaign rhetoric, this is reality” admission, it could get interesting.
So will the Old Guard UltraLib controllers of the Power and Money be up for Pres Obama’s ‘tone it down’ efforts? (I know, some are going bonkers at the suggestion Pres Obama may not be the Lib to make other Libs seem conservative). It’s rather a reverse of what happened with the Republicans as those Dems are entrenched in Congress and the push for change is coming from the Executive – who Obama is stacking with some decidedly UnUltraLib types.
I was afraid this new Administration wasn’t going to be as entertaining. Looks like there’s no worries there!
Midori
I’m going traditional, kinda lazy tomorrow. Ribeyes and just picked up a bottle of the Italian sparkling stuff. And you?
By @@
January 19, 2009 6:49 PM | Link to this
Poor President Obama! From Afghanistan (a promise made) to Russia thru Europe…..
From Stratfor:
(((Therefore, regardless of the global financial crisis, Obama has an immediate problem on his hands in Afghanistan. He has troops fighting there, and they must be supplied. The Pakistani supply line is no longer a sure thing. The only other options either directly challenge Russia (and ineffectively at that) or require Russian help. Russia’s price will be high, particularly because Washington’s European allies will not back a challenge to Russia in Georgia, and all options require Russian cooperation anyway. Obama’s plan to recruit the Europeans on behalf of American initiatives won’t work in this case. Obama does not want to start his administration with making a massive concession to Russia, but he cannot afford to leave U.S. forces in Afghanistan without supplies. He can hope that nothing happens in Pakistan, but that is up to the Taliban and other Islamist groups more than anyone else — and betting on their goodwill is not a good idea.
Whatever Obama is planning to do, he will have to deal with this problem fast, before Afghanistan becomes a crisis. And there are no good solutions. But unlike with the Israelis and Palestinians, Obama can’t solve this by sending a special envoy who appears to be doing something. He will have to make a very tough decision. Between the economy and this crisis, we will find out what kind of president Obama is.
And we will find out very soon.)))
There’s no way, in this scenario, that Obama can HOPE to be Europe’s darling, and he did so want.
Oh well! These are the realities/challenges with which a sitting president must come face to face.
A whole lot of difference between ^^^ those and running a successful campaign. Being able to sink a three pointer won’t cut it in “The GREAT Game” where strategic global interests are in play.
By Paul
January 19, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this
Well, here’s an early indicator: the Democratic Power Brokers prevail and go with Wealth, Power, Heredity and Divine Right:
Link: Caroline the ‘Certain’ Pick
By fed up
January 19, 2009 7:17 PM | Link to this
I hope you’re right Jay but I again say I’m not holding my breath. I pray for our president elect Obama. I will not do as the libs did to Bush from the get go but I will not adorn him until he’s actually done something. I hope he can live up to the hype but I don’t see how anyone could. I’m watching the news and find it amazing that Charlie Gibson is following a lady from Texas who has 5 kids, ages 17 years to 3 months, no mention of a husband and didn’t see one in the picture, she has no job and relocated from Louisiana to Texas after Katrina. They followed her from her home in Texas til she arrived in DC. How in the *($# did this lady afford to go to DC with 5 kids in tow and no job? That’s a great thing to be teaching her kids. No money, no job, no problem, sounds like those NINJA loans given out that we are all now paying the price for. AMAZING!!
By AmVet
January 19, 2009 7:17 PM | Link to this
Paul,
I’m usually more careful not to set myself up like that.
Like you, I also think this new prez is NOT going to be what many on both sides predicted.
He certainly is not a threatening black man at all. To me, he seems VERY corporate friendly and appears all set to fit right into the white oligarchy. (I believe this is what Nader alluded to with his Uncle Sam or Uncle Tom remark.)
The far-right Republicans who were worried about this ultra-liberal MAY turn out to be as wrong about him as they were about GWB.
But I think it is the far-lefties who are in for a rude surprise. The man has no real plan at all for the bottom 100 million Americans.
Andy’s right about this gushfest over BO. It reminds me of the month long pukefest when Ronnie died.
@@, I enjoy reading your Stratfor info.
What do you think are his best options regarding Afghanistan?
By Paul
January 19, 2009 7:20 PM | Link to this
Hey, I thought the Democrats won?!!?
