Obama summons Americans to be of service

"That loser Limbaugh recently stated he hopes Obama fails. I guess the repubs want another depression to happen. Amazing."

You listen to Limbaugh?

That loser Limbaugh recently stated he hopes Obama fails. I guess the repubs want another depression to happen. Amazing.

Citibank executives contributed $8 million to Obama's Inauguration.

LOL!! More mindless Republican hyperbole. Even the right-wing Newsmax puts Citibank donations of ALL employees, executives included, at under a half-million dollars.

No vacation yet? This Obama presidency is baffling.

zurcronium has written:

"Obama worked on Saturday to try to fix the bush depression..."

Citibank executives contributed $8 million to Obama's Inauguration. That's why Obama is working weekends.

Obama worked on Saturday to try to fix the bush depression, the last time bush worked on a saturday . . . that may be never. He was on vacation 1/3 or his time in office. Clearing bush while the US burned, ala Nero.

We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on earth

I don´t understand how Obama can say this when the country is bankrupt.

But... let's assume for a minute (a short one), that you are correct. What you are expecting from those that were listening is that THEY understood him.

Nobody who comprehends English at more than a junior high level -- or who doesn't have one large axe to grind -- would have mistranslated Obama's paragraph into John McCain's foolish quote, as Loki520 did. After all, it was McCain's erstwhile chief economic advisor who declared that the recession was all just in peoples' heads, and that they were just whining.

Words do have meanings, and a great deal of their meaning is derived from context. Obama's words came AFTER his clear statements about our economy being in "crisis." There is no question that SOME of the fundamentals are as strong as they ever were, but to assert that he was really saying that THE fundamentals are strong, without any qualification, is an able demonstration of how far away from reality some of these Republicans are.

You do realize that, at this moment in time, we have the most ignorant electorate in history, right?

You mean the electorate that gave George W. Bush two terms in the White House? I understand how much the Republicans were counting on that, and how disappointed you all must be that you couldn't dupe sufficient numbers of Americans yet again, as you have so ably duped yourselves. I would say that, at this moment of time, sufficient Americans have come to their senses and have realized the Republicans were selling nothing but bad snake oil.

Yabits, who you kidding? Quit acting like everything Obama says has something of deeper meaning than EXACTLY what it says. WORDS HAVE MEANINGS, and if you INTEND TO SAY what Keyne's said, he should have said exactly that, instead of what he actually said. See how that works?

But... let's assume for a minute (a short one), that you are correct. What you are expecting from those that were listening is that THEY understood him. You do realize that, at this moment in time, we have the most ignorant electorate in history, right?

Of course history, reality, and most INTELLIGENT Americans are beyond the grasp of folks like Obama and his supporters, as Yabits comment and each comment of Obama, so ably demonstrate.

Loki520 totally misreads Obama's reference to John Maynard Keynes.

Neither was saying that the fundamentals were strong at the time they made their famous statements -- Keynes's being as follows: “The resources of nature and men’s devices are just as fertile and productive as they were. The rate of our progress towards solving the material problems of life is not less rapid. We are as capable as before of affording for everyone a high standard of life. ... But today we have involved ourselves in a colossal muddle, having blundered in the control of a delicate machine, the working of which we do not understand.”

Of course, Keynes and Obama are beyond the grasp of folks like McCain and his supporters, as Loki's comment so ably demonstrates.

Yes, yes... his speech.

"We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished."

Translation for those who voted for Obama: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE ECONOMY ARE STRONG.

Sound familiar?

US politcal system has some restictions for President. For example, Clinton wanted to change the health care system. His dream did not turn it to reality because congress opposed it. High court, congress and President are three level of government. They can oppose and delay each other. Obama may have better luck than others. He may have good ideas however not all his ideas will be implemented.

Even celebrity limousine Lefties like Bono and Geldof praise bush for what his administration did for Africa.

Yet no one with two brain cells to rub together will praise bush for what his administration did for AMERICA. You know, the country he actually presided over.

Taka

Same old same old like. America aint going to change in a big way. Obama aint going to make America happier and wealthier than McCain would have.

I reckon Americans are going to suffer enough with the depression caused by greed to be able to serve anyone but themselves and their families.

Strewth, the world aint going to change for the better overnight and all that, whatever are Obama's bestest intentions and abilities.

The ruling class in its panic to profit by any means and in their fear of a working class struggle will resort to ever increasing militarization of the police.

Yes taniwha, the proletariat must rise up against the bourgeoisie. Workers of the world unite! Hehe. Anyway, I'm glad to hear the international socialists were disappointed in Obama's speech. Perhaps there's still hope.

I may be the minority but I am not yet convinced. As I said it other posts time will tell how well Pres. Obama will do. I can see why Obama was elected but people are fickle and he must be very careful with his decisions. People will be watching him closely perhaps more closely than we have in the past.

"No majority anywhere likes what shrub did, thank god he's gone, not even history, just gone."

Bush was quite popular in India, the world's most populous democracy. They understood that he looked at the emerging powers in Asia and he chose to favor India.

Africa. Even celebrity limousine Lefties like Bono and Geldof praise Bush for what his administration did for Africa.

As for Europe - well, they need us more than we need them. I reckon Dubya understood that and exploited his advantage accordingly. How else to explain that Schroeder and Chirac were replaced by Merkel and Sarko "the Americaine"?

Wuzzademcrat;

Cut and past, cut and past, that's no way to debate a point. It suffices as troll behavior though. Wonder why you even bother to cut and paste. You could make your one liners fine without needing to include any actual substance, from my posts.

The great thing about having a charming and charismatic president, such as Obama is that when the not so very well hidden agenda really kicks in, people realize who and what all those presidents including Obama and back at least as far as Franklin D. collectively represent. It actually won't take long.

The speech content as I present it in my two posts above serves to underline the fact that this administration will carry out business as usual. The only thing different will be the posture and the face, and the eloquence of the president.

From 'gut instincts, crass muddles and intellectual peas' to a man of stature, belief and vision. A man called Mr Obama. The PRESIDENT of the United States. No majority anywhere likes what shrub did, thank god he's gone, not even history, just gone.

"We can and we do, but my guess, based on the 'substance' of your comments, is that you wouldn't be too bothered to differentiate between science and mysticism. Right?"

Another challenge, another duck. Not making much international headway there, are ya.

We can and we do, but my guess, based on the 'substance' of your comments, is that you wouldn't be too bothered to differentiate between science and mysticism. Right?

"...the kind of change we all really need is to move on from a decaying capitalist system that is wreaking havoc equally now across the world and on to a truely democratic system based on modern scientific principles, and that my friends is international socialism."

Principles that are so, uh, scientific, you guys can't even outline em.

"Franklin D. Roosevelt in his inaugural speech sought to give Americans "the whole truth" and did indeed lay the blame for the deep recession at that time on the policy makers. "

You're still in the ancient past.

And what was missed out in the new president’s inauguration speech?

He missed out any reference to the real reason behind the financial crises. He did not once nail the blame on those who allowed the greed of bankers and their institutions on Wall Street to sell off the wealth of Americans and undermine the entire banking system throughout the world in one blow. Not one mention of the insanely irresponsible legislations passed through the senate over several of the most recent administrations, notably both Republican AND Democrat.

A comparison here is needed. Franklin D. Roosevelt in his inaugural speech sought to give Americans "the whole truth" and did indeed lay the blame for the deep recession at that time on the policy makers. Roosevelt declared in his speech; "the rulers of the exchange of mankind's goods have failed, through their own stubbornness and their own incompetence... Practices of the unscrupulous money changers stand indicted in the court of public opinion, rejected by the hearts and minds of men." By comparison Obama laid the blame on the American people themselves. Obama even started his speech with this: "Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age..."

Once the celebration has died down and the cold sets in the reality of just who the new president and his administration is there to serve will eventually hit home to American people. Really, it is only a matter of time now before the reality of this fraudulent two party system is exposed and with that realization will come the understanding that the kind of change we all really need is to move on from a decaying capitalist system that is wreaking havoc equally now across the world and on to a truely democratic system based on modern scientific principles, and that my friends is international socialism.

Totally for real friend. I also follow the current events.

"The ruling class in its panic to profit by any means and in their fear of a working class struggle will resort to ever increasing militarization of the police."

Are you for real? Don't the guys at Workers' World ever update the schlock? How do you expect to recruit young, sentimental, impressionable kiddies to your lost cause with Victorian terms like 'ruling class'?

So its off to war America. Or to be more precise, its 'war as usual'.