Link: On the Money Trail: Inauguration Perks Go To the Rich
By Midori
January 19, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this
Paul,
I don’t understand your “point”.
Was Obama supposed to keep rich people from using their money?
By lightnin
January 19, 2009 11:00 PM | Link to this
The least experienced, least qualified, least accomplished President-elect in history, with racist, anti-American, abortion extremist, and criminal associates, will be sworn in with the Bible of the greatest President this country ever had. This is truly an Obamanation and a desecration, a violation of the posessions of the dead. Obamanation is a term that will live for a hundred years or more. Just wanted to take a moment to remind everybody that the President-elect couldn’t have gotten a government job that required a security clearance otherwise because of some of his closest long-term associates. Yeah, I know, a lot of people don”t care. Oh, and here’s a prediction, in 20 years, Ms. Obama’s face will look like an old Army boot!
By Midori
January 19, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this
Lightnin,
silly goose!!!
bush isn’t being sworn in tomorrow!!!
By Josh
January 20, 2009 6:39 AM | Link to this
Too bad he’s a baby killer. Aren’t our 3 inherent rights LIFE, liverty, and the pursuit of happiness? Since obama is all for abortion, I guess he forgot the LIFE part.
By Don Abernethy
January 20, 2009 7:07 AM | Link to this
Obama is not qualified to be President. |He has not proven that he is a natural born citizen. He created expectations in order to be elected that will never be met. He is a socialist.
By Copyleft
January 20, 2009 8:08 AM | Link to this
And he’s your president, Don. Suck on it! (snicker)
By dittohead
January 20, 2009 8:16 AM | Link to this
Welcome to the ENTITLEMENT Society..America. Welcome to European Socialism…Goodby Free Market Capitalism…..Liberalism & Marxist & Socialism have won the day
By Trina
January 20, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this
I feel sorry for the people who think Obama is going to take what’s yours and spead it around. Well, Bush took yours and spreaded it around to his family and friends and you’re still here. Get over it, gosh!
And Don…ignorance is more dangerous than any of your concerns.
By sd
January 20, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this
I like Obama. I think he will do a good job.
However, ENOUGH of the party. Get to work.
By John Galt Jr.
January 20, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this
G.W.Bush was ripped for a 45 million dollar inaugural ( could feed poor kids, Darfur, yada, yada). Obama will spend 150 million and not a word. This money would go a long way to helping poor folks, homeless shelters, get his brother out of a shack in Kenya, get his Auntie a legitimate VISA, feed his skinny wife, fix her dental work, quit smoking treatments, etc., etc.
By Sean Manatee
January 20, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this
O BA MA O BA MA < Has a nice ring to it .
I LOVE THE SMELL OF VICTORY IN THE MORNING !
GOP have a nice day.
By dw
January 20, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this
B.O. couldn’t fix Chicago or Illinois, so I don’t look for much at the national level, other than policies designed to give out handouts to illegals and deadbeats, and steal from those that worked for what they have. Also policies designed to weaken our military, ignore the wishes of nearly 50% of our nation (those with various leanings toward the right), reduce the value of life, and cave in to various small “specialty” groups wanting to rewrite legislation to fit only their views, and ignoring others. i.e. they want diversity supported, but only their diversity. You know, the double-standard. Atleast that is what ultra-left liberals would like. Now if he and Congress can help the poor, help themselves, without breaking the working class, that will be a win. It will, now, be nice not to hear the lib whining about how bad people’s lives have been for the last eight years. If these people took a realistic view of their lives, they would see their actual lives were pretty much the same under the last few Presidents, including “W”, and probably will be pretty much the same under his majesty, B.O. They will make about the same amount of money, go to the same places, see the same people, sleep with the same people, blah blah blah. The almost fanatical and blind worship of B.O. by some of the highly left is not a good sign for continued freedom. Enjoy your day in the sun and then be real.
By Sean Manatee
January 20, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this
Look folks BUSH and his band of buttholes have run this country in to the ground socially and economically in addition they have also raped the american people of all the things we have built thru goodwill and leadership globally.So today is a new and BETTER day. BUSH will always be remembered for being a COLLOSAL FAILURE. And all of the koolaid drinking in the world will not help. I you like to continue your worship of AMERICAS BIGGEST LOSER you should follow him back to TEXAS.