The subterfuge that is the war on terror continues, will continue under the Obama administration. And just like before you will continue to see the democratic rights of American citizens chipped away one by one as the economy deteriorates. The ruling class in its panic to profit by any means and in their fear of a working class struggle will resort to ever increasing militarization of the police.

This all has already been hinted at by the policy outlines put forward by Obama, the people he has put in key administration roles, and by the general flavor of his recent speeches particularly as I note above in his inauguration speech.

Actually, Helter Skelter, no. You can cross off 'International Socialists', from your list. So far as celebrating this inauguration speech goes at least. Obama's speech was disappointing not only for what it omitted but also for what it included.

I will deal with the points many people anticipated hearing him mention but which were left at first. Black Americans might have been left wondering why on the day after the national holiday celebrating Martin Luther King's epic leadership for civil rights, Obama made not a mention of the struggle. Point of fact, America's first non-white president did not mention any social struggle at all. You might wonder why not? Many will be wondering. Consider this, with the threat of a the recently immense sudden growth in the size of the American working class, the ruling class long held fear of a social struggle is foremost on the president's mind when it concentrates on issues domestic. There is also the undeniable fact that this president has the support of large numbers of the most right wing sections of the ruling establishment not least the military, and including the majority of the corporate world and really their is nothing more reactionary than those groups. It was to be expected he would not be willing to offend them in any way. As my recent posts prior to the election pointed out, it is these groups who were demonstrating their support for Obama over any other candidate for a long while before election day.

Considering things military, the jingoistic nature of Obama's speech was actually quite startling. Remember that a large number of the population earlier expressed their wish for America to end its war in Iraq, and that Obama had for a while before his elected peppered his speeches with mentions of how he would fight to end that war. Instead of reassuring those who hated America's recent war mongering in the Middle East with Blitzkrieg attacks that opened the way for Israel's horrific demolition from air and ground on the citizens of Gaza city. In this inauguration, Obama simply restated the Bush administration mantra. ""We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense" and his chastisement of foreign leaders--presumably in the historically oppressed countries of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America--who "blame their society's ills on the West... We will defeat you." And this last just days after the sickening assault by America's proxy in the Middle East.

Actually, Obama celebrated militerism itself calling the nation to set as an example for themselves the fighting warriors of the US marine corp; ""who at this very hour patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains," declaring "their spirit of service" to be "precisely [the] spirit that must inhabit us all."

He is already the worst president in American history.

But he'll outdo even this in his third term. (Since, we's all hyperbolatin'.)

"all kudos to junior for screwing up so badly, basically at everything he attempted, and therefore opening the door for the US first progressive president in decades."

Investors seem to disagree. Obama's inauguration was greeted with biggest drop ever for the always historic day when America gets a new president.

I hope they are wrong. But America now has, for the first time in its glorious history, more people on gov't payrolls than we have in manufacturing.

all kudos to junior for screwing up so badly, basically at everything he attempted, and therefore opening the door for the US first progressive president in decades. And thanks to the lie factory echo bunnies of the right that kept setting expectations lower and lower for bush over the last eight years. Really, you guys should be proud that you failed down so badly that the reasonable people ended up rejecting the whole republican agenda. Hence we have Obama, an adult now to run the country. A model for success, not failure. How refreshing.

Wolfpack,

You know, it's conspiracy, or so I've been told.

Taka

adaydream says:

That's one thing I hope Barack stops, some of this pork barrel spending by the republicans for bridges to no-where.

I wonder how many bridges to no where Obama-sama is going to build with that 1 trillion in debt he is asking Congress for. Just a little make work to get the economy going. Hey, it worked for Japan during the 1990's didn't it?

Taka313:

Take a bow, Wolfpack. You've earned it.

Thanks! I was hoping to break the Liberal record of three seconds for claiming the worst president in history that was set when Bush first got elected. Oh well, maybe next time. Of course the Mods don't like it when someone posts an anti-Obama opinion so unfortunately, my original message that you took this quote from was removed. Notice that offensive/vulgar remarks about Bush didn't seem to be removed as they appeared on this site daily over the last eight years. Calling him Hitler, a Nazi, a racist, no problem. Power to the people JT! Prepare for four more years of anti-conservative censorship. It's amazing how much the Left loves diversity as long as you agree with them! This is great!

"We have survived the bush reich and are now beginning down the road to restoring the greatness of America. Never have I been so proud to serve!"

You served "the reich"?

VOR

I appreciate your sentiments, though my post was meant to be kinda silly. Nevertheless, at this point Obama is going to have to prove to me that he's not what I think he is. I really do hope I'll be pleasantly surprised. Until then, however, I think it's fair game to be critical of Obama. I'm not going to compromise my beliefs if I don't agree with him just for the sake of getting behind the president . Many of those who criticized Bush had good reason as well.

Yep, to all of us.

Happy Day VOR. <:-)

adaydream, see my post at 07:33. it applies to you as well.

Loved the whole transfer of power! America has truly come a long way!

WOOT!! USA!! USA!! USA!! USA!! USA!!...Um, yeah, I am from Norway, but congrats to getting a fresh start.

VOR

Government pork barrel spending is just a continuation of the problem everybody has been clamoring about these last 8 years.

And the republicans never ceased going after it. Spend...spend...spend.

That's one thing I hope Barack stops, some of this pork barrel spending by the republicans for bridges to no-where. (Whether it built the bridge or not, the money was sent to Alaska and they spent it on pork.)

Yep, it's a good day for America. < :-)

usaexpat, taka313 - sh-h-h-h-h.

We hear the neocons crying before the first inaugural dance.

Makes me feel good. We've voted in the right person and watched him sworn in today.

Now to get to the work at hand, whether the neocons are with us or not. < :-)

All the right people on this thread are pissed off.

Actually, all the wrong people are celebrating today...Ahmadinejad, Castro, Hamas, international socialists, illegal aliens, Hezbollah, Farrakhan, pork barrel recipients, ACLU, Chavez, government sycophants, Aires, CNN, Putin, political science professors, Al Jezeera, Chomsky, Hollywood, cultists, etc.

All the right people on this thread are pissed off.

Life is sweet.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Hyperbole, at its absolute finest:

He is already the worst president in American history.

Take a bow, Wolfpack. You've earned it.

Taka

Today is a sad day for America and for the world. The media, Socialists, and Che Gravera types are in full swoon for Pres Obama. Not because he is the first black president of the United States, but because he is the first black Marxist president and leader of a personality cult centered on his race. He is bi-racial but identifies himself as black (hey, what's wrong with white people)?

He is already the worst president in American history. His transition was marked by corruption and the appointment of numerous tainted individuals -mostly Clinton re-treads (so much for change). To get a sense for the incompetence of Obama, his choice for Treasury secretary knowingly refused to pay his taxes. Obama is a racist, a socialist/marxist, with no experience or achievements other than putting a ton of 'blow' up his nose. Worst of all, I am nearly certain that Obama's incompetnence will invite more terrorists attacks (ask Biden, he'll tell you). Get ready for four/eight years of turmoil and divisive partisanship.

I'm so glad we have a new president. Now we can get about taking care of all Americans and not just the few that grew up with silver spoons.

like the Kennedys and Rockafellers?

I'm so glad we have a new president. Now we can get about taking care of all Americans and not just the few that grew up with silver spoons.

God Bless America. < :-)

Its going to take more than giddiness over the Obama coronation to knock the funk out of the market. The slide continues today. Once the Democrats come back down to earth they need to reduce capital gain taxes for all Americans. Do they continue with their dirty little politically expeditious class warfare routine or do they put politics aside and do the right thing? Convincing investors to put money back into the market would be a step in the right direction. Government pork barrel spending is just a continuation of the problem everybody has been clamoring about these last 8 years.

Taka313, of course I agree fully with your statement. I will never forget the day I was attending a class at Purdue U. in the mid 90's and we were having a debate on racism. I was the only white saying it still existed and that we greatly needed further efforts to solve many problems. I was told I was too old to understand that the world had changed. I had a very punk-assed Instructor (Not on tenure track) who allowed the opposing side to express their views but would not allow me the same courtesy. In other words he would say, "Let him or her speak" and I interrupted less and generally only to say I had not finished my point. He allowed interruption of my points every single time. However I was certain I was correct then, when I said there remained much work to do to unite the various races and ethnicities. I am just as certain that Taka313 was correct in his post. Today there is a lot of work to do and it will not be accomplished in my lifetime. But I will always do my part to be inclusive in such matters. I wish I could say the same about ideological differences but there comes a time when I just don't want to hear someone yapping about holding on to the past and resisting change that is sorely needed.