By Sean Manatee
January 20, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this
Look folks BUSH and his band of buttholes have run this country in to the ground socially and economically in addition they have also raped the american people of all the things we have built thru goodwill and leadership globally.So today is a new and BETTER day. BUSH will always be remembered for being a COLLOSAL FAILURE. And all of the koolaid drinking in the world will not help. I you like to continue your worship of AMERICAS BIGGEST LOSER you should follow him back to TEXAS.
By Concerned
January 20, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this
As an American I will respect my President, be he democrat or republican, he or she will always have my respect. That’s a lot more than the democrats and their tasteless and void of class attacks can say in their treatment of Bush. Will the American public stand by and allow this President to make mistakes and be ctiticized? I think not. Get ready for the double standards, we’ll be seeing a lot of them. It was nice to see John Lewis seemingly as put of touch yesterday as he is on any given day. The parts of DeKalk and Clayton Counties he, for lack of a better word I will use represents are falling apart at the seams with crime and gangs and yet all he can talk about are his marches with MLK. Where have the marches with MLK gotten you today Mr. Lewis? Mr. Lewis have you actually been down in Clayton Couty lately? Probably not. Anyway, let’s get this show on the road and get this all behind us. No one has ever been given such lofty goals as Obama has been given, I hope he can deliver. Like Bush or hate him, it’s your choice but for the networks to only give him a collective 58 seconds press time in regards to his final speech to the nation is testament to how void of class and good breeding we’ve become in this nation. We’re like teachers in the summer….no class.
By chuck
January 20, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this
This is both a great day and a sad day in American History. It’s a great day because we demonstrate once again to the world that it is possible to have a smooth and peaceful transition of power after fair democratic elections. It is truly the hallmark of American Democracy.
It is a sad day because we say goodbye to a great American and a GOOD President, George W. Bush. For those of you who are BASHERS, you should understand a couple of things. This current economic crisis is NOT the President’s fault. He’s an easy target, but the wrong one. This crisis is ALL OF OUR FAULT.
There is a certain snowball effect that has occurred over the past several months and it began with the Community Reinvestment Act, that allowed banks to make loans that they never should have made and would not have made except under pressure from congress, (especially democrats) who wanted EVERYBODY to be able to buy a house. This did 2 things: First, it artificially drove the price for houses way too high. Second, as the ARM’s adjusted at from 2-5 years after the loans, the payments went up to a level that the purchasers could no longer afford. When these loans began going into foreclosure, it drove prices down at a very rapid rate to where they should have been to begin with. When that happened, people who needed to move, couldn’t because their houses were not worth as much as they paid for them. So even though they could still afford the house they bought, because they were transferred or otherwise had to move, they had to abandon houses that they could not sell, further exacerbating the credit crunch and bringing about billions in losses for banks and mortgage companies as well as Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac.
HOW IS THIS THE PRESIDENT’S FAULT?
THEN, as the snowball continued rolling down hill,the tightened credit, affected retail and wholesale companies. People who were used to OVERSPENDING started figuring out that when you live off of credit cards, the bill eventually comes due. The lower spending levels led to layoffs which again caused another round of foreclosures.
MAYBE NOW, ALL OF US will return to our senses and begin to live within our means. Consumption is good for America but UNBRIDLED consumption is not good for America.
We need to let companies AND PEOPLE live with the decisions they have made. We will then come out of this stronger, leaner and more ready to face what comes our way.
That said, I think that Presiden Bush’s worst mistake was in letting himself be talked into the FIRST bailout. It did nothing to stem the flow. I hope we will all push our congressmen to reject the BIGGER mistake of a second round of bailouts. POLITICIANS and those who elect them need to learn the truth that sometimes the best response is to do NOTHING.
This is a great day for America, but it will continue only if we realize that we must return to TRUE conservative PRINCIPLES of SMALL GOVERNMENT, LOW TAXES, and FREE MARKETS. As I watch the inauguration I am worried that Barack Obama will do what he has proposed to do, but hopeful that he will learn that those policies don’t work. President Bush’s results in the past year alone should teach him that.
So Celebrate today America. We can only hope that the celebration will continue.