Sorry to break it to you (again) Aggie, but Roberts (the Republican, no less) is the one who screwed up the oath.

But please, keep whining! We're laughing our asses off at you! More! More! :-D

Best you watch the video. Justice Roberts flubbed the line. Obama paused. Roberts corrected himself but Obama went ahead and finshed the wrong version of oath. Obama's mouth engaged before his brain did.

I suspect we'll be seeing a lot more of that during this administration.

and not shop at tat store with the star in the name....

For those who missed it, watch Obama mess up the Oath of Office:

http://www.nmatv.com/video/887/Obama-Flubs-The-Oath

Obama's such an eloquent speaker! He's nothing like the last guy. /sarcasm/

It'll not only be a big day in Chicago, but also in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

TexasAggie,

Actually, it was Chief Justice Roberts who screwed up the oath, not your president, Pres. Barack Hussein Obama.

Taka

GoodDonkey,

I had a very long conversation recently regarding Dr. King's famous speech and Pres. Obama.

In my opinion, Dr. King's dream is absolutely not fulfilled. Pres. Obama's election is absolutely a great indicator of the progress that has been made, but Pres. Obama's (I don't tire of typing that btw) election has not erased racism. It has not made the NAACP or affirmitive action obsolete. It has not erased "DWB" from the vernacular of many young African-Americans.

No sir. We are a long way from realizing Dr. King's dream. A long way. This is a momentous occassion and one that should be celebrated by all, no matter if you like Pres. Obama, hate Pres. Obama or fear Pres. Obama because it's absolutely a big step toward achieving Dr. King's dream. However...it's absolutely, not the end. There is much work left to be done.

Taka

Turns out the Chief Justice got the oath wrong and that is what tripped Obama up. Obama was smart enough to notice the mistake.

How come there was no shot of Bush taking the White House key off his key ring and handing it to Barack?

I heard a black guy interviewed on BBC say:

"We've got a BLACK! man as President!!" :-)

America has a President who can think AND speak at the same time.

Someone didn't hear Obama repeat the Oath of Office.

The best saying I have heard repeated was:

The dream has come true. (Referring to M.L.K.)

TexasAggie - you're speaking like yesterday's man.

The rest of us have moved on.

You're more than welcome to join us. :-)

To paraphrase Pres. Gerald Ford:

My fellow Americans (and citizens of the world), our long national nightmare is over.

Sushi,

I moved back to the states in Oct.

Taka

Yes, let's all celebrate a guy whose family heritage is one of selling African slaves became U.S. President. I doubt that was the dream MLK had in mind.

This is a great day.....I'm proud to offer my congratulations to Americans who have usshered in a stunning new chapter in their nation's history, overcoming a dirty past to vote in a guy with a funny name to lead the most powerful nation with the greatest potential on the planet.

Awesome!!!!! :-)

TexasAggie:

Without a teleprompter, Obama couldn't even repeat the Oath of Office without screwing it up.

LOL! You say that after all the screwups bush made in his speeches? Bwahahahahahaha!

But, goodDonkey's right: let's celebrate today's wondrous achievement and forget about "the other guy".

It is so nice to be united with others in hope. I am proud to be an American. I am also so glad to have the support of Non-Americans who share a dream.

Without a teleprompter, Obama couldn't even repeat the Oath of Office without screwing it up.

TexasAggie, you must be proud to enter the first negative comment on JT, during this moment of a nation hopeful for success; as we listen to Obama's call for a better nation accomplished by the citizens with hope for a brighter future.

For the first time in 8 years, America has a President who can think AND speak at the same time.

Am I dreaming..?

No - it's real, dammit!! :-)

Yay. :)

The 8-year Bush Disaster is finally over.

Well done America, this day is yours.

Be proud!

An error begins.

IT IS DONE!!! President of the United States Barack Hussein Obama has just taken his oath and now our Commander-in-Chief!

We have survived the bush reich and are now beginning down the road to restoring the greatness of America. Never have I been so proud to serve!

God Bless America!

Turn the page, a new chapter in American history has begun.

CONGRATULATIONS, Mr. PRESIDENT! :-)

www.whitehouse.gov is being switched to........

Betzee,

Actually, I hadn't seen your post when I posted the above. I guess we were on the same wave length.

Sail,

Well said, my friend. Very well said.

my boy,

You just can't seem to learn the rules about asking me questions, can you? Learning disability?

Taka

A damned. Jesus, new president, same bad typo's...

Well, I damned succesful inaguration.

A shame there wasn't even flags for the ceremony ;D

At this moment in time the President is Bush and the V.P is Biden!!!!

Wow, it's all happening.....getting goosebumps at Aretha's singing :-)

wowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowow!!!!!!!!!! :-)

It is all unfolding now as they have just introduced President Elect Barack Obama and the throngs are cheering.

Is this call to serice going to result in money for people to feed their families? Volunteerism is all well and good but we need a public works administration. Just like the WPA of the depression that put the unemployed back to work doing something beneficial for the society while earning money to support their families.

Mad

I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it.

Doesn't square with your post

Taka....Betzee et al

I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace, a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity, and if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That's how I saw it and see it still.

Ronald Reagan's farewell address

the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart

I'm proud Obama is our President, he would make Reagan Proud.

“King’s was a life lived in loving service to others. As we honor that legacy, it’s not a day just to pause and reflect — it’s a day to act.”

Well yeah, he was a Republican after all.

“We can’t allow any idle hands,” he said. “Everybody’s got to be involved.”

That's a heck of a lot closer to, "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

We all know Kennedy, with his tax cuts and his talk of paying any price to defend freedom anywhere, would be reviled in this day and age as a neo-con.

So what is your point?

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

Thanks for the correction, Taka! It is a weird phenomenon; Obama was portrayed as the ultimate "other," not a "real American" during the campaign. Yet all of that has just melted away. To sustain it, as David Brooks writes in his column today:

Obama’s challenge will be to translate the social repair that has occurred over the past decade into political and governing repair. Part of that will be done with his inaugural address today. Look for him to emphasize the themes of responsibility, cohesion and unity. Look for him to reject the culture, which lingered in the financial world, of anything goes.

Part of that will be done with his governing style. Obama aims to realize the end-of-ideology politics that Daniel Bell and others glimpsed in the early 1960s. He sees himself as a pragmatist, an empiricist. Politics is not personal with him. He does not turn political disagreements into a status contest between one kind of person and another. He is convinced that most Americans practice their politics between the 40-yard lines.

I won't be able to watch the inauguration but plan to take a dancing break while the oath is being administered.

One can only hope the kleenex they have in their hands is used to wipe away the tears of joy, instead of what I think they may to.

SuperLib: "When I wake up? It's all happening in 4 hours. It's 10 PM now. I'm already on CNN-J. :)"

Well... all depends on when you crash, I guess. As much as I'd love to stay up all night and watch it, I'm hitting the sack early. I'll watch the highlights tomorrow. The whole time difference thing stinks at times like these.

Hour from now we will be bringing in a new era in our great country. It is time for us to return to what we should do rather what we want. We must help the world rather than trying to rule it!

Bravo Zulu soon to be President Obama!!!

Obama issued a statement declaring, “King’s was a life lived in loving service to others. As we honor that legacy, it’s not a day just to pause and reflect — it’s a day to act.”

“We can’t allow any idle hands,” he said. “Everybody’s got to be involved.”

That's a heck of a lot closer to, "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." than it is to "your continued participation and confidence in the American economy would be greatly appreciated."

An immeasurable step in the right direction for America.

Taka

When I wake up? It's all happening in 4 hours. It's 10 PM now. I'm already on CNN-J. :)

The patriotic fervor which Obama has inspired is an interesting phenomenon to observe. Perhaps it owes to the disconnect of the past eight years. We faced an enemy of unprecedented strength and fury yet no sacrifice was required to prevail in a battle against evil. You could do your bit simply by heading down to the mall and maxxing out your credit card to keep the economy afloat. Hardly what was intended when JFK uttered those famous words, "Ask not what you can do for yourself but what you can do for your country."

People get meaning from joining in efforts larger than themselves. I will never forget those I met last summer when the forest fires were a ragin' in California. I could have said, "My house isn't in danger, so why should I get involved?" I was hardly the only volunteer in that situation.

SuperLib: "I don't put much stock in opinion polls when the issues are emotional. People tend to want to send a message rather than saying what they really think."

I don't know, man... sometimes it seems the message people want to send is that they really think, in this case what they think of the outgoing/incoming presidents. I don't put TOO much stock in them either, but there is no denying that sentiment is really high, as is anger and frustrated. As you said, emotions, but it's dangerous to ignore said polls completely when the numbers are either extremely low in favour of one thing/person, or extremely high. In this case we have both, and you KNOW that it's true because already it's panning out to be the largest inauguration in history.

SuperLib: "Do us all a favor and put the Bush and right wing rants aside for just 24 hours. Let's call it a personal challenge. Let's just focus on Obama for 24 hours and all of the good feelings we have. He's going to be our President very, very soon. And I still just can't believe it."

Hey, there are plenty times when I take arguments and look at them objectively; it's usually in replies to other people that I get onto bush and co. But, I'll follow your challenge so long as I'm not asked a question or directly addressed in regards to bush. What's more, the media themselves, in addressing the inauguration, are going to talk about bush, so it all depends. One thing I WILL do is keep an open-mind and a positive tone; it is a day of good things, after all, and not one to be negative.

Anyway, sweet dreams, all. When you wake up tomorrow there will be a new president in the United States, and hopefully he lives up to even half of how much people have idealized him.

Moderator: All readers back on topic please.

In terms of experience and capability to handle economic problems, John should be a better choice...too bad he got drag down by the bad name of the "B". Republican administration

I don't put much stock in opinion polls when the issues are emotional. People tend to want to send a message rather than saying what they really think.

From 'gut instincts, crass muddles and intellectual peas' to a man of stature, belief and vision. A man called Mr Obama. The PRESIDENT of the United States. No majority anywhere likes what shrub did, thank god he's gone, not even history, just gone.

Obama has to clean up Bush's mess. All Americans must do their share of the clean up as well.

How could one visit a major mainstream media site and avoid the hype and the silly obsession with polls?

Why would anyone take polls seriously in a democracy? Who cares what most people think? Next thing you know, people won't be satisfied with just polls, and will want to vote on things like wars! Better to have a king, and just dispense with silly things like talking and polls.

This is going to be an AWESOME day for America.

I am beyond stoked! :-)

Try and understand something: Conservatives/Libertarians/Independents don't live in a world where everyone is either a victim or an 'oppressor'.

You don't get to speak for independents. Nobody does. They are indepedendent.

after we were ashamed during Clinton years

Kids say the darndest things!

"Actually the ex-president was a great source of their shame. "

Try and understand something: Conservatives/Libertarians/Independents don't live in a world where everyone is either a victim or an 'oppressor'.

Well Sushi I guess I'll just have to take your word on it. ;) Personally, I'm proud to be an American. I don't get my pride from the President.

I think you have it somewhat backward. Actually the ex-president was a great source of their shame. Since Obama isn't (at least not yet), their pride can once again shine, as GWB, the light stealer, is no longer siphoning from it, at least not as much today as he was yesterday.

What pride Obama might generate has got to be smaller than that simple loss of shame.

Um, im sorry but i know these comments are all of your opinions but, you cannot feel what most of us in America are going through right now. This never happened before people! So many people fought for this! No matter how you guys examine the news from the outside you will never know. My grandmother fought in the civil rights movement and I really wish she was here....

It has been great to be an American during the last eight years, after we were ashamed during Clinton years, we will have to wait and see how President BO works out, but still know we only have to wait 4 years till Jebb Bush is ready for office, GB will surley be missed by Americans

Well Sushi I guess I'll just have to take your word on it. ;) Personally, I'm proud to be an American. I don't get my pride from the President.

SuperLib: "I've been overseas for 8 years and I've never in my life met an American who put a Canadian flag on their backpack."

I have... they tend not to admit it to bush-loving Americans, though. As for counting how many Americans do this, just go back to the election four years ago after bush was put into power again when there was a survey on it, as well as how many people moved north, etc.

It is a bit of a shame that so many Canucks put flags on backpacks and/or jackets. I for one do not.

Anyway, relax... we're just egging you on because we know you're sore about Obama being much better than Bush, and that you can actually be prouder as an American from early tomorrow morning (Japan time).

smithinjapan: That's far more than just the Americans who have been hiding behind Canadian flags for the past 8 years.

I've been overseas for 8 years and I've never in my life met an American who put a Canadian flag on their backpack. But if I were to count the number of Canadians who say Americans do this, it would probably be a few dozen. Besides, who puts their country's flag on their backpack besides Canadians? It's not like other countries border America and share the same inferiority complex that Canadians do.

Americans can once again hide their shame, and Canadians can once again go back to their dream of being born just a little bit further south on the globe. ;)

brotokyo: "but I will always remember that it was the American voter who actually caused this change."

Bang on, my friend. I just wish every country had some of the differing choices instead of more of the same all the time. At the very least, it makes politics more exciting.

wuzzademcrat: "Ah yes, the backpacker crowd has weighed in on Bush's presidency, so that settles it."

Perhaps you missed the reported fact that Obama has unprecedented support -- many than any incoming in history, while bush has an unprecedented disapproval rating; lowest of ANY outgoing president in history. That's far more than just the Americans who have been hiding behind Canadian flags for the past 8 years.

be of service". I got a problem with that. I was in the military, I pay taxes and I STILL pay taxes even though I make, at least now, most of my money over here in Japan. I married the mother of my kid. I donate a lot and I never once took unemployment checks even though it was rightfully mine to take upon leaving the military. I paid for most of my college that the GI bill didn't cover.

What more should I have to give and now I am going to be paying more taxes for my stateside businesses?

I hope that was just a pump speech.

smithinjapan, thanks for taking the time to offer a sensible response. I knew what he meant, just didn't care for the attitude. I look forward to the day when other countries can celebrate the historical moment the way Americans will celebrate in a few hours, but I will always remember that it was the American voter who actually caused this change.

US, your backyard needs better policing.

Goodness, not of service by becoming soldiers!

Obama summons Americans to be of service

Perhaps become part of his "civilian national security force."

Too bad he did not say the words from "the commitments" movie, "say it out load! i'm black and i am proud!" For all the comic relief Bush supplied, it does not weigh up to the damage he has done, bye bye bushman

brotokyo: "SushiSake3 I nearly fell from my chair with laughter. So, are you suggesting that at border entries individuals need not produce a passport? Wow! What countries do you visit?"

Nah, I think what Sushi is saying is that you can finally take the maple leaf off your backpack and put the Canada Kit you bought away. You can finally listen to and sing along with Neil Diamond again when he leads into the chorus, "And I'm proud to be an American..."

Ultimately, the jokes aside, what he's saying what all the rest of us and nearly almost all Americans are saying; there's no need to try and hide your shame anymore, and you can once again be proud of that great nation of yours. The scum is leaving office in less than 12 hours and a man who is already solidifying the country is about to take office and give so many hope. He's asking for people to join together FURTHER than they ever have, to overcome the problems the country is facing, which are many and great.

Do I think he's going to fail in some respects? Yes, and no one on here has claimed he won't. But already you have people looking up instead of looking down, and people feeling empowerment, hope, and patience for the first time in a very long, long time, and without all the fear bush tried to use to win them over.

wuzzademocrat: "Sends the right message to the many well-meaning but mixed-up young people out there who blindly support Obama."

What's the message, that we shouldn't support Obama because he supports Israel? So you're saying it's wrong to support them? Good point, though some might disagree with you. And anyway, this from a guy who still supports:

"...George W Bush was in the White House for a final full day as president after two terms marked by the terror attacks of Sept 11, 2001, and the economic collapse of 2008."

Oh yeah, and the guy who led to the huge bungle in helping after Katrina!

Not to worry, though, I'm sure you can still try to find ways to akin Bush to the King of Thailand. :)

Great to see President Obama praise a Christian Republican and staunch supporter of Israel like Dr King. Sends the right message to the many well-meaning but mixed-up young people out there who blindly support Obama.

People in this world have been of service for ages. How about the Big Bosses be of service and get the problems sorted out...When there are less worries in the world then maybe everyone will have the time, money, frame of mind, energy etc. to help out more. Until then, I think the majority are doing their best to get by.

"..everyone to be of service'...yes, it means no more unemployed person, right? Wonderful idea, I wait the day the US declares that unemployment is now 0.00%.

SushiSake3 I nearly fell from my chair with laughter. So, are you suggesting that at border entries individuals need not produce a passport? Wow! What countries do you visit?

Moderator: Back on topic please.

Finally, on this historic day, Americans can once again be proud to be Americans again and stop saying they are Canadian at border entries. :-)

More Obama news? Somebody wake me up when they finally inaugurate him.

Today 20-01-2009,is historic day for US and rest of world via 1st day at administrative work for President Obama.

He is no more President-elect and can exercise full administrative power in USA.